The Leader s Role in Nurturing Healthy Connections for a Healthy Community

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2 The Leader s Role in Nurturing Healthy Connections for a Healthy Community Pastors Conference :30am 9am 9:15am 9:30am 9:45am 9:55am 11:15am 11:30am Arrival/registration Welcome Priming the Pump: Part 1 Bob Boehr - Stories of community: challenges, joys, and tensions. Small Group Discussion The Leader s Role Rob Brown - Exploring how pastors/leaders model authenticity in developing connections within community Listening Circle What are the way(s) in which your congregation is fostering/nurturing connections and authentic community practices in your local setting and/or why is that important for your community? Time of Reflection/Response - How do we listen to people different from us? Lunch LEAD Conference :30pm 1:45pm 2:15pm 3:00pm 3:15pm 3:30pm 4:30pm Welcome Priming the Pump: Part 2 Allen Harder - Psalm 85:11-12 Finding ourselves on the truth mercy and justice peace continuum Listening Circles (groups of people only per group) Break The Leader s Role Rob Brown - Exploring how pastors/leaders model authenticity in community Interpersonal One-on-One Reflections Circle Closing Song & Benediction

3 Table of Contents Abundance Canada (formerly Mennonite Foundation Canada) page 41 AGM Agenda page 5 Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary page 40 Bylaws page Camp Squeah Report page Canadian Mennonite page 35 Canadian Mennonite University page Church Health Committee page 20 Columbia Bible College page CommonWord page 34 Communitas Supportive Care Society page Confession of Faith (Summary) page 7-9 Directions to Langley Mennonite Fellowship & Emmanuel Mennonite Church Back Cover Evangelism & Church Development page 16 Executive Minister s Report page Faith & Life page 21 Finance Committee page 17 Financial Statements (Camp Squeah) page Financial Statements (MCBC) page Future Directions: Covenant page Future Directions: Executive Summary page Identity and Vision Statement page 6 LEAD Conference Agenda Back of Front Cover Menno Place page Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) BC page Mennonite Church Canada page MC Canada BFC7 Approved Resolution 51 Mennonite Disaster Service page 50 Mennonite Men page Minutes of 2016 Annual Meeting page Moderator s Report page Nominations Chart page Pastors Conference Agenda Back of Front Cover Resolutions page Service, Peace and Justice page Women s Ministry page 22-23

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5 Annual Meeting Agenda :30am Delegate/Guest sign-in - muffins and coffee available throughout the morning 9:00am Welcome& Worship Opening remarks (Declaration of the meeting in session & Resolution #6) Moderator s & Executive Minister s reports My hope for MCBC Introducing New Pastors 10:00am New Way Forward: Setting the context with regards to MCBC and Future Directions Vision for MCBC Proposal from Leadership Board Table Conversation Plenary Resolution #1 11:40am Clearbrook Mennonite Church Property Report Nominations Report 12:00pm Lunch 1:00pm Gather & Worship Columbia Bible College Report Camp Squeah Report Financials (Resolutions #7 & #8) Resolution Moved by Artur Bergen (Resolution #2) Elections (Resolution #12) Service Peace & Justice Report (Resolution #3) Future Directions Task Force Presentation Table Group Discussion Plenary MCBC Financial Statements & Budget Presentation VCMC Sale (Resolutions #4 & #9 & #10) Reports: Church Health Evangelism & Church Development Committee (Resolution #5) Resolutions #11 & #13 & #14 3:30 pm Closing 5

6 Identity & Vision Statement Mennonite Church British Columbia Our Identity and Purpose Mennonite Church British Columbia is a faith community of Christian churches with a passionate allegiance to Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord. Our purpose is to enable congregations to individually and collectively engage most fully in the mission of Christ. Our Vision We are called by God to be followers of Jesus Christ and, by the power of the Holy Spirit to grow as communities of grace, joy, and peace so that God s healing and hope flow through us to the world. Our Beliefs The beliefs and practices of Mennonite Church British Columbia Congregations come from the authority of scripture as interpreted in the Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective. cf. Confession of Faith Addendum below Our Commitments 1. To love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength and our neighbours as ourselves. 2. To be effective witnesses through evangelism, peace and justice, and service. 3. To become faithful mature disciples of Christ. 4. To call, train and support leaders to assist congregations in fulfilling the mission of God in a broken world. 5. To keep the unity of the Spirit in our congregations, our conferences and the global Christian Church community. 6

7 Confession of Faith Addendum Confession of Faith - Article Summary Statement 1. We believe that God exists and is pleased with all who draw near by faith. We worship the one holy and loving God who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit eternally. God has created all things visible and invisible, has brought salvation and new life to humanity through Jesus Christ, and continues to sustain the church and all things until the end of the age. 2. We believe in Jesus Christ, the Word of God become flesh. He is the Saviour of the world, who has delivered us from the dominion of sin and reconciled us to God by his death on a cross. He was declared to be Son of God by his resurrection from the dead. He is the head of the church, the exalted Lord, the Lamb who was slain, coming again to reign with God in glory. 3. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the eternal Spirit of God, who dwelled in Jesus Christ, who empowers the church, who is the source of our life in Christ, and who is poured out on those who believe as the guarantee of redemption. 4. We believe that all Scripture is inspired by God through the Holy Spirit for instruction in salvation and training in righteousness. We accept the Scriptures as the Word of God and as the fully reliable and trustworthy standard for Christian faith and life. Led by the Holy Spirit in the church, we interpret Scripture in harmony with Jesus Christ. 5. We believe that God has created the heavens and the earth and all that is in them, and that God preserves and renews what has been made. All creation has its source outside itself and belongs to the Creator. The world has been created good because God is good and provides all that is needed for life. 6. We believe that God has created human beings in the divine image. God formed them from the dust of the earth and gave them a special dignity among all the works of creation. Human beings have been made for relationship with God, to live in peace with each other, and to take care of the rest of creation. 7. We confess that, beginning with Adam and Eve, humanity has disobeyed God, given way to the tempter, and chosen to sin. All have fallen short of the Creator s intent, marred the image of God in which they were created, disrupted order in the world, and limited their love for others. Because of sin, humanity has been given over to the enslaving powers of evil and death. 7

8 Confession of Faith - Continued 8. We believe that, through Jesus Christ, God offers salvation from sin and a new way of life. We receive God s salvation when we repent and accept Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord. In Christ, we are reconciled with God and brought into the reconciling community. We place our faith in God that, by the same power that raised Christ from the dead, we may be saved from sin to follow Christ and to know the fullness of salvation. 9. We believe that the church is the assembly of those who have accepted God s offer of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. It is the new community of disciples sent into the world to proclaim the reign of God and to provide a foretaste of the church s glorious hope. It is the new society established and sustained by the Holy Spirit. 10. We believe that the mission of the church is to proclaim and to be a sign of the kingdom of God. Christ has commissioned the church to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them, and teaching them to observe all things he has commanded. 11. We believe that the baptism of believers with water is a sign of their cleansing from sin. Baptism is also a pledge before the church of their covenant with God to walk in the way of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. Believers are baptized into Christ and his body by the Spirit, water, and blood. 12. We believe that the Lord s Supper is a sign by which the church thankfully remembers the new covenant which Jesus established by his death. In this communion meal, the church renews its covenant with God and with each other and participates in the life and death of Jesus Christ, until he comes. 13. We believe that in washing the feet of his disciples, Jesus calls us to serve one another in love as he did. Thus we acknowledge our frequent need of cleansing, renew our willingness to let go of pride and worldly power, and offer our lives in humble service and sacrificial love. 14. We practice discipline in the church as a sign of God s offer of transforming grace. Discipline is intended to liberate erring brothers and sisters from sin, and to restore them to a right relationship with God and to fellowship in the church. The practice of discipline gives integrity to the church s witness in the world. 15. We believe that ministry is a continuation of the work of Christ, who gives gifts through the Holy Spirit to all believers and empowers them for service in the church and in the world. We also believe that God calls particular persons in the church to specific leadership ministries and offices. All who minister are accountable to God and to the community of faith. 16. We believe that the church of Jesus Christ is one body with many members, ordered in such a way that, through the one Spirit, believers may be built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God. 8

9 Confession of Faith - Continued 17. We believe that Jesus Christ calls us to discipleship, to take up our cross and follow him. Through the gift of God s saving grace, we are empowered to be disciples of Jesus, filled with his Spirit, following his teachings and his path through suffering to new life. As we are faithful to his way, we become conformed to Christ and separated from the evil in the world. 18. We believe that to be a disciple of Jesus is to know life in the Spirit. As the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ takes shape in us, we grow in the image of Christ and in our relationship with God. The Holy Spirit is active in individual and in communal worship, leading us deeper into the experience of God. 19. We believe that God intends human life to begin in families and to be blessed through families. Even more, God desires all people to become part of the church, God s family. As single and married members of the church family give and receive nurture and healing, families can grow toward the wholeness that God intends. We are called to chastity and to loving faithfulness in marriage. We believe that God intends marriage to be a covenant between one man and one woman for life. 20. We commit ourselves to tell the truth, to give a simple yes or no, and to avoid the swearing of oaths. 21. We believe that everything belongs to God, who calls the church to live in faithful stewardship of all that God has entrusted to us, and to participate now in the rest and justice which God has promised. 22. We believe that peace is the will of God. God created the world in peace, and God s peace is most fully revealed in Jesus Christ, who is our peace and the peace of the whole world. Led by the Holy Spirit, we follow Christ in the way of peace, doing justice, bringing reconciliation, and practicing nonresistance, even in the face of violence and warfare. 23. We believe that the church is God s holy nation, called to give full allegiance to Christ its head and to witness to every nation, government, and society about God s saving love. 24. We place our hope in the reign of God and its fulfillment in the day when Christ will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead. He will gather his church, which is already living under the reign of God. We await God s final victory, the end of this present age of struggle, the resurrection of the dead, and a new heaven and a new earth. There the people of God will reign with Christ in justice, righteousness, and peace for ever and ever. Adopted at a Special Delegates Session of MCBC on June 3,

10 Resolutions Resolution #1 The MCBC Resolution for our way forward in response to Being a Faithful Church 7 (BFC7)* Whereas MCBC, as a collective body, affirms the MCBC Covenant, and holds to the Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective which states that marriage is between one man and one woman for life: Be it resolved that: Mennonite Church British Columbia (MCBC) will continue the existing practice: that pastors within MCBC will not officiate at same-sex weddings; that MCBC congregations will not appoint pastors who are in a same-sex relationship. We as MCBC congregations encourage one another to continue to walk alongside and share the love of Jesus - as we are able and as our gifts allow - with all people, including those who are same-sex attracted and those who are in same-sex relationships. (* To see the full MC Canada BFC7 approved resolution go to page 51.) Resolution #2 Moved by Artur Bergen Whereas MCBC Congregations did solemnly enter into a relationship of covenant on May 27th, 2007, and Whereas MC Canada did on July 9th, 2016 adopt BFC 7 at the Bi-annual assembly in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and Whereas these two events, covenant and resolution are incompatible, We do hereby resolve; To affirm again the primacy of the MCBC covenant and the Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective for MCBC congregations, and to recognize that by the adoption of BFC 7, delegates voted to distance MC Canada from the intent and purpose of the MCBC Covenant, resulting in a relationship of discord. It is with regret that we do recognize that MC Canada has entered into an impaired relationship with MCBC, and with the adoption of this resolution we recognize the discord MC Canada has invoked. Resolution #3 The MCBC Board recommends that we extend the Memo of Understanding (MOU) with Brander McDonald for another year to February 28, During this coming year, once Brander s health has improved, MCBC will work on evaluating and projecting how best to continue this work of reconciliation with our Indigenous brothers and sisters. Meanwhile, we will continue with the work Brander is doing to fulfill our ministry objectives as MCBC. Three priorities identified for the coming year are: to be available for congregations when there is a request to speak, teach or be present in a local church to create, build and support relationships of healing and reconciliation through dialogue and community involvement locally within the Sto:lo peoples and other Indigenous communities of the Fraser Valley to organize three bridge building/cross cultural workshops that will provide opportunities for MCBC members to gain knowledge and skills focussing on the 94 Calls to Action coming out of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. 10

11 Resolutions For the Meeting Continued Resolution #4 The MCBC Board recommends that, upon the request of Vancouver Chinese Mennonite Church, we authorize the sale of properties located at 375 East Pender Street, Vancouver and 485 Dunlevy Street, Vancouver, BC. Resolution #5 Whereas: Living Stones has received four years of financial subsidy as a church plant of MCBC which began in 2012 and ended in 2016; and Whereas: Living Stones has encountered growth challenges and has been delayed in becoming an independent congregation; and Whereas: ECDC has developed a plan together with Living Stones to work toward financial stability and to become a registered charity in 2017: BE IT RESOLVED that a final Subsidy of $30, be granted to Living Stones to make possible the move to a sustainable future for Living Stones. Resolution #6 Be it Resolved that the minutes of the 2016 Annual Meeting be approved as printed. Resolution #7 Be it Resolved that the 2016 Camp Squeah Financial Statements be approved as presented. Resolution #8 Be it Resolved that the 2017 Camp Squeah Budget be approved as presented. Resolution #9 Be it Resolved that the 2016 Mennonite Church BC Financial Statements be approved as presented. Resolution #10 Be it Resolved that the 2017 Mennonite Church BC Budget be approved as presented. Resolution #11 Be it Resolved that the reports as printed in the Annual Report Book and presented audibly be accepted. Resolution #12 Be it Resolved that the Nominees, as set out in the Nomination Chart, be elected/appointed. Resolution #13 Be it Resolved that the ballots be destroyed. Resolution #14 Be it Resolved that we express appreciation to Langley Mennonite Church for hosting the Pastors Conference and LEAD Conference and to the Emmanuel Mennonite Church for hosting the Annual General Meeting. 11

