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I HAD JUST finished a concert of the Biola College Chorale in a church in Oregon. I felt uneasy. The choir members had struggled to communicate effectively, but they seemingly had difUculty hearing each other, making them
feel they were singing alone. Where, I asked myself, was the choral sound that needed to envelop the choir and which gives the singer extra emotion, energy and excitement? What stifled the life, inspiration and thrill of their singing? As the singers were leaving the choir loft I searched for an answer. I reflected on the many months the choir membes had diligently rehearsed for their singing ministry. Even before this concert a half-hour prayer session was held as a spiritual preparation. They had sincerely asked the Lord to make this concert spiritually meaningful and inspirational for us as well as for the audience. What had gone wrong?
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As one of the singers walked towards me, 1 immediately sensed her frustration and disappoint ment. She simply commented, “It seems the Lord didn’t speak tonight.” I glanced at the thick rug on the floor, the acoustical tile on the ceiling, the cushioned seats, and could only respond, “If the Lord didn’t speak. He didn’t speak to the architect.” By then it was clear that the architectural design of the santuary had so deadened its acoustics that inspirational singing was impossible. I especial ly felt sorry for the service choir of the church which undoubtedly was struggling from Sunday to Sunday with this acoustical handicap in its effort to serve spiritually through their singing. Unfortunately, dead acoustics are common in many churches as a result of twentieth century in terior design. Many congregations that expected the church music program to get a new lift after moving into a new sanctuary ex perienced a contrary result. The resonant sanctuaries found in pre twentieth century churches generally have been replaced with those that are acoustically dead. The stonework of city cathedrals and the hard plaster walls of small
country churches have been replaced with acoustical tile, carpeted floors, cushioned seats and curtained backdrops. Once congregations and choirs sang with ease and natural amplifica tion; now people hesitate to sing because they feel as if they are singing alone and they miss the supporting sound around them. The organ sounds anemic. Choir membership suffers because the joy of blending their voices in song is gone. Dead acoustical design Ims hiirnied the spiritual ministry of ehureh music more than any one single physical cause in this cen tury. I have conducted the Tabor College Choir in concerts in most of the Mennonite Brethren churches in the United States and many in Canada. I particularly remember the excellent acoustics for choir singing in the Shafter M.B. church and the Dinuba M.B. church before it was remodelled. But most sanctuaries built within the last 20 years present serious acoustical problems for choir as well as for congregational singing. No doubt this has contributed to the decline in music participation and interest in our churches. IN RECENT YEARS SOUND ABSORBING materials have been used successfully to absorb un wanted sound in industrial buildings. This has given rise to the idea that similar treatment is THE MESSENGER
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acoustical Killeth equally good in churches. Actual ly, the two problems are vastly different. Often great quantities of acoustical material must be used in industry to reduce unpleasant sounds to a tolerable level. On the other hand, in the church only a slight adjustment of sound dis tribution is usually needed. Thus a wholesale application of acoustical materials in a sanctuary is dis astrous not only in its effect on music but also to the entire tone and effectiveness of the worship service. Church building committees need to know that salesmen of acoustical materials often mis represent themselves as acoustical engineers. In their desire to sell their products they have so deadened the interiors of many churches that it has been necessary to purchase costly public address systems so that the minister may once again be heard. The attempt to substitute natural amplification with electronic amplification has been un successful as far as choir and con gregational singing is concerned. In some churches rugs have been installed over hard floors in order to make the cleaning of the sanc tuary easier. Unhappily the vacuum cleaner in these cases has won over the spiritual ministry of music in worship. IF MUSIC IS TO BE A MEANINGFUL part of the NOVEMBER 25, 1977
