ish MUCH Report Book Winkler 2004 fish Jesus loaves, July 7-11, 2004 Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church, 252 6th Street S., Winkler, Manitoba

Transcription

1 loaves ish Jesus took the and loaves, when loaves loaves loaves he had given thanks, he distributed distributed distributed distributed them... so also fish fish the as as they MUCH Report Book Winkler 2004 Annual Assembly of Mennonite Church Canada wanted. loaves July 7-11, 2004 Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church, 252 6th Street S., Winkler, Manitoba 1

2 Theme text: John 6:1-14 After this, Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias. A large crowd kept following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing for the sick. Jesus went up the mountain and sat down there with his disciples. Now the Passover, the festival of the Jews, was near. When he looked up and saw a large crowd coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat? He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do. Philip answered him, Six months wages would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little. One of his diciples, Andrew, Simon Peter s brother, said to him, There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they among so many people? Jesus said, Make the people sit down. Now there was a great deal of grass in the place; so they sat down, about 5000 in all. Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost. So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets. When the people saw the sign that he had done, they began to say, This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world. (NRSV) 2

3 Contents How to use this report book...4 Thanks...4 Words from the Moderator...5 General Board General Board Report...6 Report on actions taken in response to resolutions passed at Assembly Summary of General Board Actions since July Summary of Joint Executive Committee Actions...14 Mennonite World Conference (MWC) Conference of Mennonites in Mexico...17 Mennonite Church USA (MC USA)...18 Mennonite Church Eastern Canada (MCEC)...19 Mennonite Church Manitoba (MCM) Mennonite Church Saskatchewan (MC Sask) Mennonite Church Alberta (MCA) Mennonite Church British Columbia (MCBC)...23 Formation Formation Report...24 Denominational Minister s Report Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS) Canadian Mennonite University (CMU)...29 Columbia Bible College (CBC) Conrad Grebel University College (CGUC)...31 Mennonite Publishing Network (MPN) Witness Witness Report Canadian Women in Mission (CWM) Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) Mennonite Disaster Service Canada (MDS) Mennonite Central Committee Canada (MCCC) Support Services Support Services Report Mennonite Foundation of Canada (MFC)...42 Canadian Mennonite (CM)...43 Financial Policy and Audit Committee (FPAC) Management Discussion & Analysis Reconciliation of Communicated Results and the Audited Financial Statements Discernment Guide Agreeing and Disagreeing in Love, General Board s Commitment to Continuing Dialogue Round-Table Discussions Purpose Statement & Priorities...51 Vision, Goals, and Priorities: Leading the church in discerning theology, ethics, polity & practice Homosexuality General Board s Commitment to Continuing Dialogue on Human Sexuality Resolution on the issue of homosexuality Commentary on the Resolution on the Issue of Homosexuality...60 Joining Evangelical Fellowship of Canada and Canadian Council of Churches Frequency of Assemblies Property Development at 600 Shaftesbury Blvd MC Canada Budget Nominees APPENDICES Mennonite Church Canada Organizational Chart Bylaws Seminars (preliminary)...83 Financial Statements: Mennonite Church Canada* Financial Statements: MC Canada Pension Plan* * Independently Numbered Mennonite Church Canada REPORT 2004 Volume 40 Sessions: July 7-11, 2004 Winkler, Manitoba Editors: Dan Dyck, Dan Nighswander Logo design & layout: Lynette Wiebe Proof-reader: Lois Bergen Printed by The Christian Press, Winnipeg Mennonite Church Canada 600 Shaftesbury Blvd Winnipeg MB R3P 0M4 Toll free: T: F: E: office@mennonitechurch.ca W: /05/04 3

4 General Formation How to use this report book Witness Support Guide Round Tables Appendices Program Committee: (Left to right) Bill Braun, Viola Ens Woelk, Pam Driedger, George Ens, Mildred Roth, Craig Friesen, Karen Schellenberg, Karen Peters. Not pictured: Dan Nighswander, Dan Dyck Pam Peters-Pries This report book is an integrated presentation of information in keeping with our desire to become a more seamless church. Near the front of this book are the reporting materials reflecting our work of the past year. Then we move into the round table discussion topics. Please read through these discussion topics carefully and come prepared to participate, whether you are seated around tables or meeting with the larger body in the church sanctuary. Background information appears in the appendices. In the margins, you will find an at-aglance roadmap of the proceedings at this year s assembly. The roadmap also attempts to mirror the way Mennonite Church Canada is organized, by integrating the reports of affiliated national and binational entities into related activity areas. Highlighted ovals indicate where you are on the roadmap. For example, reports from WITNESS and their related agencies (CWM, CPT, MCC, MDS) appear in the WITNESS section. Reports from schools, Mennonite Publishing House and the Denominational Minister appear in the FORMATION section. The SUPPORT SERVICES section recognizes and represents the important aspect of administration work that undergirds everything, and includes reports from affiliated entities that relate to the support of broader programs and initiatives (e.g. Mennonite Foundation of Canada, Canadian Mennonite). A basic schedule for the proceedings can be found on the inside back cover of this Report Book. A more detailed agenda may be distributed at the assembly. The reports and stories in this report book represent the people and ministries in the Mennonite Church Canada family. Together, they tell the larger story of God at work in the world as we align ourselves with God s purpose. We hope that you find this report book to be a helpful way of visualizing relationships and getting informed! Thanks Thank-you to the hosting congregations, committees, councils, board, delegates, and the many volunteers who have and will contribute to the planning and hosting of Winkler We couldn t do it without you! 4

5 Words from the Moderator Henry Krause, Moderator Enough for all, our theme for this year s assembly, speaks clearly and prophetically to the hope we have as followers of Jesus Christ, that truly God is a faithful God. This reality has been confirmed to us this past year in Mennonite Church Canada through the variety of experiences and activities in which we have engaged as we have tried to align ourselves with what God is about in our world. We look forward to the 5 th annual delegate assembly of Mennonite Church Canada as we reflect on what we have been able to accomplish in the previous year and where God is calling us to in the coming one. We have been involved in a number of significant activities this past year. s. Thank you to all the congregations and individuals who have given to the work of MC Canada during the past year. We have greatly appreciated the financial support this last fiscal year. We also want to recognize with deep thanks the sacrifices our staff have made during a difficult time. Thanks to the elected and appointed persons on the various councils and boards who have given time and finances during this past year. Finally, we have appreciation for the hard work that our finance department and finance committee have done to keep us on track. Global Mennonite Church connections. This summer the 14th annual Mennonite World Conference took place in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. The MWC theme, Sharing our gifts in suffering and joy was powerful and intersects our assembly theme this year. The wonderful reception given by the churches in Zimbabwe and the glorious international worship, music and fellowship was a powerful reminder that God is at work in our world. As Mennonite Church Canada, we are partners in a world wide church which is vibrant and alive. There is much we can learn from our sisters and brothers as we continue to build relationships globally. Our formal partnership with the Conferencia Menonita de México is one example of that ongoing relationship building. Relationship with Mennonite Church USA. We value our relationship with MC USA. One important element is our joint ownership of Mennonite Publishing Network (MPN). We are encouraged by the progress made by MPN in its financial restructuring and also the new vision for publishing in the church. (see page 32 for report) We are also pleased that we will be having a joint assembly next year with MC USA in Charlotte, North Carolina. Relationships with area conferences. We have also spent considerable time this last year tending to our relationships across the country with our area conferences. This year we have spent significant time building up our relationship with Mennonite Church BC. We are grateful for the ongoing commitment to work together as a national church doing these things together which we cannot do alone. We look forward to meeting together this year in Winkler to celebrate together as a people of God confidently trusting that there is enough for all. 5

