http://www.mbconf.ca/_classes/apps/newsRSS.cfm Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches News Feed en-us Fri, 25 May 2012 8:33:35 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=287
This appointment represents C2C's commitment not only to launch new churches across Canada to reach the lost, but to serve and support existing churches as they also strive to live out the great commission, says C2C director Gord Fleming.

Hogg, formerly pastor at Gracepoint (MB) Community Church, Surrey, B.C., has served as professor, evangelist, radio host, and movie extra. He was involved in pioneer evangelism in his native Scotland where he launched Youth For Christ. Hogg has served on the Arrow Leadership Ministries faculty for the past 10 years, offering congregational and local church leaders training in evangelism. He is currently pursuing doctoral research in the area of leadership approaches to congregational renewal and missional renaissance. Author of Bill Hogg's Most Excellent Guide to Praying and contributor to Fast Moving Currents in Youth Culture, Hogg is currently writing an evangelism primer for leaders. Hogg and his wife Morag have two adult children, Naomi and Peter.

-A Canadian Conference of MB Churches news release]]> Wed, 18 Apr 2012 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=285 Wed, 29 Feb 2012 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=284
Abbotsford, B.C.--At its Jan. 2728 meeting in Abbotsford, B.C., the executive board of the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches (CCMBC) unanimously approved, in principle, the findings and recommendations of the National Ministry Effectiveness Project. The project a review of all conference ministries was commissioned by the board in conjunction with its hiring of executive director Willy Reimer in early 2011.

Consultant Terry Mochar conducted the review between September and December 2011, interviewing national staff, provincial representatives, and pastors from across the country. The primary purpose was to create a structural and functional solution for CCMBC that will enhance ministry effectiveness by aligning all elements of the national team to a common set of goals, strategies, and messaging that reflect its vision of transforming Canada with the good news of Jesus Christ.

Building on our rich heritage of Spirit-led revival for the glory of God, the executive board is united in leading our churches forward in that same mission, said moderator Paul Loewen. One hundred fifty years ago, the preaching of the gospel and the cross shook up the Ukraine, giving birth to a new movement of the Spirit. In the spirit of our Anabaptist forbears, early Mennonite Brethren desired to be radical followers of Jesus. Today, we find ourselves at a similar crossroads in our history.

Our denomination, though well-resourced, is showing signs of apathy. Individual churches are thriving, but as a Canadian conference, were drifting apart. Our programs are focused internally, and there is a sense of disconnect between provinces and the national team. During the review, we heard from leaders that CCMBC has failed to inspire and communicate a national vision of what we can do together thats greater than any stand-alone ministry or church, said Loewen.

Mochars report noted several key expectations of members, around which national initiatives and plans will be built: 1) create an awakening to needs within Canada in order to inspire people to mission; 2) cast a clear vision and mission about what we can do together as churches to transform Canada with the good news of Jesus; 3) bring unifying clarity to our theological and missional centre; 4) provide support to develop pastors, firstly as disciples and then as effective leaders, so they can live balanced lives and lead healthy churches; 5) develop financial services that release congregations and denominational staff to do ministry, and release stewardship funds to ministry priorities; 6) facilitate ministry collaboration across churches and provincial conferences; 7) develop, broker, and facilitate programs, networks, and affiliations to equip churches; 8) lead the way in 21st-century communication strategies that enable us to reach the broadest constituent base possible; 9) be the main catalysts of a national unifying prayer movement that calls us to dependency upon God.

From the findings of this ministry effectiveness project, said Loewen, we heard repeatedly a sense of holy discontent and a deep desire to work together toward our mission. We can sense the wind of the Spirit moving. We believe this is a kairos moment.

The board empowered executive director Reimer to take immediate strategic steps to realign Canadian MB ministries around this vision. This includes a search for several new executive staff members: a communications director and leadership director.

Ewald Unruh, who currently serves as director of church ministries, will transition to the role of associate national director of church planting under Gord Fleming on Mar. 1. In February, Fleming moved to three-quarter time in his role of national director of church planting.

The board also appointed a task force (Len Penner, Harold Froese, Rob Thiessen, Nancy Boese, Loewen, and Reimer) to work with the project findings as they apply to national-provincial relationships, specifically looking for ways to build stronger links between the two entities. As a first step, the task force plans to host a provincial moderators summit in late spring or early summer.

In July, at Gathering 2012 in Winnipeg, Canadian MBs will consider radical steps of realignment to bring our churches, provinces, and national fellowship back to its calling to transform this country with the good news of Jesus Christ, said Loewen.

The board urges churches and individuals to pray for the MB family, especially for those who serve as leaders and overseers of this national calling. Let us ask the Spirit of God for unity as we move forward together.

A Canadian Conference of MB Churches news release
]]> Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=283
The BFL affirmed that it will act upon the executive boards request to review the denominations confession of faith. Board chair Brian Cooper said the 2011 study conference brought attention to the confession indicating that a review would be appropriate. Cooper said the review would be a general one, and not focused on any particular issue.

We are open to the possibility of revision if necessary, he said, and we will do some research into what changes might be helpful. He added that the board does not want to see a piecemeal review, but feels that a systematic study, done periodically but infrequently, is probably good practice. Cooper said the review is not about changing what we believe. But we want to ensure our confession expresses as well as it can what scripture is telling us.

Another issue raised at the study conference the makeup of the board of faith and life itself will also see action this year. As the BFL replaces departing members, it will be focused on ensuring that its membership increasingly reflects the ethnic and gender diversity of the Canadian MB constituency. The board tasked Cooper and vice-chair Terrance Froese to develop a list of qualifications for board members in order to assist in drafting a list of recommended candidates in time for the next board meeting, scheduled adjacent to the biannual Gathering in July.

The BFL set up a committee to organize the 2013 study conference, but deferred a decision on its topic. Cooper said feedback from the 2011 event was positive. Delegates praised the increased role of bible study, the greater opportunity for dialogue and the expert Mennonite Brethren presenters. The board hopes for a similar result in 2013. The 2011 conference reminds us that we have a real treasure trove of quality people in our midst, said Cooper.

The January meeting marked the first opportunity for the board of faith and life and the executive board to work more closely together, acting on a decision made last autumn. Members of the two boards met both informally and in structured discussion. There was a real sense that this is something our people want to continue to do so we can reach Canada with the good news of Jesus Christ, said Cooper. Its something both groups need.

- A Canadian Conference of MB Churches news release]]> Tue, 7 Feb 2012 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=282
Dr. Randy Wollf of MBBS Canada is on the teaching roster for the coming semester at The Journey. With a PhD in educational studies, including a doctoral dissertation on how power intersects with change processes in the church, he will be in his area of specialty, teaching the leadership course Power, Change Conflict.

Interested people also have access to other ACTS faculty through The Journey, and it's a great and cost-effective way to do professional development and upgrade your education.

More information about The Journey is available at www.journeycentre.ca

More information about Dr. Randy Wollf is available at www.mbseminary.ca

---

Brian Cooper, Ph.D.

Associate Dean, Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary-ACTS

Assistant Professor of Theology, MBBS Canada

www.mbseminary.ca
]]> Mon, 19 Dec 2011 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=281
Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary Canada (MBBS Canada) and Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) invite applications for a full-time faculty position in Ministry Studies at the CMU campus in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The position involves teaching Christian ministry preparation courses that are part of the CMU graduate programs. Read more...]]> Tue, 22 Nov 2011 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=280
It was very gratifying to see church planters from across Canada connect and encourage each other, said Gord Fleming, CCMBCs national church planting director. The times of sharing and prayer were powerful.

Throughout the four days, participants engaged in worship, led by recording artist Brian Doerksen, prayed together, and heard testimonies from church planting couples. Keynote speaker for the event was Jeff Vanderstelt, lead pastor of Soma Communities in Tacoma, Wash. He inspired church planters to be gospel-fluent, Spirit-led and mission-focused. If we fail to have the gospel as our language, the Spirit as our life, and the mission of God as our focus, weve missed what it means to be church, he said.

Participants were passionate in their response to the event.

Many church planters came in heavy-hearted and burdened, said Dennis Wilkinson, church planter from Vancouvers West End, but they were able to leave their burdens at the cross. We cried and laughed, prayed and worshipped, and enjoyed sweet, sweet fellowship it was a fantastic experience.

Every year, we are brought to tears by those who are in this battle together for the glory of Jesus, said the lead pastor of The Jesus Network in Toronto. Im so encouraged to be part of the larger MB family, and to see the MB conference embrace young men and women nationwide who are doing outreach and missional living in their communities.

Willy Reimer, executive director of CCMBC, was especially inspired by the many stories and testimonies from church planters. So many couples are following Jesus in faith and courage to reach Canada with the good news of Jesus Christ, he said. Im very excited about what God is doing in our country and very hopeful about the future of the church in Canada.

The retreat concluded with a prayer session, led by John Smed, senior pastor at Grace Vancouver Church, in Vancouver, B.C.

We are praying for great things in Canada, said Gord Fleming. We are asking the Lord for hundreds of church plants across our nation, particularly in our cities, and we are asking the Lord to pour out his Spirit on the bride in Canada so that we can advance the gospel across our land.

a Canadian Conference of MB Churches news release]]> Thu, 17 Nov 2011 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=277
Meeting in late October, board members discussed the mission statement of the MB churches of Canada and current suggestions that the statement be updated and revised.

The central focus of a statement, said moderator Paul Loewen, is the commitment by MBs to reach Canada with the good news of Jesus Christ. Board members discussed the accomplishments of the past year and considered what the Canadian conference can do in the context of the larger church (inter-denominationally), especially relative to resources, personnel, and programs.

The board also reviewed strategic issues to be dealt with at its January meeting, especially the proposal to harmonize the work of the executive board and the board of faith and life (BFL) to facilitate more functional collaboration on initiatives. From a strategic standpoint, Loewen said, thats really important. He, along with BFL chair Brian Cooper and executive director Willy Reimer provided a report to both boards on possibilities for greater collaboration.

Loewen said both boards share the vision to reach the rest of Canada with the gospel. One of the ways this vision is already being evidenced by development of the C2C Network (national church planting, led by Gord Fleming), and by the increased interest and commitment on the part of provincial conferences who are either interested or have already joined forces in this national initiative.

The executive board also discussed the Mennonite Central Committees New Wineskins proposals to bring the relief and development organization more intentionally alongside its participating denominations. The board decided to continue its relationship with MCC Canada with a hope to increase MB values and voice, reversing MCC's earlier drift from MB orthodoxy said Loewen. He said MCC is currently gathering input from its constituencies.

The executive board meeting was held prior to the start of the Canadian conference 2011 Study Conference in Kitchener, Ont..

a Canadian Conference of MB Churches new release]]> Tue, 15 Nov 2011 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=276
The 14-member board is responsible to report on the theological and ethical health of the denomination to the annual conference of members, a function called spiritual watchcare. But both faith and life and executive board members felt they should work more closely on strategic ministry and governance within the Canadian conference. The task force report, authored by BFL chair Brian Cooper, executive board moderator Paul Loewen, and executive director Willy Reimer, is the result of that desire for strategic alignment. Two members of BFL currently sit on the executive board, and the executive director sits on the BFL, but structural adjustments could foster a more effective process, said the task force.

Proposals still under consideration by both boards include regular BFL reports to the executive board, to help both bodies stay in step. Another proposal would see executive board strategic decisions being made in concert with BFL, to help both boards bring their respective resources to bear on initiatives. BFL could work effectively as the theological resourcing board for the executive board, operating consultatively, according to the report.

The task force says a new, streamlined structure would eliminate governance confusion, create greater strategic unity, and enhance the relational and ministry alignment between the two boards.

Both boards are committed to further study of the recommendations before proposing any action.

Cooper, affirmed this fall as chair of the BFL, said there is a real opportunity to do some bridge-building, both relationally and theologically, within the conference. He believes God has prepared the way to work more closely and productively together.

At its Kitchener meeting, the BFL also considered the Canadian conferences relationship with the Mennonite Central Committee, a relief agency of Anabaptist churches, to which BFL appoints delegates. The board affirmed the policy direction of the MCC to develop a more strategic relationship with churches of both denominational organizations.

BFL vice-chair Terrance Froese said there is a hope the relief organization can move closer to the roots of its supporting denominations. He said MCC has laid the tracks. Now it remains to be seen if therell be a train to use them.

The BFL will also give further thought to broadening its membership base to include more of the ethnic diversity to be found within Canadian conference churches. The question was raised during a BFL question and answer session on the last day of the 2011 Study Conference, also held in Kitchener. There are some faces I dont see here, said Mike Nishi of Vancouvers South Hill Church. Other Chinese churches, Vietnamese faces how is the BFL working at bringing these other churches out? he asked.

Cooper said it is a question under active consideration, and the BFL is aware it needs to find a way to reflect the ethnic diversity of the national conference. Reimer agreed that there is a diversity and a breadth of membership in the Mennonite Brethren that was not reflected at the study conference. We desperately need them to come to the table, he said. We need to encourage, to formalize our participation.

a Canadian Conference of MB Churches new release
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Organizers for the 2011 interdenominational national convention, featuring notable speakers and artists such as John Stackhouse and Starfield, expect more than 650 youth workers to be in attendance.]]> Wed, 9 Nov 2011 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=274
If we have a weak understanding of atonement, we cannot have a strong faith because we have little to be thankful for, said Willy Reimer, executive director of the Canadian Conference of MB Churches (CCMBC). We need to appreciate the fullness of what Jesus has done.

One hundred fifty-nine delegates attended the conference, meeting in formal plenary sessions, workshops, and Bible study groups. Brian Cooper, chair of the Board of Faith and Life (BFL), which convened the meeting, said, We have found there are things we say differently from one another. The tone of the conversation has risen and fallen. We have sharpened one another. He said the conference was not intended as a vehicle to produce a definitive statement on the atonement, but as a process within the national MB church family.

The basis for all three plenary studies was one verse: 1 Corinthians 15:3 Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures.

Pierre Gilbert of Canadian Mennonite University, Winnipeg, spoke on the spiritual fall of humankind, centring on the account of Adam and Eve in the book of Genesis. It was given to Adam and Eve alone, he said, to make the choice to obey God or seek their own will. The human race was then bound by their decision. We were not meant to die, but Adam and Eves choice forever locked humanity into the sphere of the curse.

Paul Cumin, pastor at Pemberton (B.C.) Christian Fellowship, said Gods creation was a work of perfection, seriously disrupted by Adam and Eves choice. The root of sin is the desire to be more like God than he created us to be, he said. Ultimately sin is whatever turns us inward and away from others, on whom our being depends, he said. When we sin, we dont just become less good. We become less, period.

Erwin Penner, professor emeritus at Torontos Tyndale University College and Seminary, said the cross of Christ reveals the nature of God, demonstrates his grace, and accomplishes his reconciling work and all three aspects are foundational. He said Jesus horrid, cruel, and sadistic execution on the cross shows Gods self-giving nature. Did God abuse his son? he asked. No,the violence of the cross is the violence of self-sacrifice He cited Jesus declaration that he and the Father are one (John 10:30). Through the resurrection of Jesus, death itself is defeated, reversing the curse we read about in Genesis, and raising us back to life.

Discussion concerning the atonement has been vigorous in MB circles for some time. Last year, the B.C. conference held a discussion day on the topic. BCMB leadership found agreement on the statement Christ is our substitute, but noted three different paradigms MBs typically use to more fully understand Jesus work on the cross: 1) penal substitutionary atonement as the controlling biblical image; 2) Christus Victor as the controlling biblical image; 3) multiple complementary images, like a diamond.

Vice-chair Terrance Froese said the study conference created a growing spirit of unity around the debate. Willy Reimer said a breadth of views was evident at the meeting, and added, I dont know if well get closer in opinion. He said the pastoral training system, in the long term, may give some issues sharper definition within the national conference.

In his opening remarks, Reimer called on MB leaders to guard against judgmentalism and regionalism. He called on Mennonite Brethren to take a Canadian view and be committed to east-west alignments as Canadian Mennonite Brethren participate together in mission.

The conference also took time to pay tribute to ric Wingender, a Quebec MB leader and significant proponent of the continuing need for a Quebec evangelical seminary (ETEM), who died suddenly at 54.

-a Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches news release]]> Mon, 7 Nov 2011 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=273
Thats what John Unger, chair of Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary (MBBS) Canada, said following the seminary board meetings held in Winnipeg, Oct. 1718.

As part of its efforts to create a sustainable infrastructure, the board focused on shaping financial policies. It approved the finance subcommittees recommendations regarding staff budget procedures, and is developing a financial aid package for students with the $860,000 in student loan funds being transferred from MBBS Fresno (now Fresno Pacific University FPU) to Canada. A new accounting system is in the early stages of implementation.

Much of our work this time around had to do with internal organization, said Unger. Building foundations may not always be exciting work, but it needs to get done.

MBBS Canada continues to strengthen its connection with its two current partners: Associated Canadian Theological Schools (ACTS) in Langley, B.C., and Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) in Winnipeg. New office space at ACTS, along with the recent appointment of Brian Cooper as associate dean, has increased the visibility and impact of the seminary at that location.

Looking ahead, the board is in the final stages of drafting a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) to formalize a structural relationship with CMU, paving the way for a full-time faculty position in practical theology at the Winnipeg campus as early as fall 2012. MBBS Canada and the Mennonite Brethren Church of Manitoba will fund the position.

As we move forward on a number of these initiatives, theres a strong sense that were gaining traction, said Unger.

In other business, the distance education curriculum MBBS Canada is developing together with FPU is advancing. Four courses are expected to be available at FPU and ACTS by fall 2012; the remaining four will be completed by fall 2013. Any partner with the International Community of Mennonite Brethren (ICOMB) will be able to use these courses, said Unger. Its our intellectual property that were giving to our churches and institutions to use in whatever ways they wish.

a Canadian Conference of MB Churches news release ]]> Wed, 26 Oct 2011 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=270
The evangelical world has lost a great man, known for his exceptional ability to articulate the Christian faith within Quebec culture, and his bold vision for a re-engineered church in Quebec, says Gilles Dextraze, executive director of AEFMQ. Higher education has lost a pillar and thinker. And his family has lost a dear husband, father, brother, and son.

Wingender received an MDiv in pastoral studies from Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary, and served as pastor of the MB church in Ste-Rose, Que. from 1988-1990. He joined the faculty of ETEM in 1996.

The Canadian and Quebec conferences express deepest condolences to rics wife, Farrah, and their three sons, Jean-Franois, Sydney, and Spencer.

The funeral service will be held Sat., Oct. 15 at 1:30 p.m. at St. James The Apostle Church (1439 St. Catherine Street West, Montreal).

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made out to ETEM, (4824 chemin Cote-des-Neiges, Suite 301, Montral, QC, H3V 1G4, Phone 514-331-0878), designated to The ric Wingender Foundation.

a Canadian Conference of MB Churches news release]]> Wed, 12 Oct 2011 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=268

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The event, the first of four province-wide gatherings sponsored by Church Planting BC for the 2011-2012 ministry year, featured guest speaker, Bruxy Cavey, teaching pastor at The Meeting House in Toronto, and his site leadership pastor, Paul Morris.

Training days of this kind are being planned for other provinces in the future as part of CCMBCs C2C national church planting strategy.]]> Wed, 21 Sep 2011 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=266
This weekend (Sept. 1619), Isaak and his wife, Mary Anne (pastor at River East MB Church in Winnipeg) plan to drive their affectionately dubbed, veggie mobile to northern Manitoba, where the CMBS director will connect with MB pastors and preach at Thompson Christian Centre Fellowship (MB), while his wife speaks at a womens retreat at Simonhouse Bible Camp.

Isaak estimates the 1,600 kilometre round-trip will use approximately 95 litres (or 25 gallons) of vegetable oil, the kind he picks up weekly at a neighborhood Chinese restaurant in exchange for a take-out order. And, since he collects more vegetable oil than he can use for his car, he donates 16 litres each week to a local organization for their converted boilers and vehicles as a way to offset carbon emissions that he and his family produce in daily life. For Isaak, contributing a carbon-offset is something he can do to make a difference in the community.

As for the future: the couple plans to take the veggie mobile from Winnipeg to Kitchener, Ont. for CCMBCs study conference at the end of October.

Curious to know more? A follow-up story with pictures will appear on the homepage soon.
]]> Thu, 15 Sep 2011 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=265
In October 2011 the Commission, in partnership with Kindred Productions, will be releasing a collection of papers from the RIM consultation in the form of a book titled, Renewing Identity and Mission: Mennonite Brethren Reflections After 150 years.

Andrew Dyck, executive secretary of the Historical Commission says, The RIM conference was remarkable not only for its large attendance, but also for the contributions of its younger and international participants. By capturing some of the conferences creative energy and depth of insight, this book will help strengthen the unique voice of Mennonite Brethren in the world.

The Historical Commission works to preserve and interpret the history of the Mennonite Brethren church in order to apply it to the mission of the church in the world today.

-a Canadian Conference of MB Churches news releasecrackcrack]]> Wed, 24 Aug 2011 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=264
The focus of the service was celebration. says lead pastor Ben Terlesky, who replaced founding pastor, Kelly Steffen in 2008. We remembered how God blessed us in the past and thanked him for his goodness. Many people shared how the church had impacted their lives, and how they had found the Lord through the ministry of The Gathering Place.

Financial and human resources presented challenges for this congregation. Although many in the community were enthusiastically involved in the work of the church, and were part of its vibrant small group ministry, none were prepared to relieve those who had served past their appointed time in key leadership positions, says Terlesky.

This may rally people to do something different, and different isnt always bad, says Terlesky. Different can be a good thing if it moves people toward involvement in kingdom purposes. That can be very exciting.

Plans are in place to follow up with the community over the summer months to determine next steps for members.

As a provincial conference, were thankful for the ways God used The Gathering Place church family to express his heart to the people in Airdrie, says Daniel Beutler, executive director at the Alberta Conference of MB Churches (ABMB). We pray for Gods comfort and peace for the whole Gathering Place church family we also pray for God to continue to challenge and to empower us to stay on mission, namely reaching Alberta for Christ.

a Canadian Conference of MB Churches news release


crackcrack]]> Wed, 27 Jul 2011 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=263
Its very much a strategic partnership to move forward in the mission of the school, said CCMBC executive director Willy Reimer. The Canadian conference has more than doubled its funding subsidy to ETEM from $50,000 to $120,000 annually for a three-year period. We want to work with ETEM so they become a self-sustainable school.

ETEM rector Kristen Corrigan said CCMBCs funding sends all the right messages to our students that what they are learning is important.

Were excited about the partnerships with IBVIE and Laval, to be able to grant degrees in Quebec, and to have a partnership that is focused on equipping people for church ministry, said Reimer. The school hopes to strengthen its relationship with the provinces 10 MB churches, where some disconnect has occurred in recent years. Quebec leadership affirmed ETEM is its go-to school, said Reimer.

After several years of financial struggles, ETEM received a blow when accrediting school Universit de Montral terminated the partnership in March 2011 because of changes in the faculty agreement. Due to provincial government restrictions, tuition on three-credit-hour courses cannot be raised above $200 and subsidies are not available for religious schools. ETEMs summer courses were cancelled and its future viability was in serious doubt.

By early July, ETEM arranged a partnership with Universit Laval to keep accreditation within the province of Quebec. The Quebec City university will give latitude to teach our evangelical distinctive said Corrigan, will enable future possibilities for course delivery in that location.

Relationship between IBVIE and ETEM has been evolving for several years. In 2009, IBVIE moved onto shared premises with ETEM, and the two schools blended courses in the 20102011 school year.

Over the next year, an interim board consisting of at least one board member and one representative of each school will develop a strategic direction, governance structures, and clarify interim and long-term roles. Corrigan says though it feels like trying to assemble an airplane while flying it, the two schools are figuring out how to operate as one. The emerging entity has yet to be named.

Summer courses may be on hold, but ETEM is charging ahead with student enrollment for the fall to equip leaders to serve the churches.

A Canadian Conference of MB Churches News Releasecrackcrack]]> Wed, 20 Jul 2011 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=261
Fleming has been involved for almost two years with MB church planting outside British Columbia, tithing his time to the rest of the country. He has now agreed to add to that commitment by more formally taking responsibility for the national conference effort. B.C. conference moderator Rob Thiessen says the new arrangement recognizes the desire to utilize Flemings church planting passion to reach more gospel-starved neighbourhoods right across the country.

Fleming will continue his active leadership within Church Planting BC. The B.C. executive and board remain committed to the vision, health, and growth of Church Planting BC. They express confidence that God will use Flemings influence across Canada even as he remains strongly committed to the work in his home province.

Details of Flemings appointment, including a co-funding agreement between Canadian and B.C. conferences to support his two roles, were formalized in June.

a Canadian Conference of MB Churches news releasecrackcrack]]> Mon, 4 Jul 2011 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=260
These are the questions that the executive board of the Canadian Conference of MB Churches (CCMBC) grappled with during their June 1618 meeting in Winnipeg.

It is critical that the board review the mission and values on a regular basis, says Paul Loewen, board chair, of the discussions that dominated the agenda. A consensus is emerging throughout the constituency that we are about reaching the lost in Canada for Christ. We will continue to work at articulating a clear, concise, and compelling vision statement of what we believe God is calling us to.

After spending Thursday evening in worship and prayer, seeking Gods presence and guidance for our work together as a board, I was pleased with what was accomplished on Friday to clarify our direction for the coming years, says Willy Reimer, CCMBCs executive director.

At this meeting, Gord Fleming, newly appointed director of church planting Canada, was welcomed to the board, and presented his work on the C2C Network, a new initiative that envisions churches planted from coast to coast.

We are delighted with the collaboration that is evolving with church planting across this country, says Loewen. The provinces of B.C., Alberta, and Manitoba have invited the partnership into a national effort Gords appointment opens the way for this to take place more effectively.

Ewald Unruh worked for years to lay the foundation for a national strategy and plan, says Reimer of the director of church ministries at CCMBC. We are most grateful for his dedication to evangelism that made this possible.

In other business, the board agreed to hire a consultant to assist Reimer in conducting an internal review of CCMBCs operations; they considered next steps to increase the alignment between the Board of Faith and Life (BFL) and the executive board; and they formally thanked John Wiebe, chief financial officer at CCMBC, and Ewald Unruh, director of church ministries at CCMBC, for providing leadership in the absence of an executive director in early 2011.

A Canadian Conference of MB Churches news releasecrackcrack]]> Wed, 29 Jun 2011 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=259 As associate dean, Cooper will give leadership to MBBS Canadas activities within the ACTS consortium at Trinity Western University. He will be responsible to help ensure the academic programs at ACTS Seminaries accomplish the mission and goals of MBBS Canada. Additionally, he will teach courses in the area of theology and history.

I am delighted to have Brian join the growing MBBS Canada team of faculty, says Bruce Guenther, interim president and developer at MBBS Canada. He brings leadership gifts and a strong passion to see the seminary serve the church in educating and training leaders. His experience as a pastor and leader in the MB conference, and his expertise in the area of theology, will significantly increase MBBS Canadas capacity to shape the theological identity of its students, and to speak into the theological issues within the denomination.

Cooper holds a PhD in Anabaptist theology and a ThM from the Toronto School of Theology. He received an MDiv from ACTS in 1991, and has nine years experience as a pastor, most recently at Northside Community Church, Mission, B.C. Cooper has classroom teaching experience at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

My hearts cry is to give leadership that would model robust, missional theological reflection, develop this skill in others, and create an environment which would foster it for all, says Cooper.

Brian is married to Connie and they have three children: Lauren (deceased), Nicole (age 10), and Austin (age 8).

A Canadian Conference of MB Churches news release


crackcrack]]> Tue, 28 Jun 2011 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=258
The board celebrated the success of Pastors Credentialing Orientation (PCO), the recent event hosted by the BFL and Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary (MBBS) Canada designed to introduce new MB pastors to Mennonite Brethren history, theology, and practice.

PCO was a home run, says Brian Cooper, vice-chair. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive; we received excellent response from pastors concerning the unifying role that PCO has within the Canadian conference.

Because of the effectiveness of PCO, the board discussed ways to maximize its impact in the future by partnering with existing structures within the conference and by hosting the event in multiple locations across the country to make it more accessible. Were exploring new avenues so that it is efficient and easier for everyone to participate, says Vidya Narimalla, board chair.

The next event to be hosted by the BFL is study conference in Kitchener Waterloo, Ont. (Oct. 2729). According to Narimalla, preparations are in full swing, speakers, workshop leaders and logistics are in place theres a lot of energy moving into what God is going to do.

This particular meeting also marked a time of transition for the BFL.

