Th© Messenger EVANGELICAL EVANGELICAL MENNONITE MENNONITE CONFERENCE CONFERENCE
Vol. Vol. 16 16
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• The Church Representing the Kingdom .. p. 3 • Two New Books for your Library .........
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The Church Representing the Kingdom by David Schroeder
JESUS BEGAN His ministry by announ cing: "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe the gospel" (Mk. 1:15). In so do ing, He focused all the attention on the coming reign of God. It was to remain the central focus of His life and teaching. He was not only indicating to what end all of history was moving, but also how people were to relate or respond to this coming reign of God. Although the term "kingdom of God" does not occur with the same connota tion in the Old Testament, the notion of God ruling over His creation and over His people Israel is everywhere affirmed or taken for granted. In fact, the teachings of Jesus with respect to the kingdom of God could hardly be un derstood in their depth apart from the basic understanding of God as Lord and King in the old covenant. In the events of her history Israel began to understand to an everincreasing degree the way in which Cod was sovereign Lord, not only over His creation, but also over other nations and especially over His chosen people. God had made Himself known to them in their history. His being became known to them in His rule, for He is a Cod who acts and manifests Himself through His mighty works.
"The nature of Jesus' kingship can best be seen in His victory over the powers that enslaved the people, just as God came to Israe repeatedly as King and gave them victory over their enemies, so Jesus came to overthrow the powers of darkness."
THE REIGN OF GOD IN THE OLD COVENANT The nature of the reign of God can be seen in His revelation of Himself to Israel. This revelation came to the people in and through the events of their history. By observing some of the great moments of revelation we can get a glimpse of the nature of the kingdom of God and of the end toward which history is moving. (1) The reign of God comes to us as promise. The reign of God is that toward which all history moves. History moves toward a goal that is never fully realized in history, in that it lies beyond history. It moves
THE CHURCH REPRESENTING THE KINGDOM is a Mennonite World Conference message, given here in an abbreviated form. David Schroeder is professor of New Testament and Philosophy at the Canadian Mennonite Bible College in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
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toward the future, toward that which is yet to be, a movement that is irreversible. It moves toward the realization of the reign of God. As Abraham believed the promise and obeyed the command he came to know that God was faithful to His word. In the fulfillment of the promise, whether com plete or partial, Abraham came to know Cod as a Cod of promise. He and his descendants would never forget that the reign of God comes first of all as promise. So also at the beginning of the new cove nant Jesus comes to the disciples with a command and promise: "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men" (Mk. 1:17). (2) The reign of God as salvation. Israel, through circumstances of drought and a change in government, found herself in bondage to Egypt. The people were helpless and defenseless before the might of the Pharaohs. They could not save themselves and feared for their survival. As sovereign Lord, God set before the people His will in law. The law set forth clearly what course of actions would lead to life and what would lead to their downfall and destruction and pleaded with them to choose life rather than death (Deut. 5:1 ff.; 28:1, 15 f.). The giv ing of the law is a fulfilling of the promise of salvation, for salvation would come to them in the keeping of the covenant relationship. In the covenant Israel recognized God's kingly rule and came to know clearly His will. They acknowledge His rule by responding: "All that the Lord has spoken we will do" (Ex. 19:8). In binding themselves to God, to His Word and will, they have become free; they have received the Word of life. (3) The reign of God is through covenant. God, through His mighty deeds, had revealed Himself to be sovereign Lord. In His sovereign action He had chosen for Himself a people (Ex. 2:25; Deut. 4:37) and redeemed them (Ex. 6:6-8; Deut. 7:8) and adopted them into a filial rela tion to Himself (Ex. 4:22, 23; Deut. 8:5). All this was in fulfillment of the promise
THE MESSENGER
Likewise to settle the relationship of to Abraham (Ex. 2:24; 3:16; 6:4-8). The accounts highlight particularly the Jesus to the reign of God by reference to sovereign action of God in the es His names or by reference to His tablishing of the covenant(Ex. 19:5-8; messianic self-consciousness, or lack of it, does not succeed too well. Neither ap 24:3, 4). proach answers the problems raised by (4) God Himself shall reign Once the people of Israel were in the those who make a distinction between land they stood before new problems. It the Jesus of history and the Christ of seemed as if the tribal pattern of faith. A more satisfying approach is to see organization that had brought them thus how Jesus in Word and deed so fulfilled far was no longer sufficient for their the expectations of the day of the Lord needs. They had been hard-pressed and the coming reign of God, that the already during the time of the judges, people who knew Him could not come but God had always sent them a leader to to any conclusion but to see the reign of lead them to victory over the enemy. The God manifested in and through Him. To problem they faced now was whether them Jesus represented the reign of God. this kind of charismatic leadership would (1) In Jesus the day of the Lord was dawning. suffice for this new situation. It was not an unambiguous situation. God had supplied their needs in the past. But would it not be better to in "We live in a time of such stitutionalize and thus centralize leadership? Clearly the people wanted a individualism that we do not king. Samuel, however, sees this as a realize that it is in binding denial of the kingship of God over His ourselves to one another, to people. This could not be tolerated (1 Sam. 8). Finally a king was chosen but it God and what is right and just, was clear that he had to be chosen of that we become free." God and adopted by God (Ps. 2) as well as affirmed by the people. (5) The reign of God is through judge ment. In Him the reign of Cod was beginning The prophets, pre- and post-exilic, to find its fulfillment. He Himself an began to spell out with increasing clarity nounced "the time is fulfilled; the the implications of the covenant and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and sovereignty of God. believe the gospel" (Mk. 1:15). In perfect The prophets emphasized the understanding with the prophetic view righteousness of God and how He ex Jesus viewed the day of the Lord as pre pected the same righteousness from His sent, as having begun, and as future, as people, for He had given them a yet to be consummated. knowledge of His will in law. Because if (2) Jesus represented the day of salva Cod was the only true God, then it was tion. clear to the post-exilic community that As God had come to seek and to they had to become proclaimers of this redeem a captive people, so Jesus came fact. If all peoples are accountable to to seek and to save that which was lost, Cod, then this must be made known to and to give his life a ransom for many the people (Jonah, Ezek). Not to do so (Mk. 10:45). The promise of salvation would in itself be transgression. If they was communicated by Jesus in many knew what God requires and what God ways. Through His acts of healing (Mk. judges, they must make it known. In this 1:40-45); through His Word (Mk. 5:36 f.); more missionary stance the promise to through His call (Mk. 1:16-20); through Abraham, that through him all the His telling them where to fish (Lk. 5:1 ff.); nations of the world should be blessed, and through raising the dead (Jn. 11:5 began to have meaning.
