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.  

Emissions Reduction Grants 2025

All eight Mennonite Church Canada congregations that applied for an Emissions Reduction Grant in 2025 were approved!

Camp Valaqua Merch Site is live!

The merch site for purchasing hoodies, coffee mugs, hats, and more is now live HERE, for a limited time only!

Support the work of Camp Valaqua, cross items off your Christmas list AND have a visible reminder of fond memories for yourself or someone you care about! 

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?

IW Global Companion for December 2025- Guatemala

Learn more and pray for Guatemala- the International Global Companion for December. 

Do You Watch Good Cinema?

Can I ask you this; Do you watch good cinema? 

Nationwide Book Study: Climate Pollinator: Stories on Anabaptists and the Climate

Join Mennonite Church Canada and MCC Canada for a nationwide, online study of Climate Pollinator by Sierra Ross Richer. 

Global Companion

SEMILLA seminary challenges its students to live the gospel message of peace, justice, and compassionate service in their congregations and communities.

An Advent Greeting from MC Canada

"Arise, shine for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you!"

Who is Linda?

My name is Linda Dickinson, and I’m the new Communications Coordinator for Mennonite Church Alberta. In other words, I’m the new Ruth Bergen Braun - very large shoes to fill!

A Retirement Reflection

Some months ago, I was given a suggestion for this final-Menno-Minute-as-staff. "Write out a list of your innovations." My first thought was “What?? What innovations?”  I just did “stuff” as “stuff’ was needed. But, I guess there were a few “innovations" with the qualifier that I did have a foundation to start with.

A Gift of Time and Noticing

We watch as the fading sun bathes the hills of painted forest leaves in a moving evening display. My companions and I have spent the day immersed in spiritual reflection and prayer. Individually and collectively we have shared faith callings, personal struggles, and inner stirrings of the Spirit. It is a Holy Moment, this last light of the fading day, proclaiming the movement to night, heralding a shift to the gift of rest and providing a moment of connection with God, with others, and with all of God’s creation.

MC Canada welcomes new Communications Coordinator

Mennonite Church Canada welcomes Mackenzie Nicolle as new Communications Coordinator.

Defenseless Identity

Not too long ago, I cracked open the Martyr’s Mirror for the first time in a while. I flipped through the first sixty pages of the prefaces and introductions (as well as the page of original language poems) and took a look at the first page of the actual narrative. If you’ve ever seen that opening page, you might remember the editing nightmare of titles, subtitles, headings and subheadings that is staring you down. 

Duty in its Place

Jesus did not come to pile burdens on already burdened people. He came to lift them. He came to give rest to the weary, mercy to those who keep on doing what they don’t want to do, liberation to the captives, and welcome to the prodigals. He came to proclaim and embody news that was genuinely good—that God’s love for sinners is the strongest, deepest, and truest given in the universe. God help us if we reduce this to some version of “do better.” Duty has its place. But its place is and must only be the response of love to Love.

First Mennonite Woman in Alberta ordained as a Minister of the Gospel

“Ordained Minister” was not among Linda Neufeld’s dreams for a future career. When she graduated from high school in 1959, she writes:

"I am about to graduate from grade 12. What to do now?"

Well, for young women at this time there seemed to be only three options – nurse, secretary, and teacher.

"The first two had no appeal for me, so (partly by default) I considered teaching.  Another factor in weighing my options was that my family was too poor to fund further education. It just so happened that a provincial bursary was available for the one-year program at Teachers’ College.  So off I was."

2025 Student Bursary Application Reflection

To an extent, I’ll never really understand Canadian Mennonite University. Of course, I understand the value of living in dorms, the proximity to new people that facilitates rapid development of relationships. Of course, I understand the wide breadth of courses that invites so many people with so many different dreams.

2025 Student Bursary Application Reflection

I took a class this past year called Art of Worship. In this course, we deconstructed various aspects of Christian worship—such as singing, preaching, imagery, community, and prayer—to examine how these practices either aid or hinder our ability to connect spiritually.

In Kind

In the summer of 2024, we began to receive in kind donations of fresh fruit and vegetables. These donations have made a huge difference on our camp grocery bills. And we as camp staff have felt supported by the donations themselves, and by the many, many people who chipped in to grow the produce, receive and store it along the way, pick it up, deliver it, prep and serve it, and later, return the empty bins.