worship life of the congregation, the sanctuary must be a resonant auditorium. It is difficult to predict, in advance of building, ex actly what the resonance of a sanc tuary will be.When the church is in use the clothing of the congrega tion generally absorbs nearly onethird of all sound produced. With the building filled, a resonant period of not less than two-second duration is desirable; the reverberation time lengthens to about four seconds when the building is empty. A two to 2 1/2 second reverberation time is a good compromise for both singing and speaking. Under any circum stance echo, not to be confused with reverberation time, is undesi rable. The primary reasons for poor acoustics in choir lofts are high ceilings and absorbent materials surrounding the choir. The best design of a choir loft is a shell. It forms a “mixing chamber” in which the choir sings. It reflects the sound so that there are no dead spots on the stage and performers can hear themselves and the other performers. The result is a balance of blended sounds from all sec tions. Furthermore, it helps direct the sound, which otherwise would be dissipated, towards the audience. Thus a good choir loft will control sound, preserve its
volume and quality, and project it towards the congregation. My advice is to build a place of worship with live acoustical properties. If, after using the sanc tuary awhile, the congregation determines it is too resonant or it has a bothersome echo, acoustical material can easily be added to soften the sound reflection. If, on the other hand, a sanctuary is built acoustically too dead, most congregations will not be willing to tear up the ceiling or walls and replace it with material having a harder reflective surface. IN RETROSPECT, the fact that our forefathers built churches with rectangular sanctuaries, plaster walls, hard benches and wooden floors contributed more than we realize to our great sing ing heritage. Unfortunately, like a silent ghost, our new acoustically dead sanctuaries have robbed us of the brilliance, life and joy of sing ing in worship. My hope is that congregations will try to rectify bad acoustical situations and that new houses of worship will be built with adequate attention to the acoustical needs of music as well as to the requirements for speak ing, visual esthetics and symbolism. PAGE 3
First Annual Winter Intersession You are invited to attend the S.B.I. Intersession 78 from January 2-14. The Intersession is in two parts with one hour of college credit available for each week
SESSION I 1. Minor Prophets — Hosea to Zephaniah — Mr. Glen Koop 2. Library Development — design for students and pastors — Mr. Barry Thiessen 3. Spiritual Depression — causes, effect and remedy — Mr. Ben Hoeppner SESSION II
INSTITUTE ON CHURCH LIFE AND REVIVAL
An intensive study of Revival in history and as a present reality.
Topics include: Principles of Intercessory Prayer Prayer in Revival The Church in Revival The Pastor and Spiritual Leadership
These will be discussed by a Team from Canadian Revival Fellowship. Teaching will be the Sutera Twins, Rev. Bill Laing, Rev. Dick Sipley and Henry and and Freda Teichrob.
For a Brochure and Application form write to: The Stenibach Bible Institute, Box 1420, Steinbach, Man. ROA 2A0
Board Of Missions
Advistory Council Meeting December 2 Two Sessions 2:00—5:00 and 7:00—9:00 supper will be served
Braeside E.M. Church 1011 Munroe Ave. Winnipeg CONTRIBUTORS: The Music Liveth But The Acoustical Tile Killeth, is reprinted by permission of The Christian Leader. DAVID HELMUTH, “What Role? The Sunday School Superintendent,” is associate
secretary for congregational education and literature with the Mennonite Board of Congregational Ministries, Elkhart, Indiana. MENNO KROEKER, writer of the guest editorial, is pastor of the Rosenort E.M. Church. Fie is also a
member of the Board of Publica tion and Education. SARA LEOPPKY, (Steinbach) is serving in East Paraguay with EMC Board of Missions.
Cover Photo: Schclicnberg
By
D. K.
THE MESSENGER is the publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference. Its purpose is to inform, instruct, and inspire. Inform as to what is going on in the Conference; instruct in Godliness and victorious living; inspire to earnestly contend for the faith All correspondence should be addressed to the Editor D. K. Schellenberg. Box 1268. Steinbach. Manitoba. ROA 2A0. Letters, articles, art and poetry are welcomed. Views expressed in Letters to the Editor are not necessarily those of the editor nor of the paper. Unpublished articles are not returned except by request. Subscription; Members pay through their church. Non-members pay $2.00 per year. Send subscription money to The Messenger. Box 1268, Steinbach, Manitoba ROA 2A0. THE MESSENGER is published every other week by The Evangelical Mennonite Conference, Board of Education and Publication, Box 1268, Stein bach, Manitoba, ROA 2A0. Second Class Mail, Registration Number 0591. Undeliverable copies, change of address and new subscriptions should be mail ed to the above address.