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JESUS REPRESENTS THE REIGN OF GOD Many attempts have been made to relate Jesus to the Old Testament and to Judaism, but not all attempts are equally convincing. To see in Jesus the continua tion of Jewish apocalyticism is to emphasize the eschatological element to the detriment of the historical; to see in Jesus the full realization of the reign of God is to miss the evident eschatological note in the prophetic literature and in Jesus. The future and the historical pre sent must be held together.
NOV. 10, 1978
Jesus brought the hope of salvation to the outcast (Mk. 1:40 f.), to publicans and sinners (Mk. 2:15 f.), to the possessed (Mk. 2:21 f.), to women (Mk. 5:25 f.), to Gentiles (Mk. 7:24 f.) and many others. (3) Jesus represented the new covenant. Jesus called people into a new cove nant relationship with God in that He takes the place of the law. He Himself becomes the revelation of the will of God. The way of Jesus was a new and different way. He did not call His dis ciples to memorize all the laws of the rabbinic tradition, but rather to know the
way in which God works in history, what He was doing in their time — in short, to know the reign of Cod. His call to His disciples was: "Follow me, and I will make you to become fishers of men" (Mk. 1:16 f.). His call was to take up the cross and follow Him (Mk. 8:31 ff.). He was the Example and all should follow in His steps (1 Pet. 2:21 f.). This was the call into the new covenant which, as He in dicated, was sealed with His own blood (Mk. 14:24). (4) Jesus was King. Immediately after the resurrection and the outpouring of the Spirit, the proclamation is made: "God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified" (Act 2:36). But this truth was already dawning on the people during the time of Jesus' ministry. The nature of Jesus' kingship can best be seen in His victory over the powers that enslaved the people. Just as God came to Israel repeatedly as King and gave them victory over their enemies, so Jesus came to overthrow the reign of the powers of darkness. (5) Jesus was also Judge. The prophets indicated that the day of the Lord would be a day of judgement as well as blessing. Also in Judaism the belief was common that the arrival of the kingdom would lead to judgement. Jesus had this authority as a Judge. He not only cleansed the temple (Jn. 2:13), but whenever He met the deliberate rejec tion of the proclamation of the kingdom. He instructed His disciples to shake off the dust of their sandals against them, in dicating that they had in truth rejected God and were as the heathen (Mk. 6:11). (6) In Jesus a new promise was born. People followed Him and liked to hear Him expound the Scriptures. He spoke with authority and yet not like the scribes, for He spoke in His own name. He healed people and in the name of God cast out demons. As they followed, the promise He presented to them grew. At first they saw Him as a Healer and Teacher, but then as a prophet. Eventual ly they were sure He must be John the Baptist, returned from the dead or even the Elijah, who was to come to usher in the end of time (Mai. 4:5 f.). Finally, they perceived that He promised rather to be the Messiah, for the reign of God had
appeared in Him. THE CHURCH AS REPRESENTATIVE OF THE KINGDOM (1) The kingdom of Cod does not come in a vacuum. Where God reigns there are those who are His subjects; there is a realm, a kingdom or a community over which He reigns.
cont’d on page 7
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straight Talk by Glen Koop
Love Your Neighbor as Yourself who is my neighbor? How do we define neighbor? Does he have to be Caucasian? Must he be a Canadian? Do his children need to be well behaved? Do we ask where he has his church membership? Is he obligated to speak the Low German and accept our culture? Jesus defined a neighbor as someone in need. And we dare not require anything more in our definition. How do we define love? Is it a mere emotion, a good feeling for someone?
Letters "WHERE ARE WE GOING?"
It has been said, "It does not matter so much where we stand, but the direction in which we are moving." As a people with a conservative and traditional background we have gone through transition and change these last twenty or thirty years. A number of these changes have been merely in the nature of culture or tradition, and as such are no moral issue. Some change in the form of worship and evangelistic outreach may even have been essential in order to make our ministry more effective. Yet I
am concerned. Have we as E.M.C. churches at the same time also lost out in certain areas? Have we been swept along with the tide of worldliness and become permissive and indifferent in matters which the Word of God speaks on? I am troubled with the liberal and fad dish lifestyle we so readily accept these days. It is true, Christianity does not con sist of observing a set of rules. It is an in ner experience and commitment to Jesus Christ, which is expressed in a life of love and obedience. As born again believers we are an open letter read by all men. Our sole purpose and aim should be to glorify Jesus Christ and not ourselves. The Apostle says, "Ye are not your own.
God's love was not mere feeling for rebellious man. His love went to great lengths. It was patient, generous and merciful. He loved the unlovely. He gave to the uttermost. He stretched out His hand to help His enemies. Love is a matter of the will and mind. This means that no matter what a person does to us, how he treats us, whether he insults, injures or grieves us, we will not allow any bitterness against him to invade our hearts and minds. Instead we will seek the highest good for him. We will at times have to restrain an individual to protect himself against himself. This we do out of love to cure, not for vengeance or punishment. Love works remedially. It is humanly impossible for one individual to be a neighbor to every person in need. But let us not too readi ly slip this pillow of ease and comfort under our heads. Jesus said, "Love your neighbor as yourself." How much do we love ourselves? "LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF" is the fourth in a series of articles written for the EMC Social Concerns Committee by Glen Koop, Box 1420, Steinbach, Man. ROA 2A0
For ye are bought with a price, therefore glorify God d in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's" In 1 Cor.10:31 Paul says, "Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." In view of this, isn't it questionable whether we have confused our values and priorities? Have we compromised to the extent where we have lost conviction and discernment in the matter of modest deportment, which we once held to be Biblical? The wearing of jewelry, the use of make-up, and sisters coming to public worship service with pants have almost become accepted matters. Then there is the matter of hairdos. Isn't there an in consistency when brethren wear their hair almost longer than some sisters do? Our weddings, which should be Christ centered, have become sort of dramatiz ed, where candle-lighting, the exchange of rings, and photography have become an essential part of the program. These things may seem innocent, but isn't there danger that they receive too much atten tion and become misleading? Someone might suggest that these things are of minor importance. Have we not been called unto liberty? Are we not to be led by the Spirit? Yes, my dear friend, very much so. But it pleased the Holy Spirit that Romans 12:1,2; 1 Cor.11:1-16, 1 Tim.8-10, 1 Peter 3:1-7, and 1 John 2:15-17, be included in the
New Testament, which we believe to be inspired. And as such we cannot bypass these scriptures, nor ignore them as if they have no purpose for us today. God forbid that we should pass judg ment on anyone, nor is it my intention to advocate a spirit of legalism. But as a ser vant of the Lord, who has been called to watch over the welfare of souls and one day will have to give account, I am con cerned with our liberal attitude and the direction in which we are moving. John P. Loewen Blumenort, Man.
CONTRIBUTORS: David Schroeder, page 2, is professor of New Testament and Philosophy at the Cana dian Mennonite Bible College, Winnipeg, Man. Abe Penners (Steinbach) are serving at the Windermere High School in the Bahamas, under EMC Missions. Phyllis Penner (Ridgewood) is with the World Wide Evangelization Crusade in Venezuela, S.A. un der the EMC Board.
COVER PHOTO: Flin Flon is a city in northern Manitoba built on rocks. In this mining town staircases con nect different portions of the streets which are built on various levels. The EMC church is just adjacent to Flin Flon in neighboring Creighton. Although the church also serves Flin Flon. (See Creighton report page 9 this issue). Photo courtesy Manitoba Department of Industry and Commerce.
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
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From the Editor HELPS TO FULFILL OUR MINISTRIES For my contribution to this page this week I want to pre sent two book reviews of books which I feel could be very relevant and of interest to many of our readers. Both volumes are published by Herald Press, who has also supplied these reviews. Both of these books may be seen at our office. —D.S. * * ♦
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A WIDE VARIETY of organizations will find the content of a booklet. Boards: Purposes, Organization, and Procedures (Herald Press, 1978), readily adaptable to their specific circumstances. The author, Tilman R. Smith of Goshen, Indiana, has had extensive experience in administrative and development programs for the Mennonite Church, in the public schools, and community causes. He has served as ad ministrator and committee or board member for dozens of organizations. "Our methods for doing business are sometimes crude and ineffective because we do not know how to respect the rights of all who should be involved." When Smith was superintendent in the public schools of Illinois, he was asked frequently to meet with school boards and community groups throughout the state to dis cuss good board policies and techniques for organizing schools and performing their specialized functions. This was particularly true after Time magazine spent a month filming the school reorganization and curriculum develop ment in Smith's school system in Eureka, Illinois, for an 18minute film in their "March of Time" series. "Tilman Smith has given us a most helpful guidebook," says John A. Lapp, dean of Goshen College. "I don't know of any board from local congregation to multinational cor poration which could not benefit from the wisdom distill ed here from many years of observations as well as par ticipation at the board room table. "A highly organized society revolves around in stitutions," Lapp continues. "Responsible institutions need not only create management but also dedicated boards of control. The growing concern for representation from all sectors of a plural society — owners and consumers, women and men, majorities and minorities, old and young — fortunately has increased the potential for overseer roles." Boards: Purposes, Organization, Procedures includes practical comments on forty-one topics such as qualifications for board members, the authority vested in appointments, the administrator as executive officer, in tegrity in board decisions, achieving a clear statement of the actions, the function and limitations of special com mittees, and selecting a top administrator. "The constituency is always the ultimate authority," Smith points out. "Boards should always be very careful to find out who the constituency is and what services are to be given." Boards: Purposes, Organizations, Procedures by Tilman R. Smith is published by Herald Press, Scottdale, Penn sylvania, and Kitchener, Ontario. The booklet is available for 95<t ($1.05 in Canada). * * * *
NOV. 10, 1978
FOR TOO LONG Christians have stolen away to a secular therapist to buy listening love for $25 to $40 an hour," Paul M. Miller contends in his latest book, Peer Counseling in the Church. "Church fellowship has suffered because they did not trust nor care for one another enough to want to give and receive help by counseling each other in Christian love." Few other books about counseling assume that Christians with ordinary common sense and tact can readi ly master the skills needed to help each other solve or dinary problems in living. Paul M. Miller is Professor of Practical Theology at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminaries, Elkhart, In diana. He holds membership in the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education and in the Association of Professional Education for Ministry. "Too many people go away for counseling who could and should have received help in their home church," Miller maintains.
In Peer Couseling in the Church Miller reviews attitudes and skills essential to counseling and suggests tactful ways to begin a counseling relationship. He gives specific suggestions for effective vocational, premarital, and marriage counseling by concerned fellow Christians. "Peer Counseling in the Church is an awareness-raising book for the lay person," Dr. Oates continues. "I urge you to read meditatively both individually and in small groups." "Much literature is available for Sunday school classes and study groups to help members of congregations to be educators of one another," Miller notes. "But almost nothing has appeared to help prepare ordinary church members to do peer counseling." Counseling, as used in Miller's book, is a series of inter views which one mature person holds with another in an effort to assist that person to gain insight and to solve a problem. "Counseling is a specialized and carefully structured form of friendship in which the total attention of both per sons is focused upon the life of the one with an admitted problem," the author explains. "To be effective the counselor must possess mature at titudes, the capacity for sustained and perceptive listening, and the skills of tactful intervention, all arising from a deep grasp of human nature," Miller continues. "When the counselor is consciously seeking to serve from Christian motivations, some additional dynamics are added. "It is simply amazing to me that the church has come so far in history without taking its obligation in peer counsel ing seriously. "I confidently expect that as the use of paraprofessionals continues to increase, and as the human potential move ment further reduces the stigma from giving and receiving help with feelings, many churches will be ready to train their members in peer counseling." Peer Counseling in the Church, by Paul M. Miller, is published by Herald Press, Scottdale, Pennsylvania, and Kitchener, Ontario. It is available in bookstores in quality paperback format at $4.95 ($5.95 in Canada).
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Missions Seeking and Finding Yes, the Lord did it again I We prayed and trusted. The Lord heard and answered. You ask, "What is this all about?"
Why, a place for me to live, of course! When I first came to Venezuela in April, the prospect for an apartment registered at zero. But everywhere people prayed, at home as well as here. The answer to those prayers has come in the form of a very comfortable and convenientlylocated apartment.
Did I hear you say, "Insignificant as compared with some greater spiritual battles won"? Maybe so. But so impor tant to a new missionary just venturing out. Finding a place to minister is no less encouraging. My Sunday school class has become very special to me. First, there is the thorough study I need to do in preparation. I have to ask myself. What does the equality of God the Father and God the Son mean to me personally? Then comes the question. How am I go ing to explain this to eight- to thirteenyear-olds who have had virtually no teaching on these basic doctrines? And then. How will I word this in my limited Spanish? Excitement stirs in my heart as fourteen youngsters greet me with a warm Venezuelan smile. And together we set to work, the foreign senorita very anxious to teach and the students just as eager to learn. And after four lessons on the character of God, some of the Lord's "jewels" have mastered some of the facts we had set out to memorize. After class we part with a friendly exchange of "chao" or "hasta luego." As the last child passes through the door, the prayer in my heart is, "Lord, stamp thy Word on their hearts so that when they begin questioning on their own, thy truth will illumine the mind and heart." You are asking, "What else have you found?" I have found friends. No, not just in the missionary family with whom I can share deeply and express myself freely. But also friends in the neighbourhood. The senoras are most concerned about me. When cousin Frieda came for a visit, I heard this comment frequently, "With her in the house you are not so alone." I meet friends in business. The quickest way to win a friendly smile from a salesclerk is to admit, "I don't know what it is called in Spanish, but I will try to explain what it looks like."
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r-Mission Grams Irene Kroeker has returned to Mexico after a short furlough this summer. She will serve in Chihuahua City together with Maria Koop. Catherine Thiessen, who was working with Maria, is home on furlough presently. Grace Thiessen of Steinbach is assigned to Mexico for missionary service with Wycliffe Bible Translators. She is presently in Costa Rica attending Spanish language school.
Mrs. Henry Klassen of Steinbach has been appointed to be a member of the AIMM Ladies Auxiliary, to represent the EMC.
Friends among the church young peo ple have come to mean companionship, social activities as well as opportunity to serve. Two days ago I was asked to make the cake for Naguibe's birthday party. The other night one of them came with this problem: "I'm so busy with studies, I feel like I'm not dong anything for the Lord. What can I do?" They want ideas for Christmas activities. I've been ap proached for help with the choir. On Saturday the whole troop is coming for a fiesta at my house. Yes, I've found friendship and the opportunity to "serve one another with gladness."
"Lord, God of love, thank you for everything. When you asked me to give up my home, you already had plans for another one. When you led me out of my vocation, you already knew into what other avenues of service you would lead me. And when I said 'good-bye' to fami ly, church and friends, the family of God in Venezuela was already prepared to receive the new missionary. Yes, as a sheep in your pasture, 'I shall not want.' " Phyllis Penner Venezuela
The Reward of Missions What is the purpose of missions? What is it that makes missions worthwhile? Is it the vast numbers that we read about in large mission societies' annual reports We read of thousands of souls being sav ed. This month I had the partial answer to these questions. Let me share it with you. Just over two years ago, Julian came to our school. He came from a wealthy Catholic home. His first year was not a great success. During his second year he accepted Christ as his personal Saviour. His studies went a bit better; at least he passed his grade. This past summer, Julian spent a lot of time witnessing to his unsaved father, and studying the Bi ble with him. However, he was sick quite frequently as well. Julian returned to school this fall, but he complained of frequent headaches. One afternoon he took to bed because of the headache. Next morning it was no better, so his parents were called to come pick him up. Shortly after this it was realized that he was really quite sick.
so our school nurse took him to the doc tor. But he soon lost consciousness and in a matter of an hour or so he died. Sadness and grief were there, but oh, the rejoicing that we were all confident that Julian was in heaven! How privileg ed we felt to have been used as in struments in leading this soul to the Lord! Back to my question. Here is the value, the purpose, and the reward of missions. Because some people were faithful at Windermere High School, one soul is now in heaven, instead of in hell. All the numbers that we can give of souls saved can somehow not give us the same sense of purpose. I must add that we had our time of spiritual emphasis shortly after this and we had a rich harvest of souls. The one that thrills us, possibly the most, is Julian's sister, Lisa. Can there be a greater reward here on earth? Abe, Lorna Sheila, Chris, and Kevin Penner Eleuthera, Bahamas THE MESSENGER
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KINGDOM
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cont'd from p. 3
Jesus now announced the inbreaking of the kingdom. He offered to Israel the long-awaited messianic salvation; He offered to Israel the fulfillment of her true destiny and this destiny was to be accomplished through His own life and message. In this sense Jesus from the beginning had in mind a community of believers, the "called-out" ones of God. (2) The church is not co-terminus with the kingdom of God. The two, church and kingdom of God, are not identical, nor wholly or partially overlapping. The church is also not a substitute for the reign of God which has been delayed in coming. The two are in a subject-object relationship. God's reign (subject) has as its object the church. The reign of God is dynamic; it acts upon the church, making the church its agent or organ. Thus the church acts as God's unique agency in the world. In this sense it is the body of Christ. Christ is the Founder, for He creates the church by His act of redemption, and he is its Head, as the Lord of those He has redeemed. (3) The church is a witness to the kingdom of God. Jesus sent out the Twelve and the seventy to invite all of Israel to accept the proclamation of the kingdom. The church is also not perfect. She is not immune from the captivities of the culture and the time in which she exists. She is not pure, but sinful, and needs the ongoing salvation of God, liberating her from bondage after new bondage. Nevertheless, she is the church of Christ, the body of Christ. She is that body in and through which the kingdom is present in the world. The church of Christ is not to be iden tified with denominations. The church is one. Christ is one body, in spite of its diversity. The unity of that body is created through the redemption of Christ and the work of the Spirit in the church. The church is universal in that it transcends all human boundaries, high as those boundaries seem to be at times. The church of God is not parochial; it is not to be taken captive by our divisiveness. (4) How does the church represent the kingdom of God in the world?
a) The church represents the kingdom when it holds out the promises of Cod to people. This promise must be in the form that represents life and hope to people in their own context and culture. (b) The church represents the kingdom as it manifests in its life the liberating and saving power of God. As persons are born again to a new life in Christ, the power of God to save becomes manifest. We are not speaking here in terms of what Bonhoeffer called "cheap grace," but rather in terms of a life that is lived NOV. 10, 1978
under the lordship of Christ. As Christians are liberated from specific captivities common to persons in their culture, the work of God becomes manifest. The captivity of sin and selfishness takes many forms, but is always a concrete captivity that prevents people from being what God has called them to be. (c) The church represents the kingdom of God as it becomes in truth a binding and loosing community under the lordship of Christ. The "being freed" from the captivity of the powers must be expressed in and confirmed by the com munity of faith. We live in a time of such individualism that we do not realize that it is in binding ourselves to one another, to God, and to what is right and just, that we become free. It is through such binding commitments as the people of Israel gave when they said, "We will do all that the Lord has commanded" that we become people of God. We must bind ourselves to what is right and en courage each other to love and good works.
"The church represents the kingdom as it manifests in its life the liberating and saving
A position is open for a fulltime man to work in the areas of Family Life Education and general Christian Education. Starting time: January 1, 1979 For more information and application forms write: E.JM.C. Board of Education and Publication Box 1260 Steinbach, JMan. ROA 2A0
judgement will begin in the house of God. If the church does not feel itself spoken to by God's Word, then it will have no power in the world. We need to take seriously the revela tion that God is a God who came to
speak liberation to the poor, the captive, the slave, the criminal, the defenseless, and the oppressed. God is on the side of
r>/-nA;or r •> power or coo, ............... —
POSITION OPEN
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(d) The church represents the kingdom as Jesus Christ becomes in truth her Lord, We have many who say, "Lord, Lord," but do not yield obedience to His Word, This is most often done by interpreting the Word in such a way that it does not apply to us, or to today, or to our situation. But the contradiction will be known to Cod and to the world. If Jesus is Lord then His lordship must make itself felt in the lives of His people in terms of their values (what they give themselves to and spend money on) and their actions (what causes they espouse and what they give priority to). If Jesus is Lord, then the state is not lord, and the business is not lord! If Jesus is Lord, then His commandments to love and his commandment to make disciples will have a central place in the lives of people and the church. If Jesus is Lord, His will will become our chief concern in all of life. Where Christ is Lord it will show and it will become a sign of the time when He will be King of all. (e) The church represents the kingdom as it warns the world of judgement andI of righteousness. The church must speak this word to herself first. She must understand that just as Israel was not immune from the judgement of God for her unfaithfulness, so the church will be held accountable for its faithlessness, for
the oppressed, as Vincent Harding proclaimed at the last World Conference. The more the church identifies and pleads the case of the defenseless, the more it will be an instrument to the salvation of many. The more the church is on the side of the rich, the powerful, and the oppressors, the more it will itself fall under the judgement of God. The church is called to witness against all unrighteousness in the world. It must give warning that evil will not be left un punished and will surely have its reward, The church must become much more vocal about the atrocities committed against peoples of many nations, against the building up of arms, against the condoning of injustices in our own lands. against capital punishment, against war and strife among the people, against the adversary system in law and politics and labor, and so forth. We must call for righteousness and justice. We must call for righteousness from people and justice in all relationships. Only so can the peace of God be among the people. ,Above all we must point to the direction of history as it moves to the end that God has set for all things. In announcing the coming consummation we give the promise of the kingdom to those who hear. Their response of faith will be confirmed by God Himself. ■
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Messenger News thought there was nothing that he could do, but he tried and was able to put his face back together. Tommy thought he would end all of his misery by commit ting suicide, but God had another plan for him. It is hard to understand Tommy when he talks, but his testimony is very stirring. The Singers had some very nice songs that they sang for us. A lady played the piano, a young man played the guitar and another young man played the bass guitar. They were a very talented group.
MISSIONS RALLY
Pastor Kornelsen and his wife Leona, who were installed on October 29, with the young people who were baptized on October 22. Left to right: ]ohn Kornelsen, Myra Kornelsen, Sandra Reimer, Brenda Scharfenberg, Leona Kornelsen.
BAPTISM AND COMMUNION Hudson Bay, Sask.: Sunday, October 22, was a special day for our church, highlighted by a baptism service (morning) and a communion service (evening). Following their joyful testimonies, three young people were baptized by our pastor and received into
farewell take place for the Dan Loewens, who have been faithful in service here for a number of years (Mavis as S.S. teacher, Dan as usher). We thank them for this and wish them all the best in their new location in Landmark, Manitoba. We are pleased to note the good in terest in our mid-week Bible study and prayer service. Our young people are
the church. The solemn but joyous occa- also enjoying their Bible studies and acsion was a milestone in the lives of the candidates and a real blessing in the church. Baptized were Myra (pastor's daughter), Sandra (Aron Reimers), and Brenda (Virgil Scharfenbergs). We were privileged to have the Frank Reimers from Pelly, Sask., with us for the evening. Rev. Reimer delivered the communion service message, underlining the importance of what Christ's sacrifice means to us. The time of sharing clearly reflected the blessings we had all receiv ed on this day - ". . . all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3).
A week later, October 29, we had the Henry Klassens in our chapel to officiate at the induction service of Pastor Kornelsen and his wife. After a message on "The Power of the Church", Rev. Klassen put the questions to the church and the pastor, and gave the charge. The service was followed by an informal fellowship and a delicious dinner of salads. Sunday evening, October 1, saw a
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tivities under the leadership of Rod and Faye Blenken assisted by Dennis and Ruth Reimer. Friendship Bible Coffee groups are being organized under the capable leadership of Mrs. Pat Plett. Three homes have opened for this and three leaders are willing to teach. We know that the Lord is eager to bless all we do for His cause, and this is what He is doing.
REVIVAL GOSPEL SINGERS Mount Salem, Ont.: On July 30 our church had■ a very blessed evening. The Revival Gospel Singers from Rodney and some people from their church came and sang for us. Each one shared what Jesus had done for them and how they had come to know Him personally. Tommy, a man that attends the same church, had a very touching testimony. Before he knew God, he hated everybody. He couldn't see any reason for living so one day he shot himself in the chin. He was taken to the hospital and the doctor
Peardonville, B.C.: We were privileged to have Wayne and Essie Herrod here on Sunday, September 17. It was en couraging to hear about, and see by slide presentation, their ministry in Nairobi. Then three weeks later a Missions Rally was provided for us by the EMC Board of Missions. Rev. Milton Fast with his wife were accompanied by Edmar and Alvina Fast of El Paso^ Texas, Lester Olfert of Nicaragua and Peter Friesen of Paraguay. ‘ ' The services were truly challenging. The Lord is truly gracious in blessing the ministry of His servants so richly. We also had a record attendance with over a hundred people present at both the morning and evening Sunday services. A Thanksgiving supper was held in conjunction with the Missions Rally which also was well attended and the fellowship much enjoyed.
