Energy Efficient Buildings Part 2

Join us May 1 @ 7:00pm CDT for part two of Energy Efficient Buildings. Guest and author Nelson Lee will help us connect the dots between creation care, building stewardship and the church’s ministry in the world.

Christian Community Development in Rwanda

I was fortunate to participate with 14 others in a recent Mennonite Central Committee Alberta Learning tour to Rwanda. The purpose of the learning tour is to observe and interact with the work of MCC and their partners in relief and development.

Images of Hope

Rwanda. For many it is a country whose name is synonymous with one of the most horrific and brutal genocides of modern history. It is certainly not a country whose name brings to mind images of hope. Yet after a recent Learning Tour with Mennonite Central Committee focused on MCC’s peace and development work in the country, hope is the word that now comes to mind for me. 

Red Dress Day on May 5

Sunday, May 5^th is Red Dress Day across Canada, a day to name violence against Indigenous Women and Girls.

Emissions Reduction Grant Celebration & Launch Party

Looking to improve the sustainability and efficiency of your church building? Looking for some $$$ to help you do it? Learn how on April 24.

Will it Ever Rain Again? 

What is that kernel of wheat?

What lies inside that grain seed?

Does it have a glorious past?

Could we have known what great harvests were coming?

We settled on foreign soil.

They called it Alberta.

Reflections on the Annual Delegate Sessions

Putting it in terms of intercultural's close sibling, intergenerational, we can have people across generations in our communities, but that does not inherently mean we are truly embodying that idea in the life of our community.

MWC Global Youth Summit 2025

ATTENTION: ANABAPTIST YOUNG ADULTS from MENNONITE CHURCH CANADA! Are you interested in being an MC Canada-appointed representative or delegate to the Global Youth Summit (GYS) 2025 in Germany?

Five more Emissions Reduction Grant Recipients Share Their Stories

In 2023, nine congregations received Emissions Reduction Grants from MC Canada. Five more of those congregations share their progress.

Earth Week Invitation to Pray, Learn, Act

April 21-28 is Earth Week 2024! For the Love of Creation has invited us to join a nation-wide movement through local actions across the country to pray, learn, and act.

Being Interrupted

God works in our interruptions.

Relief Appeal for Meserete Kristos Church in Ethiopia

Mennonite Church Canada is launching an urgent relief appeal for Meserete Kristos Church (MKC) in Ethiopia. MKC leaders and adherents have lost their lives in the crossfire of a violent tribal conflict that began in the western region of Ethiopia in 2018.

Collaboration between International Witness and AMBS

Forming Leaders Together - a collaboration between Mennonite Church Canada International Witness and AMBS.

Don’t leave me hanging!

Incredible partnerships await a church that’s ready to extend a hand in invitation to partner or to reach out for the high five of encouragement!  What direction might your next handshake or high five go? You might be left hanging… but you might not!   

a lesson in love

love is not a projection into some back catcher’s mitt - a comfortable place where it can be held tight.

love is a living transforming power that undergoes constant renewal - and is extended like god, into the world.

and our personal experience of love becomes the root of our experience of god.

Emissions reduction grantees shed light on their journeys

Hear from some of the eight churches across Canada that received an Emissions Reduction Grant (ERG) from MC Canada to reduce their carbon emissions.

Ring that Bell! Calling all youth to... Snowcamp!!

I am looking forward to the chaos and joyful noise of Snowcamp.  The flurry of games, singing, and time together always leaves me tired and rejuvenated in the way that only camp does.  We hope you will join us!

Faithful Stewards of the Earth

Together, let us answer the call and take bold steps towards a more sustainable and precious connection with nature. The time to act is now, and by dropping everything for the urgent climate crisis, we can be the stewards of a healthier, greener, and more vibrant world. 

Report back from Maya-Mennonite Working Group

The Maya-Mennonite Solidarity Working Group of the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery will be hosting a share back about our recent delegation to Maya ancestral territory, Monday, Jan. 29 from 7-8pm CT (5-6pm PT / 8-9pm ET).

