Final Edition The daily newssheet of the Mennonite Church Canada Annual Assembly, 2010, Calgary, AB J u ly 2, 2010 Friday With God, all things are possible The story of an Indian Residential School survivor Story and photo by Rachel Bergen When you pass by Aboriginal peoples lying in the gutters on skid row, do you think that they are just drunk Indians who need to get a job? Participants of the Do Residential Schools and Good News Go Together? workshops at the Mennonite Church Canada Assembly now know what those drunk Indians went through to get to that place. What they went through was a blight on [Canada s] history, said Larry Plenert, a workshop speaker and an adjudicator for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, an alternative to the courtroom for Indian Residential School (IRS) abuse claimants. The participants heard from Darrell Royal, a Blackfoot man from the Siksika Nation who attended an IRS until grade seven and was a drunk Indian until God intervened and transformed him, sparing his life, his family, and his soul. The days Royal spent at the IRS were abominable. He was malnourished and fed mostly rotten meat as well as physically abused. The meat was green, you could smell it we were always hungry, Royal said. The abuse that took place physically scarred him; he was hit on the head regularly with a heavy wooden stick. This resulted in seizures and problems with his eardrums, not to mention emotional destruction. I shut down for many years afterwards, I had a wall and didn t trust people I didn t know that I didn t have feelings for anyone, Royal said. Royal was also held in ice cold and extremely hot showers for a half hour as punishment for speaking his native tongue. To this day I can t go in a sauna, jacuzzi or take a hot shower Every day when I take a shower I remember [my experience with the IRS], I can only take warm showers, Royal said. Being so emotionally crippled from his childhood experiences at the IRS, Royal grew up being full of hate. An alcoholic by age 16, he became involved in a string of crimes including assault in bar brawls, domestic violence and attempted murder. Royal has been incarcerated for 20 years of his life. Constantly drunk and violent, with his wife on the verge of leaving him, his life was in ruins. That is until a preacher came to his reserve on Sept. 20, 1981. Gradually, the bad feelings Royal experienced for so long vanished. He could feel something other than hate and pain when he accepted Jesus. In the 30 years since, Royal s marriage has come back together he is sober and has recovered from alcohol induced cirrhosis of the liver and brain deterioration. He became a police officer in Calgary, attended Bible school, he is helping those around him who are suffering from the after-effects of IRS, and he has healthy relationships with his kids. It wasn t an overnight transformation. Royal is still apologizing to his wife for hurting her and still deals with the trauma of his abuse, even decades later. As his relationship with God grew and deepened, he was able to forgive those who beat him, belittled him, and tried to erase his heritage and culture. He has not received apologies from any of Darrell Royal his childhood abusers, even after meeting with them years later. Forgiveness is the key to healing. Some of the things that have happened to me, if it wasn t for the Lord, I wouldn t have been able to forgive, he said. Royal leads programs in anger management for men and women, a culture camp for kids, and a program for domestic violence. Number of the Day 5 The number of Youth Ambassadors who joined us in Assembly this year. Special Thanks to: Iwan, Alexis, Sarnia, Esther, and Scott. Issue 3 1
Announcing an engagement by Deborah Froese Now that you re engaged, when is the wedding? That was the comment received by incoming Executive Secretary of Church Engagement, Norm Dyck, after by-law changes were approved on Wednesday to make way for the new council. In a Friday morning introduction to the function of the new Church Engagement Council, Dyck drew from Assembly theme text, Col. 3:17, 1 Cor. 9:24 and Ephesians 6:10. They shout missional formation he said; the psycho social, community transformative, heart and mind challenging and inspirational vision of God for his church this is about remembering who we are and whose we are. May I be so bold as to declare that this is the ultimate purpose of the church and this is the reason for Church Engagement. The core activities and ministry responsibilities of Church Engagement include: Working closely with congregations and Area Churches in the area of Missional Formation Developing national and international ministry and worker partnerships with your congregations Guiding, strategizing and directing the communications ministry of the national church Engaging and inviting the financial investment, support and stewardship of individuals, the business community and congregations in the church-building ministries that God has called