Ralph Friesen tells of how his father, Peter D. Friesen, grew up in the KG/EMC and served as a minister and, later, the lead pastor of Steinbach EMC for years while supporting his family as a businessman. His Dad suffered a stroke in his 50s and lived uncomfortably for several years before dying in his early 60s. As Friesen said in an interview elsewhere, the book intertwines two stories: his father’s and his own. Continue reading Review: Dad, God, and Me: Remembering a Mennonite Pastor and His Wayward Son→
I used to think I was a calm, rational person. Then I met me, the mother of two preschoolers. My delusion shattered. I’m a nice person…the first time I have to wrestle dancing feet into a pair of jeans. Tell me to potty train a small human and my “good mommy” persona starts to slip. Most days my words are less than inspirational. Dirty dishes ferment on the counter; toys are scattered in every room. My husband comes home from a busy work day to hyper kids and a frazzled wife. Continue reading Musings from a Momma→
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→
There is a lot of discussion about hell in Christian circles today. A big difference is made when we decide whether hell is an arbitrary punishment that God designs to make bad people suffer, or the natural consequence of choices we make here in this life. Try this analogy. It helps me think about hell.Continue reading Hell and Highwater→
I am a turtle. Not literally, of course, but when it comes to tough stuff my default response is to hide inside my shell. The world is a very tough place, full of hurt, grief, evil, discomfort and conflict. So, I have made a nice home for myself inside my shell. It is comfortable and safe where no one can bother me. Continue reading Let’s Talk→
Every other year EMC ministers and deacons are treated to a retreat for spiritual, emotional, and social renewal. This is a great time to spend time connecting with new leaders, gaining wisdom from those who have been in ministry for a long time and getting the pulse of the conference. We get to know other leaders in new ways as we share our life experiences in a retreat setting. Continue reading The Three Rs: Relax, Rejuvenate and Enjoy Recreation→
Last year’s EMC ministerial retreat took place at Wilderness Edge in Pinawa, Man., from the weekend of Nov. 30 to Dec. 2, 2019. The weekend was a wonderful time for all ministry leaders within our churches to spend time in praise and worship, prayer, connecting with each other, reflecting on God’s Word and even playing together. Continue reading Jacob and Arlene Friesen: Attending to Our Inner Life→
BOLIVIA – On Jan. 9, 2020, an EMC prayer team of 10 people from across Canada met in Toronto with the purpose of traveling to Bolivia to meet and pray with each EMC and MEM missionary, listening to their heart for the ministries with which they are involved. Continue reading EMC Prayer Team Sees Need for Ministry→
by the Inspiring Partnership in Ministry Task Force
In 2016 the General Board undertook to collect data and opinions from all EMC church leaderships regarding their views and practices pertaining to “women in leadership” in their local churches. Following this process there was an open discussion at the 2017 Conference Council meeting where the details of this survey were presented, and small discussion groups helped to formulate a plan for a process of healthy discussion regarding this topic. The second priority listed by these discussion groups was to: “Determine what fears people have regarding women in ministry and create forums for these fears to be expressed.” Continue reading Women in Leadership: Hearing Fears and Offering Thoughts→
A publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference
