Vol. 44 No. 22 December 20, 2006

Messenger
The
EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE
VOLUME 44 NUMBER 22 DECEMBER 20, 2006
What Child is This?
The
Messenger
Christmas and our basic need
I
EDITOR
Terry M. Smith
ASSISTANT
EDITOR
Rebecca Buhler
THE MESSENGER is the publication
of the Evangelical Mennonite
Conference. It is available to the
general public. Its purpose is to
inform concerning events and
activities in the denomination,
instruct in godliness and victorious
living, inspire to earnestly contend
for the faith.
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and opinions of writers are their
own and do not necessarily represent
the position of the Conference or
the editors.
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MESSENGER SCHEDULE:
No. 2 – January 24
(copy due January 12)
2
editorials
n this issue Pastor Ed Peters speaks
about our basic need.
Douglas John Hall, a Canadian
theologian, says the Church interprets
Christ’s death as responding to sin,
death, and despair. Christ’s death deals
with our sin, his triumphant resurrection
promises our future, and the meaning of
Christ speaks to our despair. Hall says,
however, that many people today connect
only with how Christ frees us from despair
(Professing the Faith, pp. 479–480).
came into the world to save sinners—of
whom I am the worst” (1 Timothy 1:15). The
gospel he received and “passed on as of
first importance” involved that “Christ died
for our sins according to the Scriptures” (1
Corinthians 15:3). Sin carries many layers
of meaning. Without forgiveness, though,
we forfeit both eternal life and ultimate
hope.
Hundreds of millions of people gather in
parts of the Christian Church that range in
name from Apostolic to Zion. At their heart
is Christ’s call to follow him in
It’s important to distinguish between how we
new life.
Paul says, “But for that very
view our needs and what Scripture says about
reason I was shown mercy so
our needs: “Christ Jesus came into the world to that in me, the worst of sinners,
Christ Jesus might display his
save sinners.”
unlimited patience as an example
It’s important, though, to distinguish for those who would believe on him and
between how we view our needs and what receive eternal life” (1 Timothy 1:16).
Scripture says about our needs.
Christmas can, indeed, become a
T
Paul said, “Here is a trustworthy saying special time of year. M
that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus
Terry M. Smith
The Parable of the Good Atheist
S
tephen Lewis has finished five
years as the United Nations’
special envoy to HIV/AIDS in
Africa.
Lewis is a powerful voice about the
continent’s HIV/AIDS crisis, calling for
assistance by wealthier countries, greater
action by government leaders, and for
cheaper or free anti-viral medicines from
drug companies.
A Canadian, Stephen Lewis is the son
of David Lewis, former NDP leader. The
younger Lewis professes no faith in
Christ, yet has been a powerful force for
good.
Without presuming to know his spiritual
position, I am reminded by Lewis that
there are various kinds of atheists. Some
atheists don’t believe in God’s goodness,
while others demonstrate some of God’s
goodness. If Lewis is an atheist, he is of
the latter sort.
Are Christians of no earthly good
unless they are heavenly minded? Others
say some Christians are so heavenly
minded they are no earthly good. There
are shades of truth in both statements,
and history provides us with examples of
both types of Christians.
Christmas, however, is a time when our
heavenly-minded faith uniquely touches
the earth under our feet (Philippians 2:5–
11). As a result, we are to be grounded in
living out our faith (1 John 3:16–18).
What would Jesus do about the HIV/
AIDS crisis? The One who gave us The
Parable of the Good Samaritan would not
simply walk “on the other side” (Luke
10:31–32).
The world-wide Christian Church is
responding to the HIV/AIDS crisis. Still,
more can, and must, be done.
If the Church doesn’t take this crisis seriously, we might find ourselves rebuked
by Jesus through The Parable of the Good
T
Atheist. M
Terry M. Smith
THE MESSENGER December 20, 2006
letters
On letter writing: “The views and
opinions of writers are their own and do
not necessarily represent the position of
the Conference or the editors” (from The
Messenger’s masthead).
“Letters that do not represent official
Conference positions can be published
in The Messenger. Within a Conference
comprised of various voices, the magazine is
to encourage the ‘community hermeneutic’
toward responsible Christian belief,
teaching, and practice. Readers and official
bodies of the EMC can reply to material in
The Messenger…The focus of letter writing
is to be on issues, not on personalities” (Part
of Board of Church Ministries policy on
Letters to the Editor, January 2002).
Love that hymnal!
It continually amazes me that so
many people associate hymns with
seniors [Letter, If Jesus were a pastor…,
Nov. 15, 1006]. I am in my mid-twenties
and hymns during the worship service
are my favourite things to sing. When I
look around in the Mennonite church
I attend, or other Mennonite churches
that I visit, I do see young people. Maybe
in some Mennonite churches that is not
the case.
But who said it’s the singing of hymns
scaring them away? Who said that if we
only sang the new style of songs and used
drums that our numbers would increase?
And who said everybody would be happy
then, either?
Perhaps the mega-churches are
gaining numbers because of other
reasons, i.e., special events held in their
churches, heavy advertising, location,
etc. Often times, too, young people don’t
know what they want, so they explore
different churches for a little while.
Whatever the case, I myself am a young
person and I love to sing hymns. I have
also done hymn leading in my church
since I was in my mid-teens. Hymns are
the style of music worship that attracts
me to a church. It shows that those
particular churches still singing hymns
are not too quickly following what’s
popular or in-style for the moment.
Keeping our hymns alive is not
about mere tradition; hymns provide
beautiful sacred tunes and lyrics that
are meaningful and theologically sound.
For a change of pace, some churches use
an overhead with the hymn’s words, but
still keep hymns available for those who
prefer to use one.
While I acknowledge that there are
Praise and Worship songs that are a great
form of worship, too, we don’t need to
throw hymns completely out the window
to make room for something else. Each
church can tailor to the crowd that they
are attracting, but teaching our church
people the value of hymns both lyrically
and musically, and teaching them that
they don’t have to buy into popular
culture, albeit Christian, is a safe bet.
Hymns will still be there when our
current phase of popular church music
dies and another style rolls on into
our churches. Hymns have stood the
ultimate test of time and make many
people excited to go to church on Sunday.
When it comes to hymns, maybe it’s our
attitude that needs to change. As the
Christian author Charles Swindoll wrote,
“If you love singing, there is no substitute
for the hymnal.”
Nikarre Yutzy
Kola, Man.
song
This is my response to the recent
article by Mr. Hiebert on worship [The
Worship Service: What is its Purpose? Oct.
18]:
we have been given a gift, full, wide and
rich;
so varied, complicated and simple.
it is expressive, it holds us (sometimes
longingly on a single note).
it can carry thoughts and prayers,
scripture and expressions of praise,
it may transport us beyond our
circumstances
to a place of worship
where we forget ourselves.
forget the tough stuff around us
and be taken to the throne of god,
the foot of the cross,
to a needy world,
and so to contemplate the mysteries of who
God is.
to focus on the real needs of those around
us.
to play upon the harp of our hearts
so that those strings would resonate and
remind us
to be faithful, to be true
not stuck in our own personal likes and
dislikes
THE MESSENGER December 20, 2006
which narrow and restrict how God moves
or works
within and around us
(and say more about us than about Him).
sing the old; for it once was new,
sing the new; for it is commanded.
praise and shout, sing and weep, drum and
strum.
using instrument and voice
be expressive to the Creator—knowing that
the power to create song
and the strength to sing it comes from Him.
New song: Psalm 33:3, 40:3, 96:1, 98:1,
144:9, 149:1; Isaiah 42:10; Revelation 5:9,
14:3.
Faith Krahn
Swift Current, Sask.
coming events
January 13, 2007
Bullying in the Church
Workshop, 9 a.m. to 12:30
Melissa Miller
Cost: $45
Canadian Mennonite University
Winnipeg, Man.
204-487-3300 or 877-231-4570
January 13
New Lenses? A Mennonite Look at
Human Rights, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Canadian Mennonite University
(south campus), Winnipeg, Man.
Sponsors: MMHS, MCC, CMU, CFGB
Cost: $20
204-489-6044, aaens@mts.net
January 14
EMC Day of Prayer
Your home congregation
204-326-6401
March 16–17
Follow the Lamb: Revelation
and Worship
SBC Leadership Conference
Speaker: J. Nelson Kraybill
Steinbach Bible College
Steinbach, Man.
204-326-6451, ext. 222
www.sbcollege.ca
March 16–17
MEDA Mini Conference
Calgary, Alta.
Details to follow!
March 28–29
SBC Discovery Days
Steinbach Bible College
Steinbach, Man.
204-326-6451 or info@sbcollege.ca
Scripture suggests that the universal problem confronting people
is not unfulfilled living or unbreakable habits—it’s the problem of
sin. Not everyone feels unfulfilled or struggles with addictions, but
everyone has sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.
What Child is
Pastor Ed Peters
T
he traditional
Christmas carol
asks, What child is
this who laid to rest
on Mary’s lap is sleeping?
That’s the real question as
we celebrate Christmas.
While there are many who
have offered opinions on his
identity, perhaps the best
answer is contained in the
angelic announcement to the
shepherds: “Today in the town
of David a Saviour has been
born to you; he is Christ the
Lord” (Luke 2:11).
What child is this? He is the
Saviour. He is the Christ. He is
the Lord.
Saviour
Today in the town of David a Saviour
has been born to you…
The word Saviour implies that
we need to be rescued from some
threatening condition. There’s a sense
of urgency and desperation attached
to the word. We need a Saviour.
In our day, there is a growing
reluctance to use words like saved or
lost. To some it sounds condescending
or judgmental. Instead people talk
about Jesus coming to bring us fulfilment in life. The materialistic
society we live in often leaves people feeling empty, so we invite
them to Jesus: “He can bring you fulfilment.” Or relationships
leave us disappointed and so we invite people to come to Jesus:
“In Him you will find acceptance and fulfilment.”