6 General Formation Witness Support Guide Round Tables Appendices General Board Ministry goals and objectives: General Board represents the delegate body in setting goals and overseeing the ministries of MC Canada. General Board also represents MC Canada in relating to MC USA, Mennonite World Conference, partner churches and other denominations. And it nurtures relationship with and between area conferences. Average Annual Budget: For , the budget for the General Board is $753,101. Of that amount, $350,000 is a grant to Canadian Mennonite University, $172,100 is our share of the cost of Canadian Mennonite, $40,000 is our contribution to Mennonite World Conference, $500 is our grant to Evangelical Fellowship of Canada and $500 is our grant to Canadian Council of Churches. The balance of $192,000 pays for General Board travel, the General Secretary salary and travel expenses and Administrative Assistant s salary, plus a few miscellaneous expenses. Reporting to: MC Canada delegate body 1. General Board relates to the three councils of MC Canada and to Canadian Mennonite University (on governance issues). 2. Primary partners of the General Board are the area conferences, which are represented on the board by their moderators. General Board also facilitates an annual meeting of moderators, secretaries and conference ministers. 3. The Executive Committee meets two times a year with the Executive Committee of MC USA. (Joint Executive Committee) 4. Correspondence is maintained with staff of Mennonite World Conference. 5. The General Secretary represents MC Canada in two meetings a year of the Board and one gathering of heads of churches associated with the Canadian Council of Churches. The General Secretary also attends the annual President s Day gathering of the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. 6. Connections to other church bodies are maintained by correspondence or meetings as appropriate. Focus Statement: The priorities identified by the General Board can be found on page 53 where they are presented for delegate discussion. Mexico partnership The Conferencia Menonita de México initiated a relationship with Mennonite Church Canada when the former General Conference was disbanded. We have worked toward a formal recognition of this relationship since then, and in March of this year a partnership covenant was approved. Henry Krause signed the documents on March 4 at the Leadership Assembly, and Larry Kehler on our behalf took them to Mexico for signing by conference leaders there during their annual meeting. This agreement reflects an historic relationship with the General Conference Mennonites who settled in Mexico, most of whom came from Canada. Through this agreement we can offer support and encouragement and receive the same from this small but very active conference. The General Board anticipates that other fraternal partnership agreements will be signed in the future to recognize historic and new relationships. 6

7 Lloyd Plett, Interim Financial Consultant To ensure fiscal responsibility following the major adjustments of last year, the General Board hired a financial consultant to review all financial policies, risks and procedures. Lloyd Plett, former chief financial officer and vice president of finance for a major Manitoba corporation has given excellent service in this appointment. Lloyd has been engaged for continuing service, part-time on a contract basis, to oversee the finance department with a focus on forecasting and on-going risk assessment. Working with MCBC Especially since last summer s assembly churches in several parts of Canada have been concerned about how we have been dealing with homosexuality. The MCBC Executive brought those concerns to General Board on behalf of their churches and initiated a process for discernment of how these concerns impact on their rela- tionship with MC Canada. Our Moderator, General Secretary and Denominational Minister attended a number of meetings to hear the concerns. The Board also spent considerable time discussing the concerns and hearing perspectives from across the church, as well as time in prayer with and for the leaders of MCBC. At a special meeting on March 13, the delegates of MCBC agreed to initiate an 18 month time of discernment with MC Canada to actively address the concern about the perceived growing acceptance of homosexual practice within our wider church body, in order to lay a foundation for a stronger partnership between MCBC and MC Canada in the future. The General Board is working on related questions: defining what is meant by dialogue on homosexual issues, finding appropriate ways to be in conversation with the Brethren Mennonite Council for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Concerns (BMC), and establishing better ways to deal with questions of theology, ethics, polity and practice (see materials for round-table discussions in the Discernment section of this Report Book). submitted by Henry Krause General Board Executive Committee: Henry Krause Moderator Joy Kroeger Assistant Moderator Marlene Janzen Secretary Clare Schlegel Treasurer Esther Peters Member at large 7

8 General Formation Report on actions taken in response to resolutions Witness Support Guide Round Tables Appendices General Board (Continued) Jorge Hoajaca, Member at large Andrew Reesor-McDowell, member at large and MWC delegate Willard Metzger, Christian Witness Council Chair Ernest Epp, Christian Witness Council Rep. Sue Steiner, Christian Formation Council Chair Jeremy Bergen, Christian Formation Council Rep. Louie Sawatzky, Support Services Council Chair Doug Epp MCBC Moderator Marguerite Jack MCA Vice-mod. Armin Krahn MC Sask Moderator (to March 2004) Henry Block MC Sask Moderator (from March 04) Bernie Thiessen MCM Moderator Darrell Fast MCEC Moderator Passed at Assembly 2003 Resolution 1 Whereas a number of factors have contributed to the severe financial crisis which Mennonite Church Canada has been experiencing this past year; and Whereas hard decisions needed to be made within a short period of time to prevent the accumulation of further debt, and Whereas many worthwhile ministries were lost and many gifted and committed people were let go as the result of programs being cut and/or reduced Be it resolved: that we acknowledge that mistakes were made in this financial crisis, and we confess that we all contributed to the crisis; that we grieve the loss of staff persons and programs, and that we care for those who have lost jobs as well as those who continue, that we apologize to the staff who were dismissed and the communities who have been hurt. Resolutions Committee/Barry Lesser Carried Follow-up actions: Messages were conveyed on several occasions to the staff and the communities that were affected. Relationships continue to be nurtured to the extent possible. Resolution 3 Be it resolved that the General Board develop a plan for responding to crises like the 2003 budget crisis that will include consultation with Area Conferences and congregations so as to ensure as broadbased input as possible before decisions are made. Bill Krueger/Albert Durksen Carried Follow-up actions: The General Board has taken a number of actions to reduce the likelihood of another financial crisis. Support Services Council approved a plan for communications in the event of a crisis. The General Board has noted the high level of expectation that congregations and area conferences will be consulted as fully as possible on all matters, especially those that could be considered a crisis. Resolution 5 Be it resolved Mennonite Church Canada reaffirm its commitment to an ethic of service and its continued participation in across the street ministry in Canada and to explore and implement ways of maintaining Christian service opportunities for congregationally based Christian service ministry in Canada. Be it further resolved that each Mennonite Church Canada congregation be encouraged to pray for and support the wellbeing of service units in Canada, identify and respond to local community needs, and encourage congregants of all ages to a lifestyle of service and discipleship. Resolutions Committee/Darrell Jantzi The motion carried with opposition Follow-up actions: A very substantial amount of work was devoted to following up on this resolution. Background research and information was collected collating existing service opportunities across the Mennonite church. A reference group, comprised of an expanded group from the task-group that had been working pre-assembly 2003, was created to help discern the Christian Witness Council s response to the resolution. A survey was conducted of all delegates to Assembly 2003 and all congregations of MC Canada. Research was done to understand MC Canada giving patterns as a national office, in the Witness program, and as an organic system to compare across the street versus around the world giving and programming. Actual volunteer activity in MC Canada with related organizations was analyzed, which demonstrates that an ethic of service is a broadly and deeply held value of our members. 8

