Pensions: follow the money
In “Do not store up treasures in pensions” Will Braun expresses unease with the fact that Mennonite Church Canada’s “core option” pension funds include investments in the fossil-fuel sector. Here is more information. There are 932 active participants in the pension plans offered under the Mennonite Church Canada umbrella. Of those, 85 percent choose the…
I resolve to . . .
The dawn of a new year is always alluring to me because there is so much promise. You say goodbye to the year that was. If the previous year was a good one overall, you hope that the new year will be similar. If the previous year was not so great, the new year promises…
For discussion: An ‘experiment’ in sexuality gone wrong
1. What has changed since the 1970s and ’80s that conversations about sexual misconduct and sexual abuse are so much more prevalent these days? Does sexual violence happen more now, or are we just more ready to talk about it? Does a sexualized culture make sexual violence more prevalent? Are we less apt to silence…
With aching hearts
Some readers have called for a moratorium on reports about John Howard Yoder’s past misdeeds. We acknowledge that continued attention to this issue has caused pain to Yoder’s family, friends and colleagues, as well as to the women who suffered because of his actions. Yet, new information is emerging that cannot be ignored. Looking at…
Faith vs. belief (Pt. 3)
I recently came across this sermon illustration differentiating faith and belief. In Daniel 3, King Nebuchadnezzar makes a golden idol 30 metres tall and commands everyone to bow down and worship it. He declares that anyone who refuses will be thrown into a fiery furnace. Three Jewish men named Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refuse. When…
Year-round generosity
The Christmas holiday season brought a bombardment of consumerism. Retailers hoped you’d blow your shopping budget on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. But the day after this festive frenzy is now known as Giving Tuesday, a day that demonstrates how charities, businesses and individuals can transform the way we think about, and participate in, this…
My year of reading the Bible
Among other things, 2014 was the year I read the Bible in its entirety. Inspired by Canadian Mennonite Young Voices co-editor Aaron Epp, and with some additional space in my life, I accepted his challenge. In retrospect, it really wasn’t an arduous challenge, but rather an intriguing journey through the 66 books and 1,189 chapters…
Starting strong
Early in the new year many congregations hold their annual general meetings. This is often the time when various leadership positions and volunteer roles are confirmed. But how many congregations provide an orientation to their new committee members? How do they learn about their church’s ministries and the wide reach of these good works? And…
Readers write: January 5, 2015 issue
How long will natives be patient with Mennonites?
