How do we declare?
In Ethiopia, almost every Mennonite church has an evangelist; in fact, there are more evangelists than pastors. Having so many evangelists has formed the church to be very outward looking. This partly explains how the Meserete Kristos Church in Ethiopia, a denomination that is part of Mennonite World Conference, is baptizing 20,000 new believers each…
Watch: A 2022 take on Jesus calling his first disciples
Arlyn Friesen Epp just made scripture a little fishier. One year ago, Mennonite Church Canada executive minister Doug Klassen asked Friesen Epp to produce a short film for Gathering 2022 in Edmonton, Alta., based on the story of Jesus calling his first disciples in Luke 5:1-11. The film, entitled “About those Fish…,” debuted at Gathering…
‘We Declare’ and beyond
In this issue you will find reports about Mennonite Church Canada’s Gathering 2022. Recently over 300 of us met in person and virtually to explore the theme, “We declare.” I was impressed by the turnout of delegates in Edmonton and by the engagement of younger folks in the business sessions, worship times, workshops and on…
Gathering 2022
For the first time since 2019, members from across the five regions of Mennonite Church Canada gathered in person for learning, inspiration and decision-making. Meeting at a conference centre in Edmonton, from July 29 to Aug.1, approximately 215 people experienced the joy of being together again in a large gathering. Because of the pandemic, some…
Can we see it?
It’s a summer of church gatherings. It’s a summer of truth-telling about the devastating impact of colonization by the church. It’s a summer of reflection on what it means to be a post-colonial church. I took in what I could of the Pope’s visit to Canada. His language around the impact of the colonial church…
A focus on rest and renewal
Pastors and other leaders from across the five regional churches joined together at First Mennonite Church in Edmonton for Spiritual Leaders Day, part of the Mennonite Church Canada’s Gathering 2022. After breakfast together on July 29, attendees were invited to spend the morning in worship. The theme for the morning was “be at rest.” “We’d…
Volunteers at ‘We declare’: Friendly, welcoming and helpful
EDMONTON—“It’s been amazing.Everyone I called to serve came on time and with enthusiasm,” says volunteer coordinator Jan Wilhelm. “We had willing and capable volunteers and gracious participants.” Wilhelm was part of a group of more than 50 volunteers who helped as hosts, drivers, tour guides, coordinators, ushers and food service personnel during Mennonite Church Canada’s…
‘Do you hear what I hear?’
Who has ever been a young adult? Who has ever interacted with a young adult at church? Who has witnessed a young adult leaving church? Who has witnessed a young adult stepping into leadership? These were the questions asked of the audience during the workshop entitled “Do you hear what I hear?” at Mennonite Church…
Declaring what we have seen and heard
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with…
MC Canada announces young leaders experience at Gathering 2022
Ten young adults from across the nationwide church will take part in the Young Leaders Experience (YLE) at “We declare: What we have seen and heard,” Mennonite Church Canada’s gathering in Edmonton, from July 28 to Aug. 1. “The initiative comes out of a desire to identify and invest in the young leaders among…
