Speaking of faith
“How do we speak of our faith in a society of many faiths and no faith, a society that has seen all too well the harm the church can inflict in the name of Jesus?” This is one of the questions posed in the study guide for Gathering 2022, to be held in Edmonton this…
Justice in the name of Jesus
Some Mennonites raise their hands when they sing. Others don’t. Some attend climate rallies and examine decolonization. Others don’t. Some Mennonites hear sermons focused on the Word and personal relationship with Jesus. Others hear sermons that draw on Pete Enns; Mary Oliver, a modern day mystic; or the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. My point,…
Readers write: May 2, 2022 issue
Ottawa citizen offers different view of life under the ‘freedom convoy’ Re: First letter of “Two views on the ‘freedom convoy,’ ” April 4, page 7. The letter from a Bible study group in St. Catharines, Ont., indicated how peaceful and lawful the “freedom convoy” was. They clearly did not hear the incessant honking of horns…
Reflection on Ukraine
The horrific images from Ukraine jolt me from my comfort and I reflect on air-raid sirens, bunkers, explosions, refugees, civilian and military casualties. Historical connections to the region seem to draw my curiosity closer. Ukraine is part of my family lore. Moreover, the Ukrainian countryside and their cities look very much like ours. Mariupol looks…
MWC Kansas banners
The variety of banners at the 1978 Mennonite World Conference assembly in Wichita, Kan., is a representation of the diversity of people at the assembly, with 9,500 people registered from 44 counties, including Canada. The Findings Committee reported at length and stated in part: “We give thanks for those of our people in times present…
Meetinghouses
I spent my high-school years in a congregation that was proud of our basketball hoops. Greenbelt Baptist Church decided to use public schools for worship and Sunday school, homes for Bible study, and a community centre for weekly youth events. This was a very intentional way of being visible and connected to the local community.…
‘Come over and help us so that we can help the needy ones’
Pastor Desalegn Abebe’s message to North American Mennonites is simple. Abebe is the head of Meserete Kristos Church (MKC), the Anabaptist denomination in Ethiopia, where 17 months of civil violence has led to 12 MKC churches being burned, 44 displaced and 163 full-time ministers and their families displaced and without income. Speaking via video link…
Drop-in program connects kids with creation
Many children today live in a nature deficit. As screens constantly command their attention, parents tighten their protective grip as dangers outside seem to increase, and a multi-year pandemic continues to spread. Children are spending increasing amounts of time inside at home. A Rocha Manitoba, a Christian environmental organization, and Jubilee Mennonite Church, a Winnipeg…
Faith and art in Yarrow
Walking, biking or driving through twelve Stations of the Cross on Good Friday, April 15, residents of Yarrow, B.C., experienced the story of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection together through interactive and creative artwork. The four churches of the small town, including Yarrow United Mennonite Church, cooperated in creating the experience, a Yarrow Holy Week tradition…