The board welcomed Willy Reimer, newly appointed executive director at the Canadian conference, to his first meeting. Discussions focused on re-affirming the direction and the relationships of the BFL, says Cooper, and orienting to Reimers role and vision. Together they drafted recommendations for the executive board, outlining next steps to clarify and unify the connection between the two boards going forward.

Im very excited to partner with the BFL as we work together to see Canada reached for Christ, says Reimer.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the BFL bid farewell to Vidya Narimalla (chair), who announced his resignation from the board.

Ive enjoyed my three years as a member of this board, says Narimalla, but I recognize that theres a new direction that I believe calls for a new kind of leadership.

Id like to thank Vidya for his time of service prior to my arrival as executive director, says Reimer. I also look forward to the leadership that will arise as the board seeks a new chairperson.

A Canadian Conference of MB Churches news release
crackcrack]]> Wed, 22 Jun 2011 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=257
The three-day annual event, sponsored by CCMBCs Board of Faith and Life (BFL) and Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary (MBBS) Canada, introduces newly hired MB pastors and leaders from across the country to Mennonite Brethren history, theology and practice.

PCO is a chance to bring leaders up to speed on MB identity in terms of theological convictions, said Brian Cooper, BFL vice-chair. But the strength of doing it in such a concentrated context is that relationships are forged that make denominational connections experientially real we connect personally here.

A feedback session, conducted at the close of the event, pointed to the success organizers hoped for: many participants expressed their gratitude to the people involved, and indicated a deep appreciation for the material presented.

The first 90 minutes exceeded my expectations, said Michael Jones, pastor at The Living Room in Montreal, Que. At the break, I called my wife to say it was the best 90 minutes Ive experienced in a long time. Throughout the presentations, I was on my phone, texting friends about what I was learning.

I was really encouraged by the passionate, Spirit-led leadership of the MB conference, said Maryanne Berge, pastor of missions at Forest Grove Community Church in Saskatoon, Sask. To have the opportunity to learn, to be equipped and to become aware of all the things that make up this family and community was so enriching.

Meeting people from across the country, and realizing were moving in the same direction to reach Canada for Christ leaves me feeling so blessed, said Brian Wade, youth pastor at Northside Community Church in Mission, B.C.

Presenters included an impressive line up of MB educators: Bruce Guenther, interim president and developer at MBBS Canada, delivered an extensive overview of MB history. Tim Geddert, professor of New Testament at Fresno (Cal.) Pacific Biblical Seminary (formerly MBBS), provided a biblical perspective on The Church and Gods Mission. Ron Toews, director of leadership development for the BC Conference of MB Churches, facilitated a session on pastoral ethics, challenging participants to live and lead with moral integrity. Doug Heidebrecht, former director at the Centre for MB Studies in Winnipeg, identified the core convictions presented within the MB confession of faith.

Ive done this for about 10 years, said event organizer, presenter, and interim president at MBBS Canada, Bruce Guenther. PCO is a unique opportunity to hear the questions, apprehensions, expectations and perceptions that some people have coming into the MB world and to address them in the most helpful and effective ways. I find it enormously invigorating to hear the stories of the people who God has called to be part of the MB world.

A Canadian Conference of MB Churches news release




crackcrack]]> Wed, 15 Jun 2011 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=256
Our hope is to see people of all ages celebrating 50 years of ministry in Quebec, expressing their gratitude to God for his faithfulness and grace through difficult and glorious times, says Ginette Bastien, AEFMQ interim conference moderator.

The three-day event, themed Today and Tomorrow, will begin with a youth night, June 10, followed by a resource expo, featuring organizations such as MCC Quebec, MB Mission, and cole de Thologie vangelique de Montral (ETEM), and banquet, June 11. A golden anniversary celebration service is slated for the morning of June 12. Keynote speakers for the occasion are Vincent Gamache (MB Mission representative) and David Manafo (pastor at The Westside Gathering).

We look forward to honouring our pioneers, and rejoicing in our sense of belonging to the MB family as participants in his kingdom, says Bastien. We want to nourish a vibrant response to the challenge of building tomorrows church today.

A Canadian Conference of MB Churches news release
crackcrack]]> Tue, 7 Jun 2011 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=255
For more information view: http://icomb.org/highereducationeventcrackcrack]]> Mon, 6 Jun 2011 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=254
Discussions will focus on publishing new books, updating the Profiles pamphlets offered to all MB churches, and using electronic media more effectively, says Dyck.

Leaders of Vancouver Islands seven MB churches have been invited to meet with the Commission.

The Commission works to preserve and interpret the history of the Mennonite Brethren church in order to apply it to the mission of the church in the world today.

Visit their website: www.mbhistory.org

-A Canadian Conference of MB Churches news releasecrackcrack]]> Thu, 2 Jun 2011 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=251
View CMU news release.

crackcrack]]> Tue, 31 May 2011 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=250
Sixteen MB lead pastors from across the country, along with Willy Reimer, executive director at CCMBC, gathered in Canmore, Alta., May 1719, for an MA training event where five MB pastors (former MA participants) were equipped to become Canadian coaches for the upcoming programming year.

It has been our goal at CCMBC to train Canadian MB coaches for our unique context, says Reimer. Credentialing our first group of MA coaches is an important step to provide coaching support for our churches in order to help them fulfill Gods call to reach Canadians with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

MA combines weekly personal coaching, online resources, and two strategy workshops each year to enable pastors to lead more effectively. Until now, MB participants were assigned U.S. coaches. This fall, the group of five Ed Willms (Ont.), Kelly Wiebe (Sask.), Gary Burke (Alta.), Phillip Vallelly (Man.), and Thom Braun (Ont.) will begin their responsibilities with MA, offering a customized Canadian MB coaching approach.

The new coaches were quick to express their enthusiasm.

I sense that God is leveraging the experiences and insights I received to encourage and inspire other pastors through MA coaching, says Ed Willms, pastor at Southridge Community Church. The rich operating systems that MA offers are often not taught in seminary; they have benefitted me greatly.

Philip Vallelly, pastor at Winkler MB Church, had a similar response: Ministry Advantage offered me a variety of resources to help create sustainability in order to advance Gods kingdom. Now as a coach, I have the privilege of sharing this resource with other kingdom builders.

I am very excited to see this fantastic resource available in Canada with Canadian coaches, says Reimer. I believe God will use coaching to significantly impact the lives of pastors and the churches they serve.

The three-day event, which included the second strategy workshop for this years eleven participants, was led by Russ Olmon, president of MA.

A Canadian Conference of MB Churches news release
crackcrack]]> Thu, 26 May 2011 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=249
The Canadian Conference of MB Churches (CCMBC) executive board ratified MBBS Canadas new constitution and bylaws at their April meeting, and appointed the new board comprised of former seminary commission members.

According to Ron Penner, assistant chair, the new board focused on internal organization affirming John Unger as board chair, and appointing three subcommittees: governance and finance, inter-institutional, and leadership.

The board discussed then affirmed a mission statement for the new seminary: MBBS Canada educates and equips leaders to reach Canada and the world for Christ.

The seminary is to be a significant partner with the churches in accomplishing their mission, says Penner.

Interim president and developer, Bruce Guenther, reported progress in connecting with churches and people at the recent provincial conferences, as well as forging proposals and systems for the new seminary. The board affirmed the job description and profile of the first permanent president in order to commence the public search process. Also, the board is exploring the possibility of obtaining a degree-granting charter in B.C.

The new seminary views partnerships with other schools, churches, and organizations as a vital part of its future, says Penner. We will continue to look for ways to strengthen connections with two of our current partners: Associated Canadian Theological Schools (ACTS) in Langley, which offers eight graduate programs, and Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) in Winnipeg, which offers two graduate degrees in theological studies and Christian ministry.

The board is energized by the work ahead, adds Penner, and anticipates collaborating with other organizations to shape next steps for seminary training in Canada.

A Canadian Conference of MB Churches news release
crackcrack]]> Thu, 26 May 2011 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=247
Most notably, at the CCP annual convention Apr. 2729 in Chicago, Ill., the MB Herald was awarded second place in the category of general excellence for a denominational magazine.

A most attractive periodical, said judge Walter Pitman of the Oct., Nov., and Dec. issues. The information about the denomination is most effectively presented the format is easily accessible. The celebration of life is evident and effective.

Three other pieces received recognition from the CCP: interim editor, J Janzen took first place in the editorial category with Lacing up for the gospel walk (Oct); associate editor, Karla Braun received second place in the news story category for Mennonites agonize over Bolivian rape victims, (Jan.); and Jessica Morgun was awarded second place in the category of original artwork for Brothers (Aug.).

At the EPA annual convention May 46, also in Chicago, four MB Herald articles were contest winners in the Higher Goals Awards, celebrating the years best work by EPA publications.

Third place honours were awarded to associate editor Karla Braun for her editorial, Dont be afraid, (Dec.) and to Ryan Dueck for his evangelism article, With gentleness and respect (Mar.). Fourth place honours were given to Randy Klassen for his article series, C.S. Lewis and the Chronicles of Narnia, (Aug.Nov.) and to Kathleen Busch for her short article, Child of my heart (July).

It's very satisfying to know that we're continuing a 50-year tradition of excellent journalism, writing and creativity, says interim editor, J Janzen. It's also very exciting to be recognized as a top-quality magazine in all of North America. For example, Karla Braun's third place editorial is impressive given that first prize was awarded to Mark Galli of Christianity Today, and second prize given to Jim Wallis of Sojourners. We're eager to keep up the good work of offering our Canadian Mennonite Brethren perspective to readers in Canada and beyond.

The EPA is a professional association providing training, recognition, networking, and other services to more than 300 religious periodicals within the Christian publishing industry. CPP facilitates community and professional support among its nearly 100 member publications, encouraging higher standards of religious journalism, and a constructive Christian influence on contemporary society.

a Canadian Conference of MB Churches news release
crackcrack]]> Tue, 17 May 2011 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=243 Thu, 28 Apr 2011 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=242
That was the message Willy Reimer, newly appointed executive director for the Canadian Conference of MB Churches (CCMBC), delivered in his first report to the executive board at their meetings, April 1516 in Winnipeg.

Were not an organization with a cause, he said. Were a cause with organization.

The direction was fully endorsed by board members, according to Paul Loewen, (board chair), who referenced the December summit (the meeting of senior provincial and national conference leaders), as the catalyst for this missional focus.

We have yet to determine how to most effectively align our collective energies, and what needs to take priority, he said, but most importantly, our leaders are rallying around the question, How can we reach this country for Christ? It is a question that is re-engaging our churches in the work of the conference, he added.

Board discussions exploring the implications of a 2010 Canadian Evangelical Churches Survey, conducted by Sam Reimer (board member and sociologist at Crandall University) further reinforced the need for MBs to move in this direction.

Its become obvious that we need to pay attention to the number of immigrants coming into Canada, as these are some of the least-reached people groups, said Loewen. Survey results reveal that MB churches are positioned well for the challenge, given their growing presence in urban centres, and the denominations success in the area of church planting.

In other significant business, the executive board approved the recommendations brought forward by MB Biblical Seminary chair, John Unger, establishing MBBS as a Canadian entity. These include the transfer of ownership of the B.C. Centre from MBBS Inc. to CCMBC; the approval of the MBBS constitution and bylaws; the appointment of a provisional board, and the funding of distance education.

The next meeting of the executive board is scheduled for mid-June.

a Canadian Conference of MB Churches news releasecrackcrack]]> Thu, 21 Apr 2011 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=241
For the past three months, Reddig worked with CCMBCs church ministries director, Ewald Unruh to represent the ministries of Horizon Quebec and cole de thologie vanglique de Montral (the provincial college, ETEM) to the MB constituency.

We both enjoyed this start-up, says Unruh. Significant relationships have been developed as a result. Im grateful for Kens generous heart and encouragement.

Reddig plans to continue as a volunteer, and will represent Evangelism Canada as needed in the future.

a Canadian Conference of MB churches news releasecrackcrack]]> Tue, 19 Apr 2011 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=238 Thu, 14 Apr 2011 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=237
I cant say enough about the value of this kind of leadership experience, said Cam Priebe, leadership development staff person at CCMBC, and one of three campus pastors who provided spiritual care to the leaders at SOAR. Although its a stretching event, the structures and relationships provide a safe place leaders know theyre not alone, and thats key.

Led by regional mobilizers, Lloyd and Carol Letkeman, the 10-day mission experience, themed Reconcile, included daily sessions with guest speakers and lively worship, and featured a 5-day urban immersion into Winnipegs inner-city. Participants were challenged to bring Gods reconciliation into their various ministry assignments as they worked with childrens programs, churches, and compassion agencies.

SOAR intentionally poured into me as a leader, said Kristin Pauls, youth pastor at Eastview Community Church, Winnipeg. I felt supported with encouragement, prayer, and a quiet place to retreat even a steady supply of chocolate and coffee to make sure that I would survive the 10 days of insanity.

My experience on SOAR highlighted the importance of shepherding the youth I work with, said Denver Wilson, youth pastor at McIvor Avenue MB Church, Winnipeg. As a team, we discovered a deeper understanding of how to support one another and use our gifts and abilities to serve on mission.

Main sessions and meals for the event were hosted at Douglas Mennonite Church; three MB churches (Eastview, McIvor, River East) provided overnight accommodations.

a Canadian Conference of MB Churches news release
crackcrack]]> Thu, 7 Apr 2011 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=236
Members of the Canadian Seminary Commission participated in discussions at the MBBS board meeting, March 21, where a proposal to disperse $1.1 million from a distance education fund to benefit Canadian ($250,000), U.S. ($250,000), and global ($500,000) MBs includes a plan to allocate $100,000 toward a core curriculum for international distance education.

A task force comprised of Lynn Jost (U.S. representative), Bruce Guenther (Canadian representative), and David Wiebe (representing the International Community of Mennonite Brethren, ICOMB) presented a report to the board that envisions an eight-course, web-based core curriculum to be made available to MB institutions worldwide.

Course content will be from an MB perspective, says John Unger (MBBS board chair), and will draw on the expertise of MB theologians in each academic discipline. Work on this project could begin as early as summer 2011.

There was real energy from the task force and the board around the core curriculum, and the possibility of bringing some international faculty and others into the formation of these courses says Unger. We want to shape MB leaders for our U.S., Canadian, and global context.

Recommendations regarding the dispersal of the distance education fund, the proposed core curriculum, and next steps for the international task force will be presented for final approval at the Canadian conference executive board meetings in mid-April.

In other business, the board ratified a recommendation aimed at creating the legal structures necessary to transfer financial operations from the U.S. to Canada. The intent is to transfer ownership of the B.C. Centre (a previously established Canadian entity) to the Canadian conference, pending final approval by the executive board. They also approved, in principle, a draft budget that will add two part-time faculty positions at the Associated Canadian Theological Schools (ACTS) in Langley.

Both items were discussed and approved at the Canadian Seminary Commission meeting, March 22. The commission will be initiating a presidential search process for MBBS-Canada in the near future, as Bruce Guenthers interim role ends May 31, 2012.

a Canadian Conference of MB Churches news releasecrackcrack]]> Wed, 30 Mar 2011 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=235
Laurence Hiebert, MB Mission worker in Japan from 19872009, asks Canadian MBs to pray with our Japanese brothers and sisters:

that God will speak to those suffering loss and rebuilding their lives. According to Takanori Sasaki, chair for Japan Mennonite Fellowship (JMF), more than 10,000 are dead or missing, and 400,000 displaced.

for a spiritual awakening. With only 1 church for every 16,000 people in Japan, the need for church plants is great.

for Japans government and economy. The disaster destroyed businesses and infrastructure, affecting imports and exports in a country already carrying trillions of dollars in debt.

that God will comfort, guide, empower, and sustain believers as they share love and hope with those suffering around them.

With more than 1,800 of Mennonite World Conferences (MWC) approximately 3,000 members, the Japanese MB Conference is the largest Mennonite/Brethren in Christ group in Japan. They will need help in explaining how our God would allow something like this to happen, says Hiebert. Lets join him in praying: May this tragedy be used for good by our Lord who loves Japan deeply.

You can help:

Though they have no programs or staff in Japan, Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is collecting donations for like-minded organizations already on the ground, including MWC, Church World Service, and members of Canadian Churches in Action.

Japanese Evangelical Missionary Association (JEMA), an evangelical missions umbrella organization of which the MB Churches are members, recommends Christians support CRASH Christian Relief, Assistance, Support, and Hope working with Japanese churches to provide relief and assistance in the devastated area.

At a disaster relief office in Sendai, Japans national food bank Second Harvest (2HJ) is establishing a network of donated items, evacuation sites, safe delivery routes, and information regarding victims needs. 2HJ currently sends two four-ton trucks of food and supplies into Sendai every second day.

crackcrack]]> Thu, 24 Mar 2011 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=234
For more information on Convention 2011 click here.crackcrack]]> Wed, 16 Mar 2011 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=233
The Centre for MB Studies (CMBS) will have a well-informed appraisal in the coming weeks, after tabulating the results of its survey of the 246 congregations that comprise the Canadian Conference of MB Churches (CCMBC).

The annual survey, conducted by the Centre on behalf of the executive director and board, provides valuable data, tracking statistical analysis by province on such things as membership growth and decline, congregational demographics, and church leadership.

The collective information from the survey helps conference leaders understand who we are, what trends are developing, and where we need to allocate our resources, says Conrad Stoesz, CMBS archivist. It also gives MB constituents a helpful snapshot, informing them of their place in the larger story.

High-quality denominational data are valuable for researchers who seek to understand religion in Canada, says executive board member and sociologist Sam Reimer. As a member of the national board, the data are crucial for planning future initiatives.

A summary of the results will be printed in the next conference yearbook. The Centre has conducted surveys of this kind for more than 50 years.

A Canadian Conference of MB Churches news release



crackcrack]]> Thu, 3 Mar 2011 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=232
This is the question provincial extension directors from the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches (CCMBC) were asking at their meeting in Vancouver, Jan. 31Feb. 1.

Our mandate is to reach all of Canada with the gospel of Jesus Christ, says Ewald Unruh, director of church ministries at CCMBC. We want to call every MB a missionary; invite every church to be involved, and direct our provincial energies to become a mission movement with a national vision.

To that end, the team of nine, led by Gord Fleming, director of church planting at the Canadian conference, agreed to next steps including an annual national church planters and spouses retreat, to be held this fall in Quebec; the use of a social networking tool called The City, to keep church planters across the country connected; and the development of a national newsletter focused on church planting interests.

Our prayer is that God would open the appropriate doors for partnership and provide the needed workers and resources to see our entire nation saturated with the gospel message, says Fleming.

Two guests were in attendance to discuss the implications of a national vision for leadership development. Willy Reimer, executive director at CCMBC facilitated an exercise aimed at identifying the leadership strengths of team members. Bruce Guenther, interim president and developer at Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary (MBBS) Canada, gathered feedback from the team as part of the seminarys listening process.

a Canadian Conference of MB Churches news releasecrackcrack]]> Thu, 10 Feb 2011 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=231
This decision was made after a considerable process of prayer and discernment by the executive board, says Paul Loewen, executive board chair and moderator at CCMBC.

Reimer is well-known throughout the Canadian MB community, and has provided leadership in a variety of capacities. He served as moderator for CCMBC and the Alberta Conference of MB Churches, and more recently, as national director of leadership development.

He is the founding and lead pastor at SunWest Christian Fellowship in Calgary, a 15 year-old church that has transitioned through several campuses and now worships in multiple/satellite venues. Through a unique arrangement with SunWest, Reimer will continue to use his gifts and passions in the areas of leadership, vision, strategy, and occasional preaching.

Reimer begins his duties with the Canadian conference in a one-third-time capacity, which will expand to full-time in late summer. Another CCMBC office will be established in Calgary.

Gwen and I are excited to serve the MB churches of Canada at such a critical and opportune juncture in history, says Reimer. Gods leading has been overwhelmingly clear for us, and we are humbled to be affirmed in this role. We are also excited to see how the Holy Spirit will work in our churches to glorify Jesus to see Canadians come to know, love, and serve Him.

I believe that Willy has been clearly led by the Holy Spirit, and discerned and affirmed by the executive board to lead us forward at this time. says Loewen. We acknowledge the new realities such as the urbanization, post-Christian, multi-ethnic Canadian culture that we as an MB movement must respond to with missional focus and a multiplying mindset. I am confident that Willy, with his leadership gifts and wide support of the conference, will help us in reaching out to the lost in Canada!

Willy is married to Gwen and they have three grown boys.

a Canadian Conference of MB Churches News Releasecrackcrack]]> Wed, 9 Feb 2011 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=230
Winnipeg, Man.The executive board of the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches (CCMBC) gathered in Abbotsford, B.C., Jan. 28-29. Discussions centred on a future executive director and task force findings from a recent summit.

It was with much anticipation that the search team presented their candidate for a Canadian conference executive director, says Paul Loewen, executive board moderator. Deliberations began with a review of the search process and concluded with a unanimous endorsement of the candidate.

We expect to make an announcement soon, says Loewen.

In December, more than 35 senior leaders from the Canadian conference met for a National Provincial Collaboration Summit, to explore better ways to serve the mission of MB churches and leaders across the country. A task force met Jan. 20 to take the findings from the summit and translate them into actions steps for the executive board to review.

At its January meetings, the executive board heard from task force members Al Thiessen and Kerry Dyck, and expressed their resolve to move the process forward.

There is a strong sense of urgency between national and provincial conferences to work together more effectively in order to increase our mission capacity, says Loewen.

The board will continue to work toward a unified vision for its national and provincial bodies, and expects that clarity will emerge through further discussions with senior leaders, under the guidance of a new executive director.

In other business, the executive board was introduced to Bruce Guenther, interim president and developer for Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary (MBBS) Canada, by John Unger, MBBS board chair. Also, they had opportunity to hear from and interact with the staff of MB Mission (formerly Mennonite Brethren Mission and Service International, MBMSI).

The stories of transformation from around the world are motivating for us, says Loewen. In many ways we believe MB Mission is a model for how we can increase our vision and follow-through for reaching the lost. My prayer is that CCMBC will become a greater mission movement in Canada for the Kingdom of God.

a Canadian Conference of MB Churches news release
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }crackcrack]]> Fri, 4 Feb 2011 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=229
The study conference committee, composed of four BFL members, met Jan. 20 to discuss and finalize several details for the upcoming event on the theme, The Mystery of the Cross, to be held in Kitchener, Ont., Oct. 2729.

We welcome all MBs who are engaged in active reflection on this topic and who desire to be a part of the theological formation of our denomination, says Brian Cooper, BFL vice-chair.

The committee affirmed that study presenters will be leaders and theologians from within the MB conference, and that the key text will be 1 Corinthians 15:3.

Our primary goal is to create space for us to come together and study Gods Word, to pray together, and go back to our individual communities enriched by the conversation, says Vidya Narimalla, board chair.

During the course of their two-day meetings, the BFL agreed to review and improve the pastors credentialing questionnaire; to provide a stronger connection with MB Herald editors; and to attend the upcoming Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) mini-summit, concerning their New Wine/New Wineskins project.

The BFL expressed appreciation to Sherry Heidebrecht, who recently completed her term as board member. They welcomed Ewald Unruh, church ministries director at the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches (CCMBC), as the interim representative in the absence of an executive director.

a Canadian Conference of MB Churches news release


crackcrack]]> Thu, 27 Jan 2011 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=226
Guenthers mandate is to provide oversight to MBBS-ACTS Seminaries and MBBS-CMU, while also leading the board to chart a future in keeping with the graduate theological educational and leadership needs in the Canadian MB landscape.

The recent absorption in the United States of MBBS-Fresno into Fresno Pacific University has opened up new leadership training opportunities in Canada.

Under the auspices of the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches (CCMBC), extensive conversations have been underway with MBs across Canada since fall 2010, to understand the theological leadership development interests and needs of churches, pastors, and conference leaders. Clarity is emerging.

MBBS Canada is moving forward, says MBBS board chair, John Unger. We are delighted that Bruce Guenther has accepted our call to provide leadership at this critical moment. The mix of gifts Bruce brings to the position the ability to analyze, organize and mobilize are precisely what we need to re-imagine how we will train and equip leaders for our churches, church plants, and global mission initiatives.

Guenther takes on the role with deep trust in God and a sense of excitement.

My twelve years of involvement within the MBBS system, and my connections with Canadian conference leaders, has helped to generate a vision for what the future of an MBBS Canada could become, along with some sense of how such a vision might be achieved, says Guenther. Im convinced of the necessity of an evangelical-Anabaptist theological education as part of the preparation of those training for professional Christian service within the Mennonite Brethren church.

a Canadian Conference of MB Churches news release
crackcrack]]> Fri, 21 Jan 2011 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=225
At their first meeting, in early November 2010, the commission appointed a team to conduct a search for a full-time person to energize and oversee the operations of MB Biblical Seminary (MBBS)-Canada.

At the January meeting, the commission interviewed and appointed Dr. Bruce Guenther, associate dean of academics at Associated Canadian Theological Schools (ACTS) in Langley, B.C., as interim president and developer.

As interim president, Dr. Bruce Guenther will carry the full authority of the office of the president for MBBS-Canada, says John Unger, MBBS board chair. As developer, he will work toward a preferred future for MBBS-Canada, with national and global outcomes.

Also on the January agenda were reports from the three regional focus groups held in B.C., Man. and Ont. While Unger admits there is a high degree of flux concerning seminary operations at this time, he reported that the commission was able to drive in close to a dozen stakes to indicate future directions.

Among these were affirmations of the following: graduate programs leading to certificates and graduate degrees; priority given to the development of ministry leaders, (i.e. pastors, church planters, etc.); partnerships with a strong centre in Langley and a strengthened presence in Winnipeg; and multiple delivery sites, including distance learning opportunities.

We now have some clear directions and markers for the MB seminary project in Canada, says Unger. Moreover, were delighted that Dr. Bruce Guenther has accepted the challenge to lead this process.

a Canadian Conference of MB Churches news release


crackcrack]]> Wed, 19 Jan 2011 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=223
We were very pleased by the number of participants 96 in all and the input they provided, said John Unger (MB Biblical Seminary board chair) of the pastors, national and provincial conference staff, and commission members in attendance.

Each of the day-long events, led by David Wiebe, former executive director at the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches (CCMBC), opened with prayer and introductory remarks from Willy Reimer (director of leadership development at CCMBC), and John Unger.

Table discussions, facilitated by commission members, focused on the importance of MB graduate theological education in Canada, and explored the delivery systems and structures necessary to move it forward. For each round of conversation, participants rotated tables, allowing greater idea-sharing. At the conclusion of the day, each table- group submitted a list of declarations (convictions) and explorations (questions); a final voting process allowed all participants to indicate their priority in both categories.

The conversations were spirited and energetic, even boisterous at points, said Unger. The results give the commission a solid place to start in building the future of our seminary in Canada.

I appreciate our dogged determination to wrestle in community with critical issues such as this, said Bruce Enns (lead pastor at Forest Grove Community Church in Saskatoon, Sask.). The love of God and the desire to serve Him are front and centre, but were still willing to respectfully and passionately disagree in order to create a shared vision that is better than any one of ours alone.

In Ontario, we were greatly encouraged to see how the national task force came with an openness to discern and establish more contemporary delivery systems to more effectively meet the needs of our nations diverse demographic and cultural dynamics, said Terry Wiseman, Ontario director of church extension.

The talks generated a similar response from the west coast.

As a pastor outside of our nations core urban centres, said Mark Wessner, interim lead pastor at Westwood Church in Prince George, B.C., I am excited about what God is doing in and through our ministries and people, especially as we explore new methods of discipleship and leadership training such as multi-site and online learning.

The wide-range of ideas generated are exciting to consider, said Kristen Corrigan, seminary commission member and provost of cole de thologie vanglique de Montral (ETEM). It will be fascinating to see how God leads us to narrow down the list and make wise decisions on how to serve those who wish to dig deeper theologically and missionally.

a Canadian Conference of MB Churches news releasecrackcrack]]> Thu, 13 Jan 2011 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=222
In this one-third-time position, Reddig will represent the ministries of Horizon Quebec and cole de thologie vanglique de Montral (the provincial college, ETEM) to the MB constituency. This will involve telling the stories from Quebec, and making connections that will result in partnerships with churches and individuals.

I feel privileged to be able to walk with our sisters and brothers in Quebec in this next great adventure, says Reddig. I feel God is beginning to do something revolutionary in Quebec.

Ken has a passion for people in Quebec; he loves to tell the stories of Gods transforming work in their lives, says Ewald Unruh, director of church ministries at CCMBC. I look forward to his contribution on our team and the impact of his work for extending Christs love to Canadians.

