Volume 19, Number 20
The downside of digital
Some days I would like to just unplug my computer, walk out into the sunshine and warmth of an autumn day, breathe in the clear air and pretend I was living in a time before the Internet. Find a close friend and chat face to face, rather than “like” his thoughts on Facebook.
A tale of two ethnic groups
To start, a little bit of history.
Readers write: October 12, 2015 issue
Relationships in an age of ‘impacts and outcomes’
Re: “The future of MCC,” Aug. 31, page 11.
Certainly relationship has been at the core of Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) for many years. But is that still really the case?
Recapturing the momentum of reconciliation
Since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission events, there has been limited movement and engagement for local churches with regard to first nation relationship development.
Jesus in a world in upheaval
A number of weeks ago I boarded a plane in Toronto for Istanbul. It’s a long flight—more than nine hours—and I secretly hoped that the seat beside me would remain empty so I could stretch out and sleep. It wasn’t to be. A young man in his late 20s plopped down beside me. I did the polite thing and introduced myself. “I’m Armi,” he replied.
Adopted and given my wings
I was born in Bukavu in Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaïre). My parents were polygamous so I didn’t have a great family structure. I grew up Roman Catholic and then, at age 17, I was baptized in the Pentecostal church. As a child, life in Congo was extremely difficult.
Keeping alive stories of hope
Forty years after refugees fled Vietnam and communist oppression for Canada’s shores, the Vietnamese community in B.C. expressed gratitude to God at a celebratory evening on Aug. 30, 2015.
The event was co-sponsored by Vancouver Mennonite Church and Abbotsford’s Emmanuel Mennonite and Vietnamese Christian churches, and was hosted by Emmanuel.
Leon Kehl campaigns for Syrian refugees
For years, Leon Kehl of Floradale (Ont.) Mennonite Church, has been working to build understanding and friendship between Christians and Muslims in Waterloo Region.
Let the children come!
Why would a church of predominantly greying members build a playground for children?
‘A way of life’ celebrated on Cow Sunday
“Dairy farming is not just a job,” said Lloyd Sawatzky, “It is a way of life.”
For members of Osler Mennonite Church, dairy farming is a way of life that has come to an end. In August, Harry and Eva Martens sold their 150-cow herd to join the ranks of the retired. They were the last remaining dairy farmers in a congregation that once boasted up to 30 of them.
‘We are in a heap of trouble’
Two hundred people spent a sunny Saturday at Morden Mennonite Church in southern Manitoba to look squarely at how the church can deal with its same-sex crisis.
Making space for God
In the words of David Martin, executive minister of Mennonite Church Eastern Canada, at the 2015 annual church gathering, “Since our habit is to normally talk about God in the abstract or to reflect on how my intellectual beliefs impact my values or actions, I have chosen to share with you more concretely how I have experienced the presence of God in my life.” We share his story as the firs
Indigenous artist unsettles Winnipeggers
There’s nothing comfortable in the artwork of Edgar Heap of Birds. Especially for people whose ancestors came to this continent as settlers.
Ready to take a leap of faith
With its propulsive rhythm and alluring harmonies, “Light a Match”—the new single and title track on Chic Gamine’s latest album—seems like a simple pop song at first. That simplicity is deceptive.
Cutting, burning, starving and forgiving
'The emails were just horrible. Filled to the brim with cruel hate.' (Image by Ulrike Mai/Pixabay)
Rachelle Girard is a second-year student at CMU. (Photo courtesy of Rachelle Girard)
Jessica (a pseudonym) was bullied online to the point that she attempted suicide, but she rose above the hurt by meeting her tormentor and relying on two foundations of her faith: forgiveness and love.
