The daily newssheet of the Mennonite Church Canada Annual Assembly, 2010, Calgary, AB Quilting for art and prayer by Deborah Froese J u ly 2, 2010 Friday For Bev Patkau, quilting is a labour of love, fabric and thread a form of expression. Patkau has several quilts on display at the Mennonite Church Canada art exhibit this year entitled Art for Peace. It s an event that she has poured a great deal of energy into, helping Ray Dirks, Curator of the Mennonite Heritage Centre, acquire and display quilts with a peace theme. The quilt Patkau created specifically for the exhibit may seem to be of simple design, but those who study the careful stitching will discover quotes about peace embedded across the background. In other quilts, Patkau uses contrasting fabrics to create a sense of light and darkness, and symbols such as the dove and the cross. Each of the quilts Petkau lovingly stitches are reminders of different episodes of her life. I think that s what quilting is. A history of women s lives. We make quilts for the major events in women s lives. Deaths, births, weddings and we chronicle women s history that way. Quilting as an art form has evolved from the practical craft of sewing covers for warmth. Maybe that s why we haven t accepted Number of the Day 32 the number of kids attending the Children s Assembly. Participants take a walking tour through Arts for Peace, a collection of artistic quilts. it as an art form, Patkau muses. [But] even those traditional old quilts have beauty in them. The women who made them had very little in the way of material belongings, yet they managed to create beauty in their quilts. Patkau made her first quilt as a gift for her twin sister on her wedding day. I was hooked. I haven t stopped quilting since. Probably about 15 years ago Risk fortifies partnership Rachel Bergen When Witness workers Dann and Joji Pantoja addressed Mennonite Church Canada s Assembly 2007 and held a workshop about their ministry in Philippines, Lois Konrad was intrigued. She invited them to share their stories about peacebuilding in the midst of violence with her home congregation, Leamington United Mennonite Church (LUMC) in Ontario. The visit sparked a burgeoning relationship that became a covenanted Congregational Partnership in January 2009. I started branching out and not just copying patterns getting more original. Over the last ten years I ve really started to go into artistic quilts but I still do traditional quilts. Although she did not begin quilting until her adult years, Patkau says she has always kept busy with her hands from crocheting and knitting to sewing and other crafts. continued on pg 3 When Konrad heard about a March 2009 Mennonite Church Canada Learning Tour to the Philippines led by the Pantojas, she signed up. She was warned on several occasions not to go. When I told my neighbour I was going to the Philippines, she told me that she would pray for me diligently when I told my daughter-in-law who is Filipino, she said, You shouldn t go there, it s too dangerous, Konrad said. continued on pg 3 Issue 4 1
Relationships at the heart of mission By Deborah Froese For Mennonite Church Canada, the old days of doing mission are over. Relationships form communities of faith and are at the heart of building a global church, one of Mennonite Church Canada s core priorities. But building the global church by developing relationships also touches on the remaining two priorities; forming a people of God and growing leaders for the church. The missional church is most healthy when fully engaged across the street and around the world... Being informed locally by experiencing the formation of another culture, another practice, another way of being the church helps us to realize that God is at work vitally around the world in awesome, strange, wonderful and challenging ways, says Norm Dyck, Director of Congregational Partnerships for Mennonite Church Canada. The missional church is most healthy when fully engaged across the street and around the world in partnerships both long and short term. Mennonite Church Canada encourages congregations to partner with Witness workers or ministries to achieve this goal. Partnerships can take shape according to those who are engaging in them, ranging from a commitment to provide prayer and encouragement, to initiating new ministries. If we re engaged in forming a people of God, becoming global in our perspective, people will become inspired in what it means to be the church. We re inspired to grow leaders for the future, Dyck says. Young adult Matt Tiessen from Leamington United Mennonite Church (LUMC) shared suggestions and assistance for ministry vehicle maintenance during a Mennonite Church Canada learning tour to the Philippines in March of this year. In the fall, Tiessen will return to the Philippines on a one-year Witness internship. His exposure to Witness ministry will open the door to other opportunities to explore and develop his leadership gifts, Dyck says. St. Jacobs Mennonite Church began a partnership with Benin Bible Institute (BBI) approximately 13 years ago by sending an intergenerational delegation from the church to Benin to sign a covenant