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THE MESSENGER
From the Editor Polarization
THIS EVENING WHEN we were out visiting we got into a spirited discussion about the current (now past) election cam paign, with different predictions about what the outcome would be and also very decided opinions about the merits and short comings of the respective parties and their policies. It soon became obvious that the different opinions stemmed from a polarization of the “capitalist” oriented parties and the “socialist” oriented party. It was generally agreed that neither of these polarized positions was acceptable but rather some kind of a balance between the two. I BELIEVE THIS TENDS to be so in our churches as well. Throughout the history of the Christian church numerous issues, doctrines and traditions have arisen and have frequently become polarized at their extremes and have thus led to much bickering and disagreement between the two sides. Thus we have the “Calvinists”and the “Armenians,” the “Pre-millenialists” and the “Amillenialists,” and so on, with very vocal and insis tent voices defending each. It is sometimes said that “the truth lies somewhere in the middle.” This is, of course, not an infallible rule (sometimes truth is extreme) but we always do well to listen to those with whom we do not agree and honestly doing that we may find that our own position is modified in the process. ONE ISSUE WHICH has been frequently surfaced within our own Conference and which has occasionally found some ex pression in “The Messenger” is what is known as the Charismatic Movement. I believe here there has also been a tendency to draw the line in a rather pro and con position. So we characterize a group with charismatic tendencies as being experience-oriented and not scripture-oriented and therefore in need of being re-directed. In the course of our concern we may be blind to the new spiritual life which is present and actively at work within the group. A concern for correct doctrine may stifle the sense of need for an experiential relationship with Jesus Christ. ON THE OTHER HAND, an experiential relationship with Christ must always be subjected to scriptural scrutiny. In other words, we should never build Christian doctrines on experience only because experience is subjective and therefore as variable as are individuals. But if there is an overemphasis on correct
NOVEMBER 25, 1977
beliefs at the expense of experiencing Christ emotionally, a very significant dimension is lacking as well. 1 don't want to, for a minute, be quoted as saying that correct beliefs are not impor tant - right believing is essential for right living - but it is possible to have all the doctrines of the Christian faith down pat and yet find that there is a vast emptiness in one's life as a Christian. If I find myself in this position I would do well to look to a more experience oriented group and learn of them. Or someone who is in the opposite group would do well to look respectfully to a group or individual whose Christian faith is more doctrin ally undergirded. I HAVE JUST NOTED ONE ISSUE here. There would be others but I believe it is important to realize that we need each other in the circumstances we have cited. At the moment there is certainly room within our Conference for Christians who give evidence of a new, dynamic, enthusiastic and experiential knowledge of Jesus Christ. My own life has been touched by at least one exposure to a group where numerous people gave testimony to the wonder working power of God in their lives. When people are being brought to a saving knowledge of Christ, when sin is being dealt with and the Christian joy is evident we can but join in and praise God for what He is doing. Such is not a time to polarize ideas and seek to defend respective positions but much more a time to realize our need of one another. The account in Acts 15 of the resolution of two seemingly irreconiliable positions is full of lessons for us. There was an obvious readiness under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to listen to other voices and the ul timate outcome was a solution which was very much a modifica tion of the initial opposing positions. The result for those con cerned was, “They rejoiced at the exhortation.” MAY WE WITHIN OUR CHURCHES also have the grace to appreciate expressions of faith which we have not experi enced or the exercise of gifts which we do not possess and humb ly acknowledge that the truth does not reside within our ranks alone. May a similar spirit prevail when we discover new riches in Christ which we have not known before, — Guest Editorial by Menno Kroeker
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Missions
Erna Plett, Trees bank, left for Germany on November 24 where she will be working with the Levi Reimers in an outreach ministry. Eler involvement will be children's work and visitation.
Indian Literacy Program MARCH HAD ROLLED AROUND and it was time for school to begin. Where would it be held this year? It was decided that we find a more centralized location on the reserve. An old school building that we had used before but was not mission property was donated by John Janzen for this purpose. However, it needed a new roof. The Indians would be respon sible for the clearing of the lot and putting on a new grass roof. The spot was soon cleared, and the building moved out there, but March and April slipped by and still no new roof. Fortunately it was a dry winter so we finally began school at the beginning of May. More than 20 children had been registered but only eight appeared on the first day. We were a bit disappointed but these proved PAGE 6
Mary Loewen of the Rosenort EMC Church left for Mexico on November 21. She will be teaching at Camp 77 among the German speaking people.
