A Menno Minute

The Tall, Tall Trees

Forests have always been magical places in my mind. Some of the earliest stories I remember my parents reading to me were The Wind in the Willows and The Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, stories where animals talk and stuffies come to life and amazing things can happen in every adventure. When I was about eight years old we lived in a house in Oakridge (in Calgary) that had no neighbours across the street except for the eastern edge of the Tsuu T’ina nation. This fenced wilderness, just beyond my reach, was imagined in my young mind as a forest of wonder just like the forests of my most loved story books, where any moment the deer or pheasants that emerged to snack on my mum’s bedding out plants might turn around and strike up a conversation.

Summerbridge Orientation

I really enjoyed my time in Ontario and I thank MCC and the program for letting me be a part of something really special. I'm honoured to have been the first person in Alberta to have been a part of this and it’s something I’ll remember forever. I made some good friends and met people who have impacted me to be better and taught me that there are so many more ways to give to the world and to your community.

PIT Crew Reflections

We asked some PIT Crew their favourites parts of camp and here is what they said:
“Lowkey just everything, I like to eat the food here, We get to sleep inside, We get peak experience, and The dance parties in the dish pit!” (PIT Crew 2026)

Memories of Loren Entz

L - Loved by God, family and friends

O - Observant to fine details, to the image of God in people

R - Respectful of faith, culture, heritage, peace

E - Educated in God’s wisdom, the Bible, the Koran, Community Building, Agriculture, Languages

N - Nurturing of spouse, family, people of faith, trees, and gardens.

E - Envisioning of Seeking God’s Kingdom first

N - Non-violent; a true Peace Maker living simply

T - Thankful leading to Happiness in Faith, Work, Play, Life, and Prayer

Z - Zealous to “act justly, love mercy and to walk humbly with God” Micah 6:8

The Symbology of the Cross

No matter what angle you come at it; whether that suffering is for the purpose of salvation, or if it’s a radical act of Creator God’s human solidarity, our God is known for having been hurt for us and with us. It does well to encapsulate why I came to faith in my youth years, and why I choose faith every day despite much; it tells me that on my worst days, where I don’t think I am worth effort, or deserving of care or love, that the God of the cosmos came down and fully lived like I have. That cross is symbol that Jesus hurt like I hurt, and still said I was worth it.

A Confession and Creed for Bright Sunday

Forgive us, Lord, when we take ourselves too seriously,
when we don't claim the happiness that is rightfully ours
as your children,
when we forget that you will have the last laugh in this world.

Camp Commissioning Litany

In this time and in this place,

may all who come
see God’s face in creation
experience God’s love in Christ

 and radiate God’s Spirit in the world.

A Weaving Land, history and Relationships Reflection

There was a good choice of meaningful hymns and songs for the various gatherings, and singing was lively.  The first evening around the real campfire revealed the long history that some people have with Valaqua, and how much it means to them: they feel a strong connection to the land, caring deeply about the place and its ministry.

A Hike-A-Thon Reflection

All of us within the church are on a journey, and it takes each one of us to get to the finish line. It is not an individual effort; it is a community effort. Look around and think of the times when you are the one offering assistance, the one walking alongside, or the one being helped. God is part of each of these moments. He provides rest when needed, urges others to assist, and walks alongside us. We are church together, following God’s lead.

The table is set. The invitations have been sent. Now we wait...

In many ways, camp preparation feels similar. For the past several months, we have been setting the table and extending invitations. We know that some of the guests will arrive. Many of our campers come knowing what Sunday School is and have folded paper airplanes through a few sermons.

But we also know that many others will come through our gates carrying very different experiences. Some are new to church. Some have not been part of a faith community for years. Some may never have attended church at all. We have set a place for them too.

We also know that there may still be young people in our communities who need a place at the table this summer. If there are children or youth in your life who could benefit from a week at camp, there is still room for them at Valaqua.

The table is set. The invitations have been sent. Now we wait with excitement to see who God will bring through our gates this summer.

A Pastor's Calling: From Mr. Insatiable to Mr. Available

Looking back, I now understand that my journey was not accidental. God was patiently leading me from being Mr. Insatiable to becoming Mr. Available.

And perhaps that is God's invitation to all of us.

Will we make room for God? Will we make room for one another? Will we become available to the surprising work of the Spirit among us?

May we become people who make room.

God, Wildebeest and Red Sunsets

I have often heard people talk about thin moments in relation to encountering God and although I’ve already experienced a few of these moments, this trip gave me the opportunity to have so many more. For me, thin moments are best described as instants when all of time and space co-occur and it feels like sitting with Creator. So, I sat with Creator as I watched baboons from the side of a cliff, and as I watched the wildebeest run, and as I watched the sunset throwing the world around me into shades of red and indigo. I have long said that God is out there. God not only exists in the bell towers and pews of churches, but also in the places you go, the moments you find, the people you meet. Thin moments can happen wherever you are, regardless of if it’s mundane, extraordinary or somewhere in between. While I hope that I will go back to South Africa, what I really want is to keep travelling to whichever there I am called to  next. I long to seek my Creator at every turn, wherever and whenever that might be.