mennonite church saskatchewan annual delegate...
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Mennonite Church Saskatchewan Annual Delegate Sessions
March 9 & 10, 2018 at Zion Mennonite Church, Swift Current
Co-hosted by Emmaus Mennonite and Zion Mennonite
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Table of Contents
Delegate Information 3
Agenda 4
MC Sask Council 2016-2017 Actions & Major Decisions 6
Slate of Nominations 7
Nominations Bios 8
Moderator’s Report 9
Executive Minister Report 10
Finance Report 12
Unaudited Revenue & Disbursement 2017 13
Area Church Minister, Youth Programming & Admin Report 14
Saskatchewan Mennonite Youth Organization 15
Pastoral Leadership Commission 16
Hospital Chaplaincy 17
Listening & Discernment Committee 18
Women’s Ministry 19
Ministries Commission 20
Refresh, Refocus, Renew Report 21
CoSA Southern Saskatchewan 24
Micah Mission 26
Parkland Restorative Justice (P2P) 27
Rosthern Mennonite Nursing Home and Farm Complex 28
Camp Elim 29
Shekinah Retreat Centre 32
Youth Farm Bible Camp 33
Rosthern Junior College 34
Canadian Mennonite University 38
Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary 40
Mennonite Church Canada 41
Canadian Mennonite Publication 44
MCC Saskatchewan 45
Mennonite Trust Ltd. 47
Abundance Canada 48
Mennonite Historical Society of Saskatchewan 49
Mennonite Men 50
Minutes from 2017 Annual Delegate Sessions 52
Index 56
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Online registration or printable registration forms
available at www.mcsask.ca/registrations
Printed registrations forms available from your church office
Hosted by
Emmaus Mennonite
Zion Mennonite
All sessions will be held at
Zion Mennonite Church
78 6th Avenue N.E
Swift Current, SK
For billeting information contact:
Grace Funk
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 306-773-4770
Each congregation may send
one delegate for every 25 members or portion thereof.
Each congregation is invited to appoint a youth delegate in addition to their regular delegates. Youth delegates have all the responsibilities,
rights and privileges of regular delegates, except holding office in elected positions.
They are expected to prepare themselves in the same manner as other congregational delegates
by attending any congregational delegates’ meeting and reading the report packages.
Youth delegates must register!
Contact [email protected] for further information.
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Agenda Friday, March 9
12:00pm Registration Opens
1:15pm Gathering & Singing
1:30pm Business Sessions Open
Welcome by hosts: Zion Mennonite Church & Emmaus Mennonite
Church
Official Opening of Business Sessions
Adoption of Minutes and Agenda
Moderator Report
Report of Actions & Decisions by MC Sask Council
Presentation of Resolutions
Reports from Regional & National Ministers
2:15pm Workshop 1: Walking the Path
Camping Ministries
Restorative Justice Ministries
MC Sask Council
3:15pm Coffee Break
3:30pm Workshop 2: Indigenous-Settler Relations
Pastoral Leadership Commission
Congregational Partnerships
Mennonite Partners in China
4:45pm Business Session
Report from Nominating Committee
First Call for Nominations
Presentation of Financial Report and Proposed Budget
5:15pm Supper
7:00pm Welcome to Evening Sessions
Introduction of Guests
7:30pm Worship
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Saturday, March 10 8:30 am Coffee and Refreshments
8:45 am Gathering & Singing
9:00 am Worship/Refresh, Refocus, Renew
10:30 am Coffee Break
10:50 am Business Session
Second Call for Nominations
Update from our Schools
Presentation about Horse Barn Proposal
Listening and Discernment Committee
12:00 pm Lunch
1:00 pm Workshop 3 Walking the Path
Camping Ministries
Restorative Justice Ministries
MC Sask Council
2:00 pm Coffee Break
2:15 pm Workshop 4 Indigenous-Settler Relations
Pastoral Leadership Commission
Congregational Partnerships
Mennonite Partners in China
3:30 pm Business Session
Third Call for Nominations
Nominations Report & Elections (If required)
Financial Report: Discussion & Approval
Discussion & Approval of Budget for 2018
Appointment of Auditors
Resolutions (If required)
Commissioning, Communion, & Closing of Business Sessions
A light meal to follow
Opportunities to contribute to the work of Mennonite Church Saskatchewan
will be given, during both Friday and Saturday Worship Services.
Donations can be made by cheque payable to MC Sask, cash
or credit card (please see Marianne at the registration table to donate in this way)
Thank you for your gifts.
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Mennonite Church Saskatchewan Council
2017-18 Actions and Major Decisions To be presented to the 2018 delegates for ratification
-Moved MC Sask. offices to MCC building location. Redecorated.
-Changed name of Area Church Minister to Executive Minister
-Accepted Congregational donations for both MC Sask. and MC Canada and forwarded
MC Canada funds.
-Kirsten time was increased to .8 FTE to help with communications.
-Kirsten was given a 6 month leave to become interim director at Shekinah. She returns
April 1.
-Katie Wiebe was hired for part time (.25 FTE) youth coordinator.
-At the MC Canada Special Assembly, MC Sask. signed a covenant along with the other
Reginal Churches to make up the members of MC Canada. Individual Congregations
will no longer make up the membership of MC Canada.
-As of April 1, 2018 Marianne will be moved to 1.0 FTE. This is necessary with all the
new responsibilities MC Sask. assumes with changes to MC Canada operations.
-MC Sask. approved in principal the building of a riding arena at the Youth Farm in
Rosthern.
-MC Sask. approved the addition to senior housing at the Rosthern Youth Farm.
-Appointed Matt Wiens to Shekinah Board.
-Appointed Graham MacDonald to Nominations Committee
-Appointed Jacquelyn Janzen to represent MC Sask on MC Canada Joint Council
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Executive:
Council Member
Pastoral Leadership Commission
Ministries Commission
Camp Elim Board
Shekinah Retreat Centre Board
Youth Farm Bible Camp Board
Youth Farm Complex Board
Nominations
Position presently Eligible for Will accept Nomination Length of
filled by Re-election Nomination Accepted by Term
Moderator
Ken Warkentin
(Term 1, 2018) Yes No Terry Stefaniuk Term 1, 2020
Deputy Moderator
Terry Stefaniuk
(Term 1, 2019)
Moved to
Moderator No Sharon Schultz
Completing
Term 1, 2019
Finance Chair
Gordon Peters
(Term 1, 2018) Yes Yes Incumbent Term 2, 2020
Member
Pauline Steinmann
(Completing Term 2018) Yes Yes Incumbent Term 1, 2020
Member
Craig Neufeld
(Term 1, 2018) Yes No Rod Suderman Term 1, 2020
Member
Berny Wiens
(Term 2, 2018) Yes Yes Incumbent Term 3, 2020
Member Sharon Schultz (Moved to Vice Moderator) No No
Completing
Term 1, 2019
Member
Gary Peters
(Term 3, 2018) No Curtis Wiens Term 1, 2021
Member Lisa Martens Bartel
Completing Term 2018) Yes Yes Incumbent Term 1, 2021
Member
Jeanette Hanson
(Completing Term 2018) Yes Yes Incumbent Term 1, 2021
Member Doug Dueck
(Term 2, 2018) Yes Yes Incumbent Term 3, 2021
Member
Cheryl Funk
(Term 2, 2018) Yes No Mike Neufeld Term 1, 2021
Member
Ben Martens Bartel
(Term 2, 2018) Yes No Term 1, 2021
Member
RaeLynn Hildebrandt
(Term 2, 2018) Yes No Audrey Kampen Term 2, 2021
Member
Appointed by Council
(Vacant) Matt Wiens Term 1, 2020
Member
Kara Wolfe
(Term 2, 2020) Resigned No
Completing
Term 2, 2020
Member
Ryan Epp
(Term 1, 2020) Resigned No
Completing
Term 1, 2020
Member
Mel Siemens
(Term 1, 2018) Yes Yes Incumbent Term 2, 2021
Member
Diane Hooge
(Term 2, 2018) Yes Yes Incumbent Term 3, 2021
Member
Armin Krahn
(Term 2, 2018) Yes Yes Incumbent Term 3, 2021
Member
Ted Janzen
(Completing Term 2018) Yes Yes Incumbent Term 1,2021
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Joint Council MC Sask Rep
Nominations Committee
Nominations Bios
Jacquelyn Janzen currently lives on an acreage outside of Prince Albert. I grew up here with my family
attending Grace Mennonite Church. I began to take an active role in our congregation at the age of 12
when I started fundraising to attend Mennonite World Conference in Zimbabwe. That trip sparked my
passion for the global church. I continued to participate in the church locally and beyond by joining the
SMYO Committee, travelling to the youth Assembly in Charlotte, volunteering at Shekinah Retreat
Centre in various roles, and helping to teach Sunday School. In 2013 I began as a member at large on the
Board of Directors for Parkland Restorative Justice here in Prince Albert. I currently hold the position of
Board Chair for Parkland Restorative Justice. I currently work as an Automotive Parts Manager at Rally
Mazda. In my spare time I enjoy traveling, hiking, canoeing, camping, reading, and spending time with
my pets, friends, and family.
Terry Stefaniuk is a member of Osler Mennonite Church where he is serving on the Education
Committee. He is currently the Saskatchewan representative to AMBS in Elkhart, Indiana on behalf of
MC Canada and is currently the Deputy Moderator for MC Sask. He is currently a substitute teacher at
RJC. He is the widower (Barb Funk) father to Matthew, Zachary and Vanessa and lives in Hague.
Rod Suderman I have been the pastor at First Mennonite Church in Saskatoon since November 2015.
Prior to this term of ministry, my family and I lived in Beijing, China for 16 years. My spouse, Kathi,
spent a portion of those 16 years as the Program Coordinators for Mennonite Partners in China, a joint
ministry of several Mennonite mission organizations, including MCC and MC Canada Witness. Most of
those 16 years in Asia, however, were spent with MCC as MCC’s NE Asia Representative. Kathi and I
oversaw MCC’s work in China, the Democratic Peoples’ Republic of Korea (North Korea), and Republic
of Korea (South Korea). In the 1990s, I was the pastor at Aberdeen Mennonite Church. I love travel, food,
and good conversation.
Curtis Wiens grew up in Herschel and now lives in Rosthern with his wife Jill. He enjoys exploring the
outdoors and playing banjo. He currently attend Eigenheim Mennonite Church and is just wrapping up a
stint on the Listening and Discernment committee.
Matt Wiens grew up on a farm near Herschel and attended Herschel Ebenfeld Mennonite Church. He
graduated from RJC in 2009, and is currently working as an associate lawyer at McKercher LLP in
Saskatoon. He has been involved with Shekinah Retreat Centre for a long time, attending for many years
as a camper, being a CiT and a Camp Counsellor. Recently, Matt has volunteered with the Shekinah
Summer Camp program as a "Camp Connection" and Bible Leader. He is excited to continue his
involvement with Shekinah as a member of the Board. Matthew is currently a member of Wildwood
Mennonite Church and he lives in the Riversdale area with his spouse and two cats.
Position presently Eligible for Will accept Nomination Length of
filled by Re-election Nomination Accepted by Term
Representative Appointed by Council Yes
Jacquelyn
Janzen Term 1, 2021
Member Appointed by Council
Graham
MacDonald Term 1, 2020
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Moderator’s Report
MC Sask Annual Delegate Sessions
The past few years have seen and are seeing major changes in how MC Canada functions, which
also means much change in MC Sask. This has been both scary and exciting.
Diana Butler Bass writes: “Exponential change creates exponential fear along with exponential
hope. Massive transformation creates the double-edged cultural sword of decline and renewal.
Exponential change ends those things that people once assumed and trusted to be true. At the
same time, upheaval opens new pathways to the future. Change is about endings and beginnings
and the necessary interrelationship between the two.”
We have the opportunity of going to the basics of what we believe.
Richard Rohr said: “If we are going to rebuild Christianity-from the bottom up-what is the
foundation upon which we’re building? Love is our foundation and our destiny. It is where we
come from and where we’re headed. As St. Paul famously says “So faith, hope and love remain,
but the greatest of these is love.”(Corinthians 13:13)
St. Augustine said, “The church consists in the state of communion of the whole world.”
Wherever we are connected, in right relationship-you might say “in love”- there is the Christ,
there is the authentic “Body of God” revealed. This body is more a living organism than any
formal organization.”
With this foundation of LOVE, I am excited about the future of working together as a team. We
will be more closely connected with each other and with all of us working at the local, reginal,
national and international levels.
Throughout our time of working together in planning and implementing change, the cooperation
and attitude has been great. We can look forward with anticipation as we work together at all
levels living the “Love of God” in our world.
Change has affected us at MC Sask. I want to give a big thanks to Ryan, Marianne and Kirsten
for the work they have done, the extra time they have spent, and the dedication to the cause that
they have shown. Kirsten has also helped out for 6 months in a very difficult situation at
Shekinah. This left even more extra work for MC Sask. staff. Also a big thanks to Katie Wiebe
for filling in as Interim Youth Minister.
The past many years on MC Sask. council and the past 3 years as moderator have been busy but
good. It has been a pleasure working with so many helpful and dedicated individuals. MC Sask
will continue to flourish and be a great presence in our local communities and in the world.
Ken Warkentin
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Executive Minister’s Report
January 2018
Over the last year, I have had the privilege of visiting most of our congregations either on a
Sunday morning for worship or during one of our many regional meetings and I am continually
grateful to your ongoing commitment to be church together. This is not always easy. We are
spread out from Wymark in the southwest to Carrot River in the northeast. We are a mix of
urban, rural, and somewhere in between. Politically, we vote Green, NDP, Sask Party,
Conservative, and Liberal. We are Builders, Boomers, X’ers, and Millennials with different
experiences of God’s grace and call in our lives, and yet together we are a community of 28
Mennonite Congregations who have covenanted to be Christ Centered and Sent as we seek to
grow as communities of grace, joy and peace. In a world that is deeply polarized, being as
diverse as we are yet centered on Christ is gift to each other and a witness to Jesus in the world.
Thank you for being that gift!
If I only had one word to describe 2017, it would be dynamic. Much is changing in society and
across the Canadian expression of the Church. In late October, I had the opportunity to attend the
Church Planting Canada Congress in Montreal and there too, many confirmed what we already
know. Life in Canadian society and in our congregations is changing and while these changes
bring loss and lament, they also provide opportunities to re-examine who we are and to try new
ways of being.
In response to these dynamic times, both Mennonite Church Canada and Mennonite Church
Saskatchewan have made changes to adjust for the future. In October, MC Canada Delegates
passed new bylaws that created a new Mennonite Church Canada where our Nationwide
Community of Faith is an integration of our Regional Churches. MC Sask, together with
Mennonite Church Eastern Canada, Mennonite Church Manitoba, Mennonite Church Alberta,
and Mennonite Church British Columbia, will work together on our nationwide priorities, such
as Leadership Development, Indigenous-Settler Relations, International Witness, and
CommonWord Resource Centre and Bookstore.
This past year, Mennonite Church Saskatchewan invited Betty Pries to guide
us through Refresh, Refocus, Renew; an intentional year long process to re-examine who we
are as MC Sask and to prayerfully open ourselves to God’s call in this time and place. Over 60
folks from across the province attended the first retreat with Betty in April and over 70 attended
the second retreat in September. The visioning reference group that worked with Betty has
provided a report for the ADS and we look forward to further engaging this report during the
weekend.
This, of course, is only a small portion of what we do together. Most of our work happens away
from the MC Sask office and throughout the province. Here is only a small snapshot of 2017:
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- In January & May, SMYO held its Senior High and Junior High Retreats.
- In February, 10 pastors traveled to Canadian Mennonite University for ReNew:
Resourcing Pastors for Ministry. This annual pastors event is co-sponsored by MC Sask.
- In June, many of our folks planned and provided booths for the annual MCC Relief Sale.
- Also in June, the Mennonite Nursing Home in Rosthern broke ground for twenty new
rooms and a chapel.
- Throughout the summer, our three camps (Camp Elim, Youth Farm Bible Camp,
Shekinah Retreat Centre) all saw an increase in campership and programming.
- In the summer, we were invited to Muskeg Lake Cree Nation twice; first for their annual
Canada Day Powwow and in August for the joint Muskeg Lake/MC Sask Event, Shared
Land/Shared Song, Music under the Arbor.
- In August, MC Sask moved from Pawka Place to the MCC Building (which felt like
moving home)
- In August, MC Sask Sponsored the 8th Annual Spruce River Folk Festival north of PA
- In September, Kirsten left us to become the Interim Executive Director at Shekinah for
six months and Katie Wiebe stepped in to lead our Youth Programing.
- In October, just under 60 people attended workshops at Equipping Day at Zoar
Mennonite Church, Waldheim, including a very powerful workshop by Steve & Abby
Heinrichs and their journey together as a Settler Father and Indigenous Daughter. (Steve
is Director of Indigenous/Settler Relations with MC Canada)
- In November, roughly 60 people gathered for the MC Sask Fall Leadership Assembly to
hear about changes to MC Canada & MC Sask as well as reports from all our programs.
This was the first Fall Leadership with Congregational Representation, which was well
received…look to send representatives in November of 2018.
- On December 9, at the A Buncha Guys & Sonrisa Christmas Concert in Saskatoon, Russ
and Val Regier were presented with a Lifetime Community Service Award on behalf of
MCC Saskatchewan, Shekinah Retreat Centre and Mennonite Church Saskatchewan.
Again, this is just a sampling of what we do as Mennonite Church Saskatchewan. As we move
into 2018, may we do so together; looking to deepen our walk with God, with each other, and the
world.
In Christ,
Ryan Siemens, Executive Minister
Mennonite Church Saskatchewan
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2017 Financial Overview
2017 turned into a very interesting year, nothing like what we thought it might. Thanks to all of
you for your continued support, we have ended the year in a good financial position. As the area
churches begin planning for the future, we are thinking about the programming that might take
place here that will have a positive impact on your local congregation, and also the national
church. What we do in our churches is what will make the national church relevant going
forward.
I want to repeat our request from last year, that every church send their entire donation for MC
Canada and MC Sask in one cheque to MC Sask. We will forward that portion that will cover
our commitment to MC Canada to run their programs. If a church has any kind of designated
donation for MC Canada, please advise us of that request, and we will carry out your wishes.
Please be sure to ask anyone on council about any financial questions you may have. We are
always there to engage in dialogue about our regional church.
On behalf of MC Sask, I want to thank all of you for your personal and congregational donations
for 2017. We are careful to spend the money you have entrusted to us and the final reports
included are there to tell that story.
The 2017 budget presented in your booklets is only a small portion of the total operating budget
for MC Sask. Our three youth camps (Camp Elim, Camp Shekinah, Youth Farm Bible Camp),
Restorative Justice Ministries, and the Youth Farm Complex are also part of MC Sask. Rosthern
Junior College and the Youth Farm Complex, including the Mennonite Nursing Home are their
own corporations, but are part of MC Sask.
We all trust in a God that has said he will provide for all of our needs, and we hope that includes
the needs for your church. We pray that he will direct all our ways and if you feel his leading
with some of your finances, let him do his work, so we can do ours.
Yours in Christ,
Gordon Peters
Chair, Finance
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Area Church Minister, Youth Programming and Admin. - Report on 2017
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The SMYO Committee continues to be a source of joy and energy for me. The year
started with the Sr. High Retreat, which was held at Camp Kadesh January 27-29.
Our theme was ‘The Road Less Travelled’, and speaker Amy Peters was more than
qualified with all her backpacking and travelling experiences. The Ice Climbing Wall
offered something new, and was a really fun experience! The Jr. High Retreat took
place at Shekinah May 26-28, and speakers Hamilton Fast, Stephanie Siemens, Mat
Rouleau, and Ron Schellenberg each shared their perspectives on the theme of ‘Life’s an
Adventure’.
As we switched school years, we graduated Marcus Kruger, Hailey Funk,
and Robyn Martens, and welcomed new members Kate Hanson, Nathan
Bartel, Teah Lennea, and Katherine Penner. The committee chose the theme
of ‘Answering Your Call’ for 2017-18, and that theme will shape both the
worship services and retreats for this year.
Mega Menno events continue to take place almost every month, with Nutana Park, Mount Royal,
Osler, and RJC all hosting events throughout the year. These events are coordinated by the Youth
Ministry Team, who meets monthly to plan events, and for times of sharing and support.
The Level Ground Coffee Fundraiser continues to receive regular support from individuals,
churches, RJC, and Shekinah – thank you! In 2017 we raised approx. $2,500, which was used to
sponsor youth attending retreats, and for 2017 scholarship recipients (see PLC Report for full list).
My administrative work continued to focus on the MC Sask website, as well as representing MC
Sask on the nationwide MC Canada communications team. The Refresh, Refocus, Renew year
was also a big highlight for me. Working with Betty Pries and the Reference Group was extremely
life-giving, and I see this process leading MC Sask forward in some new and exciting ways!
Running the Kid’s Corner at the MCC Relief Sale was new for 2017 and was a really
good fit; this is something we will continue to do moving forward. A personal
highlight for me was having the button-maker as part of our booth!
Summer saw lots of time and effort going into the office move to the MCC
Centre, selling furniture, mudding and taping walls, and just about everything in
between! Thanks so much to Marianne and Gord, and everyone who volunteered
their time to help.
Finally, things changed quite drastically in September, as I was asked to take a six-month position
at Shekinah as Interim Executive Director until April of 2018. Ryan and Marianne both took on
additional responsibilities, and I am incredibly grateful to Katie Wiebe for stepping in as Interim
Youth Programmer! The SMYO Committee and Youth Ministry programs have been in wonderful
hands. Thanks to Ryan, Marianne, and Katie for all their hard work during this time!
On a personal note, Ian and I moved to the farm at the end of the summer and are enjoying our
new house and all the joys that come with it! All the best in 2018!
- Kirsten Hamm-Epp
Saskatchewan Mennonite Youth Organization, Committee Report on 2017
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2017 was a great year for the SMYO! Numbers at events can sometimes seem small, the
program is strong and we’re excited to share and learn with each other and other youth. This year
was a bit different as we had a switch in our leadership in fall. As Kirsten stepped out for a time
to help elsewhere in MCSask, we were happy to welcome Katie Wiebe and guide her as she
quickly learned about our committee. It was helpful that some of us had worked with her in the
past at Shekinah Retreat Centre. We’re happy to have had her step in for this interim position and
are equally excited to welcome back Kirsten in the spring of 2018.
Sr High Retreat, January 27-29, 2017 at Camp Kadesh. Our speaker was Amy Peters, and she
shared stories from her travels on the theme of Life is an Adventure. We loved having her lead us
on a reflective walk across the frozen lake. Since it was our first retreat away from Shekinah, we
got to try a lot of new things, and we spiced up our regular coffee house with a bit of
competition.
Jr High Retreat, May 26-28, 2017 at Shekinah Retreat Centre. We had four different local
speakers took on the theme of ‘Life’s an Adventure’: Stephanie Siemens, Mat Rouleau,
Hamilton Fast, and Ron Schellenberg. Our speakers got us to talk about our faith taking us to
surprising places and saying “yes” to where that may be. In the past, we’ve had YFBC host our
Jr High Retreat in fall, and their corn maze was definitely missed. However, being at Shekinah in
spring, meant that we could take advantage of saying “yes” to their zipline and climbing wall.
As a committee, we planned 3 worship services over the 2017 year, two with the theme of Life’s
an Adventure, and one about Answering you Call. At Rosthern Mennonite and Grace Mennonite
we shared about exploring our faith and having God along-side us on the journey. Amy Wiens,
Hailey Funk, and Marcus Kruger spoke about being lead in their faith journeys. The committee
also performed skits about bungee jumping and trust, and finding alternative routes when
following a map. When we were at Grace Mennonite, we stayed the night prior in Prince Albert
with Claire Ewert-Fisher. In November, we lead a worship service at Osler Mennonite on the
theme of Answering you Call. Katherine Penner had the opportunity to share with her home
congregation on the theme. A highlight for us was being given the chance to lead music with
many different instruments. The worship service was paired with a Mega Mena event the
evening before.
Mega Menno events have continued to bring together different congregations. We’ve been
really happy with the people who have been planning them and we want to thank everyone
who’s been a part of planning. RJC has hosted a Mega Menno event in the form of their Friday
Night Live, Nutana hosted a Valentines Day event and a September Movie night in 2017, Mount
Royal hosted a Halloween themed game and pumpkin carving night, and Osler hosted a Menno-
Run evening in November. In addition to these events, we had our annual Honour the Earth day
in April with the help of MCC and RJC.