us to What is not in the details of the necessarily broad wording of bylaws, Dyck said, is that Church Engagement is our response to your request for more. He applied more to congregational visits, engagement in the ministry and vocation of the church, opportunities to listen, to share to challenge and inspire. Dyck said that the creation of Church Engagement was also a way to become more attentive and invitational to ongoing stewardship and investment in the ministries that God has called us to do together. What could it mean for your congregation to become a global church? Where do you need assistance, inspiration, education, in forming a people of God or growing leaders in your congregation?...call us, Dyck urged. Whether it s your congregation, Area Churches or the National Church, Dyck concluded, we are all stronger when we work together. From the Archives Montreal River: an unexpected place of meeting A young Clayton Burkholder snapped this photo at a point 625 miles north of Toronto and 83 miles northwest of Sault Ste. Marie. Known as Montreal River this spot was the first alternative service work camp in Canada. In an interview in 1975, he recalled the life-changing experiences that took place in this remote setting. Young men from Mennonite, Amish and other peace church denominations met each other for the first time. Though not its primary purpose, the camps served as places for questioning, discussion, the exchange of ideas, and the shaping of conviction. Prepared by Laureen Harder-Gissing, Mennonite Archives of Ontario Photo credit: Clayton Burkholder/Mennonite Archives of Ontario 2 June 31, 2010
Bible Q & A by Deborah Froese with files from Donita Wiebe-Neufeld After leading three study sessions on the Assembly Bible theme text, Colossians 3:15-17, General Secretary Robert J. Suderman found himself on the hot seat to face questions from three eager Assembly students. First up was Krista Loewen, a student of Peace and Conflict Transformation studies at Canadian Mennonite University (CMU). She was intrigued by Suderman s reference to the Roman Empire s colonization of the imaginations through Pax Romana, peace obtained by the sword. Suderman had noted that as Christians, we too need to colonize imaginations but with gratitude reflective of biblical peace. Loewen s question: How can we have a deeper sense of gratitude? The deepest expression of gratitude is to dedicate your life, your passion, your gratitude and your gifts to building communities like this, Suderman responded, pointing to the Assembly theme Bible verses (Col 3:15-17) on an overhead screen. He then challenged Loewen to take that message back with her to CMU. Next at the mic was Jim Loepp Thiessen, pastor of The Gathering church in Kitchener, Ont. He described his congregation as all over the theological grid in their perspectives on peace. He referred to Suderman s comments about the World Religions Summit in Winnipeg on June 21-23, where keynote speaker Romeo Dallaire asserted that because the United Nations chose not to intervene militarily in Rwanda in 1994, genocide took place. Dallaire s comment prompted Loepp Thiessen s question; What is a practical pacifist Christian response to Rwanda? Close the door before the horses get out of the barn, Suderman responded. Most of the world s response is to try and catch the horses after they re out. He relayed a comment Fidel Castro had once made to him: If the church in Cuba would have been the church in 1959, the way the church was the church in 1980 in Nicaragua, there never would have been the Cuban Revolution. In other words, build the church. But what if the horses are already out of the barn, pressed Loepp Thiessen. Suderman suggested that we can still influence outcomes in regions of conflict through peaceful actions such as advocating and exercising influence in political houses of leadership. (For more information and ideas, see documents prepared by Canadian Council of Churches and signed onto by Mennonite Church Canada with the offer of reflections, analyses and recommendations regarding Canada s possible contributions to a sustainable and just peace in Afghanistan (www.mennonitechurch.ca/tiny/1229). If the church in Cuba would have been the church in 1959, the way the church was the church in 1980 in Nicaragua, there never would have been the Cuban Revolution. I think you ve hit the nail on the head, Marco Funk, the pastor of Gretna Bergthaler Mennonite Church in regard to Suderman s Bible study. I like the language of letting the word of Christ dwell. I like the language of imperatives and non-negotiable.i love that language but our context in Southern Manitoba is one of landedness. We re affluent, we love our stuff. We struggle with holistic allegiance. We really want to follow God. He invited Suderman to draw from his experience travelling across Canada to visit Mennonite congregations. What are we doing to deepen our allegiance, what are we doing to resist the [Roman] empire? Recently, a pastor told