9 Christian Witness Council proposed to the General Board that the present support for Christian Service Ministries be continued through July 2004 and that a plan be developed for re-allocating funds from all MC Canada programs to support MVS / Service Adventure beyond July (see Summary of General Board actions, p.11). The General Board rejected that proposal because a system wide approach was not deemed to be possible given that Councils would need to cut further into other programs. Priorities that each Council had established in light of the cutbacks in March/03 were considered valid and appropriate. It was also noted that the time-line suggested by Support-Services was for FYE 2006 at the earliest. It was not deemed possible to shift sufficient resources before FYE 2006 at the earliest. The board committed itself, however, to continue to explore options that encourage an ethic of Christian service in our constituency and to implement what is possible under the constraints faced by the church and in a time-line that make resources available. In the meantime, a federation of the current host churches of Mennonite Voluntary Service and Service Adventure units, calling itself MVSA, has developed a charter and strategy. Information has been published in the Canadian Mennonite (pg. 14, March 8, 2004, Vol. 8, Number 5) and is available on the internet at mvs-sa/. Mennonite Voluntary Service Adventure has invited Christian Witness Council to participate in its structure and to endorse its programs, and that invitation has been accepted. Support Services Council has developed a proposal for a Volunteer Coordinator position, to be implemented when resources allow, which will encourage volunteerism and support volunteers working for MC Canada. Documentation of each of these actions is available upon request. The second part of the resolution is addressed to congregations, and delegates will have to speak to whether their congregations have implemented it. Resolution 6 Since we believe that marriage is the joining of one man and one woman in a life-long covenant of love, and Since the Prime Minister has indicated his intention to have the Federal Government re-define marriage in future legislation, Be it resolved that the General Board communicate to the Federal Government Mennonite Church Canada s understanding of marriage and our encouragement that, whatever action the Government should take to redefine marriage, all religious groups be guaranteed the freedom to practice and proclaim their understanding of what marriage is. Resolutions Committee/Albert Durksen The motion carried in a ballot vote: Yes 131, No 130, Spoiled 16 Follow-up action: A letter was sent to the Prime Minister and printed in the Canadian Mennonite (pg. 9, Aug. 4, 2003, Vol. 7, Number 15) This action also stimulated a lot of discussion throughout the church, including correspondence and meetings with several congregations for clarification and sharing of concerns about the meaning of this vote. The congregations of MCBC have held a series of regional meetings and two special delegate sessions and have agreed to give attention to concerns about the perceived growing acceptance of homosexual practice within our wider church body. (Timeline of 18 months) Resolution 7 Be it resolved Mennonite Church Canada express its gratitude to John Unger who served as acting president of Canadian Mennonite Bible College during the 2002/ 2003 academic year. Resolutions Committee/Arthur Driedger Carried with applause Follow-up action: A letter was sent in response to this resolution. 9

10 General Formation Witness Support Guide Round Tables Appendices Summary of General Board Actions since July 2003 (in alphabetical order) Appointments i) The General Board appoints Ruth Friesen to the Board of Canadian Mennonite University for a three-year term. (Nov/03) ii) The General Board appoints Gordon Driedger, Walter Bergen, Willie Enns, Grace Funk, Harold Hildebrand Schlegel and Jake Harms to complete/continue the terms [to which they had been appointed on the CMBC Board] on the CMU Board. (Nov/03) iii) The General Board appoints Anne Campion and Ruth Garland to the Council of Canadian Mennonite University for three-year terms. (Nov/03) iv) The General Board appoints Louie Sawatzky to Support Services Council for a three-year term, pending approval of the delegates at Assembly (Nov/03) v) The General Board appoints Andy Ahn to Christian Witness Council for a two-year term to complete the term of Abe Buhler. (Nov/03) Assembly Theme i) The General Board approves the theme Enough for All, based on the story found in John 6:1-14, for the annual assembly to be held at Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church on July 7-11, (Nov/03) ii) The General Board approves the theme Can t keep quiet based on Acts 4 for the Charlotte 2005 assembly. (Mar/04) BMC and Commitment to Continuing Dialogue i) The General Board accepts in principle the recommendation to Commit to Continuing Dialogue on Human Sexuality, and asks the ad hoc committee (Andy Reesor- McDowell, Esther Peters and Pam Peters- Pries in consultation with Sue Steiner and Doug Epp) to bring a specific response to BMC s presence at assembly to the GB in April. (Mar/04) ii) The General Board will, if requested, refer BMC to persons who can assist BMC to find meeting space in Winkler. (Apr/04) iii) The General Board will, if requested, make an appropriate announcement regarding the location of the BMC meeting space in Winkler. (Apr/04) iv) The General Board agrees that the determination of what is an appropriate announcement shall be made by the Executive. (Apr/04) Canadian Council of Churches The General Board gives approval for Henry Krause to sign, on behalf of MC Canada, the letter of objection prepared by the Canadian Council of Churches regarding the Ballistic Missile Defense program. (Mar/04) Canadian Mennonite The General Board communicate to the Canadian Mennonite that we value this communication tool and the every home plan distribution, and that we re-affirm our commitment to carry our portion of the subscription cost as negotiated at the April 2003 General Board meeting. Motion carried with opposition of 2. (Nov/03) Canadian Mennonite University i) The General Board approves the new governance model for Canadian Mennonite University as described in the revision of September 2003 and as reflected in the General By-law #1, enacted June (Nov/03) ii) The General Board agrees to seek legal counsel regarding: Historic record about the intended use of the property at 600 Shaftesbury and implications of the subsequent additions/renovations, Whether CMU is the legal successor of CMBC, and 10

