Homepage
Church health team grows by two
MCC responds to crisis conditions in Gaza
Five Questions
ICOMB plans sesquicentennial
Seminary creates web-based Lenten devotional
Coming Soon
____________________________________________________________________
Church health team grows by two
Winnipeg, Man.
Dwayne Barkman and Stéphane Rhéaume have joined the church health team as part of the overall ministry vision of Regenerate 21-01 (R21-01).
Since November, Dwayne Barkman has worked as half-time church health associate for the Saskatchewan conference under the direction of Dave Jackson. Barkman also works part-time as director of Harvest Saskatchewan, the joint provincial-national Key Cities/Communities Initiative launched in 2006. He facilitates church revitalization processes for leaders and churches, and helps churches make a difference in their communities for Christ.
Barkman returned to ministry after a three-month sabbatical following the conclusion of 19 years as pastor at West Portal Church in Saskatoon. During his tenure there, the church experienced steady growth and planted two daughter churches.
Stéphane Rhéaume began a two-year term as Quebec’s church health associate on January 1, at three-quarter time. Rhéaume will be working with Horizon Quebec staff to facilitate church revitalization initiatives in Montreal and surrounding areas.
Throughout his term, Rhéaume will continue to provide leadership to l’Église chrétienne évangélique de Saint-Eustache where he has served as pastor for the past 11 years.
“Churches and leaders will benefit greatly from both the experiences of, and contributions made by, these men,” says Ewald Unruh, R21-01’s director of ministries. “Their hearts for both personal and corporate regeneration will result in transformed lives and communities.”
—Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches release
____________________________________________________________________
MCC responds to crisis conditions in Gaza
Akron, Pa.
In the midst of air strikes, ground battles, and a rising death toll, Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) partner organizations in Gaza are distributing food, water, and blankets to Gazans who have lost their homes.
On Jan. 6, MCC approved an emergency response package that brings the monetary value of MCC’s humanitarian responses in Gaza in 2008 and early 2009 to almost $345,000.
The latest emergency response includes shipping a large container of blankets and relief kits to Gaza and providing $30,000 for local purchase of food and other urgently needed supplies. While MCC’s partner organizations in Gaza cannot currently receive funds because banks are closed due to the war, they are purchasing supplies on credit and distributing them to families whose homes have been destroyed.
Before Israel’s military operations began on Dec. 27, 2008, humanitarian conditions were already desperate in Gaza due to an 18-month economic blockade, according to Rick Janzen, a director of MCC’s programs in the Middle East and Europe. Thousands of homes have been damaged, and it has become increasingly difficult for families to stay in them given the cold weather.
In addition to humanitarian assistance, MCC is calling for prayers for peace and advocating for the governments of Canada and the U.S. to work for an end to the fighting.
—Gladys Terichow
____________________________________________________________________
Five Questions
Church: The Gathering Place
Pastor: Ben Terlesky
Location: We meet at St. Martin de Porres High School in Airdrie, Alta.
What is your church’s mission statement?
Explore the wonder of Christ,
Experience the joy of community,
Equip the family for service,
Engage the world with the love of Jesus.
How would you describe your congregation?
We’re one of Airdrie’s newest churches. We’re small enough that you’ll never get lost in the crowd, and friendly enough that you won’t want to.
What makes your church unique?
The Gathering Place is genuinely warm and welcoming. We offer plenty of opportunity to meet others and – when you’re ready – to get involved in ministry to others.
If you could choose a famous Christian to come and speak, who would it be and why?
John Burke, author of No Perfect People Allowed: Creating a Come as You Are Culture in the Church. Right now, the emphasis of living a life that is Christ to our neighbours and community would be most vital, and John’s book speaks well to this subject.
What is the significance of your church’s name?
“The Gathering Place” reflects well our vision to extend loving friendship to each person who attends, and encourages others to come to experience “living like family, loving like Jesus.”
____________________________________________________________________
ICOMB plans sesquicentennial
Hyderabad, India
The International Community of Mennonite Brethren (ICOMB) began planning its 150th anniversary celebration at its annual meeting, held in Hyderabad, India in November.