I'm back!

As a Valaqua Staffer, of 20 years now, summer means something different for me than it does for most people. Camp summers are intense, chaotic, and awesome. However, they hold very little time for sitting in the shade with a book or enjoying a quiet evening with friends.   

Opening of Clan Mothers Healing Village and Knowledge Centre

A dream to help heal Indigenous survivors of generational trauma, human trafficking, sexual violence, and exploitation is unfolding on the eastern shores of Lake Winnipeg.

What Does the Lord Require of Us?

When we began planning the Pre-Gathering 2025 Resource Day, we acted on the request of leaders of both IR and CA working groups across the country to create a space for dialogue. 

What does the Lord require of us?

Picture a hot and muggy morning in Kitchener, Ontario – you’re at the threshold of the basement entrance to First Hmong Mennonite Church. It’s 9:15 am and the sound of many voices emanates from that doorway. You hesitate; it’s loud, and you know it will be louder when you step inside. But you also smell coffee and you have the sense that people are eating something delicious… you’ll just have to take a deep breath and go find out for yourself. 

On Words and Gestures of Apology

Elsie Rempel writes about a unique perspective on apologies.

IW Global Companion for August 2025 - South Korea

Learn more and pray for South Korea - the International Witness Global Companion for August.

A Sabbatical Blessing

This blessing was prayed over Tim during his last MCA executive meeting before his sabbatical, August 1 - November 1.  Please keep Tim and MCA in your prayers during these months.

The U30 Experience at Gathering 2025

As a person in their twenties, one thing I hear constantly is how bad young people are today. Much like every generation before mine, it seems like the older generations don’t have much good to say about us. It’s always complaints about our work ethic, intelligence, or even our culture, with rarely anything positive being said. And within Christian circles, there’s usually one additional complaint. “The Church is dying, and it’s all because young people aren’t committing themselves to the Church!” It can be pretty discouraging to be on the receiving end of this criticism, but instead of trying to refute these claims, I want to tell a bit of a story.

Join the Choir

During the Gathering 2025 Resource Day: What does the Lord Require of Us?, Jonathan Neufeld said, in one of his remarks, that he knew with this particular audience that he was “preaching to the choir.”  A common phrase, for sure. But that line prompted me to think, “how do we become part of the choir?”  How do you, particularly if you have never attended a MC Canada Gathering event, become part of the choir? And why would you want to?

Discernment at Gathering 2025

As part of encouraging ongoing discernment, during and following Gathering 2025, early “snapshots” of the shared reflections have been compiled.

Gathering 2025 'Gift Exchange' newsletter

For Gathering 2025, a daily newsletter is being published.

Gathering 2025 Measles Preparedness Information

The Region of Waterloo has issued a measles preparedness notice.

IW Global Companion for July 2025 - Colombia

Learn more and pray for Colombia - the International Witness Global Companion for July.

Reflections from our Inter-Mennonite/Inter-Cultural Good Friday Service 2025

In our gathering to share experiences of our Good Friday service, the leadership agreed that it was a beautiful experience. Many felt inspired by a service that connected present-day experiences of violence and oppression with the story of violence and oppression that led to Jesus’ death long ago.  As would be expected, a few felt a bit disconnected, longing for the “usual” way of remembering this day.  

Global Youth Summit 2025 report

Young adults report on Mennonite World Conference’s Global Youth Summit in May 2025. Held in Schwabsh Gmund, Germany. 

MC Canada Moderator sends letter to PM Carney

MC Canada Moderator Geraldine Balzer has written a letter on our behalf to Prime Minister Carney expressing concern over funding for military efforts.

Final reminders for Gathering 2025

Here are some last minute notes for Gathering 2025!

MC Canada Executive Coordinator position

Mennonite Church Canada is seeking a full-time (1.0 FTE) Executive Coordinator.

Sign-up to Pray for Gathering 2025

We're inviting people to pray during Gathering 2025. Sign-up for an hour of prayer.

National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada

June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada: “National Indigenous Peoples Day takes place on the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. For generations, many First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities have celebrated their cultures, languages, and traditions at this time of year. The summer solstice holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for many Indigenous Peoples, marking a time of renewal, connection, and celebration.”