of relationship with BBI. The delegation was intentionally intergenerational to indicate the long-term impact of the relationship and how it would form them as a people of God. Dyck notes the importance of the intergenerational approach. If as broad a spectrum of the congregation as possible is engaged, it impacts the full spectrum of the life of the church. Budget Report: Difficult Decisions lie ahead, says CFO by Dan Dyck Difficult decisions lie ahead, said Randy Wiebe, Chief Financial Officer for Mennonite Church Canada during his budget presentation at the Assembly on July 1. An increase in individual and corporate donations exceeded projections this past fiscal year, but congregational giving has declined, and Mennonite Church Canada has been warned to expect even lower congregational giving from Mennonite Church Eastern Canada in the current year. I wonder, said Wiebe, if congregations that are better off this year can help out? Over the years, staff have shaved budgets to the point where there are no small adjustments left to be made, said Wiebe. Any further cuts will require the elimination of entire programs. If revenue continues to fall, further cuts will need to be made and implemented this fall, said Wiebe. A budget for the fiscal year ending Jan. 31, 2011 projected net income of $4,825,447 with $3,563,506 coming from donations, was presented to delegates. The presentation also contained an expense budget projecting $4,860,198 with a $34,751 deficit to be covered from inter-fund transfers. Wiebe thanked the delegates and congregations for their support, but also challenged them to increase support through a variety of avenues congregational partnerships being one of several options available. J.D. Penner of Toronto United Mennonite Church and member of the Witness Council lamented a 13% decrease to Witness ministries since 2006. We re tired of cutting and we don t want to do it anymore, he said. The budget was passed without further comment or discussion from the floor. Views of Jesus Beyond our Mennonite/ Anabaptist perspective Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ founded his empire upon love; and at this hour millions of men would die for him. Napoleon Bonaparte, military and political leader of France 2 July 2, 2010
Risk fortifies partnership continued from 1 Konrad went anyway. Despite being a sheltered person, it helped her and her congregation learn to appreciate the broader church. The learning tour, she said, was a lifechanging experience. Going on the learning tour with Mennonite Church Canada and actively participating in the congregational partnership with the Pantojas, Konrad has a new perspective on life in general. She believes that on the whole, the North American church feels as though it knows everything, but we will learn as much if not more than what we can teach through congregational partnerships. Konrad was one of four congregational panelists at a Mennonite Church Canada Assembly 2010 workshop entitled, Congregations go Global which was led by Norm Dyck, Director of Congregational Partnerships. Pastor Randy Klassen represented Bethany Mennonite Church in Virgil, Ont., who is in a sister church relationship with Pereira Mennonite Church in Colombia. Florence Driedger from Peace Mennonite Church in Regina, Sask. came to represent her congregation s relationship with Pat & Rad Houmphan, Witness workers in Thailand and Ruby Harder of Hope Mennonite Church in North Battleford, Sask. shared stories of Hope s relationship with Lillian and Norm Nicolson, Witness workers in Burkina Faso. LUMC was drawn to their Philippine Witness partnership because [they] felt the peace and reconciliation work [the Pantojas] are doing in the Philippines fit with what [they] wanted to do, Konrad said. Currently there are 104 active Witness worker and ministry partnerships in Mennonite Church Canada. Quilting for art and prayer continued from 1 The art has to happen. I have to create. It s just part of what I have to do. I m not happy if I m not creating. A member of Foothills Mennonite Church here in Calgary, Patkau uses her artistic gifts to prepare the sanctuary for holidays and special occasions throughout the year. The ability to share her work in this way is important to her; she feels that visual art is not widely accepted as a form of worship. Mennonite churches are often simply designed, with little visual enhancement. She says that art can enhance the worship experience. I think it nourishes the soul. I see it the same as walking through beautiful scenery outdoors and when we go inside, why do we have to stop seeing beauty? She notes that churches work hard to appeal to our auditory senses with music, but often offer little visual appeal. The inclusion of visual art provides another opportunity for worshippers to reflect and draw deeper into a prayerful connection with God. From Berlin, Ontario to the far west of Alberta In 1916, Susannah Cressman of Berlin (Kitchener), Ontario lamented that her daughter Laura who has just been married left for her future home in the far west and may be the last time I shall ever see her in this life. Laura and husband Milton joined a flood of Ontario Mennonites heading west in the early 20th century, resulting in strong family ties between Ontario, Alberta and Saskatchewan. It also led to the formation of what is now the Northwest Mennonite Conference. Susannah did see her daughter again; here she poses proudly several years later with grandson Fred. Prepared by Laureen Harder-Gissing, Mennonite Archives of Ontario Photo credit: Erma Cressman/Mennonite Archives of Ontario From the Archives Issue 4 3
