Student Bursary Essays

I have found so much value and growth on the beautiful campus of CMU, and no rebranding project (good or bad) can change the joy I’ve found there. I will continue to choose this small university for both the big opportunities and the incredible community that it lovingly fosters.

Student Bursary Essays

Faith has always been an important part of my family and life, and since both of my parents as well as my two older siblings attended CMU, choosing it myself felt like a natural next step. I wanted to go somewhere that would challenge me academically while also helping me continue to grow in my faith. CMU seemed like a place where I could do both. I also liked that it has a close-knit community where people seem to genuinely care about each other, and are actively involved in each other's lives.

Student Bursary essays - Aiden Scherzinger

My paraphrase of his words: “as I looked into it [Anabaptism], I realized that it named where I was already at.” It was, I would say, very easy to root myself in this faith tradition, as it seemed the spirit had already been leading me to this tradition before I found the words for it.

Sitting in the Circle

"In the daylight God disappears,
running here and there,
contending with the desires of people,
shaking with laughter,
then weeping.
Which recalls to her this singular concern:
to keep dancing her crazy cosmic conga
and coax all the broken circles back to love."

When Borders Break, the Spirit Builds

Before I left, she said, “Let me pray for you.” And she prayed exactly as my mother would have prayed—tenderly, fervently, with a mother’s heart. I was stunned. Is she Anglican? I wondered. How is she praying with such warmth, care, and love—just like my mother?

In that moment, a profound truth dawned on me: there are mothers and God-fearing people far beyond the borders of our denominations. God’s kingdom has no walls, no tribal lines, no cultural limits. The Spirit of the Lord binds this global family together.

Giving Before You Have Enough

A group of Calgary youth were touched by how Guatemalan community members helped those in need – even before they themselves were economically stable.

Pondering Sumud

A few months ago, my Palestinian friend and A Common Word Alberta Interfaith Dialogue partner Salwa, gave me a hoodie that has the words written on it: “I am  from here and here I am!” This is a quote from Mahmoud Darwish (1941-2008), a Palestinian poet. Darwish captures the commitment of the Palestinian people to remain connected to the land they have been on for centuries, if not millennia – land that has shaped who they are through olive trees, citrus orchards, sheep and goat herding, and cousins – so many cousins.

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.

The Art of Being Creatures

Mennonite Church Canada and partners are gearing up for this binational, intergenerational, Anabaptist-led gathering, focussing on young adults and faith organizations doing climate/creation care. 

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.

Jan Basañes Appointed General Administrative Assistant

Mennonite Church Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Jan Basañes as General Administrative Assistant, beginning June 8, 2026.

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. 

Witnessing to Jesus' Healing and Hope at Bergthal Mennonite

Jesus has healed our concern for our future. The future is God’s work not ours. We know that God’s church will go on, though we are not sure how. God loves the church as a whole and Bergthal specifically. We know that Jesus loves each of us, and cares about our connection to God which is nurtured in this community.  Based on that we can wait, trust and hope in Jesus for the future. 

Finding Meaningful Work, and Work with Meaning

“ Ask, and it will be given to you seek, and you will find knock and the door will be opened to you.” ( Matthew 7:7)

Yet, to close, I return to that beautiful verse from the Gospel of Matthew. It has truly come to life for me, because Mennonite Church Alberta has opened its doors and allowed me to fully utilize the skills, dedication, and knowledge I worked so hard to acquire during my post-secondary journey.

A Menno Minute from Venissa Tumbay

I’m thankful for the opportunity to be part of a community that encourages young people to grow, lead, and live out their faith. I’m excited to see how God works through this experience and what He will continue teaching me along the way.

In this time of Pentecost...

Of course, I didn’t find anything out there that wasn’t a faint shadow or my own flimsy fabrication. Eventually, inevitably, I was drawn back towards the church. I became open to the calling on my spirit and enrolled at Alberta Bible College. It was there at the age of thirty-three, while on a silence and solitude retreat with my class, that I felt powerfully and overwhelmingly the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon me. Seventeen years after it had begun—a longer period of time than I had spent unbaptized—my baptism reached its fulfillment.

Bridgebuilding With a Lower Case B

As this work will now stop growing through one person, it is time to pass the torch! I invite us to consider: that the call to following Jesus in his Bridgebuilding footsetps is – must be -- part of our theology, lived out in our common life together. Bridgebuilding is not just “a good idea.” Living into this call is the stuff of our living stories – our witness to the sacred work of complete discipleship. All of us have different capacities of time and energy to do this work, but I propose that unless we do this work, and celebrate it together through sharing of stories, we stop growing in our life journey in Christ.

Season of Creation

Simplify worship planning for Fall of 2026 and join Christians around the world in recognizing the Season of Creation from September 1- October 4, 2026!  

Leader Magazine’s Summer 2026 Issue includes wonderful new worship material, written by worship leaders from Mennonite Church Canada for your use.   

"He Who Has an Ear"

May we, as Mennonite Church Alberta, be a people who refuse to let spiritual noise drown out the Spirit’s leading. May we cultivate ears that hear what the Spirit is saying today. And may renewed hearing lead us into renewed leadership, mission, and faithfulness.

