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?” 

Prayer during olive harvest

Pray for Palestinian brothers and sisters experiencing random and unprovoked attacks from extremist Israeli settlers during the current olive harvest.

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.

Philippines Learning Tour January 2023

Mennonite Church Canada is pleased to announce a Philippines learning tour from January 12-22, 2023.

MC Canada welcomes Sarah Wood as cross-cultural intern

Sarah Wood is excited to travel to Thailand to serve with Witness workers Tom and Christine Poovong and the Friends of Grace Church Association network.

New titles chosen for Common Read

Mennonite Church Canada, MC USA and Herald Press have chosen three new titles for the 2022–23 Common Read. Beginning with When We Belong by Rohadi Nagassar in fall 2022, the Common Read will continue in January 2023 with Grace Can Lead Us Home by Kevin Nye and Finding Our Way Forward by Melanie Spring Mock in April 2023.

Called to Bridge Building

I am honored and humbled to be writing to you as your new Bridge Building Facilitator. We have discerned together that the work of expanding our circle is important work that requires guidance, imagination, and courage to step into new spaces! I invite prayers as we embark on this work in all of our varied Mennonite communities as Mennonites in Alberta!

Statement and from MC Canada’s Executive Ministers on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

‘When the table is set, go’: an interview with Edith and Neill von Gunten

Since the release of their book Walking Together: Intercultural Stories of Love and Acceptance, earlier this year, Edith and Neill von Gunten have been busy.

South Sudanese students sponsored by MCA arrive at the Meserete Kristos Seminary

These two men are a wonderful answer to prayer for the South Sudanese Mennonite Church in Ethiopia (and in Edmonton) who have been trying to find help to disciple their people for many years. And MCA is part of making it happen!

MennoMedia seeking 500 study groups for Anabaptist at 500 Bible project

In preparation for the 500^th anniversary of Anabaptism in 2025, MennoMedia, MC Canada and MC USA’s publishing ministry, is looking for five hundred study groups from various Anabaptist communities across North America, to participate in creating the first-ever Anabaptist Bible.

MC Canada joins MCEC's call to prayer for people of the East Coast

We call our family of faith to pray for the people on Canada’s east coast in the wake of tropical storm Fiona, one of the strongest ever to hit Canada.

Gerald and Rie Neufeld called to be ‘relationship catalysts’ in Japan

Mennonite Church Canada is pleased to announce Gerald and Rie Neufeld as “relationship catalysts,” fostering connections between the nationwide church and Mennonite churches in Japan.

Empty Pockets

But sometimes my pockets come out empty, the only evidence of having been worn will be coffee dripped into a careless lap or mud on the hems from the short walk to and from my office at the lodge. At these times I note that the absence of detritus and wonder what I was thinking as I walked or where my eyes were cast as to not notice the bits of out of place colour on our camp’s grounds.

Mennonite Church Canada Joint Council approves addendum to policy on ministerial misconduct

Mennonite Church Canada has approved an addendum to the Ministerial Sexual Misconduct Policy and Procedure (MSMPP) that clarifies terms, policy and procedures regarding non-sexual misconduct incidents, what it terms “ministry conflict.”

International Witness Sunday - October 16, 2022

Join congregations across our nationwide community of faith as we celebrate International Witness Sunday on October 16, 2022. This year we consider the question, “What is in your hands?” What has God given you and your congregation to use to bless your community and strengthen the global Body of Christ?

God Sightings

Fall is a time when I see God Sightings everywhere.

Mennonite Church Canada encourages donations to Transmission film series

Mennonite Church Canada encourages donations to a film series about Anabaptists from around the world.

A Message worth Declaring

Our ongoing faith is not dependent on fancy theological explanations, but must be empowered by our stillness in Presence of Almighty God! Here is a message, and it is worth declaring – in many and varied ways by now in many cultures.

Every Journey is an Adventure with God

“Every journey is an adventure with God, there is always joy in being part of adventures with God.”  Words of wisdom from Siaka Traoré, a well-known and respected leader from Burkina Faso, as he described travelling, in early May, 2022, with a delegation from the Evangelical Mennonite Church of Burkina Faso from Orodara, Burkina Faso to Bamako, the capital of Mali.

