The third side of church splits
They can be necessary, but they are usually devastating. Church splits, in my experience, are not often talked about in Christian circles, yet they are not uncommon. Church splits are necessary for many different reasons, including: Splitting to put an end to hostile environments of differing opinions; When a church grows to be too big…
Aurora House supports trafficking survivors
Recent news about human trafficking in Canada continues to alarm many social service agencies and providers working with immigrants and refugees. According to the Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking, 90 percent of victims or survivors are women and girls. In this manner, it is reported that sex trafficking is a gender-based crime. Given this…
Massive B.C. flooding affects Menno community
As catastrophic rains pummelled the Lower Mainland of British Columbia in mid-November, causing massive flooding and mudslides that deposited debris over local highways, Mennonites in the community experienced both uncertainty and loss, and they responded with compassion and a willingness to help others. Spillover from the Nooksack River in Washington State flowing north had caused…
Church camp comes to the rescue after disaster
Camp Squeah lived up to its Salish name as a “place of refuge” during the week of Nov. 15, when mudslides cut off the town of Hope and the camp found itself sheltering more than a hundred marooned motorists. Torrential rains Nov. 14 and 15 cut off all roads and bridges in to and out…
Exhibit tells the story of Brubacher House hosts
Imagine what it would be like to live in a museum. Past and present live-in hosts at the Brubacher House in Waterloo, Ont. are sharing what it is like to live in the upstairs apartment of this historical landmark in a new digital exhibit. “Life Upstairs” was launched with an online event on Nov. 18,…
The art of preaching
If art is the imitation of life, then the art of preaching is about the imagination of new life. At least that’s the message Meghan Good preaches. According to her, “Preaching is for transformation, not conveying information. We need to preach to that goal. Turning minds is different from turning hearts and lives.” Good, a…
‘It’s only limited by our imaginations’
The land where the Red and Assiniboine rivers meet the Prairies, including Winnipeg and most of southern Manitoba, is Treaty One territory. Treaties, which exist in many parts of Canada, are commitments by multiple parties to live in relationship and share the land. Aug. 3, 2021, marked 150 years since representatives of the Crown and…
Long-time cook nurtured young staff at House of Friendship
Mabel Steinman was a long-time cook at the House of Friendship in Kitchener, Ont., serving meals to the hostel residents for 26 years. She was the proverbial mother or grandmother, providing them with a touch of home, a warm meal and encouragement. She received many thanks for her home-cooked meals. In many ways, Mabel Steinman…
Chicken and Rice Casserole
This chicken and rice casserole reminds me of Mabel Steinman, the cook at House of Friendship during my years there in the 1970s. You can read more about Mabel Steinman here. ½ cup diced onion ½ cup diced celery 2 Tablespoons butter 2 cups cooked chicken cut in bite-sized pieces 3 cups cooked rice 1…
Changing of the guard
Eddy Rempel is the newly appointed executive director of Mennonite Community Services of Southern Ontario (MCS) based in Aylmer, Ont., replacing the retiring Abe Harms, who worked for the organization for 22 years. Rempel, who has spent most of his life in Aylmer, has been a dedicated supporter of MCS, distinguishing himself as an avid…
