A labyrinth of Advent blessing
At Waterloo North Mennonite Church, the 2014 Advent season began on Nov. 24 with a special labyrinth of blessing for the congregation’s children and youth. A labyrinth of freshly cut pine, spruce and cedar boughs spiralled through the fellowship hall. Decorated with foil stars, apples and cranberry-like garlands, the labyrinth brought a festive appearance and…
More transparency please
Sexual misconduct cases by our pastors are difficult to process. These stories, numbering three in the last two years in congregations across Canada, are even harder to report in our publication. They are stories of abusing power, of crossing boundaries, of letting down congregations and trusting congregants, of creating victims all around—not only of accusers,…
The shepherd
I still think of myself as a shepherd. Every day, actually every night, I’m out there. I look for the lost, the wanderers and the weary, and I bring them home. It’s a living. At times, it’s easy; they know the way and I just help them along. Other times, it’s dark and cold, and…
Christmas: A time for giving
Barb and Orrie Gingrich of Holyrood, Ont., have quite a crowd of grandchildren. It was 2008 when Barb began to think of all the gifts being exchanged at her place during the family Christmas festivities. Each family bought gifts for all the children and the adults exchanged names among themselves. What would happen, she wondered,…
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…
MC Canada national office lays off five
Mennonite Church Canada laid off five staff members on Nov. 28, as part of the cost-saving restructuring efforts that fall under the banner of the Future Directions Task Force. While decisions on the task force’s final report will only be made at Assembly 2016 next summer in Saskatoon, a projected budget shortfall of nearly $300,000…
