Digital connections
Living in pandemic times, we have realized how important it is to stay connected with each other, as friends, in our own neighbourhoods and as church communities. We need contact with real people, and we’ve found ways for in-person connecting to happen safely. Some of us are tired of Zoom meetings, Facebook Live and YouTube…
The heart of evangelism
In warmer months, a circle of seven or so adults gathers in my backyard on Sunday afternoons. We earnestly discuss Scripture, share the highs and lows of our lives, ask what God may be saying to us this afternoon. We pray. We pass bread and glasses of grape juice. Sometimes we even sing. I sat…
Children’s book should also be read by adults
Barbara Nickel has done something very clever with her book Dear Peter, Dear Ulla. She brings Mennonite history to life as she presents the daily struggles of two related families who find themselves on opposite sides during the Second World War. The book explores adolescent themes, such as bullying and sibling rivalry, but her story…
A small town that cares
The recent floods in southern British Columbia have wreaked havoc in many ways, devastating towns and roads, and deeply impacting communities. In the face of this disaster, our small town of Yarrow, in Chilliwack, B.C., has been a source of safety and support for many. Our community has worked together to help each other, and…
A small effort is ‘making a difference’
Travelling from Canada to meet with Congolese and Angolan church leaders in Africa, Rudy Dirks is struck not by the cultural, social and economic differences between himself and those he meets, but rather their similarities. “We are trying to navigate ourselves through a complex world, trying to do the best for our families, facing spiritual,…
Mennonite Heritage Village donates season passes to Steinbach community
In response to a fundraising appeal letter from Steinbach Community Christmas in October, Mennonite Heritage Village (MHV) determined that it didn’t have any money to give, but decided that it could give of itself. To that end, MVH—with the unanimous support of its staff and board—decided to give the local Christmas hamper drive more than…
Shekinah Retreat Centre installs electric vehicle charging station
The Shekinah Retreat Centre, located near Waldheim, Sask., is now home to an electric vehicle (EV) charging station. Shekinah, which is one of Mennonite Church Saskatchewan’s camps, had the station added to the grounds this fall. Ron Schellenberg, one of the executive directors of the camp, says it was approached by one of the camp’s…
Art project brings congregation together
A new art project on the subject of “journey” that members of the Emmanuel Mennonite Church congregation took part in painting is now hanging above the building’s front doors. The idea for the collaborative art project came from member Angelika Dawson, who has spearheaded previous art displays at Emmanuel, and Rachel Navarro, the new family…
CMU music students break pandemic ‘fast’
The Mennonite Community Orchestra (MCO) broke the pandemic silence with a concert featuring two Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) students on Nov. 14 in Winnipeg. The concert was the ensemble’s first since November 2019, after which the novel coronavirus postponed all further productions. Soprano Johanna Klassen, pictured front right, is a fourth-year music education student who…