The Church, together, now by Janelle Thiessen We are the future church. These were the first words I heard as I joined the small circle of young adults standing in the foyer, Tuesday evening, June 29. It was a group made up, rather overwhelmingly, of young women. But as we stood there waiting, others joined us and soon our numbers increased to sixteen or so and, fortunately for the sake of diversity, this included several young men. Another voice spoke out in response to the first comment, no, we are the church now. This sentiment was one that was to be carried into the rest of the time and space that had been set aside for us to share with one another. Sitting together in a comfortable room lined with couches, contentedly consuming the proffered snacks, people rapidly felt at ease and shared openly in response to suggested discussion questions. There seemed to be a sense among us that we are trying to find our place in respective churches. Sometimes we find ourselves falling between the cracks, and not entirely sure where we fit in once we are no longer youth. At times we are transient; unable, due to work or other commitments, to regularly attend a home congregation. It can also be difficult to know what we can offer the church. It was suggested that interaction with our pastors could convey a willingness to be involved in services and subsequently create opportunities to participate. Another voice spoke out in response to the first comment, no, we are the church now. Connecting young adults across Canada and North America through FaceBook, websites and other media were also explored at great length. Young adults can feel isolated but greater awareness of joint events and sharing the experiences of other young adults within their individual congregations, a greater sense of unity and support can be established. Hearing the voices of my fellow young adults from all across Canada, I was humbled by the wisdom evident in the ideas that were generated as people bounced thoughts off one another. As layers of brainstorming were added by those present I felt quite honoured to be involved and to bear witness to this gathering. However, it is not our wish to only interact with those who are the same age range as us. There were repeated calls for us to interact with other generations within the church. Many of the ideas that were generated involved joint activities so that we can benefit from those church members who have had more life experience than we have. We are the church together, now, and we have so much to gain in learning from one another. Janelle Thiessen is passionate about living our her faith. She recently went to Iraq with Christian Peacemaker Teams and will take further training with them later this summer. Caring For Creation in the Alberta Oil Sands -by Donita Wiebe-Neufeld With Assembly 2010 in Alberta, it makes sense to talk about the oil sands and creation care as they relate to the calling of the church. Don Peters, Mennonite Central Committee Canada Director, began the workshop with Colossians 3:17; In whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus encouraging the group that Christians need to be involved in what s happening to their world. Peters, and Abe Janzen, Mennonite Central Committee Alberta Director, based their presentation on an oil sands learning tour. KAIROS, an ecumenical organization promoting human rights, justice, peace, and ecological justice, sponsored the tour for church leaders in May 2009. MCC is a KAIROS partner. Before the tour even began, the volatility of the issues was obvious as headlines in the Calgary Herald announced that church leaders would be passing moral judgment on oil sands development. However, that was not the purpose or outcome of the tour. The group saw the oil sands and listened to people and organizations on all sides of the issues. Peters said, As we got further in, we realized we knew less and less. The issues are complex. For example, at the same time the oil sands provide important jobs in Aboriginal communities, they cause serious health and environmental concerns. Oil sands companies struggle with the issues too. The group heard of frustrations regarding the lack of regulations, either governmental or self-imposed. What is the responsibility and role of the church? Janzen and Peters said there was a fair amount of group reflection on this question, resulting in the acknowledgement that lifestyle choices make us all culpable. While Christian voices need to speak into the issues and call for better regulation, self reflection and lifestyle changes are a crucial part of change. An official release from the tour group can be seen on the KAIROS website at www.tinyurl.com/ycd7wbg. 4 July 2, 2010
