“This is a sacred moment in the history of this denomination – and in our country.” This came from Calgary consultant Terry Mochar, who spent the last eight months studying the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches (CCMBC). He gave a preview of his findings to B.C. MB leaders at their annual convention at Broadway Church, Chilliwack, May 4–5.
Media Talk 101 – Movie note: It’s a girl – CMU professors honoured
Since my early teen years, I’ve harboured a more than mild interest in our feathered friends. My Grade 9 teacher had a remarkable love of the outdoors, and birds in particular. He helped us observe the markings of birds, pushing us to be attentive to a bird’s location by listening for the chirps, whistles, and screeches unique to each species.
The day began with 10 churches, it concluded with 12. The “heart of MB Quebec,” Église Chrétienne de Ste-Thérèse (the second congregation established in the province), was a fitting place to welcome two new churches to the Quebec MB conference (AEFMQ) at the annual convention Apr. 14.
A sawmill explosion in Prince George, B.C., Apr. 23 killed at least two people and seriously injured 8 others. None of the casualties were members of the Westwood MB Church family, but the congregation got involved right away.
Violence, abuse, and addiction were all Rick Langlais knew until he met Jesus in adulthood through the loving intervention of Ralph Gliege, then pastor of West Portal (MB) Church. For the past two decades, Langlais has provided drop-in space, clothing, and food – and love – through Hands On Street Ministry in Saskatoon. Now he’s also become a sought-after speaker on Saskatchewan reserves and in adult-learning classrooms.
Ron Toews has been appointed director of leadership development for the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches (CCMBC). This role will encompass oversight of the department currently called church ministries. Toews will work out of B.C., where he previously served a similar leadership development function since 2009 and pioneered the In Service virtual equipping seminars.
Book review unbalanced, re: May
Bethesda, an MB-affiliated support agency for people with developmental disabilities, celebrates 75 years of ministry in 2012. A highlight of the Apr. 22 anniversary celebration was a performance by Momentum, a unique choir, an off-shoot of Bethesda. Their jazzy renditions of “This Little Light of Mine,” “Put a Little Love in your Heart,” and “Born this Way” were called polished, professional, and inspirational.
- Arts & CulturebooksCrosscurrentsMB Herald
Churches Engage Asian Traditions—A Global Mennonite History
Churches Engage Asian Traditions—A Global Mennonite HistoryEditors: John A. Lapp, C. Arnold SnyderThis history of the Anabaptist tradition in Asia is perhaps the best example of the extent and diversity of the Mennonite church around the world. Churches Engage Asian Traditions is the fourth in a series of five volumes arising from the Global Mennonite History Project launched 15 years ago.