Reddig will continue in a half-time capacity as the director of development and planned giving for the Eden Foundation in Winkler, Man.

A Canadian Conference of MB Churches news releasecrackcrack]]> Tue, 11 Jan 2011 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=221
The cross-section of leaders, which included representatives from the board of faith and life (BFL) and the executive board, national staff, and provincial staff (provincial conference ministers, extension directors, and conference moderators) met to take a fresh look at how they can best serve the mission of MB churches and leaders across the country.

At times, national and provincial communication lines have been unclear, said Paul Loewen, CCMBC executive board moderator, creating confusion for pastors as to which part of the conference is providing services for the local church.

The two-day summit, facilitated by Terry Walling of LeaderBreakthru Ministries, addressed this concern, identified other issues, explored possible solutions, and offered recommendations to pave the way for national and provincial bodies to operate as a unified team in pursuit of mission effectiveness.

It was an occasion for conference leaders from across Canada to voice their sense of mission for the MB church in our country, said David Wiebe, outgoing executive director at CCMBC.

I was inspired by the clarity of focus and unity of heart, said Willy Reimer, leadership development director at CCMBC. I left very hopeful for our future as a mission movement.

We are seeking clarity through prayer, community discernment, and action in this process, said Loewen.

A task force was commissioned to take the findings from the summit and translate them into action steps for the executive board to review at their next meeting, Jan. 28-29 in Abbotsford.

a Canadian Conference of MB Churches news release


crackcrack]]> Wed, 22 Dec 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=220
The dinner was held Friday, Dec. 3rd, to bless and thank MB youth leaders from across the country for their work, by gifting them with a meal and the opportunity to interact, said organizer Cam Priebe, leadership development staff person at CCMBC.

The tables were buzzing with great conversation, said Priebe of the diverse group of participants that included youth pastors, interns, camp directors, parachurch workers, and a provincial conference minister. It was a rich time for people to make connections and share what they were learning.

I found that hearing about youth programs around the country was very encouraging and a good starting point for conversations both at the dinner and afterward as we bumped into each other at the convention, said Iona Snair, a Youth for Christ leader from Northview Community Church in Abbotsford, B.C.

I met other MBs who touched me with their enthusiasm and passion for youth, said Synnott, the only paid youth pastor among the Quebec MB churches. I was able to connect with colleagues who listened and encouraged me.

Some MB participants, like Synnott and others from various provinces, were able to attend the annual convention because CCMBC makes travel bursaries available. This year, a financial partnership between the Quebec MB conference (AEFMQ Association des glises des frres mennonites du Qubec) and CCMBC allowed two additional Quebec youth workers to attend.

Its a big win to resource leaders who otherwise would not have access to such opportunities, said Priebe.

a Canadian Conference of MB Churches news releasecrackcrack]]> Thu, 9 Dec 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=219
The event provided an avenue of teaching and dialogue in response to the interests and concerns that surfaced at the B.C. provincial convention held April 30th in Richmond.

Everyone agrees that the cross of Christ is centrally important to our faith and mission, says Steve Berg, BCMB conference minister. Bringing BCMB leaders together in a study-day format gave us some great gains in theological clarity and inspiration for preaching, teaching, and ministry. I would like to see us have regular theological study days in the future.

The morning session featured two presentations, the first by Walter Unger (former president of Columbia Bible College, Abbotsford, B.C.) titled, Substitution, the Sure Foundation of the Atonement, and the second, by John Neufeld (pastor at Willingdon Church, Burnaby, B.C.) titled, The Heart of the Gospel, a study on Romans 3:21-26. Both were followed by table discussions and plenary responses.

In the afternoon, Doug Heidebrecht (former director of the Centre for MB Studies), offered participants an historical overview in his presentation, Atonement in the Mennonite Brethren Confession of Faith. In the last session, Mark Burch, associate director of Church Planting BC, facilitated a panel discussion with four B.C. pastors: Jeff Bucknam, Brad Sumner, Norm Funk, and Brian Cooper, aimed at exploring a pastoral application. A listening committee provided a response to the day.

This regional event was a building block for the national study conference, but theres just a lot more to work on. said David Wiebe, outgoing executive director at the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches (CCMBC). For us to explore the mystery of the cross can do us a lot of good as we come together in the future.

The Mystery of the Cross is the theme for the upcoming biennial study conference to be held in Ontario, October 20-22, 2011.

a Canadian Conference of MB Churches news release
crackcrack]]> Fri, 12 Nov 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=218
The highlight of the commission meeting, according to John Unger, (MBBS board chair), was the emergence of a strong statement describing the purpose and direction for seminary training in Canada: Graduate theological education with a missional focus from a theological and confessional centre.

This statement captures our conviction that the educational enterprise must always be in support of our mission, says Unger. Our biblical theology, as articulated in our Confession of Faith, grounds and shapes the way in which we approach and conduct our mission.

The commission appointed a search team to look for a full-time person to energize and oversee the operations of MBBS-Canada. Also, the MBBS board interviewed, and with full commission support, approved a candidate to fill a faculty vacancy at Associated Canadian Theological Schools (ACTS), in Langley.

The first of several regional summits, to be hosted by the Canadian Seminary Commission for interested MB constituents, will be held at Columbia Bible College in Abbotsford, December 16th. Two additional summits will be held in Manitoba and Ontario in the New Year.

Canadian Seminary Commission members include Canadian members of the MBBS board: Lynn Jost (MBBS president), Ron Penner, James Toews, Ron Toews, John Unger (MBBS board chair), and David Wiebe (ex-officio), and appointees: Darlene Klassen (Sask.), Howie Wall (Bethany College), Mark Burch (B.C.), Bruce Guenther (ACTS), Kristen Corrigan (Que.), Myron Penner (B.C.), John Neufeld (Man.), Willy Reimer (Alta.), and Ray Harms Wiebe (Mennonite Brethren Mission and Service International, MBMSI).

Donations for MBBS-Canada (ACTS in Langley and Centre for Ministry Studies in Winnipeg) can be sent to: MBBS-Canada, 7600 Glover Road, Langley, B.C., V2Y 1Y1.

a Canadian Conference of MB Churches news releasecrackcrack]]> Fri, 12 Nov 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=217
In preparation for the study conference, the BFL will be releasing a study guide to accompany its official statement on atonement presented at Gathering 2010. David Wiebe, outgoing executive director at the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches (CCMBC), and Ken Peters, former BFL chair and pastor at Saanich Community Church in Victoria, B.C., will be crafting the document, to be released to the churches by the end of the year.

We want to point people to the Confession of Faith and to the commentary in order to help them work through some of the issues, says Wiebe of the forthcoming study guide.

Two other items generated dialogue at the two-day meeting. The board affirmed an article that Brian Cooper, vice-chair of the BFL, will be releasing to the MB Herald, addressing recent concerns on the subject of creation/evolution. Also, the board discussed their response to a report submitted by Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) from its New Wine/New Wineskins project.

We talked at length about how we can be more connected to MCC Canada, says Wiebe. I think the MCC connection is going to be more of a defined agenda piece going forward for the BFL.

For Wiebe, this meeting was the last of its kind. Each board member had an opportunity to say farewell.

The BFL will miss Dave, said Vidya Narimalla, board chair. He has served faithfully and has been a stable influence in our conference for a long time. We wish him Gods blessings as he ventures on to new ministry challenges and opportunities.

a Canadian Conference of MB Churches news release
crackcrack]]> Wed, 10 Nov 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=216
For the past two years, organizers for the event have invited leadership development staff person from the Canadian Conference of MB Churches (CCMBC), Cam Priebe, to be the keynote speaker and facilitator, fusing the best of both national and provincial leadership energies.

Working directly with Cam was a real privilege, said Pete Olsen, retreat organizer and pastor of age-based ministries at Waterloo MB Church. I thoroughly enjoyed the planning of both sessions and the overall flow of the weekend. Cam truly showed a desire to give these young leaders his best.

My highlight as a leader was the fact that all of it was handled for me, said one Ontario youth leader, enabling me to relax and just enjoy being with my group.

Two talks bracketed the gathering. Both centred on the person of Jesus Christ, particularly his leadership on two occasions: the wedding at Cana and the Last Supper. A time of intentional dialogue followed each session.

One of my hopes and prayers at the outset, said Priebe, was that these leaders would experience the redeeming presence of Jesus.

Chris Fowler, youth pastor at Southridge Community Church in St. Catharines, led worship for the event, together with a band of musicians from various youth ministries in the province.

Saturday afternoon, Mike Stork, an Ontario intern with church planting, facilitated three experiential learning activities designed to help participants make discoveries about self-awareness and effective leadership.

Most gratifying for Sabrina Wiens, retreat organizer and director of youth ministries for three MB churches in St. Catharines, was being able to provide an avenue for churches and youth pastors to build into their young leaders, and seeing youth groups from across Ontario connecting and figuring out what it means to be the church.

a Canadian Conference of MB Churches news release
crackcrack]]> Fri, 5 Nov 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=215
The Historical Commission is charged with the task of helping to preserve and interpret the history of the Mennonite Brethren church and to apply it to the mission of the church in the world today. In July, it sponsored the Renewal of Identity and Mission (RIM) consultation at Celebration 2010 held in Surrey B.C.

In this quarter-time role, Dyck will replace Abe Dueck, who has been the interim executive secretary since the resignation of Ken Reddig in April 2009.

The Historical Commission is delighted to appoint Andrew and looks forward to having him devote his energy and creativity to this challenge, says Dueck, board chair. Andrew is convinced of the importance of the commissions work and is thankful for the opportunity to serve the constituency in the commissions various endeavors.

Dyck will continue as one of two pastoral elders at Highland Community Church in Abbotsford, B.C., while also working on his PhD studies at the International Baptist Theological Seminary in Prague.

a Canadian Conference of MB Churches news releasecrackcrack]]> Thu, 4 Nov 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=214
The official announcement was made following the executive board meetings in mid-October, which revealed that the search for an executive director was still underway. We are and will continue to pray for the ability to discern the person already chosen by God, said Paul Loewen, moderator of the executive board.

In the meantime, the interim leadership team, comprised of John Wiebe (chief financial officer) and Ewald Unruh (director of church ministries), will ensure that staff are well supervised and administrative systems remain strong.

Together they will represent staff concerns and operational concerns to the executive board, says David Wiebe. They will be working closely to provide overall supervision and oversight going forward.

Regarding the projected timeline for the leadership arrangement, Wiebe says, We dont expect it to be a very long period, say a matter of months, certainly not much longer, if all things work out according to the way weve seen them develop.

a Canadian Conference of MB Churches news release






crackcrack]]> Wed, 3 Nov 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=213
Our vision was to see church planters and spouses enjoy a time of restoration, said Ewald Unruh, church ministries director at CCMBC. We wanted to build into the people who are on the front lines letting them know that we believe in them and that theyre not alone.

Throughout the four days, participants engaged in worship and prayer, and heard the testimonies of 11 church planters from across the country. Keynote speaker for the event was Australian-born Jon Tyson, lead pastor at Trinity Grace Church in New York City.

Tyson anchored his four talks in the book of Ephesians, drawing on the importance of being rooted and grounded in the love of God, emphasizing that the primary task of a church planter is to abide in Christ.

The message proved timely for participants.

It is easy as a church planter to feel pressure on so many fronts, said Dave Harder, church planter at The Journey in Ottawa. We need to be great leaders, witness miraculous power, achieve cultural impact, live missionally, apply sound doctrine, have a great marriage and family, to list a few. The reality is that all of these are important but that they are great seconds. Communion with the Father must be our first!

The itinerary also included large blocks of free time, particularly on Tuesday and Wednesday, allowing participants to rest and to take advantage of the scenic location.

One of the highlights of the retreat, said Rebecca Stanley, co-pastor at Urban Journey in Vancouver, was spending time in conversation with kindred spirits, discussing life and ministry while looking out at the beauty of the Whistler mountains.

We have been encouraged by the response from our planters, said Gord Fleming, director of Church Planting BC, and part-time national leader of church planting at CCMBC. They shared how much they appreciated the speaker, the gospel-centred focus of the event, the venue, the rest, and the schedule. Many couples have informed us that this retreat has had a significant impact on their ministry and marriage, and we thank the Lord for that!

a Canadian Conference of MB Churches news release


crackcrack]]> Thu, 28 Oct 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=212
The executive board made good initial progress on two pressing concerns, says CCMBC executive director David Wiebe: the first, regarding increased collaboration between its national and provincial conference leaders, and the second, regarding the issue of leadership development in several of its significant sectors.

Paul Loewen (moderator of the executive board) brought the welcome on Thursday, Oct. 14, emphasizing the spiritual leadership entrusted to the board.

The responsibility of the board is firstly spiritual, says Loewen, Out of that, flow the responsibilities related to vision, values, direction, and fiduciary and general oversight.

Terry Walling of Leader Breakthru later assisted the board in working through operational value statements, to be added to the strategic plan in 2011, and helped them explore a developmental approach to ministry.

A developmental approach in a nutshell accepts the fact that people and churches are on a developmental trajectory with God, says Wiebe. Wed like to be characterized more and more as coming alongside leaders and churches asking, where are you at; where are you going, and how can we help you get there?

On Friday, Oct. 15, the board heard from two key leaders dedicated to the endeavour of leadership development John Unger (MBBS board chair and Canadian caucus leader), and Ewald Unruh (director of church ministries at CCMBC).

Unger presented a detailed update from recent meetings of the Canadian caucus, an elected group dedicated to the redesign of seminary education in Canada. The board affirmed the proposed direction of the caucus, including a list of members for the newly formed Canadian Seminary Commission, and future plans for two Canadian regional summits aimed at gathering a wide-range of constituent feedback.

Its an indication that the seminary wants to deliberately position itself as being linked to the practical needs of the churches, says Wiebe. The executive board is absolutely affirming of that.

Unruh reported on leadership development from the perspective of CCMBC and two of its resident directors, Cam Priebe and Willy Reimer.

Issues of MB identity automatically surface in high-level discussions about leadership development, says Wiebe. For this reason, Abe Dueck (chair of the historical commission) and Sam Reimer (board member and sociologist at Crandall University) presented their findings from Renewing Identity and Mission (RIM), and the Canadian Evangelical Churches Study (CECS), respectively.

This meeting marked the last of its kind for Wiebe. Regarding the search process for a CCMBC executive director in the New Year, Loewen said: We were once again reminded to discern whom God has already called, rather than search we are and will continue to pray for the ability to discern the person already chosen by God.

A Canadian Conference of MB Churches news release



crackcrack]]> Thu, 21 Oct 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=211
Thort, long-time leader in the AEFMQ, spoke to the theme, From Yesterday to Today, encouraging the Quebec MB church to persist with its unique witness despite the setbacks it has experienced over the last 20 years. He reminded attendees that being Anabaptist and evangelical was a legitimate alternative to the mainly very conservative evangelical movement that exists in the province.

For many participants, Thorts presentation was the highlight.

It was insightful for me to understand how we, as Quebec MBs, fit on the spectrum of the evangelical movement, said one participant. We are neither on the conservative nor the liberal end, but somewhere in the middle. We are progressive in the sense that we value the importance of understanding our social context in an effort to reach out more relevantly.

Patrice Nagant, director of church development in Quebec, and promoter of Horizon Quebec, had a similar response: It was good for me, and for everyone, to hear about our history, our differences, and our challenges for the future.

We remembered our past, celebrating the good, and acknowledging the less glorious moments, said Ginette Rolland, interim moderator for Quebec, and member of the Canadian conference executive board.

Thorts message was very timely and presented an accurate depiction of the MB church and its challenges, said David Wiebe, executive director of the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches (CCMBC). We in the rest of Canada need to pay attention to our fellowship in Quebec because thats the environment we will face in the future; we should learn whatever we can.
During the rally, participants heard a media presentation from each of the ministries that the Quebec conference supports. Among the presentations was an update from church planting Quebec. Participants were especially encouraged by the newest church to join the provincial conference. The English-speaking church, led by Michael and Michelle Jones, is called The Living Room.

a Canadian Conference of MB Churches News Releasecrackcrack]]> Thu, 7 Oct 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=210
On Sept. 2728, the Canadian caucus of the MBBS board, led by John Unger (MBBS board chair), met for the first time at Fraserview MB Church in Richmond, B.C., to prepare two items of business for the Canadian conference executive board meetings mid-October.

Both items concerned the formation of the Canadian Seminary Commission, including its proposed terms of reference and its slate of nominees. The commission will be appointed by the executive board to work with the caucus to design the future of MB seminary training in Canada.

Pastoral training and leadership development is the best investment we can make in the future of Mennonite Brethren churches in Canada, said Unger. Right now we have a window of opportunity. We look forward to the contributions of commission members and other conversation partners.

Also in attendance Sept. 27 were Canadian MBBS board members, Ron Toews, James Toews, and Ron Penner, together with Lynn Jost (president of MBBS). Ray Bystrom (interim associate dean at MBBSACTS) and Jack Falk (former MBBS board chair) joined the group on Sept. 28.

The next meeting of the Canadian caucus is scheduled for Nov. 56 in Winnipeg, and will include both Canadian and U.S. board members.

a Canadian Conference of MB Churches news release
crackcrack]]> Wed, 6 Oct 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=209
Bruce Enns, pastor at Forest Grove Community Church in Saskatoon, Sask., said, Last year, Advent Conspiracy helped us turn Christmas inside out, making it more about others and less about ourselves. It truly helped us move closer to Gods purpose in the Christmas story.

This year, CCMBC is encouraging all 200 + MB churches across Canada to participate in the AC challenge, supporting congregations as they intentionally seek ways to reach out to those less fortunate in their own communities or beyond. There are countless ways to get involved, and CCMBC will be available to help churches make the most of their AC experience.

Connecting with the Conference will give churches a place to hear about other stories, receive information and encouragement, as well as share their story with the larger MB community, explained Stephanie Jean-Paul, church ministries administrative assistant at CCMMC. Its more about presence than presents.

Currently, AC has over 1,000 churches in 17 countries worldwide who are participating as co-conspirators in projects that are transforming lives and communities. Projects range from drilling wells and providing medical attention for global communities, to local interests, such as encouraging congregations to think of meaningful acts of kindness among one another.

Giving to a local soup kitchen, supporting new church plant initiatives through Evangelism Canada, or giving to a designated Community Health project in India through Mennonite Brethren Mission and Service International (MBMSI) are just a few examples of how to get involved.

For more information, contact CCMBC or visit the website: www.mbconf.ca/adventconspiracy


A Canadian Conference of MB Churches news releasecrackcrack]]> Tue, 5 Oct 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=208
We do so with grief in our hearts for what is no longer, but also with thanksgiving for our history and hope and expectation for the future, said several long-time supporters in the congregation. The formal institution is ending, but the mission of the church and the relationships that have been formed and cultivated live on in its people.

The Agora experienced significant transition in the past year. At the end of April, JB Robertson concluded his 13-year pastorate at the church. Herb and Doris Kopp, from Winnipeg, served as interim pastor couple from July 21, to its closure on Sept. 26.

The 25 or so, regular attendees are being encouraged to find fellowship in other local churches.

Both Paul Francis, Atlantic provincial extension director at the Canadian Conference of MB Churches (CCMBC), and Ewald Unruh, director of church ministries at CCMBC, provided national support for The Agora in the absence of a provincial conference in that region.

They had a dream for people to be in community, to experience healing, to find freedom, to serve with their gifts: they had a dream for people to come to Christ, said Unruh. The Agora embodied that dream and fulfilled its purpose. They are grateful for the prayers and support they received from friends across the country over the years.

a Canadian Conference of MB Churches news release
crackcrack]]> Thu, 30 Sep 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=207
In this one-third time position, Reimer will oversee the leadership development processes for CCMBC in collaboration with Canadian and provincial leaders as well as local pastors in order to nurture a leadership development culture in the churches.

Willy has demonstrated sound leadership qualities in his role as the founding pastor of SunWest over the past 15 years, says Ewald Unruh, director of church ministries at CCMBC. Many pastors have sought out his wisdom and mentoring.

Since 2009, Reimer has served as the volunteer director for Ministry Advantage at CCMBC, offering customized training and coaching to senior and executive pastors across the country. He has also served as moderator for CCMBC and the Alberta Conference of MB Churches.

I am excited to work towards equipping and encouraging pastors for the challenges they face in leading their congregations to guide their communities to reflect the truth and reality of Jesus to the world, says Reimer. I believe that being a pastor has never been more exciting or more challenging and it is very important for the provincial and national conferences to work together to support and equip our frontline servants.

Willy is married to Gwen and they have three children.

a Canadian Conference of MB Churches news release








crackcrack]]> Thu, 23 Sep 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=206
The event responds to the Deep Spirited Friends in Conversation day, held Apr. 30 in Richmond, B.C., as part of the provincial convention.

The atonement was of particular interest and concern, says Steve Berg, BCMB conference minister. We made a commitment to plan a follow-up day of teaching and dialogue on the cross of Christ. The sense was that we agree on the saving significance of the cross of Christ but we need teaching on the doctrine of the atonement and help in how we proclaim the cross of Christ in our culture.

The one-day study on Nov. 3 will include presentations by Wally Unger, John Neufeld, Doug Heidebrecht, and Mark Burch; a pastors panel discussion; worship; prayer; and time for conversation.

The desired outcome for the event is two-fold, says Berg: We want to bring biblical and theological clarity to the atoning work of Christ in his death and resurrection, and we want to help pastors in preaching the cross of Christ and applying the significance of the atonement in ministry.

At Gathering 2010, the Board of Faith and Life (BFL) announced that atonement would be the subject of the next biennial study conference to be held in October 2011. Berg affirmed the importance of the BFL study conference as part of the theological teaching/dialogue on the topic.

Vidya Narimalla, BFL chair, expressed his support for the upcoming BCMB regional discussion.

I am glad that we take our theology seriously and I am glad that the B.C. pastors and leaders are coming together for fellowship, study and conversation around this issue, he said. May the Lords presence surround this gathering as they come together to better understand the work of atonement and leave as even deeper spirited friends because of the Cross of Jesus Christ.


crackcrack]]> Thu, 23 Sep 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=202 Aug. 1, 2010.

Wall served for five years as ICOMBs first executive secretary in a part-time capacity. He laid the foundation for this role in cooperation with the emerging identity of this international fellowship. ICOMB appointed David Wiebe, outgoing executive director of the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches (CCMBC), as interim executive secretary Aug. 1, 2010.

ICOMB exists as a fellowship of leaders in the global Mennonite Brethren church. Leaders include presidents or directors of the 19 national conferences on 5 continents, and the chair of Mennonite Brethren Mission and Services International (MBMSI). The work of ICOMB entails facilitating communication among member conferences, unifying global mission efforts, advancing education at various levels, and growing global confessional identity.

At their 2010 annual meeting, held at the Brake Bible School in Lemgo, Germany, ICOMB members thanked Wall and presented him with a gift of appreciation and comments of affirmation for his ministry. Wall also participated at Celebration 2010 in Surrey, B.C., Canada, in July and concluded his ministry at that time.

Victor brought a vision of unity to the global and international family of Mennonite Brethren, said Ernesto Wiens, chair of ICOMB. He was committed to Anabaptist doctrine and ICOMB objectives.

Under Walls leadership, the international Confession of Faith was completed along with the publication of a commentary/study guide; and the publishing of The Mennonite Brethren Church Around the World: Celebrating 150 Years. He fostered global educational interests through the first Global Higher Education Consultation held in 2007 in Fresno, Cal., led by Dalton Reimer.

Victor served with distinction during this very critical and formative chapter of our fledgling global MB fellowship, said Ed Boschman, ICOMB executive board member. His gifts, abilities and passion for the church have been effectively invested in helping ICOMB find global recognition and baseline health as a ministry team.

Wall cast vision for the ongoing development of the international Mennonite Brethren identity, and strengthened relations in various European communities, including the Omsk Bruderschaft of Russia.

an ICOMB news releasecrackcrack]]> Tue, 7 Sep 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=200
ICOMB exists as a fellowship of leaders in the global Mennonite Brethren church. Leaders include presidents or directors of the 19 national conferences on 5 continents, and the chair of Mennonite Brethren Mission and Services International (MBMSI). The work of ICOMB entails facilitating communication among member conferences, unifying global mission efforts, advancing education at various levels, and growing global confessional identity.

Wiebe has been the executive director of CCMBC for the past 10 years. He will complete his duties at the Canadian conference on Dec. 31, 2010, and begin at ICOMB in a half-time capacity on Jan. 1, 2011. From this August to January, he will serve as acting executive secretary in the absence of Victor Wall, who recently accepted a leadership position at the Asuncion (Paraguay) Bible Institute.

In the interim role, Wiebe will work with MBMSI leaders to plan for transition of some important church capacity and health care from MBMSI to ICOMB. He will also lead the search for a new executive secretary of ICOMB, with plans to secure a leader for summer 2012.

The support for Brother David Wiebes transition to ICOMB was unanimous, said Ernesto Wiens, ICOMB chair. We are certain that the global family of Mennonite Brethren will support him with their prayers.

Randy Friesen, general director of MBMSI, was equally affirming: Dave brings a deep love for the global MB family and 15 years of ICOMB relationships to this interim role. Were grateful for what he will contribute to the further development of our global community of MB churches.

I believe the Mennonite Brethren must and will increasingly be formed as an international community if we are to remain faithful to the gospel, Wiebe says. This assignment allows me to make a contribution toward that.

Wiebe is married to Valerie, a marriage and family therapist, and they are members of the Westwood Community Church in Winnipeg. They have three grown children.
crackcrack]]> Thu, 2 Sep 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=199
The two-day event was organized by the Historical Commission, a binational organization of MB representatives from the U.S. and Canada, with the two-fold purpose of exploring where MBs have been and where they are going. It began on Monday evening, July 12, and concluded Wednesday noon, July 14, on the campus of ACTS Seminaries, a consortium at Trinity Western University in Langley, B.C.

Organizers of RIM were pleased with the attendance: 304 Canadian and U.S. participants registered, one-third more than expected. For Doug Heidebrecht, outgoing director for the Centre for Mennonite Brethren Studies (CMBS) and chief planner, the high attendance indicated a keen interest in the content and rewarded the careful preparations, which included a survey of North American pastors to identify critical issues facing MBs.

The plenary sessions on Monday and Tuesday evening engaged an international perspective.

Alfred Neufeld (Paraguay) spoke to the issue of MB identity at the opening plenary and hit it out of the park according to Heidebrecht. After surveying 12 historians assessment of the MB movement, Neufeld affirmed the evangelistic impulse and emphasis on spiritual experience that has characterized MBs through their history, challenging the church to both find its grounding in the past and respond to the context of the present. A panel of international guests, including Nzuzi Mukawa (DR Congo), John Shankar Rao (India), Cesar Garcia (Colombia) and Johann Matthies (Europe) focused on MB mission at Tuesdays plenary session, highlighting the challenges of doing mission in the context of suffering. A listening session, including round table discussions, followed each plenary.

Throughout the day Tuesday, and Wednesday morning, participants were invited to choose from 15 workshops featuring 29 U.S. and Canadian MB presenters.

Each 90-minute session allowed for two presentations each, and concluded with 30 minutes of conversation. Given the depth and variety of workshop content, people had a hard time choosing, said Heidebrecht, and we wanted to create that problem people didnt want to miss anything.

Valerie Rempel, faculty member at MB Biblical Seminary (MBBS) in Fresno, was among the presenters. Her topic, Telling our story, examined how MBs have told their stories as a way to understand how identity has been shaped and formed. People asked good questions and followed them up with conversations in the hallways, she said.

Most gratifying, said Heidebrecht, was the conversation: that people engaged, that they took ownership, that they delighted in reflecting around questions about who we are as this particular group of Gods people.

Participant feedback was encouraging. In response to the question, What will you share with your congregation about this consultation when you go home? one attendee said, [I have] a deepening appreciation for our heritage and an appreciation for the people/resources we now have and what they are doing. Another wrote, to tell the story in its multifaceted form we have a rich, variegated story 28 presentations and two plenary sessions worth.

For Canadian conference executive director, David Wiebe, RIM was a highlight: The attendance was strong, the presentations were thoughtful and provocative; the engagement in discussion showed a high degree of interest. Clearly, there are people interested in where our denomination is going. In his estimation, RIM was the piece that cemented the success of the week.

The Historical Commission is publishing a book featuring a collection of papers from the RIM consultation. It is expected to be available in June 2011.





crackcrack]]> Thu, 26 Aug 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=198
Advent Conspiracy (AC) is a grassroots movement with more than 1,000 churches in 17 countries participating as co-conspirators with projects as varied as drilling a water well for those who lack access to clean water, to providing medical attention to global communities, or simply encouraging congregations to think of meaningful acts of kindness as gift options to replace traditional gifts.