12 Executive Minister Garry Janzen 1 John 4:7, (NIV) Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. Actually all of 1 John 4 is a beautiful description of who God is, and of our calling as followers of Jesus. God is love. We are to live in the love of Jesus and the guidance of the Spirit. This is also a great word of assurance that as we follow Jesus the Son of God, that God lives in us. Our focus for 2017 will be our ministry as congregations and church leaders to build connections and trust within and between our congregations. This is the third theme of our Reimagining process. We looked at the first theme, our Anabaptist Identity, in The 2016 theme has been our call to missional engagement as ambassadors of God s reconciliation in our world. As a way to highlight this theme, we have again partnered with Columbia Bible College to do several CBC/MCBC worship services in our congregations. We also plan to highlight the 2017 theme for our congregations, beginning with our Pastors and LEAD Conferences, and throughout the year. In our Moderator s report, Lee Dyck has spoken of the significant role that Betty Pries has played in teaching on this theme of reconciliation and in resourcing us on our journey through For this we are deeply thankful. Lee has also identified the dynamics of response in MCBC to decisions made at the Mennonite Church Canada Assembly, so I won t go over them again. I will just say that this has been a challenging year for us as MCBC leadership. I am so thankful for the Leadership Board; the team that carries this together. I expect 2017 to be equally challenging, but we will find our way as God s people. Another challenge we have been met with is that our MCBC Indigenous Relations Coordinator, Brander McDonald, was knocked down with a super bug in June, and has been seriously ill and off work since July. Our 12

13 Executive Minister - Continued care and prayers are with Brander and Jil. We continue building connections with our Indigenous neighbours, but this has been slowed down as we await Brander s return to good health. We had two Ordination celebrations. Lydia Cruttwell was ordained on May 15th as pastor of First United Mennonite Church in Vancouver, and Gerry Binnema was ordained on October 9th as pastor of United Mennonite Church in Black Creek. Ordination is the affirmation of the calling of God on a pastor by both the congregation and by MCBC. These are very special celebrations in the life and ministry of the pastor and the congregation. I officially wrapped up my relationship with the Metro- Vancouver Alliance (MVA). This was 3 years of exploring a possible partnership for our Vancouver congregations with other faith groups, neighbourhood houses, trade unions and educational institutions, with the goal of making Vancouver a better place. It was a great experience, but in the end it became evident that our congregations already have enough on their plates, and while they agreed with the concept, they just could not stretch themselves to fit it in. We wrapped up our relationship with Forge in June of A number of pastors and congregations enjoyed the benefits of this 3 year adventure in missional coaching and development. A half dozen of our congregations took in the full 2 year cycle of coaching and have come to a great new imagination for being a missional people in their neighbourhoods. The Garage Community Church closed in Kelowna (a church plant with Kevin Barkowsky giving leadership). A potential church plant in North Burnaby is being explored, The Community Table Church (with Matthew Kwok giving leadership). First Mennonite Church in Burns Lake and Eben-Ezer Mennonite Church in Abbotsford have decided to become ACOM (Area Church Only Membership.) New pastors in 2016: Winston Pratt, Peace Mennonite Church, Richmond Lead Pastor Jon Tetzel, Peace Mennonite Church, Richmond Pastor of Children s and Youth Ministry Bless Len and Derek Dovale, Living Hope Christian Fellowship, Surrey Installed as Associate Pastors for Youth and Young Adults Jeung Park, Mennonite Japanese Christian Fellowship, Surrey Associate Pastor for Outreach Credentialing in 2016: Lydia Cruttwell, First United Mennonite Church, Vancouver ordained Gerry Binnema, United Mennonite Church, Black Creek ordained Transitions in 2016: Matthew Kwok, Chinese Grace Mennonite Church, Vancouver resigned as English Ministries Pastor Greg Thiessen, First United Mennonite Church, Vancouver resigned as Associate Pastor Mark Fox, Peace Mennonite Church, Richmond completed term as Transitional Minister Grant Miller, Cedar Valley Mennonite Church, Mission moved from Interim Youth Worker to Youth Pastor Jeremiah (Jerry) Buhler, First Mennonite Church, Kelowna moving from Transitional Minister to Pastor 13

14 Moderator s Report Lee Dyck By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. - Proverbs 24:3-4 The kingdom of God is like a treasure hidden in a field... - Matthew 13:44 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. - II Corinthians 4: was, for MCBC, indeed one in which we sought the treasure of wisdom through prayer, reading and study of Scripture, and hearing from each other. We began with the February AGM focusing on the missional theme from the perspective of nurturing a spirit of reconciliation. The presentations by Betty Pries, both at the LEAD and the AGM, set the stage for having hard conversations with grace and compassion. She challenged us to hold our truth with humility. And as 2016 proceeded, these lessons became increasingly important. A presentation by Stuart Murray-Williams and Alex Ellish of the Anabaptist Network in the UK in April focused on Rehabilitating Evangelism from the question: Do we want to tell our own story? In other words, is it really a treasure, which comes from knowledge of the grace we have received? Or do we take it for granted? As summer approached, and along with it the MC Canada Assembly in Saskatoon, we as Leadership Board discerned that we should leave the specifics of discussion around the BFC7 Resolution until after the vote. We did spend some time editing the wording to better reflect a pastoral approach to the issue and were successful in making some changes. With the vote completed, we organized some conversations in BC around the issues addressed in the resolution, beginning with a September meeting in which pastors heard form each other and then an October meeting for congregations to listen to each other. This resulted in 20+ possible ways of going forward, which were then distilled to 6 options those then became a survey, which each church was encouraged to have their members complete. By the time we have this AGM we will have met again to look at those results and formulate a way forward to be brought to the delegates in February. Another result of the Saskatoon Assembly was the vote in favour of the Future Directions Task Force Report and Addendum. As a result, as one of the 5 Area Church Moderators, I became part of the Interim Council, which will work on the specifics of the transition until the work comes to a close in October, It has meant extra meetings, travel, monthly teleconference meetings and s, hiring a transition coordinator, Keith Regehr, 14

15 Moderator s Report - Continued and working together with the Executive Staff Group to bring the concerns of each region into the picture. There have been many moments of treasure in this process as we have prayed, sung and discerned what we need to do as a whole and what we need to do within each region - helping congregations to be their best. I treasure this challenging and stretching experience as one that moves us forward together. One of the gems that has arisen out of the Future Directions Task Force is the Emerging Voices Initiative (emergingvoiceonline.wordpress.com), a group of young Mennonite Church Canada members dedicated to growing conversation on the future of our national church. I attended two of their workshops - one held in early December at Columbia Bible College. We heard from and interacted with a group of millennials who love God and the church and are committed to being part of it, exhibiting a compassionate and strong pastoral approach to the church. In late November, we invited all of you to participate in a morning of prayer for MCBC and its ministries. While the group that gathered in the Board Room near the MCBC office was small, I trust that there were many others who were with us in prayer, if not in person, that morning. These were treasured moments and as we took time to pray for each congregation, their leadership and ministries, the richness of our family was once again imprinted on my heart. This is the family I was called into leadership by and I know their prayers are for the best going forward. While we may not always agree about what that looks like, we trust God for wisdom for that journey. As we focus in 2017 on Building Connections, may we look for the treasure within each of our congregations. The treasure in MCBC has a long history and many stories make it what it is today. All of us have our own stories about where we have come from and our own imaginations about where we should be headed. Stories are said to be the shortest distance between people. In fact, Ruth Anne Ridge puts it this way: Good stories have the power to transform realities, to ignite imaginations, and help people find their place in the world. These are the treasures that we need to dig up; they should not remain buried! Many people, each a valuable and beautiful treasure, through the generations, have been like that farmer in the verse from Matthew, who was so taken by the treasure he found, he sold all he had so he could buy the field the treasure was buried in. Not unlike those who have gone before us and some who are still among us, they have given themselves, their everything to build the house that is MCBC through wisdom and understanding - to be the best it can be, together. May we continue to value this treasure as something that does not belong to us, but something that we continue to create for the coming generations, like a bridge that we are building while we are already walking on it. May God s all-surpassing power indwell the way forward. I want to thank those who work for us, Garry, Janette, Aften and Brander. And I am grateful for those who serve on the committees of MCBC, those who give generously of their time as well as those who pray for this work and support it financially. Together we are MCBC! 15

16 Evangelism & Church Development 16 Barry Lesser Evangelism and Church Development Committee is the name we use to help define our vision of the ministry we discuss and seek to implement. Last year we began working on two ideas as we reimagined the role of ECDC. We had begun work on the idea of a Short Term Mission Trip within BC. Efforts were made to begin work on a presentation and brochure for publicity purposes; however, efforts to create and work with a model situation were not successful. As a means to help connect churches, the idea of shortterm mission trips continues to hold some merit. The idea of a mobile church has many issues to resolve in order to prove fruitful. Among them are finding committed partners for funding, workers and other logistical details. Again ECDC has not totally abandoned the vision of this form of outreach. At our AGM in February, we had given notice that a group of people had come forward with the goal of establishing the Garage Community Church in Kelowna. They began meeting in homes and then moved to a rented facility. The group focus was to establish a committed core group who would work together to share leadership. However, not all of those attending were willing to share leadership and some attenders withdrew. Thereby, leaving a very small group of leaders and worshippers to carry on the work of being a new church plant. In July, following the MC Canada Assembly in Saskatoon, the primary leaders, the Barkowskys and the Klassens resigned from the church plant at variance with the actions of the Assembly. We were saddened by the development and pray for God s blessing on them and their future ministries. Developing a vision for the future of the former Clearbrook Mennonite Church property was given over to the leadership of a subcommittee based more in Abbotsford. A community assessment was completed, which included census data compiled with the help of Outreach Canada and local interviews conducted by Chris. All this data was foundational for a think-tank day held on January 7 with participation of representatives from Emmanuel Mennonite Church, Eben-Ezer Mennonite Church, Level Ground Mennonite Church and conference leadership. Further brainstorming is still being planned to further flesh out next stages for use of the property. Currently The Life Centre Church is renting the facility as a worship centre. Look forward to a more detailed report on this at the AGM. Living Stones Mennonite Christian Church has concluded the fourth and final year of subsidy. The anticipated numerical growth has not happened as expected. Dialogue is ongoing with the leadership to discern the ways forward to sustainability numerically and financially. We pray for new possibilities of church plants, and God does answer prayers. ECDC is currently working with Matt Kwok in the development of a church plant called The Community Table Church. The name is to signify that the church gathers around a meal for fellowship and worship. The effort will be to attract second-generation worshipper of all ethnicities to fellowship and learn about Jesus together. They are currently meeting in a basement in Burnaby. ECDC is praying with Clarence Yip and others from Chinese Grace Mennonite Church about the potential of an English church plant in the vicinity of their church. Thank you to the committee members, Jorge Hoajaca, Jonathan Deng, Gerald Neufeld and Chris Lenshyn for their hard work and prayers. Also thank you to Sylvester Aniogbe who has joined us for a few months already, and whose name you find on your Nomination slate to be confirmed for further service. We also ask for your prayers as we seek the wisdom and strength of God to go forward.