Other people prefer to speak of how Jesus can rescue you
from your addictions—alcohol, lusts or other desires that cause
our life to be out of control.
Scripture, however, suggests that the universal problem
confronting people is not unfulfilled living or unbreakable
habits—it’s the problem of sin. Not everyone feels unfulfilled or
struggles with addictions, but everyone has sinned and fallen
short of the glory of God.
Young or old, fulfilled or frustrated, moral or immoral, we all
have the same problem. We have all broken the law of God and
need rescuing. This sin, the Bible teaches, has separated us from
God and the consequence of sin is death, both spiritual and
physical, ultimately leading to condemnation and hell.
But the Good News of great joy that the angels proclaimed is
of One who can rescue us from the problem of sin, and restore
us into a right relationship with God the Father and one another.
That’s why the angel told Joseph, “You are to give him the name
Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew
1:21).
For many of you this is old news, but it is still Good News!
Where would you be today if Jesus hadn’t come to rescue you
from sin? For many, this rescue has brought new meaning and
purpose, freedom over addictions that bind them; but their
primary need was to be rescued from sin. This Christmas, take
time to remember that you have been rescued—a Saviour has
come into the world.
Christ
Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is
Christ…
Anticipation, it makes this time of year so special. We
anticipate holidays, days off from school or work, time with
THE MESSENGER December 20, 2006
This?
Today in the town of
David a Saviour has
been born to you; he
is Christ the Lord.
friends or family, and discovering
what awaits us under the Christmas
tree. Likewise, the title Christ is a word
containing much anticipation.
Many people think of the Christ as
Jesus’ last name. But it isn’t a name—
it’s who Jesus is. Christ is a title from
the Old Testament. It literally means
Anointed One. To be anointed means to
be chosen and given authority.
But more specifically the title
Anointed One (in Greek, Christos or Christ) referred to the king
from the lineage of David. Later, as Judah went into exile and
no longer had a king in Jerusalem, the prophets spoke of a new
Anointed One. One who would restore God’s kingdom and sit on
David’s throne.
Unfortunately, however, the people would have to wait. Each
generation hoped and prayed and anticipated that perhaps they
would welcome this Anointed One—the Christ. If your children
think they have to wait long for Christmas Day, remember the
people of Israel waited over 500 years until the Anointed One
finally arrived!
THE MESSENGER December 20, 2006
In Luke 1:32–33 the angel Gabriel
told Mary, “He will be great and will
be called the Son of the Most High.
The Lord God will give him the throne
of his father David, and he will reign
over the house of Jacob forever; his
kingdom will never end.” Christ is the
title for this king who would reign
forever and ever. He is the eternal
King—the King of kings.
How casually we use the title Christ
today! In a fit of anger or frustration
people invoke it, but the term isn’t
to be spoken thoughtlessly or
irreverently. When we say Christ, we
When the angels
announce that a
Saviour is born who
is Christ the Lord,
they are indicating
that this Saviour is
God himself living
among us.
used to indicate the person of God. When the Old Testament
was translated into Greek, the Hebrew name for the Covenant
God, Yahweh, was translated as Kurios. It is the context that
determines which way we are to understand the word.
Without a doubt, when Jesus is called Lord in the New
Testament, the intension is to identify him as God. Jesus is not
merely lord; he is Lord, capital L.
When the angels announce that a Saviour is born who is Christ
the Lord, they are indicating that this Saviour is God himself
living among us.
Everything implied in the Hebrew name Yahweh is also true of
Jesus. God has come in the flesh as baby in Bethlehem. We hear
this belief proclaimed so often at this time of year, we often fail to
grasp how utterly astonishing it really is!
Glory to God!
After declaring what child this is, the angels sing, “Glory to
God in the Highest.” The shepherds say, “Let’s go to Bethlehem
and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us
about.” When they find Mary, Joseph, and the Saviour they too
“returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had
heard and seen, which were just as they had been told” (Luke
2:20).
This Christmas, may you have
the peace that comes from knowing
the Saviour! May you experience the
belonging of being a part of the Kingdom
of God’s Anointed One! May you go forth,
glorying God for the child who is the
T
Lord! M
Ed Peters is senior pastor of Steinbach
Evangelical Fellowship Church.
speak about God’s King who had come
to save his people; the Anointed One,
chosen by God; a King who came in
humility wrapped in strips of cloth and
placed in a feed trough for his cradle.
Certainly, he was a King unlike any
other!
Lord
Today in the town of David a Saviour
has been born to you; he is Christ the
Lord.
There are two basic ways the New
Testament uses the term Lord (in
Greek, kurios). It could be used as
term of honour for someone who is
esteemed or in a place of leadership
and authority. (In Britain, people of
high standing are still called “my lord”
or “my lady.”) In the New Testament,
the term lord is sometimes used in this
way as an expression of respect for a
leader or teacher.
But this same word, kurios, is also
6
Leadership Conference
March 16-17, 2007
Speaker: Dr. Nelson Kraybill, President of Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary
Two courses running parallel to the conference— Friday, 7-9 pm & Saturday, 9 am - 3 pm
Contemplative Youth Ministry with Professor Garth Friesen
The New Face of Women’s Ministry with Professor Janice Rempel
For more information or to register online: www.sbcollege.ca or
contact Christal 204-326-6451 • admissions@sbcollege.ca
THE MESSENGER December 20, 2006
with our missionaries
Northern Manitoba
Learning to relate at Tadoule Lake
Tadoule Lake is a First Nations
community of the Sayisi Dene. It is a
smaller community of about 350 people,
located about 250 kilometers west of
Churchill, Man. It is so far north that
in July it really only became dark from
about 1 a.m. to 3 a.m.
seater Chieftain plane—even the wing
compartments contained Altona Bison
baseball uniforms.
Viktor Rau and Vanessa Goertzen
from Winkler, Lee Siemens from Altona,
Sabrina Neufeld from LaSalle, Monique
Peel from Winnipeg, and I were new as
children are affected by the community
around them.
The Sayisi Dene are friendly and
artistic. They carve soapstone and paint
with oil, make dreamcatchers, and sew
caribou hide vests and moccasins. They
live in the land of the caribou, so these
We plan on returning next summer.
Athletes in Action Manitoba is looking for
baseball helpers and coaches to come
with me to Pauingassi or Tadoule Lake
next summer.
A November 2005 article in the
Winnipeg Free Press quoted a leader
as saying, “We are a forgotten people.
No one cares about us.” To show
otherwise, we went there in July 2006
to hold a baseball camp and to share
Jesus’ love.
I was amazed at people’s generosity in
preparing for this trip. Besides financial
gifts from people, a businessman flew
our team there with his plane.
On July 15 five younger Athletes
in Action volunteers and I stashed
belongings, ball equipment, food,
and donated prizes into the nine-
Lee Siemens gives a baseball glove to a player on
behalf of Athletes in Action.
THE MESSENGER December 20, 2006
Athletes in Action coaches are pictured with Jimmy Thorase (centre).
a team. Monique, my niece, has worked
as a nurse on First Nations reserves,
including at Tadoule Lake.
After a three and a half hour ride
that encountered a lot of turbulence,
we landed on a short gravel runway. We
were then taken to the teachers’ housing
unit where we would live for a few days.
That evening we enjoyed bannock and
caribou soup.
New posters about each day’s
activities went up at the Northern Store,
the Band Hall, and the church. A typical
day was: 2 p.m. baseball, 3 p.m. kids’ Bible
lesson with treats, 4 p.m. swimming, 5
p.m. supper, 8 p.m. youth/adult baseball,
9:30 p.m. movie or visiting.
We went to Tadoule Lake to show
people that Jesus loves them. We
showed the Jesus film. We told them how
Jesus had changed our lives. We played
baseball with them and taught them.
I read a First Nations saying on a pin:
“It takes a whole community to raise a
child.” This holds true for the world. All
provide meat and leather for them. Sand
flies are plentiful and vicious. People
wear long pants and long sleeves—and
after being at the beach in shorts one
evening, I understand their choice.
We felt accepted by people of the
community. One band councilor invited
us to his house and presented us each
with a gift.
We plan on returning next summer.
Athletes in Action Manitoba is looking for
baseball helpers and coaches to come
with me to Pauingassi or Tadoule Lake
next summer.
Any youth or older person that loves
children and baseball or cooking should
contact me. Camp locations usually
require flight on a small plane. Camps
are held for one week in either July or
August.
Albert Martens
Albert Martens (Steinbach EMC) serves with
Athletes in Action.
7
Mongolia
Angels stirring above a ger
As the rain kept pouring I was so
disappointed that my last chance of
having a camel ride in the Gobi Desert
was lost. Our colleague was undaunted by
the challenge. His four-wheel drive could
handle that rough terrain and inclement
weather.
What a barren site met our eyes as we
bumped along the tracks in the sand. The
shrubs, in pretty autumn colours, grew in
small clumps as far as our eyes could see.
As my eyes searched the terrain I knew I
had found what I was looking for, a camel.
In the distance we saw a ger, a Mongolian
home. Turning off the rough trail we
headed toward the small encampment
of two ger, a small shelter, a two-wheeled
trailer, several dogs, and about four
camels. The noise of the approaching
vehicle soon brought several children
and adults outside.
Greetings of Sain bainuu (hello)
and a few more Mongolian words were
exchanged with our guide to let them
know we were coming as friends. I don’t
know what they thought of this strange
foreign woman who wanted a camel ride,
but they agreed to our request.
A lady approached the camel closest
to the ger. In the midst of the cold wind
and rain I wondered if I was foolish to
attempt this adventure. I knew the clothcovered saddle would be soaked as well.
With Elmer’s encouragement I continued
toward the camel.
The camel was quite upset at being
disturbed and spit a mouthful of foul
smelling stuff at the owner. Clumsily I got
on the camel’s back with the instructions
to hang on to the clump of fur on the
front hump. We proceeded on our short
adventure and I requested to return to
the ger. Had it not been for the weather I
would have quite enjoyed a much longer
ride, but as it was I just wanted to have a
photo taken and get into a warmer, drier
place. With a lot of grunts and protests
the camel went down on his knees again
and I gratefully got off.