Last year, an overall $3 million was raised through AC for relief projects. This year, AC anticipates that individuals and churches will match last years commitment to charitable gifts and will make a lasting impact in communities around the world.

Stephanie Jean-Paul, church ministries administrative assistant at CCMBC, says We believe that participating in Advent Conspiracy will encourage a life-changing process of personal and church renewal as we proclaim Christ and reach out to help those in need. We pray that churches will be challenged to think about how their resources are spent during the Christmas season and that they will be excited to be a part of this journey.

John Neufeld, pastor at The Meeting Place (Winnipeg) said that their congregation was able to raise $15,000 throughout their AC initiative. The money was donated to a water project in Kinshasa, Congo. The church also collected food items in shopping carts and donated them to a local organization that serves free hot meals to people in the inner city.

We participated in AC to experience Christmas in a different and deeper way, Neufeld shared. Advent Conspiracy is our plan to mess with the system and reclaim what weve lost [about Christmas].

Essentially, Advent Conspiracy gives us the opportunity to practice becoming more like the 1st-century church, said Jean-Paul.

Willy Reimer, lead pastor of SunWest Christian Fellowship in Calgary, said of their participation in 2008, We received Advent Conspiracy quite enthusiastically and raised $28,000 in support of the initiative.

Some of the funds SunWest collected were used to furnish new apartments for the homeless through The Mustard Seed (Calgary), while other portions were given to MCC for a water well drilling project in central Mozambique. The congregation was also invited to give more relationally among family and friends.

This year, CCMBC is encouraging all 200+ MB churches to accept the AC challenge and seek out ways to reach out to their neighbours locally, nationally, and internationally. A formal participation confirmation request will be sent to churches in September. The conference is willing and available to come alongside churches who decide to get involved, connecting them to available resources and helping them make the most of their AC experience.

For more information about how to get involved in Advent Conspiracy through the CCMBC, please visit www.mbconf.ca/adventconspiracy.

Check out www.regenerate2101/blog to read Whos in on the Conspiracy? a story about other MB churches that have taken on the AC challenge.crackcrack]]> Wed, 25 Aug 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=197
The first conference of this kind convened on June 27 and 28, 1910, in Herbert, Saskatchewan with 64 delegates in attendance. A century later, 369 participants from across Canada gathered on July 15 and 16, 2010 at the North Langley Community Church in Langley B.C. to celebrate this milestone and to conduct necessary business.

The celebrations on the evening of July 15 began with a dinner followed by a time of singing, prayer and storytelling from Canadian MB churches. The North Langley Community Church led participants in worship. Walter Unger, president emeritus of Columbia Bible College, spoke on Where we have been, emphasizing that todays Mennonite Brethren stand on the shoulders of giants. David Wiebe, CCMBC executive director, addressed Where we are, underlining the centrality of mission to Mennonite Brethren DNA. Storytellers from across the country gave voice to Where we are going, highlighting various mission endeavors of Canadian MB Churches in partnership with local and global communities.

Jascha Boge, outgoing moderator for CCMBC, was particularly inspired by Ungers talk: He [Walter] represents leaders who have served us so well over the years and he still continues to have passion for the conference and its work. I hope I can have that kind of passion when Im his age, he remarked.

Canadian Conference Business Sessions convened on Friday, July 16.

In the morning, delegates were informed about specific plans for seminary restructuring in Canada, following the recent transfer of Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary (MBBS) to Fresno Pacific University (FPU). John Unger and Jack Falk (Canadian task force leaders), together with Lynn Jost (president of MBBS) explained why the seminary merged with FPU on the US side and shared the proposed plans for the Canadian side. This item generated good discussion and concluded with an affirmation of the direction with a commitment to more funding in the future.

Reflecting on the change, David Wiebe (CCMBC executive director) said, Were really trying to redesign the seminary to position it closer to the larger conference. Our people, in particular our pastors, want our theologians to be accountable to the church, to speak to the church, and to speak within the church.

In the afternoon, participants heard from the Board of Faith and Life (BFL). Vidya Narimalla, vice chair, opened the session with a re-iteration of the BFLs summary from the October 2009 study conference on Christology, affirming Christ as Lord and the only means of salvation. Wiebe brought forward a three-page statement representing the boards position on the subject of atonement. The statement pointed to key references from the MB Confession of Faith, as well as the commentary and pastoral application, and was accepted with little dialogue from the floor. Plans for a future theological director were also presented at this time.

The sessions concluded with a farewell for David Wiebe, celebrating his ten years of service as the executive director for CCMBC. I was very gratified by the generosity of the board in their send-off to me, said Wiebe. I felt very honored and humbled by the things that were said. The celebration included comments from outgoing moderator, Jascha Boge and colleagues, Michelle Penner and Ewald Unruh.

Participant response to Gathering 2010 was positive.

Bruce Enns, pastor of Forest Grove Community Church in Saskatoon, Sask. noted: Every time I go to Gathering I am even more encouraged at the work God is doing through the MB conference. Praise God.

David Giesbrecht, member of Bakerview MB church in Abbotsford, B.C., affirmed the direction of the Canadian conference: We are blessed with a new crop of leaders who have a far-reaching and engaging vision for the church.

More than a family reunion, more than a seminar, reflected Rebecca Stanley, co-pastor of Urban Journey in Vancouver, it was a place to treasure together our unique place in the story of God at work in our world.

crackcrack]]> Thu, 19 Aug 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=196
The primary work of CMBS involves preserving Mennonite Brethren congregational and conference records, including theological writings. This allows the Centre to help leaders when addressing current issues facing MB churches. Theological and historical resources for individual research or churches engaged in theological reflection and conversation are also available through CMBS.

Isaak holds a PhD in Early Christian History and Literature from McGill University. He has been a professor of New Testament at Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary (MBBS) since 1998. Prior to that, he was a missionary under Mennonite Brethren Missions and Services International (MBMSI), teaching math and physics at the Mbandu school in Kikwit, DR Congo, and later teaching Bible at St. Petersburg Christian University in Russia.

Isaak will begin his duties on June 15, 2011, after completing a contract to teach at Fresno Pacific University through the upcoming school year. Isaak will replace Doug Heidebrecht, who is leaving the post at the end of August to begin mission training in B.C. with MBMSI.

Were all very enthusiastic about Jon coming to be part of the CCMBC staff. Its exciting to see someone of Jons calibre come to build on the Centres position as a theological resource to our conference, says David Wiebe, CCMBC executive director.

Isaak says of his leadership at CMBS: As a Mennonite Brethren early-Christian historian, my goal is to continue to explore with others how this kind of Anabaptist-evangelicalism could renew our churches. I am especially interested in applying my organizational, research, and writing skills to directing the Centre for MB Studies in its ongoing mandate of helping Canadian MB churches tell their story and shape their story through critical engagement with both the Canadian and global contexts.

Jon is married to Mary Anne, who will begin pastoring at River East MB Church, Winnipeg, in the new year. They have two adult children who will be attending Canadian Mennonite University (CMU).








crackcrack]]> Tue, 17 Aug 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=195
From July 12-18, 2010, North American Mennonite Brethren joined the party already in progress. Celebration 2010, held in Surrey, British Columbia, attracted 524 Canadian and US participants, inviting them to celebrate their past and to discover Gods calling for Mennonite Brethren in the future.

Priming the bi-national event was Renewing Identity Mission: A Mennonite Brethren Consultation (RIM). The RIM consultation, from Monday evening to Wednesday noon, took place on the campus of ACTS Seminaries with 304 Canadian and US attendees. The plenary sessions featured Alfred Neufeld from Paraguay and a panel of international guests. During the two days, 15 workshops facilitated by more than 30 presenters addressed significant issues facing Mennonite Brethren in North America.

For Canadian Conference Executive Director, David Wiebe, the RIM consultation was a highlight: The attendance was strong, the presentations were thoughtful and provocative; the engagement in discussion showed a high degree of interest. Clearly, there are people interested in where our denomination is going. In his opinion, RIM was the piece that cemented the success of the week.

Celebration Services on Wednesday and Friday evening, July 14 and 16, framed the main event, and took place at Chandos Pattison Auditorium, located on the campus of Pacific Academy in Surrey. The Celebration Service on Wednesday evening began with a flag procession, representing the 18 countries that belong to ICOMB. The 900 delegates and guests in attendance enjoyed an evening of worship, led by Johnny Markin, and storytelling.

Adding to the international atmosphere of both evenings were three speakers: Nzuzi Mukawa (DR Congo), John Shankar Rao (India), and an international speaker who serves Arabic-speaking communities in North America and beyond through radio, television, and printed materials.

Mukawa and Shankar Rao presented on the topic of Identity on Monday evening, encouraging North American MBs to identify with their global partners who are suffering and to identify with those they are called to serve. Friday evening, the international speaker for Arabic-speaking ministries focused on Mission, emphasizing that the Muslim world is open to the gospel and is reachable.

For US Conference Executive Director, Ed Boschman, the Friday evening Celebration Service was a highlight. After celebrating the Lords Supper, the evening culminated with an upbeat version of the classic hymn, What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. It was a high moment for a global community that is the result of four generations of telling the Jesus Story. Especially inspirational were the biblical texts that bookended the event (Acts 17 Revelation 5), added Boschman. Acts tell about God assigning people to places and times around the globe, so they might find Him. Revelation tells of the eventual gathering from all nations to affirm the worthiness of Jesus as Lord. Celebrating the life and ministry of several generations of MB believers who exemplified this Kingdom plan was an exceptional experienceit doesnt get better than that, he reflected.

Bi-national and International Business Sessions took place during the day on Thursday, July 15, at the same venue. Participants heard reports from MB Biblical Seminary (MBBS), MB Missions and Services International (MBMSI), Historical Commission and ICOMB.

National Conventions convened Thursday evening, July 15, until Friday afternoon, July 16. Conection 2010, the biennial conference for US Mennonite Brethren, was held at Gracepoint Community Church. Gathering 2010, the biennial conference for Canadian Mennonite Brethren, took place at North Langley Community Church.

The event officially closed with a rally in downtown Vancouver on Saturday afternoon, July 17. Approximately 225 US and Canadian MBs filled five buses for Experience Vancouver, an urban immersion experience that involved touring the city and visiting various MB church plants.

Reflecting on the events of the weeklong celebration, Wiebe expressed one of his hopes at the outset: I really wanted us to consider who/what weve become after 150 years and where we might be going. And where we are going is this: I think that the Lord is moving in the international world, in the global scene. The faster growing, larger bodies are not in North Americathats the picture! For Wiebe, that picture was captured at Celebration 2010.

The international MB community, comprised of over 400,000 believers, represents some 4,000 MB churches who worship and serve in at least 23 countries. In this 150th year, the largest national church, with 200,000 members, is in India. The Democratic Republic of Congo, exceeding 100,000 members, is the second largest group. North America has over 70,000 members. (From Celebrating 150 Years, Abe J. Dueck, Editor)

--a Joint release by the US and Canadian Conference of MB Churches

-30-crackcrack]]> Thu, 12 Aug 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=192
The statement was officially received at the summit by Steven Fletcher (minister of state for democratic reform) on behalf of the Canadian government, reports general secretary of the Canadian Council of Churches Karen Hamilton, and was sent to the Canadian G8 office from which we received a reply within hours.

The statement can be found at the www.faithchallengeg8.com website where footage from the speakers and panels will be posted later in July.

Click here to see the statement.

Click here for the English site.crackcrack]]> Fri, 2 Jul 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=191 Two sets of guests graced the board of faith and life (BFL) meetings, held June 1112 at MBBS-ACTS in Langley, B.C. Tim Geddert, professor at MBBS in Fresno, Cal., and Ed Boschman, executive director of the USMB Conference, represented the U.S. BFL and were present to discuss revisions to the current Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The MOU, originally accepted in 2002, will receive mutual contributions from both boards in relation to dealing with the Confession of Faith and how the boards will work together appropriately into the future.

Members of the BCMB Conference executive committee also attended the meetings. The BFL was grateful for the opportunity to respond in person to the committees concerns related to Study Conference 2009.

This meeting was helpful in keeping our relationship [with the B.C. Conference executive] strong, said David Wiebe, executive director of the Canadian Conference of MB Churches. We were able to gain a higher level of understandingand there is a real sense of us building bridges together.

As part of its work, the board accepted a two-part statement, submitted by Wiebe, on the subject of atonement. In addition to a review of the relevant parts of the Confession of Faith, the statement contains a number of reflections on the broader theme of atonement. The board will provide suggestions for adjustments and a final statement will be presented to delegates in July at Gathering 2010.

Hillside Community Church (Beechy, Sask.) sent a letter to the BFL earlier this year, questioning an article on evolution published in the MB Herald. The board has written to Hillside, assuring a formal response to the churchs theological questions by an assigned BFL member.crackcrack]]> Fri, 25 Jun 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=190 Several years ago, Donald Miller, author of Blue Like Jazz: Non-Religious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality, joined his home church in a significant effort to help alleviate the global water crisis.

Since then, many other churches have embraced a movement called Advent Conspiracy (AC), becoming more intentional about creating and sustaining relationships with local, national, and international communities in need.

Originally started in 2006 by five pastors, Advent Conspiracy (AC) is a resource for faith communities to practice more far-reaching, 1st-century church discipleship by making Christmas a revolutionary event. The AC call is to Worship Fully, Spend Less, Give More, and Love All throughout Advent season, boldly proclaiming Christ in our celebration and sharing our resources with others.

Our hope is that church leaders and their congregations will embark on this journey and see the lives of people in their communities changed forever, said Ewald Unruh, director of church ministries at the Canadian Conference of MB Churches (CCMBC).

Unruh was thrilled to see that conference churches were actively involved in AC last year. This year, CCMBC is encouraging all 200+ MB churches to accept the AC challenge.

It usually doesnt take long for churches to identify local community ministries to build relationship with. On a national level, one way churches can get involved is by supporting one of the many new church plant efforts across Canada. International mission organizations such as MBMS International and Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) have designated specific projects as connecting points for AC. The opportunities are endless and the need for the gift of presence in the lives of those less fortunate is infinite.

For more information about AC, please click here or email reachingout@mbconf.ca.crackcrack]]> Mon, 21 Jun 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=189 On June 21, 2010, 4:00 p.m. CST, senior faith leaders from around the globe will meet at the University of Winnipeg to attend a long-awaited summit that aims to challenge G8 nations and their political leaders to fulfill commitments to humanity, as outlined in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).Live proceedings of the event will be available on the website.

World Religions Summit 2010 will begin with opening ceremonies by the Anishinaabe Nation, as well as a key note address by General Romo Dallaire. Presentations by Honourable Lloyd Axworthy, members of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and Reverend Jim Wallis will follow. More than 50 leaders of the worlds major religious faiths, including Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Bahai, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Christianity are expected to attend.

With G8 nations pledges set to expire in five years, religious leaders will draft a joint statement to the G8 political leaders seeking renewed commitments to the MDG pledges. An appointed delegation hopes to deliver the statement personally to the G8/G20 meetings in Huntsville, Ont., where the political leaders will meet June 2527.

The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC), an affiliate of the Canadian Conference of MB Churches, will be a fully active partner in the initiative. When invited by Karen Hamilton, general secretary of the Canadian Council of Churches, to take part in the Summit, the EFC responded, [The World Religons Summit] is absolutely a place where the EFC could work when were talking about social justice.

An online petition entitled A time for inspired leadership and action) is available as a way to show support.

Interested individuals can also contacting their local MP for more information. Summit sessions will be in progress until June 23.
crackcrack]]> Fri, 18 Jun 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=188 July, 1910, marked the first Northern District convention in MB history. Held in the bustling town of Herbert Sask., some 85 people attended, meeting in a tent purchase for the event. They discussed evangelistic initiatives, including giving the conference evangelist a raise from $30 to $40 per month!

Nearly 100 years later, on June 3, 2010, twenty office staff from Mennonite Church Canada (MC Canada) and two staff from the Evangelical Mennonite Conference (EMC) attended an historical celebration at the Canadian Conference of MB Churches (CCMBC) office in Winnipeg. The event was held to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Canadian conference.

Typically, conference leaders have the opportunity to interact at MCC meetings or at the Canadian Council of Anabaptist leaders. However, the two conference staff groups rarely have opportunities to network. The activities, programs, and strengths of each of the conferences are virtually unknown to their counterparts, despite their commonalities. The event provided an opportunity for partnership, resource/idea-sharing, and an increased overall mutual awareness.

Some drove to the event while others had geared up their bicycles and taken the green route in support of Commuter Challenge Week. After a brief introduction to the various activities of the conferences, people divided into groups for a tour of the MB office and were given a synopsis of each of the conference ministries. The event was capped with a BBQ of southern Manitoba farmers sausage, birthday cake, and a birthday goodie bag.

We are appreciative of the Canadian conference and are watching very closely as it deals with important issues, commented EMC general secretary Tim Dyck.

I appreciated the glimpse into their office workingsand was impressed by the range of financial services offered by the denomination, commented MC Canada resource centre director, Arlyn Friesen-Epp.

Also of particular interest were ministry programs related to leadership development such as Ministry Advantage for pastors and the Leadership Training Matching Grant for students pursuing full-time ministry leadership training.

Over a relaxed, outdoor lunch hour, staff ate and shared about their work.

I was interested in what the MC Canada staff members had to say andintrigued by their involvement with immigrants and art at the MHC Gallery, commented Tracey Craigon, communications administrative assistant at CCMBC. Immigrants may not be able to effectively communicate in their host countrys language, but art can provide an outlet for the expression of deeper feelings, ideas, and beliefs continued Craigon, who has spent several years teaching English in Japan.

When asked if a similar event should be hosted by MC Canada staff, Friesen-Epp was enthusiastic and noted, You do not get a sense of the other until you are in their space.

The MC Canada and CCMBC archival centres have had a long history of partnership.The periodical, Mennonite Historian, has been a joint publication since 1987.The Mennonite Heritage Centre and the Centre for Mennonite Brethren Studies have also shared a staff person since 1994.

This summer in Surrey, B.C., the Canadian Conference of MB Churches will host Celebration 2010 the 150th anniversary celebration of the MB church since its humble beginnings in Ukraine, 1860. The gathering will have a significant global presence, including Canadian and U.S. national conventions and bi-national allies. To find out more about this rare and exciting sesquicentennial event, click here.

To view an interactive time line of MB history (1860-2010), click here.crackcrack]]> Tue, 15 Jun 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=187
The statement was read by Walter Jakobeit, chair of Arbeitsgemeinschaft Mennonitischer Brdergemeinden (AMBD), Johann Richert, chair of Bund Taufgesinnter Gemeinden (BTG), and Silke Brohl, chair of Verband der Evangelischen Freikirchen Mennonitischer Brdergemeinden in Bayern (VMBB).

Representatives of several Mennonite conferences gave short responses. Hermann Heidebrecht, Bielefeld, Germany, chair of Arbeitsgemeinschaft zur geistlichen Untersttzung in Mennonitengemeinden (AGUM), expressed joy about this small step and emphasized that Mennonite and MB churches are working towards the same goal and have had a common desire for peace in the past. Daniel Janzen, speaking for WEBB (independent Mennonite congregations) churches, pointed out that cooperation is possible, as it has been for many years on the board of Bienenberg Bible School. Frieder Boller, chair of Arbeitsgemeinschaft Mennonitischer Gemeinden in Deutschland (AMG), gave thanks for the newly opened door and encouraged communication.

The statement said that in preparing for this 150th anniversary and while writing the church's history, people became aware once more of Gods kindness and mercy. Since 1860, MB churches and other Mennonite congregations have crossed paths many times. Both denominations experienced renewal, mission, and growth, and at this anniversary, both sides could thank and praise God for his kindness and mercy.

It noted that 50 years ago at Reedley, Cal., the North American MB Church and General Conference Mennonite Church asked for and granted each other forgiveness and celebrated reconciliation.

The statement confessed that old, unloving patterns of behaviour and perception were sinful and expressed sorrow and regret for pride, unkindness, and hurtful exclusion of other Mennonite brothers and sisters.

Our future cooperation and community has to be guided by fraternal love following the commandment of Christ and by mutual appreciation. As an independent congregational movement we intend to be open to resolving communication and to opportunities for cooperation, concluded the statement signed by church officials.

In a concluding prayer, Hans von Niessen, former director of Umsiedlerbetreuung, asked God for forgiveness and blessings. Following the prayer, church representatives on stage joined hands while the audience expressed their agreement with applause.

From a release by Benji Wiebe (mennonews.de); translated by Liesa Unger.

***

Mennonite World Conference (www.mwc-cmm.org) is a communion (Koinonia) of Anabaptist-related churches linked to one another in a worldwide community of faith for fellowship, worship, service, and witness.

a Mennonite World Conference (MWC) news release, adapted by the Canadian Conference of MB Churchescrackcrack]]> Fri, 11 Jun 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=186 Through September 20, volunteers Bev Patkau, Calgary, Alta., and Marlys Wiens, Edina, Minn., are accepting blocks of all sizes; pieced, appliqud, embroidered or painted; any color; representing any sentiment or symbol of peace. Patkau and Wiens will assemble the blocks into at least one quilt for each country.Proceeds from the 2011 peace quilts could support any of MCCs peace work, including the programs of MCCs partner Justapaz, an organization of the Colombia Mennonite Church. Justapaz supports peacebuilding, human rights, and nonviolent action among people who live in areas of conflict, perpetuated by the military, the paramilitary, or rebel groups.

In Afghanistan, an MCC partner organization, Cooperation for Peace and Unity, is training leaders in peace-building, conflict resolution, and related development fields. They, in turn, will train other Afghans.To support these programs and others, quilters are also invited to create their own peace quilts or wall hangings. The proceeds garnered from the projects at the relief sales can be designated for peace-building.In Canada: Peace quilt blocks should be sent to Bev Patkau, 227 Valhalla Crescent NW, Calgary, AB T3A 1Z8. She can be contacted by email at lpatkau@shaw.ca.In the United States: Peace quilt blocks can be sent to Marlys Wiens, 7310 York Ave. S. #105, Edina, MN 55435. She can be contacted by email at mwiens@pro-ns.net.For more information on relief sales or updates on the peace quilt project, click here.Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), founded in 1920, is a worldwide relief and development service agency and a recognized partner of the Canadian Conference of MB Churches. As the name indicates, the organization reflects joint ownership by various MB churches in Canada and the U.S.Quilting supports MCC peace keeping programs



crackcrack]]> Mon, 7 Jun 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=185 Winnipeg, Man.How did the Mennonite Brethren (MB) church emerge in 1860? What changes and challenges has the MB church encountered over the last 150 years? Where does it stand today?

These were key questions raised at the International Community of Mennonite Brethren (ICOMB) symposium held May 13-14 at MBG Oerlinghausen Church in Oerlinghausen, Germany. Hosted by the German and Austrian MB Conferences, the symposium was part of a larger series of national celebrations called Celebration 2010, organized to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the MB church.

An estimated 200 people from 15 countries attended the symposium. Historical authorities and speakers gathered to present on a variety of topics, shedding light on the theology, mandate, and future challenges of the MB mission. Among them were Centre for Mennonite Brethren Studies (CMBS) director Doug Heidebrecht, who presented 150 years of MB Theology: Significance of Scripture and Hermeneutical Approaches, and MBMS International global program director Ray Harms Wiebe, who presented The Future of the MB Mission Movement. Presentations were translated in German, French, English, Japanese, and Spanish to accommodate the diversity of guests. Symposium papers will be published later this year.

Heidebrecht shared that, It was fascinating to listen to the experience of MBs around the world. Although we are on different journeys, we share common rootsthere is a real sense of connectedness.

The hospitality of the German MB churches was extraordinary, he added. They did an exceptional job.
A number of day tours (Berlin, Hamburg, Switzerland, and Mnster) were organized for delegates May 15-21. A 6-day historical tour traced the first MB churches in Ukraine and early Anabaptists in Switzerland.

Over the course of events, ICOMB held its annual meeting in Lemgo, May 21-22. MBMS International put forth a notice of motion recommending the MB church in Thailand join ICOMB next year.

ICOMB reported on the launch of a new leadership training scholarship program for teachers in Bible schools worldwide. A fund of $900,000 is available to invest in higher education initiatives, such as identifying and developing model MB elementary and secondary schools in the Congo. Leaders will gather in June, 2011 for related discussion at a Consultation for Higher Education at Canadian Mennonite University (CMU), Winnipeg. The next ICOMB annual meeting will be held immediately after the Consultation.

The ICOMB Confession, created in 2006, is consistently being used to instruct pastors and has been increasingly influential in shaping MB churches. The document is currently published in English, German, Spanish, French (Congo), and Telugu (India), with additional translations being completed in Russian, Japanese, and Lao. The ICOMB Confession booklet continues to be used as a teaching tool by pastors and other leaders.

Abe Dueck, executive secretary of the MB Historical Commission, presented The Mennonite Brethren Around the World: Celebrating 150 Years to ICOMB members, a work commissioned by ICOMB 6 years ago. Edited by Dueck, the book is a rich collection of global MB history with contributors from more than 10 countries.

[The book] was received very favorably, said Dueck. He shared that the English edition will be released in June, 2010 and launched at the North American Celebration 2010 event in July. A Spanish translation has been completed and is being prepared for publication in Paraguay with the anticipation that additional funding will come through for translations in German and French.

A Pentecost Missions Conference, scheduled May 22-24, involved seminars with representation from 10 countries. CCMBC executive director David Wiebe presented Ethnic Church Planting and Christian Education in Canada, while Randy Friesen, MBMS International general director, spoke on a variety of topics under the umbrella of Acts 17:24-27, the thematic text the 150th anniversary celebrations.

Celebration 2010 concluded with an International Mission Day on May 24, a national Pentecost holiday in Germany. Guests from North and South America, Asia, and Africa were present for the event, held at the August-Hermann-Francke School in Detmold. Randy Friesen served as guest speaker, focusing on an international call to missions.

The international MB community, now a body of 280,000 believers, presently worships in 18 countries. This year, countries around the world are celebrating the 150th anniversary of the MB church. India held its celebrations January 10-17, with an estimated 3500 people in attendance including 21 international guests. Others to date have been Panama (February 27-28), Mexico (April 30-May 2), and Japan (April 29), who celebrated their own 60th anniversary.

The North American Celebration 2010 will take place in Surrey, B.C., July 12-18, 2010. Honourable international guests will include John Shankar Rao and Dr. P.B. Arnold (India), Alfred Neufeld (Paraguay), Nzuzi Mukawa (DR Congo), Caesar Garcia (Columbia), John Matthies (Germany), and Phone Keo Keovilay (Thailand). ICOMB executive secretary Victor Wall will also be in attendance one of his final assignments prior to his retirement.

To find out more about Celebration 2010 events in North America, and to register before June 20, 2010, please click here.

Click here for additional resources related to the 150th anniversary of the MB church, including an interactive MB history time line, or here to read the recent ICOMB Global MB Devotional Series.

Knowing and Living Your Faith, an ICOMB study guide and resource for congregations, can be viewed and downloaded here.crackcrack]]> Thu, 3 Jun 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=183
WINNIPEG, Man.The Golden Rule (In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, Matthew 7:12) is familiar to the sacred teachings of all the worlds major religious faiths, and that idea will draw together interfaith leaders in the G8 Nations for World Religions Summit 2010 in Winnipeg from June 2123. More than 50 leaders of the worlds major religious faiths, including Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Bahai, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Christianity are expected to attend.

In a world where religion is more often blamed for disagreement and conflict than healing and hope, leaders gathered for the World Religions Summit will hold accountable the G8 nations whose governments pledged to support the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) established by the United Nations in 2000. These goals seek to end hunger, enhance child and maternal health, work toward universal education, achieve gender equality, care for creation in sustainable ways, treat people with HIV-AIDS, and become better global partners.

The pledges of the G8 nations expire in five years. Collectively over the past 10 years, the G8 nations have achieved about half their commitments. The other 50 percent must be accomplished in just five years to meet the original objective.

When the religious leaders of the world meet in Winnipeg this June, they will draft a joint statement to the G8 political leaders seeking renewed commitments to the MDG pledges. An appointed delegation hopes to deliver the statement personally to the G8/G20 meetings in Huntsville, Ont., where the political leaders will meet from June 2527.

The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, of which the Canadian Conference of MB Churches is an affiliate, will be a full partner in the initiative. They could be said to have been the first partner in, Karen Hamilton, general secretary of the Canadian Council of Churches, said to ChristianWeek. Interfaith is absolutely a place where the EFC could work when were talking about social justice, the EFC responded to Hamiltons invitation to be involved with the World Religions Summit.

