New book recalls English school controversy
On Oct. 1, 50 people gathered in the fellowship centre at Saskatoon’s Bethany Manor to launch the new book, The Pembroke Years: 1919-1968. Bill Janzen, chair of the Mennonite Historical Society of Alberta, spoke at the launch. As a former Pembroke School student, it was Janzen’s initiative that originally started the Pembroke School book project.…
A journey of peace
On Nov. 10, 2011, the community of Menno Simons Christian School participated in our annual peace festival, focusing on the meaning of the MCC button, “To remember is to work for peace.” We reflected on those who have been—and continue to be—affected by war, and how we, as a Christian peace community, can make our…
Imaginations at work
Every September for the last 106 years, students have arrived at the Rosthern (Sask.) Junior College (RJC) campus to learn, explore their faith, play, live together, and to become friends and community. It is important to remember the history of this place and the mission of the school: “To nurture the development of every student’s…
People of faith must call for climate justice
Especially in the colder areas of Canada, people will sometimes facetiously say they are thankful for climate change when they experience unseasonably warm temperatures. But Willard Metzger, Mennonite Church Canada’s executive director, heard first-hand how destructive climate change is in developing countries at the 2011 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Durban, South Africa. The…
Spaghetti-sauce churches
“Why plant a new church?” It’s a legitimate question and, as a church planter, one I have heard often. With most churches in decline, and more than a few closing altogether, does it really make sense to start a new one? As one friend put it, “Why don’t you start a new typewriter company while…
Christmas is over, what now?
While driving to work the other morning I was listening to the radio, as I usually do. The program host had a guest on the show and they were discussing seasonal tipping etiquette. The focus of the show quickly shifted from being a discussion about seasonal expectations and social norms, to a call-in radio recognition…
Collaborative conflict resolution
In the last few columns, I’ve written about different ways to manage conflict, including avoidance, competition, accommodation and compromise. Each of these responses can be quite useful, and each one also has limitations. It’s good to develop a repertoire of responses, and to sense when to use which one. The final conflict resolution strategy that…
The raising of Ebenezer
The Ebenezer stone represented a fresh beginning, a reversal of course for God’s people. It also said something important about God: his mercies were everlasting; his covenant was forever. The Advent season was a time of preparation and anticipation. The Christmas season was a time for celebration and repletion. What follows, for me, is a…
Readers write
Learn from the Bible, not cults or other religions Re: “Learning from diverse faiths,” Nov. 14, page 4. I was surprised and disappointed with the article about learning from Mormons and Muslims how to live Christian lives. Whatever happened to learning these things from the Word of God? All cults/religions contain teaching that mirrors the…