Mennonite Church Canada Announces Partnership with the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery

Mennonite Church Canada is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery (www.dismantlediscovery.org) that supports the shared employment of Jonathan Neufeld.

'Four Strong Winds' and a Joint Council Preview

We covet your prayers. We are living in a time when the world feels like it is losing its moorings. While we take that seriously, we also know that God’s future is for peace and flourishing for all as this is the way of Jesus in the gospels.

Who are the Young Anabaptists?

Liam Kachkar is a city planner, member of First Mennonite in Edmonton, and the new North America representative for Mennonite World Conference's (MWC) Young Anabaptist Committee (YAB).

Reflections from our Indigenous Relations Working Group Workshops at Gathering 2026

In the second session, we heard a story of learning from Elder Ollie that the Camp Valaqua old chapel site, by the creek, used to a be a sacred gathering place for ceremony, and how grateful Ollie was that this place continues to be used for sacred gatherings.    

As we continue on the path of understanding Truth and living into Reconciliation, may we put into practice the wisdom that came together in our sessions!
May it be so! Amen.

Emissions Reduction Grant: Lethbridge Mennonite Church

For Lethbridge Mennonite Church (LMC), creation care is important, but not its primary calling, said treasurer Dave Neufeldt. Nonetheless, they continue taking action to green their building.

Emission Reduction Grant: Toronto Chinese Mennonite Church

The poet Mary Oliver offers advice to readers of her poem Sometimes. She writes “Instructions for living a life: / Pay attention / Be astonished / Tell about it / ”

Oliver’s words might well describe the creation care journey of Toronto Chinese Mennonite Church (TCMC) — and other aspects of its ministry.

Slush Camp 2026 Reflection

It was such a blessing to have more than 50 youth and young adults out at Camp Valaqua for our yearly Slush Camp! It was awesome to see youth and YLT step out of their comfort zone to lead activities, help with song leading, lead grace before meals, and chat with new people (MCA Priority Statement 3)! Thank you to our wonderful cooks and kitchen volunteers for keeping us so well fed. Our hearts are full with many memories made around God’s circle and under the tall, tall trees of Valaqua!

Emissions Reduction Grant: Stirling Ave Mennonite Church

Sealing drafty cracks in a building envelope might not seem like an ambitious decarbonization project, but when your large brick church is 100 years old, all those cracks and gaps can add up to significant energy loss.

Pre FYE 2027 Budget Meeting

As a nationwide community of faith, our budget reflects our collective mission and values.

Pre FYE 2027 Budget Meeting

As a nationwide community of faith, our budget reflects our collective mission and values.

CCWG Reflection

"I am river, I speak for all rivers. I journey through many places, winding, bending, and flowing in communities, marches, down mountains, and across valleys. Sometimes I struggle when I feel the splash of garbage cloud my view or the thickness of oil enter my blood. I try to understand why the humans are doing this, but it can be hard to make my voice heard over all the noise.” - Participant sharing from the session

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.

Emissions Reduction Grant: Listowel Mennonite Church

Listowel Mennonite Church has received its second Emissions Reduction Grant from Mennonite Church Canada, this time to help fund the installation of solar panels on the congregation’s building.

A March Gathering Prequel

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.

Emissions Reduction Grant: Foothills Mennonite Church

When Foothills Mennonite Church’s 15-years-long hospital guest house ministry came to an end, funds from the sale of the property opened up a new way of giving back to the community.

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.

IW Global Companion for March 2026- South Africa

As we embrace a posture of companionship in the global church, an Anabaptist group called Iziko Lamaqabane in South Africa is stepping up to that commitment and offering to walk with us.

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.

Biblical texts for Decolonization through Unforgetting: Lessons from “BECOMING KIN” by Patty Krawec

Join us for conversations on a Jesus-Centered Theology for Indigenous Work in MCA

Biblical Texts for Decolonization through Unforgetting: Lessons from “Becoming Kin” by Patty Krawec

A Bible/Book Study - "Becoming Kin" by Patty Krawec during the months of February and March.

Schedule: Tuesdays from 10:00-11:30

Feb. 10, 24, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Contact Suzanne Gross at suzannegrosss@netscape.net for the Zoom link

Overturning the tables of injustice in Palestine

In November 2025, Laura Rodriguez-Reyes was in the West Bank, Palestine, attending the Kairos conference as a visitor seeking to learn and to listen in solidarity to Palestinians living amid decades of extreme violence.

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.

When the Church Listens Both Ways

On October 16, 2025, thirteen participants—including three Canadians—embarked on an Anabaptist Learning Tour in Guatemala and El Salvador organized by CASAS, a program of SEMILLA Latin American Anabaptist Seminary. While each visit offered insight into faith lived amid complex social realities, one encounter left a lasting impression—a moment of unexpected solidarity that reshaped assumptions about who gives and who receives in global church relationships.

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.

IW Global Companion for January 2026- China

Pastor Y is visiting anabaptist leaders who face similar challenges to their ancestors in faith. Read more and pray for China, the International Global companion for January. 

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.