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!
by Rob Reimer
President, Steinbach Bible College
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’
by EMC
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.
Continue reading Klassen Develops an Introduction to Deacon Ministry
by Layton Friesen
What? An EMC Ministerial theology conference.
No, I mean what? A theology conference on sexuality called Desire: Pastoring, Same Sex Attraction and the Church.
Wait…What!?! Yes, we are pastors getting together to discuss sex. Continue reading A Ministerial Theology Conference Discussing What?
From Mennonite Disaster Service
Helping Canadian Anabaptist-Mennonite congregations respond to COVID-19
The MDS Canada Spirit of MDS Fund is issuing a second call for applications from churches in Canada responding to COVID-19 needs in their communities. Continue reading Spirit of MDS Fund Issues Second Call for Applications
