Apparently by tonight and tomorrow, we are supposed to be back to normal - rain and plus 8 degrees. My window in the MCBC office in Abbotsford looks across a nice litte grassy area and then right into the Columbia Bible College dining room. Well, this grassy area is now blanketed in at least 8 inches of snow, but also covered with partially filled-in foot prints and snow angels.
Yes a whole wack of CBC students had a friendly snow ball fight, and when tired, collapsed on their backs to make snow angels. It looked like a lot of fun, but I left my snow boots at home today. Of course, these young men and women (or old boys and girls) were building relationships.
Do we take enough time to get out and have fun in the snow? Probably not - at least not me. While there won't be any more snow by Sunday, Diane and I plan to play. After church we plan to just hang out in Vancouver. We were planning to walk around the Vancouver Christmas Market, and then eventually end up at some place to watch our beloved Roughriders play in the Grey Cup game with Mark and Lisa. But, since the Christmas Market had a fire on opening day (yesterday), it has been closed until Monday. Boo! Anyway, we'll have a fun afternoon - and may the right/best team win.
Of course, going to Florida next week will be fun too!
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
First Nations Ministry for MCBC?
Together with Mennonite Church Canada Native Ministries and in partnership with MCC BC, we have hired Steve Heinrichs for a three month contract to research the possibilities where Mennonite Church BC might engage in the story of First Nations people in the Lower Mainland.
Steve was pastor at Church of the Way in Granisle, BC for three years. While pastoring the congregation, he was also partially funded by MC Canada Native Ministries to work with First Nations people up there. So, when Steve became available, he was clearly the right person for this research project. Steve, and his wife Ann, have a strong interest in multicultural ministry, especially with First Nations people.
So, we don't know what the results will be, but Steve has already shared his initial learnings with me. There are at least two things that have been interesting for me. First, we as Mennonites have been neighbours with First Nations people ever since the first Mennonites came to BC. This has been both knowingly and unknowingly. Secondly, there is basically one First Nations people group throughout the Lower Mainland with different branches - the Sto:lo. This fact helps to see the larger picture more easily as well as the connectedness across the region.
Steve has prepared a sermon that he would like to preach in our congregations. It would be good for each of our congregations to make the effort to welcome Steve on a Sunday sometime between now and March 2011.
Steve was pastor at Church of the Way in Granisle, BC for three years. While pastoring the congregation, he was also partially funded by MC Canada Native Ministries to work with First Nations people up there. So, when Steve became available, he was clearly the right person for this research project. Steve, and his wife Ann, have a strong interest in multicultural ministry, especially with First Nations people.
So, we don't know what the results will be, but Steve has already shared his initial learnings with me. There are at least two things that have been interesting for me. First, we as Mennonites have been neighbours with First Nations people ever since the first Mennonites came to BC. This has been both knowingly and unknowingly. Secondly, there is basically one First Nations people group throughout the Lower Mainland with different branches - the Sto:lo. This fact helps to see the larger picture more easily as well as the connectedness across the region.
Steve has prepared a sermon that he would like to preach in our congregations. It would be good for each of our congregations to make the effort to welcome Steve on a Sunday sometime between now and March 2011.
Installing Pastors
Almost every time we are getting ready to install a new pastor, somebody comes up with a wise crack about installing a light bulb, a dryer or kitchen cabinets.
I agree that it is a word with multiple meanings. I also agree that it seems like a bit of a strange word to use. But, it is also the best word. Some may suggest words like: commissioning or blessing. These words have good meaning, but they don't say it right and they don't say it all. What we are recognising is a new start for a new pastor in a particular congregation in a particular place. Similarily, when light bulbs, dryers, and kitchen cupboards are installed, they represent a new start in a particular place.
So, we installed Aaron Roorda as associate/youth pastor at Eden Mennonite Church in Chilliwack. We installed Jonathan Deng as fulltime (previously half time) pastor at White Rock Mennonite Christian Fellowship. We installed Gordon Carter as pastor at United Mennonite Church in Black Creek (on Vancovuer Island). And, we installed Tim Froese as associate pastor at Sherbrooke Mennonite Church in Vancouver. So there you have it.
