By Doris Penner
The HavenGroup organization in Steinbach, Man., had its beginnings 75 years ago, caring for six clients in an old “invalid home” on Hanover Street. Today, the organization is poised to open its doors to a new 143-bed facility for seniors who need nursing care. In addition, it provides suites for 400 more seniors in five residences. Continue reading HavenGroup Celebrates 75 Years of Senior Care
By SBC
STEINBACH, Man.—Steinbach Bible College celebrated the graduating class of 2021 with a livestreamed celebration over April 23–24. In total, 38 graduates were recognized with seven Certificate of Biblical studies, nine Associate of Arts, and 22 Bachelor of Arts degrees.
With a third wave of COVID-19 looming in Manitoba ahead of the official graduation date, provincial restrictions in place with more likely to come, SBC was tasked with celebrating graduates while maintaining safety and adhering to public health guidelines. Continue reading SBC Celebrates Graduates of 2021
By Rebecca Roman
On June 19, 2021, EMC Conference Council delegates met by Zoom to hear and discuss the work of the Conference. Among items shared is a church merger taking place in Calgary, Alta., between Abbeydale Christian Fellowship and Iglesia Emanuel. A church partnership is also forming between Kingdom Life Church (an outreach church plant for Syrian refugees) and St. Vital EMC in Winnipeg, Man. The details of what that partnership will include are still in process. Continue reading Cross-Cultural Church Partnerships Happening in Calgary, Winnipeg
By Erica Fehr
More than 100 people attended a Zoom meeting of the EMC Ministerial on June 18, 2021. Discussion took place and a vote was held on a recommendation from the Board of Leadership and Outreach (BLO) about women in ministry. Ultimately, the recommendation did not receive the level of acceptance it needed to pass. Continue reading Ministerial Hears From the Holy Spirit, Holds Women in Ministry Vote
By MDS Canada
WINNIPEG, Man.—One month after its launch on February 1, the Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) Canada Spirit of MDS Fund approved $54,900 in grants for 24 Canadian congregations and church-related organizations. Continue reading Spirit of MDS Fund Approves 24 Grants worth $54,900 in First Month
An ever-increasing topic of conversation in the church is “How do we lead the church into an age that is increasingly secular?” Historically, it seemed a given that Christianity had a place at the table in society. But now, Christians find themselves in a minority, no longer at the front of the line.
On March 19–20, Steinbach Bible College held its annual Leadership Conference where speaker Dr. Gordon T. Smith addressed the topic: “The Soul Care of Christian Leaders in the Secular Age.” Throughout the conference he wisely challenged us to see this secular age in a different light. Continue reading SBC Leadership Conference 2021
by Tim Dyck
“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
by Layton Friesen
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
by Linda Espenshade/MCC
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
by Andrew Kampen, CPA
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!