to be really ambitious youngsters so that we enjoyed it anyway. Gradually more began to come and we did actually have 20 children in school for awhile. Attendance generally is quite irregular. Now at the close of another school term we are thankful for this open door. Most of the children have done remarkably well. It is a joy also to see that hearts are receptive to the things of the Lord. Scripture was memorized in the devotional period every morning and the last period on Friday was Bible story time. ANOTHER JOY WAS THE FACT that some adults asked for evening classes. Twice a week we have classes with six to ten adult students. Some are just learning to read; others have been to school before but want more practice so we avail ourselves of this oppor tunity and read Christian literature, trusting that through
this those that profess faith in Christ will ^et to know Him better and others will learn to know Him. Thank you for your prayers. We continue to look to you for further intercession. —Sara Loeppky
THE MESSENGER
Christmas Memories LAST CHRISTMAS I had the opportunity to visit the mis sionaries in El Paso and Mex ico. I would like to tell you about some of the experiences the missionaries shared with me in their daily routine. From dawn to dusk, seven days of the week, they toil faithfully win ning lost souls, comforting the bereaved, counselling the lost, preparing for and conducting Bible classes. My stay was with
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Dora Friesen and Doris Thiessen and I visited many times with Jake and Bertha Kroeker and family and the Fast family. With Christmas just around the corner the missionaries will be very busy planning for their Christmas program again to be held on Christmas Day in Juarez. I can close my eyes and relive it all. During practices Bertha would sit outdoors in a sheltered place, playing her accordian and teaching the Christ-
mas songs to the children of the village. Last Christmas in a cold small room about 75 people huddled together, one corner of the room draped with a blanket for a stage where the children performed. There were no Christmas decorations, but God’s presence was evident in the service. I did not understand the language but as Jake presented the message I shared the great joy with all who had come to hear. As the children left they were each handed an
-Mission Grams Canada • Jake and Dorothy Unrau are presently helping along in their church at Burns Lake, B.C. They anticipate visiting churches this spring and then leaving for Germany to serve under Global Outreach Mission. • The Mt. Salem E.M. Church in Aylmer, Ontario reports of people coming to a saving knowledge of Christ. Their average Sunday mor ning church attendance is approximately 45.
orange and a pencil. Off they ran merrily. For many of them this was their first contact with the Christmas story. Please continue to pray for our missionarie.s that they will be given strength and courage, especially at this time of year when their untiring efforts will bring many more people to know God's love for them. We can join with the Apostle Paul in saying, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13).How wonderful it is that God provides us with the strength to do the things that He calls us to do! At this opportune time, I again thank all my friends, especially remembering Jake and Bertha Kroeker and family, Dora Friesen. Doris Thiessen and the Fast family. Thank you for your prayers. — Emma Osman, Winnipeg
El Paso / Mexico • Good News Club is being taught by Bruce Fast and Lester Kroeker at the Sanchez home in El Paso. • The Christians at Km. 5 in Juarez are waiting for a building permit to start on their church building. • The Mexican EMC Youth Conference is planned for December 24 and 25 at the San Juan Church. • The office at El Paso reports that there are 94 people enrolled in Bible correspondence courses, 890 are on the Mensajero (the Spanish Messenger) list, and 631 are on the Familienfreund list.
Uganda
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e The Association of Evangelicals of Africa and Madagascar (AEAM) reports the loss of a second nation-wide member by govern ment decree. The Uganda Association of Evangelicals has been banned, its activities not being "conducive to the security, peace and welfare of Uganda.” Only four religious bodies are now allowed in the country of Uganda - the Church of Uganda (Anglican), the Roman Catholic Church, the Uganda Orthodox Church, and Islam. (MNS)
Christmas Filmstrips The EMC Board of Education has two new audio/visual sets (filmstrips and records) which may be used at Christmas. These are available to churches on a free loan basis. A. It Began in Bethlehem (recordi and filmstrip), Concordia. B. Story of Jesus (A series of six strips and records by Cathedral Filmstrips) 1. The Annunciation 2. The Nativity 3. The Presentation 4. The Story of the Wise Men 5. The Boyhood of Jesus
6. The Baptism and Temptation Costa Rica • D. George and Esther Penner will be finishing language school at the beginning of December. They plan to leave Costa Rica on December 10, spend a day in Nicaragua with missionary friends and arrive in Honduras on December 12 where they will begin their assignment with Missionary Aviation Fellowship. They would ap preciate our prayers as they complete their language studies and then travel to their assignment in Honduras.