That was only the beginning of this
adventure. Our kind hosts invited us
into the ger. The little stove in the centre
kept us warm. After having been seated
we were served some warm camel’s milk
from a thermos. Our guide, having lived
in Mongolia for more than three years,
began conversing with the family and
soon learned that the resident was a
very weather-beaten lady, Grandma. Her
to tell me of her harsh life of survival in
the desert. Love of children and family
were evident. And obviously her wealth
lay in the camels.
Elmer asked our guide to inquire
whether they had heard of Jesus. In
response they pulled out a Bible story
book with coloured pictures that had
been given to them. They said that they
did not know much about Jesus. It was a
joy to watch our guide and his enthusiasm
as he began to share the gospel story.
We thanked them for their hospitality,
gave a tip for the camel ride and bid them
adieu. Our guide learned where the two
Grandma and her family
believed. The angels are
singing in Grandma’s
ger this Christmas!
two daughters, their husbands, and six
grandchildren had come for a visit.
My heart went out to the poverty that
seemed so evident. My eyes scanned
my surroundings noting the electricity,
cell phones, meat grinder, sieve, a few
utensils, some animal entrails soaking in
a large enamel bowl. Grandma’s face was
wrinkled and her eyes appeared to be
that of a very aged woman, while in reality
she was only 55, three years my junior. I
wondered what stories she would be able
Elvira Warkentin’s camel ride brought opportunity
to share the Gospel.
sisters and their families lived in town,
hoping to follow up with further visits.
What greeted us as we stepped out the
low door of the ger was a blast of wind
and snow. What an end to this adventure!
But now let me tell you the rest of the
story. My desire for adventure helped to
open the door to this family’s hearts. A
couple of weeks later a friend came from
the capital city of Ulaanbaatar to visit
colleagues. Together with a Mongolian
Bible College student they again went
to visit this family. What a joy it was for
them to explain more completely the
Good News of Jesus. Grandma and her
family believed. The angels are singing in
Grandma’s ger this Christmas!
Elvira Warkentin
Elmer and Elvira Warkentin work with SIM.
They live in Thailand.
Grandma’s ger
THE MESSENGER December 20, 2006
with our churches
Deacons and members
Braeside (Winnipeg, Man.):
Braeside celebrated in November the baptism of seven individuals and accepted
six members by transfer: (back) Cephas and Kelly Wiebe, Ken and Kelly Rempel,
Abe and Justine Giesbrecht, Darren and Nicole Pries, Pastor Tim Gibbons,
(front) Pastor Carl Heppner, Kaylyn Holmes, Jane Graham, Estuardo Figuero,
Alissa Dyck, and Caleb Schellenberg.
In October, Braeside commissioned five deacons: Carlos and Aida Pitta, Carol
Brandt, and Tammy and Ed Harris.
Al Dueck
SWAP Team Returns
Abbeydale
(Calgary,
Alta.):
On
September 17 Abbeydale Christian
Fellowship in Calgary officially welcomed
back 20 of our youth and sponsors who
had traveled to West Virginia to serve
with SWAP (Sharing With Appalachian
People) in summer. Here are some of
their stories.
They went to work in McDowell
County, West Virginia. The group was
divided into three work teams and
sent to different job sites. The jobs
included renovations on mobile homes
and building an addition to a church.
According to Brock Reimer the area was
in obvious need of TLC.
There were surprising cross-cultural
Abbeydale sent a team of youth and sponsors with SWAP.
experiences. One of the first lessons
was offered by leader Grant Anderson
who taught our metric kids how to
“speak Fahrenheit.” Michelle Bailey
was asked to sweep a carpet and after
her initial puzzlement found out that
meant vacuuming. They also learned the
correct pronunciation of Appalachian is
“Appalatchan.”
Many team members mentioned the
gratitude, friendliness, and generosity
of the locals and a new understanding
and compassion for those who live in
poverty.
Amy Lissel read a moving poem of
appreciation that one of the locals had
written for the group.
Karla Kolman, one of the leaders,
found out that a “country mile” is a long
way to walk to find an outdoor bathroom.
She talked about a kitchen where the
plumbing consisted of two rusty pipes.
Charlene Mack learned that “you may
make plans but God can change things
in a minute.” It opened her eyes to the
neediness in the world. As a result, she
has decided to go back next summer.
She is presently pursuing training as
an Emergency Medical Responder.
In the long term her plan is to use her
medical training to help in areas that are
disadvantaged.
Grant Anderson, a leader, felt it was
(continued next page)
THE MESSENGER December 20, 2006
(continued from page 9)
like a holiday to be doing his job without
the stresses of his “real” job. When he
heard a local say that “God sends the
right people,” he was overwhelmed to
realize that meant him.
Trevor Plett, a leader, learned that the
needy sometimes find it hard to accept
help. After a long morning spent watching
a proud homeowner work he was finally
allowed to cut the grass.
On the lighter side, Trevor also got to
be a hero saving Russell’s life twice! The
first time he chased a dog away from a
lunch, rescuing one sandwich. Later he
used wasp spray to kill the pests who
had built a nest in the electrical panel
Russ was working on. One of the most
striking things was to see how people
with so little are often more grounded
than those of us who have more.
Leader Rod Reimer stressed that
God is at work in McDowell County
and urged us to continue praying for
that impoverished region. He shared a
moving encounter with a little girl who
said that when she grew up she wanted
to go into the world and help people the
way this group had.
Brenda Dick
Where’s Menno?
Menno Simons was used to raise funds at
Vanderhoof.
Vanderhoof, BC: Have you seen Menno?
Has anyone seen Menno?
At Vanderhoof Christian Fellowship
we are in need of a large addition to
our church. After consulting God, many
meetings, and many plans, it has become
apparent that we need to do a lot of
fundraising. God said he would provide
and provide He has.
We would like you to meet Menno
Simons. For the month of October, this
larger-than-life plywood cut-out of
Menno Simons appeared in many of our
church families’ yards.
When Menno came to visit, we had to
make an unnamed amount donation to
our building fund. When Menno decided
to move on, whomever he visited got the
privilege of choosing whose home he
would visit next.
We, as a church family, had a blast with
this fundraiser. Menno even wandered
away to a neighbouring town for a couple
of days. He brought a few needed smiles
to some out-of-town faces. In total Menno
brought us over $1,800. An overwhelming
thank you to all who participated in the
Where’s Menno? fundraiser.
Natosha Wiebe
Winter
WinterClass
Class
Schedule
Schedule
Giving thanks for pastoral
couple and more
Morris, Man.: “Give thanks to the Lord,
for he is good!” (Psalm 107:1).
There is so much to thank and praise
the Lord for. We are so thankful for the
18 years Ward and Janine Parkinson
have served us as a great pastoral team.
We were sad when Ward resigned this
summer but glad that this will still be
their home church—though as church
planting coordinator for EMC he will often
be traveling. We had a pastor appreciation
day on July 30 with a fellowship meal
followed by a time of reminiscing and
expression of appreciation.
We are praying for a new pastor,
but for now we are privileged to have
different guest speakers. It’s also been
so neat to see how different people have
volunteered to do the behind-the-scenes
work that Ward has done all these years.
We’re pulling as a team, supporting and
encouraging one another.
On June 18 we had a farewell fireside
evening for Walter and Helen Hamm who
moved to Riverton. We love them and will
miss them.
10
January
January88– –April
April20,
20,2007
2007
On July 23 the churches in Morris had a
joint service at the stampede grandstand.
It was a beautiful warm day and our time
of worship and singing was wonderful!
Our guest speaker was a Christian cowboy
who was involved in the stampede.
With the onset of fall we’re again
starting our TEE (Theological Education
by Extension) class and Beth Moore’s
video series Believing God. We’re
challenged to experience a “fresh and
lavish anointing of faith.”
October 15 was a special fellowship
evening for our church when Janine
Parkinson released her new CD titled
Come, Follow Me.
This fall Tara Siemens moved back
from Churchill where she was employed
as a nurse for one year. Amy Bartel left
home for Australia to prepare for mission
work with YWAM. Kyle Parkinson moved
on to study at Bethany Bible College.
May the Lord lead our young people in
the many occupational opportunities
available to them.
Betty Siemens
MONDAY
Monday
Monday
8:30
a.m. Biblical Anabaptist Themes
8:30
Biblical
Anabaptist
Themes
Intro
to Youth
Ministry
8:30
Biblical
Anabaptist
Themes
toto
Youth
1:00 p.m. Intro
Intro
to
Church
Ministries
Intro
YouthMinistry
Ministry
1:00
Intro to
to Mission
Church Ministries
M
Tuesday
8:30 a.m. Counselling II
Tuesday
T
8
1
1:00
Intro to Church Ministries
Intro to Mission
TUESDAY Intro to Mission
Principles of Teaching
Counselling
II II
Counselling
Minor
Prophets
Principles
of
Principles
ofTeaching
Teaching
1:00 p.m. Greek
II
Minor
MinorProphets
Prophets
Theology
II
1:00
Greek
1:00
GreekII II
Theology
WEDNESDAY
TheologyII II
8
8:30
8:30
8
8:30
8:30
1
8:30 a.m. Intro to New Testament
Wednesday
Wednesday
Evangelism
W
Intro
Ethics
IntrototoNew
NewTestament
Testament
Evangelism
Evangelism
THURSDAYEthics
Ethics
8:30 a.m. Church History
Thursday
Anabaptist History
Thursday
1:00 p.m. Church
Pastoral History
Epistles
8:30
8:30
Church History
Psalms
Anabaptist
AnabaptistHistory
7:00 p.m. Pastoral
Psychology
II History
1:00
1:00
PastoralEpistles
Epistles
FRIDAY Psalms
Psalms
7:00
II II of Jesus
8:30
a.m. Psychology
Life
and Teachings
7:00
Psychology
1:00 p.m. Greek II (lab)
FrIday
FrIday
8:30
Life
ofofJesus
Christal
for information
8:30CONTACT
Life&
&Teachings
Teachings
Jesus
1:00
Greek
1-800-230-8478
204-3266451
ext 222
1:00
GreekIIorII(lab)
(lab)
admissions@sbcollege.ca
THE
evenIng
evenIngClass
Class7–10PM
7–10PM
Thursday
:
Psychology
MESSENGER
December
Thursday: PsychologyII II 20,
2006
PEC building renovations continue
Portage la Prairie, Man.: Portage Evangelical Church needed
more space and has been working to get that space under the
tireless supervision of Lowell Enns and Larry Giesbrecht.