I agree that it is a word with multiple meanings. I also agree that it seems like a bit of a strange word to use. But, it is also the best word. Some may suggest words like: commissioning or blessing. These words have good meaning, but they don't say it right and they don't say it all. What we are recognising is a new start for a new pastor in a particular congregation in a particular place. Similarily, when light bulbs, dryers, and kitchen cupboards are installed, they represent a new start in a particular place.
So, we installed Aaron Roorda as associate/youth pastor at Eden Mennonite Church in Chilliwack. We installed Jonathan Deng as fulltime (previously half time) pastor at White Rock Mennonite Christian Fellowship. We installed Gordon Carter as pastor at United Mennonite Church in Black Creek (on Vancovuer Island). And, we installed Tim Froese as associate pastor at Sherbrooke Mennonite Church in Vancouver. So there you have it.
Heading Back to Saskatoon
The Mennonite Church Canada Fall Leadership Assembly was in Saskatoon this year (November 10-12, 2010). I go there because as Executive Minister in MCBC, that makes me an Area Church Minister in one of the five regions of Mennonite Church Canada.
Of course, this also gives opportunity to see the parents. I took an extra day and drove to Rosthern to spend a day ahead of the business meetings with my parents. I was able to help Dad get his minivan ready for selling - cleaning it out and doing a few other things. You see, Dad is almost 93, and he decided to let the insurance expire on his vehicle in October. He did take it for one last drive the day before expiration. Mom and Dad are doing fine - both at the Rosthern Mennonite Nursing Home, with Mom in nursing care, and Dad in assisted living.
I stayed with Diane's parents for the days of the assembly in Saskatoon. It was really good catching up.
It is always good to be about the business of the church - both the challenging and frustrating stuff, as well as the inspiring stuff. This assembly is the body that discerns what the most important conversations on theology and church life are these days, and then figures out the time and place for the larger church to engage these. The theme that has caught our attention is, "Delighting in the Word of God" (both the Written Word and the Living Word). As we delight, we then also discern - what the Word is saying to us in our day. We were deciding what topics would be good to spend some time on in discernment at our annual MC Canada Assemblies. Last year the topic of discernment was "peace". We are still figuring out what we will do in 2011 and 2012, but it will probably be in the area of human sexuality. It's because there are so many sexual distractions right at our fingertips, that they are destroying our society.
These meetings have the strange rhythm of always being over Remembrance Day. So, on Wednesday I was caught in a nasty traffic jam on my way to the meetings, then on Thursday there was nothing. I commented to my passenger, and he said, "It's a holiday." Oh yeah, we have our meetings on a holiday. Anyway, we made the most of it. The local churches have a "Remembering for Peace" service at the Rotary Peace Park along the South Saskatchewan River. We surround the Peace Plaza Monument, which had a flame burning at the top, and had a beautiful service of prayer, remembering and committing ourselves to work for peace.
Since I had a block of extra time after my last session and before the flight home, I headed down the the Rider Store in the Centre at Circle and 8th. It's a new store for this year. I stood in the middle and wanted to phone somebody (but everyone was at work). It was like being a kid in the mall at Christmas.
Of course, this also gives opportunity to see the parents. I took an extra day and drove to Rosthern to spend a day ahead of the business meetings with my parents. I was able to help Dad get his minivan ready for selling - cleaning it out and doing a few other things. You see, Dad is almost 93, and he decided to let the insurance expire on his vehicle in October. He did take it for one last drive the day before expiration. Mom and Dad are doing fine - both at the Rosthern Mennonite Nursing Home, with Mom in nursing care, and Dad in assisted living.
I stayed with Diane's parents for the days of the assembly in Saskatoon. It was really good catching up.
It is always good to be about the business of the church - both the challenging and frustrating stuff, as well as the inspiring stuff. This assembly is the body that discerns what the most important conversations on theology and church life are these days, and then figures out the time and place for the larger church to engage these. The theme that has caught our attention is, "Delighting in the Word of God" (both the Written Word and the Living Word). As we delight, we then also discern - what the Word is saying to us in our day. We were deciding what topics would be good to spend some time on in discernment at our annual MC Canada Assemblies. Last year the topic of discernment was "peace". We are still figuring out what we will do in 2011 and 2012, but it will probably be in the area of human sexuality. It's because there are so many sexual distractions right at our fingertips, that they are destroying our society.
