By Andrew Dyck
If you are looking for a piece of advice this Easter season, I can provide one from the outset: Never move a piano. At the very least, never try to move one on your own.
Category Archives: Features
I’m a scholar of the ‘prosperity gospel.’ It took cancer to show me I was in its grip.
What happens when faith and hard work
aren’t enough?
By Kate Bowler
There’s a branch of Christianity that promises a direct path to the good life. It is called by many names, but most often it is nicknamed the “prosperity gospel” for its bold central claim that God will give you your heart’s desires: money in the bank, a healthy body, a thriving family, and boundless happiness.
What Barabbas Got Right!
By Terry M. Smith
As we enter Holy Week, let’s remember Barabbas, who might enrich our sense of Easter. Usually we recall how this man, who killed in a failed rebellion against Rome, was released by Pontius Pilate and how Jesus took his place on the cross. Yet when Scripture becomes silent, Barabbas fades from our attention.
Lent and Becoming Like Jesus
Moving toward the reality of my sin and the truth of God’s gracious regard for me
By Layton Friesen
Will I ever be like Jesus in this life? Will I ever really have Christ’s insight and wisdom? Could I ever be that free of the love of money or the need for human approval? Could I ever gladly die for someone who hated me and wanted to kill me? Could I be that surrendered to the Father’s will? That’s a big question, isn’t it?
Transition Proposal, Three Per Cent Budget Increase Approved
By Rebecca Roman
Conference Council members met by Zoom on November 20, 2021, starting at 10 a.m. CT, to give opportunities for boards to report and make recommendations on the work of the Conference. Continue reading Transition Proposal, Three Per Cent Budget Increase Approved
Waves in the Desert
How can we help Afghan refugees?
By Arley Loewen
First wave of refugees: 1980s
- from the Soviet Invasion
The Soviet invasion caused the first wave of Afghan refugees as millions flooded into Pakistan, Iran and India.
At the same time, Afghans began to resist the Soviets and Kabul government, which birthed the Afghan mujahideen (holy warriors). The U.S. saw an opportunity to oppose the Soviets by supporting the Afghan warriors. Islamic enthusiasts from Saudi Arabia, Egypt and elsewhere, joined with the mujahideen in “short-term mission” service—an ideal chance for young radicals to practice jihad. Osama bin Laden was one such warrior, and he started the al-Qaeda Islamic party. Continue reading Waves in the Desert
KLC and Bow Island Mark Official Openings as EMC Churches
By Gerald Reimer
Editor’s Note: Some full names of Kingdom Life Church participants are not disclosed due to security concerns.
Winnipeg, Manitoba
On October 17, 2021, Kingdom Life Church (KLC) members met together at St. Vital EMC in Winnipeg, Man., with whom they have established a formal partnership. This service marked the official opening of KLC as part of the EMC, under the leadership of I and P, workers supported by the EMC Church Planting Task Force. Continue reading KLC and Bow Island Mark Official Openings as EMC Churches
Making the Church a Safe Place for Singles
An interview with a single man
Editor’s note: This EMCer chose to respond to the interview questions anonymously.
Q: To start with, can you share a bit about your experience as a single person in the church? As a man, do you perceive that your experience is different than a woman’s? Continue reading Making the Church a Safe Place for Singles
Giving Tuesday: Canadian Church Planting
By Gerald Reimer
Thank you for supporting church planting in Canada! EMC’s Giving Tuesday initiative allowed us to replenish our Seed and Growth Funds by nearly $10,000. We trust you enjoyed hearing from several church planters in the videos shared on EMC social media platforms.
The Church Planting Task Force has been given a mandate by EMC delegates to plant churches across Canada, recognizing this takes substantial funding. And as you may have seen on the Giving Tuesday social media posts, our church planters are eternally grateful for the support they receive from the wider conference so they can evangelize, disciple, and establish new churches. Continue reading Giving Tuesday: Canadian Church Planting
My Life as a Single Person
By Junia Plett
Editor’s note: The story that follows is written from Junia (Loewen) Plett’s experiences and thoughts before she married five years ago at age 52.
Life stories can be told in many ways. Come with me for a bit. I’ll take you through the chapters of my life, starting with my childhood. Continue reading My Life as a Single Person