The former Beaver Lumber building was rezoned from
commercial to educational in August 2005 and is being renovated.
It will increase our seating from 160 to just under 300, plus an
overflow area.
Currently we are working on the
sanctuary, seven classrooms, youth room,
kitchen, offices, and washrooms. There is
more space for future development and
the exterior needs dressing up.
The construction has hit snags along
the way, from the foundation being
asphalt rather than cement and the
heating system shutting down. Right now
progress can be seen. The insulation is
all covered and being “mudded.” The
process is taking much longer than first
expected.
We would like to express thanks to the
many volunteers. Also special thanks to
a group of men from Rosenort that have
come out several times, and many thanks
to the churches who donated financially.
All your help is greatly appreciated in
helping in building God’s Kingdom. May
He reward each one!
Catherine Epp
births
LAPRATTE – to Chantal Lapratte of Portage
la Prairie, Man., a son, Logan, on February 13,
2006.
EDWARDS – to Justin and Jackie Edwards of
Morris, Man., a son, Isaac Noah, on August 20,
2006.
WOOD – to Lyall and Kate Wood of Portage
la Prairie, Man., a son, Alexander Darcy, on
April 29, 2006.
WIEBE – to Dwane and Charlene Wiebe of
Morris, Man., a daughter, Annika Meredith,
on August 21, 2006.
BARTEL – to Wally and Sarah Bartel of Morris,
Man., a son, Wyatt Henry, on June 8, 2006.
REMPEL – to Ken and Kelly Rempel of
Winnipeg, Man., a daughter, Zara Marie, on
August 25, 2006.
LANGENDOEN – to Barry and Brianna
Langendoen of Calgary, Alta., a son, Tirian
Lewis, on June 16, 2006.
CAMPBELL – to Rob and Sherry Campbell
of Portage la Prairie, Man., a daughter, Dana
Brooke, on July 26, 2006.
BENNETT – to Mel and Vinora Bennet of
Winnipeg, Man., a son, Aydan Leo, on August
10, 2006.
BUECKERT – to Johan and Anna Bueckert of
Picture Butte, Alta., a son, Marcos Cordell, on
August 11, 2006.
FRIESEN – to Calvin and June Friesen of
Calgary, Alta., a daughter, Samantha Ellen, on
August 16, 2006.
THE MESSENGER December 20, 2006
KRYMUSA – to Phil and Kirsten Krymusa of
Nairobi, Kenya, a daughter, Magdalene Acacia
Ruth, on August 25, 2006.
COSENS – to Dan and Melissa Cosens of
Blumenort, Man., a daughter, Talitha Dawn,
on August 27, 2006.
KROEKER – to Kent and Deanna Kroeker of
Rosenort, Man., a daughter, Lexie Jane, on
October 10, 2006.
KLASSEN – to George and Nettie Klassen of
Aylmer, Ont., a son, Malachi Jorge, on October
13, 2006.
REDDEKOPP – to Pete and Lisa Reddekopp of
Aylmer, Ont., a son, Alex James, on October
27, 2006.
Both adults and children help with construction.
weddings
PLETT – KLASSEN: Kevin, son of Reynold and
Anna Plett of Portage la Prairie, Man., and
Megan, daughter of Carl and Laura Klassen
were married on June 10, 2006 with Brian
McGuffin of Ontario officiating. The couple
lives in Saskatoon, Sask.
BERGEN – LOEWEN: Frank, son of Peter and
Ana Bergen of Aylmer, Ont., and Angelica,
daughter of Ernie and Mary Ann Loewen of
Rosenort, Man., were married on August
20, 2006 with Ernie Loewen officiating. The
couple lives in Winnipeg, Man.
HUGHES – DICK: Christopher Jay, son of Joe
and Donna Hughes of Steeves Mountain,
N.B., and Rachel Karen, daughter of Wes and
Brenda Dick of Calgary, Alta., were married
on August 26, 2006 at Abbeydale Christian
Fellowship in Calgary with Rev. Tanya Steeves
officiating.
BERG – BUECKERT: Henry, son of Cornelius
and Lisa Berg of Ontario, and Susie, daughter
of Johan of Margaret Berg of Belize, were
married on October 7, 2006 at Coaldale
Mennonite Church in Coaldale, Alta., with
Pastor Abe Bueckert officiating. The couple
lives in Nobleford, Alta.
GIESBRECHT – MARTENS: Andrew, son of
Larry and Phyllis Giesbrecht of Portage la
Prairie, Man., and Colleen, daughter of Henry
and Marie Martens of Gladstone, Man., were
married on October 7, 2006 at Gladstone with
Les Kroeker of Portage la Prairie officiating.
The couple lives in Portage la Prairie.
THIESSEN – BRADFORD: Gareth Thiessen and
Kristen Bradford were married on November
4, 2006 at Fort Garry EMC in Winnipeg, Man.
The couple lives in Winnipeg.
11
Leadership Retreat
John Neufeld: ‘What’s your passion?’
A
bout one hundred ministerial members were
focused on analyzing what we want to do and why we
invited to consider their “passion” as they
want to do it.
attended the EMC Leadership Retreat held
Rev. Neufeld said on Sunday evening, “Asking and
December 2–4, 2006, in Pinawa, Man.
then listening to God is a key component to remain fresh
On Friday evening Earl Unger welcomed people and
for the long haul in ministry. Guidance, protection, and
led in prayer. Dennis and Sarah Thiessen guided in an
encouragement come through asking and then listening
ice breaker game where members formed two concentric to Him who is eternally fresh. The benefits to listening
circles; one rotated, and people responded to questions. far outweigh any benefits that come from just talking to
Kyle Friesen (Steinbach EMC), David Kruse (Fort
Him” (a summary provided later by e-mail).
Garry), Faith Krahn (Swift Current), and
Janine Parkinson (Morris) led in music:
Be Thou My Vision, Blessed Be Your Name,
Create in Me, and The Love of God.
The speakers were John and Anne
Neufeld, for 23 years the senior pastoral
couple of Christian Fellowship Church
in Steinbach and currently directors of
Focused on Marriage Ministries.
The retreat’s theme was Staying Fresh
for the Long Haul. In his first message
(What’s Your Passion?) John Neufeld said
that Jesus’ giving of abundant life (John
10:10) relates to living out the passion we
are “wired for.”
If we’re in the area God has designed us
for, we stay fresh, he said. God has built
certain passions within us consistent with
About one hundred ministerial members attended the retreat held December 2–4, 2006.
his desire for us. Neufeld invited people to
list five activities they enjoy and to examine their life’s
During his final message he said, “Drinking at the
history to see what passion can be identified.
fountain of living water is prerequisite for freshness in
On Sunday morning John Driedger welcomed people,
ministry (Jeremiah 2). We thirst for spiritual freshness
and Dennis and Sara Thiessen sent people searching for
but tend to look for quenching in all the wrong
signatures. The musical team led in songs such as How
places. Nothing can match the renewing power of
Deep the Father’s Love for Us and Kyle Friesen read from
spending time in the Scriptures and prayer. It causes us
Psalm 44.
to be streams of life-giving water to others” (a summary
In his second
by e-mail).
message, John
During meal times, names were drawn for prizes
Neufeld said that,
donated by smaller and larger businesses. The
like DNA, God
committee’s goal was that each single and couple would
has created in us
get a prize.
“certain parts of
Sunday afternoon was free time. While weather
Him” to express
conditions prevented a
from deep within.
hayride, there was an
When something
opportunity to curl, ski
holds us back, we
cross-country, walk,
lead “shriveled
play table tennis, to use
lives.” If God
the weight room and
has placed the
the hot tub.
desire within
On Monday
us at this stage
morning’s final session
in life, Neufeld
communion was held.
encouraged people
Ministerial members
John and Anne Neufeld were the retreat’s
to take the first
were encouraged to
speakers.
Laughter and visiting were part of the weekend.
step. His handout
pray blessings on
12
THE MESSENGER December 20, 2006
people near them, said Larry Eidse. “It was excellent,”
Eidse said. “I felt enriched by it.”
The retreat was held at Wilderness Edge Retreat
and Conference Centre, and ran from Saturday evening
to Monday early afternoon. The planning committee
members were Earl and Caroline Unger (Stony Brook),
Dennis and Sara Thiessen (Kleefeld), and John and Tina
Driedger (Rosenort Fellowship).
The EMC national leadership retreat is held each
T
second year. M
Terry M. Smith
Edmar Fast and Paul Thiessen engage in a game of table tennis.
Merry Christmas!
from the EMC office staff
EMC national office staff: Erica Fehr, Administrative Assistant for Board of Leadership and Outreach; Larry Eidse, Executive Secretary for Board
of Trustees; Gerald Reimer, Conference Youth Minister; Ruth Anne Peters, Administrative Assistant for Board of Missions and General Board; Len
Barkman, General Secretary; David Thiessen, Conference Pastor; Ken Zacharias, Foreign Secretary; Ward Parkinson, Canadian Church Planting
Coordinator; Becky Buhler, Assistant Editor and Administrative Assistant for Board of Church Ministries; Wannetta Fast, Accountant; Terry Smith,
Editor and Executive Secretary for Board of Church Ministries.