These meetings have the strange rhythm of always being over Remembrance Day. So, on Wednesday I was caught in a nasty traffic jam on my way to the meetings, then on Thursday there was nothing. I commented to my passenger, and he said, "It's a holiday." Oh yeah, we have our meetings on a holiday. Anyway, we made the most of it. The local churches have a "Remembering for Peace" service at the Rotary Peace Park along the South Saskatchewan River. We surround the Peace Plaza Monument, which had a flame burning at the top, and had a beautiful service of prayer, remembering and committing ourselves to work for peace.
Since I had a block of extra time after my last session and before the flight home, I headed down the the Rider Store in the Centre at Circle and 8th. It's a new store for this year. I stood in the middle and wanted to phone somebody (but everyone was at work). It was like being a kid in the mall at Christmas.
IMPaCT
International Mennonite Pastors Coming Together happened between September 23rd and October 7th, 2010. Four pastors from the Fraser Valley were paired with four pastors from Asia for two weeks. While IMPaCT seriously took two whole weeks out of my life, they were two great weeks! The impact was primarily intended for the participating pastors, but many others of us were seriously impacted for life. The four local churches were also deeply touched by the presence of these celebrities in their midst. It was a lot of work for me (also Janette at the office and a number of others), but the rewards were all worth it.
If you want to see all the pictures, copy this link and paste it into your browser:
http://picasaweb.google.ca/117168908545129289254/IMPaCT2010#
If you want to see all the pictures, copy this link and paste it into your browser:
http://picasaweb.google.ca/117168908545129289254/IMPaCT2010#
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Building a Core Group to Revitalise a Church
Here's an idea that came up at our most recent MCBC Evangelism and Church Development Committee meeting. When there is a congregation that has lost its growth edge or is aging, and is in need of revitalisation, build a core group that is energised to both belong to the existing congregation and to take that congregation into a revitalised future.
Is this a new concept? We thought that it might be. There are a few existing concepts of revitalisation. (1) A congregation could bring in a younger pastor to bring the new growth. (2) The denomination can shut down the plateaued or aging congregation and then after a brief period of time, start a new congregation at the same location; the former members would be invited to come, but clearly this will be different. (3) A church planter could be brought in to start a completely new congregation, using the existing congregation's building as their location.
So, starting a new core group to revitalise an existing congregation involves a few serious commitments. A key understanding is that the congregation wants to be revitalised and that renewing a congregation to be a multi-generational church once again is worth it. Here are some considerations. People would have to relocate into the neighbourhood - buying or renting homes, moving from elsewhere in the city, or from an entirely different city. There would be a commitment to walk with people who have gotten tired (leaning heavy on their love and prayer support) while also walking into the neighbourhood and loving a whole new group of people. The commitment is radical...but so is the Good News!
I would love your engagement in this discussion. Throw out some more radical thoughts. Wet blankets are welcome too. If the idea is a God-thing, there is no wet blanket that can smother it!
Is this a new concept? We thought that it might be. There are a few existing concepts of revitalisation. (1) A congregation could bring in a younger pastor to bring the new growth. (2) The denomination can shut down the plateaued or aging congregation and then after a brief period of time, start a new congregation at the same location; the former members would be invited to come, but clearly this will be different. (3) A church planter could be brought in to start a completely new congregation, using the existing congregation's building as their location.
So, starting a new core group to revitalise an existing congregation involves a few serious commitments. A key understanding is that the congregation wants to be revitalised and that renewing a congregation to be a multi-generational church once again is worth it. Here are some considerations. People would have to relocate into the neighbourhood - buying or renting homes, moving from elsewhere in the city, or from an entirely different city. There would be a commitment to walk with people who have gotten tired (leaning heavy on their love and prayer support) while also walking into the neighbourhood and loving a whole new group of people. The commitment is radical...but so is the Good News!
I would love your engagement in this discussion. Throw out some more radical thoughts. Wet blankets are welcome too. If the idea is a God-thing, there is no wet blanket that can smother it!
Sunday, September 5, 2010
What's Up This Fall?
What is happening this fall in the world of Mennonite Church BC?
A big project happening from September 23rd to October 7th is IMPaCT (International Mennonite Pastors Coming Together). IMPaCT is an initiative of Mennonite Church Canada that is co-sponsored by one of its area churches (by Mennonite Church BC in 2010). We are planning to bring together 10 pastors from several countries in Asia in order that they might grapple with issues of being the church in the world today. Guest pastors will be paired with MCBC pastors from the Fraser Valley. By being hosted in the host pastor’s home, friendships will be forged, support and encouragement will be offered, challenges will be shared and extended, bread will be broken, and all will come to see Jesus more clearly through the eyes of the other.