A Journey of Illness

During the past three years I have been on a journey of illness.  Former moderator of the United Church and cancer survivor David Giuliano called his journey his “Camino de Cancer”.  It is not a journey any willingly travel.  But sometimes things just work out that way.  As someone close to me once conveyed: “These things happen.  Why not to me?”

Students sponsored by MCA dream of planting Mennonite churches in South Sudan

Recently an article in Anabaptist World stated there were no known Anabaptist congregations in South Sudan. Praise God. That is no longer the case.

Jury Duty

How can I truly value a part of the system intended to bring a level of fairness and common connection if I act on that impulse to get out of my duty when called? Our justice system is far from perfect, and aspects are in desperate need of change.  I wonder if jury duty itself could use an overhaul to address its critiques and better work towards its intended goals? But in the meantime, it is the system we have. If people who desire better forms of justice don’t serve when called, who will be left to fill those roles?

One Thing is Necessary

What else did Jesus say about Mary? Not only was she doing the one necessary thing, but she had chosen the good portion. The good portion was necessary, but it also was a choice. God is with us and gives us the words in time of crisis, just as Jesus promised! May we all strive to see the glory of God displayed here in North America.

New funds for women’s leadership training in Asia

Women now studying in Anabaptist Biblical/theological study programs in Asia will be able to apply for a new scholarship through Mennonite Church Canada International Witness.

Under My Tree

Imagine Christmas trees around the world overflowing with gifts of commitments to small acts of peace, freely given and freely received, peace that’s embodied by the Prince of Peace. Together, as influencers of peace, could we change the course of 2024?

Mennonite Church Canada announces Emissions Reduction Grant Recipients

MC Canada is pleased to announce Emissions Reduction Grants (ERG) totaling $23,021 to help one rural and eight urban congregations reduce their carbon footprint.

Steady and Deep

“You too must follow the path of your own race. It is steady and deep, reliable and lasting. It is you. — If you let it happen.” (Chief Dan George)

Help! Why? Thank you!

Help! Why? Thank you! Sorry I’ve neglected you. 

These are the words that describe the prayer life of my teens and early twenties. These words were offered by me to God. Words were the instrument of my prayers. And then one day I couldn’t find the words. I did not know what words to pray. I could not find the words to express what I needed/wanted. The source of my restlessness and unsettledness was a mystery to me, so how could I ask God for help when I didn’t really know what it was I needed?

Never to Return

Millions of Americans are leaving church, never to return…
That seems a rather bold claim.

Statement on Antisemitism and Islamophobia

The horrific attacks by Hamas on Israeli citizens on October 7, followed by the brutal siege, bombing, and invasion of Gaza by the Israeli Defence Forces since then, have led to an increase in anti-Jewish and anti-Muslim speech and hate crimes around the world...

Joanne Moyer receives environmental award

Dr. Joanne Moyer of First Mennonite Church (Edmonton) is the 2023 recipient of the Art and Jocele Meyer Award from Mennonite Creation Care Network.

The Liminal Space of Imbedded Leadership

It's now that I am truly trying to figure out what it means to be a leader/pastor in a community, especially to be a young person in such a position.

PIN statement on Palestine-Israel Conflict 2023

In the wake of the brutal attack by Hamas militants on Israeli citizens and the resulting overwhelming Israeli military assault on the people of Gaza, we lament the loss of all lives, both Israeli and Palestinian. We condemn all violence--whether committed by Hamas militants or Israeli soldiers. We lament the hatred, the dehumanization, the militarization, and the growing humanitarian catastrophe that we witness unfolding. 

God is at Work!

 
God is at work in First Mennonite Church Edmonton, and I'm delighted and eager to join in!

Prayer of Lament and Intercession for Palestine and Israel

Since the October 7 Hamas attack near the Gaza Strip and Israel’s crushing military reaction, violence and destruction have escalated in the land we often call “Holy.” As we lament the carnage among Israelis and Palestinians, let us also pray for those working for a future that ends the deep and longstanding injustices that lie at the root of the crisis. 