(photo by Dave K. Schellenberg)
THE MESSENGER December 20, 2006
1
Rosenort EMC keeps streak alive at EMCup
The arena staff thanks all the players,
referees, and fans, noting that they
saw a lot of respect for property and
cleanliness by the fans and players on
the premises.
The tournament committee would
also like to thank all the players, referees,
timekeepers, arena staff, volunteers, and
fans for another successful tournament.
See you next November!
Colin Loewen
Winter
Courses
January 3 to
April 4, 2007
In early Saturday morning action St. Vital and Steinbach EFC scramble in the Recreation Division. St. Vital
won 5–3, but in its other two games EFC recorded its first two tournament victories.
(Terry Smith)
The 22nd annual EMCup Hockey
Tournament was held in Steinbach, Man.,
on the weekend of November 17–19,
2006.
Teams from across Manitoba and
Ontario participated. This year’s
tournament hosted 18 teams in a format
that is relatively new to the tournament.
The new format reflects an increasing
interest in a less competitive tournament
among some churches. Six teams
registered for the recreational division
which consisted of three round robin
games with no playoff.
Another 12 teams registered for
the regular draw, playing three round
robin games, a playoff game and two
teams advancing to a final on Sunday
afternoon.
The four teams advancing to the
semi-finals this year were Steinbach
Bible College, Morweena, Ridgewood,
and Rosenort EMC. These two games
took place Saturday night and saw SBC
narrowly defeating Ridgewood and
Rosenort advancing past Morweena.
The final on Sunday afternoon provided
more than 200 fans with an entertaining
game in which Rosenort EMC defeated
SBC 2–0.
Rosenort’s natural on-ice chemistry
was tough to battle, even for SBC’s
stellar goaltending. This win also ties
14
Rosenort’s win streak with Kola EMC
(1989–1991) for second place with three
consecutive tournament wins. Steinbach
EMC won five consecutive tournaments
back in 1992–1996.
Other teams participating were Fort
Frances, Mount Salem, Morris, Blumenort,
Rosenort Fellowship/Pleasant Valley, Oak
Bluff, Landmark, and Fort Garry. Six teams
participated in the recreation division: St.
Vital, Community Good News Church,
Steinbach EMC, Kleefeld/Morweena,
Braeside, and Steinbach EFC.
A special presentation was made to
Russ Dyck in an opening ceremony prior
to the final game. Russ has headed up
this popular tournament for the past
12 years. He continues to be a valuable
resource to this tournament.
The new tournament committee was
Nolan Koop, Kenton Barkman, Sheldon
Penner, and Colin Loewen.
The tournament also raised $1,200 for
Hockey Ministries International (HMI).
HMI’s chapel program, now present in
20 North American leagues, is offered
to teams to provide a safe spiritual and
emotional resource for players. It is also
an opportunity for all players to seek
answers, counsel and support from
chaplains. These chaplains are usually
volunteers wanting to make a difference
in the lives of young players.
Preaching the Prophets
Pierre Gilbert, Ph.D.
Tuesdays, 6–8:45 p.m.
Romans
Gordon Zerbe, Ph.D.
One-week intensive
February 12–16, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Jews and Christians in Greek Society
George Shillington, Ph.D.
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4–5:15 p.m.
Prophets of Israel
Dan Epp-Tiessen, Ph.D.
Mondays and Wednesdays, 4–5:15 p.m.
Sixteenth-Century Reformations
John J. Friesen, Ph.D.
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2:30–3:45 p.m.
Systematic Theology
Karl Koop, Ph.D.
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1–2:15 p.m.
The Church at Worship
Irma Fast Dueck, Th.D.
Tuesdays, 6–8:45 p.m.
Homiletics
Dan Epp-Tiessen, Ph.D.
Mondays and Wednesdays, 1–2:15 p.m.
$460 for credit/$150 for audit
Registration form available on-line
or call Anne at 204-487-3300
THE MESSENGER December 20, 2006
Preparing for Christmas
In your frantic preparations,
Does the Lord have a part?
“Are you ready for Christmas?”
Your friends often ask.
Just what is their meaning,
If you’ve finished each task?
Have you paused to thank God
For sending His Son,
To live among people,
Die, and rise for each one?
Are your cookies all baked,
And your Christmas cake too?
Is your menu all planned
So you’ll know what to do?
Have you opened your heart
God’s gift to receive?
Christ will enter your life
When you repent and believe.
Is your house clean and tidy
With a tree sparkling bright?
Are you through decorating?
Have you strung every light?
Then live life to please Him
And pray every day.
Keep reading your Bible
For a guide on your way.
Is your shopping all done,
And every gift wrapped?
Are all the cards sent?
In the rush are you trapped?
Now you’re ready for Christmas,
To praise God for His gift,
And with love and compassion
Others’ burdens to lift.
L. Marie Enns
Or are your friends asking
If you’re ready in heart?
JOHN P. LOEWEN
1921–2006
John P. Loewen was born on January
14, 1921, in Blumenort, Man., to Isaac and
Maria Loewen. He married Helen Friesen
of Greenland, Man., on October 9, 1949.
Five sons and three daughters were
born to them. One daughter, Florence,
was abruptly taken from them through a
farming accident on their yard in 1955.
Dad and Mom built their first house
on the farm where he grew up, and a few
years later he started his own homestead
half a mile down the road. Eleven years
ago they moved off the farmstead and
moved into Blumenort. This past January
they left this place to move into Oakview
Manor.
Dad trusted the Lord Jesus for his
salvation at age 16 and was baptized
at age 18. When the Lord called him
into the ministry, he slowly gave up his
farming interest. He became a deacon in
the Blumenort EMC in 1954. Then a year
later he was ordained as a minister. In
1958 Mom and Dad went to Mexico for
a one-year missions assignment, after
which they returned to Blumenort. At age
42 he became the pastor of Blumenort
EMC and served the Lord as pastor for
23 years, from 1962 to 1985.
Dad had a love and passion to share
the gospel of Jesus Christ. He has
traveled to many churches in Canada,
USA, and Mexico for evangelistic
outreach services. He experienced such
joy in sharing and leading people to
Christ. Mom and Dad moved to Aylmer,
Ont., in 1986 to 1988 to pastor the Mount
Salem church plant.
He served on the EMC mission board
for more than 20 years and this took
him to Mexico, Nicaragua, Paraguay,
and Germany on several occasions.
Mom and Dad also had the privilege of
visiting friends and family in Hungary,
Switzerland, Pakistan, India, and
Bangladesh.
Dad loved life and loved to share it
with people. He had a heart to reach
out to the destitute, lonely, and sick. His
robust personality and enthusiasm for
life was seen in his walk and gestures as
he talked and preached. He loved to read
the Word, and we all have memories of
seeing him on his knees as he spent time
with the Lord. He loved to talk about the
Lord and sing and pray with his family.
For the last six years he endured the
THE MESSENGER December 20, 2006
crippling effects of Parkinson’s Disease.
In the past year he was diagnosed with
a lung and heart condition. On October
4, 2006, he finished his race and crossed
the finish line.
He leaves to mourn his passing and to
carry on his legacy of faith: his loving wife
Helen; son John and Maria of Stratton,
Ont., and children Jonathon, Priscilla,
David, Hannah, Esther, Joanna, Tabea,
and Asenath; son Arley and Janice of
Afghanistan and daughters Rachel and
Rebecca; daughter Marian and Peter
Redekopp of Crystal City, Man.; son Cliff
and Pauline of Blumenort, and children
Chris, Michelle, and Heather; daughter
Junia of Winnipeg; son Glenn and Mary
of Portage la Prairie, Man., and children
Christian, Anicka, Marcus, and Natasha;
and son Dale and Corie of Steinbach,
Man., and children Jackson, Davis,
Weston, and Texas.
He also leaves to mourn his passing
one brother, Dick and Tina Loewen of
Blumenort; two sisters, Elizabeth and
Menno Dueck of Mexico, and Tina and
Elmer Plett of Mexico; and one sister-inlaw, Gertie Loewen of Blumenort.
The funeral service for John P.
Loewen was held on Monday, October 9,
2006, at the Blumenort EMC. Donations
in memory of John Loewen may be made
to EMC Missions or Pamir Productions
(ministry in Afghanistan).
His Family
15
The Messenger index 2006
ARCHIVES CORNER
Not interested in history?
16
Dec. 6
ARTICLES
A Theology for Hopeless People in Hopeless Places,
Dr. Pierre Gilbert
Jan. 11
The rise and fall of evangelism in Mennonite
churches, 1525–2006, Jake Knelsen
Jan. 25
What does it really mean to be a Christian?
Dr. Pierre Gilbert
Feb. 8
Who is a Mennonite? Gerald Gerbrandt
Feb. 22
Counsel from an Older Pastor, Terry M. Smith
Feb. 22
Is missions still relevant to the local church?
Darryl Klassen
March 8
Who is an evangelical? Dr. Al Hiebert
March 22
Pacifism: The road less traveled, Abe Warkentin
March 22
Evaluating the Emerging Church, Michael Zwaagstra April 5
Our Dirty Jesus, Terry M. Smith
April 19
World events, honour, and insults, Dr. Arley Loewen
May 3
Time, Faith Krahn
May 3
Will the Church be Replaced? Ernie Koop
May 24
The Upward Call of God, Dr. Terry G. Hiebert
June 7
Correction: names in photo of May 24 lead
June 21
Light for my Path: overcoming intrusive thoughts,
Doug Wildman
June 21
Transformation: Becoming whom God created us
to be, Gareth Brandt
July 5
Laina: a woman of mystery and of faith, Betty Barkman July 5
Living Like Jesus, Dr. Ron J. Sider
Aug. 2
Overcoming One-Sided Christianity: Combining
Evangelism and Social Action, Dr. Ron J. Sider
Sept. 6
Belated Grace, Wally Kroeker
Sept. 6
Rethinking Pacifism in a Dangerous World,
Dr. Ron J. Sider
Sept. 20
Toward a defining centre for Mennonites today:
Loving people the way Jesus did, Dr. Ron J. Sider
Oct. 4
65 years later the decision stands, Terry M. Smith
Oct. 4
The Worship Service: What is its purpose?
