Tag: Letters

Voluntary service important in cross-border interaction Re: “Cross-border interaction in decline since integration” letter, Sept. 14, page 9. I appreciated Fred Martin’s letter listing some of the lost relations between Mennonite Church Canada and MC U.S.A. One area that was missed is a long history of cross-border service work. Mennonite Voluntary Service (MVS) was the…

Reactions to recent ‘A moment from yesterday’ photographs Re: A photograph of a volleyball game beside a row of tall poplar trees with a lake in the background, Aug. 17, page. 4.  The site is Camp Elim on the north end of Lac Pelletier, 50 kilometres southwest of Swift Current, Sask. The poplars were replaced…

Pandemic provides ‘extra bonuses’ for elderly congregant Re: “In a time of uncertainty: COVID-19 prompts churches to rethink gatherings,” March 30, page 15. The Japanese Mennonite Christian Fellowship meets in Surrey, B.C., at Living Hope Church every Sunday afternoon. I would love to attend but cannot make that drive of 45 minutes on the freeway.…

‘A wise investment’ in the future of church camps Re: “Testing the ties that bind,” April 27, page 2. It hit me when I read in the editorial that the financial fallout from COVID-19 may well mean the possible closure of some of our church camps, since they rely on revenues generated from programs that…

‘Expect the unexpected’ When asked a few months ago what advice they would give about aging, a group of seniors responded, “Expect the unexpected.” That advice is relevant to all of us this spring! In later life it becomes increasingly difficult to predict what may be around the next bend. Life happens. And, as with…

CM writers are fitting followers of innovators in religious toleration Re: “Out of holy weakness, mysterious power arises,” March 2, page 4, and “Making things right,” March 2, page 10. These recent articles in Canadian Mennonite demonstrate the reality of commingling two viewpoints that appear completely different but are closely connected. The writers, Will Braun…

Don’t confuse a thrift-store receipt with a charitable receipt Re: “Thrift shopper, peacebuilder,” March 30, page 11. This column raises a number of concerns in regards to how some may view donations/tithing, corporations/brands, and the mission of thrift stores: A purchase at a thrift store should not be considered a donation or part of one’s…

Let Wet’suwet’en exercise their right to self-determination Re: “Who do you support when a community is divided?” Feb. 17, page 20. I appreciate Canadian Mennonite opening up the dialogue on the Wet’suwet’en and Coastal Gas issue from a variety of perspectives. This settler dialogue is long overdue, as Indigenous revitalization of identity, culture and the…

Reader was ‘struck by’ Easter feature’s deficiencies Re: “Out of holy weakness, mysterious power arises,” March 16, page 4. I am thankful for this article and the attempt to imagine how to talk to 12-year-olds about the crucifixion.  It struck me, though, that none of the responses mention the fact that the focus was on…

MC Canada’s ‘limbs’ are letting its ‘torso’ down Re: “A call to strengthen our core,” Feb. 17, page 4. I am disappointed by the responses of the “limbs” to the cry of the “torso.” We must do better. Doug Klassen, Mennonite Church Canada’s executive minister, was very gentle. Some congregations and nationwide church bodies are…