Category Archives: Letters

Letters

Letters September 2021

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A Mistake to Assume, Rather than Seek to Understand

By Jen Isaac, Morweena, Man.

I recognize the frustration of those who feel held back by EMC policies in regards to women in pastoral roles. However, I am saddened and disappointed by how quickly we assume the worst of our brothers and sisters in Christ who disagree with us.

I have heard it said that in the discussion of women in leadership we need to keep two things in mind. Egalitarians don’t have their beliefs because they are throwing out Scripture, and complementarians don’t have their beliefs because they want to “keep women down.”

If you believe women shouldn’t be pastors because you believe the Scriptures say this, that is not sexism. You just interpret Scripture differently than egalitarians. If you have this belief because you feel women are inferior, that is sexism. It’s about the heart. We damage the church when we attack each other instead of trying to understand each other’s hearts. Continue reading Letters September 2021 →

Letters

Letters August 2021

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Women, we need your voice

By Jeremy Zehr, Winnipeg, Man.

My wife, Teresa Enns Zehr, has proven herself to be a great pastor. She was called into pastoral ministry by the Holy Spirit from a very young age. This calling was confirmed by our congregation (Aberdeen EMC) and they continue to fully affirm her four years into her time as our pastor. However, she continues to be told by the Conference that she is not fully capable as a pastor because she is a woman. She is not allowed to be ordained or have her vote count at Ministerial meetings. Continue reading Letters August 2021 →

Letters

Letters May 2021

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We Need to Seek the Best Way to Address Climate Change

By Delmer Plett, Arborg, Man.

Climate change is a topic we bump into regularly in the news that can lead us to fear and guilt. I applaud The Messenger (March 2021 issue) for taking on a relevant, controversial, political topic like this.
I would like to recommend viewing Bjorn Lomborg’s video, “Don’t waste trillions on BAD Climate Policy” on YouTube. While I don’t totally agree with everything he says, he bases what he says on recorded scientific data, on climate data, quoting other qualified sources. Continue reading Letters May 2021 →

Letters

Letters June 2020

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Complaining About Restrictions?

by Bethany Matejka. Birch River, Man.

I have heard quite a few people, many of whom are Christians, complaining about the restrictions being put on us because of the COVID-19 pandemic. I am not here to discuss the necessity or effectiveness of any of those measures. I am also not here to draw a comparison between the Manitoban or Canadian government and the Roman government of New Testament times. Continue reading Letters June 2020 →

Letters

Letters June 2019

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Church Unattractive if Disharmony is Obvious

by Ron Penner, Winnipeg, Man.

The latest edition of The Messenger included a fine article written by the Board of Church Ministries regarding the importance of conference unity in spite of differences of perspective on some church practices [A Note About a Note, May]. What was useful was their reminder to us that “some groups and individuals have not felt welcome” when churches are preoccupied with disputes and disagreements under the guise of Christian orthodoxy. The significant decline in church attendance in North America is attributed by many as a sign that the church is unattractive if disharmony is obvious. Thank you, BCM, for your insights. I am looking forward to your further contributions.

Letters

Letters April 2019

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Great Issue in January

by Gordon Dyck, Steinbach, Man.

Congratulations on the last Messenger [Jan.]. Front to back, great issue. I was so inspired by Arden Thiessen’s article that I read The Messenger from cover to cover. I went back to reread Arden’s article and like his accuser found a singular expression that could be misinterpreted. Arden used the word “once” in reference to making a mistake. I know I couldn’t make the claim of once I made a mistake. It struck me as a point of irony that even in our defense we can be misunderstood in a different manner, and the cycle continues. Great job, Arden included, and I will say that more than once. Continue reading Letters April 2019 →

Letters

Letter: Love Means Doing the Ordinary (from Ray Hill)

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by Ray Hill, MacGregor, Man.

Thank you, Adam Harris, for broaching the subject of loving one’s neighbour, regardless of who he is [Go And Do Likewise, Jan. 2019]. Part of our mandate as non-resisters is to reduce the suffering of others. So, yes, there is room for exceptional acts of kindness.

Unfortunately, many see Jesus’ command only in terms of exceptional acts of kindness illustrated by the photo accompanying the column of a man helping a lady start her car (or is it the other way around?). Jesus’ love is illustrated differently with his disciples—investment of his life in others and risk which sometimes backfires. Love means doing the ordinary, like taking time on the street to chat with a neighbour not from our “circle,” visiting others at their home or inviting them to ours, or taking out the garbage for a disabled neighbour so she can stay in her home another year. For some this is a no-brainer; for others, it needs to be stated plainly.

Unexceptional acts are relatively high in cost (my precious time!) and offer no glory but we are often surprised by what we do receive—returned human warmth that is beyond price. Jesus said to cast your bread on the waters and it will return after a time.