17 Finance Committee Gerry Grunau Many people would generally characterize the workings of the Finance Committee as boring and mundane. Please see the submitted budgets if you need a dose of columns, rows and number-crunching. What has added more suspense and excitement to committee operations this year has been sponsoring special events. In April we sponsored the Panic Squad, a theatre group specializing in improvisation. And in October, we sponsored a Symphony of Hymns featuring Calvin Dick, Mel Bowker, Alyssa Hordyk and Ian Funk. Thanks to Emmanuel, Peace and Level Ground churches for opening up your churches for these events. All three events were well-attended by persons spanning the demographic spectrum. The reasons we have expended the time and energy for these events has been twofold. Firstly, we wanted to create another opportunity for the MCBC community to enjoy and to engage in a light-hearted event that would promote conference fellowship. Secondly, we wanted to create donation opportunities for all ages. We are sponsoring a second-round of Panic Squad events on March 31st and April 1st, 2017 so please look for the advance publicity. Many thanks to committee members Richard Hordyk, Garry Janzen, Randy Redekop, Sheila Smelt and Janette Thiessen for their attention to financial detail and their commitment of time and energy to organize events. And much appreciation and acknowledgement to Sharon Zacharias who provides countless, volunteer hours of accounting expertise to generate MCBC Financial Statements. We gratefully appreciate all your gracious and generous church and personal donations to support MCBC and the work it does. May your continued support bless the church and its mission in the world. 17

18 Service Peace & Justice Henry Krause This past year MCBC has been focusing on being a missional church whose central work is reconciliation. We see our task as a Service, Peace and Justice committee as helping MCBC churches to identify resources and activities that we can do together to live out this gospel call. 1. Indigenous Relations Coordinator Brander McDonald Brander continues to work with us helping to identify ways that we might build healthy relations with our Indigenous sisters and brothers. Unfortunately he got very ill early in July and it came to a point where he was admitted into Emergency because of the severe infection he had. As of this writing (end of December) he is still very weak and continues to have relapses and so has not been able to come back to work. We pray that he will fully recover and be able to continue to do his good work for and with us. In the first half of the year he was involved in a number of activities. He spent time in building relationships with First nations elders and being involved in local events as a representative of MCBC. The conclusion of the TRC in June 2015 resulted in 94 Calls to Action, which set out ways in which the work of reconciliation could continue. These included some specific actions for the four churches that ran Residential schools as well as ones that are for all churches to work towards. One of these is the call to repudiate the Doctrine of Discovery. At the Mennonite Church Canada Assembly in July, a resolution was passed by the delegates to do just this. (dowloadable at: home.mennonitechurch.ca/ saskatoon2016) Brander was involved in the workshop at the Assembly addressing this resolution and he also participated in a workshop organized by Mennonite Central Committee Canada earlier in the spring to help MCC staff and others to understand it and begin to works towards this aspect of reconciliation. In the coming year our committee is encouraging congregations to take some time to study both the calls to action and specifically the Doctrine of Discovery. There is a book edited by Steve Heinrichs Yours, Mine, Ours that is available for groups to work through. There is also a video available and resources that will soon be made available to our churches through the committee. 18

19 Service Peace & Justice - Continued Related to the calls for reconciliation our committee also helped in planning two events: a) Journey of reconciliation Listening to Indigenous Elders on April 9th jointly sponsored by MCBC, Mennonite Central Committee BC, and Columbia Bible College. b) Walking towards reconciliation a 2 day walk (June 2-3) from Fort Langley to St Mary s former residential school in Mission. On June 4th was a half-day workshop and a community lunch. Both MCCBC and MC Canada continue to help financially with this work and we are grateful for their continued support. Brander relates directly to the Service, Peace and Justice committee and has met regularly with the committee. He also attends the Leadership Board meetings. 2. Creation Care Working with the issue of Creation Care and responding to Climate Change has also been a significant focus of the committee in the past year. Activities have included: A day-long consultation on Creation Care Caring for God s Good Creation took place on July 10th, immediately following the MC Canada Assembly in Saskatoon. It was a coming together of about 40 people from various disciplines and churches to talk about how to practically work at addressing Climate Change. Our committee is continuing to explore opportunities to green our churches and congregations. Our question is what can we do to reduce our carbon footprint both as local congregations and as an area church. One of the thoughts has been to do research on solar panels that could be installed on church buildings and properties of MCBC. We look forward to consultations with congregations in the coming year to find some practical ways to continue to make our buildings more energy efficient. We continue to be connected to Mennonite Creation Care Network, a bi-national group. One of our committee members (Mike Currie) is on the board. Their new study guide for Adult Education or home groups is available as a free download. Every Creature Singing is a great resource that addresses our relationship to the natural world in some profound ways - by using Bible Study, community assessment and practical applications. You can see it at: mennocreationcare.org/every-creature-singing. Supporting Good Seed Sunday on the last Sunday in April by promoting resources produced by A Rocha 3. Housing Issues. November 22nd is recognized as National Housing Day in Canada and the committee made bulletin inserts available for all our congregations inviting prayers for homeless and those in need of good housing. The committee has also spent time inviting various resource persons to share with us about strategies that we as an area church and/or congregations may be able to use to address the housing crisis in our own specific situations. Plans are underway to set-up a working group to brainstorm ideas for congregations in the coming year. 4. A resolution on Palestine/Israel was passed at the MC Canada Assembly this year as well (dowloadable at: home.mennonitechurch.ca/saskatoon2016) and the committee is planning to look at some of the resources that are available so we can highlight them for our congregations. During this last year, Lorne Brandt reported on experiences from a study tour to that part of the world he took. He shared a message that he and the group received from Palestinian Christians they met who said they often feel abandoned by the west. There are strong theological connections with Anabaptism, especially non-violent responses to the difficult situation they are in, which undergird the work of reconciliation and looking for a just peace in Israel/Palestine. It is a joy to work with Brander and the whole committee doing this work. 19

20 Church Health Committee Bob Boehr The purpose of the church health committee is to care for the health of local churches. Traditionally, we have done this in a number of ways. Our first goal has been to concentrate on the pastors. The idea that healthy pastors will help build healthy churches has been an underlying theme in our meetings. We look for ways to support our pastors and the main ways we do this is through our pastor/spouse retreat and the LEAD conference just before the AGM. This past year Betty Pries was our resource for both events. Our pastor/spouse retreat moved from a Monday to Wednesday in October to a Friday to Sunday in November to allow spouses who work weekdays and parents with children in school to make it easier to attend. The responses have been positive and we will keep the same weekend for next year. To allow this to happen, we asked churches to release all their pastors across the province so that we could be together. We were willing to help fill preaching spaces for churches who needed the help. We want to thank the many churches who allowed their pastoral couples to take a weekend off and be together in community sharing with each other, being equipped and even just taking a rest. I want to thank Rob Brown for all the work he pours into this year after year. It will be sad to see him take his mandatory break from our committee this year. We have other workshops that happen yearly as well. Our Relationships With Integrity workshops are mandatory for Pastors every 5 years and helps pastors recognize the amount of power they have and how to make sure that it is not abused. This has birthed a new idea for a workshop that continues this theme. Allen Harder has teamed with Chris Lenshyn from Emmanuel church and Betty Pries and the L3 group to develop a new workshop currently titled Pride, Privilege and Prejudice. Our aim is to have this workshop ready by this time next year. 20 The committee also supports the youth impact camps at Camp Squeah and are encouraged every year to see our young people gathering together for a weekend of playing games, singing praises and hearing God s word. We also are the reporting committee for the women s retreat and inspirational day and are always encouraged by what God continues to do at those connecting points. Our committee is also involved in the interview process for new pastors being hired, pastors being ordained as well as exit interviews for pastors who are leaving or moving on. We are a diverse denomination and recognize that each church has its own personality, strengths and challenges. This year we started praying specifically for four churches per meeting. We contact the pastor and want to listen to their heart as they share the joys and frustrations not only of the congregation but of their personal life as well. We then pray together for each congregation through what we have heard. As we embark in a year of community, I believe it is important as congregations to listen to each other and to pray for each other. Not with blanket prayers, but to take initiative and connect with each other with genuine concern. I would like to thank all my committee members for a great year. Garry Janzen, Rob Brown, Gerald Dyck, Waltrude Goertzen, Ken Ha, Allen Harder, Robin Mauthe and Mike Wilson. I would especially like to thank Linda Matties for helping me take the responsibility of chairing this wonderful committee and thank her for reminders of what I often overlook.

21 Faith & Life Committee Lydia Cruttwell The Faith and Life Committee of MCBC met three times in the last year: On April 28th, 2016, we met to discuss the Doctrine of Discovery, to discern what new members we might have join us, and to talk about unity and diversity of opinion in the Mennonite Church (specifically, around the issue of sexuality). From that meeting, we agreed with the repudiation of the Doctrine of Discovery as something contrary to Christ s love for all humanity, and we contacted Brittani Gifford (formerly of Peace Mennonite Church, now working as a missionary to the urban poor) to see if she would join us. She agreed to do so (until such time as her missionary commitments take her out of Vancouver), and she has been a wonderful addition to our committee. On August 24th, 2016, we welcomed Brittani to her first meeting, and our main topic was the challenges facing MCBC following the passing of the BFC7 resolution at the MC Canada Assembly. We discussed how we, as leaders, could talk well when in disagreement (and how to model that to our congregations), and we acknowledged the conflicts, miscommunications, and complexities of this issue that make it so difficult to resolve. On January 4th, 2017, we met to discuss the topic of covenant what the scriptures teach about covenant, what kinds of covenants we make today, and what to do when covenant is strained or broken. This discussion, while wide-ranging, also related very directly to our ongoing discussion about MCBC s response to BFC7 some consider BFC7 to be in direct contradiction to our MCBC Covenant, while others do not. While each of these conversations was complex, weighty, and at times difficult, I have often been impressed by the gentleness and kindness with which our committee members have disagreed with one another. It is not always easy to disagree lovingly, especially on issues that we all feel quite strongly about and that are causing so much conflict within our denomination, so I am grateful to God for the gift of wise leaders who speak the truth in love. In this coming year, we will continue seeking to serve MCBC, and are always open to receiving direction about which topics we should discuss and how to communicate our findings to the MCBC leadership and beyond. May God guide us in all wisdom, holiness, and love. 21

22 Women s Ministry Waltrude Gortzen May the Lord direct your hearts into God s love and Christ s perseverance. 2 Thessalonians 3:5 March a. I attended the annual Spring Leadership Assembly in Winnipeg b. Mennonite Women Canada has a new candidate for President of Mennonite Women Canada but we are still looking for a new Secretary/ Treasurer. c. We have a New Women s Ministry Rep. in Saskatchewan Mel Harms from Osler, SK. She also joins the Executive Committee. April a. We received an unexpected gift from the Estate of the late Mary Bergen nee Redekop, former President of BC Women in Mission in the amount of $ The family would like these funds to serve as a legacy. b. Came up with the idea to use these funds as startup money for an Education Scholarship Fund for women within MCBC that plan to attend one of the following Anabaptist Christian Institutions --- Columbia Bible College (CBC), Canadian Mennonite University (CMU), Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS), or Conrad Grebel University College (CGUC). Preference will be given to those with an interest in going into Christian Ministry. If no suitable applicants apply the funds will be held over until the following year. May Inspirational Day April 30th, 2016 at Eben-Ezer M. Church in Abbotsford Speaker: Ingrid Schultz Theme: Wisdom in Legacy Morning Session: Grandmothers, Mothers & Mentors: Reclaiming Our Legacy (Text: 2 Timothy 1:1-7) Afternoon Session: Daughters, Disciples & Dreamers: Sharing Our Legacy (Text: 2 Timothy 1:8-14) a. It was a wonderful event that was attended by about 140 women b. Offering gathered $4, c. Education Scholarship Fund to assist women in their Christian Education was approved. July MC CANADA Assembly in Saskatoon from July a. This included the Mennonite Women Canada AGM as well. b. Happy to report that we have a NEW President. Shirley Redekop from Floradale, ON c. And Elsie Rempel from Winnipeg, MB and former MC Canada Staff will take the position of Secretary/ Treasurer. October Retreat Weekend: October 14 16, 2016 at Camp Squeah. Speaker: Song Yang Her from Thornton, Colorado where she and her husband host a radio ministry for the Hmong people around the globe! Theme: Piecing Together our Identity a. This year s retreat was a very inspiring weekend attended by about 100 women. It included a variety of workshops, including one in the Hmong language. b. The 2016 Retreat Planning Committee Pat Loewen, Carol Kropp, Leanne Kropp, 22

23 Women s Ministry - Continued Retreat Cont. Katelyn Gross, Candice Corder, Ann Dueck and Kay Moua planned all the weekend details for us with much care. Subsequent to the Retreat two members have resigned: Kay Moua due to ongoing health issues Katelyn Gross due to her continuing studies at SFU We thank all of you for the contributions you brought to the committee. December a. Education Scholarship Fund Janette and I had a meeting with Abundance Canada (formerly Mennonite Foundation) and the paperwork to set up this Fund is in the works. We received another donation towards this fund, which now stands at $ Coming up in Inspirational Day Saturday, May 6th, 2017 at Emmanuel Mennonite Church Speaker: Marlene Kropf author of Faith Travels the 2016 Bible Study Guide that is jointly sponsored by Mennonite Women Canada & Mennonite Women USA She is a spiritual director, retreat leader and ordained Mennonite Minister who lives in Port Townsend, Washington. Theme: still to be announced. Retreat Weekend Friday to Sunday, Oct 13 15, 2017 Theme: Living Courageously Speakers: Margo Tschetter Hoffman leads a Muslim Women s ministry in Surrey. Heidi Kroeker Cave car crash and burn survivor; amputee; author of book Fancy Feet ; ICBC and Fire department speaker; mother & wife. She lives in Fort Langley, BC. Note: Our 2017 Ladies Retreat will proceed as planned for October despite MC Canada calling for a Delegate Assembly for that weekend Watch for further information about both events... in the News n Notes and on our Facebook page. MCBC Women s Ministry Financial Report From Women s Ministry Committee Waltrude Gortzen - Our Committee should consist of 3 members that oversee and give guidance to the Inspirational Day (to the hosting church) and the Retreat (to the Retreat Committee). - Presently it is just I and Janette Thiessen, MCBC Admin. Janette looks after our Finances and listens to me when I need to talk to someone. Thanks Janette! - At least 3 committee members are desperately needed. - Please get in touch with me, Waltrude Gortzen waltrude@shaw.ca or call me at Or do we need to look at Women s Ministry s future once again? The call of God can always be heard!!! BC Women's Ministry Book Bursary Misc 10,000 Insp. Day Swap (Auc) Inc. Retreat Villages Ed. Fund Totals Income $ 2, $ $ 1, $ $ 14, $ - $ $ 20, Expense $(1,110.19) $ - $ (1,037.50) $ (33.78) $ (14,884.48) $ - $ (792.36) $(17,858.31) Total: $ 1, $ $ $ $ (304.48) $ - $ - $ 2, Fwd 2015 $ 2, $ 1, $ 2, $ $ (1,804.10) $ $ - $ 5, Carry Fwd $ 4, $ 1, $ 2, $1, $ (2,108.58) $ $ - $ 7,

