Tell us what you think
Have you completed our opinion survey? If not, here is your invitation to do so. We need your help to re-think how Canadian Mennonite (CM) can best serve the church. Please use the link below. CM is actively researching new ways to gather and deliver news. We are looking at various options to engage our…
Readers write: August 25, 2023 issue
Humans, humus and healing The portrait of a family living a subsistence-level lifestyle (“Humans and Humus,” July 28) might well serve to trigger a resolve to be more self-sustaining and less wasteful in many. Seems to me, though, that eschewing the mechanization and the advances of the Green Revolution will never be an answer to…
Creating a community of calling
The first time I remember hearing of a shortage of pastors was over 35 years ago. I was in the process of completing my Bible College degree, and a conference leader was encouraging me to consider a career in pastoral ministry. While uncertainty about leadership for the church is not new, the task of calling…
A blended family
In December 1924, this family was starting a new life in more ways than one. Katharina (Enns Rempel) and Jacob P. Braun, both widowed, separately emigrated from the Soviet Union to Ontario. A few weeks after their arrival, they were married in the Waterloo region. Here the newly blended family prepares to move from the…
Deconstructing or reconstructing?
I heard some strong language this summer about church from various extended family members. I’m sure this is not just in my family! Conversation at family gatherings is not usually conducive for more thoughtful or caring conversations, but these phrases caught my ear and attention. “I’m done with church.” “I’m done with denominations.” “I’m deconstructing…
Organic architecture
This is the first summer I haven’t gone camping for at least 25 years, maybe my entire life. Since Tammy and I got married 23 years ago, our family holidays have focused on hiking, kayaking and sleeping in tents. Often in the rain. My family suggested we try something different this year, and I found…
Grassroots reconciliation at Spruce River Folk Fest
Music is a universal language. In Saskatchewan, music is also the language of reconciliation. On August 15, the Spruce River Folk Fest was held to encourage friendship and understanding between Mennonites and Indigenous neighbours. Ray Funk, who hosts the event on his farmyard near Spruce River, Saskatchewan, expressed excitement and relief at re-launching the event,…
The facility of faith
John Enns remembers a time when 200 children filled the Sunday school classrooms at Waterloo Kitchener United Mennonite Church (WKUM). Currently, the congregation has 225 registered members, but less than half attend. The majority are in their 70s. Enns, who chairs the vision team at the church, says most newly retired members prefer to spend…
Stepping overboard
Florence Driedger turns to look out the window before she replies to my question. “Well, we never know from one year to the next who and how many . . . whether we’ll still be functioning. We think we will be, but you never know.” Uncertainty about congregational futures is nothing new. In my role…