Returning Home

I recently returned to Alberta after participating in the Anabaptism at 500 events in central Europe. On May 29, over two thousand Anabaptists from across the world gathered in Zurich to remember our denomination’s origins, to learn about where we are headed as a faith community, to broaden our understanding of our faith in action and to worship where we are today.

Gathering 2025 Feature Artwork

Artist Myrna Miller Dyck comments, "As I considered a visual piece for the conference, I was intrigued by the image of a fingerprint with the accompanying verse, “Each one has received a gift.” All of our gifts come from God, and each of us are marked by the fingerprint of God."

A Conversation about Mary/Maryam – Mother of Jesus

The Wisdom of Youth

It’s a silly thought, I traveled so far and saw so much, and yet I can’t stop thinking about those that were right in front of me the whole time.

IW Global Companion for June - Myanmar

Learn more and pray for Myanmar - the International Witness Global Companion of the Month.

Post-Gathering Church Planting & Renewal Discussion

Are you attending Gathering 2025? Do you want to hear stories about church planting and renewal? You are invited to "New Churches & Church Renewal Meet-Up."  

It’s a gift

 My work as Director of Admissions and Development at RJC has taken me to various communities and churches across the province and allowed me to meet kind and generous families and supporters of the school. I have the privilege of hearing stories about how RJC has shaped individuals' views of the church and helped them grow into the people they are today. Some haven’t returned to campus since their graduation, and others can’t wait to get back for their next decade reunion.

Reflections on the Pastor's Retreat

At this year's Pastors retreat, I found myself rejuvenated, filled with love and hope, and encouraged in my work.

Tithing our Time in the context of Prosperity

I remember visiting my Oncle Jean in Switzerland twenty years ago.  As we were getting ready to make a toast, I remember my Uncle explaining: “Back in the day, we toasted to our health. But these days, health is not as big a worry. Instead we have a deficit of happiness.” And so now he toasts to health and happiness!  “Santé Bonheur!”

A Worm's Eye View

As Earth Month wraps up, I’m reflecting.

Pastoral Letter following Federal Election

In these days following the election, when some are relieved and others are disappointed—some joyful, others deeply frustrated—we are called to walk in ways that exude grace, humility, and hospitality.

Doug Klassen Gathering 2025 Invitation

MC Canada Executive Minister Doug Klassen provides a short video invitation for prayer for and attendance of Gathering 2025.

Easter Dawn Reflections

It’s early Easter morning and I am standing on a small hill looking out to the east as the gradually brightening sky signals the approach of sunrise. To my right the moon hovers above rooftops, its perfect half already bathed in the sun’s rays, a prophet of the brightness to come.

Already Happening: Reflections on Climate Jazz

Marnie Klassen writes Already Happening: Reflections on Climate Jazz, Holy Participation, and the Essential Work of Collaboration.

Reflections on Youth Gatherings - Paul Peters

My life changed forever when I said yes to chaperoning a group of youth to a large inter-church gathering at the CMU chapel.

Waters Mennonite Church - the little church that could

Waters Mennonite Church started worshipping in their church basement in the 1950s. Now, over 65 years later, they’re approaching completion of upgrades that will soon include an air-to-air heat pump, replacing a gas-fired furnace.

Warman Mennonite Church Building Upgrades

Warman Mennonite Church’s 40-year partnership with a playschool operating in its building prompted a lighting upgrade in its basement.

Reflections on Youth Gatherings - Stephen Kennedy

20 years ago I signed up for my first Youth Retreat. I was an awkward teen, equal parts excited and wracked with nerves. Yet, I still went for it, and it became the catalyst that brought me to faith.

Relics? Momentos?

While as Mennonites we don’t have crucifixes hanging in our homes, we do have momentos.

Chin Christian Church ERG story

Chin Christian Church in Kitchener worships in an aging church building located on a busy street in a neighbourhood that dates back to the early 1900s. The congregation of 220 is working to keep up with repairs and upgrades on the old building.

Reflections on Youth Gatherings - Past and Present

Youth Gathering 2025, happening July 2-5, could have a major impact on your child or the youth in your congregation. Invite them to join us!