11 To assist with drafting a recommendation we can take to the delegates. (Mar/04) iii) The General Board agrees in principle to the proposal for assembly delegate action regarding CMU and the property at 600 Shaftesbury Blvd. (Apr/04) iv) The General Board requests a market valuation of all moveable assets held for CMBC with an estimated book value of $3,297 (all assets excluding buildings and land) and subject to MC Canada management acceptance of the valuation, agrees to transfer ownership of these moveable assets to CMU. (Apr/04) Christian Service Ministry i) The General Board approves the Christian Witness Council recommendation that: 1. The present arrangement that offers minimal central administration for existing units be extended until the end of July/04; 2. The CWC continue to research and explore options and alternatives with the Christian Formation Council and the Support Services Council and others about the possibility of initiating a Volunteer/Service ministries office, that would incorporate the central administrative services needed for MVS/SA, but also seek to envision and articulate a broader mandate for such an office to serve MC Canada constituency; 3. A full report and recommendation for such possibilities be brought to the delegates at the MC Canada Assembly/ 04 for discussion and approval; 4. Such a recommendation would also include funding arrangements and sources for the remainder of FYE/05; 5. The funds needed to finance the extension to July/04 and future central services are divided on a sharing ratio that involves the entire MC Canada, and that the assurance of such a formula is basic to moving forward with this recommendation. Motion was defeated (4 supporters and 1 abstention). (Nov/03) ii) The General Board is committed to an ethic of service and participation in across the street ministry in Canada. The General Board will continue to explore and implement ways of providing opportunities for congregationally based Christian service ministry in Canada. (Nov/03) Compliance with Privac acy Law The General Board agrees that MC Canada should comply with the Privacy Law and encourages the continued effort to develop policies and guidelines to support this decision. (Nov/03) Cost of Living Salary Increase The General Board agrees to a 2.2% cost of living increase for all staff for the fiscal year. This increase is in accordance with MC Canada policy (equivalent to the September 2002 September 2003 Consumer Price Index). (Mar/04) Denominational Minister In recognition of the challenges inherent to serving a denomination characterized by a unity of purpose and a diversity of interests, needs and perspectives the General Board gives authorization to the Denominational Minister to identify a Reference Group. The purpose of this Reference Group would be to aid the Denominational Minister in reflection and discernment and to offer the Denominational Minister support and encouragement. Participants in this Reference Group would be chosen to reflect the diversity of regions and perspectives while also maintaining a degree of independence from denominational and area conference structures. (Nov/03) Executive Secretary of Formation Council The General Board supports proceeding with the search and hiring of an Executive Secretary for Formation, with due consideration for the discussion regarding education. (Nov/03) s i) The General Board agrees that the Bi- National Asset Reserve fund the expenses related to discontinued operations in

12 General Formation Witness Support Guide Round Tables Appendices 04, and any further expenses related to the discontinued operations in Expenses related to discontinued operations in will be limited to the expenses arising from the budget reductions made at the Leadership Assembly in March (Nov/03) ii) The GB approves the use of bi-national asset reserve funds to pay the Financial Consulting fees for (Nov/03) iii) The GB approves expensing the Financial Consultant fees for 2003 as contract and professional services. (Nov/03) iv) The General Board approves: a) The replacement of the existing Unallocated Funds Policy with the Year End Operating Surplus Allocation Policy effective as of January 31, 2004; and b) Amendments to the existing Internally Restricted Fund Balances (Reserves) Policy to reflect the revised targets for the general (25% of total expenditures) and capital (10% of gross book value excluding land) reserve funds. (Mar/04) v) The General Board recommends to the delegate body at Winkler 2004 the appointment of KPMG as MC Canada s auditor for the fiscal year ending January 31, (Mar/04) vi) The General Board recommends to the delegate body at Winkler 2004 the approval of the revised operating budget for FYE 2005 as presented. (Mar/04) vii) The General Board approves funding up to $40,000 (up to $25,000 for the photocopier and up to $15,000 for the accounting software database upgrade) in capital purchases in FYE 05 from the MC Canada capital reserve. (Apr/04) Heritage Centre The General Board gives approval for the Heritage Centre to proceed with the mobile shelving project utilizing approximately $49,000 of funds and grants already secured or promised, and other self-generated revenue as it is secured. (Mar/04) Honoraria The staff of MC Canada provides resources to MC Canada congregations and related organizations as part of their work assignments. The General Board agrees that an honorarium of $75-$100 per event (e.g. sermon, SS class or workshop not exceeding 90 minutes) is welcome but not required. If the congregations choose to provide an honorarium it should be paid to MC Canada, not to the individual staff person. All honorarium payments become part of MC Canada s general budget revenue, unless the congregation designates it to a specific council or program. (Nov/03) Interim Organizational Structure The General Board approves the implementation of the interim organizational structure as outlined in Attachment 4 of the MEDA Report on the Review of the Department. (Nov/03) Joint Assembly The General Board approves the JEC recommendation that the youth and adults of MC Canada and MC USA plan to meet together in Charlotte, North Carolina in 2005, and that we creatively explore ways to address the special financial circumstances of some attendees. Motion carried with 3 abstentions. (Nov/03) Mennonite Press The General Board approves the JEC recommendation to relinquish ownership of Mennonite Press following the distribution of the remaining US $19,045 asset according to the General Conference asset distribution equation (40% Canada and 60% USA). (Nov/03) Mennonite Publishing Network i) The General Board approves the JEC recommendation that MPN contribute US $25,000 in First Fruits Funding to the church in 2003 and that this funding is to be allocated 25% MC Canada and 75% MC USA. (Nov/03) ii) The General Board agrees to return to MPN the Canadian portion of the MPN first fruits funding to the church in iii) The General Board approves the actions of the Joint Executive Committee: 12

