by Layton Friesen
There is a lot of discussion about hell in Christian circles today. A big difference is made when we decide whether hell is an arbitrary punishment that God designs to make bad people suffer, or the natural consequence of choices we make here in this life. Try this analogy. It helps me think about hell. Continue reading Hell and Highwater
Ministerial Retreat Nov. 30-Dec. 2, 2019
By Phil and Lydia Hamm
Every other year EMC ministers and deacons are treated to a retreat for spiritual, emotional, and social renewal. This is a great time to spend time connecting with new leaders, gaining wisdom from those who have been in ministry for a long time and getting the pulse of the conference. We get to know other leaders in new ways as we share our life experiences in a retreat setting. Continue reading The Three Rs: Relax, Rejuvenate and Enjoy Recreation
EMC Ministerial Retreat November 2019
by James and Maria Wahl
Last year’s EMC ministerial retreat took place at Wilderness Edge in Pinawa, Man., from the weekend of Nov. 30 to Dec. 2, 2019. The weekend was a wonderful time for all ministry leaders within our churches to spend time in praise and worship, prayer, connecting with each other, reflecting on God’s Word and even playing together. Continue reading Jacob and Arlene Friesen: Attending to Our Inner Life
Delegates Discuss Church Trends
by Terry M. Smith
NEAR GIROUX, Man.—Conference council delegates on Nov. 30, 2019, met at Ridgewood EMC where they accepted a slight budget decrease, heard plans for Paraguay, and discussed church trends. Continue reading Council Hears Paraguay Plans, Accepts Slight Budget Decrease
by Trudy Loewen
BOLIVIA – On Jan. 9, 2020, an EMC prayer team of 10 people from across Canada met in Toronto with the purpose of traveling to Bolivia to meet and pray with each EMC and MEM missionary, listening to their heart for the ministries with which they are involved. Continue reading EMC Prayer Team Sees Need for Ministry
– Caroline Friesen
KOLA, Man.—Late spring 2019, after their many years of being away, we welcomed back Ernest and Sherridan Reimer to our congregation. Ernie took the position as part-time pastor and we have been enjoying his leadership and ministry ever since. Continue reading Welcome Back, Ernest and Sherridan!
by Terry M. Smith
We know too well that we live in tough times.
Ancient times provide us with instructions about self-isolation, physical signs of warning and verbal calls of “Unclean! Unclean!” to warn the general public not to come near those who are ill, and of covering the mouth (Lev. 13:4-5, 45-46). The high priest would go to an isolated person before examining their physical condition (Lev. 14:3). People with leprosy called to Jesus from “far off” (Luke 17:12). May God protect our health care workers. Continue reading God is on the Side of Healing