Foothills Mennonite Guest House

The first guest arrived at the Foothills Mennonite Guest House (FMGH), Calgary, Alberta, in October 2007. The last said goodbye at the end of June 2022.

How Do We Declare?

The word “evangelist” literally means, “bringer of good news.” We have good news to share. The good news that Jesus brings freedom and joy as we grow into a personal relationship with God, and the good news that Jesus inaugurated God’s reign of peace and justice.

Tears and Tears: Gathering 2022

Tears and tears. As a church, according to one of our speakers, we are an emergent people. We are becoming. We are not a static entity but a wild, free, evolving, organic body. 

I Cannot Wait!

As we all know, when a child is excited about something, there is very little you can do to still their mind (or body). I often forget what it is like to be filled with such eager, childlike anticipation for something, but this year I have been reminded of what that feels like because, I too, have been experiencing those feelings in the lead-up to Gathering 2022.

God has kept me alive for a Purpose

"Pray for me – If God wants to use me here, or if God wants to take me home.”

What is a Story?

What could be a story from our congregation that would be of interest to others?

Gathering 2022 Report Book now available

Now available through CommonWord.

Song commissioned for Gathering 2022 blends virtual voices from across Mennonite Church Canada

"Greater Than These" was commissioned by Doug Klassen for Gathering 2022, We Declare: what we have seen and heard in Edmonton, from July 29 to Aug. 1.

Random Closing Thoughts and Queries on Intercultural/Interfaith Relationships

How do you seek to see and experience God’s image reflected in your neighbour, at home, at school, in grocery stores, in community gatherings?

The ART of Hope

Poverty is the name we give to this condition. When we think about poverty, we usually think about a lack of money and the things it can buy. But is the goal of reducing poverty simply to make people better consumers? Or is it to envision a different world where all people can flourish? Perhaps such a world is what Jesus envisioned when He spoke of the “kingdom of God”. Seeking that kingdom, He said, is the key to God’s provision.

Mennonite Church Canada leadership approves updated Operating Agreement

Mennonite Church Canada’s Joint Council approved updates to the Mennonite Church Canada Operating Agreement at its latest meeting on June 8, 2022.

Mennonite Church Canada announces Young Leaders Experience at Gathering 2022

Ten young adults from across the nationwide church will take part in the Young Leaders Experience (YLE) at We Declare: what we have seen and heard, Gathering 2022 in Edmonton, from July 28 to Aug. 1.

A Journey of Hope

If we are making adjustments towards living as if in the peaceable kingdom, there is hope of moving in the right direction, even if the steps are small along the way.

MC Canada invites congregations to register for virtual We Declare for discounted rate

Mennonite Church Canada is offering all of its member congregations a discounted registration fee of $150 to view Gathering 2022 sessions on August long weekend. Individual registration fees have also been reduced to $75.

Reflecting God's Image

“Im“Imagine a room covered with hundreds of thousands of mirrors on the walls and the ceiling. Everywhere is covered by mirrors. Mirrors in different shapes, mirrors in different sizes, mirrors in different colours. agine a room covered with hundreds of thousands of mirrors on the walls and the ceiling. Everywhere is covered by mirrors. Mirrors in different shapes, mirrors in different sizes, mirrors in different colours."

A Design for Living

My work and commitment is to engage and to adapt, and yet never waver in its principles.  What a beautiful Design for Living!

Wedler Graduates from Seminary: Congratulations!

ELKHART, Indiana (Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary) — Adela Friesen Wedler of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, graduated from Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS), Elkhart, Indiana, on April 30, 2022, with a Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies. She plans to continue volunteering in her congregation and in area churches, seeking to apply her seminary learnings there.

Wedler previously earned a Bachelor of Education with a major in Music from the University of Alberta in Edmonton, and a Licentiate in Music in Piano Performance from the Western Board of Music, also at the University of Alberta. Her home congregation is First Mennonite Church of Edmonton, a congregation of Mennonite Church Alberta of Mennonite Church Canada. She is married to Mel Wedler; they have two married adult children and five grandsons.