Sincere thanks are extended to the Board of Missions for providing this ser vice. We trust this shall be a yearly event.
FALL ACTIVITIES Stratton, Ont.: Praise the Lord for he has given us a fantastic Indian summer. The weather has been really pleasant of late, just right for all the fall time activities which need to be done before the snow comes. In the beginning of October Mr. Cor ny Rempel, with his son David Rempel, went to Mexico. Because of the bountiful rainfall there they were not able to accomplish all the business and visiting they had planned. However, they came back safely. Bro. Menno Plett had the mishap of sawing into his left thumb while all alone on ~a carpentry job. Il; He .had to get 24 '“.cd t; stitches in order to sew up the cut. Sis. Betty Friesen has left for Mexico to help take care of her handicapped aunt down there. She is planning on staying a couple of months.
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The dedication service for the new church building at Swan River took place on August 27.
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Rev. Gladwin Plett had the message at the church dedication service at the Com munity Bible Fellowship in Swan River on August 27.
CHURCH DEDICATION Swan River, Man.: "Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it" (Psalm 127:1). After many months of labour. August 27 finally arriv ed as the Dedication Sunday of our church building. The building was prac tically filled and it seats 150 people. Many people from the community came and showed their interest. Rev. Gladwin Plett had the message. He stressed the impor tance of the "church" being the body of believers, and also the fact that everyone is welcome to the church. We had several special numbers and the local member of parliament brought greetings from the community. Rev. Milton Fast led in the dedication prayer. (He also served us with the message in the mor ning service.) After the service everyone was welcomed to a fellowship lunch in the lower auditorium. Harry and Evelyn Thiessen from Win nipeg had come for the dedication ser vice, and so we had an informal sharing time and sing-song with them at the church in the evening. NOV. 10, 1978
We are thankful that the Lord is adding new people to our fellowship, and we are quite a nice sized group already. Also we are again starting new evangelistic Bi ble studies. Every couple of months we regroup and try to get new people in volved. The enthusiasm among the believers is better than ever. October 7 and 8 Swan River hosted the Conference Ministerial meeting and the annual Regional Conference of the Northern churches. We received a real blessing from the fellowship, message and other items on the program.
PASTOR ORDAINED Creighton, Sask.: Although it has been a while since a report has been sent in, we have had a few noteworthy events during that time. The evening of September 24 was a fulfilling and blessed night as we witness ed and shared in the ordination service where our pastor, Harvey Kroeker, was ordained in accordance with God's holy
Baptismal service at Creighton, Sask, on August 19. Seen with Harvey Kroeker, pastor, are (left to right) Ben Siemens, Clenda Rempel, and Bob Van Ness. Word. The seriousness of the situation was evident as the whole congregation felt the loving heart of God, making the entire matter one of surrendering our will to His will in all matters. Levity was added due to the fact that there were two Menno Kroekers officiating at the services and we were drawn into their lives as they shared the humor that resulted from their having the same name. A God-inspired communion followed, giving us a much closer realiza tion of the magnitude of what Christ Jesus did for us. Many of us were given cause to think of Psalm 46:10, "Be still and know that I am God," during the communion service led by Harvey Kroeker, our pastor. A time of fellowship followed. Unfortunately many of us still cannot distinguish between thle Menno Kroekers. Please forgive us, Menno(s). August 19th was an eventful day for Bob Van Ness, Clenda Rempel, and Ben Siemens, as well as for our pastor. After giving their testimonies. Bob, Glenda, and Ben were baptized. This was a dou ble blessing as it was our pastor's first baptismal service. We pray for God's blessing upon them as they continue in their walk with the Lord. As every year, September is the month when everything is in full swing again. The church elections were held on September 26 and the positions were adequately filled. Also the ladies' group, Mary Martha Mission, held their first meeting on September 25. Elections were held and Denise Epp is the new president. A double baby shower was held at the home of Merle Meachem in honor of two new arrivals - Aaron, son of Al and Robin Munro, and Roberta, daughter of John and Loraine Blake. Congratulations to the new parents, and may they remember God's Word as they raise their youngsters, "Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6).
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Baptismal service and reception of members at the Rosenort EMC on June 18. *-oewen, Judy Dueck (Frank B.D.), Denise Dueck (Jake L.D.), Muriel Toews (now Mrs. Murray Brandt), Murray Brandt (Paul B.). Back: row: row: Cal Kornelsen (Levi K.), Kelly Friesen (Pete K.F.), Reg Reimer (Menno R.), and Howard Friesen (Frank L.F.).
THANKSGIVING VERTICAL AND HORIZONTAL Rosenort, Man.: The young people had planned our Thanksgiving service this year and the result was a novel presenta tion. Paul Loewen chaired the service and led in a series of choruses, all of which were actual Bible verses or por tions. The Wilbert Dueck family and the Junior Choir served with songs and Denise Dueck with a solo. Brother C. Wilbert Loewen vividly por trayed to us the needs of a hungry world, especially Ethiopia, but he also related how one dollar donated to MCC Food Bank via our wheat cheques provides about four dollars worth of aid overseas because the government's relief arm, CIDA, adds $3.00 to our dollar. The sermonette was brought by Stan Plett, former missionary to Belize. He focused on the vertical and horizontal aspects of thanksgiving, both of which are essential. Our hearts should respond to God's goodness by really opening up to Him with praise and thanks. They should also respond in the practical way of loving care for all people. "Unthankfulness is the first step to backsliding. Fight your negative attitudes by consciously focusing on God's goodness." Pie, ice-cream and fellowship closed off the evening's doings. On October 14 many folks availed themselves of the labour of love offered by the young people's Workathon. Proceeds of the day's work went towards Indian leadership training in the Chaco, Paraguay. Our pastor and his family made a twoweek visit to the Mexican mission field and are expected back home on November 4. We know they will have PAGE 10
been a help and a blessing there. Mission Night, October 29, saw the Ed mar Fasts reporting on the El Paso/Juarez EMC churches, radio work, literature, etc. Of special interest to children, young and old, was the talking and sing ing puppet, Danny Dee. Edmar's in imitable wit finally combined with the urgency of reaching the lost for Christ to make this an unforgettable listening ex perience. Bruce Fast and Cliff Loewen sang two "homeward-looking" songs with a fervor that showed that they really expected to get there. Mrs. Fast told of the women's work and a lost opportunity with the resulting heartache. (A convert had been led astray by J.W.'s.) Then Ed mar showed slides of the work and finished by throwing out the challenge to "occupy till I come" according to Luke 19:13.