24 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us. I John 4:11,12 character s in God s story. We invited them to be a part of the Squeah story, and explored how God s story of redemption c year we were blessed again and again as we recalled stories of God s faithfulness here unfolding chapters of Squeah s history. support MCBC s vision, in part, by: 24

25 Our Story this summer. Much Thanks be to God! (the highest honor awarded). I m proud of our stories of God s Summer Camper # s Outdoor Ed # s 2,207 students (1,405 Elementary & 802 Secondary) engaged their senses in Camp Squeah s outdoor classroom in different utdoor Ed groups came and ent. f those, 1 ere private, and 22 ere public schools. 0 groups ere elementary and 8 ere secondary students. f the 8 school groups, ere first time visitors. 15 seasonal staff in Spring and 12 in Autumn shared God s love by providing exemplary service. Tim Larson, Program Director 25

26 26 discontinued. We believe that it was God s idea to star to attract enough students to support the program s viability. From a facilities standpoint, 2016 was a year of maintaining our assets. Some of the extra s included: Residence 2 (The Larson home), had its deck resurfaced, and the entire exterior of the house received an uplifting paint job. Two trenches were dug to locate and replace cracked lines (one water and one propane) between Edelweiss Hall and the Barbeque shelter. Meanwhile, back at the shop, Dan and Tom pitter pattered away, as time permitted, organizing and repurposing space to make room for an expanded wood working area. A highlight, In November, came when our Outtatown guests from CMU, volunteered a work day to help us accomplish what we had been dreaming of all year - to replace all of the benches at Chapel in the Sky. We can t wait to put them to good use next summer. Behind the scenes, necessary upgrades included a revamp of our IT system. Thanks to our committee chair, Chris Epp, our outdated network server was replaced, while a few sluggish computers were refurbished. There are still a few pieces to add, but for now the office staff are happy to be working in a quicker, responsive, network environment which boasts significantly more security and stability. (Now, if only we could do something about the internet speed.) ;-)

27 Speaking of the interweb, after much plotting, planning and a few delays, we are excited to have launched our new website in December. We re pleased with the new look and hope it will help people discover, explore, and ultimately experience Camp Squeah in a fresh, new way. A big part of our story each year, in partnership with our many faithful and beloved donors, is being able to set aside funds toward two special accounts. Our Campership fund provides opportunity for campers whose family financial situation would prohibit them from experiencing an enriching and life impacting camp experience. In 2016 we were able to draw approximately $18, from the fund, assisting 82 campers in the process. Since 1999, the Campership has assisted 1534 campers in attending camp, to the tune of $262, Praise God! Equally as important as our Campership Fund, our Bursary fund allows us to recruit excellent summer staff while assisting them in their scholastic endeavors. Thanks to another successful paddle-a- thon in 2016 we were able to disburse $55,500 of bursary money to 26 students. If you haven t been involved in a paddle-a-thon before, perhaps 2017 is finally your year. Mark your calendar. The dates are set for April 8 & 9. There s more than one way to be involved. On behalf of the MCBC camp committee and the entire Squeah staff team and our families, it continues to be our privilege to missionally partner with you in this special place at this special time. We eagerly look forward to following God s lead into the Uncharted Territory that is Respectfully submitted, Rob Tiessen, Executive Director In response to God who loves and calls us, Camp Squeah provides a place of refuge in a natural setting where people of all ages can build relationships, grow and be nurtured. 27

28 600 Shaftesbury Blvd Winnipeg MB R3P 0M4 T: F: E: W: Update to Congregations and Area Churches They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength... Isaiah 40:31 As we embrace 2017, I want to say a heartfelt thank you to each congregation and individual donor that has supported and continues to unwaveringly support the ministries of MC Canada and our five area churches this past year. As our wider church family plan a transition to a new structure that will see congregations as the foundational unit of ministry, we do not take your support for granted. In the meantime, our staff is tasked with maintaining existing ministry commitments with partner ministries in Canada and around the world, while also planning and preparing for change. Looking back on 2016, we can celebrate success stories and inform you of challenges that continue to need your ongoing support. Visiting You: Itinerating international Witness workers from 10 countries paid 60 visits to congregations in 2016, sharing stories of God s work in the world with you. In addition, staff visited 43 congregations on Sunday mornings, plus numerous contacts and meetings with churches and individuals on week days. Thank you for your generous hospitality! Ride for Refuge - On Oct. 1, eight teams comprising 59 cyclists from Ontario to Saskatchewan rode their bikes in support of the Witness international ministry of their choosing. Together we raised almost $16,000. We hope to grow the Ride event in Long Term Witness Workers: Together with you, we support 27 long term workers in 11 countries. We also financially support ministry with partners in 6 countries where we have no workers. Check out one or more of the many blogs maintained by Witness workers at Short Term Witness Workers: In 2016, we sent 8 Short Term Ministry workers (including 3 couples) to serve on 5 different assignments in 4 countries. Three of these workers supported the ministries of long-term Witness workers and 4 served in Palestine and Israel, where we are currently unable to send long-term workers. Peacebuilding: At Assembly 2016, delegates almost unanimously passed a resolution supporting peace in Palestine and Israel. A working group of passionate volunteers with knowledge of this longstanding conflict has been formed to help congregations engage the Resolution on Palestine and Israel. 28 Forming a People of God Becoming a global church Growing leaders for the church

29 Indigenous Relations: Following the remarkable sales success of Wrongs to Rights a special publication following the conclusion of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) a second special edition called Yours, Mine, Ours was published to address the TRC s call to action to churches that participated in the Indian Residential School (IRS) system (Mennonites were involved in day schools). More than 3,300 copies of both publications have been distributed. Thanks to sales and donations, the cost of production for these resources has been recovered. Christian Formation: CommonWord a collaboration of Mennonite Church Canada s Resource Centre for churches and Canadian Mennonite University s bookstore, offers 12,000 loan, sale or download items and links to hundreds of websites. 57,000 individuals have used CommonWord this year. Over 1,000 items were sold online. More than 1,700 items were downloaded over 40,000 times. This is a ministry that serves well beyond the 134 congregations that accessed items this year. A Baptist leader wrote, Your website s a gold mine! I ve surveyed resources across Canada and you have the best stuff out there. Church History: The Mennonite Heritage Centre Archives responds to 120 research assistance requests/month, hosts 10,806 historical images online, has continuously published the Mennonite Historian magazine for 41 years running, and produced an award winning film on conscientious objectors called The Last Objectors, which has aired nationally and CBC TV. A huge thank you to the 11 regular plus additional casual volunteers that help make all this happen. This year, the Archives also received significant collections of historical documents from the Evangelical Mennonite Church and the Christian Mennonite Conference. Art and Faith: The Mennonite Heritage Centre Art Gallery continues to cross the bridges of different faith traditions using the visual arts. Eight exhibits were hosted in A significant milestone saw the completion of gallery curator and artist Ray Dirks Along the Road the Freedom series of paintings, documenting the faithful and courageous Mennonite women who led their families to freedom in the aftermath of the Russian Revolution. A celebration at the Manitoba legislature was attended by Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba, the Honourable Janice C. Filmon, media, and about 500 guests. The Gallery is primarily self-funded by donations and grants. Finances: As of Nov. 30, donation income was $240,000 behind our $4.4 million donation budget and significantly behind last year s levels for the same time period. Your prayer and financial support continues to be critical to the ministries we do together. Task Forces: The Being a Faithful Church and Future Directions Task Forces presented their final reports at Assembly Delegates approved the recommendations of both task forces. The transition to a re-imagined a national and area church system that is closer to its congregational base is now well under way. Assembly 2016: A special delegate gathering to approve new structures (see above) is scheduled for Oct , 2017, in Wpg. More information will be coming your way over the spring and summer. In closing, I ask that you pray and financially support as we wait upon the Lord so that the many ministries of MC Canada and our 5 Area Churches so that we can transition to a new future in good health. Thank you. Willard Metzger, Executive Director December, 2016 Forming a People of God Becoming a global church Growing leaders for the church 29

30 Future Directions: Executive Summary Executive Summary A Proposal for Revitalizing Mennonite Church Canada: A Working Document The Vision Vision: Healing and Hope: God calls us to be followers of Jesus Christ and, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to grow as communities of grace, joy, and peace, so that God's healing and hope flow through us to the world. For over 20 years, this statement has guided Mennonite Church Canada and its predecessors. This statement remains as the vision for MC Canada. It resonates for many as a powerful description of what we seek in our congregational life, in our life in the larger structures of our denomination, and in our relationships with the global Anabaptist fellowship that we connect with through Mennonite World Conference. Most of us live our faith, and are called to faith, first in the contexts of our congregations. It is there where we are formed as Christians, and it is from our congregations that we engage mission locally. In the context of our congregations, we work together across our regions and the country in doing mission regionally, nationally, and globally. The Future Directions Task Force report proposed changes that will strengthen the ability for us to be communities of healing and hope for the world, starting from our local context through to strengthened engagement with the global Anabaptist community. The proposal is driven by this vision of strengthened congregations, supported by the Regional Churches and resourced by the National Church, working together locally, regionally, nationally, and globally. Change Overview The Proposal represents both a culture shift and a corresponding structural change in response to the FDTF Report and Addendum. The culture shift has three key components: A refocus on the local congregation as a central place for worship, mission, and ministry. Framing the purpose of the Regional Churches as providing supports to congregations as they live out their mission locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. Framing the National Church as a place where our sense of peoplehood and identity is strengthened, and as a place where the Regional Churches define national priorities and give life to them. Covenant A new covenant among the Regional Churches has been drafted. The Covenant frames the relationships among the Regional Churches and their commitments to work together on national agenda. Membership and Governance Structure Membership in the larger bodies Congregations partner together to form their Regional Churches; The Regional Churches partner together to form the National Church. 30

31 Structurally, the National Church is governed by the Regional Churches through: An Annual Meeting made up of the boards of the Regional Churches and Regional Church delegates; and, A Board made up of the Regional Church Moderators and 6 members (including the 4 officers) elected by the Annual Meeting. The executive leaders of the National Church and the Regional Churches meet together regularly as the Executive Staff Group to ensure the good health of the church and its collective mission. This group also attends meetings of the National Board. National Shared Priorities A set of national shared priorities has been identified through the Future Directions Task Force Report and subsequent conversations. Some of these will be carried out by the National Church and some by the Regional Churches. There will be regular review through the National Board and Annual Meeting to adapt the shared priorities as needed. The currently identified priorities are: Canadian Witness and Relationships; International Witness and Relationships; Leadership Development; Higher Education; Support Services; Integrated Communication; Resources and Resource Sharing; Church Engagement; Executive Oversight, which includes national gatherings (including Congregation of Ministerial Leadership and study conferences). Financial Sharing Principles Beginning in 2018 all congregational giving for denominational structures will flow to the Regional Churches, which will forward a portion of those receipts to the National Church. In addition, the fundraising role will be located in the Regional Churches. The Interim Council and the Executive Staff Group are working with two different models for calculating Regional Church contributions to the National Church. These will be finalized well in advance of the Special Assembly. Strengthening of Regional Churches This approach to funding is meant to leave the Regional Churches with a larger share of the total financial resources across the Church and will enable the Regional Churches to better resource their congregations. Budget A budget for MC Canada will be completed once final financial numbers for 2016 are available. Outline of the By-Law With the new structure a new by-law will be needed. The by-law will be drafted and circulated in time to be passed by the Special Assembly in October. 31

32 Future Directions: Covenant THE COVENANT In 2008 a covenant was signed that governed the relationships among the Area Churches and MC Canada. The covenant clearly established a partnership of equals among the Area Churches and MC Canada. This covenant gave formal structure to these relationships and provided guidance for a number of issues in that relationship. In the proposed structure MC Canada does not have independent existence apart from the Regional Churches. Rather, MC Canada exists as a partnership among the Regional Churches. As such, the Covenant then becomes a covenant among the Regional Churches to work together as MC Canada to carry out the shared priorities and programmes that they have developed. The new covenant sets out the ways in which the Regional Churches agree to relate together to enable the smooth functioning of the entire system. The covenant does not actually create the legal structure for MC Canada. That is done by the by-laws and other legal documents. Rather the Covenant represents the promises made among the Regional Churches regarding their relationships. Mennonite Church Canada is a covenanted partnership among: Mennonite Church Alberta Mennonite Church British Columbia Mennonite Church Eastern Canada Mennonite Church Manitoba Mennonite Church Saskatchewan The overall mission of the partnership is shaped by Vision: Healing and Hope, the movement of the Holy Spirit, and Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective. 2. We understand this to mean that we: a. Keep Jesus at the center of our faith and to test our decisions against what it means to be faithful followers of Jesus; b. Rely on the Spirit to guide us in our discernment and to empower us to work together; c. Seek in all our work and decision making to strengthen congregations and Regional Churches to be communities of grace, joy, and peace; and, d. Assist congregations and Regional Churches to be agents of God s healing and hope in the world.