“How we move with our bodies for or against others—all of that matters deeply”

John Boopalan, assistant professor of biblical and theological studies at Canadian Mennonite University, will be the first guest speaker at We Declare: what we have seen and heard, Gathering 2022, in Edmonton this summer.

MC Canada caught up with him to find out what’s on his mind these days when it comes to the “good news,” and how his research ties in to the big questions that inevitably come from discerning just what the “good news” really is.

A Day for Spiritual Leaders - July 29, 2022

Mennonite Church Canada welcomes spiritual leaders across its nationwide community of faith to a special one-day event at Edmonton First Mennonite Church on July 29, 2022.

Connecting Communities: RJC students visit Calgary Chin Christian Church

From May 2-6 RJC students set out on their Alternative Learning & Service Opportunities (ALSO) week. This time of experiential learning is intended for students to practice the lessons of service, community, and peacebuilding that are taught in the classroom out into the world. This year three groups traveled to Oliver, B.C., Saskatoon, SK, and Calgary, AB.

Mennonite Church Canada donates $50,000 to MWC Assembly Fund

Mennonite Church Canada is donating $50,000 to help Mennonite World Conference meet its expenses for MWC Assembly in Indonesia this summer, and is calling on its member congregations to help match the donation.

In the ‘wilderness’: the church’s identity crisis and the need to ‘go local’

It’s going to be a busy summer for Kara Carter.

Early bird registration deadline extended for Gathering 2022

The early bird registration deadline for Gathering 2022 has been extended to Friday, May 20.

Why Volunteer for MCA?  Why Not?

If you receive a call from one of our Nominating Committee members asking you to consider an MCA volunteer role, ask yourself “why not?”

MC Canada sets up carbon levy for travel to Gathering 2022

Gathering 2022 registrants can offset greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from their travel to Edmonton by donating to a new fund established by Mennonite Church Canada.

MC Canada invites nationwide church to Gathering 2022

Executive Minister Doug Klassen invites members from across our nationwide community of faith to Gathering 2022, in Edmonton and online. For event info, visit mennonitechurch.ca/gathering2022.

“Why students are our favourite part of serving at MKC”

The best part of our MC Canada Witness assignment at Meserete Kristos Seminary (MKS) in Bishoftu, Ethiopia, is the students.

Gathering 2022 virtual registration now open

Registration for Mennonite Church Canada’s virtual Gathering 2022 experience is now open.

Spring Work Day

One of my favourite truisms is “Many hands make light work.” 

Respond, Rebuild, Restore: Foothills does MDS

“My dad thought this was a brilliant idea. I thought this was the worst idea my dad had ever had. I thought this would be the worst week of my life.” And then, “This easily became one of the best weeks of my life. I have to admit, my dad’s not-so-great idea turned out to be a great one.”  Such was Liesel Retzlaff’s summary of a week of volunteering with Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) in Princeton, B.C.

Mennonite Church Canada transitions Indigenous-Settler Relations program

Mennonite Church Canada is transitioning its Indigenous-Settler Relations (ISR) program to the five regional churches that make up its nationwide community of faith.

Buffalo Shout

Truth and Reconciliation -- in action.

Mennonite Church Canada, MC USA and Herald Press begin another Common Read

The Common Read continues April–June 2022 with Not Quite Fine: Mental Health, Faith, and Showing Up for One Another by Carlene Hill Byron.

Introduction. Check.

With just over a month under my belt as the new Alberta correspondent for the Canadian Mennonite, I would like to introduce myself.

In-person Gathering 2022 registration now open

Registration is now open for Mennonite Church Canada’s Gathering 2022, We Declare: what we have seen and heard, hosted by Mennonite Church Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta, from July 29 to Aug. 1.

Reflections from the New Guy

What does it look like for people to be enfolded well into the life of our communities? What does it look like to belong?

Mennonite Church Alberta welcomes you to We Declare

“Energy is building in Edmonton as we prepare to host We Declare,” says Brenda Tiessen-Wiens, moderator of MCA.