us that he gets up in the morning, energized and refreshed by the vision for the Church in Ephesians and Colossians and he s ready to go for the day. He goes to bed realizing that he spent the day in Corinth working with people where it [the church] isn t yet working, Suderman said. Get up in the morning with Ephesus, go to bed at night with Corinth and be grateful. Christian Formation Council Report By Heather Howell In the Christian Formation Council report today, Karen Martens Zimmerly, Denominational Minister, announced that a task force has been created to develop a strategic leadership development plan by next summer. She also addressed the priority on pastoral growth and development for the denomination, as well as the criterion Mennonite Church Canada looks for when selecting new pastors. The Christian Formation Council encourages pastors to be growing in their ministry, and points to six crucial areas: 1. Knowing the Biblical Story 2. Understanding Anabaptist/Mennonite theology 3. Growing in Christian spirituality/discipleship 4. Growing in self-understanding and self-awareness 5. Contextual awareness in place of ministry 6. Growing in Leadership skills The preferred level of training is a Masters of Divinity (M.Div), however they do recognize that pastors come with a variety of skills and training. Additional credentials for becoming a pastor in a Mennonite Church Canada congregation can be found in the packet, Ministerial Credentialing, available from the Resource Center website. (http://www.mennonitechurch.ca/tiny/1384). Issue 3 3
Resolutions Resolution: Residential Schools Moved by Rudy Dirks on behalf of the Christian Witness Council Seconded by Lynell Bergen on behalf of the Christian Witness council Background: The Gradual Civilization Act of 1857 led to the formation of Residential schools for Metis, Inuit, and First Nations children. The Canadian government and churches ran these schools in partnership with one another. 1 The schools operated for about 130 years, and had over 150,000 children pass through them. The impact of this schooling on now seven generations of aboriginal peoples in Canada is enormous. While there were committed, loving teachers, the overall residential school experience was marked by abuses of power, physical punishment for speaking one s own language, sexual and emotional abuse by persons in charge and other students. Its dubious legacy includes the breakdown of the family system, with successive generations raised in a context of increasing family and community detachment, violence and substance abuse. In 1970 the Conference of Mennonites in Canada offered a litany of confession at its annual Assembly that confessed the significant failing of our own faith community in relating to Indians, seeing them as converts but not as children of God, in recognizing them by the colour of their skin but not as fellow human beings, friends, and brothers (and sisters) in Christ. In the early 1990 s some of the key national churches involved in running Residential schools made formal apologies to Aboriginal peoples. And finally in June 2008, the Prime Minister of Canada issued a formal apology on behalf of the government and people of Canada. Since that time common experience payments have been made to approximately 80,000 living survivors and private hearings for determining appropriate compensation for those most grievously abused or violated have been offered. In addition a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was formed and is currently hosting a series of seven events in different regions of Canada. The events will allow survivors to tell their stories, to validate their experiences, and to educate the rest of Canada about this tragic part of our history which continues to shape families, relationships and our society as a whole. The first TRC event was held in Winnipeg, June 16-19, 2010 and had significant Mennonite Church Canada presence. 1 There is one school included in the settlement that was Mennonite (but not Mennonite Church Canada) run. There are three additional Mennonite affiliated schools we know of whose students are requesting inclusion in the settlement. While none of these were formally Mennonite Church Canada run, the informal connections are less clear. Resolution: Be it Resolved that Mennonite Church Canada congregations and individual members recognize and confess our complicity in the failing of the Christian Church and its role in the tragic physical, emotional, mental, and sexual abuse, denial of culture, language, and peoplehood of Aboriginal peoples in Canada. In recognition of this past failing, and in acknowledgement that destructive individual attitudes, such as paternalism, racism, and superiority are still present among us, we as Mennonite Church Canada congregations and as individuals will seek renewed opportunities to walk with Aboriginal people of Canada, opening our hearts, minds, and ears to engage the pain resulting from the legacy of the Residential