It takes a village
“It takes a village to raise a child,” we’ve often heard. Does it also take a village to grow old? I wondered after a phone call with a friend who is a generation older than me. We talked of her move from independent living into a small seniors’ apartment, and the pleasures and challenges she…
God loves a cheerful receiver
Most of us are not very good at receiving compliments. A friend had just delivered a fine sermon, so I gave him a heartfelt compliment. His deflective, “humble” response was to give all credit to God. I replied, “I could swear I saw your lips moving!” Perhaps even more striking is our inability to be…
CO Bunkhouse
Second World War conscientious objectors (COs) were often sent to provincial parks for manual labour, as part of their alternative service assignments. This photo, taken between 1941-45, depicts Mennonite men getting dressed in their winter clothes around the warmth of a wood stove. Smoke from the stove, with laundry hanging from the rafters, can be…
Readers write: December 14, 2015 issue
Demographics play a big role in the future of MCC Re: “The future of MCC,” Aug. 31, page 11. I appreciated Will Braun’s attempt to ask this question. Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is experiencing the narrowing of its donor base. This is evidence of a demographic decline, where those with deep roots in the agency,…
My mechanic, my teacher
It may sound a little odd, but I really like my mechanic. I like him because I am very inadequate in my mechanical knowledge and I am grateful for anyone who can provide expertise and knowledge concerning my vehicle. As much as I appreciate his knowledge and his comprehensive understanding of my vehicle, I also…
War, Christmas and Pentecost
“We’re at war.” These were the words of French President Francois Hollande after the Paris attacks. This Friday the 13th will be remembered like 9/11. Is war the new reality? Or have we just ignored the depressing thought that it’s one of humanity’s constants? Why did Islamic State target Paris? Its statement claiming responsibility declared…
Seeking asylum for freedom and justice
“A society that does not recognize that each individual has values of his own which he is entitled to follow can have no respect for the dignity of the individual and can not really know freedom.” (Friedrich Hayek) Sudan achieved independence from British colonialism in January 1956. A protracted civil war followed, raging between successive…
Readers write: November 23, 2015 issue
Leis family ‘victimized by tragedy Re: “Editors ‘lack . . . understanding on issues of clergy sexual abuse’ ” and “Readers disappointed in handling of the Vernon Leis matter” letters, Oct. 26, page 10. I personally feel that the family of Vernon Leis has also been victimized by this tragic turn of events. For them…
Ministry in diversity
“Lord, I am not what I want to be, I am not what I need to be, I am not what I am going to be, but, thank God Almighty, I am not what I used to be.” –Prayer from an African leader By its presence, teaching and action, the church is the salt and…
It’s a miracle
December 24. Late morning. I am in the kitchen, making a pot of soup, savouring its scents and colours. Lovely Christmas music pours from the radio. I’m hoping this domestic activity will centre me in the wake of the stormy currents that accompany the season. How do we ponder all these things, like Mary did,…