13 1. In consistency with the fundamental operating assumptions for MPN as it seeks to fulfill its vision, to endorse the recommendation of the board of Mennonite Publishing Network, to vacate the existing Scottdale PA facility. 2. To recommend that Mennonite Publishing Network develop a long term strategy (no longer than five years) for vacating the Scottdale PA facility, being careful to address financial strategy as well as, where possible, the concerns of various constituencies which hold a stake in the facility and to ensure the successful ongoing operation of MPN. (Apr/04) New Initiatives i) The General Board authorizes executive staff to approve multi-year non-budgeted initiatives proposed by constituents, provided that all the other conditions outlined in March 2002 are met. (Nov/03) ii) The General Board approves in principle that under certain circumstances staff may be permitted to develop and propose new initiatives to the MC Canada constituency and beyond. Executive staff should prepare a policy outlining the circumstances under which this may be permitted. This policy would be reviewed by FPAC prior to final review by the General Board. (Nov/03) Pension Advisor dvisory y Committee i) The General Board approves the creation of a Pension Advisory Committee. This committee shall function under the terms of reference outlined below. It will be accountable to the General Board, and will have the following members: 1. At least two and up to six members of the Support Services Council, appointed by the Support Services Council. 2. Up to two additional members, appointed by Support Services Council for 3-year terms, with a maximum of 2 consecutive terms. At least one of these additional members should be a member of the MC Canada Pension Plan. Consideration should also be given to ensuring that at least one member of the Pension Advisory Committee has some investment expertise. 3. The Director of Human Resources 4. The Executive Secretary of Support Services. MC Canada s pension plan consultant will serve the committee in an advisory capacity. (Nov/03) ii) The General Board approves the new pension plan document, as filed with the Manitoba Pension Commission on May 1, (Apr/04) iii) The General Board approves the new pension plan administration fee as detailed in the policy (15 basis points of the total value of the assets). (Apr/04) iv) The General Board approves the Meritas Socially Responsible Balanced Fund as the core option for the MC Canada Pension Plan, as its investment policy statement closely mirrors the existing investment policy statement for the plan. (Apr/04) Responses to MCBC i) The General Board agrees to convey, by letter, our recognition of work of the MCBC Executive and the ad hoc writers group in revising the recommendations [to the MCBC delegate body] and our pledge to keep working with the MCBC Executive and churches in finding ways to move toward greater cooperation and fuller understanding so that we can strengthen our witness in BC, Canada and the world. (Mar/04) ii) The General Board agrees to send a letter to update MCBC on the work being done by MC Canada to address their concerns. (Apr/04) Revie view Plans The General Board approves Aldred Neufeld as facilitator for the review [of MC Canada structures and programs] and accepts in principal the process outlined by the Review Responsibilities Chart. (Mar/ 04) 13

14 General Formation Witness Support Guide Round Tables Appendices Staff f Policies i) The General Board approves the Expectations for Staff as included in the Support Services Council Report in the docket. (Nov/03) ii) The General Board approves changes to the Leave - Maternity and Parental and Leave - Without Pay policies to reflect past practice regarding treatment of benefits. (Apr/04) iii) Subject to legal counsel regarding parttime and contract employees, the General Board approves changes to the Severance Allowance policy to clarify notification and available benefits for involuntary termination. (Apr/04) Travel Expenses The General Board agrees that: a) When a congregation invites a staff person to provide a resource, it may choose to pay all or a portion of the travel expenses allowable under the MC Canada Travel Expenditure Guidelines. Any such payment should be forwarded to MC Canada. The payment will be credited to the travel account for the staff person providing the service. MC Canada will reimburse the staff member for expenses incurred. b) If a congregation does not specify what portion of a payment is honorarium and what portion is a travel expense, the first $75 will be treated as an honorarium, and the remainder will be treated as travel reimbursement. (Nov/03) Summary of Joint Executive Committee Actions Mennonite Publishing Network i) MPN to contribute 25,000 US$ in First Fruits Funding to the church in 2003 and this amount is to be distributed 25% Canada and 75% USA. (Oct/03) ii) Duane Oswald, Henry Krause and Ervin Stutzman to issue a letter of acknowledgment on behalf of the JEC, to the retirees regarding discontinuing payment of their supplemental health insurance premiums. (Oct/03) iii) In consistency with the fundamental operating assumptions for MPN as it seeks to fulfill its vision, to endorse the recommendation of the board of Mennonite Publishing Network, to vacate the existing Scottdale PA facility. (Mar/04) iv) To recommend that Mennonite Publishing Network develop a long term strategy (no longer than five years) for vacating the Scottdale PA facility, being careful to address financial strategy as well as, where possible, the concerns of the various constituencies which hold a stake in the facility and to ensure the successful ongoing operations of MPN. (Mar/04) Joint Assemblies That the youth and adults of MC Canada and MC USA plan to meet together in Charlotte, North Carolina in 2005, and that we creatively explore ways to address the ability for people traveling greater distances and people of colour to participate in the assembly. (Oct/03) Mennonite Press The JEC acknowledges that the USA is the country of origin for the remaining loan funds (approximately $610k) in Mennonite Press and that Canada relinquishes ownership of Mennonite Press following the distribution of the outstanding 19,045 US$ (difference between the assets and loan) to Canada and the USA according to the General Conference asset distribution equation (40% Canada and 60% USA). (Oct/03) 14

15 Mennonite World Conference (MWC) Mennonite World Conference exists (1) to be a global community of faith in the Anabaptist tradition, (2) to facilitate community between Anabaptist-related churches worldwide, and (3) to relate to other Christian world communions and organizations. This new mission statement reflects the growing unity in the body of Christ and solidarity with one another, as well as the desire for increased interdependence in service and witness for Jesus Christ, fellowship and faith that is MWC today. Yes, Africa 2003 happened! Despite fears of the political unrest, drought and runaway inflation in Zimbabwe, the 14th Assembly took place, with approximately 7000 in attendance and enough for all. Enough food and firewood, enough money and fuel, enough energy and enthusiasm, enough hospitality and sharing, enough singing, teaching and preaching, enough conversation with fellow Christians for everyone to recognize the amazing miracles of answered prayers and God s abundance in Bulawayo, August Other highlights: The Global Mission Fellowship through which Anabaptist-related churches and mission groups will meet for encouragement, vision sharing, networking and cooperating was inaugurated. African Women in Theology were encouraged to keep on naming their concerns and offering their gifts to the church. Sharing Gifts in the Global Family of Faith by Tshimika and Lind was made available for study and action. The book gives theological reflections and practical insights for being a gift sharing body. A Global Mennonite History, Volume One, Africa was published in time to be launched at the Assembly. It is a story that both chastens and encourages the church in its journey of faith. The Global Youth Summit, where youth delegates discussed critical issues facing them and discerned ways of responding, was a successful first. Jennifer Egan was MC Canada s representative. Executive Committee Nancy Heisey USA President Danisa Ndlovu Zimbabwe Vice-President Paul Quiring USA Treasurer Larry Miller France Executive Secretary Africa Joshua Okello Kenya Fimbo Ganvunze Dem. Rep. of Congo Asia/Pacific Joren Basumata India Eddy Sutjipto Indonesia Europe K. J. Thijink-van de Vlugt The Netherlands Markus Rediger Switzerland Caribbean, Central & South America Peter Stucky Colombia David Villalta Benavides Costa Rica North America Naomi Unger Canada David Wiebe Canada 15