In Memoriam: Rod Suderman (1959-2023)

Rod Suderman, former International Witness worker with Mennonite Church Canada, passed away on Sept. 2, 2023, of anaplastic thyroid cancer in Surrey, British Columbia. He was 63.

A Season of Tidy Desks

I am so grateful for the amazing work of our staff group. I am so grateful for the parents who entrusted their kids to us.  And I am so grateful for the energy of the campers and their contagious joy in this community. 

Palestine Israel Network Alberta Events

Join others to hear Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac and Rev. Dr. Jack Sara as they visit Alberta!

The Garden and the Table

I think maybe we could even use a single word to describe the lovely place beyond our control where things grow to provide for us outside our plans, like an offering of warm biscuits from a friend that goes with the soup: faith.

Buffalo Shout Reflections

Buffalo Shout is a small group at Foothills Mennonite Church exploring what a life of reconciliation means.

One-voiced Harmony

Altar calls and emotional worship music won’t save our churches, and neither will committee slates and four-part harmony singing. Jesus’ voice is the harmonization of the law, the prophets, and the epistles. We should listen to Jesus’ voice, not harmonize it with others.

A CMU Student's Reflection

At CMU I always knew that I had a strong support network, especially in residence. If I was in for a long night of studying for a midterm the next day, I could head over to the main residence lounge to work in solidarity with fellow students, or meet up with a couple of friends and help each other review.

A CMU Student's Reflections

... we always want to feel valued. Having a church body which supports us, believes in us, and loves us (enough to let us go, sometimes) means the world to us.

MC Canada endorses For the Love of Creation

MC Canada’s Joint Council has approved a recommendation from the Sustainability Leadership Group (SLG) to endorse the For the Love of Creation (FLC) - read the full story here to learn about our newest partner in Climate Action!

Jeff Schellenberg: Here, There, and Everywhere

Most of us who are at all connected with Camp Valaqua know, or at least have met, Jeff Schellenberg.  Jeff has been a constant, a familiar figure at Camp Valaqua as he has been the manager since 1996. However, he’s hard to get a photo of as he is here, there, and everywhere.

A CMU Student's Reflections

I was anxious to enter CMU at first. I made sure I had back ups for when (I did not think ‘if’) things went wrong and wound myself in defense mechanisms only to be beckoned out of my shell by the Creator’s people.

A CMU Student's Reflection

Being a part of MCA and MC Canada provides me with a faith community in which there are many opportunities to engage and interact. These interactions pave the way for spiritual growth and also form relationships with others in the community.

Rearranging Spaces

Translating God's mandate of love into the choices we make can help in creating space for purpose and meaning to flourish in and through our lives.

A Fond Farewell

Thank you to the pastors, leaders, and members of each of the MCA churches.
Thank you to our immediate church family, Bergthal.
Thank you to the Camp Valaqua staff.
Thank you to the MCA staff team.

“Nuggets for nudging” from the MC Alberta Bridge Building Network

What is happening in our communities during the summer months where we might have the opportunity to “show up” as guests, or welcome guests into our midst. 

How do we create or experience belonging in our spaces?

Food, Glorious Food

Thank you to those who have kept staff and campers well fed throughout the years! And to those who continue to do so.

Come let Us all Unite to Sing, God is Love

What songs are near and dear to your hearts, ones you call on in joy and sorrow, ones for praise, thanksgiving and petition? 

Roots on Six

For the past many years, I have been tasked with giving the refugee update through data and stories gleaned from UNHCR, MCC, and local sources.  It was my honor speak again this year, as MCA's Bridge Building Facilitator.  

Open my Eyes, Lord: Photography as a spiritual practice

A contemplative photography walk can be like the mud that Jesus put on the blind man’s eyes.

Energy Efficient Faith Buildings Webinar

FREE Energy Efficient Faith Buildings Webinar on June 14 @ 7:00pm CDT.

