Spelling bees and air shows
For me, Toronto’s Canadian National Exhibition is a touchpoint, reminding me of my childhood, and a sign that summer is coming to an end. When I was a child, my parents, siblings and I would come to the CNE, as we called it, several times during its three-week season. Showing my age, I will tell…
A view to worldly culture
“You’ve given in to the culture.” I’ve heard this plenty as a Christian – in churches, schools, on social media. From what I can make of it, it is ultimately an allegation of compromise or failure. One Christian party charges another with abandoning the faith to embrace “cultural” (“worldly”) ways. Accusations of giving in often…
Theology students learn to value varied perspectives
Faculty and students in the master of theological studies (MTS) program at Conrad Grebel University College have found that conversations between those with different approaches to Christianity are a valuable learning experience. Class discussions about the Bible, Christian theology, ministry and church history are all enriched due to diverse approaches to Christianity from both students…
A community with a sense of ‘we’
I was humbled and challenged when I spent the day with some of my Old Order Mennonite relations recently. My cousin Sarah invited me to a quilting at her home near Mount Forest, Ont., saying that she was inviting all her female Frey cousins. The Frey family is large and the number of female cousins…
A Thought on Cross-cultural Learning and Faith
What does cross-cultural learning have to do with our faith? I believe it’s at the heart of the good news that Jesus taught and lived: Reconciliation with God and reconciliation with each other. These are not mutual exclusive concepts. When we reconcile with each other, we have a more full sense of who God is…
A “Black Friday” Cultural Experience
I had an interesting cultural experience last week. Visiting friends for the U.S. thanksgiving holiday, we were invited to accompany them on a late night / early morning shopping adventure, also known to many as “Black Friday.” Although this is the third U.S. thanksgiving season I have experienced living in Virginia, and the third “Black…
The Kingdom of Heaven is Like Pflinzen and Chapjae?
In our home, we discovered a new favourite fusion dish. In a surprisingly tasty combination,we ate Pflinzen and Chapjae together. Pflinzen is a food from the Russian Mennonite side of our family. Made with eggs, flour, and milk, it’s a kind of eggy crepe. Chapjae is from the Korean side of the family and is a…
The Attraction of Community
A couple who had been a part of our church community in the past and who had moved to Ohio to become part of an intentional community, returned for a visit and shared about their experiences. Hearing the words “intentional community,” my ears perked up. I’m both attracted to and challenged by the concept of…