Assembly though the eyes of a Youth Ambassador Sarina Brandt Thank you for allowing me to join you in making decisions and discussing the life of the church. It has already enriched my view of my faith and shown me how God has been at work in various Mennonite congregations across Canada. The first workshop I attended (ever) was Jesus: Evangelist and Peacebuilder with Dann and Joji Pantoja. I was inspired by their work and the honesty of their stories. I really appreciated the way that they integrated their faith and Anabaptist beliefs about peace into such a violent and broken society. As a passionate teenager, I feel an intense desire to affect this hurting global community and I would love to be a part of peace work there or anywhere. Canada, Abbotsford, and even my own high school are certainly in need of the peace of Christ where the peace of wealth, security and individuality often rule instead. I also was stirred by the Jack Suderman s presentation and following discussion about pacifism and what it means to be a pacifist church. We need to remember the reciprocity of the argument. Though we as Mennonites are classified because of our non-violent belief systems, do we not do the same to those who support just war? We also have to remember to respect and listen with understanding to those whose opinions are very different than our own. As a passionate teenager, I feel an intense desire to affect this hurting global community and I would love to be a part of peace work there or anywhere I also went to the Acts of Peace; Art for Peace workshop. It was fascinating to see how much of a serious impact visual art can have in restorative justice and peace efforts. It was very neat to hear about the different art that has been showcased at the Mennonite Heritage Centre Gallery. From former criminal perpetrators to children and people of many faiths, the gallery showed the peace and community of Christ through a venue that is often missed in Christian circles - through visual art. It was incredible to see the ministry that takes place there and it certainly Dann Pantoja speaks energetically about Jeseus: Evangelist and Peacemanker pushes us to use all gifts in evangelism and worship. The discussion that we had about young adults and seniors in our congregations was also especially meaningful for me as a young person and part of a church in which intergenerationalness is encouraged. In my church community, it is common to see young adults and youth playing music and volunteering in many other ways. It is the seniors that young people would love to hear from and see involved in leading worship. Contrary to some clichés, young people are interested in our background and history and the many stories that the senior generation has to offer. We want to see them involved radically in the church, as they were when they were young. When we get baptized, often as we enter young adulthood, we share our faith journeys with the church, but how often do we hear God s story through our elders eyes? We want to know of their struggles and of how we can help each other. The church needs to have mutuality between generations and learning on both sides. I like the peace in the public square emphasis that was discussed. It is definitely an important part of our faith to share the message of peace with everyone, although some of the methods could turn people away form the important message that we have to say. Leaflets and cards are so similar to the many junk-mail pamphlets and other garbage that is so easily thrown away. It is important that we remember how we are presenting Jesus peace. However, there are many incredible stories of peace promotion and we must continue! Salaam Alaikum (peace be with you). Sarina Brandt is a Youth Ambassador from Emmanuel Mennonite Church in Abbotsford. Did you know? Invite the Resource Centre to visit you: You can host a display www.mennonitechurch.ca/tiny/777 Ask for a Cheaper by the Dozen order www.mennonitechurch.ca/tiny/644 Invite Arlyn, or others on our Speakers Bureau www.mennonitechurch.ca/tiny/819 Issue 4 5
Frustrated in doing good? by Dan Dyck Canada s tax rules and even a congregation s own bylaws and constitution can create obstacles for charitable organizations who want to do good but experience frustration in trying to follow all the rules. The Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) states that, a Canadian registered charity, regardless of the source of the income, must use these funds for charitable purposes only. A registered charity cannot decide to raise funds and side step their books, and not report on certain funds in their annual T3010 information return. Therefore, if members of your church are passionate about supporting a cause that is beyond Canadian borders and you do not have the appropriate agreements, controls and reporting mechanisms in place, individuals or group of individuals can only support the cause privately and not through or with the participation of the church and without receiving a tax deductible donation receipt, said Randy Wiebe, Chief Financial Officer for Mennonite Church Canada. consequences of not filing a T-3010 can