In memoriam - Sue Martens Kehler

In Memory of Susan Martens Kehler. Faithful saint and dear sister in Christ, Susan Martens Kehler (Emmanuel Mennonite Church), has passed into the presence of our Lord and Saviour April 9, 2025, at the age of 97.

A pastoral letter from Anabaptists in Ecuador

A state of “internal armed conflict” has been declared in Ecuador since January 2024. The three Mennonite national churches in Ecuador call for prayer from our global Anabaptist family. 

Church with roots in a log building going green

First Mennonite Church’s original 1832 log building in Kitchener was likely lit with candles and oil lamps. Energy-wise, that’s a long time away from the solar panels that help power the building today.

A Taste of Life in Creation

I have been reading a book in my time here titled Food and Faith by Norman Wirzba and he writes “eating is the daily reminder of creaturely mortality.” This quote stood out to me as a very small glimpse into life at A Rocha.

Spirit Acts

In preparation for the Mennonite Church Canada Gathering this summer, I have been immersed in the biblical story of Acts, and particularly the character arc of Peter. Through his eyes, I explore the dramatic movement of God’s spirit in him and in the church. It’s a remarkable journey in a few short chapters – from rutted old expectations (found below at Christ’s ascension) to a vision of a diverse and inter-cultural beloved community. Fortunately, against our initial impulses, Jesus does not sit in any one chair (or cheer for any one sports team!) but reigns over all, in all and through all – often beyond our limited imaginations.

2024 ERG Celebration and 2025 Launch

Saving energy, money and reducing emissions all at the same time? You bet! Join us on April 23.

Gathering 2025 invitation from MC Canada Moderator

Congregations, please share a special invitation video from Geraldine Balzer.

Global Youth Summit 2025

I have the privilege of representing Mennonite Church Alberta, along with four other representatives from across Mennonite Church Canada were tasked with compiling a report. This report centered on themes of belonging, spiritual inclusion and belonging. We surveyed 33 adults across Canada, with more than 50% of the responses from Alberta (go us!).

Youth Gathering 2025 schedule

The Wednesday to Saturday schedule for Youth Gathering 2025 is now available.

Osler Mennonite Church Charts Path to Reduced Carbon Emissions

For Dick Braun, a trustee at Osler Mennonite Church in Saskatchewan, the mantra of reduce, reuse, and recycle is simply a way of life passed down from his elders.

Representative, Delegate, or Participant?

Confused about which registration type to choose. Here are helpful explanations for congregational representatives, regional delegates, and participants.

Youth and U30 Gathering 2025 Information Meeting

Have questions about the Youth and/or U30 Gathering 2025? Schedule, travel, day pass, accommodations, activities, promotion! 

Gathering 2025 Speakers

We have invited a diverse collection of voices to inform our times of worship and discernment. We anticipate the thoughtful sharing you will bring to the discussion tables.

Gathering 2025 Workshops

We are planning a variety of workshops for Gathering 2025. Click below to read about the workshops and presenters.

Gathering 2025 Registration Now Open

Registration is now open for all options of Gathering 2025. Be sure to register while early-bird rates apply.

Celebrate Earth Month April 2025

Mennonite Church Canada invites you to celebrate Earth Month 2025! God calls us to care for Creation which sustains, heals and connects all of us, across the globe. Explore these resources to find your next step in Creation Care!

Come Early, Stay Late Attractions

Come early, stay late - make the most of your trip to Gathering 2025. We have some suggestions of things you might explore...

Gathering 2025 Accommodation Options

Gathering 2025 participants are required to find their own overnight accommodations. Click below for a few options...

OUR Shared Prayers

Our Shared Prayer is an experiment, no doubt, but my hope is, as these prayers open our newsletter each week that at least one over the next year would resonate with you, you specifically, you who are reading this Menno Minute right now.

Pre-Gathering 2025 Leadership Day

The pre-Gathering Leadership Day (Wed., July 2) now offers two options...

Reading, Thinking, and Figuring Out

I have always been a reader, this probably in character for this Old Colony eldest son back there who wanted to figure out many things (nesheah is the Low German word). So this morning I was reading again, not so much to gather news (no end of that since January 20, day one), but to meditate, pay attention along with brothers and sisters, fellow Christians and many other Americans reeling in shock at what they have just done to themselves. 