16 General Formation Witness Support Guide Round Tables Appendices Mennonite Church Canada is represented on the MWC General Council by Laura Loewen from Christian Witness Council, Andrew Reesor-McDowell from General Board and Naomi Unger from Christian Formation Council. Based on MWC s Fair Share allocation, MC Canada s financial support should be 9.37% of MWC s projected expenses. MC Canada has not yet reached that goal. The gifts of music, art, administration, theological dialogue, funds, prayers and relationships to the global church are appreciated. May we, in turn, value the gifts that churches in the south are bringing to us. A few of MWC s ongoing activities are the Faith and Life Council speaking to core Anabaptist convictions, the Peace Council encouraging peace making and Courier magazine, published in English, Spanish and French. Through increased communication and cooperation, mutual sharing of gifts and accountability, as well as through expanded programs and networks, Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches are being strengthened to become what God desires the church to be. submitted by Naomi Unger Feeding of the 7000 at Mennonite World Conference I felt like a disciple a doubting disciple. On the first night of Mennonite World Conference, I looked around the worship hall, and I looked at my watch. It was 8:30 pm. My stomach had betrayed the fact that it was well past supper time, that the meeting was 90 minutes overtime and I could not imagine how all these people were going to be fed. The scene of Jesus on the hillside with his disciples and large crowds of hungry people came to mind. Like the disciples, I could see all the obstacles to feeding this crowd: the time was late, the city around us was dark and we were told it was unsafe to be out in the evening, people were hungry, some had travelled far that day, there was a food shortage in the country and I knew the kitchen facilities were not optimal. They can t possibly feed all these people! Jesus said to them They need not go away; you give them something to eat. They replied, We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish. Matthew 14:16-17 While there were some logistical obstacles that took a meal or two to work out, the overwhelming hospitality of our hosts and good organization of Mennonite World Conference along with the blessing of God made my doubts look foolish. In the midst of shortage and famine, with firewood as fuel and cold water in tin basin on makeshift, outdoor tables as the dish washing facility, people ate. Lots of people. Six days later, during the closing worship time, outgoing MWC President Mesach Kristeya declared that we had seen miracles during the week. Jesus, he said, fed 5,000 people. But Mennonite World Conference, with the help of God, had fed 7,000 people twice a day for six days. Praise be to God! Janet Plenert, Executive Director International Ministries, MC Canada 16

17 Conference of Mennonites in Mexico Conferencia Menonita de México (CMM) founded in 1990, is formed by three local Churches - Blumenau (40 members), Burwalde (150 members), and Steinreich (70 members). These churches have grown out of the ministry of the missionaries from the General Conference between 1963 and The General Conference of North America had been asked in 1938 by the Hoffnungsauer Mennonite Church (the Russländer group) to send them missionaries who would come and serve as pastors and teachers. When the Hoffnungsauer Church told the missionaries in 1963 that they did not need them any more, a small group of Mennonites from the colonies that had begun taking part in that church and school asked the missionaries to stay and help them to get organized. Churches and schools were established, and the missionaries stayed and helped. (1) Education: Formal education (bilingual Spanish and German) was a priority from the beginning. The Alvaro Obregón Primary and Secondary School in Blumenau and two primary schools in Burwalde and Steinreich, are part of the only official registered Mennonite Education Association in Mexico, with a total of more than 300 scholars in the primary school und more that 70 students in the secondary school. The Association s annual budget is $250,000 US. (2) Mission among the Mexican people in Anahuac was initiated 30 years ago. The General Conference missionaries and some youth established the Quinta Lupita Church (later Blumenau) in Now there is one Church in Anahuac, and two churches in Cuauhtemoc, one of them is a CMM- EMC Church and another new Church in Col. Reforma. The annual mission budget is $75,000 US. (3) The Bible school is situated in Steinreich. Two years ago a $100,000 gym and classroom building was built. There are now 150 students and the annual budget is $70,000 US. (4) Conferencia Menonita de México: Pastor salaries Another annual budget item is the pastors salaries of the CMM churches. It is $70,000 US. The ministry of CMM as we see it, up to a certain point, has been indirectly transformative for the rest of the Mennonite community in the area. CMM church members have had a positive influence in organizing and building in the area. Together with others, they have built the Home for the Aged and the Home for the Handicapped. They have also ventured into economical and cooperative projects like establishing a Credit Union. In most of these cases, the initiative and leadership has come mainly from CMM church members. In some places, young people from the CMM churches are teaching Sunday school classes in Old Colony villages, and some are already going ahead with such classes with their own teachers. In 2003, an important highlight in Education has been the opening of the first Escuela Preparatoria (Grade 10, 11 and 12) in Blumenau, with six students. The Mexico: Woodworking projects at the centre for people with disabilities. Government was gladly willing to grant the required official permit because they had long desired that the Mennonite Community would take such an initiative. Another recent highlight for all Mennonites in the larger area of Cuauhtemoc, was the inauguration of the new Rehabilitation Centre for alcoholand drug-addiction treatment on Sunday, February 15, CMM Pastor Jacob Dyck often had to deal with suffering addicts from various churches. Three years ago he called for a meeting of church and Colony leaders from the churches and colonies in the area. Out of these meetings and with further guidance and support from the Old Colony Vorstehers (Colony leaders) the Mennonite- Rehabilitation Centre for alcohol and drug addicts project was developed. Now it has been built, and its opening was celebrated by more than 1,500 people from the area churches and Colonies, including the municipal authorities. This shows that we as Mennonites in the larger Cuauhtemoc area are learning to work together on common problems in spite of the differences between them. Conferencia Menonita de México Secretary, Peter Rempel 17

18 General Formation Witness Support Guide Mennonite Church USA Executive Board 722 Main Street P. O. Box 347 Newton KS T: F: Round Tables Appendices Mennonite Church Canada Assembly Dear Christian Friends: I bring you annual greetings from Mennonite Church USA. We both cherish the history of past ministering relationships, as well as look forward to new expressions of partnership in ministry in the future. It will be a pleasure to join together in our assemblies next summer, July 4 8, 2005 in Charlotte, North Carolina. As we gather there together, we anticipate the opportunity to look in upon each other s priorities and business, and to consider important questions of witness together. It is crucial for us to grasp a new missional strategy, and to learn from each other s expression of that God-given calling. It is important for us to look together at the role of our two nations, each which represents unparalleled wealth and influence for good or ill for the other nations of the world. As we are to be engaged with the world around us, in different ways from our former stance of separation from the world, we need each other s prayer and counsel to be faithful to Christ. I am grateful that our common responsibility together in our publishing ministry, through the Joint Executive Committee, is finding new strength and energy after a time of severe challenges. Our continuing work together in seminary training is formative for future leaders. I am grateful that your ministries have been adequately funded in the past year, after a time of financial uncertainty. I am grateful that Mennonite Church USA is also experiencing new potentials for combined strength of ministry as well. In Mennonite Church USA we are presently undergoing a period of refinement of some of the initiatives that were proposed at the time of merger, in July 2001 at Nashville. It is a time to revisit some unfinished work, and to make some course corrections in other areas. It reminds us that our transformation into a new body of Anabaptist Christian perspective is an ongoing task. We want to do our part well, for the sake of future generations, for our partnership with you, and for the sake of Christ. I plan to be present with you in Winkler, sharing in fellowship, worship, and preparation for God s future. In Christian love, Jim Schrag, Executive Director, Mennonite Church USA 18