Henry Hiebert
Oct. 18
Is the price of peace too high in the EMC?
Wally Doerksen
Nov. 1
Is Our Future Evangelical? Dr. J. Nelson Kraybill
Nov. 15
Anabaptist: The Bringing Together of Piety and
Obedience, Dr. Daryl Climenhaga
Nov. 15
Christian, Evangelical, Anabaptist? All of the Above!
Dr. Pierre Gilbert
Nov. 15
Risking the Journey Because of Christ,
Dr. J. Nelson Kraybill
Dec. 6
What Child is This? Ed Peters
Dec. 20
BIRTHS
Jan. 25, Feb. 8, Feb. 22, March 8, April 5, May 24, Sept. 20,
Oct. 4, Oct. 18, Dec. 20
BY THE WAY
A day for the church to highlight seniors
There is a time to laugh!
Being alone is hard to get used to
Shout It!
Continue to follow the Lord!
Jan. 11
Feb. 8
June 7
July 5
Sept. 20
CHURCH NEWS
Abbeydale
April 5, May 3, Sept. 20, Oct. 18, Dec. 20
Aberdeen
July 5
Anola
Feb. 8, March 22, Oct. 18
Birch River
March 22
Blumenort
Feb. 22, Sept. 6
Braeside
Jan. 11, March 22, Sept. 6, Dec. 20
Buffalo Head Prairie (Hillside)
March 8
Burns Lake
March 8, Sept. 6, Sept. 20
Creighton
June 21, Sept. 20
Crestview
Sept. 20
Endeavour
June 21, Sept. 6
Fish Creek
Sept. 6
Fort Frances
June 7
Fort Garry
Feb. 22, June 21, Oct. 18
Good News
March 22, July 5
High Level
Feb. 22, Sept. 6
Kleefeld
Feb. 22, May 24, Aug. 2, Oct. 18
Kola
April 5, Sept. 20
La Crete
Feb. 8, Nov. 15
Landmark
Jan. 25
Leamington
Oct. 4
Lorette
Nov. 1
MacGregor
June 7
Mennville
Jan. 25, June 21
Morris
June 21, Dec. 20
Morweena
June 7
Mount Salem
April 5, Oct. 4
Oak Bluff
Feb. 22 (under RFC),
Pansy
Oct. 4
Pelly
Feb. 22, June 21, Nov. 1
Pleasant Valley
June 7, Dec. 6
Picture Butte
Feb. 22
Portage
April 5, June 21, Nov. 1, Dec. 20
Riverton
March 8, Dec. 6
Roseisle
Feb. 8, March 22, Sept. 6, Sept. 20
Rosenort
June 21, Sept. 20
Rosenort Fellowship
Feb. 22, Oct. 18
Steinbach
Feb. 8, March 22, April 5, May 24, July 5,
Oct. 4, Oct. 18, Nov. 15
Steinbach EFC
June 7
Straffordville
April 19
Swan River
Nov. 15
Taber
May 24, Sept. 20, Oct. 4
Tilbury
Sept. 6
Tillsonburg
May 24, Sept. 6
Treesbank
Feb. 8, April 19, Nov. 1
Vanderhoof
Jan. 25 (two reports), Sept. 20, Dec. 20
CHURCH PROFILE
Good News (Steinbach)
Riverton (update)
EDITORIALS
The Magi and our vision
Grappling as a covenant community
Douglas John Hall, crime dramas, and us
Considered our college?
Believer baptism and 30 years ago
How might we respond?
Must read and bandwagon books
Considering short-term mission service?
Many regions make one conference
Peace education in EMC churches
It doesn’t take a pacifist
Set apart Christ as Lord
What it’s all about
CPTers and naiveté
The gruesome crucifixion (Becky)
Without the luxury of time
‘Good expositions on the gospel’
Anti-conversion laws should cause us concern
Being a believers church
Our need for the church
A senior in poverty
Bertha and Rev. Ernest Shelvey
No full-time editors
Listening to people’s concerns
An exploration that enriches
Baptism is an act of membership
Region 7 did well
April 19
Sept. 20
Jan. 11
Jan. 11
Jan. 25
Jan. 25
Feb. 8
Feb. 8
Feb. 22
Feb. 22
March 8
March 8
March 22
March 22
April 5
April 5
April 19
April 19
May 3
May 3
May 24
May 24
June 7
June 7
June 21
June 21
July 5
July 5
Aug. 2
THE MESSENGER December 20, 2006
Doctrine and discussion
Indebted to United Church
Honour, shame, and farming
Closer in what way?
Education more than moralism
Two Psalms side-by-side
To move beyond silence
What would Edwin Wright think now?
Anabaptists and Pentecostals
2008, somewhere in Canada
Embarrassed by the Amish
Tangled thoughts on Remembrance Day
Remembering Franz Jägerstätter
Immanuel, God with us
What teenagers have to teach us
Christmas and our basic need
The Parable of the Good Atheist
Aug. 2
Sept. 6
Sept. 6
Sept. 20
Sept. 20
Oct. 4
Oct. 4
Oct. 18
Oct. 18
Nov. 1
Nov. 1
Nov. 15
Nov. 15
Dec. 6
Dec. 6
Dec. 20
Dec. 20
FAITH IN ACTION
I want to wail so LOUD that Africa will hear me!
Wally Doerksen
Overwhelmed by the big picture? Monica Goertzen
June 21
Nov. 15
GENERATIONS
Don’t box me in!
Youth workers are unsung heroes!
TRU—focused, envied, yours!
KIDS’ CORNER
You can choose
Be your best
Is a difficult thing ever a good thing?
Christ is our Passover
Don’t be Bored!
A Tale of Two Lakes
Something New
Grumbles and the Perfect Day
A Powerful Word
The Dragon and the Baby
April 5
July 5
Nov. 1
Jan. 25
Feb. 22
March 22
April 19
June 21
Aug. 2
Sept. 20
Oct. 18
Nov. 15
Dec. 20
LETTERS
Make seniors integral part of church life, Jack Heppner Feb. 8
Follow early Anabaptists on baptism, Matthew Plett March 8
Shocked at suggestion, Terry Miller
March 8
Support for The Road Less Traveled, Ron Penner
April 5
Which is the central descriptor? Jack Heppner
April 19
Certainly encouraging, Dale Loewen
May 3
Sets up a straw man, Carl Heppner
May 3
Seems to engender fear, Brenda Funk
May 3
What if? David Funk
May 3
McLaren’s book a catalyst, Randall Krahn
May 3
Accurate definitions are vital to communication,
Henry Friesen
May 24
Let’s not repeat a past mistake, Matt Plett
May 24
In defence of the term Mennonite, Dave K.
Schellenberg
May 24
Pharoahs’ tombs and an empty tomb, Debbie Funk May 24
New movements and isms? Adam Robinson
June 7
Integrity and breathless expectation, Stephanie UngerJune 7
Is God static? Wally Doerksen
June 7
Simple suggestions, Glenn Loewen
June 7
A bigger program than postmodernism, Joey Dueck June 7
A conversation needing a clear destination,
Dave Reimer
June 7
America responded similarly, Wayne Penner
June 21
We must stand firm, Helen Koop
June 21
JOY formula can be devastating, Jack Heppner
Aug. 3
Caution is needed, Harvey Plett
Aug. 3
Emergent church issues remain, Michael Zwaagstra Sept. 20
10 principles are arguments for same-sex marriage,
Ron Reimer
Oct. 4
THE MESSENGER December 20, 2006
What Sider didn’t say, Elmer Warkentin
Oct. 18
Church’s personal requirements not part of baptism,
Alan Fehr
Oct.18
Shared emphases need more recognition, Carl Heppner Nov. 1
If Jesus were a pastor…, Tim Sanderson
Nov. 15
Redemption through Christ alone, Al Hiebert
Dec. 6
Anabaptists serve others, Wendy Dueck
Dec. 6
Several messages raise concerns in mind, Abe Rempel Dec. 6
Love that hymnal! Nikarre Yutzy
Dec. 20
song, Faith Krahn
Dec. 20
MISSIONS
Lester and Darlene Olfert honoured for
40 years of ministry
Paraguay: Bonnie Friesen and Sandi Eidse
Paraguay: Dave and Judy Schmidt
Texas: Elma Janzen
Philippines: Carl Loewen
Texas: Elma Janzen
Arabia: A follower of Jesus
Picture Butte: Caroline Krahn
Uganda: Joanna Plett
32 EMCers attending national church
planting congress in Toronto
Paraguay: Renita Rempel
Philippines: Carl Loewen
Martens returning to Morocco
Burkina Faso: Paul Thiessen
Grand Rapids: Fred and Stella Neff
Mexico: Grace Thiessen
Nicaragua: Darlene and Lester Olfert
Philippines: Carl Loewen
Nicaragua: Diane Koop
Nicaragua: Darlene Olfert
Nicaragua: Froese and Martens’ families
The Netherlands: Marianne and Lesley Fast
Ethiopia: Rolf and Angela Kruse
Philippines: Carl Loewen
Morocco/Canada: Albert Martens
Canada: ‘Giving and golfing’ at EMC Classic
DR Congo: Loren and Beth Koehler
Mexico: Martha Doerksen
Mexico: Alvira Friesen (2006 convention)
Paraguay: Dave and Judy Schmidt
Mexico: Alvira Friesen (teen photo)
Philippines: Carl Loewen
Mozambique: Joe Reimer
Philippines: Carl Loewen
Canada: Andrew Reimer
Alberta: Roland and Jen Penner
Paraguay: Landis Benitez
Mexico: Martha Doerksen
Northern Manitoba: Anna and Bill Penner
Northern Manitoba: Albert Martens
Mongolia: Elvira Warkentin
Jan. 11
Jan. 11
Jan. 11
Jan. 25
Feb. 8
Feb. 8
Feb. 8
Feb. 22
Feb. 22
March 8
March 8
March 8
March 8
March 22
March 22
April 5
April 19
May 3
May 24
May 24
May 24
May 24
June 7
June 21
June 21
July 5
July 5
July 5
Aug. 2
Aug. 2