MINISTERIAL INSTALLATION Crestview (Winnipeg): On September 17 Rev. and Mrs. Henry Giesbrecht were installed at the Crestview Fellowship as part of our ministerial team. The Giesbrechts began attending our church approximately a year ago and their contribution to our congregation has been very much appreciated. Rev. and Mrs. Giesbrecht have been serving in the ministry for many years. Both Mr. and Mrs. Giesbrecht grew up in southern Manitoba in the Lowe Farm and Horndean areas. Both accepted Christ as their Saviour in their late teens. They have served the Lord faithfully for many years in full-time Christian service, first as pastor of the Associated Gospel Church at Glen Ewen, Sask., then in church planting work at Vermilion Bay, Ontario, starting an Evangelical Free church there. From there they went to
The installation service for Rev. and Mrs. Henry Giesbrecht took place on September 17 at the Crestview Fellowship Chapel. Left to right: Rev. Ben Friesen, Mrs. Helen Giesbrecht, Rev. Henry Giesbrecht, and Rev. Johnny Loewen, vice-moderator of the EMC.
Kakabeka Falls, Ont. where they worked with children, teaching religious instruc tion in the public schools. After that they went to Warroad, Minnesota where they pastored the Woodland Mennonite Church. Since 1962 the Giesbrechts have lived in Winnipeg. Mr. Giesbrecht has worked as a hospital orderly and is presently a home-care worker. Since the Giesbrechts have moved into the Crest view area and joined our fellowship they have served as youth leaders. At the installation service. Rev. Johnny Loewen of the Rosenort EMC spoke on "Wanted - Stretcher Bearers." He stress ed that stretcher bearers should be con cerned, persistent and goal-directed as they meet the emotional, physical material and spiritual needs of man.
BUILDING BRIDGES Fisher Branch, Man.: I believe God wants every Christian to be a bridge builder! Someone must build bridges of love and forgiveness above the rivers of prejudice and hate. No doubt all of us know that to be a spiritual engineer is a difficult task. Nevertheless, we had ten people volunteer to teach Christian Education classes at the Fisher Branch, Poplarfield, and Marbel Ridge Hutterite Colony Schools. Approximately 180 children are being reached through this avenue. One of our brethren is the chair man of the Poplarfield Parent/Teacher Association. One of our ladies serves on the Education Committee of the Fisher Branch Collegiate. On October 18 and 19 three volunteers motored to Eriksdale to THE MESSENGER
attend an intensive speech therapy train ing workshop. These three ladies have been asked to serve as speech aides at the Fisher Branch School. Ed Heinrichs miraculously recovered from open-heart surgery to the extent that he now is enjoying life at home with his family again! Ed first had heart sur gery in May and again in September. Betty Reimer is employed at the Brier crest Bible Institute. The Dave Schroeder family left us and moved to Otterburne. A fellowship dinner was held in their honor on September 3. We were richly blessed by the ministry of Jack and Betty Snyder and a Haitian trio from Caribbean Child Care. They ministered at the Chalet and also at the Ukrainian Hall. Other recent guest speakers have been Stan Plett, formerly of Belize; Bernie Dueck of St. Paul, Alberta; and Rev. Harry Friesen from Mennville. Also Ruth Dueck from Kleefeld shared at our ladies' Sunday school class one Sunday. We were happy to view the "Here's Life, Atlanta" film at one of our Bible studies in September. Also many people motored to Mennville to see the film, "Pilgrim's Progress," on October 15. On October 5 we had a joint ladies' meeting a<id baby shower (for Erin Michelle Nosal). Erin Michelle was born to Mike and Sharon Nosal on September 11. Another recent project started in our midst is a children's choir. This business of building bridges is in deed a many-splendored challengel
HIGHLIGHTS OF PAST YEAR Fort Gary, Man.: Almost a year ago we had our first service in our own church building. We are so grateful for your financial and prayer support which helped make this possible. Dedication activities are being planned for the first weekend in December, with "Open House" at the church from 4-9 p.m. both December 2 and 3. Some of the many highlights during this past year include the following: • the election and ordination of Harold Dueck as assistant minister; • interior and exterior renovations to the building which has already been well fill ed on several occasions; • five-day clubs held at the church with Chris Doerksen in charge; •the launching of a children's club program; • several church outings: a one-night summer camp-out at Oak Point, an outing to Beaver Creek Camp for a weekend of warm fellowship, climaxing with a Communion Service - Henry Kornelsen helped to give meaning to the camp
NOV. 10, 1978
theme, "Growing Together in Love"; • the wedding of Marilyn Goertzen and Guy Gilberts who are now preparing for further service; •seeing two young couples leave for full-time missionary service - Dick and Marianne Plett to Bolivia, and Don and Liz Plett to R.G.B.I. preparing for a post in Nicaragua. We miss those who have left, but are glad for others who have come to join us.
Births LETKEMAN — to John and Linda Letkeman of Peardonville, B.C., a second son, Gregory Arden John, on August 16, 1978. JESSON — to David and Joan Jesson of Peardonville, B.C., a daughter. Heather Margaret, on September 15, 1978. MUNRO — to Al and Robin Munro, of Creighton, Sask., a son, Aaron Alex ander, on September 6, 1978. BLAKE — to John and Lorraine Blake of Flin Elon, Manitoba, a daughter, Roberta Dawn, on September 15, 1978. DUECK — to Harold and Marion Dueck of Fort Garry, Man., a son, Roger Lee. TOEWS — to Peter and Susan Toews of Fort Garry, Man., a daughter, Suzanne. GIESBRECHT — to Lawrence and Martha Giesbrecht of Fort Garry, Man., a son. Nelson Jay. MORKEN — to Charlie and Marie Morken of Stratton, Ontario, a daughter, Angela Phyllis, on October 22, 1978. DYCK — to Ben and Elma Dyck of Swan River, Man., a daughter, Krista Renee, on August 28, 1978. FRIESEN — to Harold and Sandra Friesen of Winnipeg (formerly of Swan River), a son, Steven James, on May 12, 1978. PENNER — to Cornie and Evelyn Penner of Blumenort, Man., a chosen daughter, Pamela Gwen, born on September 9, 1978; arrived on September 25, 1978.