Regardless of location, Canadian Christians can participate in the event by finding more information on the website (www.faithchallengeg8.com), by signing the online petition (petition.faithchallengeg8.com, entitled A time for inspired leadership and action), or by contacting your local MP.

a Canadian conference news release, with files from World Religions Summit 2010 communications teamcrackcrack]]> Mon, 31 May 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=182 This month, the Mennonite Brethren Herald (MB Herald), monthly periodical of the Canadian Conference of MB Churches, is thrilled to receive a total of nine esteemed awards by the Evangelical Press Association (EPA) and the Canadian Church Press (CCP).

At the 2010 EPA annual convention May 57 in Dallas, TX, five published MB Herald works were recognized for the EPA Higher Goals Awards, highlighting some of the best work done by EPA publications in 2009.

Brad Hueberts Santa's First Christmas also received first place in the Cartoon category while Russ Toews compelling article from the June, 2009 issue, Are You Sure God is Good?, received fourth place for First-Person Article.

Three fifth place awards were given: Thinking About the Atonement by Timothy Geddert (Biblical Exposition category); In the Garden by Sarah Klassen (Poetry); and Food and Fellowship by Audrey Plew, MB Herald graphic designer (Single Photo, Controlled Setting).

At the 2010 CCP annual convention (Ont.), aforementioned In the Garden by Sarah Klassen (first place Poetry), and Russ Toews Are You Sure God is Good? (third place Narrative) were also recognized.

Third place was also granted in the In-Depth Treatment of a News Event category for The Word Became Fleshand Moved Into the Patch by Karla Braun, MB Herald assistant editor.

Ken Priebes article The Breath of Life received an honourable mention in the Features category.

Comprising the EPA and CCP awards panels of judges were a diverse pool of professors, authors, journalists, editors, artists, and business professionals.

We're honoured to receive recognition from our colleagues in Christian publishing, and to be part of these associations, said MB Herald editor, Laura Kalmar. This year's award-winning pieces represent the depth and breadth of Mennonite Brethren writing and creativity, and we're pleased to feature this same calibre of work in every issue we publish. Congratulations to all our writers and photographers!

The EPA is a professional association providing training, recognition, networking, and other services to more than 300 religious periodicals within the Christian publishing industry.

CCP facilitates community and professional support among editors and publishers of its member publications, encouraging higher standards of religious journalism and a more positive and constructive Christian influence on contemporary civilization.

The MB Herald is a monthly periodical of the Canadian Conference of MB Churches. The conference purchases subscriptions for every member in the MB constituency, bringing the magazines total circulation to approximately 17,500. Readers are a diverse group of people across the country, spanning generations, ethnic backgrounds, worship styles, and socio-economic levels.

crackcrack]]> Thu, 20 May 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=179
Canadian Conference of MB Churches (CCMBC) executive director, David Wiebe, MBMS International general director, Randy Friesen, MBMS International global program director, Ray Harms Wiebe, and Centre for MB Studies director, Doug Heidebrecht, will be heading to Europe to lend their Canadian presence and perspectives at the International Community of Mennonite Brethren (ICOMB) symposium taking place May 13-14 in Oerlinghausen, Germany.

The meeting is part of a larger celebration, Celebration 2010, hosted by the German and Austrian MB Conferences in commemoration of the 150-year anniversary of the MB church. North America will host their Celebration 2010 in Surrey, B.C. this summer.

ICOMB will hold its regular annual meeting in conjunction with the Europe celebrations May 20-22 at the Brake Bible School in Lemgo. Executive secretary, Victor Wall, will be completing his ministry of service to ICOMB. Due to the establishment of several viable churches since MBMS Internationals Team 2000 project began nearly a decade ago, MBMS International will present a recommendation to ICOMB to receive the MB church in Thailand as an official ICOMB conference.

The theme of the ICOMB celebrations, Reach In, Reach Up, Reach Out, is a phrase coined by Victor Wall, Randy Friesen, David Wiebe, and USMB Conference executive director, Ed Boschman. The idea originated with Acts 17:24-28, and represents a call to locate our identity within a search for Gods will, a Holy surrender, and a far-reaching evangelism.

One key highlight will be the presentation of The Mennonite Brethren Church Around the World: Celebrating 150 Years, edited by Abe Dueck, executive secretary of the MB Historical Commission. This important work, commissioned by ICOMB six years ago, includes a rich collection of global contributions throughout MB history.

Heidebrecht will be presenting a paper on 150 years of MB theology: Significance of Scripture and Hermeneutical Approaches while Harms Wiebe will present the topic, The Future of the MB Mission Movement. Symposium papers will be published later this year.

Time will be set aside for international guests to visit, greet and preach at local churches. Organized tours of Mennonite heritage sites in Germany, Switzerland, and Ukraine are also scheduled, with a chance to visit the place where, in 1860, 18 men signed the document of secession, birthing the first MB church.

Events will draw to a close with a Pentecost Missions Conference, followed by an International Missions Day on May 24 in Detmold, where Randy Friesen will address an assembly of local delegates and guests from Asia, Africa, North, and South America.

I look forward to seeing my ICOMB friends once again, but this time, its a special occasion of celebration, says David Wiebe. God has done a wonderful work in and through the Mennonite Brethren world-wide. And the story is still being written. These are exciting days of grace.

Further report will be available once the ICOMB events are over. To find out more about these events, please click here. To find out more about the Celebration 2010 events scheduled for North America and to view an interactive MB history timeline, click here.crackcrack]]> Tue, 11 May 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=178
WINNIPEG, Man.Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) in Canada has received more than $8.4 million in financial contributions in support of MCCs response to the Haiti earthquake.

This is remarkableit is humbling to be part of such an outpouring of generosity, said Don Peters, executive director of MCC Canada.

By the end of April, MCC had received nearly 27,000 gifts, nearly half of which were from people who had not previously made donations to the organization. Donations were highest in Manitoba, followed by Ontario. Gifts came from individual donors, organizations, congregations, schools, thrift shops, foundations, estates, and others.

It is difficult to adequately express our gratitude, said Peters. Thanks to all who responded so compassionately.

Donations will be pooled with MCC contributions in the U.S. and potential contributions from the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. MCC is also in the process of applying for funds from the Haiti matching grant program set up by the Canadian government.

In addition to financial gifts, supporters in Canada and the U.S. made it possible for MCC to send thousands of blankets, cans of meat, tarps, first aid kits, sheets, and relief kits (plastic pails filled with towels, soap, shampoo, and other hygienic supplies).

MCCs multi-year response will include economic development, food programs, housing projects, education and health services, and trauma healing, said Willie Reimer, director of MCCs food, disaster, and material resources.

According to Reimer, experience has shown that responding effectively to disasters means listening carefully to those who were affected as they explain what is needed. We dont go into communities and tell people what they need, he said. They live here this is their home. Haitian-led decision-making is essential.

Partnership also underscores the work of MCC in Canada as it collaborates with the Canadian Churches in Action (CCA)a coalition of nine church-based development and relief agencies in Canada, to access Canadian government matching funds for Haiti.

The coalition is working with the federal government to determine how best to access the matching funds, said Reimer.

CCA was formed following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and was successful in accessing matching funds for projects undertaken following the 2004 tsunami, the 2005 earthquake in Pakistan, the 2008 cyclone in Myanmar, and earthquake in China.

Working in partnership with churches of various backgrounds and denominations allows us to combine our gifts, talents, experiences, contacts and resources, said Reimer.

Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), founded in 1920, is a worldwide relief and development service agency and a recognized partner of the Canadian Conference of MB Churches. As the name indicates, the organization reflects joint ownership by various MB churches in Canada and the U.S..

* Gladys Terichow is a writer for MCC Canada
crackcrack]]> Fri, 7 May 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=177 Hillsboro, Kan.With an ever-growing list of 2,000-plus published articles and books to her name, 85-year-old Katie Funk Wiebe is a likely subject for a festschrift, a volume of articles and essays, honouring her written contributions. On Apr. 24, the Mennonite Brethren Historical Commission, Tabor College, and the Center for MB Studies (CMBS) in Hillsboro, Kan., sponsored a launch for a book that does just that: The Voice of a Writer: Honoring the Life of Katie Funk Wiebe.

More than 100 people turned out for the reception and program at the Wohlgemuth Music Education Center at Tabor College, Hillsboro, including Funk Wiebes three living children.

Katie has had a huge impact not only on Mennonite Brethren, but also on the Mennonite world, says co-editor and director of the Canadian CMBS, Doug Heidebrecht. Her impact is assessed in the book.

The Voice of a Writer contains a set of essays on Funk Wiebes contribution to the life of the church, a sampling of Funk Wiebes writing, and 98 pages of bibliographic information on the prolific author. In addition to a 30-year run as columnist for the Christian Leader and a career as an English professor at Tabor College, Funk Wiebe has authored several memoirs, from her first, Alone: A Widows Journey, still in print after 34 years, to Silver Angel Award-winning Bless Me Too, My Father, and her latest, You Never Gave Me a Name: One Mennonite Womans Story.

The publication of this festschrift has been both a humbling and challenging experience, Funk Wiebe responded to the crowd, before signing copies of the book. To have my writing recognized may not mean all my ideas are accepted, but it helps to know I and other women are not now trespassers.

Funk Wiebe also added that the biggest gift to her reading constituency was not to share something new, but to put into words the problems they were struggling to give utterance to.

The pen of this prolific author is not yet still. Heidebrecht hopes The Voice of a Writer will reintroduce people to Funk Wiebes work and appreciate her significance. She challenges people to be thinking Christians, he says. Her intent was to build the church up.

Kindred Productions has selected The Voice of a Writer: Honoring the Life of Katie Funk Wiebe as this months feature book. Copies can be ordered online at www.kindredproductions.com or by calling toll free: 1.800.545.7322.crackcrack]]> Thu, 29 Apr 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=173 Winnipeg, Man.Many are shocked at the sudden passing of Dr. David Ewert (19222010) on April 23. However, in the course of their deep grief, those who knew, respected, and loved him are also celebrating the extraordinary life of a man who served the church for more than 70 years with his gifts of intellect, public speaking, teaching, and compelling leadership.

Ewert was born in Ukraine in 1922 and came to Canada with his parents in 1926. The family settled on a farmstead in Coaldale, Alta., in 1929, where he enrolled at Coaldale Bible School at 16. This began an educational journey that continued for nearly three decades.

Abe Dueck, executive secretary for the MB Historical Commission, remembers Ewert when he was a Bible school teacher and minister in Coaldale and came to know him also as a teacher and colleague when they worked together at the Mennonite Brethren Bible College (MBBC) in Winnipeg Ewert as president and Dueck as academic dean.

David was a respected teacher, known for his self-discipline and thoroughness, says Dueck. Probably no other biblical theologian has had a greater impact on the past generation of MB leaders.

The most influential years of Ewerts calling took place throughout a critical transitional period for MBs in North America a time when evangelistic outreach, church-planting, and multi-ethnic congregations began to emerge and gain popularity.

During the second half of the 20th century, Ewerts voice spoke to an abundance of theological issues facing MBs. The impact of his ministry and service as a Bible teacher, preacher, scholar, and writer extends beyond the MB community in Canada to the U.S., Europe, South America, India, Africa, and Russia. Ewerts knowledge and interpretation of Scripture made him a voice that couldnt easily be dismissed.

Ewerts 65-year teaching career included seven years in Bible schools, 25 years at MBBC, three years at Eastern Mennonite Seminary in Virginia, and nine years at the Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary (MBBS) in Fresno, Cal.. In addition to his extensive involvement in the life the MB church and other denominations, he is the author of more than 20 books.

A chapter commemorating Ewerts life and ministry will appear in the newly released book The Leaders Who Shaped Us, edited by Harold Jantz and published by Kindred Productions.

Authors Bruce Guenther and Kevin OCoin write, [Ewerts] example continues to shine as a model worthy of honour and imitation for a younger generation of emerging MB teachers, preachers, and scholars.

Visitation will be held at Woodlawn Funeral home in Abbotsford, B.C., on Wednesday, April 28. A memorial service will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 29 at Bakerview MB Church where Ewert and his wife Lena most recently attended. Donations in Ewerts memory will support Mennonite Central Committee or Columbia Bible College.
crackcrack]]> Wed, 28 Apr 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=172 Winnipeg, Man.The Canadian Conference of MB Churches (CCMBC) Executive Board convened in Winnipeg April 1617 at Portage Avenue MB Church. This marks the Boards final meeting prior to Gathering 2010 (part of Celebration 2010) in Surrey, B.C. this July an historic event that, according to Board moderator Jascha Boge, is progressing well and promises to be an exciting time for participants as they celebrate 150 years of Mennonite Brethren ministries and mission.

Of major significance on the agenda were the developments of the Canadian Task Force (CTF), which has moved quickly in response to the recent transfer of Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary (MBBS) to Fresno Pacific University (FPU). CTF leaders John Unger and Jack Falk presented potential models for seminary restructuring in Canada.

We are looking at a variety of options and hoping to have recommendations ready for Gathering 2010, where there will be opportunity for feedback/dialogue regarding the shaping of theological education in Canada, says Boge. We want to come up with a vision for Canada that our members will support. David Wiebe, CCMBC executive director, added that desired outcomes include close relations with local church pastors as well as the establishment of a specific location for building a critical mass of faculty.

Richard Janzen, research director at the Centre for Community Based Research in Waterloo, Ont., designed the now award-winning 5-pt evaluation process being used by the measures committee to track adherence to the Regenerate 21-01 mission and vision. The committee submitted an interim report and will complete the first round of evaluations before Gathering 2010.

The Board reported that the search for a new conference executive director is going well, reaching broadly across Canada. Boge stated that it is now simply a matter of God leading the right person to the position. David Wiebe will continue as executive director no later than the end of 2010.

Key City/Key Communities Initiative (KCI) evaluation team member Ron Dyck tabled a final report and offered several recommendations which will be brought forth at Gathering 2010. Main concerns include a need for better communication between national and provincial conferences, improved program development strategies, and enhanced evaluation/accountability throughout all phases of project initiatives.

We are very pleased to see the initial draft of KCI report. Its a good report that will be much appreciated by our members and will prove to be a very valuable assessment of KCI, stated Boge.

Boge shared that over the past several years, Board meetings have been monitored, too, providing constructive feedback to members regarding how their executive business and interaction is conducted. Boge says that the Board has become much better because of [this kind of accountability], in terms of their relational harmony as brothers and sisters in Christ and the efficient use of meeting time.

Both theExecutive Board and the Board of Faith and Life will be drafting an official joint response to Hillside Community Church in Beechy, Sask., who wrote a letter requesting a reply about an article concerning evolution, published in the March 2010 issue of the MB Herald.

I see this as a good sign, says executive director David Wiebe. It shows that we have a lot of people who care about where CCMBC stands on these issues.
crackcrack]]> Mon, 26 Apr 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=171 Winnipeg, Man.--The Canadian Conference of MB Churches (CCMBC) has appointed Jonathan (J) Janzen as half-time interim editor of the MB Herald. Janzen will fulfill this role from Abbotsford, B.C., where he presently resides, stepping in for Laura Kalmar, editor, on May 10, 2010 when she begins her second maternity leave.

Originally from Manitoba, Janzen worked as a radio producer at Family Life Network (FLN) in Winnipeg for five years. He is currently finishing a masters degree in Christianity and Culture at Regent College. Janzen also serves half-time as a co-pastor at Highland Community Church (Abbotsford), a role he intends to continue in addition to his appointment with the MB Herald.

Karla Braun, MB Herald assistant editor, will be moving into an associate editor role, taking on additional responsibilities in Kalmars absence.

I am very excited about [Janzens] appointment, as well as the adjustment to Brauns role, says Cam Rowland, CCMBC director of communications. God is faithful.

Janzen is a gifted writer and communicator, with a passion to see people grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ. He recently submitted a chapter for Harold Jantzs forthcoming book entitled Leaders Who Shaped Us, published by Kindred Productions and scheduled to be released in spring, 2010. J and his wife Andrea have three children - Avry, Kendra, and Cohen.

Published monthly, the MB Herald is the official English language magazine for Canadian MB Churches and is delivered to 16,000+ households across Canada.crackcrack]]> Wed, 14 Apr 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=170 Winnipeg, Man.A pastor of a Mennonite Brethren church presented the concern that the cost of events is prohibitive for pastors from small churches. This concern is shared by many pastors and leaders.

The Canadian Conference of MB Churches (CCMBC) heard this concern and is pleased to announce a new program that will help smaller churches with restricted income to attend national events (Gathering and Study Conference). This program is one example of the continued efforts to foster community within the conference.

A pastor plus one leader will be offered free registration for Gathering or Study Conference events, including Celebration 2010, when they meet the following criteria:

- Church contributes to Conference Ministry Support Fund (CMSF)
- Membership less than 75
- Annual receipted gifts (CRA reporting) do not exceed $200,000
- Church is not receiving other conference funding (e.g., emerging church)

Registrants are responsible for their own accommodations and travel costs.

CCMBC hopes to increase attendance at national events where participants will network with the larger MB church family and become familiar with the many resources and ministries offered through the conference.

The Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches is a community of 250+ diverse Mennonite Brethren (MB) congregations spread across Canada, united by Jesus Christ through our evangelical, Anabaptist beliefs and values and by our mission to grow healthy churches, helping them reach their worlds.

crackcrack]]> Thu, 1 Apr 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=169
Fresno, Cal.Cam Priebe immediately picked up the phone after reading an interview in the MB Herald where Doug Heidebrecht shared his interest in both connecting with young leaders and engaging in conversation around Mennonite Brethren (MB) convictions. The phone call sparked an idea that eventually developed into the March 2010 Young Leaders Consultation (YLC).

Altogether, 19 young leaders from across North America (10 Canadian; 9 U.S.), nominated by select representatives, attended YLC, held at the Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary (MBBS) campus in Fresno, Cal., March 11-14. Leaders were post-college, ranging in age from mid to late 20s, and actively involved in ministry and mission through their local churches. Their purpose in attending was to reflect on and dialogue about what matters most to MBs.

Key partners in YLC included the Canadian and U.S. MB Conferences and MBBS. Mennonite Brethren Mission and Service International (MBMSI) and board of faith and life members from both the U.S. and Canadian conferences were active participants at the event.

Priebe, who works in the area of leadership development at the Canadian MB Conference, and Heidebrecht, director of the Centre for MB Studies (CMBS), acknowledged early on that when the church gathers in conversation around Scripture, it is an opportunity to listen to the Holy Spirit. They were interested in what they would hear when young leaders engaged in conversation around the core MB convictions: how we understand the Bible, the nature of the church, our walk of discipleship, and our mission in the world.

Four 1-hour sessions offered reflections by teachers, pastors, and missionaries, each focusing on one core conviction. Ample time was provided for multi-level, small group conversation. YLC was not intended to draw conclusions but rather to raise issues that MBs are facing and to provide an occasion for young leaders from across the denomination to engage those issues.

Bruce Guenther of MBBS in Langley, B.C., began YLC by raising the question, Does a denominational identity really matter? Justin Hiebert (Kan.) responded optimistically by stating that over the course of the weekend, he was able to see the Spirit of God at work in the denomination. To see people come together and wrestle with the issues of faith and life has been life-giving to me and I am excited to see how God will use us, he added.

Participants came in anticipation of good conversation but experienced much more. It felt irresistibly refreshing to listen and be heard in a way in which mutual trust was so evidently being exchanged, as the Spirit was drawing out new insights and solidifying existing convictions, said Stephen Siemens (Sask.).

Gil Dueck of Bethany College said, I was highly impressed with the depth of reflection among this group of leaders, and their restless eagerness for the church to live up to its high calling. We are gifted with a generation of leaders that is committed to the church, especially toward seeing the church making redemptive connections within the cultural contexts of which we are a part.

Melody Whiteaker (Cal.) shared that YLC was an opportunity to embrace the harmonies of the different voices brought to the MB world, pushing her to see [theology] as organic and living, able to shape the very way we interact with others.

My experience [at YLC] has brought me encouragement that other leaders share my concerns, or that they are willing to listen and help, says Jolle Basque (Que.).

The hope of YLC planners is that conversation related to MB convictions will continue in churches, small groups, and coffee shops. Priebe says, This event is a beginning not just an event but rather a kick-off to more.

To further facilitate ongoing interaction among leaders, a YLC website has been created as a place where participants and others can host conversations in their own communities, using podcasts of the event presentations to springboard discussion. To access podcasts and other resources related to the event click here.

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crackcrack]]> Wed, 31 Mar 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=168 In celebration of the 150th anniversary of the founding of the MB church, a group of 50 writers, selected by administrators of schools, colleges, and seminaries, have prepared 50 devotionals to be used throughout the 50 days between Easter and Pentecost 2010. Authors include men and women, old and young, from most of the 18 member conferences of International Community of Mennonite Brethren (ICOMB). These devotionals allow a broad cross section of voices from the MB church to be heard.

The devotionals can be heard online or downloaded as audio files. Text for each devotional (in .pdf format) is also available for reading online or for downloading. These materials may be duplicated, printed, and distributed at local churches as desired or linked to on other websites. To view the available files, please click here.

The devotionals are available for downloading to non-Apple .mp3 players and iTunes. Please click here.

The Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches is a member conference of ICOMB, the International Community of Mennonite Brethren (www.icomb.org). Through ICOMB, Mennonite Brethren church conferences from around the world can join together as fellow MB believers and be part of a like-minded international family, united in both mission and ministry. ICOMB was launched in 1990 and currently has 18 member conferences.crackcrack]]> Tue, 30 Mar 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=167 Bethany College of Hepburn, Sask., announced today that its board of directors appointed Howard (Howie) Wall as the colleges 14th president. Wall will begin his tenure in July, 2010. Currently, he serves as the director of operations and maintenance at the University of Saskatchewan.

Walls29 years of service at the University of Saskatchewan are testimony to his love for young adults and commitment to delivering quality education.He is also a devoted servant of the church, having served on the leadership council of Forest Grove Community Church for many years, including seven years as moderator. Wall has also been actively involved at Bethany College by serving on its board of directors for the past ten years. During the last two years there, he has been involved in the development of the colleges strategic plan.

The board of directors is delighted that Wall has accepted the appointment as college president.Don Wiens, chair of theboard of directors says, Mr. Wall has extensive experience within higher education and has been deeply involved within the Bethany College family, his local church, and the Saskatchewan MB Conference.We appreciate Gods leading in his life and count it a privilege that we can continue to work with him in his role as president.

For a full announcement and to watch a video report, click here.

Bethany College, in Hepburn, Sask., was founded by MB churches in 1927 with a vision to impart Biblical knowledge and to train people to better serve the church.After 83 years, the college continues to follow the Lords mandate to disciple students, challenging them to live transformed lives in the community and in the world.crackcrack]]> Thu, 25 Mar 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=166 Youve heard of Regenerate 21-01 by now, right? Many are talking about it, writing about it, and even better living it! The fruit of Christs 2,000-year-old ideals and the expression of the Regenerate 21-01 vision are witnessed and shared on the new Regenerate 21-01 website blog.

The Canadian Conference of MB Churches (CCMBC) has invited 7 guest bloggers to share what God is doing in their communities across Canada. Since January, an eclectic mix of pastors, church planters, staff, and other community leaders have been sharing insights and telling their stories.

Regenerate 21-01 is about coming back to the basics of a right heart before God:living radically, sacrificially, lovingly, and without compromise, says Ewald Unruh, CCMBC director of church ministries.

Each blogger is involved in a different form of ministry and reflects the core idea of Regenerate 21-01, desiring to live out 1st-century church dynamics to 21st-century communities.

That is not the culture of the community I live in.I confess its not the culture of 95% of what I run into everyday of my life.But it is the call coming from God, says Unruh.

Stephanie Jean-Paul, administrator of the blog, feels privileged working with the bloggers as it allows her to witness what God is accomplishing through some very dedicated people.

Their passion and desire to reflect Gods love is so evident its contagious!, says Jean-Paul. I am excited because there is much evidence to suggest that the church today is vital, changing, and relevant.

Helen Rose Pauls, MB constituent and visitor to the blog hopes many will discover the site and use it frequently. It is good to feel even more connected to the broader work of our conference all over Canada and the various practical ways folks are building community, she shares.

Current bloggers are posting regularly for the next few months. Visitors are encouraged to stay awhile on the Regenerate 21-01 site, watch the video, read stories, be inspired, leave comments, and share their own stories.
crackcrack]]> Fri, 12 Mar 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=165 This year marks the 150th anniversary of the Mennonite Brethren (MB) Church. As part of a special tribute to this distinctive point in history, a team of historians and communicators has created an interactive historical timeline. This dynamic resource illustrates highlights on the MB journey since its humble beginnings on January 6, 1860, in what is now Ukraine.

To view the timeline, complete with extensive historical information and some rare photographs, click here.

This project complements several commemorative celebrations and events taking place in 2010 around the world, including Celebration 2010 in Surrey, B.C., July 1218. Click here to watch the video and find out more!crackcrack]]> Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=162
Since MCC has no active programs in Chile, the funding will be administered through Mennonite Church (MC) Canada, together with additional funding by MC Canada for medium and long-term assistance.

By Monday, Mar. 1, Tim Froese, executive director of International Ministries for MC Canada, was in contact with partners MCC, Mennonite Mission Network, and the Union of Evangelical Baptist Churches in Chile (UBACH) to discern how best to assist in a coordinated relief effort.

MC Canada relates to three distinct groups of Anabaptists and Mennonites in Chile: UBACH, the Evangelical Mennonite Church, and the Puerta del Rebao congregation in Concepcin.

Initial reports suggest that the coastal town of Lota about 30 km south of Concepcin and the location of one Mennonite church has experienced significant damage from the quake and a resulting tsunami. Lota, with a population of about 45,000, is reportedly one of the poorest cities in Chile.

Canadians can send donations for Chile Earthquake Relief to MC Canada or MCC Canada.

Visit the news website of CBC or CBS to view photos of affected areas in Chile.

a Canadian Conference of MB Churches news release with files from MC Canadacrackcrack]]> Thu, 4 Mar 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=161
Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary (MBBS) has unveiled its online 2010 Lent devotional guide, Walking in Faithfulness with Jesus, expected to reach thousands this Easter season. The devotional, covering Feb. 17 (Ash Wednesday) to Apr. 5 (Easter Monday), includes reflections written by MBBS faculty, staff, and students.

The Lenten season prepares us for the celebration of Easter. This is a special time of focusing on our life with Jesus, says Lynn Jost, president of MBBS-Fresno. Jesus walk of faithfulness took him to the cross. Along the way, Jesus calls his followers to take up their cross. This devotional guide is a roadmap.

Offering a devotional like this to our constituents and the public is more than just a way of staying connected, says Mark Isaac, the seminarys director of advancement and constituency relations. It reflects our mission of inspiring and equipping people to live as followers of Jesus.

The 2009 MBBS Advent devotional guide expanded coverage from the previous year, with over 500 people subscribing to the daily email, 800 visitors to the website in the first day, and another 150 downloading it to their phones. The devotional was also distributed electronically to more than 400 churches.

MBBS is one of the key bi-national partners of the Canadian Conference of MB Churches. It is the official seminary for Canadian and U.S. MB churches, with campuses in Fresno, Cal., Langley, B.C., and Winnipeg, Man. MBBS offers graduate programs in pastoral leadership, theological/biblical studies, missions, and counselling.
crackcrack]]> Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=160 After a lengthy and prayerful search process, the Alberta MB (ABMB) executive board has appointed Daniel Beutler as the new executive director of the ABMB Conference. The ample experience and knowledge that Beutler brings to this ministry role will greatly assist the ABMB Conference in moving forward with its new governance model.

We would like to thank all who were involved in the process, says the ABMB executive board. We look forward to commissioning Daniel at our convention in Linden (Alta.), March 19-20.

Beutler served with the Canadian MB Conference from July 2008 until February 12, 2010. His primarily involvement was in the area of ReFocusing (Church Health ministries), making significant contributions to the development of training and promotional materials.

Well-known as a systems thinker, Beutler also assisted the conference in working towards more effective service delivery. Most recently, he enjoyed serving as part of the Eagle's Flight team, joining Canadian conference stewardship team members in delivering leadership training seminars to churches and other ministry partners.

Beutler says that he is looking forward to developing/implementing teams to provide quality service for what God has in store for our churches.