33 3. We covenant to: a. Uphold the vision, healing and hope statement; b. Strengthen a sense of Peoplehood; c. Bless and support each other s ministries as if they were our own and ensure the viability and strength of each Regional Church; d. Pray and discern and worship; e. Align ourselves to what God is doing in the world; f. Foster Anabaptist identity; g. Engage in Anabaptist witness locally and globally; h. Cherish our relationships with each other; i. Believe the best about each other; j. Identify national priorities through attention to the i) Needs identified by congregations ii) Needs identified in the Anabaptist global community; and, k. Share our resources to support these national priorities; l. Strengthen the diversity of our leadership bodies in the Regional Church and National Church structures, and to monitor the achievement of the diversity goals we set through policy. Review and Changes Any partner may call for a review of all or part of this covenant at any meeting of the Joint Board. This covenant will be reviewed in its entirety one year after it is first signed and every three years thereafter. Dated the day of, Mennonite Church Alberta Mennonite Church British Columbia Mennonite Church Eastern Canada Mennonite Church Manitoba Mennonite Church Saskatchewan 33

34 January 6, 2017 We recently entered our third year as CommonWord, a partnership between Mennonite Church Canada and Canadian Mennonite University that has created a unique library-store combination where persons across Canada can download, borrow, or buy Anabaptist and related resources. Since our inception in 2015, sales continue to grow. Loan items circulate within and outside our Mennonite community. Online interaction at and on Facebook is robust. Several highlights of 2016: Sales of two special Intotemak editions, Wrongs to Rights: How Churches Can Engage UNDRIP and Yours, Mine, Ours: Unravelling the Doctrine of Discovery, have been brisk, particularly within ecumenical circles. Help your congregation engage in several of the Truth and Reconciliation s Calls to Action by studying these resources. There are discounts for bulk orders. Over 600 curated resources for loan and download were added to our online catalogue. New improvements to our website, the addition of a video tutorial and other online search aids, make the catalogue even more intuitive to navigate. A new Worship Calendar and Adult Curriculum Guide can also connect you to our frequently requested worship and education resources. Subscribe to our newsletter, the Curator, or like us on Facebook, to join the conversation and receive recommended reading! We sold more titles online across Canada than ever before, doubling sales from last year. We provide all MennoMedia trade books for sale online, at discounted prices. We received dozens of original creations (worship services, studies, congregational processes) for free online distribution through our catalogue. Please send your Community Developed resource to info@commonword.ca. Others sell their published material through our venue. Recent titles from our constituency include Re-Imagining the Church by Robert J. Suderman, Peacemaking by Matt Balcarras, I Am Here by Kalyn Falk, Minister s Handbook of Reproductive Loss by Alicia Buhler. Individuals from 9 MCBC congregations borrowed 81 titles for personal reading and congregational resourcing. We have enjoyed the conversations with many of you thank you for your queries, questions and support! Come join the unique activity at CommonWord. Where else can you buy a book, borrow a DVD, purchase fair-trade coffee (in store), download a podcast, air your own query about faith or congregational practice resources, and share your own sermon? We re thankful for your continued support and look forward to being in touch with you. We wish you God s blessing in Sincerely, Arlyn Friesen Epp CommonWord, Resource 34

35 Canadian Mennonite report for the MCBC Annual Delegate Sessions, February, 2016 Dear MCBC delegates: In the 80 stories we carried on your area church s activities and witness this past year, it reflects a church mindful of its mission and place in a post-christendom environment. The year began with a symposium at Trinity Western University on War, Peace and Struggle for Shalom. Faculty members from Columbia Bible College and Conrad Grebel University College addressed the subject with Derek Suderman from Grebel noting that out of the four types of psalms in the Bible hymn, confession, thanksgiving and lament the psalms of lament number almost one third but are often overlooked. Early in the year, too, many local Mennonites joined others in a protest of an Abbotsford city council ruling that rejected a proposal to set aside land for a 20-suite housing unit for homeless men and those at risk of homelessness because it would have negative effect on nearby businesses. The rejection was also opposed by city councilmen Dave Loewen and Les Barkman. Another big event for Abbotsford was the opening of the Mennonite Heritage Museum, fulfilling the long-time aspiration of Peter Redekop, president of the Mennonite Museum Society, who as a youngster immigrated to Canada with his family from Europe following World War II. On a rainy day in June, a group of walkers made a three-kilometer trek in support of World Refugee Day a day to commemorate the hope, resilience and strength of the 60 million refugees around the world. In a special edition on mental health in May, Angelika Dawson shared her struggle with anxiety, telling a gripping story of her long road back after losing three babies, getting counseling and helping her reimagine God who loves me deeply. In August, members of the of the Mennonite Girls Can Cook blog group launched their latest book at the Mennonite Heritage Museum: Bread for the Journey: Meditations and Recipes to Nourish the Soul, a book that focuses more heavily on devotional meditations, prayers and stories, along with recipes. On a more somber note, some 11 churches took issue with the Being a Faithful Church 7 resolution passed at Assembly in Saskatoon, and made a plea for Mennonite Church British Columbia to withdraw from MC Canada on the basis of allowing space for persons approving of same-sex marriage. This is just a snapshot of activities this past year. I encourage you to pass on your story ideas to Amy Dueckman, Canadian Mennonite s B.C. staff correspondent (at ) in Abbotsford or bc@canadianmennonite.org) or your feedback on the magazine to Linda Matties,, local director on our board, or Harry Krause, CMPS chair, representing MC Canada, or to me. The magazine reaches across the country to over 11,000 Mennonite homes, 24 times a year. Dick Benner, Editor and Publisher, Canadian Mennonite 35

36 COLUMBIA HIGHLIGHTS: LEARNING FOR KINGDOM IMPACT I have always been impressed by Christ-followers who live out their faith in their day-to-day lives with passion and commitment. They recognize that their place of employment provides them with an opportunity to serve as God s agents of hope, creativity, and reconciliation. At Columbia, our mission is to equip people for a life of discipleship, ministry, and leadership in service to the church and community. Lately, I ve received questions as to why we are offering programs that are designed to lead to careers other than traditional church ministry positions. The answer is simple. Based on a solid biblical foundation, we want our graduates to follow Christ into all areas of life so that they can impact the world for his kingdom. Providing programming that will enable our graduates to put their faith into practice on a daily basis is perfectly in synch with why Columbia was established. We are seeking to make disciples of Jesus who will put his words into practice in their homes, jobs and communities in every moment and in every place. It is an exciting time to learn and grow at Columbia! ENROLLMENT UPDATE STUDENTS FALL 2016 FALL 2015 FALL 2014 New Continuing Casual TOTAL UFV 2+2 AGREEMENT We signed a 2+2 Block Transfer agreement with University of the Fraser Valley. Graduates of Columbia's new Diploma in General Studies are eligible to transfer directly to Year 3 of UFV's Bachelor of General Studies program. ACCREDITATION Bryan Born, President TRAVELLING MINISTRY TEAM As usual, it was a TMT highlight to serve and lead worship at MCBC congregations: Eden Mennonite Church in Chilliwack, Level Ground Mennonite Church in Abbotsford, and Sherbrooke Mennonite Church in Vancouver. We submitted all required documents to the Association for Biblical Higher Education for our re-accreditation, and await our final evaluation. WE WELCOMED A NEW FACULTY MEMBER JESSE NICKEL Biblical Studies Faculty 36

37 STRATEGIC PRIORITIES: Building a thriving, Christ-centered College that embodies God's Kingdom vision and develops mature Christ-followers KEY GOALS: Implement cost-of-living wage increases for all staff & faculty. Make plans for needed building upgrades and a new Teaching Centre. Rebuild enrollment by adding relevant new programs, enhancing financial aid, and improving accessibility. Foster an ethos of personal discipleship among staff and faculty. Maintain our commitment to Bible college education that emphasizes spiritual and character growth, even as it equips young men and women to pursue their chosen vocations with excellence. Develop new programs that integrate faith formation with practical career training for the marketplace. WE TRAINED & COMMISSIONED TOP-QUALITY STUDENT LEADERS WE DEVELOPED NEW PROGRAMS! DIPLOMA IN GENERAL STUDIES This program is designed to provide a foundation in spiritual formation, biblical studies and the humanities. Graduates are eligible for our transfer with UFV. Launched Fall DIPLOMA IN APPLIED LEADERSHIP Focused on equipping students with leadership skills for ministry and the marketplace. Students may enter in Year 1, or after completing a one-year certificate. Launching Fall DIPLOMA IN SOCIAL ENTERPRISE & BUSINESS Provides students with a Christ-centered perspective on business and equips them with core business skills and concepts, including accounting, marketing, non-profit management, and macroeconomics. Launching Fall THANK YOU TO MCBC! We're so grateful for MCBC's faithful and generous investment in Columbia Bible College. Many thanks for your gift of $125,000 in 2016! We're also thankful for the dedicated service of MCBC representatives on our Board of Directors: Richard Thiessen (board chair), Curtis McHale, and Aaron Roorda, with special thanks to Matt Wolgram, who is stepping down this year. EMERGENCY RESCUE TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATE Aims to develop Christ-centered character and worldview along with the hard and soft skills to prepare grads to pursue careers in the emergency services. Launching Fall

38 CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY Report from Canadian Mennonite University CMU is entrusted with its mission by the church, formally by the collaboration of Mennonite Church Canada and Mennonite Brethren peoples and extended through a wide ecumenical range of congregations who find resonance with Anabaptist commitments of faith and life Enrolment 637 students (75% Manitoba; 25% other provinces; includes 64 International students from 22 countries) 530 Undergraduate 50 Graduate 57 Outtatown Believers Church Bible Commentary CMU Bible and Theology faculty contribute significantly to the Believers Church Bible Commentary series. Dr. Gordon Matties chairs the Editorial Council for this series, and the following CMU professors have or will publish Commentaries. Exodus - Dr. Waldemar Janzen Deuteronomy - Dr. Gerald Gerbrandt Joshua - Dr. Gordon Matties Dr. Katharine Hayhoe CMU Scientist in Residence Renowned climate scientist, Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, served as CMU s Scientist in Residence in February Hayhoe is Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science and director of the Climate Science Center at Texas Tech University, and serves in the South-Central Climate Science Center. Her research focuses on assessing the regional to local-scale impacts of climate change on human systems and the natural environment. In 2014 Time magazine named Dr. Hayhoe as among 100 Most Influential People (calling her an environmental evangelist ). Dr. Hayhoe reflected on faith and science in chapels and forums, engaged students in classes and presented an interactive public lecture % Mennonite (MC, MB, EMC...) 42% Ecumenically Diverse (Baptist and Pentecostal to Catholic and Orthodox) 15% Disclose no church connection Menno Simons College (CMU Extension Program at U Winnipeg) 260 FTE 2 Corinthians - Dr. George Shillington Philippians -Dr. Gordon Zerbe (Fall 16) Upcoming James Dr. Sheila Klassen Wiebe Micah Dr. Dan Epp-Tiessen

39 ACADEMICS AND VOCATION CMU education is about vocation, the bringing together of student passions, convictions, faith and career paths together with the needs and opportunities of church and society. At the core of CMU s work are academic studies linking Biblical and Theological Studies with 16 different BA majors in Arts (English, History, Psychology, Geography ), Biblical and Theological Studies, Environmental Science, Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics), Business, Communications & Media, Music and Music Therapy, International Development, Peace and Conflict Studies as students move towards lives of service and leadership in medicine, farming, law, church ministry, business and more. Within their studies CMU s integration of significant community life and cocurricular opportunities (including chapel program, fellowship groups, Athletics ) nurture students in an imagination for the church. They are engaged in multiple ways in local congregations as they embody a vision for what the church is called to be into the future. Spring Short Courses: Consider taking a 1 week, spring intensive course! Go to: cmu.ca to explore a range of a stimulating array of options. Environmental Studies major CMU has launched a new BA major in Environmental Studies, equipping students with the tools to cross boundaries of science, social science, and the humanities as we face complex global realities. Courses are taught by faculty from Biology, Chemistry, Philosophy, Natural Resources Management, International Development Studies, Political Studies, and other Social Sciences. Church Matching Grant Undergraduate, Outtatown, and Graduate students attending CMU who receive financial support from their congregation can have that support matched by CMU up to $250 per semester to a maximum of $500 per year. Encourage and support students from your congregation to consider Christian University Education at CMU through your congregation s financial support. Your investment of $500 doubles for each student when it is matched by CMU! RESOURCING PASTORS FOR MINISTRY ReNew and Face2Face The February, ReNew: Resourcing Pastors for Ministry conference focused on Opening our Maps: Becoming Global Congregations, with keynote speaker Dr. Jonathan Bonk. The conference included a Face2Face community conversation involving persons from Jewish, Muslim and Christian traditions (those who share faith roots within an ancient Abrahamic tent even as they are highly divergent), sitting with one another under a temporary canopy for conversation. Centre for Faith and Life CMU has launched a Centre for Faith and Life as a means of linking individuals, congregations and ecumenically diverse constituencies with the university s unique, nonformal, church engagement and resourcing initiatives. Check out: cmu.ca/cfl to see where you or your congregation might want to connect. Centre for Ecological and Economic Resilience CMU has created a Centre for Ecological and Economic Resilience to bring together social enterprises committed to ecological and economic health and well-being. The Centre (to occupy 6,000 square feet of presently undeveloped space on the fourth floor of Founders Hall) will enable social enterprises to extend their work through partnership with the education, research and service of CMU. James Magnus-Johnston, CMU Instructor of Political Studies and Economics, is Director of the Centre. Indigenous Education Alongside the church, CMU remains active in responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action. In addition to teaching a number of indigenous courses, CMU continues to partner with Peguis First Nation in a one-year Transition Program aimed to support Peguis students transitioning from reserve to city and from high school to post-secondary study. 39

