What would Jesus’ Ancestry.ca look like?
Because of our modern understanding of genetics and heredity, it may be difficult to reconcile the idea that Jesus may not have been genetically a descendant (or “son”) of David at all.
The Passion of Jesus at Christmas
Jesus didn’t come as a conquering hero. He didn’t arrive as a man of strength, with an army on his right and left. He was born into this world as a baby.
Advent 2022: The candle of joy
In Mark 6, we encounter a king who is experiencing the absence of true joy. Herod is selfish, lustful, and distressed. The result of this foolishness is the death of John.
2023 Spirit of MDS Fund accepting grant applications
The grants can be used for food banks or other ministries assisting low-income people or seniors, and for construction or renovation projects to repair a home or make it more livable.
Searching for Sebastian
The search was exciting, difficult, and sometimes a little scary. We did not know even what you looked like, or what your name was.
The blessing of discontentment
No matter how long I follow Jesus in this world, there is always a part of me that feels a sense of discontentment. Always.
Advent 2022: The candle of love
Today is the third Sunday of Advent. We light the candle representing love. The love chapter (1 Corinthians 13) is a lofty, impossible challenge to fulfill without the enabling of the God who is love.
Joseph disappears
Nobody would call Joseph the “father of God.” Obviously. That would be blasphemy. But I still think about Joseph.
Volunteers respond to Hurricane Fiona in Glace Bay
MDS plans to be in Cape Breton until mid-December; more volunteers are needed, especially roofers. People who want to volunteer can contact Clara Flores at cflores@mds.org or 1-866-261-1274.
It started with the zucchinis
I seasonally forget how much time a garden harvest demands from me every summer. Preserving vegetables, making jam, searching for ways to use zucchini. My garden yields enjoyment, but confiscates time.
An ‘egg’-cellent gift this Christmas
Chickens are one option that Canadians may choose to give to people around the world this Christmas by purchasing them from MCC’s Christmas Giving guide. Canadians who buy chickens—$13 buys enough for two families—will have their gifts doubled, up to $33,000 by generous donors.
Advent 2022: The candle of peace
Advent reading for the second week: lighting the candle of peace.
Music review: Let It Be So
Let It Be So includes the titles “Emmanuel Has Come,” “What a Surprise,” “Hush,” “Advent Song,” as well as its title track. With piano as the primary accompaniment, but with options for additional instrumentation, several of these songs could be utilized as features for a church Christmas presentation.
Christmas crossword answers
Answers for the Christmas crossword on page 16 of the Nov/Dec 2022 issue.
Advent 2022: The candle of hope
Advent reading for the first week: lighting the candle of hope.
Giving Tuesday: Reza and Bahar
After being challenged by a friend who was a new believer to read the Gospels, Reza concluded that if he was questioning the Koran, he should do the same for the Gospels—also “one of those religious books that is probably full of lies.”
EMC appoints three new personnel
EMC has appointed a new Executive Director (beginning July 2023), Director of Next Generation, and Conference Pastor (both beginning January 2023).
Why an Anabaptist Bible?
While drawing on the work of scholars, the Anabaptist Bible is unique in the trust it places in the collective wisdom of 500 lay study groups in a broad spectrum of Anabaptist faith communities who will share their perspectives, insights, and questions in the margins of the text.
A new shepherd for MWC
The presidency of Mennonite World Conference (MWC) transferred from J. Nelson Kraybill (2015 to 2022) to president-elect Henk Stenvers (2022 to 2028) at GITJ Margokerto, Indonesia, as part of Assembly 17.
Through God’s hand, our doors are open
After receiving many “green lights” we moved forward, bought a building and opened our doors in November 2021. There is always a lot of work in starting a new church, but God has been so good and helped us.