Making the world feel a little closer: RJC celebrates 20 years of student trips to Guatemala

This year marked the 20th time that RJC has taken a group of students for a learning and service opportunity in Guatemala. The first trip took place in 2000 when Lorne Friesen first had the idea. As a teacher Lorne believed that education was much bigger than just a classroom with textbooks. “RJC had the slogan ‘Education with a Plus’,” he says, “And I was hoping that plus included experiencing cultures much different than what we were used to as a way to help us better understand and appreciate the role we have in this world.”

“Mennonite” - A Word of Opportunity

“Mennonites? Aren’t they the ones who ride in horse-and-buggies”? This is just one of the many common misconceptions I have come across when I tell them that I attend a Mennonite Church and/or work for Mennonite Church Alberta. You’ve probably heard them too.

Peace Progress in Philippines

It’s been seventeen years since Dann and Joji Pantoja’s peacebuilding vision took hold in the violently conflicted island of Mindanao, Philippines. Now it is time to hand it over to other leaders.

Donation channels open for Malipayon Peace Hub

Mennonite Church Canada’s International Witness ministry is inviting donations to complete the construction of the Malipayon Peace Hub in Mindanao, Philippines.

Becoming Mennonite

I’ve often joked that my memoir will be titled Becoming Mennonite: The Emily Summach Story.
I became a member of a Mennonite church for the first time when I was 29. I didn’t grow up in an Anabaptist church, nor am I ethnically Mennonite. When people ask me how I found the Mennonite church, I used to tell them the story of a providential google search and a welcoming little congregation in rural Saskatchewan.

A Bridge Building Network

Did you know that MCA has a Bridge Building Network? 
We have only just begun, and anyone with an interest in Bridge Building can join.

MC Canada announces Emissions Reduction Grant

Mennonite Church Canada will provide grants to congregations wishing to upgrade their facilities with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG).

Reflections on the LIVING HOPE Climate Conversation

Thank you to Mennonite Church Alberta and Manitoba for the opportunity to learn and grow in God’s creation and for putting it all together! 

Fast Food Joints and Worship Houses

Yesterday morning I greeted a homeless young man sitting quietly in a corner of our local McDonalds, a greeting which turned out to be a nice conversation.

A Taste of MCA!

"We had a wonderful time." Pastor Mezgebu Tucho, Bethel International (Ormo) Church

Created in the Image of God

Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity.  All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.  Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.1 Corinthians 13:12-13 (New Living Translation)

Dancing like a Twirling Warthog

“You Christians in the west are thinking your way into heaven, but we Christians in Africa are dancing our way into heaven!”  I don’t know about you, but I hope to do both, in a beautiful harmony of mind and heart. Perhaps we can get ready for this by swaying a little to the music this coming Sunday?

Tribute: Carl Epp

Dr. Carl Epp served the Mennonite Christian Hospital in Taiwan from 1972 – 1991.

The Spaces Between

“The real "work" of gathering - conversations and more conversations.”

I envision God looking over our gathering, blessing each group of two or three or more. I picture God’s joy for this time where we were living and being the community that God calls us to be.

Peacemaking emphasized in new storybook Bible

From beginning to end, the Bible reminds us that we are made in God’s image and that God’s table has room for us all. God’s presence and peace become real to children of all ages in The Peace Table (Shine, July 2023), a comprehensive family storybook Bible with artwork from 30 illustrators.

Kienna Krahn: An RJC Interview

Kienna Krahn is a first-year Grade 11 THRIVE student at RJC. Originally from Calgary, Kienna shared with us some of what she has taken away from moving provinces to complete her high school education.

2022: Latin America Transmission Film Released

The third production in the Transmission series focusing on creation care is ready for viewing.

What are you afraid of?

We’re all afraid of something, right?
Maybe it’s just something small we are not comfortable doing so we avoid it.

A Plot of Potatoes

Growing up on a farm near Pincher Creek, there was one constant which followed me from childhood to the present, a large garden.