Thank you for taking the time to read our report, and for helping keep the youth ministry
program in Saskatchewan going strong! Submitted by,
2017-18 SMYO Co-Chairs: Ada Krahn, Amy Wiens; and Committee: Katherine Penner, Maddy
Harms, Rachel Neufeld, Reed Fitzgerald, Sydney Martens, Teah Lennea, Kate Hanson, and
Nathan Bartel.
Pastoral Leadership Commission - 2017
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The Pastoral Leadership Commission (PLC) provides guidance and support to Mennonite
Church Saskatchewan congregations and their pastors in matters of pastoral leadership and
relationships.
PLC does this through planning support and educational workshops for pastors and leaders.
Betty Pries was invited to lead us in two weekend sessions. The title was Refresh, Refocus,
Renew. Not only pastors but many others from MC Sask congregations participated in the
workshops April 28-29 and September 15-16. Because of these workshops no other courses or
retreats were offered this year.
On October 27 Pastors were invited to the new MC Sask office location at the MCC Centre for
supper and an opportunity to discuss the Special Delegate Sessions of MC Canada at Winnipeg.
Present were guests Arlyn Friesen Epp, Steve Heinrichs and Steve’s daughter Abby.
PLC also supports pastors by providing financial support through the Pastoral Development and
Counseling Fund. The purpose of this fund is to provide assistance for counseling and
educational or pastoral development opportunities. Congregations and/or pastors can make
applications for support from this fund to PLC. The support also includes assistance for travel
costs.
PLC is responsible for the distribution of the Mennonite Church Saskatchewan Student
Education Fund. This year Morgan Hildebrandt, Jadyn Lennea, Jesse Neufeld, Katherine Penner
and Morgan Speiser received scholarships. Due to a shrinking source of funding, a few
individuals were asked for donations to the Education Fund, as well as utilizing the SMYO
Reserve Fund. We would be interested in knowing of anyone willing to support the Education
Fund through on-going support or one-time donations.
PLC is also responsible for credentialing pastors. Entrance and credentialing interviews were
conducted with Zachary Dueck, Licensing Towards Specific Ministry at Mount Royal
Mennonite Church; Josh Wallace, Ordination at Warman Mennonite; Terri Lynn Friesen,
Licensing Towards Specific Ministry at Osler Mennonite; and Ric Driediger, Licensing Towards
Specific Ministry at Zoar Mennonite, Langham. The credentials of Allan Friesen, who was
serving at Eigenheim Mennonite, were withdrawn.
Since the provincial government has withdrawn funding for hospital chaplaincy a group of
interested pastors have made themselves available for hospital visitation in Saskatoon. Audrey
Mierau Bechtel met with PLC to ask for our endorsement and to ask for assistance in
communicating to the churches this ministry. Available in Saskatoon are Audrey Mierau Bechtel,
Patty Friesen, Patrick Preheim, Rod Suderman, and Terri Lynn Friesen.
The Listening and Discernment committee which was appointed in 2015 has been working hard.
The committee has interpreted its mandate as: listening to the different perspectives within MC
Sask regarding same-sex marriage, listening to one another (opportunity to learn to listen for
further understanding), and assisting in a response to what congregations are saying. Part of the
broad mandate of the committee is to learn to communicate well.
The committee was not meant to be a long-term committee. The committee has tentatively
concluded that it has done as much as possible at this time and will be disbanding effectively at
the time of our ADS. We thank them for their dedication and service.
There have been personnel changes in the office. Kirsten has been given a temporary leave to fill
the vacancy of the position of Executive Director at Shekinah Retreat Centre. Katie Wiebe has
been hired to maintain SMYO activities. Some of Kirsten’s other jobs have been redistributed to
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Marianne and Ryan. In the midst of the re-organization of MC Canada and MC Sask. we are also
continuing to work with Ryan so that our new opportunities and ministries will be addressed.
PLC thanks Ryan, Kirsten, Katie, and Marianne for the service and ministry they have so freely
given to MC Sask.
My term with PLC will be concluding at the ADS. I thank all the people who have served with
me on the commission. It has been a privilege to serve the church in this way.
We ask for your continued prayers as we continue to do our tasks of calling, equipping and
growing leaders for the ministry of Jesus Christ.
Respectfully submitted, Gary Peters (chair), Carrol Epp, Ric Driediger, Florence Driedger, Garth
Ewert Fisher, Lisa Martens Bartel, Kirsten Hamm-Epp, and Ryan Siemens.
Hospital Chaplaincy
In September of 2017 Hospital Chaplaincy positions were cut from the Health Region budgets.
In Saskatoon, denominational hospital chaplains invited faith communities to a meeting to
organize spiritual support for patients from our various denominations when they are
hospitalized. If you are hospitalized in the Saskatoon hospitals and would like to have someone
from spiritual care visit you, please ask nursing staff to contact a Mennonite Spiritual Care
Provider. Audrey Mierau Bechtel, Patty Friesen, Patrick Preheim and Rod Suderman are the
persons listed to be called. The switchboard in each hospital has these contact names, as do many
of the units in the hospital.
Please let us know when you have congregants in a Saskatoon hospital and please pray for us in
this time of transition in spiritual care which we believe is an essential part of medical care.
Beginning January 21, 2018, Saskatoon City Hospital patients will once again have the
opportunity to attend Sunday morning worship services in the Chapel if they wish. Volunteers
are available to help patients get to the services. For many years Esther Patkau was our
representative in the rotation of offering services. Several MC Sask. pastors will be sharing this
responsibility in the future.
Listening & Discernment Committee Final Report
18
The 2015 MC Sask Annual Delegate Sessions called for a committee to be established to “guide
a listening and discernment process around the question of congregations within MC Sask
performing same-sex marriages” and to “design and facilitate a process which will guide MC
Sask in listening to one another regarding same-sex marriages.” In fall 2015, a Listening &
Discernment committee of nine members gathered for the first time.
Much of the L+D committee’s work in those first months was listening. We received emails and
handwritten letters; we were pulled aside for a chat after worship or at area church gatherings.
Much of what we heard was people feeling unheard. Notes and comments gave voice to strong
emotions and opinions that otherwise couldn’t find space to speak.
At the 2016 MC Sask ADS, the L+D committee led a session on deep and empathic listening.
How do we listen to one another so that we really understand what the other person is saying?
Where they are coming from? How do we help each other be heard?
Next, in dialogue with congregations, the L+D committee developed a workshop to invite
congregations into empathic listening to one another, "Listening, Living Together, & Loving
One Another Even When We Disagree.” We previewed this workshop at Equipping Day 2016.
We’ve facilitated the workshop in four congregations (with two more scheduled to take place
between this writing and ADS).
As the work of the L+D committee draws to a close, we put forward three recommendations to
MC Sask:
1) MC Sask should create an ongoing organizational body that has as its purpose
listening to how MC Sask’s programs, policies, and decisions are received by
congregations. This body would be a listening ear for MC Sask’s members. What it
hears would feed back into MC Sask’s work of discernment. By offering a place for MC
Sask members to be heard, MC Sask would become more attuned to the seeds of conflict
and the whispers of God’s Spirit.
2) MC Sask should develop, or publicize existing, resources on how to process
church conflict. The L+D committee repeatedly received requests for a version of its
workshop not specifically focused on same-gender marriage. While this sort of
workshop lies outside our mandate, we affirm this request for more training and
resourcing for church conflict.
3) MC Sask should house the L+D committee’s workshop as a ongoing resource
available to congregations. The workshop is constructed in such a way that it doesn’t
require the committee to conduct it. It can be held by any study group, Adult Sunday
School class, youth group, or other gathering. It can also be modified by these groups to
facilitate listening and fostering empathic understanding around topics other than same-
gender marriage.
With the close of ADS 2018, the work of the L+D committee comes to a close. I’d like to thank
L+D committee members, who have gone above and beyond any time and emotional
commitments I could reasonably expect from them. My deep gratefulness goes to Craig Friesen,
Bruce Jantzen, Armin Krahn, Frieda Rempel, Terry Stefaniuk, Andrew Waithe, Curtis Wiens,
and Cheryl Woelk.
Submitted by Josh Wallace Facilitator,
Listening & Discernment Committee
Women’s Ministry Report 2017
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Another year has flown by and looking back I realize I have a lot to
be thankful for. 2017 was such a great year for building relationships,
exploring our faith a little deeper and finding hope in new things to
come.
In October I attended the Special Delegates assembly in Winnipeg
and witnessed God at work there through worship, conversation and
by the love shown to everyone in attendance. It was a full weekend of
business and decisions but that wasn’t what I took away from the
weekend. The best part was watching everyone come together
throughout the weekend and connect with friends both new and old in
every idle moment. It shows you that no matter where you’re from or
what your point of view is, we’re in our walks together.
Following the assembly the Mennonite Women Canada board as well as a few guests met to go
over the results of the weekend. It was a time of sadness as we said farewell to a few of our
contacts in MC Canada, but it was also a day of renewal. We met with our new SGAF recipient,
Hyun Hee Kim, and heard her amazing story of how she came to Canada and why she wanted to
study peace here. (You can find her original story on the MC Canada website or her updated
story on the Mennonite Women Canada blog) Hearing her story was so inspiring and made me
thankful that we are able to help her along her journey. It’s reasons like this that makes the
things we do worthwhile. Our title for this past
Connections newsletter was “Leaping Ahead from
Shaky Ground”. We felt this was important because
with all of the uncertainties going forward we know
that we’re willing and excited to see where God takes
us next. This newsletter gives a good update on
things that are going on in Mennonite Women
Canada and I encourage you to check it out.
Our retreat was held on Nov 3 & 4 this year. It was a little later due to scheduling conflicts,
which resulted in smaller numbers, but those numbers didn’t take away from the retreat. Our
theme was called “Embrace Your Calling” and Claire Ewert Fisher lead us through some
wonderful talks together and challenged us in new ways. It was a time for reflecting, relaxing
and bonding. There is no better place to get away from it all than at Shekinah. We have been
blessed to be able to host our retreats there and thankfully will be back there again for our next
retreat, which will be held Oct 26-27, 2018. I have a great group of volunteers eager to help plan
the retreat but will always welcome more!
As we move into the New Year may we embrace
what God has in mind for us. May we be open to
new adventures and may we continue to be
grateful for all of the moments in between.
Mel Harms
Ministries Commission
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Report to Mennonite Church Saskatchewan Annual Delegate Sessions
March 9, 10, 2018
VISION AND PURPOSE STATEMENT: God calls us to be followers of Jesus Christ
and by the power of the Holy Spirit to grow as communities of grace,
joy and peace so that healing and hope flow through us to the world.
So where have you seen God’s healing and hope flow through us to the world? I suspect in
various times and places, and hopefully in the work that is guided by the holy imaginations and
intentionality of Ministries Commission members. Let’s take a look and see.
Walking the Path is a group of Indigenous and non-Indigenous MC Sask members who
meet regularly to dream the way forward through reconciliation. According to Harry
Lafonde, former chief of Muskeg Lake Band and now an employee at the Office of the
Treaty Commissioner, the way to work at Reconciliation is to get to know each other by
sharing food, music and dance. And that is precisely what happened in August as
Indigenous peoples, Metis people, offspring of Mennonite settlers, and newcomers
mostly from Syria, met together under the Arbour at Muskeg Lake. Ben Pauls, pastor at
Zoar Waldheim, was instrumental in calling together and leading a Mennonite choir as
Eric Olfert shared some of the Mennonite stories. Traditional First Nations and Metis
dancers shared their cultural practices. All this combined with potluck food welcomed
those who attended to share reconciliation and friendship.
Walking the Path committee member, Valerie Wiebe is working together with Carol
Lafonde as they envision another cultural exchange. This time it will be an Arts Event
with co-displays of artifacts that are descriptive of who we are and how we have been
sustained through the use of material goods. Wait to hear more details in the coming
months.
Spirituality Resourcing Team members, Pauline Steinman, Eileen Klaassen, Alan
Reese and Claire Ewert Fisher are preparing themselves to lead Contemplative
Spirituality retreats in local churches. Inspired by Betty Pries’s (Refresh, Renew,
Refocus retreat at MRMC, April 2017) presentation, churches were encouraged to
practice listening prayer as a way to understand more clearly God’s purpose for us
individually and corporately. Now local friends, trained and practicing Contemplative
Spirituality are offering to lead local retreats.
