A Menno Minute

Thoughts on the Next 10 Years for Mennonite Church Alberta

I pray that our view of humanity is formed more by “made in the image of God,” rather than “fallen short of the glory of God,” because our approach to service and the nature of our interactions with others will reflect how positive our attitude toward people is.

I pray that we may see ourselves, too, as God sees us – as worthy of love, and as ones who belong.

Ministry Through Music

I was 8 years old when I heard my parents discuss the prospects of my beginning piano lessons. So sitting up in bed that night, I excitedly propped up my quilt into a pretend piano, running my fingers up and down the “keys”. I was incredibly eager. But this was the late 1940s. Money was scarce, and my parents had to dip into the government’s Children’s Allowance fund to pay for 75-cent lessons. We also did not have a piano, so to practice I would walk from school to my Oma’s place to do just that on my aunt’s piano. It wasn’t until later that my family bought a piano for $75.

A March Gathering Prequel

As I anticipate the ADS meeting and gathering,  my thoughts jump to the interesting and varied guest speakers who will be sharing their stories. What a great theme - Storytelling,  a bridge to hope and healing. I look forward to a weekend of visiting and reconnecting,  learning, inspiration from speakers and the music, as well as an amazing play, Spirit Acts. I know hours and days went into the planning and execution of this full weekend, so I pray it will be a great turnout.

Knitting Prayers

Sarah Bessey is a theologian (and knitter!) who writes regularly about breath prayers. She recommends choosing one or two lines to ponder, and then breathe through them. I’ve always liked the idea of breath prayers – I really struggle to set aside time every day to pray, but I have no problem breathing… this seems a good way to be in contact with God, and I can just talk to Them about what’s going on.

The Relationship Between Pastors and Leaders

Being colleagues with other pastors means having partners in both the joys and sorrows of ministry. It means sharing wisdom and laughter, offering a listening ear, and providing practical help when needed. It is a blessing that enriches our leadership, deepens our faith, and equips us to serve our congregations with greater compassion and skill. As we continue to meet, pray, and retreat together, we deeply value the prayers of the congregations we are privileged to lead.

Pastoral Transitions -- Pastor Terry

MCA brothers and sisters: let us not be too quick to run away from the wilderness. The Spirit can transform us there. And in the words of the ancient prayer for the First Sunday of Lent: “God…come quickly to help us…and as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save.”

Reflection on the Intersection of Faith and Science

The kind of noticing I’m referring to isn’t just scientific – it’s spiritual. Paying attention as a way of honouring creation. The world becomes more beautiful when I pay close attention. The closer I look, the more wonder I see. Water droplets clinging to a spider web after a morning dew. Ravens frolicking and tumbling in the wind for no apparent reason other than joy. The intricate geometric arrangements of moss. All these small, beautiful things I would otherwise overlook.

For me, curiosity becomes a kind of prayer – wondering, asking, leaning closer. It is also a way of resisting apathy. Curiosity teaches me to care about creation and not let any details slip through the cracks.

A Menno Minute - Kienna Krahn

Community is a beautiful thing, and it can be an amazing beacon that shows people the hope that Jesus shines. When people can find a physical thing they can associate with hope, that connection becomes so much stronger.

Calgary Winter Weekend Reflections and Ponderings

The Calgary Winter Weekend was a great kick-off to the year! The Youth Leadership Team (YLT) serves as an MCA-wide initiative for youth and young adults, providing programming and faith-building for leaders and youth groups.

An Aspiration for All of Us!

MCA’s vision statement ends with the line, “Together we seek to embody Jesus Christ in the world.” What an aspiration! And also what a daunting task! Such a lofty goal suggests nothing short of the transformation of all of life. It echoes the words of Menno Simons, who wrote that true faith must become “all things to all creatures”.

Epiphany, Gifts and Waiting

Epiphany - The waiting of Advent is over; Jesus has come among us. In His presence, let us embrace our journeys, trusting that the Babe of Bethlehem walks with us still.

A Biblical Path to Managing Anger and Preventing Conflict

Peace is one of the greatest gifts God desires for humanity. The Bible repeatedly calls people to live in peace with God and with one another, yet history and daily life show how easily anger robs us of peace and leads to conflict, division, and even war. Scripture teaches that unmanaged anger begins in the human heart, but through God’s wisdom, it can be transformed into forgiveness, reconciliation, and lasting peace.