The U.S. and Canad-ian MB conferences will hold Celebration 2010 in July in B.C. The German conferences will host a symposium and the annual ICOMB meeting in May 2010, concluding with a mission conference. Tours to historical sites across Europe will also be offered.
Other conferences will also be celebrating. India will kick off the year with local church celebrations in January. Japan will celebrate its 60th anniversary simultaneously with the 150th. Panama will invite original missionaries to attend their celebrations in February. Brazil plans to study the ICOMB Confession, and hold a large conference in October 2010.
Other items covered at the Hyderabad meetings were confirmation of Victor Wall as executive secretary for another 2-year term, completion of the ICOMB Confession of Faith commentary and study guide, plans for an education forum (elementary and secondary) in Congo in 2009 and a higher educational forum in 2011. There was also discussion on how to address ICOMB member conferences in crisis or conflict.
The India MB Conference hosted the group concurrently with their celebration of 50 years of independent indigenous leadership. Hyderabad is the site of the first mission effort by the then-newly minted Mennonite Brethren body in Russia. India now holds the largest MB body in the world.
—ICOMB release
____________________________________________________________________
Seminary creates web-based Lenten devotional
Fresno, Cal.
An Easter devotional guide, Walking in the Light, written by faculty, staff, and students of MB Biblical Seminary (MBBS) in Fresno, Cal., is available on the seminary website. The 50-day devotional guide parallels lectionary texts for the season from the Gospel of John, and focuses on our Christian walk.
Walking is a traditional Anabaptist metaphor for discipleship and indicates following Jesus. Light is a common image used in the Gospel of John to refer to Jesus.
“We hope the devotional guide helps people follow Jesus and be immersed in the Word of God as we prepare our hearts for the celebration of Easter,” says Lynn Jost, acting president of MBBS.
Widespread affirmation of the Advent devotional guide distributed by MBBS to its alumni and supporters at the end of 2008 prompted seminary leaders to consider a second seasonal devotional guide written by the seminary community. The Easter devotional guide is a gift from MBBS to its supporting conferences.
Walking in the Light can be accessed at www.mbseminary.edu under Resources. MB churches will receive a print-friendly version by email. To subscribe for daily email from the Easter devotional guide, contact MB Biblical Seminary at fresno@mbseminary.edu or 1-800-251-6227.
—Sarah Bergen
____________________________________________________________________
Coming Soon
2009
Feb. 6–8 — “Momentum,” Youth Advance, Bethany College, Hepburn, Sask.
Feb. 13–14 — Mennonite Disaster Service binational gathering, Mobile, Ala.
Feb. 18 — “Coaching Leaders” leadership clinic, CMU, Winnipeg.
Feb. 20–21 — Ontario Conference of MB Churches convention 2009, Port Rowan, Ont.
Feb. 21 — “Making Conflict Productive” seminar, Columbia Bible College, Abbotsford, B.C. (new date)
Feb. 25 — “ChurchWorks” training conference, Columbia Bible College, Abbotsford, B.C.
Mar. 6–7 — MB Church of Manitoba assembly 2009, Lakeview Church, Killarney, Man.
Mar. 6–8 — PIT (Peace, Pray, and Praise It Together) featuring Tony Campolo, CMU, Winnipeg.
Mar. 7 — Columbia Bible College Faculty Teach-a-Thon, Abbotsford, B.C.
Mar. 13–14 — Saskatchewan Conference of MB Churches convention 2009, Faith River Christian Fellowship, Saskatoon.
Mar. 16–17 — “Proclaiming Christ in the Public Square” lectures by Michael Coren, CMU, Winnipeg.
Apr. 4 — Quebec Conference of MB Churches convention 2009.
Apr. 18 — Columbia Bible College graduation ceremony, Abbotsford, B.C.
Apr. 24 — Mennonite Disaster Service awareness evening, Edmonton, Alta.
Apr. 26 — Convocation, CMU, Winnipeg.
Apr. 26 — Commencement, Bethany College, Hepburn, Sask.
May 1–2 — B.C. Conference of MB Churches convention 2009, South Abbotsford (B.C.) Church.