International Witness (IW) is in a time of flux. But this has not deterred workers like
George and Tobia Veith from continuing to serve God by serving others. At the end of
January 2018, the Veiths itinerated in the province – from north to south. Jeanette
Hanson is planning this itineration schedule which included a Saskatchewan Mennonite
Youth Organization retreat at Shekinah and a Visit to China event at MRMC.
Report made possible by the folks whose names appear in italics in the report, plus Elmer Regier.
Our prayer is that God’s healing and hope flow through us to the world.
MC Saskatchewan Report
21
ReFresh ReFocus ReNew Prepared by the MC Sask Reference Group
January 28, 2018
Background
“The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger
meet.” (Frederick Buechner) What is MC Saskatchewan’s deep gladness? What is the world’s
deep hunger?
As seasons change and one generation makes space for another, the deep hunger of the world
also changes. What is the world’s deep hunger today? What we know is this: We are living in
what is believed to be the loneliest time in history; mental health issues are on the rise, and the
yearning for inner rest is profound. The world’s deep hunger can be summarized as a longing for
meaning, purpose and belonging. This longing is not just in the world “out there,” it is also a
longing in our pews!
Alongside the world’s deep longing, we are observing a fresh openness to wonder and mystery.
The world’s longing is a profound and even urgent missional moment for the church: Meaning,
purpose and belonging have been at the center of the church’s deep gladness. We believe in a
God to whom we belong and in whom we also belong to one another! This gives meaning and
purpose to our lives. What would it look like for Mennonite Church Saskatchewan to claim (or
re-claim) its sense of meaning, purpose and belonging? What would it look like for each
congregation in MC Sask to do so? How would this reclaiming define our congregations and
drive our relationships with our neighbours near and far? What would happen when our deep
gladness and the world’s deep hunger would meet?
As MC Sask we have been on a renewal journey entitled ReFresh, ReFocus and ReNew for one
year now. All renewal journeys are first and foremost spiritual journeys; they are a time of
deepening and coming close to God. This has also been true for us: Over this year we have
listened for the place to which God is calling us. We have sought to understand both the world’s
longing and our deep gladness. The following report shares where we have been and where the
journey may take us in the years to come.
Where we have been
The MC Sask ReFresh, ReFocus and ReNew journey began in early 2017 with a survey The
closing summary of the survey results stated the following: In summary, MC Sask is more about
community, relationships and belonging than about structure. As congregations, we very much
want to follow Jesus’ command to love each other and our neighbours. We are clear that this
requires interaction, communication, worshiping together, Bible study, spiritual growth, and
being present to God and each other. We want to be disciples of Jesus in a post-Christendom
context, living out the messages and examples of Christ in the unity of the Holy Spirit. It is
important to us to share and practice Anabaptist faith traditions and to be part of a bigger, wider
Anabaptist movement. As congregations, we want to do what Jesus called us to do: Feed the
hungry, visit the sick, welcome the stranger, practice peace and justice – all of this, jointly with
other Mennonites. We want to spread the love of God, to be a blessing and a reminder of God’s
love for the local communities and the whole world. One person put it this way: we want “to
form communities where people live according to these core values: Jesus is centre of our faith,
community is centre of our lives, and reconciliation is centre of our work.”
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We followed the survey with a gathering in April 2017. During that event we considered the role
of the church in the context of the world’s deep longing in the midst of the 21st Century
dynamics. We explored the discipline of prayer, the rhythms of renewal and ten indicators of
thriving congregations for the time we are living in. Many found this event worshipful and
inspiring. Each person was sent away with an invitation to pray and to listen for how God was
calling MC Sask. When we gathered again in September 2018, we wrestled and discerned
together. We concluded that MC Sask and its people are being called to pursue three essential
themes:
Deepening our walk with Christ, with each other and with our neighbours...
Our walk with Christ: We are being called to increase our openness to encounters with
God’s presence in our lives, both individually and collectively.
o This focus reflects our deep gladness as a church; it also speaks directly into the
world’s deep longing – the desire for meaning, purpose and belonging is often
expressed as a longing for a center, for inner quiet, for living in a world with
meaning, where we are not alone and where there is “something” out there that is
bigger than us.
Our walk with each other: We are being called to reground ourselves in our core
Anabaptist commitments of faith.
o In the Bible, identity and calling always go hand in hand. At the burning bush,
Moses learns who is called to be and what he is called to do. The same is true for
Jesus in the desert. We, too, want to open ourselves to burning bush moments, to
being (re)awakened to who we are called to be and what we are called to do as an
Anabaptist-Mennonite people of faith.
Our walk with our neighbours: We are being called to turn our faces toward the world,
working for wholeness (shalom), joy and reconciliation.
o While our whole journey is missional in nature, we want to take time to focus our
energies on how we are being called “to love our neighbours as ourselves.” What
does this look like practically? To what new (or old) thing is God calling us?
Where we are going
The Reference Group took the outcomes of the collective discernment in September and wrestled
further, asking, “What does it mean to live into the three themes we have discerned?” In response
to this question, we are proposing the following:
Collectively, we will engage with one theme per year, in the order identified above.
A task group will be selected to help guide each year’s focus.
We will extend an invitation to each person, leader, pastor, congregation, church
committee, denominational committee and MC Sask, inviting all to participate in this
next phase of the renewal journey.
We will commit ourselves to practices that reflect each year’s focus. MC Sask will
provide a package with ideas, information, reminders and resources to support these
practices.
With the help of the task group, we will share our experiences with one another,
encouraging each other on our journeys.
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What we will do (Year One)
Each person, committee and congregation is invited to choose from the ideas in the two
“buckets” below.
The left bucket/column are ideas that require less energy, therefore one can do more of
these. Feel free to choose up to two items from this list.
The right bucket/column are ideas that have impact but require greater energy, therefore
one can do fewer of these. Choose only one item from this list.
After six months, you can evaluate the ideas you pursued, as so led by the Spirit. You may
choose to continue an idea, add a new idea or exchange an idea you have tried with another one.
When choosing from among the items in these buckets, consider the question: If we want to
profoundly lean into the intersection between our deep gladness in God and the world’s deep
longing for meaning, purpose and belonging, what would we do?
Bucket 1: Limited energy Bucket 2: Greater energy
Congregation: Allow for silence and/or
contemplative prayer as part of the worship
service.
Region: Engage in a regional event for
worship and prayer.
Committees: Begin each meeting with several
minutes of silence and/or contemplative
prayer.
Congregation: Plan a congregational retreat to
learn about spiritual disciplines.
Committees: Begin each meeting by inviting
each person to share for a minute about how
they are doing; follow each person’s sharing
by praying for that person.
Congregation: On the fourth or fifth Sunday
of the month, plan a differently-styled
worship service that help your congregation
to meet God in a new way.
Committees: Commit 5 minutes of every
meeting (midway or toward the end) to
listening for how God is calling your
committee at this time.
Congregation: Invite one person per Sunday
to share in worship about their encounter with
the mystery of God.
Church Councils: Devote one meeting / year
focused on deepening faith / reading Scripture
with new eyes.
Committees: Fast from one activity, replacing
the energy you would normally devote to this
activity with prayer and/or spiritual reading.
Personal: Commit 5 – 20 minutes per day to
prayer (spoken prayer or contemplative
prayer).
Congregation: Teach practices of prayer via a
book study.
Personal: Commit 5 – 20 minutes per day to
walking in a spirit of prayer.
MC Sask: Collect and develop prayer and
worship resources that allow people to hear
the Scriptures in new ways.
Personal: Ask a person to be your “spiritual
friend,” inviting them to ask you about your
faith journey.
MC Sask: Send out prayer requests for each
congregation (once or twice / month) so we
can pray for each other.
Personal: Read one or more book on the
theology and practices of prayer.
Committees: Review your existing work. Ask
how it is deepening people’s belonging to
God and how it is addressing the world’s deep
longing for meaning, purpose and belonging.
Let us talk, dream, discern, listen and pray together! We look forward to taking this journey with
you!
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CoSA South Saskatchewan
Report to Mennonite Church Saskatchewan
for Calendar Year 2017
The calendar year 2017 was very active for CoSA SS. In late 2016 we hosted a meeting of the
CoSA Canada Board in order to develop a strategy for policy and operation, and formulation of a
proposal to the Government of Canada to re-instate national funding. This meeting was crucial
in the final successful Canada wide funding of CoSAs. A national contract of $7,500,000.00 for
five years began on April 1, 2017. For Saskatchewan, that means Prince Albert, Saskatoon and
Regina receive funding that covers about one half of the expenditure for CoSAs.
This additional funding made it possible for CoSA SS to hire one and one-half staff to operate
the CoSA service and relieve Florence Driedger who had been interim Coordinator on partial
salary and partial volunteer service. Much of the year was needed to orient and bring the new
staff up to speed. Since we could not afford experienced staff, more time was needed for staff
development which was provided by Florence. We were able to have 20 Core members in
Circles. This meant about 60 Circles per month with 1,360 hours of volunteer service for the
year.
A person from London England contacted CoSA SS who is writing a book on what elements are
conducive to change for people. He was interested in the effectiveness of CoSAs and had been
referred to us. He spent 5 days in Regina area. We had extensive discussions, had him attend 8
Circles where he interviewed the core members and asked them about the essential elements of
Circles. He also attended the Peace Mennonite Bible study on Tuesday night where two core
members and 5 volunteers also attend. He was interested in the Anabaptist perspective, and we
provided him with a copy of "The Naked Anabaptist" by Stuart Murray and informed him of the
active Anabaptist movement in the U.K.
CoSA SS also had the CSC contract for FCRP (Faith - Community Reintegration Project). This
program is a very logical partner to CoSAs and provides approximately 1 day a week of staff
time. This is very minimal funding, but is an important component of CoSA SS service.
Funding contributions come from Public Safety Canada, Correctional Service of Canada (for
FCRP), the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Qu'Appelle, MCC Saskatchewan, Mennonite
Church Saskatchewan and from some individuals, including volunteers, a core member and an
employer.
We appreciate not only the financial contribution of M.C. Saskatchewan, but the moral and
spiritual support. Jesus provided the powerful example of connecting with persons who were
alienated and rejected in society. The Spirit of Christ is demonstrated in CoSAs and by M.C.
Saskatchewan in supporting such initiatives. May this Spirit of love, peace and inclusion
continue to bring joy and wellbeing to the core members and volunteers in our communities in
Regina, Saskatchewan and across the country.
Submitted by Otto Driedger, Board member of CoSA South Saskatchewan
25
26
The Micah Mission (Micah) 2017 has been both a rewarding as well as a challenging year with much work to do, but with
reduced staff due to budget shortfall. Saying goodbye to Peter Oliver was a difficult time. We
had clients encountering crises, it has been rewarding to know that there are qualified volunteers
willing to walk humbly alongside those who are seeking to make significant changes in their
lives, or even just to survive in the community. As we seek to be “tough on crime, one
friendship at a time,” we are blessed to know that we are not alone, and that our Creator walks
with us as well.
In this year, our volunteers have walked alongside 25 core members. Some of those have had to
spend some time back inside due to breaches, three have moved on, either no longer requiring or
wanting a CoSA, or having moved out of the community. One of those was a bit of an
experiment, a young offender who was in the midst of a mediation process and his worker
contacted us to see if we could offer some support. His circle ended up being several extended
family members, who could also support one another as they supported him. He was able to
move beyond his conditions and complete his mediation, without a criminal record. He even
joined us on our fishing trip in July.
We were privileged to be included in a Star Phoenix article which explored programs and
treatments for people who have offended sexually. A question that arose from the article was
whether there is a way to help people stop their actions and change their lives before they are
charged with an offense. This idea is one that we continue to ponder on a regular basis, looking
for answers.
We are thankful for a five-year commitment for funding from the Ministry of Public Safety,
through CoSA Canada, enabling us to hire Adriana Appleton to assist in the ongoing work and
growth of the CoSA program in Saskatoon.
Currently 15 individuals at the Regional Psychiatric Centre (RPC) are being visited by 18
volunteers in the Person to Person (P2P) program. 7 of those volunteers are University students.
P2P is different in Saskatoon than in PA in that volunteers are able to visit 2 or more times per
month, but during the regular visiting hours. We no longer have our own times that are just for
P2P. As a result, in order to have more group opportunities, we have a games night two or three
times a year. At the RPC volunteer appreciation event, inmates expressed gratitude to those who
come to visit with them.
