Canadian Mennonite
Volume 8, Number 12
June 14, 2004
Seminary certificate
offered in Manitoba
Winnipeg, Man.—The Evangelical Anabaptist Seminary Program here has linked up with Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary (MBBS) and Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS) to offer a Certificate of Christian Ministry. The certificate is a 30-unit program to provide basic training in Bible, theology and pastoral ministry from an evangelical Anabaptist perspective.
Courses, which can be transferred into programs at other seminaries, are taught at Canadian Mennonite University.
The Evangelical Anabaptist Seminary Program is a cooperative venture of five Mennonite conferences in Manitoba and four Mennonite schools. Since it began in 2002, it has served 97 credit students and 33 auditors from 5 Mennonite groups and over 10 other denominations.
Currently, MBBS is assessing the feasibility of offering a full degree in Winnipeg, in partnership with other seminaries.
For more information, contact Pierre Gilbert, phone (204) 487-3300, e-mail:
E-mail: pgilbert@cmu.ca, or visit the web site at www.ambs.edu/easp/.
Conference to focus
on ‘boat people’
Winnipeg, Man.—A conference in October 2005 is inviting presenters and storytellers involved in the settlement of Asian “boat people” in Canada. In 1979, a crisis in Vietnam set in motion a massive migration of refugees that transformed Mennonite churches in Canada.
The conference will address the legacy of that time. Congregational representatives, individuals and academics are encouraged to participate. The event, supported by the Mennonite Historical Society of Canada and Mennonite Central Committee Canada, will be hosted by the Chair in Mennonite Studies at the University of Winnipeg.
For further information, contact Royden Loewen, e-mail: r.loewen@uwinnipeg.ca or Ken Reddig at MCC Canada.—From release
New resources
for churches
Several new resources will be available to Mennonite Church Canada congregations this summer.
Weddings is a new 80-page guide for pastors that provides theological perspective, reflections
on current issues and practical ideas on preparing for weddings. Writer Karen Martens Zimmerly, pastor at Grace Mennonite Church in Regina, compiled contributions from pastors and others for the booklet. It addresses topics such as co-habitation, second marriages, non-Christian couples who want a church wedding, appropriate music and giving children a place in the ceremony. It also contains a list of further resources.
A new MC Canada prayer directory and prayer poster for 2004-05 is also being prepared. A brochure, What makes a Mennonite?, is a tool for congregations to hand to visitors. It explains the basics of Anabaptist/Mennonite beliefs and dispels some common stereotypes. Unsettled Weather: How do we forgive? by Wilma L. Derksen is a seven-session series that helps people work through the process of forgiveness.
These resources can be picked up by delegates at the MC Canada assembly in July.—From MC Canada release
Kreider joins AMBS faculty
Elkhart, Ind.—Alan Kreider, longtime mission worker in England, has been appointed associate professor of church history and mission at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary. He begins July 1. Kreider, with his wife Eleanor, spent 26 years in England, with the London Mennonite Centre and at Regent’s Park College, Oxford University. He helped found the Anabaptist Network in England. For the past four years, the Kreiders have been mission educators for Mennonite Mission Network. “We are very fortunate to bring to our faculty someone with Alan’s extensive knowledge of church history, ecumenical relations and international experience, combined with his passion for the church and for communicating the gospel in today’s culture,” said Loren Johns, AMBS academic dean. Kreider has a doctorate from Harvard University.—From AMBS release
Centre closed for two weeks
The Mennonite Heritage Centre Archives and Gallery in Winnipeg will be closed for renovations from June 11-26, says director Alf Redekopp. Although staff will be available by telephone or e-mail, services will be limited.—From release
Driving golf balls
to Ukraine
Winnipeg, Man.—Mennonite Central Committee Manitoba’s annual golf tournament will be held on July 21 at Quarry Oaks Golf Course near Steinbach.
This year’s golfers will be “driving golf balls to the Ukraine” in support of MCC’s economic development project there. The project provides small business loans to impoverished people. Last year’s tournament raised $20,000.
In addition to golf there will be a variety of novelty holes and activities, and a banquet. To register or to make a donation to the Ukraine project, call Richard Dyck at MCC Manitoba, (204)-261-6381.—From release
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