A Menno Minute

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.

Hearing the Story Anew

This week as we hear these words once again, may we hear them anew as glad tidings, tidings of great joy for all the people. And with the angels may we give glory to God as we live into God’s promise of peace.

Gifts from these 7.5 years

It’s hard to believe that my time as pastor of Calgary First Mennonite Church is coming to an end in only a matter of days.  These last months and weeks have felt like a blur.  And while these last seven and a half years have also gone by in a flash, it’s also hard to remember what life was like before ministry.  Add in the usual—and in some ways unfortunate—busy-ness of this season and it certainly makes for an emotionally complicated time.  

How Will We Respond

A small group in my church created our Advent series called “From Fear to Peace: The Christmas Journey”. In the series outline, they state that things in our world are difficult: “Financial instability. Food insecurity. Polarization. Disconnection. Strikes. Aging. Health concerns. Grief. Pressure. Uncertainty. Anxiousness.”

How Will We Respond?