The Faith Community Reintegration Project is the current version of Community Chaplaincy,
with an emphasis on connecting formerly incarcerated persons with a faith community and
assisting faith communities in welcoming home a congregational member who had to do time.
We are working with several faith communities in this regard.
We are also grateful for the ongoing support of our congregations and volunteers within MC
Sask and beyond as we seek to “do justice, love mercy and walk humbly.
The Micah Mission
Executive Director: Dave Feick Harry Harder (Pleasant Point Mennonite)
CoSA Administrator: Adriana Appleton Eric Olfert (Mount Royal Mennonite)
Board Members Amanda Dodge (MCC Saskatchewan)
Chair: Blake Sittler (Roman Catholic) Brian Ast (United Church)
Vice Chair: Josh Wallace (Warman Mennonite) Dianne Woloschuk (Roman Catholic)
Glen Grismer (Osler Mennonite)
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Mennonite Nursing Home and Mennonite Youth Farm Complex (Rosthern)
“Serving God by Serving Others”. That in synopsis form is the Mission Statement of the
Mennonite Nursing Home. It goes on to include our vision and fulfillment of our mission, but
that short version is the directive held up to board, management and the employees. We always
strive to improve, and believe we have been true to that objective this past year!
At the 2017 Annual Delegate Meeting of MC Sask, Elaine Janzen was elected to begin a three
year term, also Ernie Epp and Doris Wiens were re-elected, and Ted Janzen was elected to fill a
one year term due to a resignation to the board. We continue to meet 10 months of the year to
carry on the business, thanks to all willing to spend time and commitment to carry on their
duties!
This has been a busy and eventful year, particularly for the Complex Housing Division. The
Personal Care Home, which has been in the planning stage for some time is becoming reality. As
I write this, the roof rafters are being installed, and the Chapel will get a beam and rafters next
week! This is very exciting for the board and management. When completed, we will be able to
serve another segment of our aging population!
We are THANKFUL, very thankful to the many that have donated or pledged to make this
building possible. Of the $1.5 million we were seeking funds for; we have received $1.375
million in donations, leaving us to date $125,000 short of our goal!
We have also completed a new 6 inch water line from the Town supply. This gives us assurance
of continued supply of water, as the present line was installed many years ago, and the added
supply was necessary to bring us “To Code” with the building addition.
At a Board and Management Strategic Planning session in November, (a requirement for
Accreditation Canada), the board approved the name for the new building. The name of the new
Personal Care Home is “Sunrise Place”, with the Chapel being named after a long time
visionary, “Henry W. Friesen Chapel”. We also agreed on a new name, “Heritage Village”
which will include the Complex Housing Division, Country Gardens and Sunrise Place. The
legal work to establish Heritage Village is planned to happen next year.
It has been a month since Saskatchewan established the new Saskatchewan Health Authority
province wide. At this time, there have not been many changes to our directive as a Long Term
Care Home. The Nursing Home continues to receive a budget of approx. $6 million to operate.
The Complex budget was approx. $630,000 (2017) and The Country Gardens budget (2017) was
approx. $78,000. With careful financial management we succeeded to meet and exceed with a
surplus the proposed budgets.
As a Board, we are thankful to Joan Lemauviel (CEO), Karen Chaskavich (DOC) and the
Leadership Team and all those employed at the Mennonite Nursing Home for the commitment to
make this the very best Home for our residents!
Armin Krahn
Board Chairperson
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Summer of 2017 was very successful at Camp Elim! Our camper numbers increased across all
age groups (overall more than 10%), with our teen camping program seeing the greatest gains!
We were also fortunate to have a full roster of staff this year to support a meaningful camping
program. Our bible time theme this year was "Finding Jesus". Our camp pastors did a
phenomenal job of delivering the messages in creative ways that engaged and motivated our
campers. The days and nights were filled with a wide complement of varied activities, friendship,
and fellowship as we drew nearer to God in the beauty of Lac Pelletier.
We had several weeks of full camps this summer. Campers are finding they must register earlier
in the spring in order to guarantee their spots, which is an excellent sign of Elim's growing
prosperity! Again this year, our camper numbers for the summer increased! We are continuing to
experience steady growth in the amount of campers who choose to come to Elim, as the demand
for high-quality children's programming remains strong in the southwest SK region. Our
children's camps continue to be very popular, and we saw a significant improvement in our teen
camper numbers. In total, 144 campers attended Camp Elim this year!
Camp Elim was fortunate to be blessed with the leadership of 3 young men who stepped up to
the plate as co-directors this year. Wynn Bueckert, Zach Dueck, and Keith Johnson, all staff-
members with a great deal of previous Elim experience themselves, did an excellent job of
providing strong leadership to staff and campers this summer. We were able to have an
exceptional amount of well-qualified staff, cabinleaders, and CITs this summer, which made
every aspect of the summer program successful! Staffing development is a strength at Elim.
Within our program, we are building leaders of the future for Mennonite camps, churches, and
organizations. We are seeing an upward trend in the number of dedicated staff members who are
returning for 2 or more years to spend their time in service at Camp Elim! Our hope is that this
trend continues in order to provide consistent leadership across all levels of staffing in the future.
We continue to promote our water program as a large part of what sets Camp Elim apart from
other area camps in the south-west. We offer a wide range of activities, including: bible time and
worship, watersports, canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, swimming, archery, nature and survival,
crafts, wide games, beach volleyball, Frisbee golf and trampoline, mini zip-line, hiking,
orienteering, campfires, and the always anticipated "overnighter". YFBC also shared their
climbing wall and inflatables with us during Children's 1, and they generously donated their
sumo suits to Camp Elim for future use. This summer, we introduced several new activities,
including paddle boards, inflatable human bubble balls, and a climbing dome which were very
well received by campers and staff!
c/o 78 6th Ave N.E. Swift Current, SK S9H 2L9 Ph: (306) 627-3339 -
www.campelim.ca [email protected]
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Camp Elim continues to be able to provide opportunities to form positive mentoring
relationships among campers and staff. These relationships provide the building blocks for youth
to step out of their comfort zone, take risks and try something new, ask important questions, and
gain experiences that they might not encounter anywhere else. Often, life-long friendships are
created in only one week, and our repeat campers and staff look forward to coming back year
after year because of the great fun and fond memories they have made at Camp Elim! We can't
wait to see what 2018 has in store!
Future Plans for Camp Elim
As we look to the coming year, we are planning to introduce some new activity offerings to our
camping program so that we will continue to stand out as an attractive camp for youth. We also
plan to continue with our long-range plan of the steady renewal of aging camp equipment. We
will be encouraging rentals in the off-season and promoting the use of our RV park as additional
sources of revenue to support our program.
We are also planning for succession at the board level. We are seeking new people to join us, in
order to ensure that Elim can continue to operate with momentum going forward. If you are
interested, please talk to one of the existing board members for current openings, opportunities,
and ways to get involved.
Summer 2017 Snapshots
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Camper Statistics and Staffing for 2017:
We are grateful to all of the people who continue to
generously support Camp Elim through prayer, service,
and/or finances.
May God bless us all as we continue to work in His light.
Camp Elim Dates for Summer 2018:
Staff Orientation - July 3rd - July 7th
Children's 1 (ages 7-12) - July 8th - July 13th
Day Camp (ages 5-10) - July 16th - July 20th
Teen Camp (ages 13-18) - July 22nd - July 27th
Children's 2 (ages 6-11) - July 29th - August 1st
Campers and staff can apply online! Visit our website at
www.campelim.ca!
Follow us on Facebook!
Or call: (306) 627-3339
Submitted by Gilbert Braun, Doug Dueck (Board Chair),
Laura Grassing, Carla Thiessen-Phoenix, Lorna Wiens, and
John Woelk.
Staff
Camp Pastors:
Lois Bukar
Zach Dueck
Sharon Schultz
Ryan Siemens
Co-Directors:
Wynn Bueckert
Zach Dueck
Keith Johnson
Lifeguard:
Cory Langelotz
Cabin Leaders:
Hannah Abrahamson
Josée Aitken
Vanessa Bueckert
Hannah Gross
Isaac Hintze
Mackenzie Mair
Hannah Stacey
Emily Toews
Josh Wiebe
CITs:
Hannah Abrahamson
Ben Burgess
Madeline Ellard
Shane Friesen
Trina Friesen
Jeremy Knorr
Griffin Lehnert
Stephanie Saemann
Cole Whiteford
Cook:
Diedra Whitell
Cook’s Helpers:
Rachel Dueck, Janet Friesen,
Jeff Gosselin, Erin Weiss,
Hilda Whitell
Manager/Maintenance:
Ed Heinrichs (seasonal)
Camper Statistics:
Children’s Camp 1 44
Children’s Camp 2 27
Day Camp 50
Teen Camp 23
Total 144
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Shekinah Retreat Centre 2017 Report
Shekinah strives to be a place “where all who come
have the opportunity to experience the presence and
glory of God” (from the Shekinah mission statement).
This statement is at the heart of what we do, whether
it’s singing with campers around the fire, leading school groups down
a trail, or welcoming a group to the Timber Lodge for a weekend of
rest and relaxation; our goal is for everyone who visits to have a true
‘shekinah’ experience.
Both our summer camp and school group programs saw growth in 2017, which was great! There
is always room to grow, however, and part of that growth in 2018 will include the building of
three new Timber Frame Cabins! This plan was launched in 2017, and we are now ready to
make these unique, incredible buildings a reality. The design offers a building that can handle
life on a flood plain, and will provide a significant upgrade to our summer camp, school group,
and rental programs. We hope to build the first cabin in spring, with a good ‘ol fashioned ‘timber
raising’ on the first day. Volunteers will be needed, either just for a day, or for the week, so stay
tuned! More information, and maybe a tour, will be available at the
Spring Fundraising Banquet on April 7th. The next two cabins
will be built in summer, with another three to be built in 2018.
Please visit the website or contact the office for more information.
These cabins mark a significant step in maintaining and growing
the vision for Shekinah which began back in 1979, and we would
love to have you involved!
From the Board:
The fall of 2017 has been a season of change for Shekinah. Change can mean many things;
heartache, uncertainty, excitement, hope… Among countless other emotions, these have been
deeply felt this year.
It is with a great amount of gratitude that the Shekinah board would like to thank our constituents
and community for the outpouring of support this fall. We have been met with the gifts of
volunteer time, words of encouragement, prayers and generous financial donations. These
contributions continue to improve the mission and vision of Shekinah and help create a space for
all those who experience Shekinah to come a little close to God.
Entering the new year, there is much to look forward to. We have wonderful staff, both new and
old, who make the day to day workings of Shekinah possible, the cabin project continues to be
an exciting venture which will greatly enhance the camp and school programs, and the board will
be exploring strategies that will improve the sustainability of Shekinah. Opportunities for new
staff are on the horizon and we look forward to the possibilities and fresh ideas that come with a
new Executive Director.
A heartfelt thank you to the community for your ongoing support of
Shekinah Retreat Centre, its staff and its programs.
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Youth Farm Bible Camp 2017 Report
For God so loved the world that He gave His One and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not
perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
Over the 2017 year, the Youth Farm Bible Camp has held the theme, SO Loved, near to our
hearts and at the front of our minds as we let the Spirit of the Lord teach us about His love for us
and how we then love others from that understanding. The Apostle Paul wrote to the church at
Ephesus, praying for them to have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how
wide, how long, how high, and how deep God’s love is. Although too great to fully understand,
Paul tells us that this, experiencing God’s love, will make us complete with the fullness of life
and power that comes from the Lord. How wide, long, high and deep is the Lord’s love for us?
We are SO Loved that while we were still sinners Christ died for us. This plan of redemption
was in place before He created the world. The Lord was thinking of you and me before He spoke
those first creating words. He knew His perfect world would be damaged by sin but chose to
write this story because He SO Loved us deep at the bottom of the pits He rescues us from. God
SO Loved us that He gave His One and only Son to leave the comforts and glory on the throne of
heaven to dwell among people here on earth. He loved us so high that He bridged that gap and
came to us from the high heavens before we could come to Him. As grace flows over His story,
we are SO Loved that Christ took our place on the cross and paid the price for our sins. Jesus
went to the ultimate lengths to bring us back to Him.
Jesus stretched His arms out in death to show us the lengths He would go to love us. His
resurrection makes a relationship with Him possible, and we sit in the love He has for us,
welcomed into His family and eternal life when we believe in Him. We are SO Loved with a
wide love that extends to all nations, generations, and social standings. We are called to love
God and to love people.