NOVEMBER 25, 1977
Place order with EMC Board of Education Box 1268 Steinbach, Man. Tel.: 326-6401
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Messenger News PROGRAM BY YOUNG PEOPLE A PPRECIA TED Pelly: Time has quickly passed and we are nearing the end of another year. On July 30 we were pleased to have our new pastor, Rev. and Mrs. Frank Reimer and Robbie, move into Pelly. Donna and Mervyn Abrahamson are in charge of the young people and have had afternoon programs with them. On Nov. 6 the young people from Prairie Rose came out and rendered a very much ap preciated program in the afternoon. Solos, duets, group numbers and a message were ap preciated by a large crowd. Mr. L. Barkman, associate worker for the Saturday telecast, “The Third Story,” was with us on November 13, He gave us a very clear picture on the way this is filmed in the Winnipeg studios. Saturday is the time it is on our local TV channel at 10:00. We are planning a fellowship supper on Nov. 20. The ladies' bazaar is planned for December 10. The Sunday school teachers are practicing with their students for the Christ mas program. May the Lord bless you all and make you a blessing.
MISSIONARY CONFERENCE Roseisle: A delicious Thanksgiving supper consisting of baked potatoes, meat balls, ham, salads and pie was held on the 23rd of October. We are all thankful to God for allowing us to harvest our crops again and also for
providing for us throughout the past year. The morning of October 23 also marked the beginning of our mis sionary conference. The Larry Heppners of MacGregor reported on their involvement in camp work dur ing the summer. This was followed in the evening by a report from Germany by John Dycks. During the following week Dave Loeppky, pastor of the EMB Church in Grunthal, reported on their several years spent in Kenora. Irma Heppner gave us a glimpse into the work she did as a nurse in Nicaragua, Cornie Loewen reported on their recent visit to Mexico and the Frank Kroekers showed us via pic tures the erection of and work done at the ZP-30 radio station in Paraguay. We were also reminded that our neighbours and friends here in Canada need our love and friendship and to be told of Jesus Christ who died for all and wants to be their Saviour and Lord, too. We are remembering the sick on our
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prayer list, namely Anna Loeppky in the Winkler Hospital. She has a troublesome area in her hip. During the past months two families have joined us for fellowship. The George Penner family, originally from Elm Creek, and the Menno Hildebrand family from Whitemouth have moved into the area and we welcome them. A warm welcome also to anyone else visiting or living in this area to come and fellowship in our midst.
THANKSGIVING OBSERVED Arden; Fred: “Hello Tim. I’ve been meaning to ask you what the commo tion was all about at your church last Sunday.” Tim: “That’s easy to explain. We had our Thanksgiving services.” Fred: “I saw several strange cars pull in. Did you have something special?” Tim: “Yes. We had our Sunday School classes as usual, but the worship service was different. In front was a display of garden, field, and home products Pastor Toews asked us about our attitude of thankfulness. He asked if we were thankful when the grain was sprouting in the swaths or the fields were too wet to drive on, or when we had other problems. Made us think alright. After the service everyone was welcome to a fellowship dinner of chicken, ham, vegetables, salad, and pie. Fred: “Boy, maybe I should have come too.” Tim: “Yes, you should have, you could have met the Larry Heppners as well. He was in charge of the after noon message. We also enjoyed some music, singing, stories, and poems. You know we’d love to have you join us. Fred: “Sounds alright. See you next Sunday.”
church here. May the Lord accomplish His purpose for each of you and all of us! A joyful occasion was the golden wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Henry R. Friesen on October 30. All the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were present (the last group is quite small in size and numbers). The supper was well worth waiting for and the program consisted of reminiscing, singing and otherwise testifying to the grace of God.- Brother Friesen has for many years been ser ving the church as deacon. Many testified to the sound advice or help he had given them. Dave and Judy Schmidt and boys have again left for the Paraguay field after their short furlough. We would have liked to see and hear more of them than was possible now, but Dave spoke to us on October 30 in the mor ning worship service as well as in the Sunday school’s youth department. Chuck Brandt and Lawrence Dueck have arrived in Nicaragua for their Christian service assignment. On November 6 we were privileged to have a small group of deaf people at tend our service, along with their in terpreter, Miss Shirley Dubber of Carmen. Giving their testimonies were Mr. and Mrs. Henry Wiebe of Plum Coulee, and it was a joy to hear how the Lord had worked in their lives. Members of the ministerial and their wives recently enjoyed a relaxing fellowship evening with singing, devotional, and each person relating a highlight of his time of service. This was followed by a light lunch served by hostess Mrs. Dorothy Kroeker. Our basement Sunday school rooms have been brightened up considerably by painting the walls and stippling the ceilings. Floor covering will likely follow soon.