“Energy is building in Edmonton”

MCA’s Gathering 2022 planning team are members of First Mennonite Church Edmonton, which is MCA’s largest congregation.

Addressing conflict and promoting healing in congregations

A new resource is available for churches struggling with congregational abuse.

Youth Gathering 2022 registration goes live

Registration for Mennonite Church Canada’s Youth Gathering 2022 is now open at mennonitechurch.ca/amplify.

A pastoral letter regarding Ukraine

Beloved sisters and brothers in Ukraine:

Today, war has come to your homeland.  

We grieve the danger, death and destruction that this plague brings.

Doug Klassen will serve second term as executive minister of Mennonite Church Canada

Doug Klassen’s term as executive minister of Mennonite Church Canada has been renewed for a second three-year term beginning June 1, 2022.

Prayer for the War in Ukraine

God of hope,
we pray to you when hope is scare
as our world convulses with the horror of war.

110 Percent – a Remarkable Birthday

And then, suddenly, silently, a light enters the room.
It’s all around me;
                      Not a harsh light.
It is soft and peaceful and comforting.
         It’s as if God’s arms are all around me.
 
No longer can I holler at you, Lord.
      My raging is gone,
             My heart is calmed.
                    I feel completely at peace.
Without question, I know that God is here with me.

We Declare study guide now available for congregations

Mennonite Church Canada has published a study guide on the theme for Gathering 2022, happening in Edmonton, Alberta, July 31 to Aug. 1.

GROUNDHOG DAY OR CANDLEMAS?

Candlemas suggests ultimate hope, brought by a light that cannot be quenched, strengthening our courage in the face of whatever adversity we may encounter ahead of us. The light of Christ’s presence will go with us in all the challenges and joys of life in this world.

Leaders of Mennonite Church Canada issue call to join in climate-emergency response

Leaders of Mennonite Church Canada are calling on the members, congregations and regional churches of Mennonite Church Canada to respond to the climate emergency.

Elders Among Us

"Those who Know"... some musings on Elders.

Statement on "Freedom Rallies" from Mennonite Church Canada's executive ministers

We unequivocally denounce the symbols, words and actions of white nationalism being expressed in Ottawa and across the country at “Freedom Rallies.”

Mennonite women in Congo spread the gospel through literacy

Mennonite women in Congo have received training to be literacy trainers to help people read the Bible. They have worked tirelessly with the resources they have and invite the assistance of their North American brothers and sisters.

A Little Rectangle of Light

My phone is a little rectangle of light, promising to carry my messages and presence to others, promising to carry their presence to me whenever I wish. The concept is narcissistic magic.

Mennonite Church Canada and MC USA partner on prevention and accountability project

Mennonite Church Canada and Mennonite Church USA (MC USA) are collaborating to create a centralized, comprehensive guidebook for regional churches, conferences and congregations that addresses prevention of abuse by lay and credentialed leaders, as well as leadership accountability.

A Culture of Appreciation

We build a culture of appreciation by noticing what happens around us. Work done by worship committees, worship leaders, song leaders, children’s story tellers, decorating committees, health and safety committees, deacons. Work done by our paid leadership and by our lay leadership. A kind word that says “I see you” goes far in giving people the energy to continue. 

Call to prayer for Burkina Faso

The Evangelical Mennonite Church of Burkina Faso (Mennonite Church Canada’s sibling church through Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission) is calling Mennonite Church Canada to pray for security and peace in their country.

Herald Press, MC USA, and MC Canada begin second year of Common Read

The Common Read continues January 2022 through March 2022 with Been in the Struggle: Pursuing an Antiracist Spirituality by Regina Shands Stoltzfus and Tobin Miller Shearer. Common Read participants can join the authors on a live Zoom event in February. Books are available from CommonWord, MennoMedia, and other retailers.

To Love Our Neighbours

We can’t ever fully enter the experience of another person, but we can get part of the way. All it takes is a bit of empathy, a bit of curiosity, a bit of openness. And a bit of confidence that we, too, have something worth sharing from where we stand.