Schools, and strive to recognize each other as sisters and brothers created in the image and likeness of one God. Resolution re: Residential School Abuse Moved: Ernie Epp Seconded: Paul Penner Rescinded Background: In view of the concerns already expressed about the resolution passed regarding Mennonite Church Canada s participation / complicity in the Residential Abuse of First Nations children, and the different ways the resolution might be interpreted, the following resolution is being presented: Resolution: Be it resolved that Mennonite Church Canada provide each delegate with adequate information describing the nature and extent of the abuse of Aboriginal children attributed to the staff and type of mission-like services provided by and under the auspices of Mennonite Church Canada and its predecessors. In addition, Mennonite Church Canada needs to clearly declare that the passed resolution does not in any way minimize the highly valued and extensive mission services to Canada s First Nations people and communities already provided over the past number of decades in Canada. A life time of dedicated service has willingly and selflessly been provided by most conscientious, honourable, and committed staff persons that ought not to have any abuselike implications directed their way. Editor s Note: The above resolution calling for further investigation regarding potential involvement in residential schools by Mennonite Church Canada and its predecessors was rescinded (see footnote to the original resolution). The above resolution also sought to acknowledge the good and effective work that has been done by Mennonite Church Canada s Native Ministries program and its predecessors in the past. Instead, the movers entrusted the General Board to give attention to the intent of this part of the rescinded resolution. 4 June 31, 2010
Resolution: Regarding 150th Anniversary of the Mennonite Brethren Movement Moved by Harold Peters-Fransen Seconded by Len Siemens It is with gratefulness to God that we extend our best wishes as you celebrate your 150 years of God s faithfulness to you. God has used you in witness in many places and in many ways. Often we have been able to share God s love together, from our local communities to around the world. We recognize that within our Canadian bodies we share a variety of ministries as witness to our oneness in Christ. Often we have been called to separate ministries, and where this has brought many closer to God we give thanks. For those times and places where we have not acted as true sisters and brothers in Christ to you we ask for forgiveness. We commit with the guidance of the Holy Spirit to be alert to new areas where we can be salt and light together. We encourage our congregations which are in proximity to congregations of the Conference of the Mennonite Brethren to find new avenues for ministry together. Resolution: Frequency of Assemblies Moved by Renata Klassen Seconded by Ken Warkentin Whereas the respondents at Assembly 2009 leaned in the direction of annual meetings; and Whereas the reasons are more compelling to continue annual meetings because they deal with fundamental reasons for meeting (building community, unity, strengthening family); Therefore: Support Services Council recommends that Mennonite Church Canada continue with Assembly meetings on an annual basis with a recommendation that it be reviewed every five (5) years; Furthermore: that in alternate years the Assembly meetings will focus primarily on study, worship and intergenerational activities. Resolution: Continued efforts for stewardship of God s good earth Moved: Stephanie Dueck. MB Seconded: Henry Block, SK Background: We are grateful that we can gather as a National Church, but we regret deeply the negative impact our travel and our assembly has had on the earth which is the Lord s. The assembly is not as green as we had hoped and planned for. We acknowledge the environmental efforts many have made with their mode of transport, using their own cups, reusing disposable cups, etc. Resolution: Be it resolved that we, at all levels of Mennonite Church Canada, commit ourselves to continued efforts that care for the earth which sustains us, in faithfulness to our calling as stewards of God s good earth. Affirmation: Being a Faithful Church Affirmed Whereas: We celebrate the many ways in which God s faithfulness has shaped us, as summarized in the Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective (1995), and We celebrate the ways in which God s Spirit continues to strengthen our capacity to discern scripture and faithfulness together, as the Body of Christ, for our time, and We celebrate and delight in being called, equipped, and sent to engage the world with the reconciling gospel of Jesus Christ. Therefore: We encourage and exhort one another (in the spirit of Hebrews 10:23-25) to address the pressing challenges of our day with a renewed commitment to: Reclaim our conviction that scripture is our authoritative source and standard, and Understand and engage our context, and Grow in trust that the Holy Spirit accompanies us as our insights and understandings are tested in the faith community, and Commit to God s will for peace by being a people of peace. Thank you! The $5120.37 offering at Friday evening s worship will be designated to International Leadership Development in Canada. Thank you! Issue 3 5