40 Report to Mennonite Church British Columbia Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary: Sara Wenger Shenk, president Area Church Connections AMBS Board: Gerda Krause of Vancouver, BC, is a member of the AMBS board of directors. Student: Ian Funk of Langley Mennonite Fellowship is a student in the MDiv Connect program. This year at AMBS Graduates: Eighteen students graduated from AMBS in May Nine graduates earned the Master of Divinity degree, a three-year program of study for leadership in the church. Three earned the Master of Arts: Theological Studies; two the Master of Arts: Peace Studies and one the Master of Arts in Christian Formation. Three students received a Certificate in Theological Studies, representing one year of study. Schedule a visit! Those interested in learning more about attending AMBS are invited to attend a Preview Day in the spring or fall, or schedule a personal visit on another date. Meet students and professors in person, attend classes, join us in worship and get first-hand information about financial aid and scholarships. Explore how we educate leaders for God s reconciling mission! ambs.edu/admissions/visit MDiv Connect: MDiv Connect is a distance program that combines online and hybrid courses. With this program of study, the best of what AMBS offers comes to the student wherever he or she is. Two annual weeklong visits to campus provide opportunities for formation and vocational discernment and integrate students into the AMBS community. The program is designed for people who are not able to move to Elkhart for ministry and theological study, people transitioning into ministry or who want to deepen their understanding of how they can contribute where they are, and people who want to develop leadership abilities with a Christian perspective for their current vocations leadership that reflects the Anabaptist tradition. ambs.edu/mdivconnect Lifelong Learning: The AMBS Church Leadership Center offers many opportunities for non-degree learning, including webinars, workshops, online Anabaptist short courses, the Missional Leadership Development distance education program, Pastors Week, Leadership Clinics and more. ambs.edu/lifelong-learning Pastors Week: Participants in the 2017 event, held Jan , focused on Cultivating Intercultural Leadership for Diversity-Oriented Churches. See the coverage: ambs.edu/pastorsweek Rooted and Grounded: A Conference on Land and Christian Discipleship: Join us April 20 22, 2017! ambs.edu/rootedandgrounded We thank God for your support and ask for your prayers as we prepare leaders for the church through programs that are biblically, spiritually, ethically and theologically grounded. Rooted in the Word, Growing in Christ 40 March Benham Avenue, Elkhart, IN ambs.edu

41 Abundance Canada Report for MC British Columbia 12/2016 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. 1 John 4:7 In a book about the positive impact of generosity on the giver, the authors write, generosity is ultimately an expression of love For more than four decades, Abundance Canada has been assisting people with expressing their love by planning for generosity during their lifetimes and at the end of life. Abundance Canada is grateful for the continual strong relationships with congregations that form Mennonite Church British Columbia. We are always open to invitations to explore with you biblical generosity as an expression of love. A New Name! In October 2016, Mennonite Foundation of Canada became Abundance Canada. This decision was made after an 18-month research process that analyzed the market, held conversations with clients and potential clients, and gathered input from a sample of the Christian population across Canada. Abundance Canada inspires thoughts of God s abundance, speaks to people of sharing God s abundance with those in need, and it more accurately reflects our service, our ministry and our spirit of generosity. Because generosity changes everything 2015 Highlights $16.7 M distributed to Canadian Charities 886 charities supported using Abundance Canada services $10.23 M donations of stocks, bonds and mutual funds Abundance Canada Gift Planning Consultants Abundance Canada Offers: Brad Friesen Kevin Davidson Peter Dryden Generosity planning for individuals and congregations Lifetime giving plans Family foundation options End of life generosity plans Values-based fund management for congregations Inspiring presentations for living generously with gifts from God Marlow Gingerich Sherri Grosz Harold Penner As each has received a gift, employ it for one another as good stewards of God s varied grace. 1 Peter 4:10 Mike Strathdee Dori Zerbe Cornelsen abundance.ca 41

42 SHARING THE JOURNEY Submitted by Karyn Santiago Chief Executive Officer May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you ~Psalm 33:22. This year we chose Sharing the Journey as our theme for the 2016 Communitas AGM. Reflecting on 40+ years of service to people of all abilities, it still feels incredible that an organization with 450 employees and 50 unique programs emerged from a small group of parents who were concerned about the future of their children. As I consider the humble beginnings of Communitas, it reminds me of God s unfailing love for His people. Communitas continues to honour our faith-based roots in the Mennonite tradition and the dreams of a few committed parents who stepped out in faith. As we have journeyed through four decades, an increasingly diverse group of individuals and families have shared the journey with us and the supports we offer are now a broad reflection of the communities we serve. Our employees are also a reflection of this diversity as our staff member lists represent over 60 countries of origin 42

43 Sharing the Journey has helped shape our Strategic Goals and we have embarked on several new initiatives. This past year we opened four new residential supports for children in Campbell River and developed a strong, positive relationship with child and youth services in the community. In the Fraser Valley, our focus has been on expanding children s services through Matthew s House and other emerging resources. It has been our privilege to walk alongside families who face some challenging journeys of their own. As I think about Matthew s House, I reflect on the fact that we are entering our fourth year of service. Over 50,000 hours of love and support have been offered to families in the Lower Mainland. The Province of BC, in recognizing our good work, provided Matthew s House with a gift of $500,000 this year. Again, we are truly grateful for our partners and their willingness to journey with us has been an exciting year for Communitas Social Enterprises (CSE). We transformed our training model into an employment model for people of all abilities. At the same time, we began experimenting with new ideas for training and employment through initiatives like CommCREW, co-hosting a city-wide employment symposium, and expanding job placements for individuals with diverse-abilities. In June, 2016 Communitas purchased a new warehouse in anticipation of CSE expansion and we look forward to that opening in early spring I am ever grateful for the board members of Communitas and Supportive Care Holding Society. They have provided ongoing vision for the organization and for the development of new and expanding services offered by Communitas. They have traveled to places like Campbell River, Courtney and Kelowna to engage first-hand with the work and the staff outside the Fraser Valley and their support has been unwavering. As we look ahead to the next leg of our journey, several events await us: re-accreditation, new services being developed for Abbotsford and new people to welcome into Communitas. As an operational team, we are excited for the unknown paths that lie ahead and for the opportunity to share our journey with others. We invite you to join us on the way. Pray for us. Volunteer with us. Come explore these new trails with us. To find out more you can visit us at CommunitasCare.com, Like Us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter. We look forward to seeing you soon. In His Grace, Karyn Santiago Chief Executive Officer of Communitas To learn more about Communitas Supportive Care Society, visit Karyn Santiago is the Chief Executive Officer of Communitas 43

44 MCC BC 2017 Report To Mennonite Church BC A Message From the Executive Director Mennonite Central Committee s (MCC) mission is to provide relief, development, and peace in the name of Christ. Almost 100 years ago MCC got its start when Mennonites in North America helped refugees in war-torn Ukraine. Providing access to clean water, food, and livelihoods for uprooted and vulnerable people is part of our history and part of our on-going work. Jesus himself was a refugee as an infant when he and his parents escaped to Egypt in the middle of the night, and Isaiah 58 reminds us of our calling to loose the chains of injustice and to help the poor wanderer. We are living in a time in which the worldwide number of people displaced from their homes due to wars, conflict, and persecution is the largest ever recorded approximately 60 million people, or almost twice the population of Canada. This includes those who have fled their country as well as those who are Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice... to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter Isaiah 58:6-7 displaced within their own country. Syria, a country with a population of 18 million, now has 11.5 million displaced, including 4.8 million who have left the country. One of the largest humanitarian catastrophes in human history has become the single largest disaster response in MCC history. To date, MCC has provided more than $41 million US ($54 million Cdn) for this crisis, which includes basic necessities for those who have fled with only the things they could carry. Our focus now is to work with the church in Syria to assist those still in Syria and in neighbouring Lebanon and Jordan. But we are also experiencing a significant increase in our refugee sponsorship program. Normally we sponsor 20 refugee cases a year. In the past year MCC BC has submitted refugee sponsorship applications for 337 individuals, of which 250 refugees have arrived. We are pleased to be working with 10 Mennonite Conference churches in BC who are assisting with refugee sponsorship. It has been encouraging and humbling to see how many churches have stepped forward to sponsor a refugee family. While the refugee crisis is a massive effort for us, we continue to do relief, development, and peace in 60 countries around the world while also working to meet the needs of people in our own communities here in BC. Thank you for partnering with us. We deeply appreciate your prayers, time, and resources to sustain this ministry. MCC is providing support to hundreds of refugee families in Jordan and Lebanon. In this photo from Lebanon, 5 families with 13 children share a small apartment. Each family was given an MCC blanket. Wayne Bremner Executive Director MCC British Columbia Gladys Avenue, Abbotsford, BC V2S 2E8 Relief, development and peace in the name of Christ 44

45 Service Worker Highlight Charlotte Siemens MCC Iraq, Short-term ESL Teacher As part of a deferred leave from her job with the Abbotsford school district, Charlotte Siemens spent almost five months in Kurdistan, Iraq, teaching English to faculty at the Mar Qardakh School in the community of Ankawa. For five years, MCC has provided short-term summer instructors to the Chaldean Church school, for the purpose of enhancing English proficiency of the teachers. (The school provides instruction in English.) At the invitation of the school, Charlotte also returned for two months to assist with a reading program for students. In addition to teaching, the summer teachers also Prayer Requests For the families who are still displaced and wondering if they will ever return home. For those courageous people working for peace in the midst of war. get to interact with displaced people who have come to Ankawa fleeing the violence of Daesh (ISIS) in the Nineveh Plains. Charlotte described a visit to a family that had fled from the Nineveh Plain almost 2 years ago: For this particular family, it was the second time they had to leave their home due to political unrest the first fleeing from Baghdad in the 1990 s, and then again in There were 70 people living in a 3-storey house, and this family occupied two rooms. The nooks and crannies were filled with kitchen utensils, hot plates and ovens. You soon learned that hospitality is not about large homes and ample table space. A table was rolled into the bedroom/living area and we all gathered around. There were not enough plates, so I shared my plate with another. After the meal, these words were spoken: Ala Kareem (God is gracious!) We experienced warmth, incredible generosity and a fabulous meal. Charlotte Siemens, sharing a meal in Iraq. MCC BC Service Workers connected with Mennonite Churches in BC in 2016: Anna Vogt MCC Latin America and Caribbean, Context Analyst/Advocacy Support Worker - Langley Mennonite Fellowship, Langley Soraya Canales Galdamez Summerbridge Program, and Community and Spiritual Resource Person - First United Spanish Mennonite Church, Vancouver Monica Mellado Jerezano Community and Spiritual Resource Person, First United Spanish Mennonite Church, Vancouver Charlotte Siemens MCC Iraq, Short-term ESL Teacher - Emmanuel Mennonite Church, Abbotsford MCC British Columbia Gladys Avenue, Abbotsford, BC V2S 2E8 Relief, development and peace in the name of Christ 45

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48 2017 REPORT to Mennonite Church BC 48 Mennonite Men is a men s organization that seeks to provide an Anabaptist perspective on manhood that speaks to current issues. The priorities of Mennonite Men are three fold: To help men develop fellowship groups. We would like to hear about how men gather in your congregation. Please contact us at mm@mennonitemen.org to report on the activities of your local men s group. To develop spiritual resources for men. A new book on men s identity and issues edited by Don Neufeld and supported by Mennonite Men is in the works. And, a previous book on men s spirituality authored by Gareth Brandt titled Under Construction, made possible through the support of Mennonite Men, is being translated into Spanish. It is available from MennoMedia. To raise funds to help young congregations build or purchase their first meeting house through the JoinHands Church Grant Program. Since 1985, JoinHands, the service component of Mennonite Men, has given more than US $1.8 million to 68 congregations. Recent grant recipients include: Nations Worship Center: Philadelphia Pennsylvania, received a grant of US $40,000. This church was founded in The grant was presented at the Fall Franconia Conference delegate meeting in November and will be used for renovations on a former catering hall located in a historic Italian neighborhood on the border of a growing Indonesian community. West Hills Mennonite Fellowship: Baden Ontario, was given a US $40,000 grant in December. Their new facility, on an acre of property, is a large, decaying, abandoned commercial building on the main street in downtown Baden. It seems the perfect facility for worship. The church will broaden the activity of God in Baden by its presence as a facility for public use. A tithe of all donations received is put aside to help congregations overseas acquire their first meeting place. In Canada it is distributed by Mennonite Church Canada, Witness; and in the US, the Mennonite Mission Network distributes this money. Congregations receiving these grants span the globe. Mennonite Men enlists individuals and groups willing to contribute $100 or more twice a year to support JoinHands Church Grants. Grants are given to new congregations building or buying their first meeting house.

