June 2010

I grew up in the church, well aware of the tension that surrounded the topic of homosexuality. So when I began to feel the pull of same-gender attraction as a preteen, I didn’t feel there was anyone I could turn to. That was 20 years ago, but I’m afraid not much has changed for those in the church who struggle with same-gender attraction.

A few years ago, I listened to the testimonies of two men who had been involved in homosexual relationships. Toni had grown up with an inordinate need for male affirmation. At age 20, he found that affirmation in the gay community.

Fred Rogers became a legend in children’s broadcasting prior to his death in 2003. He was ordained as a Presbyterian minister in 1962, and soon became host of the popular TV show, Mister Rogers’ Neighbourhood. At the beginning of each episode, Mr. Rogers would put on a cardigan sweater and sneakers, and sing the show’s theme song, “Won’t You Be My Neighbour?”

On Apr. 24, the Mennonite Brethren Historical Commission, Tabor College, and the Center for MB Studies (CMBS) in Hillsboro, Kan., sponsored a launch for a book celebrating a Mennonite writer with 2,000-plus published articles and books to her name: The Voice of a Writer: Honoring the Life of Katie Funk Wiebe.

The needs of youth take top priority for seven churches local to Herbert, Sask. In March, after months of planning, searching, renovating, and decorating, they officially opened a new drop-in centre in a former Texaco gas station – complete with a coffee bar, HDTV equipped with wifi and PS3, multipurpose room, and arcade room – for all the youth of the town of approximately 700.

Two churches – who meet at a unique, shared site – hosted this year’s annual convention of the B.C. Conference of MB (BCMB) Churches. Richmond Bethel and Richmond Chinese MB’s co-host pastors told delegates that each church has its normal congregational life in the same building, but they do some things jointly or cooperatively. Pastors Peter Mau and Scott Tolhurst said those joint things must be intentional – they don’t “just happen.”

Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations
Authors: Alex Harris and Brett Harris
Written by teenagers for teenagers, this is one of the most inspiring books I have read recently: a rebellion against the low expectations adults have of teenagers (and they of themselves!).

A New Kind of Christianity: Ten Questions that are Transforming the Faith
Author: Brian D. McLaren

Brian D. McLaren’s 2004 book A Generous Orthodoxy was dubbed a “manifesto of the emerging church conversation.” His recent title A New Kind of Christianity is an all-encompassing work, mixing ancient, modern, and postmodern philosophy, theology, and Christian history with his commentary on affluent Western society. It will elicit a strong response from every reader – shocking some, refreshing others.

Board Members Profiled are: Ralph Gliege, Viday Narimalla & Brent Hudson

Introverts in the ChurchAuthor: Adam S. McHughI hate the title of Adam S. McHugh’s book. I hate the title, but love the book. The title implies it’s for introverts only. Instead, it’s a book for everybody in the church.