19 Mennonite Church Eastern Canada (MCEC) Activity: An area church of Mennonite Church Canada providing ministry resources for 90 congregations sharing God s abundant love locally and globally. Ministry Focus, Goals and Objectives: Extending the peace of Jesus Christ: making disciples, growing congregations, forming leaders. Average Annual Budget: $1.64 million MC Canada Appointed Reps: General Board: Darrell Fast, Clare Schlegel, Andrew Reesor-McDowell Formation Council: Jeremy Bergen, Sue Steiner (Chair), Terry Schellenberg Witness Council: Noè Gonzalia, Willard Metzger (Chair), Daniel Genest, Jeannette Unger Support Services Council: Brice Balmer Canadian Women in Mission: Dodie Lepp Nominating Committee: Glenn Zehr Program Committee: Mildred Roth Canadian Mennonite University: Harold Hildebrand Schlegel, Anne Campion MCEC is currently in a re-visioning process. Declining ownership in the existing ministries and growing stress on staff to achieve more within a climate of fewer financial resources motivate the process. To date we have heard the voice of God s spirit through approximately 1400 members. Extending the peace of Jesus Christ is emerging as a focus statement for MCEC ministries. The fall delegate session held at the Toronto Chinese Mennonite Church was a highlight for the year. Michael Banks, a Mennonite pastor from New York City, gave two dynamic and inspirational presentations on the theme, Experiencing Jesus in the City. Jane Finch Ministry The Jane Finch ministry from the north end of Toronto also gave a moving presentation at the fall delegate session. Located in a high rise building at 15 Tobermory, and representing approximately 35 language groups, Clayton and Amy Kuepfer lead this ministry of extending God s abundant love to all. In a word of testimony, one woman shared how she along with many others in the building are societal statistics. The Jane Finch ministry is the defining difference in her life. Here she has come to know God and meets regularly with others for worship and fellowship. In a dynamic presentation of movement and colour the group demonstrated how the Jane Finch ministry makes a difference in people s lives. This ministry is one example of how MCEC seeks to extend the peace of Jesus. In God s abundant grace, there is indeed enough for all. David Brubacher and Darrell Fast Staff Brian Bauman Muriel Bechtel David Brubacher Mark Diller Harder Heather Gallian Sandi Hannigan Laurence Martin Ester Neufeldt Galen Peters Bev Raimbault Lorraine Sawatzky Lisa Schell Jeff Steckley. Executive Board Darrell Fast Moderator Barb Draper Assistant Moderator Marie Burkholder Secretary Larry Martin Chair Members at large: Matthew Isert Bender Newtoon Phoon Art Wall Lynne Williams Marilyn Zehr A gathering of the Jane Finch ministry participants celebrates in worship and fellowship 19

20 General Formation Witness Support Guide Round Tables Appendices Administrative Staff: Edgar Rempel Exec. Director Tom Seals Treasurer Diane Funk Admin. Assistant Eva Loewen Admin. Assistant Ministry Staff: John P. Klassen, Director of Leadership Ministries Norm Voth Director of Evangelism and Service Ministries Bob Wiebe Director of Education Ministries Sandy Wiebe Plett, Associate Director of Summer Camp and Youth Ministry Darryl Neustaedter Barg Associate Director Media Ministries Dorothea Rempel Kampen Frohe Botschaft Producer Camp Managers and Staff Board Bernie Tiessen Moderator Directors Gord Driedger Peter Epp Albert Durksen Ruth Falk Ted Fransen Bob Pauls Hugo Peters Mennonite Church Manitoba (MCM) Activity: A community of 49 congregations, together presenting Jesus Christ to the world. Ministry Goals and Objectives: The MCM mission is to resource and empower each other, and to facilitate spiritual growth, service and evangelism. Annual Budget: $1,731,619 Reporting to: Board of Directors and congregational delegates at delegate sessions. As we look back over the past year we rejoice in the fruits of those of our ministries that carried on their work as in the past. We have also needed to grow certain of our ministries and give birth to new areas. The following descriptions of our four ministry areas highlight our work during the past year and set the stage for our ministries for the future. Education Ministries: Through this ministry we have continued the Camps With Meaning programs. About 1300 children from our congregations and the community participated in the summer camping program. Summer camping gave opportunity to youth and young adults to develop their leadership skills in helping to administer this program. The Youth Ministry portfolio is an exciting ministry to young adults and youth ministers. It holds much potential as we seek to provide new opportunities for young adults to be engaged in the Church. Evangelism and Service: The Evangelism and Service Ministry has undergone transformation this past year as we seek to fulfill MCM s vision. This ministry now supports a full-time ministry director. The three focus areas of ministry and their objectives are: 1) Evangelism and Missional Formation seeks to nurture healthy growing congregations that invite people to join them in faith as they align with God s purpose to redeem creation in Jesus Christ. 2) Church Planting and Congregational Development seeks to encourage, develop and resource congregations to plant new congregations. 3) Service Ministries seeks to develop servanthood through service projects and ministries. Leadership: The Leadership Ministry provides an essential service to MCM congregations. With about 90 pastoral MCM board member, Peter Epp positions in MCM, the leadership needs are considerable. The focus of Leadership is in the areas of: 1) Pastoral placement in congregations. 2) Support for pastors through encouragement, peer support, opportunities for education, accountability and spiritual care. 3) University chaplaincy and hospital chaplaincy programs. Church Community Building Ministries: (CCBM) This ministry has been the focus of considerable change over the past year. We have shifted in focus from the radio ministry of Faith and Life Communications to a new focus on media ministry, while retaining the Frohe Botschaft radio program. This new focus will provide a range of media services in 1) telling the stories of ministry happening in MCM congregations and, 2) telling the stories of ministry happening within the Ministries of MCM. The CCBM ministry seeks to build the community of faith through the telling of our stories of ministry and through special worship and celebration events. The restructuring initiated in 1997 has now been completed. We are grateful for the new vision and the renewed ministries in which MCM is engaged. The February delegate session affirmed that MCM is ready to move forward with a new sense of unity and mission for presenting Jesus Christ to the world. submitted by Edgar Rempel 20