Gathering 2025 - Feb. 19 updates

MC Canada Gathering and Youth Gathering Update – Exciting Details Coming Together!

"I have memories as a teenager, overwhelmed by cringe, standing next to my tone-deaf dad in worship as he boldly sang Cantonese hymns..."

Still Radical

At this 500th anniversary of our faith tradition, I've reflected on our history--both Christianity and Anabaptism. Jesus’s message was radical 2,000 years ago. 500 years ago, Jesus’s message was STILL radical. Today, when the white Christian-nationalist church movement twists God’s good news to only being for them, Jesus’s message is still radical. 

Gathering 2025 Q&A

When to arrive? Childcare? Where to stay? Airports?

Gathering 2025 Daily Schedule

Click below to view the full daily schedule for Gathering 2025.

Youth Gathering 2025

Ready for an unforgettable summer?  Youth Gathering 2025 is happening from July 2–5, 2025 at the epic University of Waterloo campus – and you don’t want to miss it!

Gathering 2025 will feature diverse worship experiences

Mennonite Church Canada is excited about the inspiring and transformative worship experience being planned for the upcoming Gathering 2025.

The Real Journey

The first work is to admit our limitations and entrust our lives and our churches to the Lord. To surrender, trust, listen, and receive. We can do this. Let the real journey continue, in our hearts and in our churches.

Sustainable Food Service at Gathering 2025

Cyndi Pugh, caterer for Gathering 2025, shares her commitment to sustainability in food service.

Sharing about our Crossover New Year’s Eve church service

Holyrood Mennonite Church is an intercultural church. For the past 20 years since the church welcomed the first Liberians resettling in Edmonton as a result of escaping their civil war, Holyrood has incorporated this important event in the church calendar. 

Venissa Tumbay, representing the Holyrood youth, wrote the following reflection bringing together the thoughts and experiences of the Holyrood Youth who look forward to this event every year.

Gathering 2025: Each Person Has a Gift

As we come together for MC Canada Gathering 2025, we’ll explore how God is calling us to use our gifts for the good of the church and the world.

A Good Poem

I enjoy a good poem. Sometimes I don’t understand precisely what the writer is intending, but generally, I like to think I’ve been enriched after reading a poem.

2024 Emissions Reduction Grants

MC Canada is pleased to announce Emissions Reduction Grants (ERG) totaling $18,000 to help two rural and four urban congregations reduce their carbon footprint.

Watchword? Touchstone? Focus?

What word would you choose as a focus for your life in the coming year?

Update on South Sudanese students at Meserete Kristos Seminary sponsored by MCA

When Ruth Bergen Braun requested an update on the two students from South Sudan who are being sponsored by MCA to attend the Meserete Kristos Seminary in Ethiopia, I really didn’t know what to say that hasn’t been said before. These are two students whose names are Khan (Isaac) Gatkuoth and Gatjiak (Simon) Tongyik. Both have families. Both are grateful for the opportunity to learn and train for ministry so they can go back and train their South Sudanese Mennonite church members in Gambella, Ethiopia, and eventually in South Sudan.

Climate Action and Indigenous Relations working groups gather

Members from MC Canada’s regional climate action and Indigenous relations working groups gathered in picturesque Pinawa for several days of conversation they hope will inspire and ultimately lead to broader awareness and hyper-local uptake of earth-care and Indigenous reconciliation among congregations.

Fresh eyes on Palestine

Five participants from the MC Canada PIN reflect on their “solidarity pilgrimage” led by the Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Centre in occupied East Jerusalem in November.

Processing alongside Art

How do you keep going when it feels like your whole being has dropped into your stomach? How do you find the spirit to create when it feels like the building blocks are made of malice? How can you hold onto a hope that Creator is at work in the world when it seems that many are still choosing to dehumanize, rather than to love…?

Land, Identity, and Faith webinar

You're invited to join in an online conversation about decolonization from South Africa, Philippines, Israel/Palestine, and North America.

An Advent Gift

I think I have always loved studying the Bible. In elementary school, my friend and I went to the same church and attended Sunday School classes. In addition to this, some of us kids gathered for a few weeks in someone’s home one year where they were teaching us about the Bible.