Ewald Unruh, director of church ministries at the Canadian conference, says I wish Daniel well and look forward to a strong collaborative relationship with him and between the Alberta and the Canadian conferences as together we seek to serve our churches and extend Christ's kingdom.
crackcrack]]> Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=159
Several major items were brought to the table at the Canadian Conference of MB Churches executive board meeting January 2930 in Winnipeg. The resignation announcement of executive director David Wiebe, who intends to remain with the conference through Celebration 2010 but not past the end of the year, affected board members deeply.

This putsus into search modeit will take of lot of energies, says Don Petker, assistant moderator.

The board affirmed the executive budget for the next two years. Although many churches continue to contribute 10 percent of their receipted income, a marked decline in church giving to the conference was reported. Projected expenditures from reserve funds however, as presented in the 10-year strategic plan at Montreals Gathering 2008, are below budget.

A fund of$20,000 was established toease the financial burden forsmall churches to send two individuals to the national yearly Gathering/study conferences. The board also approved a theological director position within the conference, to be filled upon appointment of a new executive director.

The theological director will represent the strategic service of upholding biblical and ethical integrity, acting as the voice of both the board of faith and life (BFL) and the Centre for Mennonite Brethren Studies. This staff persons tasks will include researching and writing on theological issues, and making recommendations for BFL discussions.

Board approval of the transfer of MBBS-Fresno to Fresno Pacific University was another key action item. Although the move raises structural and political questions, the board sees this as a positive opportunity for new direction. A national task force will survey the pastoral constituency regarding implications for Canadian theological education. Go towww.mbseminary.edu/ for the full MBBS release.

There will be some sadness [at the news of the transfer], says Petker, but at the same time, it's a huge opportunity to re-imagine what seminary education can look like in Canada.

As a ripple effect of changing governance structure, several updates are being made to the general operating by-laws. A revised version will be circulated to the constituency and posted to the Canadian MB Conference websitewww.mbconf.ca/ in March 2010, then presented at Gathering 2010 in July. Findings of the Key Cities/Key Communities Initiative evaluation will also be brought forth at Gathering.

Finally, the board confirmed MBMS Internationals official status as a separate entity from the Canadian MB Conference, complying with CRA regulations for independent charitable receipting.crackcrack]]> Tue, 9 Feb 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=158 Fresno, Cal.The transfer of the Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary (MBBS)-Fresno structure to Fresno Pacific University (FPU) was announced February 5. Approved by the seminary and university boards, the process is to be completed June 1, 2010. It is the general consensus that this major move will better carry out the mission of preparing leaders of churches for the U.S. MB Conference, among California's Central Valley, and for the MB church worldwide.

Lynn Jost, MBBS president, will continue to oversee the seminary's work as part of the FPU administration. This program transfer will continue MBBS tradition of biblical theology with an evangelical Anabaptist perspective, he said. I am pleased we are creating a very strong program that will serve both new and historical constituencies across the U.S.

We really believe we are better together, said FPU President D. Merrill Ewert. This integration will empower the ministry of both institutions.

MBBS faculty will become FPU faculty and students can continue to attend the 4-acre residential seminary campus which will become part of the neighbouring 42-acre FPU main campus. Classes will also be offered at FPU centres in North Fresno, Visalia, and Bakersfield. An expanded online seminary program will expectedly reach students across the U.S., into Canada, and beyond.

In some ways we're going back to the future, Ewert added. The seminary and university have always shared a mission of academic excellence and service to the church. We operated under one corporate structure from 1955 to 1966, and just as there were advantages to separation then, there are advantages to unification now.

The change will carry the denomination's foundational values into the future, according to Ed Boschman, executive director of the U.S. Conference of MB Churches. The ministry, the core reason for being, is alive and well in the lives of our national leadership team and staff. We're enthusiastic about the next chapter and working together with key stakeholders.

Seminary endowment assets of $2.4 million will be transferred to support faculty chairs and student scholarships. Plans are to expand distance education including online classes and teleconferences into a major outreach. This focus will benefit churches in both Canada and the U.S.

Based on 35 productive years of doing seminary together, I am optimistic that this solution will continue to be attractive to a number of Canadian and worldwide MB students, said David Wiebe, executive director, Canadian Conference of MB Churches. As distance education options are created and our Canadian seminary presence is developed further, I can seehow this might take our pastoral education and training to an exciting new level.

Moving the Fresno Campus of our seminary to [FPU] will go a long way in protecting our mission and will add a significant dimension to the region, said MBBS Board Chair Jack Falk.I look forward to future collaboration between FPU, Canada, and Midwest U.S. in the delivery of distance education. MB students and churches in both countries would benefit greatly from getting such access to our seminary programs.

Many higher education institutions are forming new arrangements to strengthen their programs in response to difficult economic times. Small, denominational schools are the most vulnerable and will need to join with universities and regional giants to survive, according to the Association of Theological Schools, which accredits the seminary.

Challenging days and weeks have gone into this partnership. Now we can look forward with enthusiasm and vision to what God will lead us to accomplish, Ewert said.

MBBS is one of the key bi-National partners of the Canadian Conference of MB Churches. It is the official seminary for Canadian and U.S. MB churches, with campuses in Fresno, Cal., Langley, B.C., and Winnipeg, Man. MBBS offers graduate programs to include pastoral leadership, theological/biblical studies, missions, and counseling.

Please visit http://www.mbseminary.edu/ to read the full MBBS release.

a Canadian Conference of MB Churches/U.S. MB Conference joint releasecrackcrack]]> Fri, 5 Feb 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=157
The Canadian MB Conference executive board accepted the resignation of conference Executive Director David (Dave) Wiebe at its meeting on January 29, 2010.

Dave has faithfully modeled a life of servant leadership since he joined the CCMBC staff in 1989. He first served as Director of Christian Education until 2000, then as Executive Minister until 2004. After restructuring in 2004, Daves official title became Executive Director.

Daves pastoral and relational gifts have provided stability during a time of change, harmonized the working relationship between our national and provincial conferences, and raised the profile of Canadian MBs internationally due to his highly respected work with ICOMB and MWC.

Locally, Dave has been an integral part of the board of faith and life (BFL), working tirelessly at connecting with churches across Canada. The loving support of Daves wife Valerie has helped make all of the above ministry work possible.

Dave is known for his humble, gentle, and caring leadership style. His smile and willingness to always go the extra mile in the service of his Lord will be greatly missed. In keeping with his spirit of service to the conference, Dave has agreed to stay on for a time so that a smooth transition can be made to a new executive director.

Daves service to the conference will be formally recognized in Surrey, B.C., at Gathering 2010 (July).crackcrack]]> Tue, 2 Feb 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=155
Members of the board of faith and life (BFL) gathered in Winnipeg Jan. 2223 for their tri-annual meeting. When questions and theological challenges arise, BFL works through these on the churchs behalf they ensure the church has a voice, says Lorraine Dick, board chair, about the role of the BFL for all members of the conference.

In the wake of the last study conference, on Confessing Christ in a Pluralistic World, the board moved to draft a statement on atonement. The statement, when completed, will be presented to the conference for ratification, then added to the commentary on the Confession of Faith. In addition, they processed written feedback from participants at the 2009 study conference, many of whom requested more room in the schedule for discussion.

In the future, the BFL plans to send out articles and facilitate discussions in advance of the biennial study conferences, to enhance the level of dialogue at the conference and increase the potential of ending with an action plan or statement, which can be affirmed by the membership at the following summers Gathering.

The next study conference will be held in Ontario in October 2011.

The BFL is drafting a protocol for church closures to guide moderators and local church leadership through a step-by-step procedure. They are also developing a theological assessment tool to measure the alignment of programs to the Confession of Faith.

With the establishment of a U.S. BFL in 2009, the board is working toward updating the 2002 Memorandum of Understanding between Canada and the U.S.

A highlight of the meetings was a conversation with Don Peters, Mennonite Central Committee Canadas executive director. MCCs new mission statement is more explicit about the beliefs that shape the organization as a worldwide ministry of Anabaptist churches, and has helped strengthen the boards relationship to MCC Canada.

The BFL welcomed two new members: the new Ontario conference minister, Richard Martens, and member-at-large Brent Hudson, pastor at River of Life Church, Riverview, N.B.

There are divergent voices on the board, says Dick; at the beginning, were not always talking on the same page, she says, but over the course of discussion, we come to consensus.crackcrack]]> Tue, 2 Feb 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=154
Carried by faith and community
Running time: 5:39

mcc.org/stories/podcasts/carried-faith-and-community crackcrack]]> Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=151 Every New Year promises turns in the road. Sometimes those turns come quickly and unexpectedly.

Director of Communications Cam Rowland submitted his resignation January 8, 2010. He will officially complete his ministry with CCMBC in July after Celebration 2010, concluding a 7-year tenure of service at the Canadian conference.

Rowland started out at the conference in 2003 as Executive Director for Discipleship Ministries, the first to serve in this capacity. After changes in board structure, he moved to the area of Communications and Church Health. When the coaching aspect of Rowlands position was handed over to Leadership Development in 2007, Rowland assumed his new and current title.

Among his various accomplishments over the past few years, Rowland has worked to unify the Canadian conference brand and identity. Evidence of this is found throughout our communications ministries from promotions and events to publications, our website and beyond.

Prior to his work at the conference, Rowland served as an Admissions Counselor and Associate Director of Constituency Relations at MBBS (Fresno, Cal.) where he also earned his MA in church ministries, focusing on leadership development. Earlier he served as Youth Pastor of the Niverville (Man.) MB Church and was Youth Pastor Intern at South Langley (B.C.) MB Church. He also holds a BA from Providence College, Otterburne, (Man.).

Many thanks to Cam for bringing his best to the table and continuing to effect good work in all he does. We pray Gods richest blessing and joy on he, his wife Holly, and their boys Jackson, Toby, and Harrison as they begin this transition and remain open to what God has in store for them.crackcrack]]> Fri, 22 Jan 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=150
To date, Manitobans have already donated approximately $800,000 to MCCs Haiti Earthquake response.

Relief kits include personal hygiene supplies, laundry soap, towels and bandages. People who donate kits are asked to provide complete kits with only the specific items on the list of relief kit supplies that can be found at mcc.org/kits.

The relief kits can be packed in a box or bag and delivered to any of the drop-off locations in Manitoba by Feb. 28. MCC will then repackage the kits in new, 20-litre buckets. Drop-off locations can be found here: http://mcc.org/kits/dropofflocations

Heavy comforters and sheets also are being accepted at any drop-off location until Feb. 28.

MCC asks that the comforters be new and filled with quilt batting or a blanket for extra warmth. Twin-size comforters are preferred, but double/full-size comforters are accepted. Specific requirements are online at mcc.org/kits.

Flat sheets, which also will be used as mosquito netting, can be double-, queen- or king- size. Sheets, with at least a 300-thread count, should be new, cotton and light-colored, which is not as attractive to mosquitoes.

Meanwhile, MCC is airlifting 31,750 kg of canned meat and 1,000 water filters into Haiti as soon as possible. Another shipment of at least the same amount of meat, probably more, will be sent by sea. MCC is also purchasing thousands of tents and tarps.

MCC is planning a multimillion dollar response over a number of years, focusing on emergency assistance, rebuilding homes and livelihoods

For further information or to arrange an interview please contact Brad Reimer or Tricia Prosser at 261-6381.

crackcrack]]> Wed, 20 Jan 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=147
The MB Herald invites writers, artists, and photographers from our churches to submit their short stories, humour, poetry, artwork, or photography (on any subject) to a creative arts contest. Were looking for creativity, excellence, and originality.

Winning entries will appear in our 2010 summer reader. Prizes will be awarded for the most outstanding entries.

Please submit original entries or high resolution computer files, along with a short bio and your contact information, to mbherald@mbconf.ca or 1310 Taylor Ave., Winnipeg, Man., R3M 3Z6. Please direct questions to Laura Kalmar or Karla Braun.

Submission deadline is May 17, 2010.crackcrack]]> Fri, 15 Jan 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=149 Yvonne Martin, a member at Waterloo (Ont.) MB Church, was killed in the Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti.

The 67-year-old retired nurse had just landed and settled into a guesthouse in Port-au-Prince with her team of seven from the Evangelical Missionary Church in Kitchener, Ont., when the quake struck and the house collapsed. Martins colleagues escaped but she was buried under the rubble. The group was to provide humanitarian assistance to several northern Haiti communities.

Waterloo MB Church posted a memorial to their website (www.waterloomb.org), and a Facebook page (RIP Yvonne Martin) was active within days of her death.with files from the National Post

To read more, visit the Waterloo MB Church website and the National Post:

http://www.waterloomb.org/
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=2438230
Mennonite Central Committee is responding to the Haiti earthquake disaster.
Donations to help victims can be made online at:
www.mcc.org/

OR please mail/ Email your local MCC office directly.


crackcrack]]> Fri, 15 Jan 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=145
On January 6, 1860, 18 individuals in what is now Ukraine signed a document declaring their intention to begin a renewal movement called the Mennonite Brethren. This year, Mennonite Brethren around the world are celebrating 150 years since the birth of the original MB church.

2010 also marks the centennial of the MB conference in Canada. In June, 1910 (Herbert, Sask.), the Northern District of Mennonite Brethren gathered for the first time as a Canadian group of churches. Winkler MB Church and a small group in Winnipeg soon joined. From that point on, the Canadian Mennonite Brethren fellowship of churches grew.

To commemorate these 150 years, Kindred Productions, the publishing and distribution arm of the Mennonite Brethren in Canada and the U.S., is publishing Leaders Who Shaped Us. This book is a collection of 25 biographies portraying how Mennonite Brethren in Canada became who they are today.

The biographies go back to the early beginnings, drawing on people such as David Dyck, one of the first to come to Manitoba as a witness of Christ. He later became a church planter in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, as well as a moderator.

Also included in the collection are Bible scholar David Ewert, preacher/teacher/university president Frank C. Peters, and fathers of church growth for Canadian MBs, G.W. Peters, Herb Neufeld, and Nick Dyck.

Several women are also featured such as vanguard speaker/author Katie Funk Wiebe and missionary nurse Katy Penner, who created a nursing program in the Congo at the invitation of the government.

The biographies are authored by some of the best-known MB writers Dora Dueck, Rudy Wiebe, Sarah Klassen, Ingrid Koss, Vic Froese, James Toews, Wally Kroeker, and Dan Unrau, among others. Former editor of the MB Herald and founding editor of ChristianWeek, Harold Jantz, contributed to half a dozen of the books biographies.

Scheduled for release in early spring, Leaders Who Shaped Us is certain to deepen our understanding of who we are as MBs. An opportunity to obtain copies at a pre-publication price will be announced later this winter.crackcrack]]> Wed, 6 Jan 2010 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=144
Pastors enrolled in the MA program initially engage in an assessment process and are then matched with an experienced church leadership coach with whom they enter into an over-the-phone coaching relationship based on a core leadership curriculum tailored practically to their specific situation. Although there is no time limit to the process, most pastors remain in the program for 1218 months. Leadership development workshops are typically offered twice a year.

Led by certified Ministry Advantage coach Russ Carlson, the retreat in Canmore presented MA program participants with an opportunity to interact with like-minded pastors, sharpen their skills, exchange ideas, and reflect on their experiences.

The retreat serves to orient pastors to MA coaching content and philosophy, says Willy Reimer, Canadian conference Ministry Advantage director. The pastors benefit from intensive training in working on ministry rather than in ministry, which is the practical application of Ephesians 4:12 to equip Gods people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.

Gary Burke, lead pastor of Linden (Alta.) MB Church, attended the retreat and commented on how the MA program is advantageous in moving the church forward in its mission. He also observed how well the program complements the visioning exercises his church went through during ReFocusing, another program offered through the conference as part of church health ministries.

Pastor Chalachew Eshetu of Ethiopian Evangelical Church in Calgary was so excited about the program that he is hoping to translate the materials for distribution in Ethiopian churches.

Other pastors in attendance were Kevin Carruthers (New Hope Community Church, Calgary), Kerry Dyck (River West Christian Church, Edmonton), Thom Braun (New Hope Church Niagara, Jordan, Ont.), and Phillip Vallelly (Winkler (Man.) MB Church).

The Canadian MB Conference offers the MA coaching program at a reduced rate. Pastors are invited to enroll in the next MA coaching group, scheduled to launch in spring 2010.

For more information on MA opportunities through the Canadian conference, please visit www.mbconf.ca/leadership or call 888.669.6575. Pastors wishing to enroll for upcoming MA coaching groups and events can contact Willy Reimer directly at 403.254.2823 or willyreimer@sunwestchurch.com.
crackcrack]]> Tue, 15 Dec 2009 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=142
Executive Board Member at Large
MBBS Board
Historical Commission

Deadline: March 31, 2010
Full Board Member guidelines available upon request. Board members are presented to the member delegates at Gathering 2010 (July) for election to a board.

A brief resume is acceptable providing:
Name, Location, Home Church, Ministry Involvement, Faith Story, Work Experience, Board Experience, Special Interests, and a short statement why you might have interest in serving on the Executive Board. The support of your local church and your provincial conference will be required.

Send resumes to: secretaryccmbc@gmail.com

Click here for the Executive Board Member-at-Large Job Description and Application.crackcrack]]> Tue, 1 Dec 2009 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=140
The BFL reported they will be conducting a review of programs falling under the Regenerate 21-01 umbrella later in 2010. The review will explore adjustments needed to align programs more closely with the theological identity of Mennonite Brethren. The plan is expected to address new programs first, existing ones later. The board envisions all conference staff participating in the assessment.

In addition to reviewing the Regenerate 21-01 mission, the BFL discussed measures to uphold the vision for identity, encouraging training and continued development of pastors within the evangelical-Anabaptist framework.

In a similar vein, the Measures Committee, a sub-committee of the executive board created to monitor and assess the effectiveness of Regenerate 21-01, presented a 5-point strategy to track adherence to the mission and vision.

Regarding the MCC New Wine/New Wineskins process results, both boards strongly affirmed Mennonite Central Committees purpose to serve in the name of Christ as well as their new identity statement: MCC is a worldwide ministry of Anabaptist churches. However, they also expressed a number of concerns including the prioritization of overseas interfaith partnerships, and a need for more clarity in personnel policies which require upper-level leaders to demonstrate an active and committed Christian faith.

In addition, there is apprehension that justice and peace-building activities of MCC increasingly promote engagement in the political arena, involvement historically avoided by Anabaptists. Also addressed was the need for continued work on role descriptions and reporting pathways within the new structure.

The BFL gave final approval of a job description for a theological director to staff the strategic service of Upholding Biblical and Ethical Integrity. However, the executive board continues to examine the implications of the directors authority level. They have not yet signed off on the position.

During their meeting, the BFL convened with the newly formed USMB BFL to discuss the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), drafted upon the dissolution of the General Conference in 2002. The board leaders talked about revising the protocols for making modifications to the North American Confession of Faith.

The Governance Committee of the executive board reported that the Charter revision is still in process at the Canadian Parliament. The General Operating Bylaws approved in 2006 will require further amendments to reflect key adjustments in our new governance structure. Delegates will be given 90 days to consider the documents and approve the changes at Gathering 2010 in July.

After considerable deliberation the executive board approved the proposal for the MBBS Fresno campus to become a satellite school of Fuller Theological Seminary, pending U.S. BFL, MBBS board, and Fuller board final approvals. A task force will evaluate how MBBS-ACTS and the Winnipeg Centre for Ministry Studies meet Canadian MB requirements for seminary education.

CFO John Wiebe presented a positive quarterly financial report to the executive board. Church giving has increased over last year and Stewardship Ministries is working to match expenditures with income.

Finally, the executive board expressed a desire for a regular summit between national and provincial lead staff. This will provide time for dialogue, and will enhance and complement the ways we serve our churches, says Dave Wiebe.

The boards will next convene January 22-23 (BFL) and January 29-30 (executive board) in Winnipeg.crackcrack]]> Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=137
In 2006, three next-generation church leaders decided to revolutionize consumerism of Christmas by encouraging their faith communities to spend less, give more, love all, and worship fully the ultimate gift of Christ. The response was overwhelming and Advent Conspiracy was born (http://www.adventconspiracy.org). Today, Advent Conspiracy is a movement that promotes innovative yet practical ways for churches to bless those in need by giving relationally as God gave his son.

Essentially, Advent Conspiracy is one practical way of carrying out the vision of Regenerate 21-01, explains
Stephanie Jean-Paul, ministries administrative assistant at the Canadian conference. We believe that engaging in Advent Conspiracy will encourage a life-changing process of personal and church renewal as we proclaim Christ and reach out to help those in need. We pray that people will be challenged to think about how their resources are spent during the Christmas season and that churches will be excited to be a part of this journey.

Willy Reimer, lead pastor of SunWest Christian Fellowship in Calgary said that in 2008 their church received Advent Conspiracy quite enthusiastically and gave $28,000 in support of their church initiative.

A portion of the funds raised at SunWest was used to furnish new apartments for the homeless through The Mustard Seed (Calgary) while other portions were given to MCC for a water well drilling project in central Mozambique. The congregation was also invited to give more relationally than materially among their family and friends.

Bruce Enns, a 2008 participant from Forest Grove Community Church, said that Advent Conspiracy helped us turn Christmas inside out making it more about others and less about ourselves. It truly helped us move closer to Gods purpose in the Christmas story.

This year, some 20 Mennonite Brethren churches are participating in Advent Conspiracy initiatives. Ewald Unruh, Canadian conference director of ministries, is thrilled to see these MB church communities getting actively involved.

Our hope is that church leaders and their congregations will embark on this journey and see the lives of people in your congregation changed forever, says Unruh.crackcrack]]> Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=136 Are you passionate about Christian stewardship? We are waiting on God to send us individuals to complete our Stewardship Ministries team. Full or part-time positions are available in each of the Prairie provinces.

Qualified candidates will be comfortable facilitating leadership training sessions and be able to confidently convey Christian stewardship principles to congregations and individuals.

For more information or to submit a rsum please contact:

John Wiebe, Chief Financial Officer
Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches
1310 Taylor Ave., Winnipeg MB R3M 3Z6

1-888-669-6575
jwiebe@mbconf.cacrackcrack]]> Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=134 Can buying a book really change a life?

It sounds simple, and it is! Yvonne Heinrichs, resource project manager at Kindred Productions, would be the first to tell you that its not only possible, its happening through the Kindred Spirits Rewards Program (KSRP).

Since its birth in March 2008, KSRP has been supporting various resource development initiatives for local and international church ministries. Its a practical program that values generosity, collaboration, and community. Heres how it works:

Whenever you purchase a book or Christian resource through Kindred Productions,
10% of that purchase value is earned as credit which can be allocated to a registered church or a KSRP ministry partner of your choice. These credits are kept on reserve to purchase future resources through Kindred Productions.

Its all about relationships between Kindred Productions and the churches/mission agencies. We are here to encourage, discern, and support the resource needs of our members ministries, says Heinrichs.

This partnership is what Heinrichs and her staff find most exciting about the KSRP program. Not only does the buyer receive their product but the designated church/ministry partner receives as well. Its a win-win situation for everyone involved and lives are changed directly and indirectly as a result.

The childrens ministry pastor at Fort Garry MB church was thrilled at the benefits of KSRP this past summer. She discovered that approximately $450.00 in KSRP credits could be used towards the purchase of VBS materials/resources through Kindred Productions, covering almost half of their costs! Future KSRP credits will be used to purchase Gather Round curriculum series materials for their Sunday school programs.

Shafter MB Church (SMBC) in California will use the credits they receive to purchase resources for MBMS International missionaries Phil and Carol Bergen in Burkina Faso, Africa. The focus of SMBC is to win, build, and equip their parishioners. In partnership with Kindred Productions, they are making it happen!

Annelisa Toews of MBMS International shares, Our past credits were used to purchase books for both long-term and short-term missions such as SOAR, TREK, ACTION, and Missionary Training Institute (MTI).

These are just a few of the exciting ways that purchases made through Kindred Productions are enriching and changing lives, one book at a time. Other KSRP-registered churches have also used their credits to purchase a variety of resource materials for small group ministries, baptism/communion programs, daughter/sister churches, and local outreach ministries.

KSRP currently has 43 registered churches and/or mission agencies. A list of these members can be found on the Kindred Productions website (listed below). Any church or mission agency can register through Kindred Productions to become a KSRP-registered member for a one-time fee of $29.95 Canadian/U.S. a small investment that can make a big difference in the life of a church or ministry in need.

Kindred Productions is the publisher and distributor of Christian resources for the Mennonite Brethren in Canada and the U.S. The Kindred Productions staff team are Yvonne Heinrichs (resource project manager), Ashley Thiessen (customer service representative), and Amy Sterk (US and KSRP representative.). For more information about Kindred Productions and KSRP, please visit www.kindredproductions.com or call 1-800-545-7322.crackcrack]]> Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=131
The MWC was first held in Basel, Switzerland, June 13-16, 1925. Since that time, thousands have united approximately every 6 years in locations around the world: Danzig, Free City of Danzig (1930); Amsterdam, Elspeet, and Witmarsum, Netherlands (1936); Goshen, Ind., and North Newton, Kan., (1948); Basel and Zrich, Switzerland (1952); Karlsruhe, Germany (1957); Kitchener, Ont., (1962); Amsterdam (1967); Curitiba, Brazil (1972); Wichita, Kan., (1978); Strasbourg, France (1984); Winnipeg, Man., (1990); Calcutta, India (1997); and Bulawayo, Zimbabwe (2003).

Today, close to 1,500,000 believers belong to the Mennonite and Brethren in Christ faith family; at least 60 percent are African, Asian, or Latin American. The MWC represents 97 national churches from 53 countries on six continents.

MB Herald interim editor Dora Dueck is on location this year, daily recording her impressions and observations of this international event and posting them in the online Mennonite World Conference Journal.

In addition, the September issue of the MB Herald will feature the MWC in Paraguay, providing coverage of the event and the thousands of believers gathered there as one body for Christ.crackcrack]]> Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=130
The study guide is based on the 2004 ICOMB-prepared and authorized Confession of Faith. Sixteen international leaders contributed to the 130-page document, published in English by Kindred Productions (2008) and edited by Elmer Martens and Peter Klassen.

In Winnipeg, Man., Westwood Community Church pastor Roger Thiessen has taught a class of about 40, ranging from young adults to seniors. Studying a confession elicits some good theological grappling, commented one student. [There was] very good interaction.

Crossroads MB Church (Winnipeg, Man.) pastor Marvin Dyck also says that the study guide generated good class discussion and he recommends allocating two Sundays for each chapter of the book.

Menno Martens, teacher of the adult class in Swift Current, Sask., took three months to teach the complete set of 11 lessons. The class appreciates the stories and the questions are provocative, says Martens.

While the approach is topical, the guide is essentially a Bible study.

We used the study guide as part of our small group Bible study and found it to be a valuable exercise, reported Ontario conference moderator, Frank Wiens of Scott Street MB Church in St. Catharines, Ont.

Knowing and Living Your Faith has appeared or will appear in French, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Lingala, Kikongo, Japanese, Telegu, and possibly Russian. Victor Wall, ICOMB executive secretary, reports that 3,000 copies are in print and available in Spanish throughout Latin America.

A German edition of 500 copies has been printed for use in Paraguay, while a Portuguese translation has been completed and is scheduled for printing. A pre-print version was used at a Brazilian pastors conference in February, and some churches are using it in small groups.

Valdemar Kroker, one of the Portuguese translators, says, As pastors gathered at our camp, studying the materials was of utmost importance and very stimulating.

A French translation prepared in Congo was proofed and revised by Annie Brosseau of Quebec. In addition, Erik Kumidisa of the Congo MB literature department plans to print the study guide in three languages, available later in 2009.

The ICOMB executive encourages all global MB churches to schedule classes (at least 12 weeks; preferably 24) during 2009 as a lead-up to the Mennonite Brethren 150th anniversary celebration in 2010. The intent is for the global MB community to become better anchored in the faith.

Copies of Knowing and Living Your Faith are available through Kindred Productions (www.kindredproductions.com) or call 1-800-545-7322 toll-free to speak to a customer service representative.

- an ICOMB News Releasecrackcrack]]> Thu, 9 Jul 2009 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=127
Regenerate 21-01 director of ministries, Ewald Unruh, says Cams responsibility in leadership development is to facilitate the discovery of Gods call to pastoral or ministry leadership, and to oversee in-ministry learning experiences.

Based in Winnipeg and serving across Canada, Priebe will begin this half-time position September 1. He will also continue working half-time as director for Ministry Quest (MQ), a program of MB Biblical Seminary (MBBS) in Fresno, Cal. which offers training and mentoring to students who want to explore Gods call on their lives. Priebes role at the conference will evolve into a full-time position by January 2010.