MCC responds to crisis conditions in Gaza
Five Questions
ICOMB plans sesquicentennial
Seminary creates web-based Lenten devotional
Coming Soon
____________________________________________________________________
Church health team grows by two
Winnipeg, Man.
Dwayne Barkman and Stéphane Rhéaume have joined the church health team as part of the overall ministry vision of Regenerate 21-01 (R21-01).
Since November, Dwayne Barkman has worked as half-time church health associate for the Saskatchewan conference under the direction of Dave Jackson. Barkman also works part-time as director of Harvest Saskatchewan, the joint provincial-national Key Cities/Communities Initiative launched in 2006. He facilitates church revitalization processes for leaders and churches, and helps churches make a difference in their communities for Christ.
Barkman returned to ministry after a three-month sabbatical following the conclusion of 19 years as pastor at West Portal Church in Saskatoon. During his tenure there, the church experienced steady growth and planted two daughter churches.
Stéphane Rhéaume began a two-year term as Quebec’s church health associate on January 1, at three-quarter time. Rhéaume will be working with Horizon Quebec staff to facilitate church revitalization initiatives in Montreal and surrounding areas.
Throughout his term, Rhéaume will continue to provide leadership to l’Église chrétienne évangélique de Saint-Eustache where he has served as pastor for the past 11 years.
“Churches and leaders will benefit greatly from both the experiences of, and contributions made by, these men,” says Ewald Unruh, R21-01’s director of ministries. “Their hearts for both personal and corporate regeneration will result in transformed lives and communities.”
—Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches release
____________________________________________________________________
MCC responds to crisis conditions in Gaza
Akron, Pa.
In the midst of air strikes, ground battles, and a rising death toll, Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) partner organizations in Gaza are distributing food, water, and blankets to Gazans who have lost their homes.
On Jan. 6, MCC approved an emergency response package that brings the monetary value of MCC’s humanitarian responses in Gaza in 2008 and early 2009 to almost $345,000.
The latest emergency response includes shipping a large container of blankets and relief kits to Gaza and providing $30,000 for local purchase of food and other urgently needed supplies. While MCC’s partner organizations in Gaza cannot currently receive funds because banks are closed due to the war, they are purchasing supplies on credit and distributing them to families whose homes have been destroyed.
Before Israel’s military operations began on Dec. 27, 2008, humanitarian conditions were already desperate in Gaza due to an 18-month economic blockade, according to Rick Janzen, a director of MCC’s programs in the Middle East and Europe. Thousands of homes have been damaged, and it has become increasingly difficult for families to stay in them given the cold weather.
In addition to humanitarian assistance, MCC is calling for prayers for peace and advocating for the governments of Canada and the U.S. to work for an end to the fighting.
—Gladys Terichow
____________________________________________________________________
Five Questions
Church: The Gathering Place
Pastor: Ben Terlesky
Location: We meet at St. Martin de Porres High School in Airdrie, Alta.
What is your church’s mission statement?
Explore the wonder of Christ,
Experience the joy of community,
Equip the family for service,
Engage the world with the love of Jesus.
How would you describe your congregation?
We’re one of Airdrie’s newest churches. We’re small enough that you’ll never get lost in the crowd, and friendly enough that you won’t want to.
What makes your church unique?
The Gathering Place is genuinely warm and welcoming. We offer plenty of opportunity to meet others and – when you’re ready – to get involved in ministry to others.
If you could choose a famous Christian to come and speak, who would it be and why?
John Burke, author of No Perfect People Allowed: Creating a Come as You Are Culture in the Church. Right now, the emphasis of living a life that is Christ to our neighbours and community would be most vital, and John’s book speaks well to this subject.
What is the significance of your church’s name?
“The Gathering Place” reflects well our vision to extend loving friendship to each person who attends, and encourages others to come to experience “living like family, loving like Jesus.”
____________________________________________________________________
ICOMB plans sesquicentennial
Hyderabad, India
The International Community of Mennonite Brethren (ICOMB) began planning its 150th anniversary celebration at its annual meeting, held in Hyderabad, India in November. The U.S. and Canad-ian MB conferences will hold Celebration 2010 in July in B.C. The German conferences will host a symposium and the annual ICOMB meeting in May 2010, concluding with a mission conference. Tours to historical sites across Europe will also be offered.
