Stories and images of Assembly 2014

Experiencing ‘Wild Hope’



From July 3 to 6, 2014, Mennonite Church Canada held its biennial assembly, in Winnipeg, Man. Focusing on the theme, “Wild Hope: faith for an unknown season,” the church delegates and their families, church-wide staff and volunteers, along with international guests, worshipped together, discussed issues, participated in seminars, and connected with friends and acquaintances.

Coverage of the event includes:

Editorial: It’s the images that linger  Assembly images and symbols that lodge themselves in our minds and spirits 

Assembly feature: ‘Finding faith for an unknown season’  MC Canada ponders new ways to be unified.

For discussion: ‘Finding faith for an unknown season’  Questions for reflection and discussion of the feature article

Briefly noted: Sexuality has the ‘potential of taking us into fragmentation’  How theological conversations in North America could affect the “global mosaic” of Anabaptist around the world.

Seminar: The changing face of congregations  In the face of an uncertain future, churches tell encouraging stories.

Seminar: Biblical visions of ‘wild hope’  Dan Epp-Thiessen finds ‘more and more strength and hope in God’s good future.’

Deconstructing stereotypes about Islam  A relational ministry with people of another faith

Seminar: ‘There is abundance’  Young adults challenged to be generous

Seminar: ‘Jesus is with us’ in our creation-care efforts  Environmental concerns stretch back nearly 40 years.

Delegate profile: Leon provides B.C. prof a paw to stand on  The vital role of a service dog

Ministers conference: Prayer to heal the heart  Pastor and psychologist teach pastors to ‘focus on Jesus, ask him for help, see what happens.’

Seminar: What exclusive allegiance to Jesus looks like in a pluralistic culture  In a society of varying religious views, we should not be afraid.

Seminar: At least there is hope for a tree!  Thinking about the ‘why’ questions along with the ‘what’ and ‘how’ questions

Delegate profile: Cancer buddies connect at assembly (web exclusive)  Assembly 2014 is the first time Elizabeth Wall and Lorraine Reimer have met face to face.

Seminar: ‘Spiritual disciplines are not magic’ (web exclusive)  Author/pastor April Yamasaki helps cultivate spiritual practices

Seminar: Sisters equipped to care for their sisters (web exclusive)  A way for women to care for themselves and for other women.

Seminar: ‘We are all cousins’ (web exclusive)  The Royal Proclamation of 1763 and relationships between settlers and native hosts.

Seminar: Subversive guest (web exclusive)  How do Anabaptists live and share their faith in a post-Christian landscape?

Children’s assembly: A splashing good time (web exclusive)  Children and junior youth connect assembly theme and water activities.

Young Voices: ‘There is a community of young people here’  Young adults reflect on their experiences at Assembly 2014

Young Voices: Live in colour . . . eat chocolate  Films show how change can be liberating in life and in the church.

And more!  Videos of the main sessions, the daily newssheets, a #mennopeg Twitter feed, and assembly documents can be seen on the website of Mennonite Church Canada. 



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