Weddings FEHR - KLASSEN; John, son of Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Fehr of Staffordville, Ont., was married to Lena, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Klassen of Aylmer, Ontario, The wedding took place on November 4 at the EMMC Church in Aylmer with Rev. C.F. Dueck of Aylmer officiating, The couple is making their home in Staffordsville, Ontario.
SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS AND CHURCH WORKERS The EMC office has a modest library of teaching aids which are available on a free loan basis. It consists of the following;
•The Sunday School Teacher(Four filmstrips with L.P. records) • Teaching Children (Four filmstrips with L.P. records) • Successful Teaching Filmstrips (Eight filmstrips with L.P. records) •Survey of the Scriptures, Genesis to Revelation. (Filmstrips with cassettes)
• Ten Steps For Effective Church Growth (A series of six cassettes with Donald McGavran and Win Arn) • Multimedia
Training
Kits
(Transparencies and text, three kits)
STORY FILMSTRIPS: (Children) • Danger Mountain (Filmstrip with cassette) • Pedro and the Bright City (Filmstrip with cassette) • Strawberry Ice-Cream Cones (Filmstrip with cassette)
CHRISTMAS FILMSTRIPS: • It Began in Bethlehem (Record and filmstrip)
•Story of Jesus (Series of six with L.P. records) EMC Board of Education and Publication Box 1268, Steinbach, Man. ROA 2A0
REMPEL — BRANDT: John, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Rempel of Mitchell, was married to Marcia, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Brandt of Blumenort. The wedding ig took place on October 8, 1978 at the Blumenort EMC with Rev. Gerry Doerksen of Blumenort officiating. The couple is residing in Steinbach,
PENNER — PLETT: Orlando, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jake Penner of Blumenort, and Luanna, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John L. „,,, ,,,,, Plett of Blumenort, were married at the Blumenort EMC on September 30 1978 with Rev. Gerry Doerksen of Blumenort officiating. The young couple is making their home in Blumenort.
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Around the World !
Mike Flowe and Art Driedger viewing destruction in town of Bros Laguna (population about 2000).
Wiebe, senior faculty member, and Norman Klippenstein, student president. Dr. Peters pointed out that through the college the Mennonite community affirmed its belief in the unity of life by shunning the separation of both sacred and secular, theoretical and prac tical. Speaking in both English and German, Dr. Epp responded with his conviction that academic integrity did not, in fact, should not exclude the application of New Testament values. Dr. Waldemar Janzen, who opened the program, indicated that the college's enroll ment for the year included 130 full-time and 36 part-time students, an increase of 20 over the last year. Provincially they represent 14 from B.C., 14 from Alberta, 27 from Saskatchewan, 46 from Manitoba, 24 from On tario, 1 from Nova Scotia, 2 from the United States and 2 from overseas.
CENTRAL AMERICA VISIT Art Driedger, associate director for Overseas Services at MCC (Canada) visited Honduras, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Belize during the first two weeks in October to assess conditions there and to recommend response by MCC. The civil war inNicaragua has caused con siderable hardship on the populace, accor ding to Driedger's report. CEPAD is now feeding 13,000 people left homeless and destitute by the war, and Driedger recommended that MCC offer volunteers as well as material aid to the CEPAD program as requested. On his return to Winnipeg on Oc tober 18, Driedger reported that the political situation in Nicaragua was tense, but later reports spoke of some relaxation in that regard. He also visited the northeast coast of Hon duras, and with a representative of the Men nonite church there, viewed and assessed the damage caused by Hurricane Creta in September. More than 1500 families have been left homeless, says Driedger.
EORMER EDITOR OE "DER BOTE" DIES Peter B. Wiens, editor of the Der Bote from 1963-76, died of terminal cancer at his home in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, on October 10. He is survived by his wife Katharina, three sons, and two daughters. Wiens was born in Friesdensdorf, Russia, in 1906, to Bernhard and Elizabeth Wiens. In 1924 he immigrated to Canada. Four years later he and Katharina Wiens were married. For 35 years they farmed near Hershel, Saskatchewan, during which time they were active in local church work. In 1963 Peter was called to become editor of Der Bote, the
German-language weekly published by the General Conference Mennonite Church. He often referred to himself as the "farmer editor." Poor health caused him to retire in 1976. Before his death, however, he edited a selection of his editorials which have been printed as a book, Wenn Der Earmer Schriftleiter Wird (When a Earmer Becomes an Editor). Peter and Katharina Wiens celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on August 1. Funeral services for Peter Wiens were held in First Mennonite Church in Saskatoon on Oc tober 13, followed by interment in Woodlawn Cemetery.
HENRY POETTCKER INAUGURATED AS SEMINARY PRESIDENT
Henry Poettcker, the fourth president of Mennonite Biblical Seminary since its foun ding in 1945, was inaugurated October 20 in the Chapel of the Sermon on the Mount on the seminary's campus in Elkhart, Indiana. Poettcker received his PhD in New Testa ment from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1955. He served as president of Canadian Mennonite Bible Collete in Winnipeg, Manitoba, 1959-78. From 1968-74 he served as president of the General Conference Men nonite Church, and has also held various other conference positions. During one of two sabbatical years he was acting dean at Bluffton (Ohio) College, and during the other he was visiting lecturer at theological colleges in Taiwan.
POST SECONDARY STUDENT MEETING A post-secondary student meeting is pianned for ... November 22, 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM
University of Manitoba, University Center, Room No. 217 CMBC OPENING HIGHLIGHTED BY INSTALLATION OE EOURTH PRESIDENT The annual CMBC opening program was highlighted this year by the installation of the college's fourth president, Dr. George K. Epp. Held on September 24th at Winnipeg's First Mennonite Church, the service was marked by reflection on the meaning and purpose of a Christian college. Dr. John Regehr, professor of pastoral theology at Mennonite Brethren Bible College and an old friend of Dr. Epp's, presented the installation address. He suggested that the Christian college is the arena in which the church works out its relationship with the world. As such, the college must be the church in every sense. Dr. Regehr stressed that a fundamental separateness from the world is necessary for the college to be the church. The actual ceremony of installation was conducted by Dr. Paul F. Peters, chairperson of the board of CMBC, assisted by George
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the messenger
Speaker: Dr. John White The meeting at the University will be followed by a gym night and social hosted by the Ft. Garry EMC Church, at the Agassiz Drive School at 26 Agassiz, Ft. Garry. You are welcome.
EMC BOARD OF EDUCATION AND PUBLICATION Box 1268, Steinbach, Man., ROA 2A0 Tel: 326-6401
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