Other conferences will also be celebrating. India will kick off the year with local church celebrations in January. Japan will celebrate its 60th anniversary simultaneously with the 150th. Panama will invite original missionaries to attend their celebrations in February. Brazil plans to study the ICOMB Confession, and hold a large conference in October 2010.
Other items covered at the Hyderabad meetings were confirmation of Victor Wall as executive secretary for another 2-year term, completion of the ICOMB Confession of Faith commentary and study guide, plans for an education forum (elementary and secondary) in Congo in 2009 and a higher educational forum in 2011. There was also discussion on how to address ICOMB member conferences in crisis or conflict.
The India MB Conference hosted the group concurrently with their celebration of 50 years of independent indigenous leadership. Hyderabad is the site of the first mission effort by the then-newly minted Mennonite Brethren body in Russia. India now holds the largest MB body in the world.
—ICOMB release
____________________________________________________________________
Seminary creates web-based Lenten devotional
Fresno, Cal.
An Easter devotional guide, Walking in the Light, written by faculty, staff, and students of MB Biblical Seminary (MBBS) in Fresno, Cal., is available on the seminary website. The 50-day devotional guide parallels lectionary texts for the season from the Gospel of John, and focuses on our Christian walk.
Walking is a traditional Anabaptist metaphor for discipleship and indicates following Jesus. Light is a common image used in the Gospel of John to refer to Jesus.
“We hope the devotional guide helps people follow Jesus and be immersed in the Word of God as we prepare our hearts for the celebration of Easter,” says Lynn Jost, acting president of MBBS.
Widespread affirmation of the Advent devotional guide distributed by MBBS to its alumni and supporters at the end of 2008 prompted seminary leaders to consider a second seasonal devotional guide written by the seminary community. The Easter devotional guide is a gift from MBBS to its supporting conferences.
Walking in the Light can be accessed at www.mbseminary.edu under Resources. MB churches will receive a print-friendly version by email. To subscribe for daily email from the Easter devotional guide, contact MB Biblical Seminary at fresno@mbseminary.edu or 1-800-251-6227.
—Sarah Bergen
____________________________________________________________________
Coming Soon
2009
Feb. 6–8 — “Momentum,” Youth Advance, Bethany College, Hepburn, Sask.
Feb. 13–14 — Mennonite Disaster Service binational gathering, Mobile, Ala.
Feb. 18 — “Coaching Leaders” leadership clinic, CMU, Winnipeg.
Feb. 20–21 — Ontario Conference of MB Churches convention 2009, Port Rowan, Ont.
Feb. 21 — “Making Conflict Productive” seminar, Columbia Bible College, Abbotsford, B.C. (new date)
Feb. 25 — “ChurchWorks” training conference, Columbia Bible College, Abbotsford, B.C.
Mar. 6–7 — MB Church of Manitoba assembly 2009, Lakeview Church, Killarney, Man.
Mar. 6–8 — PIT (Peace, Pray, and Praise It Together) featuring Tony Campolo, CMU, Winnipeg.
Mar. 7 — Columbia Bible College Faculty Teach-a-Thon, Abbotsford, B.C.
Mar. 13–14 — Saskatchewan Conference of MB Churches convention 2009, Faith River Christian Fellowship, Saskatoon.
Mar. 16–17 — “Proclaiming Christ in the Public Square” lectures by Michael Coren, CMU, Winnipeg.
Apr. 4 — Quebec Conference of MB Churches convention 2009.
Apr. 18 — Columbia Bible College graduation ceremony, Abbotsford, B.C.
Apr. 24 — Mennonite Disaster Service awareness evening, Edmonton, Alta.
Apr. 26 — Convocation, CMU, Winnipeg.
Apr. 26 — Commencement, Bethany College, Hepburn, Sask.
May 1–2 — B.C. Conference of MB Churches convention 2009, South Abbotsford (B.C.) Church.