result in losing your chartable status. It is a much more rigorous process to re-register a charity that it was to obtain its charitable status for the first time Registered charitable organizations must be able to prove to CRA end use control of money gifted to another organization outside of Canada and show that the funds the recipient agency received were actually used for whatever purpose the Canadian charity intended. Approximately 15 participants asked many detailed questions about their own congregational financial practices: can I give a charitable receipt to someone who paid $150 for an auctioned pie? Do I need to complete a T-4 slip when our congregation pays an honourarium to a speaker? How do we handle gifts to members from our benevolent fund? Leaders emphasized the importance of filing CRA s Form T-3010 as required by Canada s tax laws, and not engaging in illegal activities even unknowingly. Citing examples, Norm Dyck noted that consequences of not filing a T-3010 can result in losing your chartable status. It is a much more rigorous process to reregister a charity than it was to obtain its charitable status for the first time. Wiebe offered himself and his finance staff to help guide church treasurers through complex CRA processes, and point them toward resources available from the Canadian Council of Christian Charities. Our overall message, said Dyck, Is that we are here to help you. So You Do/Don t Want to Talk about Sexuality By Donita Wiebe-Neufeld Sex talk at church! Who could resist going to a workshop like this? And even if you did resist, you would likely wonder what it s all about. How would your church discern the dilemma of an engaged couple asking the church about their decision to cohabitate? What about a young homosexual Christian who wants to contribute to the church and be honest about who he is? This workshop isn t about solving the issues, it is about getting a small chance to practice the process of discernment talked about at Wednesday s 11:00 am discernment time. Using two fictional cases, denominational minister Karen Martens-Zimmerly and pastor Scott Brubaker-Zehr guided participants through the process as presented by Jack Suderman. In small groups, participants reflected on current realities (signs of the times), considered the sufficiency of scriptures in addressing the issues historically, discussed challenges to traditional interpretations, and prayed together. While the time was too short to delve into the issues, the workshop gave participants a chance to exercise their discernment muscles and get a taste of what the process might be like applied to issues in their own congregations. Evaluating the process at the end of the workshop, it was clear that the short time was a problem, but that the process provides good tools for discernment. While the centrality of scripture was clear, it was also clear that solid study would need to inform the process. Many participants noted that the context of the scripture and contemporary situations are important to understand. One participant said; the scripture gave common ground for discussion. This was clearly the case. Affirmation for this chance to practice discernment without having to solve issues was an excellent, practical use of workshop time. Photo: (l-r) Karen Martens-Zimmerly and Scott Brubaker-Zehr 6 July 2, 2010
Mennonite Women Canada Luncheon By Donita Wiebe-Neufeld A good conversation is a process where we give each other the strength to go on, to celebrate together, to be sad together, and to inspire one another. - Henri Nouwen. For me, this one sentence says what I value in my women s group. It s a value that goes beyond generations. Erna Neufeldt, out-going chair for Mennonite Women Canada, welcomed women to the luncheon with Nouwen s words and her own obvious deep connection to Mennonite Women Canada. Membership of women s groups in the Mennonite church has changed dramatically over the last decades as groups dwindled and aged. In 2008, Women in Mission, (now called Mennonite Women Canada), initiated a task force to discern their future. In 2009, a survey of women in Mennonite Church Canada gathered information on the demographics, involvements, and needs of women who either were involved or might become involved in a women s group. Two motions, aimed at increasing the accessibility and relevancy of the organization, resulted from the survey and task force reports. The first changed the definition of membership in Mennonite Women Canada to welcome all women s groups or individuals from Mennonite congregations instead of limiting membership to those in provincial organizations. The second motion empowers the executive committee, in consultation with the Area Church, to appoint area representatives when there is no existing member organization or women s ministry. Both motions received unanimous support. In closing, Neufeldt encouraged women to take initiative in getting to know their Christian sisters. She said; quite possibly there isn t a women s group in your congregation. If this is the case, why not start one? Our national survey shows 97% of respondents placed fellowship as the first reason for joining