PARTICIPATION GOLDEN WEDDING Rosenort: Bill and Helen Zacharias were welcomed as members of our church on October 23. We appreciate their fellowship and service. Pastor and Mrs. Johnny Loewen, Lori and Bryan, have moved to Maryvield, Sask. He will be serving the Heron church during the winter months. Rev. Frank P. Kroeker was elected as interim pastor for our
Braeside: Our Thanksgiving dinner on October 7 was a new ex perience in participation at our church. The Social Committee of Comn the Ladies’ Mission prepared salad and desserts, plus tea and coffee, etc. Each family was asked to bring a casserole large enough to feed their own family. When these were all spread out on the serving table it was a sight to behold! There were almost as many
THE MESSENGER
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varieties as people and each one looked more delicious than the last. After the meal we went up stairs to the main auditorium for an impromptu progam. There was to be an item from each table. Since there were about ten tables we had a full program which in-
eluded songs, readings, a skit and even a recipe. The evening ended with a reminder of how much we have to thank the Lord for. Sunday evening, October 30, we had communion at our church. It was the first Lord’s Supper since the Plett family came back, and I believe we were all so thankful
that again we have a pastor since the Fasts left. We were thankful for the ones who came to take part from Euclid and Fort Garry. Several people had been asked to read various portions of Scripture, again making for more participa tion. Opportunity was also given for a time of sharing.
Larry and Linda Nigh (right) were bap tized and received into the membership of the Forest Lawn EMC, Calgary, on June 26.
On September 25 Rick and Roseanne Kornelsen (left) and Leroy and Liz Plett (centre) were accepted by transfer.
DEDICATION AND OPEN HOUSE The public is invited to the dedication service and open house of the new Evangelical Mennonite Conference office building.
Saturday, December 3, 1977 Steinbach EMC Church Dedication 1:15-1:45 Open House 1:45-3:30
Everybody is welcome to attend! Conference Council members take note: This is to be held In coniunction with the Conference Council meeting.
NOVEMBER 25, 1977
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What Role?
The Sunday School Superintendent by David Helmuth
IN MENNONITE congregations much diversity exists concerning what the Sunday school superintendent is ex pected to do. In some Sunday schools the superintendent and assis tant are really responsible for administering the total program of the Sunday school — with little help from the pastor, elders, church council, or Chris tian education committee (where such exist). In many cases, the Sun day school superinten dent is seen as a final authority and is supposed to know all the answers. In other cases a team model is followed with the Sun day school superinten dent working closely with the assistant, the pastor, and the Christian educa tion committee chairper son. No congregation can find a person who is an expert in all the ad ministrative tasks required to run a Sunday school. The fact is that most Sun day school teachers wouldn't feel comfortable with a superintendent who always knew best and could tell them what to do. A huge gap exists between our definition of a Sunday school superintendent's role and the reality of any one per son's capabilities. In some Mennonite Sunday schools the superinten-
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dent does involve other persons as resources in carrying out some of the administrative tasks that he or she has as superintendent. This tends to greatly strengthen the Sunday school program of the local congregation. A number of tasks are related to the role of the Sunday school superin tendent. However, is he or she responsible to carry out all of these tasks? Who decides? Following is a list of some of the major tasks which are involved in the operation of a Sun day school.
Enlisting teachers This is, without a doubt, one of the most important functions. The kind of person who serves as a teacher is probably the most important influence in the lives of fellow adults as well as in the lives of children. Who are the well-motivated and train ed persons to teach adults, youth, and children? This function should probably be shared with the pastor and a few other persons who are well acquainted with the members of the con gregation and should indude a person who un derstands the kind of preparation needed to be an effective teacher. Organizing and assigning classes A decision needs to be made in consultation with
those teachers who are available to teach as to which age level they may best be able to teach. The person or persons carry ing out this function should be very sensitive to the feelings of the teachers in relation to the age level which may be suggested for their con sideration. Special atten tion needs to be given to the teaching of adults; these classes are a part of teacher training for those who are teaching children.