How do we live like we are loved and love others because He first loved us? This was our 2017
theme through our Mexico mission trip, camp weeks, and our corn maze. It was the foundation
of our summer curriculum and the prayer of our staff as we grew in the knowledge of God’s
huge love for us.
In 2017 we were also excited to see our staff team grow. Welcoming Cheralyne Gibson to the
year-round staff team as our Horsemanship Director. She has come to us with 20 years of riding
experience and is working on developing our horse program and providing riding lessons to the
public. Gustavo Araújo has moved from Brazil with his family and is working year-round at
YFBC. He is a gifted musician and has a passion for prayer. He works alongside our site
manager, Jacob.
To read our complete 2017 report
book visit www.yfbc.com/report
Youth Farm Bible Camp
1-855-855-YFBC
[email protected] www.yfbc.com
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RJC Annual Report 2016-2017
Message from the Board Chair Tammy Forrester
As we continue to work towards the realization of our DO MORE BE MORE strategy we are
pleased to present significant work and milestones that have been accomplished this past year as
we continue to be guided by our 3 major priorities.
1. Grow Student Enrollment As a Board and supporting Recruitment Committee, we continue to work diligently and
supportively with school administration, and efforts in 2016-17 paid off. There was growth in
our 2016-17 student body and we met our 80+ student goal for the year. This past year we
invested time and money into a database software program and the work of inputting of data into
that system that fully tracks alumni and potential students.
2. Develop and Enhance the Facility to continue to meet student needs Having reached 1/3 of our goal of donations and pledged donations in our Capital Development
plan of raising $1.5 million, we began and completed construction on Phase 1 of our Capital
Development plan. All of the projects under the first Phase, including enhancement to the music
program, equipment for the athletic program, and the Senior Science Labs, are complete and
were on budget. The Board focus will be realizing the goal of the remainder of the capital funds
to support Phase 2 and 3, which includes a school and dorm rejuvenation.
3. Enrich Student Programming The 2016-17 grade 10 IMAGINE initiative was met with success and worked well in the
framework of the school and scheduling. Focus groups came together to share ideas on the
development of the Grade 11 and 12 initiative that would follow in the footsteps of the
IMAGINE initiative. Groundwork has been laid and the school administration is set to launch the
THRIVE (grade 11), EXPLORE (grade 12) and BELONG (community based, community
living) initiatives in the 2017 – 18 school year.
We continue to have a presence and opportunity to share RJC at the MC Saskatchewan and MC
Alberta Conferences and are encouraged with open dialogue among our supporting conferences.
As we remain focused on our strategies we know that there will be bumps in the road and
changes along the way that we must address, we are encouraged by the support of the
constituency. We ask for your continued support and prayers throughout the coming year.
Principal’s Report Jim Epp
The 2016-2017 school year was a fun-filled and rewarding time of growth, challenge and
learning for RJC’s students.
Personnel RJC continues to benefit from a committed and dedicated team of staff who together share a
common calling to Christian education. Collectively, the teachers, administrative support,
custodians, cooks and residence staff work hard to create a warm, supportive and safe school
community in which students are challenged to learn, grow and live.
The RJC community celebrated 30 years of dedicated service to the school by Lloyd Schmidt
who retired in June 2016. We are grateful for the contributions of both Lloyd and his wife Cheryl
as long time staff members at RJC.
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The RJC staff was joined by a number of new members. Andrea Enns-Gooding, Hugo Malan
and Scott Feick joined the residence staff as deans. Jill Wiens, Allison Schmidt and David Epp
joined the teaching staff. All brought new ideas, passion and enthusiasm to the classroom and
residence. It is worth noting that five of the six new staff members are also alumni of RJC.
Academics RJC provides a strong and supportive academic program for students. Dedicated teachers,
student peers and parents partner together to provide all students with an opportunity to acquire a
sound education. New additions to our course offerings included Music 10 and Spanish 10/20.
Our graduates demonstrate the integrity of our educational offerings and their preparedness for
“life after high school” as they continue on and experience success in the trades, colleges,
universities and in the work force.
This fall marked the first year of RJC’s grade 10 IMAGINE initiative. With an emphasis on
hands-on learning, collaboration, and community building, grade 10s engaged with fundamental
questions about IMAGINing a better world and IMAGINing what you can do.
Some highlights about the IMAGINE initiative include course offerings, community educational
partnerships, and out of province trips. For the first time, grade 10 students had the opportunity
to study Spanish.
Outside of the class experiences with community educational partnerships was also a central part
of IMAGINE. In total, students learned alongside 30 different organizations or individuals with
insight into class material or fundamental IMAGINE questions. Most notably, MCC
Saskatchewan facilitated monthly workshops on various topics, including indigenous rights,
refugee experiences, and restorative justice.
The grade 10 class also travelled out of province twice. In the first semester students visited
Winnipeg, where they explored the idea of inclusion and exclusion throughout the city. The
National Museum for Human Rights was the central piece of this trip. During ALSO the grade
10s went to Oliver, B.C., were they partnered with the Okanagan Gleaners to respond to the issue
of global hunger by packaging 921,000 servings of dehydrated soup.
Dorm Life Living and learning together is a cornerstone of the RJC community. The creation of the RJC
“learning community” is very intentional and involves both residence and day/commuter student
involvement. Being accountable to each other, learning together, having fun in formal and
informal activities and making life long friendships is an integral part of the RJC student
experience.
Chapels This year the Faith and Life committee led the student body in chapels using Deuteronomy 4:29
as a guiding passage. Speakers were invited to reflect on ways in which they have found God in
new and exciting places. Many of the most meaningful chapels were delivered by grade 12
students, while other highlights included an Advent series, guest speakers from the local
community, and staff contributions.
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Retreats All students attended spiritual class retreats in September. The grade 10s and 11s went to Camp
Kadesh and Kinasao, while the grade 12s traveled to Big River Bible Camp. Each grade retreat
focused on a peace-oriented theme; the grade 10s studied ‘Peace with Self,’ the grade 11s ‘Peace
with Creation,’ and the grade 12s ‘Peace with Others.’ MC Sask conference pastors served as
speakers at the retreats.
Deeper Life Days
On April 10 and 11, 2017, students at RJC participated in Deeper Life Days. This event, planned
with support from the Faith and Life committee, focused on community building, fostering
relationships and recognizing the gifts in one another. A particular emphasis of Deeper Life
Days was exploring these themes in the context of work and relationships with adults with
disabilities.
The first event of Deeper Life Days featured Wyndham Thiessen and Andrea Schmidt, both from
L’Arche Saskatoon. This presentation was supplemented with the musical talents of Christopher,
a core member of a L’Arche home in Saskatoon.
During the following morning RJC students took these themes and ideas and put them into
practice. Four organizations that support adults with disabilities, L’Arche, Farm in the Dell,
Sunshine Housing and Valley Action, were invited to bring clients and core members to enjoy a
morning of activities with students. The goal was to build relationships and highlight the gifts in
one another.
Faith and Life Fundraiser
Under the leadership of the Faith and Life committee the RJC student body embarked on an
ambitious fundraising effort in 2017. Students developed an approach known as ‘Lentopoly,’ in
which groups of students raised money while competing on a unique, chapel-sized game board.
In total, students collected approximately $8,000 which was donated to the Rosthern Food Bank
and to other charitable groups that students visited on their ALSO trips.
ALSO Celebrating its 20th year in 2017, Alternative Learning and Service Opportunities (ALSO) has
become a cornerstone of RJC programming and instruction. In many ways, ALSO is the
culmination of the learning that happens throughout the school year and exemplifies the school’s
mandate to foster leaders of faith, service, and peacemaking.
Over the 5-12 days of intensive service learning in Saskatoon, Calgary, British Columbia, the
Gulf Coast and Guatemala, students were encouraged to put faith into action and respond to
issues of poverty, unemployment, racial inequality, injustice and systematic violence. All of this
was done alongside committed community partners who modelled Christ-like love through their
generosity, discipleship and openness to relationship building.
Upon returning to RJC, students commented on how their experience of serving others was a
perspective-altering trip. Some observed that the church is a vital force for good in the world,
and noted a renewed appreciation for the kingdom building goals of groups like MCC and
Habitat for Humanity. Others felt empowered after recognizing how small actions, like those
undertaken by their group, can contribute to lasting change. Finally, many students commented
on the lasting impact partners in places like the Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church, the
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Mustard Seed, ANADESA, the Gleaners and the Ransom Cafe had on their understanding of
what it means to live a life of faith.
Finally, we must give thanks for the relationships that RJC has made over the years at each of
our ALSO locations. These partnerships are the foundation of our learning and provide some of
the best teachers for our students.
Performing Arts
Performing Arts at RJC continues to be a vibrant and active program, centred on vocal arts in
choir and theatre. Chorale tour in spring was highlighted by their participation in a Canadian
Association of Mennonite Schools Choral Festival in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The Chorale joined
choirs from Steinbach Christian High School, Mennonite Collegiate Institute, Westgate
Mennonite Collegiate and Mennonite Brethren Collegiate Institute for a great weekend of music
making.
The Theatre Arts class presented the short comedy “After Hours” at the end of Semester One.
The spring musical for 2016-2017 was “Sister Act”. A large cast and crew enjoyed performing
for a full house on grad weekend. The musical continues to be a year-end highlight for many.
In addition to the choirs, the performing arts continue to be a popular curricular and extra-
curricular pursuit for students.
Athletics Sport continues to be an important part of the RJC community. It generates spirit and excitement,
provides a forum for personal growth and development and is a lot of fun! Through participation
in both team and individual sports activities students are active and involved. Sport fosters
healthy attitudes regarding teamwork, discipline and fair play. We are thankful for all the
coaches who commit countless hours to our teams and dedicated parents and fans that support
our students as they compete!
RJC is a member of the Central Valley Athletic Conference and competed in the following
SHSAA sanctioned sports:
• Boys and Girls
Volleyball
• Cross Country
• Boys and Girls Soccer
• Football
• Boys and Girls
Basketball
• Curling
• Badminton
• Track and Field
Connecting to the Community
RJC is deeply appreciative of the relationships it enjoys in the community. Administrators work
together with other Mennonite schools as a part of the Canadian Association of Mennonite
Schools (CAMS). RJC is also a part of the Saskatchewan Historical High Schools Association
(SHHSA). RJC continues to benefit from a strong and healthy relationship with Prairie Spirit
School Division. Finally, RJC is grateful for the many churches, organizations and people who
take an interest in and support RJC through prayers, participation in school events and activities.
2016-2017 School Numbers (as of September 30, 2016) Total Students 85
Boys – 44 Grade 10 – 26 Day Students – 26
Girls – 41 Grade 11 – 17 Residence Students – 59
Grade 12 – 42 Mennonite Affiliation – 35%
Students of Alumni – 25%
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Mennonite Church Canada: Our Nationwide Community of Faith
“God calls us to be followers of Jesus Christ, and by the power of the Holy Spirit
to grow as communities of grace, joy, and peace,
so that God’s healing and hope flow through us to the world”
This has been a year of transition. Yet in the midst of significant staff reduction and
restructuring, we have continued to position ourselves so that God’s healing and hope can flow
through us to the world.
Some of the program highlights of this past year:
Indigenous-Settler Relations
Formal Name Change
o We are excited to announce that Indigenous Relations has been formally
re-named Indigenous-Settler Relations (approved by Joint Council, December
2017). The change seeks to communicate to constituency and the broader public
that our nationwide work is an effort to renew and repair mutual relationships
between both Indigenous and Settler peoples.
UNDRIP and Bill C-262
o In June 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission called all Canadian
churches to engage the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous
Peoples (UNDRIP) within our respective constituencies and the broader
Canadian public (Call to Action #48). According to the TRC Final Report, the
Declaration is so important that it should be understood as the “framework for
reconciliation” in Canada. In response, Mennonite Church Canada’s Indigenous-
Settler Relations program has sought to mobilize the church in support of the
Declaration through teach-ins, two book resources (Wrongs to Rights and Lifting
Hearts off the Ground), the Pilgrimage for Indigenous Rights, the Fast for
Indigenous Rights, and a postcard campaign of over 35,000 cards.
