“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness…” This famous paragraph from a Charles Dickens novel were the opening words of the devotional given by Andrew Dyck (Pastor at Stony Brook Fellowship) as he challenged us to consider both the good as well as the frustrations of the year 2020. He referred to the prophet Joel, who spoke words of encouragement and challenge to the nation of Judah when they faced a disastrous year. God’s intention then, as now, is to draw us to himself in all circumstances. Continue reading Churches, Conference Budget Affected by Pandemic Challenges→
On November 26 and 27, 2020, the EMC Ministerial gathered to talk about sex. The irony was not lost on us that a discussion about our bodies was held entirely on Zoom. But though this was not what we first planned, the format allowed people across the world to join in on an equal standing. It was a rich and thought-provoking time together. Continue reading Same-Sex Attraction, Pastoring and the Church→
One hundred years ago, Mennonite Central Committee’s (MCC) initial efforts to help people in dire need of food in southern Russia did not go as planned.
Clayton Kratz, Orie O. Miller and Arthur Slagel, the first representatives of MCC, travelled from the U.S. in the fall of 1920 to deliver food and clothing to people in southern Russia (present-day Ukraine). The three men were responding to Russian Mennonites’ pleas for help, which led to the creation of “a central committee” to co-ordinate responses from Mennonites and Mennonite Brethren. Continue reading MCC Turns Challenges into Ministry→
Treasurer’s day is a free interactive morning of seminars to be held on January 23rd. Church administrators will connect, learn and grow together. Through this event, the EMC Board of Trustees hopes to grow attendees in their technical knowledge, encourage them in their crucial but sometimes menial-sounding duties, and discuss responses to current issues with government funding during COVID. Invite your church treasurers, accountants, or other financial administrative staff to this event. Register today at www.emconference.ca/treasurers-day to join us January 23rd at 9 a.m. Central. The Zoom link for this virtual event will be sent 24 to 48 hours in advance. Continue reading Treasurer’s Day Is Coming Soon!→
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen (Ephesians 3:20–21).
Monday, March 9: I wake up in my hotel room and make my way down to the hotel dining room. I had just completed two weeks of intense ministry and student recruitment in Brazil. I enjoy a delic16ious Brazilian breakfast and a strong cup of coffee. (Yes, decaf coffee can be strong!) After a couple of hours I am driven to the Brasilia airport, fly to Sao Paulo and meet up with the SBC Pursuit team. From there we flew to Chicago and then on to Winnipeg, completing a 27 hour day of travel. Little do I know how much the world is changing. Continue reading Steinbach Bible College: ‘More than all we ask or imagine’→
STEINBACH, Man.—Is your congregation seeking deacons, looking at their role, or does it want to help them succeed? This free resource, produced by Dr. Darryl G. Klassen with EMC support, can help.
WORLD—Conference council delegates on June 27, 2020, met by Zoom, heard updates on boards’ activities, and discussed questions proposed by the boards.
Welcome and Devotional
Moderator Barry Plett welcomed delegates to the Zoom meeting and encouraged them to view any video reports previously posted to avoid “redundant” questions. Tim Dyck, executive director, outlined the electronic process. Continue reading Council Discusses Boards’ Questions→
WORLD—The EMC’s ministerial on June 26, 2020, held its national meeting by Zoom, spending an afternoon where it listened to opening thoughts by the BLO chair and learned of coming events, heard five challenges based on Acts 2, met in small groups for discussion and prayer, and shared thoughts as an entire group.