Aug. 2
Sept. 6
Sept. 20
Oct. 4
Oct. 4
Oct. 18
Nov. 1
Dec. 6
Dec. 6
Dec. 20
Dec. 20
NEWS ITEMS
Rosenort EMC wins consecutive EMCups
Mennonite-Catholic dialogue explored by EMC
ministerial
Council approves new directions and identifies
issues to address
Lester and Darlene Olfert honoured for 40 years
of ministry
CCAL challenges MCC to serve the church
Pham Ngoc Thach’s release sought, MWC
Several MDS projects open
GAMEO wants your church’s updated history
Fast calls for lifting up those with learning disabilities
Costa Rican is symbol of southern shift
Peace churches consider Asian consultation
Jan. 11
Jan. 11
Jan. 11
Jan. 11
Jan. 25
Jan. 25
Jan. 25
Jan. 25
Feb. 8
Feb. 8
Feb. 8
17
Recognizing the call at SBC
Feb. 22
EASP renamed Winnipeg Centre for
Ministry Studies
March 8
SBC sponsors English institute in Ukraine March 8
Celebration 2006 shows Christianity
in action
March 22
MDS and MEDA help Gulf Coast
businesses
March 22
Pham Ngoc Thach released from prison March 22
Advocacy could help Zimbabwe, says
church leader
March 22
Educational Journal being developed March 22
MWC leaders mourn CPTer’s death
March 22
Church called to economic sharing
March 22
15 MWC members denied visas
(photo caption)
March 22
Leading Christian women awarded for
their contributions
April 5
WCMS celebrates new name
April 5
Name change ‘clears up confusing issue’ April 5
CMU organizes forum on Peacebuilding April 5
MWC Peace Council urges churches
to be ‘a culture of peace’
April 19
MWC ‘Mennonite six’ photo
April 19
November 12 is IDOP Sunday
April 19
Mennonite-sponsored centre affects
Ukraine youth
April 19
Safety nets spread throughout Tanzania May 3
Corn, peas, beans, and oil bound for Kenya May 3
Indian Mennonite Church will celebrate
100 years
May 3
MDS bits
May 3
Relationship cure for cancers of materialism,
poverty
May 24
War and the CO
May 24
Gritter named head of national ministry
to gays and lesbians
May 24
MCC Bits
May 24
Hugh Owens decision overturned
May 24
Convention 2006 Theme Song
May 24
MCC responding in Indonesia
June 7
Dr. Hans Werner named Foundation
director
June 21
Christian and Muslim dialogue builds
bridges
June 21
European Mennonites meet in Spain
June 21
Heading a household at 16
June 21
‘Giving and golfing’ at EMC Classic
July 5
Control Arms campaigners deliver photo
petition
July 5
CPT receives first Michael Sattler award
July 5
Lutherans and Mennonites explore
relations
July 5
CBS celebrates 1804 Mohawk Gospel
of John
July 5
Bible Society celebrates centennial
July 5
Moderator’s Classic
Aug. 2
Media Event
Aug. 2
Process and Christ’s transforming power
(ministerial)
Aug. 2
A Celebration of Difference
Aug. 2
Council approves coordinator, discusses
women’s leadership
Aug. 2
Conference Council Elections
Aug. 2
Youth Feature
Aug. 2
Railroads, Rivers, Racism and Real Estate Aug. 2
Letters to government leaders urge end
to violence
Aug. 2
New video focuses on ‘invisible’ workers
in Canada
Aug. 2
Convention highlights
Aug. 2
18
Peace Sunday on September 24
Sept. 6
Chapter writer receives award
Sept. 6
Cindy Klassen learns about AIDS
Sept. 6
Giving information
Sept. 20
Rest Haven celebrates 60 years
Sept. 20
Diverse Christian groups meet
Sept. 20
War and the C.O.: A history conference
Oct. 4
Bible translation: why bother?
Oct. 18
Bible translation: Where faith and
technology meet
Oct. 18
Violent crime victims need help with
bond, Derksen says
Oct. 18
IMPaCT has an impact on global pastors Oct. 18
MDS bits
Oct. 18
Celebrate World Fellowship Sunday!
Nov. 1
TRU06, playful and profound
Nov. 1
Justapaz receives Swedish peace award
Nov. 1
C.O. history explored in Winnipeg
Nov. 15
Region 3: Warm and jovial event held at
Endeavour
Dec. 6
Canada drops to fourth in global
membership
Dec. 6
Region 2 calls for a day of prayer
Dec. 6
John Neufeld: ‘What’s your passion?’
Dec. 20
Merry Christmas from the EMC office staff Dec. 20
Rosenort EMC keeps streak alive
Dec. 20
OBITUARIES
Andrew Siemens, Jan. 23, 2003 (memorial) Jan. 25
Dora K. Friesen, 1927–2006
Feb. 8
Peter L. Friesen, 1912–2006
Feb. 22
John W. Dyck, 1928–2005
March 8
Betty Dyck Kroeker, 1923–2004
March 8
George K. Schellenberg, 1912–2005
March 22
Mary Penner, 1905–2006
March 22
John Peters, 1937–2006
April 5
Margaret Kroeker Friesen, 1913–2006
April 5
Peter Penner, 1947–2006
April 19
Katharina Fehr, 1930–2005
May 3
Martin P. Penner, 1915–2006
July 5
Elmer Cornelius Siemens, 1932–2006
Sept. 6
Hulda Reimer Plett, 1923–2006
Oct. 4
Otto Plett ,1934–2005 (memorial)
Oct. 4
Levi Brandt, 1927–2006
Oct. 4
Bernhard (Ben) W. Dyck, 1934–2006
Oct. 4
Mary Barkman, 1924–2006
Oct. 18
John J. L. Klassen, 1912–2006
Nov. 1
Elmer P. Reimer, 1929–2006
Dec. 6
Susanna Wieler, 1917–2006
Dec. 6
John P. Loewen, 1921–2006
Dec. 20
PEOPLE MOVEMENT
Elma Janzen (BOM)
Sally and Jake Knelsen (BOM)
Lester and Darlene Olfert (BOM)
Erica Fehr (national office)
Rosey and Travis Zacharias, BOM
Ward Parkinson, BLO
POEMS
Upon a Hill, Eleanor Lee Gustaw
Resurrection Blessings, Leona Dueck
Penner
Hold me, Laura Plett Siemens
The Spotless Bride, Brigette Toews
Jack, Laura Plett Siemens
Preparing for Christmas, L. Marie Enns
Jan. 25
Jan. 25
Jan. 25
May 3
Aug. 2
Oct. 4
April 19
April 19
Oct. 18
Oct. 18
Nov. 1
Dec. 20
READER’S VIEWPOINT
Eroded evangelicalism, modern conflicts
and Christ’s teaching, Dr. Jon Bonk
April 19
Can we use facts to advocate
heterosexual marriage? Dr. Al Hiebert Sept. 6
SHOULDER TAPPING
All issues
STEINBACH BIBLE COLLEGE
SBC begins search for new president
Jan. 25
Recognizing the call at SBC
Feb. 22
SBC sponsors English institute in Ukraine March 8
SBC shifts to block scheduling
May 3
Will the Church be Replaced? Ernie Koop May 24
Hearing the call of God (grad)
May 24
SBC Leadership Conference
May 24
The Upward Call of God, Dr. Terry G.
Hiebert
June 7
Alumni catch-up, worship at SBC’s
annual brunch
July 5
SBC offers flexible study schedule
Aug. 2
Student enrollment climbing at SBC
Sept. 6
STEWARDSHIP TODAY
Some assembly required
Manitobans are great givers!
To pledge or not to pledge?
On assignment to seek kindness
Alms Fund Q & A
Altruism and Society
Women and Charity
Pledges—tracking stewardship
Christians and discounts
Jan. 25
Feb. 8
Feb. 22
March 8
April 19
July 5
Oct. 18
Nov. 1
Nov. 15
WEDDINGS
Jan. 25, May 24, Sept. 20, Oct. 18, Dec. 20
WINDOW ON MISSIONS
Focus on Uzbekistan
Walking by faith: A challenge for
planting churches
Nov. 15
Dec. 6
A WOMAN’S JOURNEY OF FAITH
Helen: ‘He will give his angels charge
over thee…’
Jan. 25
Julie: ‘The Lord gives strength’
Feb. 8
Corinth: Reading the Bible with your feet March 8
Bernice: ‘Bloom where you’re planted!’
April 5
Martha: God is good, all the time!
(part one)
May 3
Martha: God is good, all the time!
(part two)
June 7
Susie: Pictures from the Past
July 5
La Crete: Love in Action
Sept. 6
Elsie and the epidemic
Oct. 4
A thousand years and the same Lord
Nov. 1
Memories decorating our Christmas tree Dec. 6
WRITINGS SHARED
Mennonites, Politics, and Peoplehood,
James Urry
March 22
The Scandal of the Evangelical Conscience:
Why are Christians living just like the
rest of the world? Ron Sider
May 3
In Defence of Privilege: Russian Mennonites
and the State Before and During
World War 1, Abraham Friesen
June 21
Meditations for the Grieving, Richard L.
Morgan
June 21
Gracious Christianity: Living the Love We
Profess, Douglas Jacobsen and
Rodney J. Sawatsky
Oct. 18
THE MESSENGER December 20, 2006
shoulder tapping
ENDEAVOUR FELLOWSHIP Chapel in eastcentral Saskatchewan, with a congregation of
about 50, is currently looking for a pastor. Contact
Tom Treen (Elders’ Chairman) at 306-547-3383 or
tdpromise@sasktel.net.