A significant part of our education and advocacy efforts have been directed
towards Bill C-262—An Act to Ensure that the Laws of Canada are in Harmony
with the UNDRIP. A private members bill crafted by Romeo Saganash—Cree
Member of Parliament (NDP) and residential school survivor— Bill C-262
would affirm that the Declarations’ minimum standards for the survival of
Indigenous peoples have legal application in Canada.
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When Bill C-262 was initially introduced, many said that it would never get the
support of the Government. Yet through the tireless work of grassroots
advocacy—including Christian Peacemaker Teams and Mennonite Church
Canada—the Government of Canada announced on November 20, 2017 that is it
going to support the Bill. It is amazing news! We still have a ways to go before it
receives ‘royal assent’ and thus becomes law. Yet if passed, Bill C-262 will be a
tremendous step towards the liberating justice that Jesus proclaimed for the
oppressed (Luke 4:18-19).
International Witness
Our International Witness work has continued to remain strong with 19 workers through this
past year. Some highlights this year include;
- Peacebuilders Community Inc, PBCI, responded to violence in Marawi City, Mindanao
with 288 Peace & Reconciliation (PAR) monitors in the affected region.
- The newly formed Mennonite Church South Korea, MCSK, hosted its second annual
“Assembly” in September.
- Witness worker Bock Ki Kim is leading an effort to plant a new Anabaptist/Mennonite
church in Seoul.
- Mike & Cheryl Nimz are helping to start a new Anabaptist group in Birmingham,
England.
- Nathan and Taryn Dirks (after 5 years) completed their ministry in Botswana, leaving a
great impact in the whole country for having built the first Futsal/sports park in
Botswana. Mushroom cultivation was taught to women of the Grace Community of
Churches (GCC) in South Africa. A brick making machine has also been purchased in
collaboration with AIMM, MCC and MMN to help construct church buildings.
- Other workers include: Darnell & Christina Barkman (Philippines); Jeanette Hanson
(Canada/China); Lillian & Norm Nicolson (Burkina Faso); Jennifer Otto & Greg Rabus
(Germany); Tom & Christine Poovong (Thailand); Hippolyto & Miriam Tshimanga
(South Africa); George & Tobia Veith (China).
Although we are not able to include highlights from all our workers, please check out further
reports in the following link: https://donate.mennonitechurch.ca/projects/by_worker
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CommonWord Report
CommonWord is a unique and growing hybrid ministry embracing the resourcing needs of
church, university and neighbourhood,
local and national communities,
Mennonite and ecumenical conversations
by providing a fusion of services:
curated resources to buy, borrow, or download
availability of staff for resource consultation
We are grateful to report strong numbers in 2017 that reflect a growing ministry:
Sales revenue, for the first 10 months of our current fiscal year, is up 27.6%. Online
sales revenue is up 41%, including competitively priced MennoMedia titles and
Mennonite Church Canada products.
In 2018, 48% of items borrowed by congregations circulated outside Manitoba,
including increases in MCBC, MCA and MCEC.
17.2% of all items borrowed in 2018 circulated outside Mennonite Church Canada, the
highest percentage ever.
Download totals increased 18% in 2018, including “Community Developed” titles
contributed by congregations and others.
Help bring CommonWord to your congregation:
Connect leaders and readers to the 12,000 items at www.commonword.ca. Friend us on
Facebook and sign up to receive our electronic Curator. Certainly visit us if you’re ever
in Winnipeg.
Request a display on a particular theme to match a worship or educational event. We’ll
help with the selection and send up to 20 loan books for free.
Submit a Cheaper by the Dozen order. We’ll send you 12 different book titles on loan
for an extended period – again at no cost. A great way to supplement your church
library, discuss a committee issue, or encourage reading! Set up a standing order and
we’ll do this on a regular 6-week cycle.
Make your purchases through CommonWord. We special order most titles. And
regularly discount most items. One congregation recently combined their families’
“gift-giving” for Christmas with a single purchase through CommonWord. One
congregation supports their pastor’s continuing education fund by having an account at
CommonWord. One family gifted their loved one with a standing monthly order of
“book and coffee” from CommonWord. We’d be glad to talk about possibilities!
Closing
Thank you for continued financial support of the Regional Churches, which makes the work of
the nationwide priorities possible.
Willard Metzger
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2017 Annual report for Mennonite Church
Saskatchewan
Tobi Thiessen, Publisher
Since 1953, Canadian Mennonite has been publishing the stories of our church family. We offer
a broad range of articles, views and opinions by church members from across the country. We
also carry the voices of our church leaders and give space to issues being discussed at the
nationwide church level. We are deeply grateful for the Every Home Plan that, since 1997, has
allowed anyone who attends a Mennonite Church congregation to subscribe to the magazine.
These days, a subscription can be print or digital. There is also a bi-weekly email update called
CM Now, plus a website with web-only content.
Regional correspondents, like Donna Schulz for Saskatchewan, help us get local stories. In
2017, Donna published 37 stories about Saskatchewan, such as “Translating the Bible into the
visual” about RJC students providing art for Lenten worship services at Rosthern Mennonite
Church; or “Harvesting ideas for a new MC Saskatchewan” about the MC Saskatchewan mini-
retreat. Donna occasionally posts videos that are attached to her online articles, such as the one
about A Buncha Guys (“Men’s choir fosters community, generosity”). Her feature article in
2017 was the Advent reflection called “Which Jesus are you waiting for?”
Ryan Siemens and Kirsten Hamm-Epp contributed to the From Our Leaders column, and
numerous individuals and churches sent in articles or photos about activities in their
communities.
Church journalism is never without controversy, and this fall a paid insert from Maple View
Mennonite Church expressing its position on same-sex relationships provoked considerable
debate, as well as regret on CM’s part over the hurt the insert caused to many readers.
The following table gives a quick picture of how each Regional Church was represented in
Canadian Mennonite in 2017. As you can see, MC Saskatchewan comprises 9 percent of the
membership across Mennonite Church Canada; 11 percent of Canadian Mennonite subscribers;
and 11 percent of the articles published.
% of members
in MC Canada*
% of CM subscribers
% of articles
published
% of letter
writers
% of CM website
users
# items published
in CM**
# of CM subscribers
(print or digital)
# of web visits
BC 11% 5% 10% 11% 13% 57 527 20,497
Alberta 4% 5% 8% 9% 11% 47 589 17,173
Saskatchewan 9% 11% 11% 9% 7% 66 1,088 11,268
Manitoba 27% 29% 23% 23% 19% 137 3,158 29,497
Ontario & east 49% 49% 38% 49% 45% 214 5,205 69,860 * based on April 2017 MC Canada data
** includes print and online articles, viewpoints, letters, features, photos, news releases and columns
Saskatchewan readers often say that Canadian Mennonite helps them feel connected to the
broader church. We pray that will continue for many years. Thank you for your support!
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Annual Report to Owning Church Bodies
2017 marked 100 years since MTL was incorporated. A centennial is a milestone that many
companies don’t get to, and so we spent a little time celebrating.
Celebrating 100 years of history causes us to pause and reflect on the wisdom, foresight and
conviction of our founding board members.
Wisdom to realize that three Mennonite church bodies working together could achieve
things that each could not do on its own.
Foresight to realize that incorporation would give the
company official standing in the province as a regulated
trust company and allow their efforts to continue for
generations.
Conviction to see that the rights of widows and orphans
needed to be protected and choosing to sacrifice time
and money in order to create an organization which
would help with the complexities and potential inequities of dealing with estates.
And, as we pause and reflect we can’t help but wonder, what will history say of our wisdom,
foresight and conviction? Will our decisions be viewed favourably 100 years from now?
In the midst of our reflection and celebrating we have more work to do than ever. The number
of estates we administer continues to rise. The amount of funds under our office’s
administration continues to rise. The number of tax returns we prepare continues to rise. We
are inspired and encouraged by all the people who have put their trust in us to help with their
estate and financial affairs. It is not a trust that we take lightly.
Over 100 years of careful company stewardship has us in a strong, stable financial position, but
the goal is always to try and help more people. We’re exploring ways to raise additional
capital, which would allow us to grow and help even more people.
Personal. Professional. Purposeful.
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Mennonite Historical Society of Saskatchewan (MHSS) 2017 Report
Our Purpose: Our goal is to collect and archive the stories of Mennonites in Saskatchewan. To
make those stories come alive, MHSS endeavors to tell those stories to a wider audience.
Archived stories and records are available to the public. MHSS has a periodical, The
Saskatchewan Historian, which is published three times a year. A quality website is another
way to communicate with inquirers. The Mennonite peoples of Saskatchewan are a hard-to-
describe mix of faith, language, and culture. From their 16th Century non-creedal and martyrial
beginnings, with little outside world contact, their liturgies and theologies have changed.
MHSS board members : Our board representation comes from 2 conferences: Mennonite
Brethren and Mennonite Church Saskatchewan. The members are Dick Braun (chair) John
Reddekopp (secretary), Elmer Regier (treasurer), Jake Buhler (vice chair), Leonard Doell, Susan
Braun, Elizabeth Guenther, Vera Falk, and Kathy Boldt. The board met 9 times this year.
Annual General Meeting: Old Colony Mennonite singing was the main focus of the March 3-4
AGM. Our resource speaker was Dr. Wesley Berg, a retired University of Alberta musicologist
and professor. His presentations included many slides and sound tracks of Vorsaenger and
others familiar with traditional singing. Dr. Berg concluded that many of the Vorsaenger are
very talented people. He played recorded singing from four other ethnic traditions to show that
similar styles exist alongside Old Colony singing.
Archives Committee: It consists of five persons who are Vera Falk, Helen Fast, Elizabeth
Guenther, Hilda Voth, and Kathy Boldt. Much communication is done by phone and email but
mostly by working together at the archives. MHSS acquired the entire Valley News collection.
Hours of service are Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:30-4:00 p.m. and on Wednesday
evening from 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Volunteers: Some work areas include The Historian and day to day work at the archives. Tasks
include receiving and processing donated collections, clipping obituaries, checking the
Grandma genealogy program at home and putting book titles online. Additionally, volunteers
put Historians into envelopes, and do the mailing. They are Elizabeth Guenther, Kathy Boldt,
Helen, Fast, Peter Adston, Elva and Jack Braun, Hilda Voth, Esther Patkau, Verner Friesen,
Linda Unger, Erna and Elmer Neufeld, Victor Wiebe, and Rosemary Slater. The fine efforts of
treasurer Elmer Regier are noted. Esther Patkau’s recent death ends many decades of her
valuable contributions to MHSS.
Peace Storytelling Event: On November 12, a hundred people gathered to hear Dr. Walter
Klaassen tell three moving stories of peace. David Neufeld told a story of his time in Vietnam.
John Reddekopp showed the half hour video of Conscientious Objectors in the Second World
War.
Walking the Path: MHSS cooperates with MCC and Mennonite Church Sask to participate in
on-going dialogue between Mennonites and First Nations. Jake Buhler is the MHSS
representative to Walking the Path.
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Year-end Dinner for Board and Volunteers: A fine banquet for 33 board members and
volunteers, and their partners, was organized by Susan Braun. The event was held in November
at Bethany Manor. Ben Pauls, pastor at Waldheim Mennonite Church, led a time of singing.
Ben also played piano and guitar as he provided background to carols and Christmas songs.
Book Sales: Vera Falk is responsible for selling books, both through the Historian and at book
launches. She also sets up book displays at various events.
An on-going project is the development of our online web site at www.mhss.sk.ca. There are
more than 1,000 webpages. In the past year, there were more than 70,000 visitors from Canada,
31,000 from the USA, 9,000 from Germany, 22,000 from Russia, 6000 from France. Ruth
Friesen is the webmaster for MHSS.
The Historian: Ruth Friesen is the editor and has finished four years in her position. Three
fine editions were published this year. Circulation is about 275. Thanks to proofreaders that
include Esther Patkau, Verner Friesen, Linda Unger, and Susan Braun. Susan Braun is also
responsible for distribution of the Historian.
Cemeteries: Please visit the website at mhss.sk.ca/cemeteries/. The database has been
successfully put up on our website. It has several indexes, one of which is alphabetical. Helen
Fast is a resource person and can be contacted as well for information and assistance.
Mennonite Historical Society of Canada (MHSC): In January, 2017, Jake Buhler represented
MHSS at the annual MHSC sessions in Winnipeg, MB.
You are invited to Bethany Manor in Saskatoon on Friday evening, March 2 to hear Dr. Gordon
Jensen of Lutheran Theological Seminary deliver an address on the Reformation and its impact
on the rise of Anabaptism/Mennonitism.