Mennonite Church Canada Financial Trends, Healthy or Worrisome? Story by Donita Wiebe-Neufeld, Alberta Correspondent; and Rachel Bergen, National Correspondent; with files from Deborah Froese. Congregational giving is up, so why are donations to area and national church bodies falling? The moderator of Mennonite Church Canada s General Board, Andrew Reesor-McDowell, told the delegate body in Calgary that giving to the larger church has long been on a downward trend we are now preparing program cuts to deal with this. The steady increase in Mennonite congregational giving is worth celebrating. We are one of the few denominations where giving has not dropped, and is slightly ahead of cost of living. The same is true with related ministry organizations, (such as Mennonite Central Committee, Mennonite Economic Development Agency, Christian Peacemaker teams ), but they have a steeper incline, Robert J. Suderman, General Secretary for Mennonite Church Canada, said. Suderman and Reesor-McDowell emphasized that this is a healthy trend and that the giving of Mennonite Church Canada congregations shows incredible generosity. On the negative side, the downward trend in giving to national and area churches is worrisome. Decreased support limits outreach ministries and creates difficulties in defending the Mennonite Church s charitable status. Capacity for international ministry in impoverished areas is reduced. The link between the church and its ministries is diminished. The common identity that undergirds the Mennonite Church is weakened, leading to fragmentation of the church. After presenting these worries to Assembly delegates, Suderman stated: We ignore the strengthening of our church at our own peril. Our challenge is that the church will need to be strong at all levels as we enter the 21 st century with a commitment to engage the world with the reconciling gospel of Jesus Christ. Without adequate donations, Mennonite Church Canada has had to cut funding in its biggest sector, the Witness program, according to Reesor-McDowell. The Witness program is having to make massive adjustments, he said. Because of this, Mennonite Church Canada has not been able to fill positions that were once held by long-term Witness workers who have returned to Canada. Reesor-McDowell likened these witness workers to young trees, on the verge of bearing fruit. We risk pulling up these fruit trees.. they can t get nurtured and they won t bear fruit down the road, he said. Reesor-McDowell also thinks that congregations often flock to the more heart-melting, short-term aid. While this is important, Mennonite Church Canada provides a basis and structure for this it is something that we cannot do as congregations but something that the National Church can do, he said. Reesor-McDowell asked delegates: In light of these trends, what counsel or advice do you have for the general board? Respondents came forward from designated table groups as well as the floor. Several speakers encouraged more public sharing of what it is that area and national churches do. Did you know? Mennonite Publishing Network, Cascadia Publishing House, SmallTall Music, and CMU Press from our catalogue online. Many additional titles are now also available for sale through a partnership with CMU Bookstore. Sharon Dirks, from Niagara United Mennonite Church, said; It is good to know that our denomination looks good to other denominations, share that. Darrell Good, of Breslau Mennonite Church, said; (people) don t see the work of the national church in their face every day. See needs of other countries in news and their own needs. Need to have church pastors and other leaders providing education to members that is in their face. Pastor April Yamisaki, of Emmanuel Mennonite Church in B.C., expressed appreciation for the issues and discussion at Assembly and gently issued a challenge to all present to communicate with their people: give a face to ministries. Also through Canadian Mennonite [there is] an opportunity. Rather than focusing on board members communicate the ministries that we are doing together. Delegates have a role in education too. We risk pulling up these fruit trees.. they can t get nurtured and they won t bear fruit down the road, The message of Christ is not Christianity. The message of Christ is Christ. Assembly doesn t have to end today Join the 226 Mennonites already assembling on our Facebook group - Mennonite Church Canada. Just type it into the search bar and click Join. Gary Amirault, founder of Tentmaker Ministries Views of Jesus Beyond our Mennonite/ Anabaptist perspective 6 June 31, 2010