Choosing curriculum and teaching materials Today a great variety of materials are available for the congregation to con sider. A person or persons with educational and theological preparation could be most helpful in carrying out this function, perhaps as part of a team approach. Keeping inventories, ordering, and distributing materials Here is an ad ministrative task often not
seen in its full importance. Sunday schools frequently and unnecessarily reorder certain materials simply due to a lack of awareness of what's in stock. Main taining an up-to-date in ventory of all materials of which teachers and other staff are aware is a very helpful function in the Sunday school. Note: This function is not one of curriculum selection. Curriculum selection is too important to leave to a routine ordering. Supervising physical facilities In many Sunday schools each teacher is responsi ble to look after the physical arrangements in his or her room. In some cases, teachers need to look to someone to assist them in providing for the kind of learning environ ment which they feel would be most helpful to them. It would be a real boon to teachers if someone would be assigned to assist them in providing for the physical facilities which are needTHE MESSENGER
ed. A good environment helps to motivate learn ing.
Organizing and leading teacher training Many congregational teachers feel the need for continued training. The Sunday school super intendent as coordinator might get information from teachers as to which areas they feel in need of further training. Persons from the con gregation could then be called upon who would have the kind of skills needed to organize and lead a particular teaching training event. Some resources from outside the congregation may also need to be sought. Visiting classes and counselling individual teachers Who would be the most helpful person or persons to visit classes to talk to teachers about their con cerns? Who can relate to their growth as teachers and the growth of the classes as they learn together? Keeping parents inform ed of what's happening in their child's Sunday school class A. person responsible in this area could do much
to build bridges of com munication between parents and their children's teacher. This means a lot to both teacher and child. En couraging a personal visit, a newsletter, phone call, a Sunday school open house, or some special meetings with parents — all may help to bring a sense of unity to the con gregation's education program. Following up on absentees In most Sunday schools this responsibility is assigned to teachers. I personally feel this is a good arrangement. It may be that in some Sunday schools a person or a number of persons might be assigned to follow up on absentees with a card or phone call. This should be for adults as well as children. Counseling individual children at the request of the classroom teacher Who comes to the rescue of the teacher with the child who is disrup tive? Perhaps if Sunday school teachers would know that a certain per son especially skilled in education, psychology, or counseling would be
Weddings !
GIESBRECHT - FRIESEN: James, son of Mr. and Mrs. L. Giesbrecht of Altona, and Valerie, daughter of Mr. Cornelius Friesen of Roseisle, were married on November 12 in the EMMC Church in Altona with Rev. Henry Dueck of Altona officiating. The young couple is residing in Roseisle.
NOVEMBER 25, 1977
available to them, they could talk with this person and find resources to deal with the disruptive child — or arrange for the child to have an inter view with this person. This can be a real help to teachers at all age levels. For teachers of adults the questions would not be, of course, the disruptive child, but rather the dis interested or bored adult. Budgeting and fiscal administration In a few congregations the Sunday school superintendent is in volved in the preparation of the buget needed for the operation of the Sun day school. Here again, the Sunday school superintendent, in con sultation with the pastor and the Christian educa tion committee, might assign this responsibility to some other person who is working closely with the Sunday school. The tasks are varied. I would like to suggest that the Sunday school superintendent, pastor, and Christian education committee sit down together and decide which persons in the con gregation could be called
upon to carry out the various tasks which have been described. The Sun day school superinten dent would then function in the role of a coor dinator. He or she would outline for the committee the administrative tasks, and then work with the committee in deciding who is to carry them out. This method can capitalize on the out standing talents of people in the congregation. Many people feel very affirmed when they are invited to share their special skills or interest, if their duties are clearly defined and they feel reasonably assured as to the amount of time that will be required. When tasks are well defined and evenly divided they usually get done more smoothly and with a greater sense of satisfac tion for the doer. Natural ly, though, the greatest beneficiaries of such an approach to con gregational education will be the people of the con gregation themselves b and the ongoing work of the church.!