MORRIS FELLOWSHIP Chapel, a church of 100
members located in the town of Morris, Man., is
looking for a senior pastor. Contact Ernie Siemens
at 204-746-8342 or e-mail siemensj@mts.net.
HAVENGROUP FOUNDATION board members
needed for EMC-sponsored elder care organization
in Steinbach, Man. Do you have a passion to serve
the more vulnerable members of our society? Do
you get excited about being a change agent and
vision builder? Can you commit to four to five
meetings per year, plus some additional minimal
project development time? If you have answered yes
to the questions above we want to meet with you
and discuss our current and future plans and how
you could fit into those plans.
HavenGroup Foundation is the fundraising
arm of all HavenGroup partners, which include
Rest Haven Nursing Home, Woodhaven Manor,
Ashwood Apartments, Birchwood Apartments,
Cedarwood Supportive Housing and Parkview
Apartments of Steinbach. Inasmuch as you bless
others with your passion, skills and time, you too
will be blessed. Contact Marlin J. Roth at 204346-5004 or mrothhg@havengroup.ca for details.
Together we can meet the needs of those we serve.
A SMALL school based in Kabul, Afghanistan,
seeks a Christian trained teacher (for international
children whose parents work as volunteers to help
the local people) from January to April 2007 for
grades one and two. Must be a team player, able
to cope in a challenging situation, and raise your
own support. Contact persdept@iamafg.org.
THE EMC invites applications for the senior administrative position of
General Secretary.
Responsibilities: Serve
as Executive Secretary for
the Board of Missions, General Board, and
Board of Trustees; provide management
of conference finances; coordinate
conference events; provide management
role of national office.
Applicants should have experience and
training in areas of financial management
and missions administration with strong
communication skills.
A job description is available upon
request. Duties to commence September
1, 2007. Please request an application form
from the office at 204-326-6401, fax 204326-1613, emconf@mts.net. The application
and resume can be addressed to EMC
Moderator Ron Penner and forwarded
to the same addresses or to 440 Main St.,
Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5.
THE MESSENGER December 20, 2006
RICHMOND PARK Mennonite Brethren Church,
a congregation of about 300 people in the growing,
mid-sized city of Brandon, Man., seeks a youth
pastor who is passionate about leading and
discipling youth. Please send in resume and three
references to Reinhold Kramer, 43 Noonan Dr.,
Brandon, MB R7B 0V7. For information, e-mail
Kramer@brandonu.mca or phone 204-727-7344.
GOING WEST, young man? Or woman, or couple,
or family? Alberta is indeed a land of opportunity!
If you are anticipating or considering relocation
to Calgary, we invite you to join us at Fish Creek
Christian Fellowship as we reach out to South
Calgary with the love of Christ. This city is growing
and we want to grow with it. We’re excited to see
what God might do as you bring your creativity
and gifts and offer them to Him with us. For
information about our church, please contact
interim pastor Ray Landis at 403-938-0063, or
email rllandis@telus.net.
THE EMC Archives Committee invites volunteers
within driving distance of Steinbach, Man., to assist
with organizing back issues of The Messenger (for
distribution to other archives), typing of an index of
vault holdings, entering descriptions of fi les onto a
computer database, and more. The ability to type is
necessary. Computer training is provided. Flexible
hours. Contact Terry Smith at emcterry@mts.net;
204-326-6401.
OPPORTUNITY OF a lifetime: Teaching English
in China! Qualifications required: fluent English
speaker, minimum of undergraduate degree, a
living faith, teaching experience, TESOL training
advisable but not required, cross cultural
adaptability. Benefits: Accommodation and
salary provided; making a difference in people’s
lives; exposure to Asian culture and language;
opportunity to be light, salt, and fragrance. For
information, contact EMC missions, phone 204326-6401; fax 204-326-1613.
KENOSEE LAKE Bible Camp, a CSSM camp
located in beautiful Moose Mountain Provincial
Park in southeast Saskatchewan, is seeking a camp
manager (CSSM missionary) as soon as possible and
two permanent seasonal (May to early September)
positions (program director and camp secretary)
beginning in the 2007 camping season.
Accommodation is available at the camp
during the camping season. If you are enthusiastic
about serving in a Christian camp setting, please
forward your resume or inquiries to Marlon
Klassen, 214 Doiron Road N., Regina, SK S4Y 1G4;
kenoseerocks@sasktel.net; marlon.klassen@sasktel.
net; phone 306-924-0129 or 306-848-0393.
RESERVE FELLOWSHIP Chapel (EMC), located
in Sioux Valley (west-central Man.), seeks a fulltime pastoral couple to serve the church and to
develop long-term relationships with people of the
community.
The smaller 50-year-old congregation is part
of Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, a community that
has a Christian history going back to 1879. The
congregation is located about 45 minutes from
Virden and Brandon.
A strong sense of God’s call and a love for
people are required. Direct inquiries to David
Pashe, 204-730-0409, e-mail: pashed@westman.
wave.ca; or to Len Barkman, 204-326-6401, email: emclen@mts.net.
MCC ALBERTA invites applications for an
accountant.
Qualifications:
professional
certification or comparable experience; prior notfor-profit accounting experience using computerbased accounting systems; and experience with
payroll and benefits. MCC requires a commitment
to Christian faith, active church involvement,
and non-violent peacemaking. This is a full-time
position beginning on or before February 1, 2007.
To inquire or submit resumes, contact: Heather
Klassen, #210, 2946-32 St. NE, Calgary, AB T1Y 6J7;
phone 403-275-6935; e-mail heather@mccab.org.
THE EMC Board of Church Ministries seeks
two national board members (to be appointed
by General Board), two education committee
members (appointed by BCM) and five music/
worship committee members (appointed by BCM).
BCM has national responsibilities in the areas of
Christian education, youth, publication, archives,
The Messenger and music/worship. The frequency
of meetings depends upon the committee. For
information, contact executive secretary Terry
Smith at 204-326-6401 or emcterry@mts.net; or
conference youth minister Gerald Reimer at same
phone number or emcger@mts.net.
When it comes to a
foster child, is there
room in your inn?
(Social Concerns Committee)
WOULD YOU like to be a part of dynamic staff
team that is changing our world one life at a time
through Christian camping? Red Rock Bible Camp,
located within Whiteshell Provincial Park in eastern
Manitoba (about 150 kms east of Winnipeg) is
looking for a program director beginning May 1,
2007. For information, call 204-326-9784. Resumes
may be emailed to kim@redrockbiblecamp.com
or faxed to 204-326-1387 by January 8, 2007.
19
KIDS’
corner
Loreena Thiessen
The Dragon and the Baby
M
ostly, the word Christmas makes us think
of warm or beautiful things, like evergreen
trees, cookies, carols, reindeer, snow and
stars.
Christmas is also a time of opposites, things very
different from each other. There’s the bright star in a
dark sky, simple shepherds and rich kings, a newborn
baby and ninety-year-old Anna and Simeon, a warm
stable in a cold night. There is also Mary and Joseph’s
joy at the birth of their first son and the fear of what
King Herod might do.
There is another way to think about Christmas; it’s
the background story. A background story is one that
explains something, or it’s an event that has happened
before. This is the story of the dragon and the baby.
When the disciple John was an old man God showed
him a picture of the story of the dragon and the
baby. He was living alone on a deserted island in the
Mediterranean Sea. This is what he saw.
In the skies there was a brilliantly dressed woman
whose fiery dress was made of the sun. She was
standing on the moon. On her head she wore a dazzling
crown of twelve stars. She was getting ready to give
birth to a baby boy.
Also in the sky, beside the woman, was a red dragon.
The dragon was fierce. It had seven heads and ten
horns. On its seven heads were seven big rings. When
the dragon waved its tail, with one swipe it dashed
one-third of all the stars in the heavens down to the
earth. And, like a threatening bully, the dragon stood in
front of the woman, its steaming mouth open, waiting to
devour her baby the minute it was born.
During this time there was a great battle in the
heavens. The battle was between Michael and his
angels, and the dragon and his star-like followers.
The battle was ferocious. Michael charged and
desperately the dragon fought back. But he did not win.
The dragon and his followers were thrown out of heaven
and tumbled to the earth. This was the first step in
God’s plan.
Then John heard a loud voice that rang out across
the heavens, “The time has come for God to save his
people!”
PAGE 20
The baby was a part
of God’s plan. With God’s
strength and power he
would build his kingdom and
continue to defeat the dragon until
the end.
The dragon was very angry. He could
no longer be in heaven and knew his time
was short. At once he turned to the people
on earth and began to attack them. He
started with the woman and her new baby.
But God had an escape plan. He outfitted the woman
with two wings, broad and strong like an eagle’s. And
away she flew. She flew to a desert hideaway far away
from the dragon and danger.
One last time the dragon tried to destroy the woman.
From his mouth he poured a stream of water after her
to drown her. This time the earth saved her. The earth
opened up a hole and the dragon-river vanished into the
hole.
Again the dragon was very angry. He began to fight
against the other children of the woman, the ones who
keep the laws of God and tell the truth about Jesus.
T
You can read this story in Revelation 12. M
Activity:
Find the opposite word to fit in the blank.
1. Suddenly in the dark sky there was a __ __ __ __ __ __
light.
2. The angels from heaven sang, “Peace on __ __ __ __ __ ,
goodwill to men!”
3. Simeon was an old man when he saw the __ __ __ __ __
child.
4. The shepherds were poor, but the wise men were
__ __ __ __.
5. The angels said, “Do not be afraid for … I bring you good
tidings of great __ __ __.”
6. Mary and Joseph came in to a __ __ __ __ stable from the
cold night.
7. Jesus was born in a __ __ __ __ __ ; King Herod lived in a
palace.
8. Bethlehem seemed far away from Mary and Joseph’s
__ __ __ __.
THE MESSENGER
Evangelical Mennonite Conference
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Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5
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