Priebe studied at Bethany College and MBBS, and has now been director at Ministry Quest for three years. He has a solid understanding of what it takes to succeed in ministry leadership. Other leadership training opportunities that have been instrumental in his skill development have included Eagles Flight, CoachNet, and ReFocusing leaders, a two-phase revitalization process for local churches.

The need to have leaders that have theological training as well as leadership skills and tools is something which is crucial to the challenges of ministry and something which our denomination has great resources in, says Priebe. I want to be a part of providing bridges and access to opportunities for new leaders as well as being a part of developing and creating new ways of calling out and equipping leaders for ministry.

As Ewald Unruh explains, Beginning a new outreach, takes a leader with vision, passion, and an opportunity. The Canadian conference has been looking for practical ways to partner with MBBS in the vision of Regenerate 21-01. We are really looking forward to having Cam on board.crackcrack]]> Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=126
Over the past two years, Kindred Productions has put a lot of emphasis on the reselling component of their business. However, after careful consideration, it has been decided that this direction is not financially viable.

It became apparent that we needed to scale back on outside publishing, resale, and associated advertising, says Cam Rowland, communications director at the Canadian conference.

The implications of this immediately impacted the manager position. Mario Buscio, former manager of Kindred Productions, officially completed his services on June 5.

Mario was working specifically on improving the financial health of the reselling component of the organization and although he brought much creativity and energy to the task, Kindred Productions has not seen enough results required to continue in this direction, explains Rowland.

So, what does the future look like for Kindred Productions?

Publishing will be more limited, while priority will be placed on resources directly related to the mission and ministries of the Conference that serve the local church. In addition, Kindred Productions will continue selling resources that we have developed, but will limit the resale of books and resources that may be purchased elsewhere.crackcrack]]> Thu, 11 Jun 2009 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=123 Winnipeg, Man. What does a pastor do when they are knowledgeable in scripture, counseling and preaching but lack management skills? Are church leaders today feeling adequately equipped to face increasingly complex ministry challenges?

A few years ago, pastoral leader of SunWest Christian Fellowship in Calgary, Alta., Willy Reimer, was asking himself these very questions. He was also sensing that Gods plan for SunWest was lacking mission clarity at the expense of too much program focus.

The answer to Reimers questions and concerns came through Ministry Advantage, a comprehensive leadership coaching ministry designed for individual church leaders to learn how to minister and lead in ways that release and equip Gods people to do Gods work. Following assessment and coach selection, pastors enter into an over-the-phone coaching relationship focused on core leadership curriculum applied to their specific situation. Each coachee will also receive leadership materials to work through and the opportunity to attend twice a year leadership development workshops. Pastors can join Ministry Advantage any time and can participate in the process for as many months as they desire. Most pastors remain in a coaching relationship for 12-18 months.

Ministry Advantage gave me the tools to manage ministry so people serve where theyre gifted and to know how to lead to fulfill Gods call on our church body, claims Reimer.

While Reimer enthusiastically continues his pastoral role at SunWest, he has also been serving as the appointed Ministry Advantage director for the Canadian Conference of MB Churches on a volunteer basis since May 1st.

I have a great sense of urgency to facilitate leadership development within the local churches in order to free up Gods people to do what they do best to live out the reality of kingdom of God in their communities, says Reimer. When that happens, lives are transformed, people find Jesus, and cities are transformed with the reality of Christ.

According to Ewald Unruh, director of Regenerate 21-01 ministries at the Canadian conference, Ministry Advantage responds to a need for a leadership development culture. The program helps to set the stage for the calling out of new leaders and the development of leadership initiatives aimed to develop character, competencies, and skills through internships and apprenticeships.

The Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches is a community of 250+ diverse Mennonite Brethren (MB) congregations spread across Canada, united by Jesus Christ through our evangelical Anabaptist beliefs and values and by our mission to grow healthy churches, helping them reach their worlds. For more information on Leadership Development initiatives through the Canadian conference, please direct inquiries to regenerate@mbconf.ca or call 1-888-669-6575.
crackcrack]]> Tue, 2 Jun 2009 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=124 Winnipeg, MAN.An enthusiastic group of 56 pastors and leaders from across Canada met
May 13-15 at the cole de Thologie vanglique de Montral (ETEM) in Montreal, QC for the Conferences annual Pastors Credentialing Orientation (PCO). The event is a collaborative effort of the Canadian Conference of MB Churches and the Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary (MBBS), and is designed for pastors new to the Conference as well as a refresher for pastors that have served for many years. The aim is to help pastoral leaders succeed in their mission and ministry.

Its part of our commitment to provide resources/tools which [pastors] can use to go deeper in leading [their] congregations toward greater 'Kingdom character', asserts David Wiebe, executive director of the Canadian conference.

Among the main presenters was Bruce Guenther, associate dean and associate professor at MBBS-ACTS. Guenther provided leaders with an in-depth, historical overview of the denomination and the consequent implications for effective leadership in both the local and international MB community today. Guenther made a point of painting the Mennonite culture family portrait with a wide brush, encouraging leaders to keep in mind that the Kingdom of God is bigger than any one denomination. One attendee expressed how much they appreciate the diversity of the Mennonite Brethren and several others claimed a renewed sense of being part of a larger family.

Tim Geddert, MBBS professor of New Testament studies in Fresno, CA., next challenged leaders perspectives by offering an in the trenches view of what it means to be the Church, stressing that leaders need to see the big picture, as well as up-close, when it comes to the Church and Gods mission in the world. Geddert pointed out the unique first priorities of the 1st century church and discussed their relevance to church leadership in the 21st century.

Ewald Unruh, director of Regenerate 21-01 ministries at the Canadian conference, stepped forward to help cast the vision of the Regenerate 21-01 initiative, describing it as a call for change and renewal in the hearts and lives of people in churches across Canada. Unique to the Regenerate 21-01 renewal movement is the process of discovering how 21st century churches can reflect dynamics of the 1st century church, which inevitably involves building church health, developing a leadership development culture and cultivating a multiplication mindset that results in new outreach initiatives and church plants.

The possibility of more [1st century dynamics] happening is wonderful, said one pastor who had recently returned to Saskatchewan to lead his home church again, after serving at a church in BC for close to twenty years. Its also encouraging to see young leaders who are so passionate, he said, referring specifically to the recent Move In initiatives in Ontario where Christians are intentionally moving into neighborhoods to pray.

BC Conference Minister, Steve Berg and Doug Heidebrecht, director for the Centre of Mennonite Brethren Studies (CMBS), were also among the major presenters at the event. Such vital topics as discipleship and ethics were covered, concluding with a candid presentation and subsequent discussions on pastoral moral integrity in particular, relational boundaries and sexual abuse.

Sometimes we see the church today compromising with sin, observed one Winnipeg pastor. Its good to hear that the MB Conference is taking a stand for holiness and against sexual abuse.

The Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches is a community of 250+ diverse Mennonite Brethren (MB) congregations spread across Canada, united by Jesus Christ through our evangelical Anabaptist beliefs and values and by our mission to grow healthy churches, helping them reach their worlds.

For a closer look at the Pastors Credentialing Orientation highlights in Montreal, please visit www.mbherald.com to read the PCO Journal, created by Dora Dueck, MB Herald interim editor and Kyle Thomas, interactive designer.
crackcrack]]> Tue, 26 May 2009 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=117
The issue of unity emerged from concerns raised by one of the conference churches about the denominations theological direction. After considerable discussion, the board agreed to continue the informal dialogue already begun with the congregations leaders, and then assess the matter further.

Concerning identity, the board had asked executive director David Wiebe at its January meeting to articulate in the strategic plan a clearer sense of who we are (the being alongside the doing of our identity). The board discussed and accepted the addition of virtues or conviction statements as part of the documents mission, vision, and values.

The MB Biblical Seminary has initiated a task force to address what is the face of seminary in Canada. MBBS chair Jack Falk posed a series of questions for the executive board as a straw poll, and received strong affirmation that we value MB-distinctive graduate theological education. The board appointed Herb Suderman to serve as its representative on the task force.

In its governance role, the board received reports from executive conference staff and took several steps to ensure more accountability to the constituency.

The Regenerate 21-01 program initiatives are going well, said David Wiebe. He further presented a first draft of the Key Cities/Communities Initiative (KCI) evaluation. The board appointed two members to review and complete the evaluation. Results will be released at Gathering 2010, to show how learnings from KCI are being applied to Regenerate 21-01.

The board also appointed a measures committee to develop appropriate measuring tools of effectiveness in both qualitative and quantitative aspects for Regenerate 21-01 and other conference programs.

Chief financial officer John Wiebe reported to the board that the overall financial picture is stable, with revenues keeping pace with expenses. Two notable cost overruns were reported. The blending of Christian Press and conference payrolls resulted in a one-time additional tax ruling by the government, he said, and Kindred Productions experienced significant losses in the third quarter. Changes have been implemented to address this shortfall.

It was a good meeting, David Wiebe reported. We could really dig in as a board and the meeting felt balanced. We did planning and governance and grappled with some significant issues.crackcrack]]> Mon, 11 May 2009 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=116 Winnipeg, MAN. The Best Christian Workplaces Institute (BCWI) has announced that the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches (CCMBC) is included in the 2009 list of recognized Best Christian Workplaces. What makes CCMBC unique is that their staff are included in decisions that affect them. A high level of trust between staff and senior leadership also contributes to their success.

In order to be recognized, organizations must complete the Best Christian Workplaces Institute Employee Engagement survey and meet predetermined standards of excellence. The 2009 survey involved 11,869 employees in 124 organizations across North America and covered issues ranging from job satisfaction and management effectiveness, to Christian witnessing, personal development, and pay and benefits.

Consistently, the survey results have revealed that Christian employees appreciate God-glorifying relationships shaped by the fruit of the Spirit. Other factors, such as work being a place of community, are also influential in making employees feel blessed by their work.

CCMBC was no exception; one employee put it this way: when asked what they appreciated most about CCMBC they responded, Coworkers are very welcoming, encouraging, and eager to be helpful.

Among the others listed as 2009 Best Christian Workplaces is Waterloo Mennonite Brethren Church, one of the associate churches of the Canadian conference.

The Best Christian Workplaces Institute has surveyed more than 80,000 employees across North America in the past eight years. BCWI is a research based organizational and human resources consulting firm based on Mercer Island, Washington.

Photo: Staff Retreat in Gimli, Man.
Courtesy of Michelle Pennercrackcrack]]> Fri, 20 Mar 2009 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=114
As part of the conferences Regenerate 21-01 (R21-01) process, the BFL raised and discussed issues such as the role it plays in helping define and shape the MB identity, what defines a healthy leader. R21-01 is a call for transformative change in the hearts and lives of people in MB churches across Canada.

Much of the two-day meeting was dedicated to reviewing the theme of Study Conference 2009, Confessing Jesus in a Pluralistic World. This years conference will focus largely on the unique nature of the exalted, magnified Christ as the sole source of salvation for the world as well as the challenge of confessing Jesus in Canadas increasingly multicultural context. There is a lot to learn about Jesus, says Paul Doerksen, BFL planning committee and board member.

Highlights of this event, taking place October 15-17, 2009 at Forest Grove Community Church (Saskatoon, Sask.), will include workshops on preaching Christ in church, living out his ethics, and proclaiming him in missions. Topics will also explore how different art forms are used as expressions of worship. The event willprovide occasion for a brief annual general meeting of the Canadian conference as well.

During its January meeting, the BFL also affirmed Daniel Beutler, Canadian Conference resource shelf coordinator and church health associate, to work in collaboration with Kindred Productions and conference website managers to create a Wikipedia-style format for church leaders to make revisions of the manual, Following the Call. Last revised in 1995, this BFL-approved church manual provides guidelines for pastors, church boards, and other leaders.

Further, the board has now given the official go-ahead to worldwide MB conferences to translate the well-known Pamphlet Series into local languages. Once translated, the pamphlets will be posted on the Canadian Conference website (www.mbconf.ca).

The Board of Faith and Life is a ministry of the Canadian Conference that meets three times a year to discuss issues relating to faith, ethics, doctrine, theology, and living the Christian life. This ministry continues to provide spiritual guidance to the conference, local MB churches, church leaders, staff, and members.

For more information, please visit www.mbconf.ca/home/ministries/theology/ or call, toll-free, 1.888.669.6575.crackcrack]]> Wed, 11 Feb 2009 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=115
The executive board also took time to highlight and rejoice in several of the conferences recent major achievements. Reports included the emerging success of Eagles Flight training programs, which are workshops being offered to church boards to improve clarity, listening, and decision-making processes, led by conference-certified stewardship representatives.

Revisions to the strategic plan, which includes a three-year financial plan to fund Regenerate 21-01 (R21-01), were also presented at the board meeting. The Regenerate 21-01 reserve allocation, approved by delegates at Gathering 2008, will remain at $ 1.6 million over a five-year period. The executive board hopes to approve the revised strategic plan at its next meeting in April.

Discussions at the meeting also revolved around Horizon Quebec and ReFocusing. Stphane Rhaume, Church Health associate in Quebec, is currently dedicating 75% of his work time to French-based ReFocusing initiatives in addition to his other ministry duties with administrative team leader Gilles Dextrase and church-planting director Patrice Nagant. A team of four leaders are now positioned across Canada to facilitate ReFocusing under the leadership of Dave Jackson.

Ewald Unruh (R21-01 director of ministries) reported to the board on ReFocusing. An item of concern is that churches ask for ReFocusing when they are in troublesuch as conflict or deteriorating membership, he said. Wed like them to engage [the process] before that point.

The board is now developing a measurement plan to assess advancement toward this vision. New tools and resources will provide an opportunity for feedback from churches engaged in ReFocusing while serving as an important component of reporting and accountability for the conference at large.

Finally, the meeting included a review of collaboration arrangements between the Canadian Conference and each of the provincial conferences, during which several provincial leaders recommended further revisions to the current agreements, a task that Wiebe will be taking on.crackcrack]]> Wed, 11 Feb 2009 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=113
Regenerate 21-01 is the new ministry focus of the Canadian Conference that aims to see 21st-century churches reflect first-century dynamics.The goal of Gord Flemings appointment is to see more of Canada reached, to work together as a team, and to help us all succeed in being faithful to Gods call, says Ewald Unruh, director of ministries for Regenerate 21-01.

For the past two years, Fleming has been leading a fruitful ministry of church planting in B.C. as the provincial conferences full-time director of church planting. During his relatively short tenure, he has also made several valuable and long-lasting contributions among other denominations.

The B.C. executive board approved the decision to allow Fleming to give 10% of his time to this role as extension team leader. Im extremely grateful for the B.C. conferences support of Regenerate 21-01 and commitment to church planting across Canada, says Unruh.

Reaching Out is one of the Canadian Conferences six ministry services. Its goal is to help churches and ministries develop and implement evangelical strategies, to facilitate church-planting efforts, and to provide coaching, networking, and resource opportunities for provincial extension directors.

For more information, please visit www.mbconf.ca/reachingout or call, toll-free, 1.888.669.6575.crackcrack]]> Mon, 2 Feb 2009 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=110
The MB movement has struggled to integrate Anabaptist, Pietist, and Baptist influences into a distinctive identity within the larger Mennonite church body since its beginnings in the Ukraine in 1860, says Ken Reddig, MBHC executive secretary. Since then, emigration and mission efforts have moved the church to North and South America and expanded ethnic boundaries. Today, amidst the push and pull of religious movements and within diverse regional and cultural contexts, MBs continue to wrestle with their identity.

In their papers, interested writers may address the theme from theological, sociological, or historical angles, tackling the issue of what the MB movement is and is not. The question is, says Reddig, who have we [the Mennonite Brethren] been throughout the past 150 years?

Papers selected for presentation at the symposium will be published in a collection. The deadline for submissions is May 15, 2009. Please send submissions to:

ATTN: Abe Dueck/Ken Reddig
Mennonite Brethren Historical Commission
1310 Taylor Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3M 3Z6
crackcrack]]> Fri, 23 Jan 2009 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=109
Dwayne Barkman has been working as the new half-time Church Health associate for the Saskatchewan conference since November 2008 under the direction of Dave Jackson (Church Health). Barkman also works part time as director of Harvest Saskatchewan, the joint provincial-national church Key Cities/Communities Initiative launched in 2006. His main role involves facilitating church revitalization processes for leaders and churches and helping churches make a difference in their communities for Christ.

Previously, Barkman went on a three-month sabbatical after serving as lead pastor at West Portal Church in Saskatoon for 19 years. During his tenure there, the church experienced steady growth and the planting of two daughter churches. As Barkman begins his new direction in ministry, he and his wife, Irma, will continue to reside in Saskatoon.

Stphane Rhaume will begin a two-year term as Qubecs new Church Health associate on January 1, 2009 at three-quarter time. Rhaume will be working with Horizon Qubec staff to facilitate church revitalization initiatives in Montral and surrounding areas. Throughout his term with Church Health/Horizon Qubec, Rhaume will continue to provide leadership to lglise chrtienne vanglique de Saint-Eustache where he has served as pastor for the past 11 years. He and his wife, Annie, will be living in Saint-Eustache, a suburb just north of Montral.

Churches and leaders will benefit greatly from both the experiences of, and contributions made by, these men, says Ewald Unruh, R21-01s director of ministries. Their hearts for both personal and corporate regeneration will result in transformed lives and communities.crackcrack]]> Wed, 31 Dec 2008 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=107
Accountability is important, says David Wiebe, executive director for the conference. All executive staff members were there to make presentations. Included were reports from R21-01 director (Ewald Unruh), communications director (Cam Rowland) and CEO (John Wiebe). Dave Jackson (Healthy Churches) also led the board through a portion of ReFocusing, a two-phase revitalization process available to churches and leaders.

David Wiebe also addressed the critical success factors, including the maintenance of positive relationships between national and provincial structures, as part of the strategic plan for the conferences overall operations. During the meeting, each province reported on the state of its relationships.

Weve been clarifying specifics with provincial staff this fall concerning implementation points in each province as we start Regenerate 21-01, says Wiebe.

The conference will hire new staff to carry out the growing programs under the R21-01 umbrella. Top priority positions to be filled are coordinators for both Leadership Development and Donor Development.

Communication with pastors is another top priority, says Wiebe, since many have not had personal presentations like the Gathering 2008 delegates. Clustered meetings for information-sharing and feedback will take place in 2009 with participating pastors. Staff are also working toward integrating leadership development programs with MB Biblical Seminary.

The board approved forward progress in implementing the next stages of R21-01 and asked for a revised draft of the strategic plan for its January 2009 meeting.

a Canadian Conference news release crackcrack]]> Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=103
Dueck served as associate editor for the Herald from June 2003 to July 2007, after which she decided to pursue freelance writing and editing. In addition to having many published works, Dueck recently co-edited, along with Byron Rempel-Burkholder, Northern Lights: An Anthology of Contemporary Christian Writing in Canada.

Dueck and her husband, Helmut, have three adult children and attend Jubilee Mennonite Church in Winnipeg. The conference is pleased to welcome Dueck back and looks forward to the expertise and creativity she will bring to the Herald in Kalmars absence.

a Canadian Conference news release crackcrack]]> Wed, 12 Nov 2008 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=101
The main focus of these meetings was preparing the vision and values for the next Study Conference and hearing about whats happening in churches across Canada from the provincial conference ministers, says Lorraine Dick, new chairperson for the BFL. An environmental scan of the conference revealed that although each province is facing its own set of struggles, leaders are finding new ways to enable more reaching out and reproduction in churches. The board also reviewed pastoral concerns from KCI (Key Cities Initiative), talked more about Regenerate 21-01, and discussed plans to create theologically based statements for healthy churches and leaders within the new year.

We continue to look forward in what were working at while responding to issues of the past, says Dick.

Study Conference 2009 will be held in Saskatoon, Sask., October 15-17, 2009. The official topic has yet to be determined, but, as Dick shared, it will follow the broader theme of Christology. A smaller group of board members will meet in November to narrow down the specific topic. Interested attendees can anticipate a blended study, both academic and practical, says David Wiebe, executive director of the Canadian Conference.

The process for writing BFL pamphlets will continue to be reviewed in 2009. The series already covers more than 20 topics ranging from the basic beliefs of Anabaptism to Christian marriage in the world. One additional topic under discussion for publication is abortion. A non-pamphlet document, Guidelines for the Restoration of Pastors Addicted to Pornography, is scheduled for release soon.

BFL, a ministry of the Canadian Conference, meets three times a year to discuss issues relating to faith, ethics, doctrine, theology, and living the Christian life and provides spiritual guidance to the Canadian Conference, local MB churches, and church leaders, staff, and members. For more information, please visit the links below.a Canadian Conference news release

Theology
Study Conference Information
Contact BFLcrackcrack]]> Mon, 20 Oct 2008 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=99
Winnipeg, MB.The Canadian Conference is seeking a new director/facilitator to work in the area of Leadership Development in conjunction with Regenerate 21-01, the conference's new process of corporate regeneration to see 21st-century churches reflect first-century dynamics.

The director/facilitator, in addition to collaborating with the vision of Regenerate 21-01, will take over duties from John Neufeld, who vacated his position as head of the conference's Leadership Development department at the end of August. Neufeld returns to pastoral ministry as lead pastor of The Meeting Place (Winnipeg, Man.) beginning early September.

The conference invites your prayers as we undertake our search for the right person to fit this role. This position is open and effective immediately. The deadline for applications is September 22.

Read more about the available position here. For more information about the Leadership Development vision with Regenerate 21-01, click here to read the Living Leadership brochure.

a Canadian Conference news releaseNormal0falsefalsefalseMicrosoftInternetExplorer4/* Style Definitions */table.MsoNormalTable{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;mso-style-noshow:yes;mso-style-parent:"";mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;mso-para-margin:0in;mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:widow-orphan;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:#0400;mso-fareast-language:#0400;mso-bidi-language:#0400;} crackcrack]]> Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=98
A new initiative that proposes to help 21st-century churches reflect first-century dynamics was the focus of Gathering 2008, the 89th convention of the Canadian Conference of MB Churches, held in Montreal July 10-12. The initiative, Regenerate 21-01, was presented and approved during the weekend.

Regenerate 21-01 is a process for change and renewal, with a concentration on reenergizing the Canadian Conferences core ministries of Church Health, Leadership Development, and Reaching Out, reproducing disciples, leaders, and churches.

We anticipate a much greater focus on churches becoming healthier, more leaders being identified, trained, and released within our local churches, and churches becoming more faithful and intentional in reaching out, says Ewald Unruh, who will direct the Regenerate 21-01 initiative for the conference. Our prayer is for personal and corporate regeneration, resulting in transformed lives and communities.

Unruh and conference Executive Director David Wiebe presented a comprehensive overview of the Regenerate 21-01 process at Gathering. Patrice Nagant, director of Church Planting for the Quebec MB Conference, presented the Horizon Quebec project, which is part of Regenerate 21-01.

After the presentations, delegates were given the opportunity to comment and express concerns on response cards, which will be reviewed and processed. This was followed by a vigorous and productive discussion on Regenerate 21-01, including ideas for its implementation as well as financial implications. Delegates then voted, with an overwhelming majority, to move forward with the process of Regenerate 21-01.

The Canadian Conference will now embark on an implementation plan. Churches will be called to pray for discernment and direction, says Unruh. There will be continued dialogue with provincial leaders regarding appropriate application of the process in their respective provinces. And as need arises, staff will also be appointed.

For more information about Regenerate 21-01, please contact the Canadian Conference of MB Churches at 1-888-669-6575. For a general overview of Gathering 2008, please read our official news release.

a Canadian Conference news releasecrackcrack]]> Tue, 22 Jul 2008 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=96 New logo reflects conference core values and growth

Winnipeg, MB, July 22, 2008The Canadian Conference of MB Churches has recently adopted a new logo, as you will notice on the top left-hand corner of the new websites home page (www.mbconf.ca). We created the logo to go alongside the launch of our new website and to reflect the conferences core values and the fact that we are a growing and changing organization.

Director of Communications Cam Rowland says that by arranging the four abstract shapes in this way, a cross is created in the negative space, which not only is a unique, instantly recognizable shape, but also conveys a key value of the conference. The logo includes the visual element of leaves, as well as the colours blue and green, all of which mirror growth and life.

We will be rolling out the new logo gradually over the next several months to introduce it to the Canadian Mennonite Brethren community and allow the conference at large, as well as local churches, to familiarize themselves with it.

For more information about the new logo, please contact communications@mbconf.ca.

a Canadian Conference news release
crackcrack]]> Tue, 22 Jul 2008 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=95
Winnipeg, MB, July 22, 2008The Canadian Conference of MB Churches is excited to announce the launch of our brand-new website, effective May 1, 2008. Using the same URL (www.mbconf.ca), the new conference site replaces the former.

We wanted to refresh the look of the website, says Cam Rowland, Director of Communications. We are a changing and growing organization, and this, in part, reflects that.

The new site is content management-driven, allowing users to easily and instantly post information and upload multimedia. For example, churches will soon be able to upload congregation-specific content, including general information, events, pictures, videos, podcasts, and customizable links, to their own home page.

The new features will allow for a stronger relationship and link to each of the provincial conferences, says Rowland. The site also offers opportunities to more effectively tell the stories of how God is at work in people and churches across Canada.

Feel free to peruse the new site and its user-friendly features. For questions or more information, please contact communications@mbconf.ca.a Canadian Conference news releasecrackcrack]]> Tue, 22 Jul 2008 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=97
Around 350 Mennonite Brethren convened in the multicultural city of Montreal, Quebec July 10-12 for the Canadian Conference of MB Churches 89th biennial convention, Gathering 2008. Delegates, exhibitors, and guests came together to focus on how the conference can come alongside MB churches across Canada to help fulfill their vision for mission.

The theme for the weekend, Living Gods Call Together, manifested itself in a variety of ways, says Canadian Conference Executive Director David Wiebe. Wiebe presented an overview of how God is at work in Canadian MB churches and conference ministries to illustrate the theme. Keynote speaker Bruxy Cavey, teaching pastor at The Meeting House family of churches in Toronto, spoke on the picture of the early church and how todays churches might live out Gods call. Patrice Nagant (church planter and director for Quebec MB Conference Church Planting) spoke on unity, focusing on Jesus prayer from John 17 in which he asked God to unify his church.

Jesus prayed for those who would come after the disciples he knew, says Wiebe. This calls us to live out Gods call together in a spiritual unity that can only come from God and our diligence in preserving the unity of our body.

Some other highlights from the convention included Dan Loewens bilingual worship leadership and the short film festival, which told the stories of nine churches engaging their communities. Experience Montreal allowed Gathering participants to see first-hand the challenge for witness in this spiritually hungry area through tours of the city. Another highlight was communion on top of Mount Royal, where Experience Montreal ended with a cheer for God in the public space, says Wiebe.

Wiebe also mentioned the spirit of the delegates as a highlight. We were very glad to be together and enjoy one anothers company in Quebec.

A significant part of the convention revolved around Regenerate 21-01, the conferences new initiative to see 21st-century churches reflect first-century dynamics, which was presented and officially approved at Gathering.

Regenerate 21-01 will be developed as a process for change and renewal for us as a conference, says Wiebe. We want to collaborate closely with our provincial leaders so that we can move forward together well, cultivating a nurturing environment for churches and fostering reproduction activity as God leads.

The conference will now be focusing on Regenerate and its implementation throughout Canadas MB churches. Please read the Regenerate news release for more information about Regenerate 21-01.

a Canadian Conference news release
crackcrack]]> Tue, 22 Jul 2008 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=94
Dear Pastor,

Do you believe that we live in a time of mission in Canada? The evidence tells us we do. Almost five million Canadians reported having no religion in the 2001 census. In the same census, 43% (13 million) reported not attending religious services during the previous 12 months.

Given this challenge, how can we, as Canadian Mennonite Brethren function more like a mission?

Imagine if all 250 of our M.B. congregations were crystal clear on their God-directed mission. Imagine 100 M.B. churches reproducing in some form within the next five to 10 years. Imagine having a cast of leaders ready to pastor our existing churches or branch out in planting.

Re:Generate 21-01 is a process for change and renewal. Our prayer is for personal and corporate regeneration so that 21st-century churches reflect first-century dynamics. It is about energizing anew three areas to which were already committed:

CHURCH HEALTH. We will help congregations become healthier in order to identify mission clarity and embrace their missionary potential. Well make available the conferences proven ReFocusing process to every church and work to provide relevant resources for ministry as needs arise.

DEVELOPING LEADERS. Through two new approaches, we will invest in helping current pastors reach their next level of ministry and individuals discern their potential calling to pastoral leadership. Internships, apprenticeships, and residencies will characterize a strong community process. We want to come alongside local congregations, helping them gain capacity to discern and develop these leaders.