a women s group. Delegates express concern over lack or discussion on resolutions by Heather Howell During the delegate response time in Discernment Block 8 on Thursday, some delegates expressed concern with two motions passed so far: one resolution regarding Native residential schools, and another acknowledging the Mennonite Brethren Church s 150 th anniversary. Respondents felt there was insufficient discussion about the resolutions before the vote was called. We haven t had enough time to think about the Approximately 50 women gathered for the fellowship lunch hosted by Mennonite Women Canada. Photo by Donita Wiebe-Neufeld Erna Neufeldt remains the chair of the Mennonite Women Canada until July, 2011. Mennonite Church Canada regrets the misunderstanding. implications, said Randy Klaassen, Pastor at Bethany Mennonite Church (Virgil, Ont.). No one rescinded the motions, but moderator Andrew Reesor-McDowell indicated the General Board would review the circumstances that led to the lack of discussion. All resolutions presented at Assembly 2010 will be posted in their entirety at www.mennonitechurch.ca/events/ calgary2010/ after the assembly is over. Issue 4 7
It s peace in public and it s breaking out all over Story by Rachel Bergen, National Correspondent of Canadian Mennonite What started out as a small Saskatchewan town s 2008 resolution to take acts of peace public has become a fairly widespread Canadian campaign with people all over world watching. It s called, Peace in the Public Square and it s breaking out all over, from billboards in Calgary on the Light Rail Transit (LRT) to wearing the Live for Peace toques at major public events. Every province from Ontario to British Columbia has participated in acts of peace, Communications Director of Mennonite Church Canada, Dan Dyck said on Thursday at the Assembly in Calgary. So far there have been 21 significant acts of peace with more to come. There will be a transit advertisement campaign in Saskatoon by Mennonite Church Saskatchewan, a peace road sign welcoming people to Emmaus Mennonite Church (Sask.), and a print media project by Osler Mennonite Church (Sask). Kyleen Ellison, a young adult from Listowel, Ont. suggested that at future assemblies, those in attendance should participate in an act of peace together. The liveforpeace.org website tracks the geographical location of those who visit the website. According to Dyck, the top ten countries that visit the website include Germany, Great Britain, South Africa, Ukraine, South Korea, Pakistan, and Romania. It is a topic of international interest. Hot off the presses are business-card-sized Live for Peace slogans that Mennonite Church Canada is hoping people will leave on restaurant tables, in bus stops, and other locations, inviting people to visit the website and learn how they too can live for peace. Singer-songwriter, Bryan Moyer Suderman, wrote a song inspired by acts of peace he found on the web site and performed it at the Assembly. Dan Dyck reports on the Live for Peace campaign Pacifism Needed by Esther Derksen I really enjoyed listening to Jack Suderman during Assembly 2010 Discernment Block #2 on June 30. Even though I m only 14, I ve already experienced what Mr. Suderman described when he spoke about how people react to Mennonite beliefs of pacifism. During one school class we had a debate about whether Canadians should remain in Afghanistan or not. When I said an army was not the answer, many of my classmates did not understand. How can we defeat the Taliban if all we do is sit there and say stop fighting? they said. Well, in my opinion, if you fight fire with fire, the fire likely will throw something back at you. Like Jack Suderman said, we probably do need to go back and look through scripture; looking at the other side of things. And maybe we need to find a place between pacifism and believers of just war. Thank you! The $4,805.27 offering at Wednesday evening s worship will be designated to Leadership Development in Canada. Thank you! Of course, someone will always disagree, but if more people renounced fighting, wouldn t everyone benefit? Jack Suderman said that many people (like those in my class) say that pacifism is impossible in the 21 st century. I think that now more than ever is pacifism needed in the world. On the flip side, what are we as Mennonites supposed to do to resolve conflicts that arise in the world? Many people have ideas and some are putting their ideas into action. This is good, but imagine what might happen if everyone put their ideas out into the world. The discussions that followed answered many questions for me and helped me better understand why it is sometimes difficult to be a Mennonite, and gave me some ideas about and what I can do. Esther Derksen is the 14-year-old daughter of Matt and Elaine Derksen of Wymark, Saskatchewan and attends Zion Mennonite Church. She is attending Assembly 2010 with her parents and her two younger sisters. First Aid Need medical care or a place to lie down and catch your breath? Volunteer medical personnel will be available at the First Aid table near the discernment hall exit whenever the Assembly is in session. 8 July 2, 2010