49 Mennonite Men Welcomes New Coordinator The Mennonite Men Board of Directors is pleased to announce Steve Thomas of Goshen, Indiana, as their new Coordinator. Steve brings extensive experience in ministering to men and has served at numerous Mennonite congregations as a pastor. Thomas is a graduate of Hesston College, Goshen College and the Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary. We are excited about having Steve Thomas join us as Coordinator and look forward to serving the men of our denomination with him, says Lonnie Bartel, Mennonite Men s board president. Thomas began his work with Mennonite Men November 1 st, Don Yoder, coordinator for Mennonite Men USA since 2010, retired from his position during the summer of Hans Peters began his role as Canadian national coordinator in December 2014 and works out of his home office in Kitchener, Ontario. A board of twelve regionally chosen members meets annually to manage the work of Mennonite Men, a jointly owned ministry of Mennonite Church Canada and Mennonite Church USA. Your JoinHands coordinator in MCBC is Clarence Yip; clarenceyip@telus.net. Check our website for information and resources. Hans Peters, Canadian National Coordinator for Mennonite Men, 2017 (519) or hpeters@mennonitechurch.ca 49

50 MDS Report to Canadian Churches for 2016 Prepared by Ross Penner Director of Canadian Operations Region V (Canada) 6A-1325 Markham Rd Winnipeg MB R3T 4J6 Toll Free: (866) The desert and the parched land will be glad. The wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus it will burst into bloom. It will greatly shout for joy! Isaiah This verse from Isaiah was the theme for Mennonite Disaster Service 2016 annual gathering. This picture is a real life experience of a blossom in a wilderness. The peony plant in this picture is in the front garden bed of what was a Fort McMurray house. It is blooming a month after the city was ravaged by fire in early May of this year. This last year s #1 Canadian disaster was the Fort McMurray fire. Called The Beast, the fire began on May 1, after the driest and second warmest winter since records were kept in Fort Mac (72 years). On May 3 it raged through the city prompting a complete evacuation of its 80,000+ residents. Over 2400 structures were destroyed. The MDS constituency has been generous in giving for Fort McMurray. We are particularly thankful for an $80,000 MAX Mutual Aid grant that will help restore hope in Fort McMurray. We expect to begin our construction work early this spring, helping those who were uninsured and underinsured rebuild their homes and their hope. Please watch for our call out to volunteers to help us this coming year. Other highlights from MDS Canada 2016 year include: The BC Unit partnered with Habitat for Humanity to rebuild a house destroyed in the Rock Creek fire. The Alberta Unit took on a project in Carmacks, Yukon rebuilding a house destroyed there. Ontario responded to an invitation from MCC Ontario to run a temporary warehouse in Elmira, ON to distribute used furniture to Syrian Refugees. The also did some work in response to flooding in Windsor. Manitoba, Ontario and BC hosted MDS Family and Youth projects This year we will, Have a summer Family Project in New Brunswick (our first in Atlantic Canada) Have summer Youth Project in Ontario. Launch a multi-home build project for Fort McMurray. We continue to keep our center as a grass roots movement of people like you; people who make up the Mennonite and Anabaptist communities who want to live out their faith in practical ways. Thank you for the chance to work with you to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God! 50

51 Being a Faithful Church 7 (BFC7) Recommendation Approved by the 2016 Mennonite Church Canada Assembly Delegates in Saskatoon One of our foundations of unity has been the Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective. We recommend that it continue to serve the church in the ways suggested in the Introduction of the Confession itself. We call upon our family of Christ to respectfully acknowledge that there are those among us (congregations and individuals) whose careful study of Scripture and prayerful journey of discernment lead them to a different understanding on committed same-sex relationships than is commonly understood by readings of Article 19 in our Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective. We recommend that we create space/leave room within our Body to test alternative understandings from that of the larger Body to see if they are a nudging of the Spirit of God. Since continued discernment will be required after Assembly 2016, we recommend that Mennonite Church Canada and Area Churches develop ways to hear one another around the implementation of this recommendation. 51

52 Mennonite Church British Columbia (MCBC) Annual General Meeting (AGM) Minutes February 27, 2016 at Level Ground Mennonite Church (LGMC) Began at 9:00 AM 164 People in Attendance at the AGM Guests: 31; Delegates: 129; Staff of MCBC: 4 1) Acknowledgement of the Territory We acknowledge that we are on unceded Coast Salish territory of the Sto:lo peoples in Abbotsford of the Matsqui and Sumas First Nations and are thankful to be allowed to be on their territory. 2) Welcome -- Karen Heidebrecht Thiessen (Pastor of LGMC), Vice-Moderator Welcome to Level Ground Mennonite Church The Lunch provided is a fundraiser which is hosted by the LGMC youth. The youth are raising funds to go to the Okanagan Gleaners this summer, Thank you to Gerald Thiessen for making the lunch and to the youth for serving and cleaning up. 3) Welcome and Introduction of Guests -- Lee Dyck, Moderator Welcome everyone to the MCBC AGM. The sessions were Declared open, and the sessions will be recorded. A special welcome to: Betty Pries our Key Note Speaker. She is the Executive Director, Coach and Consultant at ARC Ministries Pastor Khahn Tran and his wife, Loan Dinh visiting from Cambodia Ken Hawkley Associate Director of Development at the Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS) Cheryl Pauls President of Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) Bryan Born, President of Columbia Bible College (CBC) Kurtis Kube, Development Office at CBC Erv Klassen, Registrar at CBC Karyn Santiago, Chief Executive Office at Communitas Supportive Care Society Sharon Simpson, Director, Communications and Stake Holder Engagement at Menno Place Wayne Bremner, Executive Director of Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Arnie Friesen, Stewardship Consultant serving BC at Mennonite Foundation of Canada Daniel Horne, Director, Partnership Development, British Columbia and Alberta at Mennonite Church Canada (MC Canada) Willard Metzger, Executive Director of MC Canada Lee read the Great Connector Congregational Prayer written by Carol Penner The prayer is available on Carol Penner's website: 4) Welcome to New Pastors, Youth Workers and Interim Pastors -- Garry Janzen, Executive Minister The names are listed on Page 11 of your AGM report book. 5) Worship -- Pastor Robin Mauthe, Kendra Giesbrecht, Caio Unruh (LGMC) 'I Sing the Mighty Power of God' 'Jesus Hope of the Nations' 6) Assignment of Parliamentarian and Canvassers (Canvasser is the person who Counts the Ballots) Parliamentarian -- Richard Thiessen (LGMC) Canvassers -- Fred Brauer (LGMC) and John Goossen (First United Mennonite Church) 7) Moderator's Report -- Lee Dyck Excited about the things happening around the province. Please remember to send your church's news to Aften Thiessen so she can publish it and send it to the other churches in the province. We want to stay connected and enjoy each other's news and events. Page1 52

53 8) Executive Report -- Garry Janzen The MCBC Themes are: Anabaptist Identity -- we just completed this theme in 2015 our themes build on each other so each theme will be woven into part of the other themes Reconciliation / Missional Engagement is our theme for Community will be the theme in 2017 Tithing -- as we experience change in the conference and our churches, it is really important that you continue to give regularly. Ask yourself a few questions: What does it mean to tithe? What is God doing in my life and how does my tithing reflect God's work in my life? 9) Celebration of Surrey Japanese Mennonite Church A Litany of Thanksgiving L: Great and numerous are the kindnesses that the Lord has extended to us; for each of these things we offer thanks and our humble gratitude, C: Anyone of these would have been sufficient to show God s love for us. L: God has called us by name and made of us the people of God, C: For this we are grateful! L: God has built this congregation called Surrey Japanese Mennonite Church and empowered it for 25 years of ministry, C: For this we are grateful! L: God gave Surrey Mennonite Church pastors and teachers, parents and leaders who spoke God s word with spirit and compassion, C: For this we are grateful! L: God gave Surrey Mennonite Church the very gifts they needed gifts to care for the house of God, gifts to care for the people of God, C: For this we are grateful! L: God gave the people of Surrey Mennonite Church each other to love, to serve, to share fellowship and eat together, to eat the bread and drink the cup of communion together, to comfort and sustain in the spirit of Christ, C: For this we are grateful. L: How great and numerous are the kindnesses that the Lord has shown us in giving us Surrey Japanese Mennonite Church, and that we together have become the people of God! For all these gifts, we gladly say: ALL: Thanks be to God! 10) Presentation and Motion #11 -- Northgate Anabaptist Fellowship Motion #11 The Mennonite Church BC Leadership Board received an application for membership from Northgate MB Church in Dawson Creek, BC on July 7, After appropriate conversation and discernment, the MCBC Leadership Board, at its November 30, 2015 meeting, recommended that Northgate MB Church be accepted as a member congregation into the Mennonite Church BC Church family. The Leadership Board therefore moves, as a special resolution, that Northgate Anabaptist Fellowship be welcomed by the delegates at the Annual Meeting on February 27, 2016 as a member congregation of Mennonite Church British Columbia. Moved: Lee Dyck, Moderator Seconded: Steve Unger, Cedar Valley 117 Votes Cast by Ballot: Yes; 2 -- No ACCEPTED BY MAJORITY Page2 53

54 10) Presentation and Motion #11 continued Garry has been in communication with the Mennonite Brethren Conference (MB Conference) during the whole process of Northgate applying for membership at MCBC. The MB Conference have given their blessing to Northgate Church and MCBC as we start a new chapter in the history of the church. The MB Conference owns the building which Northgate meets in and Northgate will continue to rent the building from the MB Conference. Wayne Plenert, Ernie & Eileen Klassen are here from Dawson Creek. Wayne Plenert spoke on behalf of Northgate Northgate Mennonite Brethren Church began in1962 as an Outreach Program in Dawson Creek from a church in Prince George. During our existence, we have had many major cycles of growth and collapse as Dawson Creek's economy ebbs and flows. We looked at MCBC and felt very excited about the direction and Anabaptist theology of MCBC. At this time three families meet together for worship, however, the economy is fluctuating so we don't know what will happen. Sundays: We use the Mennonite Church Canada's themes for Sunday mornings. Every November we bring Ten Thousand Villages into the church and it is a community event. We are grateful for the support from Garry on behalf of MCBC and are excited to see where God leads us on our Anabaptist Journey Discussion: -- No discussion, a round of applause as a welcome to Northgate Anabaptist Fellowship. 11) Plenary Session #1 -- Leadership in a Broken World: Walking in God's Mission of Reconciliation Betty Pries our Keynote Speaker A Message from 1 Corinthians 13 talks to: A community with challenging values: religiously and economically A congregation rife with conflict: Who will we follow? Who is better? 2 Corinthians 5: take the message of reconciliation everywhere Betty invited the following people to tell their stories of reconciliation. Story #1 -- Garry Janzen (Executive Minister of MCBC) Invited Ruth Adams to attend their daughter's wedding and give a Sto:lo blessing. Both Ruth and their family were blessed by this invitation. Story #2 -- Pastor Khanh Tran from Cambodia with interpreter, Nhien Pham Became a member of MCBC in June 2014 Pastor Khanh and his wife Loan Dinh, live in Phnom Penh, Cambodia and have three (3) children. Thank you for inviting them to be a part of MCBC Pastor Khanh joined the ministry in 2008 and the first three (3) years the church experienced difficulties Praise the Lord that in 2011 Mennonite Church Canada helped them buy property and build a church 2014 the church purchased another piece of land 300 km from Phnom Penh. They built a new church on that property and it opened in 2015 Some of the people are illiterate and poor. So the church helps by teaching the children to read, teaching the adults their language, giving the people food to eat such as rice, and if we can we give them a church cow. They introduce good, healthy activities for the youth so that they stay away from crime. They have Bible study and prayer every night at the church. Story #3 -- Henry Krause (Langley Mennonite Fellowship) Message of Reconciliation: One small step LMF took was to acknowledge that they are on Sto:lo Kwantlen land and are grateful to their First Nations hosts on LMF's website. Walking along side Kwantlen First Nation when they did their walk regarding the pipeline. Story #4 -- Barry Lesser (Yarrow United Mennonite Church) After taking the FORGE course with Karen Wilkes, What can I do to be a witness to our neighbours? Our church felt that we needed to build relationships. Even a pot of soup and a bag of buns can open doors to reconciliation -- ask Barry to tell you the story. Page3 54