THE STEINBACH BIBLE INSTITUTE YEAR BOOK
THE STAR 77-78 NOW AVAILABLE! Price: $5.00 each plus 75e postage per yearbook Please contact Yearbook Committee Steinbach Bible Institute P.O. Box 1420 Steinbach, Man. ROA 2A0 Delivery; May 1978 PAGE 11
In Memoriam Mrs. Katherine Penner 1899-1977
Mrs. Katherine Penner was born to Henry R. and Katherine Dueck of Kleefeld, on March 15, 1899 and went to be with the Lord on November 14, 1977 at the age of 78 years and eight months. She recognized her need of a Saviour and was baptised on August 5, 1917 and became a very faithful member of the Evangelical Mennonite Church of Kleefeld. On April 2, 1923 she was united in marriage to me, Peter L. Penner, by her father. Rev. Henry R. Dueck. The Lord blessed our home with two daughters and two sons. Life has not always been easy, but peace and serenity always prevailed. Many guests have enjoyed warm hospitality
in our home through the years. She spent long hours sewing together patches for numerous quilts and en joyed many times of fellowhip during quilting get-togethers. Hers has been a rich life, yet she has known many hardships too, es pecially during the last years when her health began to fail. The thing she missed most was her church fellowship. She was in the hospital a day and a half before the Lord called her home. She leaves to mourn me, her hus band, and four children, two daughters, Melinda of Winnipeg, Alice and Walter Brandt of Winnipeg; two sons Wilbert and Helen of Niverville, and Jim and Helen of Winnipeg; four grandchildren; three sisters, Anna, Mrs. Abe Friesen of Janzen, Nebraska, Margaret, Mrs. Martin
Dueck of Kleefled, Nettie, Mrs. Pete Peters of Kleefeld, and three brothers, Heinrich Dueck of Steinbach, Dr. John R. Dick of Kelowna, B.C. and Peter Dueck of Kleefeld. Mrs. Penner was predeceased by four sisters, Helen in 1947, Aganetha in 1906, Maria in 1975, Elizabeth in 1976; two brothers, Jacob in 1930, and Abram in 1967. We rejoice, knowing that she is in the presence of her Saviour and find comfort in these verses. Let not your hear be troubled, ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you, and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am there ye may be also” (John 14:1-3). The family
Around the World NEW PERSONNEL ORIENTED AKRON, PA. - Thirty-one persons, including one child, began terms of service with Mennonite Central Committee after meeting at headquarters in Akron, Pa., for orientation. Held September 6-15, the orien tation aimed to prepare the volunteers for their work and encounters as they represent the love of Christ under the auspices of MCC. Menno and Lydia Plett of Winnipeg, Man., have begun a three-year term as volunteers with Mennonite Central Com mittee. After six months’ French Study in Belgium, they will be going to Kikwit, Zaire. The Pletts are members of the Evangelical Mennonite Church in Landmark, Man. Men no holds a B.A. in geography from the University of Winnipeg and a diploma in agriculture from the University of Manitoba. In Zaire he will be working as a farm advisor to Protestant Agriculture Program. He was formerly self-employed in farming and carpentry. Lydia has a teacher’s certificate in education from the University of Manitoba and studied at the Mennonite Brethren Bible College. She was last employed by Klein and Dashevsky, Ltd. and hopes to be able to teach English in Zaire. Carol Enns of Rosenort, Man., is vXjrking as a child care worker at Marymound Home for Girls in Winnipeg. She is serving as a volunteer with Mennonite Central Com-
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THE MESSENGER
mittee and has accepted a two-year assign ment. Carol is a member of Domain Men nonite Brethren Church Domain, Man., and is the daughter of Abram and Helen Enns. She received a major in Christian education from Winnipeg Bible College in 1976. Eleanore Rempel of Steinbach, Man. has recently begun a three-year term of ser vice as a volunteer with Mennonite Central Committee in Molepolole, Botswana, where she will be working in medical technology. Eleanore has served previously with MCC in Botswana from 1971-74. She worked in medical technology in Winnipeg before accepting her present assignment with MCC. A member of Northdale Mennonite Fellowship in Winnipeg, Eleanore is the daughter of George and Katherine Rempel. Eleanore received her training at Red River Community College.
NEW ALBUM RELEASED Harrisonburg, Va. (MBM) — A new album of favorite hymns sung by the
Mennonite Hour Singers has been re leased by Mennonite Broadcasts. This LP stereo album marks the 25th year since the chorus was formed in 1952. The a cappella music of the chorus remains a favorite with many listeners. Two of the chorus’ best-loved numbers are “The Star and the Wisemen” and “The Stranger of Galilee.” Both appear on the new album. The title of the new release, “Hallelu jah! Amen!”, expresses the praise message of many of the songs. “Hallelu jah" is a Hebrew word meaning “praise ye Jehova” and “amen” means literally “so be it.” Others numbers include; “Lift Your Glad Voices," “For God So Loved Us,” “Let Us Break Bread Together,” “How Great Thou Art,” and nine more. The records will be available from local bookstores and Mennonite Broadcasts, Box 1252, Harrisonburg, VA 22801. Price in Canada is $6.95 and in the United States $5.95.