21 Mennonite Church Saskatchewan (MC Sask) Mennonite Church Saskatchewan and its 37 member congregations continue to explore how to effectively work together given the reality of a larger number of smaller rural congregations and only a few larger urban congregations. The other reality is that congregations are separated from each other by distances as great as 5 to 6 hours driving time. In January, 2003, through Ministries Commission, the Vibrant Rural Churches Project was initiated in order to learn about and from the small rural congregations in MC Sask. Naomi Unger and Eric Olfert were contracted to identify what rural congregations are already doing to maintain their life and vitality in the face of rural community decline. The second goal was to provide a process which would allow these congregations to dream even more boldly about life-giving possibilities for the future. The hope is that the results of this process will be a catalyst to help all small rural congregations to live and grow as vibrant centers of faith in their communities, and to engage other MC Sask congregations (especially urban) in thinking about how they can return energy and resources to small rural churches. As we learn to know each other better, all will be encouraged and feel more connected. Significant points out of the study include: Small rural churches have much to teach us about being missional There is life in working together with other churches (denominations) in the community Creative solutions are being found to meet pastoral leadership needs There are strengths in the flexibility and resourcefulness of the rural community mind set Also over the last year, a six member envisioning team under the leadership of Ken Bechtel has been working together with MC Sask organizations and congregations to develop a new and invigorating vision for the conference. The team has been gathering information and listening to individuals and groups concerning the values, hopes, and aspirations which can bind us together and point toward God s purposes for us as a conference. An earlier task force on Authority and Autonomy called for congregations to commit themselves to a Recovenanting Service. In preparation for this to take place at the 2005 annual sessions of MC Sask, the envisioning team has asked congregations to study and respond to a Proposed Covenant for Mennonite Church Saskatchewan. In addition, congregations are also encouraged to spend time studying the Envisioning Team - MC Sask Mennonite World Conference booklet, From Anabaptist Seed by C. Arnold Snyder. Our wish is to keep our focus on those core values and beliefs that hold us together, to seek a shared vision, and to set priorities for our ministry together. submitted by Henry Block Staff Henry Block Moderator Allan Klassen Deputy Moderator Lois Mierau Secretary Doyle Wiebe Chair Ken Bechtel Interim Conference Minister Anna Rehan Youth Minister Naomi Unger & Eric Olfert confer 21

22 General Formation Witness Mennonite Church Alberta (MCA) Support Guide Round Tables Appendices Linden Willms Moderator, MCA Marguerite Jack Vice-Moderator MCA Jim Schantz Conference Minister Mary-Ann van Oevern Youth Ministries Coordinator Don and Tanya Dyck Steinmann Camp Directors Photos: Camp Valaqua programs give campers the opportunity to make friends and explore new challenges. Mennonite Church Alberta is made up of a group of churches widely spread across the province. We vary greatly in our ethnic backgrounds, our political leanings, our economic standings and even in our theological positions. The fact that we still enjoy getting together to celebrate in song at Songfest, study scripture at our regular Theological Study events, send our youth to our Camp and other youth events and are willing to identify ourselves as part of a larger body is a miracle of the graciousness of our people and of God. We as a Conference continue to face some challenges. We continue to struggle with sensitive theological issues and how these relate to our larger programs. We still have hurts, both old and new, that need healing. We struggle with budget, especially during times of financial uncertainty in the agriculture sector. Yet we have much to be excited and optimistic about in the year to come. The Pastors Council, which is in its second year of existence, is still experimenting somewhat with its role, but has become an important point of contact for our pastors. We also look to this group to function more as a point of reference and direction in dealing with issues that relate to our churches and Conference. Camp Valaqua, which is a major program of MCA, experienced another very successful year. Simply staffing the Camp with counselors and chaplains requires personnel from most of our churches. We are excited about the continuing youth work in our province. After being without leadership for our youth for almost half a year, we have hired Mary-Ann van Oeveren to give leadership to our youth. We look to the future with optimism. We certainly anticipate challenges, yet we also feel we have the strength and courage to overcome. Our desire is to know this love that surpasses knowledge that we may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Linden Willms, Moderator 22

23 Mennonite Church British Columbia (MCBC) Activity: An area conference desiring to work together to achieve those things which we cannot do easily as separate churches. Ministry goals and objectives: To sow, grow, and reproduce healthy churches and believers within British Columbia. More Than We Ask Or Imagine... Now to Him who is able to do more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Eph. 3:20 NIV My imagination wasn t working all that well as I stood before my new congregation that first Sunday morning. The pews were sparsely populated with mostly grey-haired folks who had spent the better part of their life at West Abbotsford Mennonite Church. The service had a very quiet and meditative feel to it since my three young boys were almost the only children in the church and they did not yet feel at home enough to cause much of a disturbance. As I looked out at my new church family, I began to realize how incapable I was of bringing the new life and transformation that was needed. This was beyond anything that I could ever hope to accomplish. And then that phrase began to echo in my heart, Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine... It was 8 am on my day off when the phone rang. It was a mother of two children who had attended VBS at our church. She told me she was high on alcohol and drugs and desperate. Could her children live with us for the next 6 months while she went into recovery? This request was definitely beyond anything I had ever imagined! My imagination was stretched even further when my husband actually agreed to this venture! As word got out about this new development in our lives, the church mobilized to help their crazy pastor. They brought meals, helped with childcare, arranged for school pick up, donated bunkbeds and even a trampoline. Six months later, after successfully completing the recovery program, this woman was baptized in our church. Her husband is part of our current baptism class. This couple now leads our 12 Step For Spiritual Healing Group that has become an incredibly effective bridge to the addictions recovery centre located right next to our church. All of this is well beyond anything I could ever ask or imagine! Another phone call within my first year at West Abbotsford. This time from a man who is being transferred to the maximum security Matsqui Penitentiary located a few country miles from the church. He needs some help moving his wife to Abbotsford so that she can be near him as he serves his time. I mention this need to the church on Sunday morning and there is no response. I think I sense fear. I begin to visit this man in prison. I invite others to come and visit him with me. Again, no response. Two years later, I am sitting at Roy s parole hearing, speaking on his behalf. Roy is asked why he believes he is ready for release. He tells the parole board, The first time I was allowed out on day parole, I attended church for the first time since I was a kid. Pastor Karen thrust the mike at me during sharing time and I told people I was an inmate at Matsqui. I thought everyone would avoid me and judge me but these people just kept smiling and accepting me, offering me rides and even inviting me into their homes for dinner. I d never experienced love like that before. Staff Henry Kliewer Conference Minister Janette Thiessen Office Administrator Rudy Kehler Camp Squeah Executive Director Rob Tiessen Camp Sqeah Program Director Board of Directors Executive Officers Doug Epp Moderator John Sawatzky Vice-Chair Lorin Bergen Secretary David Niebuhr Treasurer (nominated - elections in June, 2004) He went on to tell the parole board, In the Bible there s a story of a lost sheep that leaves the herd and wanders off. Well, I m that lost sheep. I was going in the wrong direction but now I m back in the fold. The next Sunday, Roy reported to the church that he had been granted full parole. The applause was deafening. A few months ago, he was hired as our church custodian. Both Roy and his wife are part of our current baptism class. All of this is well beyond anything I could ever have asked or imagined! Karen Heidebrecht Thiessen, Pastor, West Abbotsford Mennonite Church 23