REACHING OUT. We will challenge and assist our congregations to cultivate an active reproduction mindset. One approach will entail facilitating church-reproduction pastor networks for mutual encouragement. A second will focus on providing apprenticeship experience for emerging church planters.

Re:Generate 21-01 is also about building a robust collaboration between national and provincial conference bodies. We are unified around the above three areas of commitment and will work together to resource more precisely according to the needs of each region of our fellowship across Canada.

Through Re:Generate 21-01, we want to see:
an increase in the number of leaders entering pastoral ministry and church planting, more students attending MB Biblical Seminary, and more cross-cultural missionaries;
more Canadians becoming Christ followers, baptized into his name and into the church;
healthier, discipleship- and mission-focused churches ready to meet 21st-century challenges; and
a more holistic, unified approach to conference resourcing of congregations.

We will unwrap more details of Re:Generate 21-01 at Gathering 2008. In the meantime, if you want more information, please contact me at 1-888-669-6575, ext. 771 or dwiebe@mbconf.ca.

Sincerely,


David Wiebe
Executive Director
Canadian Conference of MB Churchescrackcrack]]> Tue, 24 Jun 2008 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=93
Winnipeg, MB, May 2, 2008The Canadian Conference of MB Churches is excited to announce the launch of our brand-new website, effective May 1, 2008. Using the same URL (www.mbconf.ca), the new conference site replaces the former.

We wanted to refresh the look of the website, says Cam Rowland, Director of Communications. We are a changing and growing organization, and this, in part, reflects that.

The new site is content management-driven, allowing users to easily and instantly post information and upload multimedia. For example, churches will soon be able to upload congregation-specific content, including general information, events, pictures, videos, podcasts, and customizable links, to their own home page.

The new features will allow for a stronger relationship and link to each of the provincial conferences, says Rowland. The site also offers opportunities to more effectively tell the stories of how God is at work in people and churches across Canada.

Feel free to peruse the new site and its user-friendly features. For questions or more information, please contact communications@mbconf.ca.a Canadian Conference news release
crackcrack]]> Thu, 1 May 2008 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=87 MBs meet at West Portal Church to affirm long-term vision
On a prairie sky far in the distance, the sober rumblings of change can be seen but not yet heard, inciting careful preparation for action.

Saskatchewan is the world leader in uranium, potash, and a growing producer of diamonds. Small towns are booming throughout the province. Stories of Catholic, United, and Evangelical churches partnering together are less rare, as congregations brace for survival in a secular age.

The provincial MB conference turned a corner March 14 and 15 at their 62nd annual convention, when they voted in a new board that will overhaul church planting strategy. The Harvest Saskatchewan team hopes their study of the missional church DNA will encourage churches to support one another to accomplish their goals, rather than act independently. The new board is a transition from the conference-led Key Cities Initiative.

Strategy clear, but open ended

Last year Dwayne Barkman, the steady voice behind the initiative and pastor of West Portal Church, spurred a mission mindset among members and led the work of strategic long-term thinking. Birthed from the need to give leaders theological training five years ago, Barkmans vision for Harvest morphed towards making missional disciples, raising missional leaders, and shaping missional churches at armslength. Already six churches have been given $7,000 to expand their influence in the community, and theres another $80,000 budgeted for the coming year.

We dont want to see ourselves as a cookie cutter board, said Barkman. We want to say what is Gods Spirit saying to you?

The strategy includes inter-church prayer trips and learning visits to best practice locations in order to equip and inspire. Small groups of people who struggle with similar questions but who are from different churches are encouraged to meet in pods to brainstorm questions, like, What is a house church?

Youre ahead of the curve about whats going to be presented at the national conference in Montreal, said Ewald Unruh, Canadian conference staff member whose role includes fostering church plants. Were rekindling something about the early church and going back to Anabaptist roots. Each member was a missionary in 1525.

A spirit of outward-looking partnership is already evident in various communities. Beechy reports a 10-week partnership with Anglican, United, and Catholic church to watch the DVD Living Water, popular with young people, and powerful in breaking down old prejudices. A Wynyard Evangelical Mennonite Missions Conference (EMMC) church, where 10 denominations are represented out of a group of 30 people, recently took on MB leadership.

Stories of reinvigorated mission were given Gerald Epp of Blaine Lake, who has served a monumental 24 years in one location, reports a successful dinner club and cookbook publication, along with a building expansion for the youth group. Cross-denominational openness has increased, he said.

Also, involvement in Love Saskatoon day took a twist when five churches approached the Saskatoon mayor and asked What would you do if we brought you 1,000 people to help you?


Uncertain future

Barkman, who served in pastoral ministry for 19 years, announced his positive resignation a week prior to the conference. He will continue at West Portal until July, after which he has no definite commitments.

There may be some concern that leadership is saying We really dont know where were going, but we do know that were on the right highway, said moderator Ron Dyck. He assured they were listening very hard for decisions about timing and resources.

Another concern was raised by Rob Kroeker, from Waldheim. Weve been here for 100 years where are our First Nations churches? A grassroots approach, he said, is good for reaching those in our milieu, but how can the church reach boom towns and the migrant worker context without old-style top-down conference initiatives?

Raise disciples

The challenge today is to not just go out and plant churches. We need to build the church on discipleship, said Barkman, who says the missional attitude is not a move away from conventional church, but an awakening of its original vision.

Keynote speaker Trever Godard focused on discipleship the opening Friday. His own experience discipling a motley crew of young Colombian men shaped his ministry. How can we be sure where God is working and distinguish between those who are willing to pay the price, and those who arent? He noted that true faith is seldom found in crowds, promises of commitment, or people who are unwilling to be interrupted in their work. To gain disciples, there should be no other way to explain our lives than the supernatural, said Godard.

On Saturday, conference minister Ralph Gliege had members light their own flames from candles set up in various regions throughout the sanctuary, representing the churches.

With just the church candles lit, the sanctuary is still dark, but when each member lights their candle, the room is full of light.AS

Other news:
Clarence Peters of Waldheim MB resigns after 17 years of ministry. Provincial BFL board member Menno Martens presented a book on the history of the Saskatchewan MB church, once the largest conference in Canada. Rooting the Faith: A Saskatchewan Mennonite Brethren Story of Losses and Gains, was written by Harold and Neoma Jantz. Doug Heidebrecht, instructor of biblical and theological studies at Bethany College, resigned and was named director of the Centre for MB Studies in Winnipeg. He and his wifes strong presence will be missed by many. Bethany reports a small surplus due to generous donors. MCC Saskatchewan director Bruno Baerg announced his resignation. He was key in facilitating discussion between the many-coloured organization, and evangelical churches. Dwayne Barhmancrackcrack]]> Tue, 1 Apr 2008 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=91 Abbotsford, BC, April 28, 2008The sanctuary floor at Central Heights MB Church in Abbotsford collapsed during a sold-out Starfield concert April 25, injuring more than 40 out of 1,200 concertgoers, reports CBC News and CTV News.

A group of teenagers was jumping and dancing by the front of the stage during the concert. Just after 9:00 p.m., a portion of the floor near the stage collapsed into the basement, bringing with it more than 40 people, many of whom were injured. The lighting system above the stage also fell, as did the speakers.

Most of the injured concertgoers were taken to nearby hospitals in Abbotsford, Mission, Chilliwack, Langley, and Vancouver, according to CBC News; all but threeone of whom was deemed in critical conditionwere later released that night.

It was a miracle no one was killed, said Central Heights pastor, Chris Douglas.

Central Heights held their April 27 service at Columbia Bible College, who will host the churchs services for at least this upcoming weekend.

A very strong spirit of hope and trust in Gods sovereignty was evident, says Canadian Conference Executive Director David Wiebe, who attended the service.

Douglas encouraged his congregation to affirm that Gods purposes would become known and to pray for those who had been hurt, says Wiebe. Douglas also thanked local police and emergency-response teams and showed pictures of the damage. CTV reports that local engineers will be performing an assessment of the structure of the church, built in the 1980s.

Central Heights was slated to host the B.C. MB convention May 2-3; North Langley Community Church has now stepped up to fill in as convention host.

As a signal of solidarity and support, the Canadian Conference requests our family of MB churches to pray for Central Heights as a congregation and for its leaders, as well as for those who were injured.

a Canadian Conference news releasecrackcrack]]> Tue, 1 Apr 2008 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=68 Doug Heidebrecht has been appointed as the new director for the Centre for MB Studies, a ministry of the Canadian Conference of MB Churches. Heidebrecht will be replacing Ken Reddig, who earlier this year announced his retirement, effective June 2008.

The Centre serves the Canadian Conference through preserving historical records and telling the past and present discipleship stories of the Mennonite Brethren, and will become more intentional in engaging dialogue around the issues facing the Church today.

Heidebrecht is no stranger to the conference. He has served on the faculty of Bethany College in Hepburn, Sask. for the past 15 years, teaching Old and New Testament studies; worked with the Board of Faith and Life recently on the topic of Women in Ministry Leadership; and served as a communications board chair and member for eight years.

Heidebrecht is passionate about engaging people in theological and historical conversations at a practical level, says Cam Rowland, director of communications. His gift of teaching people and helping them think critically about what they believe will be an asset to the Centre and conference.

Together with his wife, Sherry, with whom he has two adult children, Heidebrecht will be moving from Saskatchewan to Winnipeg this summer. His official start date is yet to be determined.

Doug Heidebrecht
a Canadian Conference news releasecrackcrack]]> Tue, 1 Apr 2008 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=64 Annual convention of Alberta MB churches meets in Edmonton
Alberta churches voted unanimously for an ad hoc committee to lead the conference into the future, after nomination ballots for vacant board positions were virtually empty. The 2008 Alberta MB convention, held at Lendrum MB Church Mar. 14-15, was titled The Way Forward an apt moniker given the provinces ongoing ministries but exhausted governance structures.

Without a new moderator, assistant moderator, or treasurer, the conference executive was unable to continue, although they had accomplished much in the past year, including hosting the provinces first leadership development day and establishing a new provincial conference website.

We feel God is leading us to something new New vision calls for new structures, said provincial moderator Gary Giesbrecht to 64 convention delegates. Currently the lack of nominations may be a sign that God is asking us to move more rapidly. While this is risky, its also an exciting step of faith.

Current executive members will appoint the ad hoc committee, called the Implementation Team, sometime in the coming months.

I want you to know how Im feeling, said provincial conference minister Merv Boschman. Im scared. But I believe its the way forward for us. This cant happen in two months.

The teams mandate will be to implement the findings (affirmed by delegates) of the provinces recent ReFocusing process, which was conducted with the help of Dave Jackson, Canadian conference coach for church health. The ReFocusing process allowed leaders to look back over the history of the conference, discern the current state of Alberta churches, and establish vision for the future.

Delegates expressed their support for this new direction. We need to be increasingly missional. There are good stories from our past, but we need to change, said Willy Reimer of SunWest Christian Fellowship, Calgary.

The Implemention Team will sort out the provinces new structure and governance, and then bring their recommendations to next years convention for ratification. In the meantime, they will stay in contact with churches to invite feedback and involvement.

Good news
The convention began Friday night on a high note. Despite a predicted $80,000 shortfall, churches responded to a financial plea made earlier in the year by the executive and helped the conference present a balanced 20072008 budget. Next years budget will look much the same at $248,550.

Several delegates shared personal testimonies, including Nelson Presley who told the story of how he and his wife welcomed three children into their family through open adoption. Due to the illness of one of their sons, the couple had an opportunity to build a relationship with the boys biological grandparents and share the gospel with them. God has his own way of creating missions for you, said Presley.

Camp challenges
On Saturday, Jake Doerksen, chair of the camping ministries commission gave an update on Camp Evergreen, prompting a flurry of discussion. Camp director Rick Arkell completed his ministry at the end of January, leaving the camp without a director for the coming season. Evergreen also faces several other challenges, including governance, finances, finding people to serve on the camp commission, and overall goal setting.

Were good at making plans about where we want to go, were not necessarily good at following through on it, said commission representative Kerry Precht.

Maybe its time for the camp to take a sabbatical. This is an important ministry. Lets invest in it, said Merlin Enns of River West Christian Church, Edmonton. Other delegates agreed. Is it time to put Camp Evergreen in the garage for a complete overhaul? asked Al Quiring.

The commission would have no pleasure in sinking a sailing ship, said Jake Doerksen. He asked, however, for input about future direction from constituents.

Camping commission members left delegates with the poignant reminder that more than 100 young people (many from unchurched homes) met Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour last summer at Evergreen. It would be difficult to imagine the Alberta conference without our camping ministry, said commission representative Bob Thiessen.

Other business
Camp Evergreen completed construction on its Welcome Centre in May 2007, and is now trying to raise $56,000 for a new ropes challenge course.
The Alberta conference launched its website in early 2008. See www.abmb.ca for more information.
The church extension commission reported on the status of Vision 2012.24 the goal of seeing 24 new ministry initiatives in Alberta by the year 2012. We have a challenge, said Elroy Senneker. To pray thats the hard work to imagine, to dream, and to uphold the vision of the past two years. The commission is celebrating the health of several ethnic ministries (including Bethel Eritrean Evangelical Church, Edmonton; Ethiopian Evangelical Church, Calgary; House for All Nations, Calgary; and Sudanese MB Fellowship, Calgary), but is still looking to raise funds to hire a New Initiatives Coach.LK

Personal and denominational life and ministry are not hundred yard dashes. - Merv Boschmancrackcrack]]> Tue, 1 Apr 2008 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=90
Dont forget to keep the following costs in mind while preparing your 2008 church budget for this transformational event:
Registration will be $250 per person. This includes breakfast and morning breaks on Friday and Saturday, as well as lunch on Friday plus Experience Montreal tours. Accommodations in the hotel will be $99 plus taxes per night (double or single occupancy).
REMEMBER! each church may send one delegate for every 25 members, plus one pastor.

Dont miss Gathering 2008!

For more information please call 1-888-669-6575 or visit the Gathering 2008 event page.crackcrack]]> Tue, 1 Apr 2008 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=69
Upon reflection on the study conference, hosted in Abbotsford October 1113, 2007, the BFL reviewed a proposal that a new network be developed to engage culture-related issues. The board also proposed online exchanges and a number of events.

David Wiebe, Canadian Conference executive director, says the BFL hopes this network will open up dialogue in our conference that will function as a centre for greater knowledge and capacity to adjust to the demands of our culture in terms of sharing the gospel and functioning as a church.

The BFL also planned a pre-convention event for July 910 right before Gathering 2008. This event will aim to continue the conversation about culture, gospel, and church with Study Conference 2007 plenary speaker Bruce Guenther and Gathering 2008 guest speaker Bruxy Cavey.crackcrack]]> Mon, 10 Mar 2008 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=70 The executive board of the Canadian Conference of MB Churches, together with national and provincial executive staff, met at the first-ever National Provincial Summit January 26, 2008 to discuss new initiatives and improve communication between the conferences national and provincial bodies.

This precedent-setting event, says Canadian Conference Executive Director David Wiebe, brought together key individuals who set policy for conference programming and those who implement programs at both the national and provincial levels.

Summit attendees processed Re:Generate 2101, a proposed initiative that, in part, will make ReFocusing a revitalization process for church health available to all MB churches and leaders Canada-wide. National and provincial staff also discussed a plan to develop resources in leadership development, addressing the growing need for pastors and church planters.

We want to see the MB family in Canada continue to meet the spiritual needs of our nation, says Wiebe. Transformed lives and communities is our hope.

Summit delegates from Quebec presented Horizon Quebec, an outgrowth project of Key Cities Initiative in Montreal (20022007) that would see the Canadian Conference partner with Quebecs provincial conference to help raise leaders, churches, and funds. Further, in its regular meeting, the executive board accepted revised policies for the conferences Stewardship Ministries and voted to establish a new finance committee; Jack Falk was named committee chair.

Re:Generate 2101 and Horizon Quebec, along with the new Memoranda of Understanding between the US and Canadian Conferences and new bylaws for MBMS International, will be presented at this years Gathering (July 1012, 2008, Montreal), the conferences biennial convention, for delegates to process.

The executive board plans to hold regular national provincial summits to build stronger lines of understanding between the national and provincial bodies as we develop vision and strategy for serving our churches together, says Wiebe.


Patrice Nagant presenting Horizon Quebeccrackcrack]]> Mon, 10 Mar 2008 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=73
Reddig has previously worked for Mennonite Central Committee Canada as major gifts and planned giving coordinator, the Provincial Archives of Manitoba, and the Manitoba Heritage Centre, and has also served as chair of the Mennonite Historical Society of Canada.

The Centre for MB Studies holds collections of and preserves historical records for the MB Conference and also serves students, congregations, institutions, and other individuals and groups in research, writings, and commemorations.

Reddig served his position and ministry well. The Conference wishes him all the best in retirement as it seeks to find a worthy replacement.crackcrack]]> Thu, 10 Jan 2008 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=71 Tue, 1 Jan 2008 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=74
This call to action demands a response from MB pastors. Although church attendance numbers vary and each ministry faces its own unique challenges, one thing is constant: God is moving in amazing ways through MB ministries. Like the saints who cheer us on from heaven, we can encourage one another by sharing testimonies that provide evidence of what God has done, and how he is capable of exceedingly more than we could ever imagine.

Top to bottom: Chris Stevens, Fred Leonard, Sonny Mandagie and Ewald Unruh.crackcrack]]> Mon, 26 Nov 2007 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=75

David Wiebe and Frank Wiens, the Ontario assistant moderatora Canadian Conference of MB Churches news releasecrackcrack]]> Mon, 26 Nov 2007 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=77 Eighteen young Mennonite Brethren leaders from across Canada got the chance to meet each other and meet Canadian Conference leaders at the recent Canadian MB study conference, held at Abbotsford, BC, October 1113.

The young group, aged 1828, included students, pastoral staff, and interns, some from as far as Atlantic Canada. Every conference region was represented.

The delegates met in special forums, both before and after the study conference, to reflect on the event itself and on the study theme, Culture, Gospel and Church.

For most of the young people, the meetings were their first conference experience, said John Neufeld, coach for leadership development. For that reason, he said, emphasis was placed on connecting the young leaders with each other and with conference leadership.

The young leaders reported that they valued the pre- and post-conference forums and the chance to debrief.





crackcrack]]> Thu, 15 Nov 2007 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=80 The head of the Canadian Mennonite Brethren executive board is looking forward to unlocking the potential in Canadas MB churches and their governing structures. Moderator Jascha Boge made the remark following the October 14 meeting of the executive board in Abbotsford, BC.

The executive board, restructured in 2004, has now done most of its reorientation work, said Boge, and is looking to the future. Board members focused on strategy and vision, progressing into detailed planning for the denominations convention, Gathering, in Montreal, July 2008.

Two members of the board will meet on November 17 with provincial conferences leaders. We want to be all united and working together on the same page, said Boge. We are now largely done with the nuts and bolts of our governance. Now, we can get on with the Lords work.

Chief financial officer John Wiebe has been added to the executive board so that members can draw on better financial feedback for strategic planning, said Boge.crackcrack]]> Thu, 15 Nov 2007 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=79 A major study conference, Culture, Gospel and Church brought 209 Mennonite Brethren leaders to Abbotsford, BC, on October 1113. The annual general meeting of the conference, in a new, briefer format, was held in conjunction with the study event.

In the church, we face an ongoing challenge to relate appropriately within our cultural context, said David Wiebe, executive director of the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches. Its important to understand how our culture is constantly changing around us, he said. Its important to share the gospel and to live out its values in a relevant way.

Main speakers were Dr. George Hunsberger from the Gospel and Our Culture Network, and Dr. Bruce Guenther, history professor for the Mennonite Brethren at ACTS, in Langley, BC. They argued that how Christians live determines what others see of Christ in the contemporary setting.

People from every Canadian conference region attended the meeting. Their comments are now being tabulated for future discussions.crackcrack]]> Thu, 15 Nov 2007 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=78 For the first time since 2000, the governing bodies of Canadian and US Mennonite Brethren churches met together in October. In 2000, North American Mennonite Brethren divested themselves of a bi-national structure, but retained joint ownership and funding of several agencies. On October 13, in Abbotsford, BC, conference officers from both sides of the border heard reports from three of those agencies. They also talked about how to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Mennonite Brethren in 2010.

Canadian moderator Jascha Boge said the anniversary celebration captured members imaginations. He said there was enthusiasm to bring together all Mennonite Brethren conferences, including those from overseas, to mark the founding of the first Mennonite Brethren church in Russia.

United States conference chair Joe Johns said the joint meeting created a platform for MB agencies to share simultaneously. The meeting, said Johns, focused more on collaboration and ideas than on actual decisions. It allowed members to hear simultaneously from the three bi-national agencies Mennonite Brethren Mission and Service International, MB Biblical Seminary, and MB Historical Commission.crackcrack]]> Thu, 15 Nov 2007 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=76 Canadian Mennonite Brethren churches can look forward to having more practical ministry resources from the Canadian MB Conference. Its Board of Faith and Life has provided a printed series, Close to Home, on mental and social health issues commonly faced by member churches. It was produced in partnership with Mennonite Church Canada and others, and is now being expanded. The board is also providing a reworked Baptism and Membership manual and hopes soon to update a pastor and leadership resource manual, Following the Call.

Members of the Board of Faith and Life devoted a significant part of their autumn meeting, October 1011, to upgrading the church resources. The board also hopes to add two other guides. One would provide practical help on consensus-building within the congregation. The other would relate to women in ministry.

The Board of Faith and Life is entrusted with upholding biblical and ethical integrity, said board chair Ken Peters. We also want to provide resources that foster congregational health.crackcrack]]> Thu, 15 Nov 2007 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=81 Canadian Mennonite Brethren will gather in Montreal at the Four Points by Sheraton Airport convention centre for Gathering 2008 on July 1012, 2008.

Living Gods Call Together is the theme for this event. Together attendees will seek Gods call for future direction of the ministries of the conference. Experience Montreal will provide attendees with the opportunity to Live Gods Call Together through a variety of tours of Montreal. These tours will be more than simply seeing the sights. Experience Montreal will be a continuation of worship as attendees are exposed to a city filled with joie de vivre yet hungry for Gods word.

Dont miss Gathering 2008!

For more information please call 1-888-669-6575 or visit the Gathering 2008 event page.crackcrack]]> Mon, 1 Oct 2007 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=82


Ewald Unruh, who has served within the Canadian Conference of MB Churches since 1992, has moved into a new position as Director of Multipling Church Ministries beginning June 1, 2007.

Unruh, who most recently served as Director of Leadership Development and Evangelism Canada, is working within this new role to address the Canadian Conferences three focus areas of church health, leadership development, and reaching out, allowing the Conference to achieve its mission of developing holistic, healthy, growing churches reaching their worlds.

Our Conference leaders have consistently believed that equipping churches in health and . . . developing new leaders for church ministry are foundational to holistic church-planting, says Conference executive director David Wiebe. Ewald, who has proven his value through years of dedicated effort, will champion this holistic growth anew.



Cam Rowland, Director of Church Health and Communications since 2003, has assumed the new title of Director of Communications. This focus has been in place since spring 2007, when John Neufeld, working in the area of Leadership Development, was given the coaching aspect of Rowlands position.

Im pleased to have Cam focus his skills in an area hes passionate about and look forward to new avenues of community-building, says David Wiebe, executive director of the Canadian Conference.



Dave Jackson has been appointed to a brand-new position, created for equipping churches through focusing leaders and refocusing churches toward Gods mission for them. He began September 1, 2007.

In this new position, Jackson will be overseeing the development of healthy churches, training and coaching regional facilitators, working with transitional pastors, and facilitating overall church revitalization. This work will be done in collaboration with the provincial conference ministers.

Jackson previously served as pastor in three churches, most recently as senior associate pastor at Central Community Church, located in Chilliwack, BC. Prior to that, he spent ten years with Church Resource Ministries as well as Outreach Canada in church revitalization.

Im excited to have Dave on board, says Ewald Unruh, the Conferences new Director of Multiplying Church Ministries. He knows first-hand the possibilities and pitfalls that being on a journey toward health and success entails both at the personal/pastoral level and at the congregational level.

Jackson will work out of the MB Ministry Centre at the Canadian Conference office in Abbotsford, BC.

Canadian MB Conference releasecrackcrack]]> Thu, 27 Sep 2007 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=83 California pastor to begin new assignment in October

Ed Boschman has been appointed by the US Conference Leadership Board as executive director of the US Conference of MB Churches, beginning Oct. 1. Boschman is currently executive pastor of Laurelglen Bible Church of Bakersfield, Calif., a congregation for which he was the founding and senior pastor, from 1978 to 1989. Boschman replaces Chuck Buller who resigned last fall after serving for four years as the first full-time executive director for the US Conference.

Ed has spent a lifetime serving the church in a variety of ministry roles, says the Leadership Board in its announcement of the appointment. From 1989 to 1996, Boschman was the senior pastor of Willow Park Church in Kelowna, BC. He was the moderator of the bi-national General Conference of MB Churches from 1995 to 1999. He served as the executive director of Mission USA from 1996 to 2002. Boschman has also served as an adjunct faculty member at Fresno Pacific University, MB Biblical Seminary and the Institute for Archeological and Biblical Studies. He acts as a coach/mentor for church planters and leaders of church renewal.

Boschman and his wife, Carol, are excited about the opportunity to serve the US Conference and are grateful for the unanimous and enthusiastic confidence the Leadership Board has placed in them, says the press release. Ed and Carol are committed to celebrating the life of God and spreading the Word about the salvation that becomes a reality when people choose to follow Christ. The couple has chosen Psalm 115:1 as a foundational verse as they enter this new ministry. Not to us, O Lord, but to your name by the glory.

The future will provide great opportunities for local church, district, institutional and multiple other ministry collaborations, say the Boschmans. The third millennium in the US will be a great canvas onto which we can effectively paint the story of our loving God and our experiences with him. Our Anabaptist core beliefs are great news for the people with whom we live and the whole planet for that matter.

USC Leadership Boardcrackcrack]]> Thu, 6 Sep 2007 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=84 Mario Buscio was recently named manager of Kindred Productions, the publishing and resource arm of the US and Canadian Mennonite Brethren conferences. Buscio has worked in both the business and ministry sectors, most recently as co-pastor of glise Communautaire de la Rivire Rouge, Winnipeg, Manitoba.



Marios years of experience as an entrepreneur will help Kindred Productions move into the future as a self-funding ministry, says Canadian conference director of communications, Cam Rowland. He brings a strong passion for the local church, and a desire to serve the broader Mennonite Brethren body.

Buscio studied at Institut Biblique Laval (now cole de Thologie vanglique de Montral); Mennonite Brethren Bible College (now Canadian Mennonite University), Winnipeg; and Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary, Fresno, Cal.

Buscio and his wife, Sonia Blanchette, have three children, Mnoukia, Jonathan, and Mariano, and are also fostering four nieces and nephews, Alberto, Emily, Raphael, and Sabrina.

Canadian MB Conference release


Marios familycrackcrack]]> Wed, 13 Jun 2007 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=85 The International Centre for Infectious Diseases (ICID) and Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) are co-hosting a summit on June 20 and 21, 2007.

This unique and necessary event will help faith leaders from across the country to integrate their communities into pandemic response plans and to foster the dialogue necessary to ensure faith communities are prepared to mitigate its inevitable effect on them.

More information:

crackcrack]]> Mon, 14 May 2007 12:00:00 CST http://www.mbconf.ca/home/news_and_events/index.cfm?recid=86 The Board of Faith Life and MB Biblical Seminary are pleased to present the Pastors Credentialing Orientation (formerly known as New Pastors Orientation) on May 1316, 2007 at Canadian Mennonite University, Winnipeg, MB.

This exciting new equipping event is specially designed for pastors new to our conference or as a refresher for pastors who have served our conference for many years. Its part of our commitment to provide tools churches can use to go deeper on their path to developing godly character in every member and a reproductive mindset in every congregation.

The faculty of MB Biblical Seminary and the staff of the Canadian Conference will be stimulating. The dialogue around themes such as The Anabaptist/MB Story with Bruce Guenther (ACTS, Langley BC), The Church Gods Mission with Tim Geddert (MBBS, Fresno CA), and Discipleship Ethics with Mark Baker (MBBS, Fresno CA) will invigorate ideas and relationships.

Registration before March 31, 2007 is $300 (after March 31, 2007 $350). This fee includes airport shuttle, meals and course materials. Accommodations are available in the new Canadian Mennonite University at a cost of $35 per night.

Check out the event page for registration information.crackcrack]]> Tue, 1 May 2007 12:00:00 CST