55 11) Plenary Session #1 with Betty Pries continued Table Discussion As you reflect on what you have heard What insights, wisdoms and reflections emerge for you with respect to what you have heard from our storytellers? How is your congregation engaged in ministries of reconciliation internally (with those in your church) and externally (with those outside of your church)? To what contexts of reconciliation do you see the church being called (whether the church is doing this today or not!)? Discussion: We believe in a gospel of compelling rather than control What is the definition of reconciliation? Simply going beyond the chasm of us and them -- it is a journey taking small steps, taking the first move, meeting the people in their comfort zone -- Jesus loves us, let us love others 12) Plenary Session #2 -- Future Directions Task Force (FDTF) Motion Questions for Clarification for the Table Discussion Willard Metzger, April Yamasaki and Garry Janzen Has the Mennonite Church Canada Executive staff met to see about including the Territories and First Nations people in Mennonite Church Canada and what might this look like? Yes, we have identified Indigenous relations as a national priority facilitating conversations with different regions are part of the National and Area Churches working together. The new model is for Area Churches to get together 4 times a year to make the National Church. This National Church working together would call all of us to work in all areas. In what way is the proposed structure different from what we have now? o The New Structure invites congregations to engage more closely with the work of the larger church, and for the larger church to engage more closely with congregations. Details need to be worked out, we will need to work together Strong regional churches that own the national identity. o How will this covenant affect Area Only churches? o The membership is with your Area Churches, however, the Area Churches will be part of the National Body (They will be part of a Covenant). o Area only church could be given the avenue of not being part of the National covenant -- this detail has not been worked out. o Alternative models to congregations -- we have very different models of church in terms of structure, o Being a church where you are at (small house church, medium sized, or large), rather than onesize fits all model o What about the potential of a province helping another province? o One idea would be to have a National staff person live in the Area that needs extra assistance and work on leadership development. o In 2017, the Budget will be combined and all your money goes to MCBC o What are the next steps in discerning our way forward in regard to Motion #1? o The details will be worked out in the future but we approve in theory. o A transition team will be comprised of Area churches members and the National Team members. o It will be a Two (2) year process to implement. o o The Transition Team would need to work out details and things will be done differently. MCBC is the first Area Church to meet to discuss the Future Directions Task Force Motion. Each of the other Area Churches will meet to discuss this document. Page4 55

56 13) Nominations and Resolutions -- Karen Heidebrecht Thiessen, Vice Moderator To the Camp Squeah list, please add Nick Brauer (LGMC) and Orlando Unruh (LGMC) -- each for a three (3) year term. If you wish to nominate someone for a committee, you will need to get permission from that person prior to submitting the name. You must give either Lee Dyck or Karen Heidebrecht Thiessen the names by 1:00 PM. If no further nominations are provided, the committees would continue to work toward filling the remaining vacancies 14) Appreciation expressed to Gary Yamasaki for his time at Columbia Bible College. 15) Lunch There will be three meetings occurring during the lunch hour: Youth Room -- Henry Krause invites those who wish to talk about the Mennonite Canadian Magazine to join him. Fireside Room -- Allen Harder invites those who wish to interact with Pastor Khanh and his wife, Loan Dinh to join him. Board Room -- the MCBC Executive will meet 16) Worship: 'Be My Guide', 'Tis' So Sweet' 17) Welcome to our new church -- Northgate Anabaptist Fellowship Motion #11 The Mennonite Church BC Leadership Board received an application for membership from Northgate MB Church in Dawson Creek, BC on July 7, After appropriate conversation and discernment, the MCBC Leadership Board, at its November 30, 2015 meeting, recommended that Northgate MB Church be accepted as a member congregation into the Mennonite Church BC Church family. The Leadership Board therefore moves, as a special resolution, that Northgate Anabaptist Fellowship be welcomed by the delegates at the Annual Meeting on February 27, 2016 as a member congregation of Mennonite Church British Columbia. Moved: Lee Dyck, Moderator Seconded: Steve Unger, Cedar Valley Mennonite Church 117 Votes Cast by Ballot: Yes; 2 -- No ACCEPTED BY MAJORITY Words of Welcome into Membership: Delegates: As brothers and sisters in the body of Christ and members of Mennonite Church British Columbia, we welcome you, the Northgate Anabaptist Fellowship of Dawson Creek, as a member into our fellowship. We witness to the work of the Holy Spirit who has led you to Jesus as Saviour and to God as the source of your life. We promise to encourage you in faith, to rejoice with you in times of joy, to support you in suffering, to guide you in times of confusion, to listen to the word God speaks in you, and to call out the gifts the Holy Spirit is creating in you. We thank God for your presence in the body of Christ, and we ask God s blessing on you as his people. Arise, shine, for your light has come and the glory of the Lord is upon you. Stand up in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and be steadfast in the path he has set you upon. Executive Minister: As a representative of Mennonite Church British Columbia, I give you the hand of fellowship, welcoming you as a sister congregation into MCBC. Signed the MCBC Covenant Welcome by Mennonite Church Canada, Willard Metzger Page5 56

57 18) Future Directions Task Force Questions given to the MCBC Executive after the morning Table Discussions April Yamasaki, Willard Metzger, Garry Janzen 1. Will there be another opportunity to give more input to structural changes before they are implemented? April: Yes, it will be ongoing. Willard: Note of clarification -- MC Canada experienced a reduction in staff due to a financial shortfall in finances. We made these reductions with the FDTF in mind. Yes, more opportunity will be given. 2. If regions need to take on more responsibility, how will they be able to afford that staffing? April: we are asking for greater financial accountability from our various boards. Willard: Beginning in 2017, both of the amounts that you are currently giving to MCBC and MC Canada budget will be given to MCBC. Right now we decide how much we give to MC Canada and MCBC. Will we be able to designate our giving beginning in 2017? April: in the new model the Area Churches would work together on the National church's budget; The details have not been worked out. Garry: we value providing an avenue for you to be members of MCBC without feeling that you have to be a part of the National Church. 3. How will theological discernment and accountability happen? April: We will continue to have the Faith and Life group. The National Church would be another place for theological studies and accountability. Plus our post-secondary schools. Garry: It is understood that this will happen at the proposed Congregation of Ministerial Leadership and through the regular gatherings of the regional executive staff. 4. How will Witness function in the future? Long term and short term? Willard: significant shift -- current model is there is a counsel that decides on where people are sent and what is done; Then we go to the Area Conferences and look for someone to fill that roll. Garry: International Witness is primarily a response to the invitation of the international partner churches, the expectation is that when partner churches ask the Mennonite Church in Canada for resourcing of their ministry, the response will likely be primarily short-term (up to a year). When the participating congregations and partner churches discern the need for a longer term assignment, this would be worked out. April: it helps to bring the Witness closer to the various congregations -- short term, we need people to pray and to support financially the existing partnerships will be honoured, we will carefully discern before we make any changes Charge to MCBC and MC Canada -- have careful prayer and discernment before making decisions, there are people involved Willard -- we are recognizing that we are relating to international sister churches and do this with great respect and concern for our sister churches. Concern: sometimes the windows of opportunity to serve is very short in some countries, if we take too long to discern, we miss the opportunity. Plus, trust is built over time and cannot be rushed. April: We do not say there will not be Long Term, but the new norm will probably be short term. 5. How will this impact the Canadian Mennonite? The only funding will be from subscribers and the Area Churches. Details have not been worked out yet. Page6 57

58 18) Future Directions Task Force continued 6. How will this impact post-secondary funding? How can post secondary schools work together in a healthy way in this new model? In June 2016 we will meet to discuss post-secondary schools, the Canadian Mennonite Magazine, along with Communications. 7. Why are we restructuring? Is it for purely financial reasons? It is financial but it is bigger than that. The denominational structure needs to change. Our current model reflects an age that has passed, we want the new structure to reflect our current needs and times. The constant, our belief in Jesus Christ as our Saviour and Lord will not change. 8. Will we have national annual delegate assemblies? We are not envisioning National Delegate Assemblies. We are envisioning the possibility of study and inspirational events to occur every few years. 9. How will the National church continue to be a voice in the larger ecumenical community? On Staff, there will be an Executive Minister -- that person would represent the National church 19) Motion #1 The MCBC Board recommends that we approve the Future Directions Task Force Final Report and the recommendations within the report. Moved: Lee Dyck, Moderator Seconded: Laura Loewen, Emmanuel Mennonite Church 118 Votes by Ballot: Yes; No ACCEPTED BY MAJORITY 20) Motion #2 That the minutes of the 2015 Annual Meeting be approved as printed. Moved: Rita Ewert, Secretary for the MCBC Executive and Board Seconded: Liz Sawatzky, First United Mennonite Church UNANIMOUS -- Yes 21) Camp Squeah -- Rob Tiessen Invite people to come and support Camp. Fundraiser: Paddle-a-thon, April 16 and 17, 2016 Each year the Paddle-a-Thon raises funds for Camp Squeah's Summer Staff Bursary Fund; a fund established to help our summer volunteer staff return to college or university after each summer. Thank you to the Camp Board and the MCBC Board that allowed Rob and his family to take a sabbatical for 3 months last year. 22) Camp Squeah Finances -- Sharon Zacharias Motion #3 That the 2015 Camp Squeah Financial Statements be approved as presented. Moved: Sharon Zacharias, Emmanuel Mennonite Church Seconded: Gerry Binnema, United Mennonite Church, Black Creek UNANIMOUS -- Yes 22) Camp Squeah Finances continued Motion #4 That the 2016 Camp Squeah Budget be approved as presented. 58 Moved: Sharon Zacharias, Emmanuel Mennonite Church Seconded: Reece Friesen, Eben-Ezer Mennonite Church UNANIMOUS -- Yes Page7

59 23) Service Peace and Justice -- Brander McDonald The Doctrine of Discovery sheet has been given to each delegate which gives an explanation of what this Doctrine is. There is also a recommendation on the sheet which we will be presenting at the MC Canada Annual General Meeting in July Three Phases of Engagement: 1. Talking About First Nations issues, history, culture, spirituality, language and the like. 2. Talking With Indigenous peoples. Talking With means acquiring and using First Nations ways of communication, listening, and all with the hopes and plans of walking with Indigenous neighbours. 3. Walking With our Aboriginal Neighbours. We need to get to know our neighbours. This is where real healing is done. Finally, it s all important to know about Protocol. It is the way in which we as First Nations meet and greet each other, start our meetings and live together in our communities. A general rule of thumb is ALWAYS allow local First Nations to lead the protocol. On the MCBC website there is Assessing Our Level of Engagement questionnaire Indigenous relations community work shift -- Brander will be spending more time with the Indigenous people. As Brander's relationships grow with the First Nations people, there will be opportunities for individuals to "talk with" and "walk with" our Aboriginal neighbours. 24) Evangelism and Church Development Committee (ECDC) -- Barry Lesser We are very excited about walking along side the new church plant in Kelowna. New Leaf Network -- Garry Janzen and Karen Heidebrecht Thiessen attended workshops with the New Leaf Network. The workshops were about church planting or Missional ideas that need developing. This network provides support, resources, etc. Contact Barry if you are interested in knowing more about New Leaf Network. Chris Lenshyn regarding the Clearbrook Mennonite Church property A Community Assessment was done around the Clearbrook Mennonite Church property -- the Child Well Being Network (World Vision) is helping assess the information. We will also be doing about 40 hours of leg work to talk to people in the neighbourhood. We have given ourselves a year to work on this project, so we plan on making a recommendation at the next MCBC AGM (February 2017). 25) Post-Secondary Reporting Bryan Born -- Columbia Bible College (CBC) The Diploma in General Studies at CBC has been designed in collaboration with University of the Fraser Valley (UFV). Our signed Agreement with UFV means that graduates of Columbia s twoyear Diploma in General Studies qualify for admission into the third year of UFV s Bachelor of General Studies program. Thanks for your financial support and through the support of the Board Members you send on behalf of MCBC. Thank you for your prayer support -- We have sensed your prayer as these past few weeks have been very hard for us. Cheryl Pauls -- Canadian Mennonite University Emerging Voices Initiative (EVI) is a group gathered from congregations across Mennonite Church Canada that sprang up on the Canadian Mennonite University campus in January Taking the Future Directions Task Force final report as an invitation to discernment, we have met regularly for prayer and discussion. Check out emergingvoiceonline.wordpress.com for more information. Future Directions Task Force (FDTF) regarding the Four Schools across Canada -- Columbia Bible College, Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Canadian Mennonite University, and Conrad Grebel University College. Each school is dramatically different. Page8 59

60 25) Post-Secondary Reporting continued We have asked the FDTF that the four schools be a part of the National church rather than an Area church. We get along very well but we need a National church presence to work with all the schools. 26) MCBC Fundraiser -- Janette Thiessen, Administrator of MCBC Leland Klassen, Comedy Show April 1, 7:00 PM at Emmanuel Mennonite Church April 2, 7:00 PM at Peace Mennonite Church Tickets are $20 per person. 27) MCBC Financial Statement -- Sharon Zacharias Motion #5 That the 2015 Mennonite Church BC Financial Statements be approved as presented. Moved: Sharon Zacharias, Emmanuel Mennonite Church Seconded: Edgar Rivera, Cedar Valley Mennonite Church UNANIMOUS, Yes 28) MCBC 2016 Budget Presentation -- Sheila Smelt and Alan Peters We are keeping the overhead of the operations as lean as possible We have allocated $50,000 toward the New Plant in Kelowna. Times are tough and people are finding it hard to contribute to the church's ministry. We have adjusted the individuals amount down and increased the churches amount. We need to work with what we have rather than reach too high. Motion #6 That the 2016 Mennonite Church BC Budget be approved as presented. Moved: Sheila Smelt, Crossroads Community Church Seconded: Shirley Hsu, Peace Mennonite Church UNANIMOUS -- Yes Administration is ministry -- thank you to Garry and Janette for all your work! 29) Delegate Response to Reports Motion #7 That the reports as printed in the Annual Report Book and presented audibly be accepted. Moved: Linda Matties, Emmanuel Mennonite Church Seconded: Linda Rempel, Cedar Valley Mennonite Church UNANIMOUS -- Yes Page9 60