The core group of pastors will spend two weekends involved in a local congregation, a week studying and reflecting together on the theme of "the church as a prophetic voice in our world today", and several days interacting with the broader constituency and a variety of leadership persons.
Please pray for IMPaCT 2010. We are planning a public event at the Level Ground Mennonite Church in Abbotsford on the evening of October 3rd. Come and be energised by this experience.
Dovetailing with IMPaCT will be our annual Pastor/Spouse Retreat at Camp Squeah. The last 3 days of the IMPaCT event will be at the retreat. This will give a broader opportunity for building relationships and learning about God's activity in the world, extending to all our MCBC pastors and their spouses.
OTHERWISE, at MCBC we are just doing what we do. We only exist for the congregations and their leadership. If we are able to help our congregations and our pastors to be stronger and healthier, then we have a reason to exist. That's what it's all about. So this summer, MCBC has been helping congregations find new pastors. This fall we will celebrate 70 years of ministry with Cedar Valley Mennonite Church in Mission. We will also get the monthly pastors gatherings going again. In the 3rd week of each month, don't try to book a lunch meeting with me, because I'll be hanging out with pastors - Tuesday in Vancouver, Wednesday in the Fraser Valley, and Thursday with the Youth Pastors. It's all about building a community experience where we can belong and be open with each other.
This fall the MCBC Leadership Board is taking a good look at our priorities and deciding to what we should be giving our greatest attention. This will carry into a Leadership Board Retreat in January and to our annual meeting in February. This also gives opportunity for Janette and me (the 2 MCBC staff) to sharpen our focus as to what are the things that should receive our highest priority.
We have our fingers in a lot more stuff, but I'll encourage you read the greater story in our September edition of the News 'n Notes.
A big project happening from September 23rd to October 7th is IMPaCT (International Mennonite Pastors Coming Together). IMPaCT is an initiative of Mennonite Church Canada that is co-sponsored by one of its area churches (by Mennonite Church BC in 2010). We are planning to bring together 10 pastors from several countries in Asia in order that they might grapple with issues of being the church in the world today. Guest pastors will be paired with MCBC pastors from the Fraser Valley. By being hosted in the host pastor’s home, friendships will be forged, support and encouragement will be offered, challenges will be shared and extended, bread will be broken, and all will come to see Jesus more clearly through the eyes of the other.
The core group of pastors will spend two weekends involved in a local congregation, a week studying and reflecting together on the theme of "the church as a prophetic voice in our world today", and several days interacting with the broader constituency and a variety of leadership persons.
Please pray for IMPaCT 2010. We are planning a public event at the Level Ground Mennonite Church in Abbotsford on the evening of October 3rd. Come and be energised by this experience.
Dovetailing with IMPaCT will be our annual Pastor/Spouse Retreat at Camp Squeah. The last 3 days of the IMPaCT event will be at the retreat. This will give a broader opportunity for building relationships and learning about God's activity in the world, extending to all our MCBC pastors and their spouses.
OTHERWISE, at MCBC we are just doing what we do. We only exist for the congregations and their leadership. If we are able to help our congregations and our pastors to be stronger and healthier, then we have a reason to exist. That's what it's all about. So this summer, MCBC has been helping congregations find new pastors. This fall we will celebrate 70 years of ministry with Cedar Valley Mennonite Church in Mission. We will also get the monthly pastors gatherings going again. In the 3rd week of each month, don't try to book a lunch meeting with me, because I'll be hanging out with pastors - Tuesday in Vancouver, Wednesday in the Fraser Valley, and Thursday with the Youth Pastors. It's all about building a community experience where we can belong and be open with each other.
This fall the MCBC Leadership Board is taking a good look at our priorities and deciding to what we should be giving our greatest attention. This will carry into a Leadership Board Retreat in January and to our annual meeting in February. This also gives opportunity for Janette and me (the 2 MCBC staff) to sharpen our focus as to what are the things that should receive our highest priority.
We have our fingers in a lot more stuff, but I'll encourage you read the greater story in our September edition of the News 'n Notes.
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