Submitted by MHSS, December 28, 2017.
Report to Mennonite Church Saskatchewan – 2018
Mennonite Men, an organization of the Mennonite Church, is a jointly owned partnership of
Mennonite Church USA and Mennonite Church Canada. It is an organization that aims to
provide an Anabaptist perspective on manhood that speaks to current issues.
The priorities of Mennonite Men are two-fold: JoinMen: to help men from a spiritual and
Anabaptist perspective, and to raise funds to help young congregations build or purchase their
first meeting house through the JoinHands Church Grant Program. A board of twelve regionally
chosen members meets annually to manage the work of Mennonite Men. We would like to hear
about how men gather in your church, please use [email protected] to report on the
activities of your men’s group.
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JoinMen, this newly organized branch of Mennonite Men
focuses on men’s retreats, men’s spirituality and resourcing
men. An example is: A new book on men’s issues co-
authored by Don Neufeld and supported by Mennonite Men
is almost completed. Another example is the Mennonite
Men retreats, one of which happened in Ontario where
twenty-five men gathered at beautiful Hidden Acres
Mennonite Camp in New Hamburg, June 9-10 for an enjoyable twenty-six hours of fellowship,
worship, reflection, and leisure. Friday evening and Saturday all day featured sessions led by
Pastor Scott Brubaker-Zehr with music and bible story telling by Bryan Moyer-Suderman.
JoinHands, the service component of Mennonite Men has
given more than $1.9 million to 69 congregations since 1985.
On December 17, 2017, Mennonite Men, presented the Mara
Christian Church of Charlotte, North Carolina with a $40,000
JoinHands church grant. The church is a young vibrant church
made up of refugees from Myanmar (Burma) who fled their
country, mostly through Malaysia, to escape persecution by
the Buddhist military who control that country. Many Mara
(pronounced Mah-Rah, emphasis on the last syllable) Chin people have fled to the United States
and Canada and have been granted asylum here. The congregation of over 100 members
currently meets in a rented church on Sunday afternoons. Their services typically are about 3
hours long and involve a great deal of prayer and singing in their native dialect. Many of the
congregants received no formal education in Burma and have worked hard to learn English and
adapt to North American culture. There are many children at the church and they meet in three
separate groups for Sunday School. They also have a women’s group, a youth group, and a
mission team.
A tithe of all donations received by JoinHands is put aside to help congregations overseas
acquire their first meeting place. Congregations receiving these grants span the globe.
Mennonite Men enlists individuals and groups willing to contribute $100 or more twice a year
to support JoinHands Church Grants and JoinMen programs. Grants are given to new
congregations building or buying their first meeting house. Please check out
www.mennonitemen.org for more details
Your Canadian Area Church Mennonite Men coordinators are Clarence Yip in BC, Murray
Logan in Saskatchewan, and Don Neufeld in Ontario. We are currently looking for coordinators
for Alberta and for Manitoba. If you are interested, please contact Hans Peters (see contact info
below).
Check out our website for information, contact info and resources: www.mennonitemen.org
Hans Peters,
Canadian National Coordinator for Mennonite Men
(519) 893-8394 or [email protected]
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Mennonite Church Saskatchewan
2017 Annual Delegate Sessions
March 10 & 11, 2017
Held at Nutana Park Mennonite Church
Co-Hosted by Pleasant Point Mennonite & Nutana Park Mennonite
Theme: Extending the Table, Enough for All
30 of 30 congregations represented
Friday Evening Session
1. Gathering & Singing
2. Welcome: Tammy Forester, chair of Nutana Park Mennonite, welcomed everyone to
Nutana Park. Moderator Ken Warkentin officially opened the 2017 Annual Delegate
Sessions.
The Parliamentarian, Peter Peters, was introduced, as well as the Resolutions Committee;
Christy Martens-Funk, George Epp and Ike Epp.
3. MOTION to adopt the minutes of the 2016 MC Sask Annual Delegate Sessions;
2017-0310-01 Moved by Dianne Epp/Seconded by Dave Feick.
a. CARRIED
4. MOTION to accept the updated 2017 ADS Agenda;
2017-0310-02 Moved by Gordon Peters/Seconded by Craig Neufeld.
a. CARRIED
5. Moderator’s report – found on page 9 of the Report Book.
MOTION to accept the Moderator’s report as written and presented;
2017-0310-03 Moved by Ken Warkentin/Seconded by Victoria Neufeldt.
a. CARRIED
6. The report of Council Actions and Major Decisions was adopted by consensus.
7. Reports of Area Church Ministers found on pages 10-11 (Ryan) & 14 (Kirsten)
a. As of April 2nd, Ryan will have visited all MC Sask congregations.
b. The Listening and Discernment Committee has a workshop they would like to
bring to all churches.
c. Ryan introduced the visioning process with Betty Pries of L3; Refresh, Refocus,
Renew.
d. Kirsten highlighted some of her activities and the decision to close the VBS
program.
i. She is available to help congregations with their own VBS programs if
needed.
e. MOTION to accept the Area Church Ministers reports as written and presented;
2017-0310-04 Moved by Celeste Wright/Seconded by Charlene Krahn.
i. CARRIED
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8. Report from Nomination Committee: Leona Ewert, Christy Krahn & Anna Rehan
a. Report on page 7 of Report Book;
b. Valerie Wiebe nominated for Ministries Commission;
c. Pauline Steinmann nominated for Council; and
d. Ted Janzen nominated for Youth Farm Complex Board.
9. First call for nominations by Bruce Jantzen
10. Financial Report & Proposed Budget – Gordon Peters
a. Report on page 12 and updated proposed budget in portfolios
b. Discussion included the possibility of adding money to camping as per last
year’s budget since there is still a small surplus in the budget.
11. MOTION to approve all reports as presented;
2017-0310-05 Moved by Charlene Krahn/Seconded by Otto Driedger.
a. CARRIED
Offering
Worship – The Gospel According to Food (with Communion)
Saturday Morning
Worship – Susanne Guenther Loewen, speaker
Business Session
1. Introduction of Guests
- Daniel Horne, Willard Metzger, Keith Regehr from Mennonite Church Canada
- Jim Epp & Valerie White from Rosthern Junior College
- Cheryl Pauls from Canadian Mennonite University
- Eileen Klassen-Hamm from Mennonite Central Committee Saskatchewan
- Cory Regier from Mennonite Trust Ltd.
- Dori Zerbe Cornelsen from Abundance Canada (formerly Mennonite
Foundation)
- Donna Schulz, Saskatchewan correspondent for the Canadian Mennonite
- Video by Mennonite Trust celebrating 100 years – Cory Regier
- Eileen Klassen Hamm expressed gratitude for MC Sask involvement with MCC
- Ike Epp shared MDS information about building “ready to move” homes to
move to Fort McMurray
2. Blessing of Hope Mennonite Fellowship & Horse Lake Mennonite Church
3. Second call for nominations by Bruce Jantzen
4. Plenary - Future Directions: Covenant New
- Pages 54 -56 of Report Book.
- Discussion and questions included:
i. How will international witness work?
ii. How do we work out our vision as “small churches”?
iii. How can we achieve equality between areas?
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- The answer (for now) is - the work will continue but we do not know how just
yet.
- A common concern was the need to gather together annually to stay connected,
like in a national family reunion.
- Break into congregational groups for roundtable discussion with opportunity to
write down and share feedback.
Lunch
Saturday Afternoon
Worship – Susanne Guenther Loewen, speaker
Memorial Service – Ryan Siemens & Kirsten Hamm-Epp
Business Session, Part 1
1. Plenary: Life in our Schools – RJC & CMU
a. Discussion lead by Ryan Siemens with Jim Epp (RJC) and Cheryl Pauls (CMU)
2. Break-out sessions
a. Pastoral Leadership Commission – East Room (Green on map)
b. Council – Sanctuary (Blue on map)
c. Camps – Fireplace Room (Red on map)
d. Ministries Commission – Music Room (Yellow on map)
Business Session, Part 2
3. Third call for nominations by Bruce Jantzen
4. Nominations committee report
MOTION that the call for nominations cease;
2017-0311-06 Moved by Bruce Jantzen/Seconded by Verna Olfert.
CARRIED
No elections needed.
New Commission & Committee Members:
Deputy Moderator: Terry Stefaniuk 2019
Secretary: Myrna Wiebe 2019
Council: Pauline Steinmann 2018
Pastoral Leadership Commission: Lisa Martens Bartel 2018
Garth Ewert Fisher 2020
Florence Dredger 2020
Ministries Commission: Claire Ewert Fisher 2020
Valerie Wiebe 2020
Eric Olfert 2020
Jeannette Hanson 2018
Camp Elim Board: John Woelk 2020
Shekinah Retreat Centre Board: Ryan Epp 2020
Phyllis Goertz 2020
Kara Wolf 2020
Youth Farm Camp Board Annette Bergen 2020
Youth Farm Complex Board: Elaine Janzen 2020
Ted Janzen 2018
Ernie Epp 2020
Doris Wiens 2020
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4. Financial Report – Discussion & Approval – Gordon Peters
There is a $5,938 surplus in the 2016 budget.
MOTION to accept the 2016 financial and audited statements as presented;
2017-0311-07 Moved by Gordon Peters/Seconded by Greg Redekopp.
CARRIED
5. Discussion & Approval of Budget for 2017 – Gordon Peters
a. Discussion
i. Re: money cuts to camps - They have appreciated the funds in the past
and understand why there are cuts. They also know they can survive
without this funding. Are we severing the connection with our camps by
cutting funding?
ii. Re: money collected for MC Canada - It will just be an in and out line
for this year because we do not know exactly what the amount will be. If
money is sent to MC Sask without a specific amount being designated for
MC Canada, it will be split 60% to MC Sask and 40% to MC Canada.
6. MOTION that the surplus from the proposed 2016 budget, $9,418.00, be split between
the three camps in proportion to the formula used in previous years.
2017-0311-08 Moved by Christy Funk/Seconded by Ray Friesen.
CARRIED
7. MOTION to approve the 2017 budget as amended;
2017-0311-09 Moved by Gordon Peters/Seconded by Ted Janzen.
CARRIED
8. Appointment of Auditors: Gordon Peters
MOTION that MC Sask Council be empowered to conduct a review of the auditing
services provided to MC Sask as well as the three camps. From that review, Council will
choose an accounting firm to provide audit services moving forward. This will be
ratified by the delegate body at the 2018 Annual Delegate Sessions;
2017-0311-10 Moved by Denise Marten Seconded by Greg Redekopp.
CARRIED
9. A Word for the Journey
The Vision and Wholeness Group is being suspended moving forward, as their purpose
is being filled by other persons/groups, and it has been increasingly difficult to fill the
positions.
10. Commissioning & Closing of the Business Session
Ryan Siemens and Kirsten Hamm-Epp offered a blessing and commission to all
committee/commission members, board members, and representatives old and new in
their roles serving MC Sask.
11. Closing Ken Warkentin declared the 2017 MC Sask Annual Delegate Sessions officially closed.
Submitted by Dianne Epp (Secretary)
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Index
Abundance Canada 48
Agenda 4
Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary 40
Area Church Minister, Youth Programming & Admin
Report 14
Camp Elim 29
Canadian Mennonite Publication 44
Canadian Mennonite University 38
CoSA Southern Saskatchewan 24
Delegate Information 3
Executive Minister Report 10
Finance Report 12
Hospital Chaplaincy 17
Listening & Discernment Committee 18
MC Sask Council 2016-2017 Actions & Major Decisions 6
MCC Saskatchewan 45
Mennonite Church Canada 41
Mennonite Historical Society of Saskatchewan 49
Mennonite Men 50
Mennonite Trust Ltd. 47
Micah Mission 26
Ministries Commission 20
Minutes from 2017 Annual Delegate Sessions 52
Moderator’s Report 9
Nominations Bios 8
Parkland Restorative Justice (P2P) 27
Pastoral Leadership Commission 16
Refresh, Refocus, Renew Report 21
Rosthern Junior College 34
Rosthern Mennonite Nursing Home and Farm Complex 28
Saskatchewan Mennonite Youth Organization 15
Shekinah Retreat Centre 32
Slate of Nominations 7
Unaudited Revenue & Disbursement 2017 13
Women’s Ministry 19
Youth Farm Bible Camp 33