“Creator’s Call in a Climate Emergency” is a new, online community learning series hosted by Mennonite Church Canada, from Jan. 20 through March 17, 2022.

Hope:  What a beautiful thing to observe!

... I think of the variety of ways that people are immersing themselves in and reflecting one of the core aspects of God’s nature: hope. What a beautiful thing to observe!

Songs of Joy and Resistance

In our narrations and celebrations of Christmas we often gloss over or ignore the looming reality of despair.  Christmas cheer tries to just ignore despair; joy actively fights back against it.

Korean Anabaptist Center celebrates 20 years of resourcing, networking and service

On Dec. 11, 2021, the Korean Anabaptist Center in Chuncheon, South Korea, celebrated its 20^th anniversary.

imagining god's embrace

...for if it is our wish to experience the fullness of god’s embrace, we might practice turning from the things that hold us in their embrace … and learn to embrace god … fully.

a little more peace

An interview with Darrel Heidebrecht, author of a little more peace in the world: Reflections on my Experience with Restorative Justice

Mission nurse, educator, mentor and church leader continued ministry in ‘retirement’

Frieda Schellenberg Erb, 81, who touched many lives through her lifetime of ministry in Bolivia and Argentina, died November 14, 2021, in Choele Choel, Argentina.

Be It Resolved

As the Be It Resolved Challenge continues throughout the winter we and others continue to ask:

Are we ready to hear what Indigenous peoples require of us? Are we, as individuals and as the Mennonite Church, fully ready to hear the Truth and take action (not just pass formal resolutions) on Reconciliation?

"May our hearts reflect the hope and generosity of the shepherds, the magi, and most of all our God, who came to us this season in Jesus Christ"

Greetings to you in the Name of the one whose birth we will soon celebrate.  Tis the season of Advent – a season of waiting…waiting in hope and expectation.

Former Witness worker offers leadership coaching in Angola and Congo

Travelling from Canada to meet with Congolese and Angolan church leaders in Africa, Rudy Dirks is struck not by the cultural, social and economic differences between himself and those he meets, but their similarities.

The Greatest Laugh

Camp Valaqua, sacred space to many in Mennonite Church Alberta, gives birth to stories, stories which pass down through generations. 

“Both despair and hope have come to life for me in deeper ways”

I spoke with Kari Miller about her experience at COP26, what she witnessed and what role she believes the church plays in the climate crisis.

Bill C-15 ‘a tangible win’ for Indigenous rights

It’s been nearly five months since Indigenous leaders, activists and members of faith communities across Mennonite Church Canada celebrated the passing of Bill C-15

And this is your family…

Have you ever been introduced to a distant relative for the first time – maybe you didn’t even know they existed – and yet you immediately felt a connection with them?  After all, they are family!  Well, as part of a global Anabaptist family, we have family members all around the world, most of whom we have never met.  Yet we have deep bonds that connect us, deeper than our last name, cultural foods or language. 

Mennonite Church Canada announces speakers and registration fees for Amplify! 2022

Mennonite Church Canada is pleased to announce keynote speakers for Amplify!, the nationwide Youth Gathering happening next summer in Alberta at Camp Valaqua from July 31 to August 4, 2022.

God is closer to us than water is to a fish

...for the entire time, it felt like I was totally immersed in water. All was calmness – around me, in me, and through me.  

COP26 a chance to cultivate our garden

Truth be told, I am nervous to be attending COP26. Many reports on social media are declaring this climate summit to be of absolute importance, that the state of the global climate crisis rests upon the shoulders of those who will be negotiating.

ISR signs on to ecumenical letter of solidarity for Wet'suwet'en land protectors

Indigenous-Settler Relations is a signatory on an ecumenical letter of solidarity urging the federal government to halt the Coastal GasLink pipeline.

“We are in a climate emergency” – a statement from Mennonite Church Canada leaders

Climate scientists have been sounding the call for decades, and the urgency of this call is being emphasized again at the COP26 Climate Summit happening in Glasgow, Scotland.