MC Canada study conference goes virtual
Mennonite Church Canada is moving ahead with its first study conference in October 2020. Titled “Table Talk: Does the Church Still Have Legs?”, the conference will examine what it means to be the church and the role of worship. It will be held on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, through Zoom, a virtual-meeting platform. “Our separation…
Chaplain-turned-pianist brightens personal-care home
WINNIPEG—According to Dr. Bill Thomas, an expert in aging, the three greatest “plagues” facing residents of nursing homes are loneliness, boredom and helplessness—all things unfortunately exacerbated by the current plague of COVID-19. At Donwood Manor, a personal-care home in Winnipeg, that’s where chaplain Lisa Enns, a member of Charleswood Mennonite Church, comes in. Lisa Enns…
COVID-19 impact on world hunger cause for high concern
The number of people facing crisis levels of hunger in the world could double due to COVID-19, the World Food Programme (WFP) warns. The WFP is estimating 265 million people could experience acute hunger and food insecurity due to lockdowns and economic slowdowns related to COVID-19. According to a recent international report, an estimated 135…
Watch: Illustrating social action
When a Conrad Grebel University College student was asked to reflect on how the Waterloo, Ont. school was socially and politically active during the winter 2020 term, she went straight to the drawing board—literally. Created for Grebel’s virtual term-end banquet last month, Maya Morton Ninomiya put together a three-minute video using original artwork to illustrate…
Watch: New video highlights thrift shop’s impact
A new video highlights the impact a Mennonite Central Committee thrift shop in southerwestern Manitoba has on its surrounding community. Volunteer Manitoba, an organization that supports the voluntary sector in the keystone province, recently selected the Brandon MCC Thrift Shop as one of three volunteer programs to highlight at its annual awards dinner. Although the awards…
Watch: A pro skier’s advice for his son
Professional skier Dave Treadway was just 34 years old when he died in a tragic skiing accident near Pemberton, B.C. on April 15, 2019. Treadway is remembered not only as a fearless skier but as a beloved husband, father, brother and son who possessed a deep faith in God. Treadway’s faith led him to launch…
Coffee for Peace employees affected by COVID-19 shutdown
The shutdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting employees of Coffee for Peace, a social enterprise managed by Joji Pantoja, a Mennonite Church Canada International Witness worker in the Philippines. Joji and Dann Pantoja. Pantoja, who is CEO of Coffee for Peace, and her management team decided to temporarily close down the Coffee for…
Watch: A virtual Mennonite Easter choir
In the past few weeks, it’s likely you’ve seen a video of people singing together virtually. When the members of Winnipeg’s Prairie Voices choir had to cancel their 20th anniversary concert as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, they channeled their disappointment into this video. A group of singers in Nashville put together a rendition of “It…
Menno leaders publish Holy Week letter
The executive directors of Mennonite Church Canada and Mennonite Church USA (MC USA) have published a letter of encouragement to constituents this week during the COVID-19 pandemic. The letter—which you can read below—acknowledges the unusual circumstances and challenges surrounding this year’s Holy Week, while offering a message of hope and unity. Doug Klassen (left) and Glen Guyton.…
Making sense of God’s story
Although the halls and classrooms of Rosthern Junior College are empty now because of the COVID-19 pandemic, a few short weeks ago they were filled with life, as students and teachers met for the school’s annual Deeper Life Days. Pastor Chad Moir speaks at RJC. (Photo by Jill Olfert Wiens) On March 5 and 6,…