A global church pilgrimage with Menno Simons

From a centuries-old church in Pingjum, Netherlands to a dim library in Tokyo, Doug Klassen tells stories of Menno and Mennonites in five countries.

Camp Valaqua Celebration Forest

For the past year or so a conversation has been taking place about creating a place at Camp Valaqua which would be available anytime to anyone wishing to spend time in this special place.
 
The concept of a “Celebration Forest” which would hold possibility for memorial benches, a labyrinth containing commemorative stones, and a fully accessible boardwalk is being imagined. An area has been identified and the trail for the boardwalk has been tentatively marked.

Unboxing Boxing Day

I spent Boxing Day unpacking boxes. I moved into my new condo six days before Christmas and was excited to make it home, after living out my suitcase for seven weeks.

Bridge Building in Edmonton

As we expand our intercultural and interfaith horizons, one area to look for opportunities to connect is through our local Indigenous organizations who often offer opportunities to join them in activities in their spaces. 

Community: A Core Conviction

Community is a core conviction of Anabaptist congregations. Becoming a part of Foothills Mennonite Church this year has drawn me back into a quality of the church that gives me life. I commit to not taking being together for granted because I know what it is to be apart.

The headline read, “So long, 2022, let us hope 2023 will be better."  

As we look back, may we recognize the many ways God has been with us, even as we anticipate God’s presence in the future to come!

The state of Christian Unity

Winnipeg – During the pandemic, Christian churches across various faith traditions have disagreed with public health orders restricting in-person gatherings.

It's Christmas!

As I watch my son’s joyful anticipation of Christmas, I find myself reflecting on it was like for those in Israel who were waiting centuries for the Promised One. Generation after generation, the prophecy of a Messiah passed down. Each generation hopeful that this coming would happen in their lifetime, but day after day, year after year and century after century…nothing.

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2023

After a multi-year pause in participation due to systems restructuring followed by covid challenges, Mennonite Church Canada is again inviting regional church congregations to participate in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (WPCU) from Jan. 18 – 25, 2023.

Actively Watching

“Do you see what I see?” (… do you see what I see? …)

In Praise of Beauty

We can’t live off flowers. Pretty pictures won’t cover for bad theology. But maybe our churches can benefit from seeing more beauty in our sanctuaries, in our homes, and in our relationships.

Sandy Plett hired as Climate Action coordinator

Mennonite Church Canada is pleased to welcome Sandy Plett as climate action coordinator, a position that will coordinate efforts across the regional churches to build understanding and action around and in response to the climate crisis.

Jonathan Neufeld welcomed as Indigenous Relations coordinator for Mennonite Church Canada

Mennonite Church Canada is pleased to announce the hiring of Jonathan Neufeld as Indigenous Relations coordinator, a role that will seek to coordinate and resource the regional churches in their relationship-building with Indigenous communities.

What if everyone said “No”?

What if everyone said “no?” How would we as MCA continue? How would our local congregations continue? What would be left of what we call “the church?” 

A Global Youth Summit Experience

It’s easy to forget the vastness of our global church community when we are geographically so removed from one another. And it can be daunting when we are confronted with linguistic, cultural and theological differences. But if there’s one thing I left Indonesia wanting more of, it was time together and more opportunities to learn from my church family.

My YL Experience

Hello! My name is Elijah, and I was fortunate to attend Mennonite Church Canada’s We Declare Gathering 2022 this past summer, which was my very first conference of any sort.

‘A Creative God’ resources explore visual arts in worship in intercultural Anabaptist congregations

New resources on visual arts in worship are available from Together in Worship (togetherinworship.net), an online collection of worship resources from Anabaptist sources.

The Fear for God

“God, I know this is kind of rude, but what about ___________???”

MC Canada Witness and PIN networks co-host lecture series by Bethlehem Bible College

MC Canada Witness, together with Palestine Israel Networks from four regional churches and eight theological schools and seminaries across Canada is hosting an lecture series offered by Bethlehem Bible College (BethBC) over the coming year.