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
By Sarah Barkman
I am a turtle. Not literally, of course, but when it comes to tough stuff my default response is to hide inside my shell. The world is a very tough place, full of hurt, grief, evil, discomfort and conflict. So, I have made a nice home for myself inside my shell. It is comfortable and safe where no one can bother me. Continue reading Let’s Talk
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
by the Inspiring Partnership in Ministry Task Force
In 2016 the General Board undertook to collect data and opinions from all EMC church leaderships regarding their views and practices pertaining to “women in leadership” in their local churches. Following this process there was an open discussion at the 2017 Conference Council meeting where the details of this survey were presented, and small discussion groups helped to formulate a plan for a process of healthy discussion regarding this topic. The second priority listed by these discussion groups was to: “Determine what fears people have regarding women in ministry and create forums for these fears to be expressed.” Continue reading Women in Leadership: Hearing Fears and Offering Thoughts
– 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
by Kevin Wiebe
Some people might describe me as a little bit particular. Okay, maybe more than just a bit. I am someone who likes to have things in order. I don’t like chaos, discord, or things left undone. When it comes to relationships, one of the things that has a tendency to cause me the most pain is when there are relationships in conflict where reconciliation has yet to happen and there is no clear path forward to restoration. Continue reading Not-So-Great Expectations
