News Briefs.

October 21, 2002

Bi-national meetings

Pinawa, Man.—Mennonite Church Canada Witness recently met with their Mennonite Church USA mission counterparts, Mennonite Mission Network. Leadership reviewed a 10-page operating agreement that defines common understanding for staff involved a variety of collaborative activities. The document outlines procedures for partnerships in international and North American ministry as well as administrative protocol for communications and fund-raising. Representatives of the two national mission agencies also joined for common worship times. "It's important to communicate that we're still in relationship," said Willard Metzger, chair of the Christian Witness Council of Mennonite Church Canada.

-from Mennonite Mission Network release

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Witness workers in Korea: Update

Chun Chon, Korea—Erwin and Marian Wiens (Windsor Mennonite Fellowship, Windsor, Ontario) are Mennonite Church Canada Witness workers in Chun Chon, Korea. They recently wrote about the acceptance of their work and their presence in the Jesus Village Church there.

“At our weekly cell group meeting, the cell thought it was time to name us with Korean names? a real honour for us. So our family name is now WON? meaning foundational or basic. Marian's name is MI YEON, meaning beautiful and pure! My Korean name is EO JIN, meaning kind and meek!”

The Wiens’ have been in Chun Chon since August, 2002. The Jesus Village Church (JVC) has about 100 members and a weekly attendance of about 70. The JVC provides an alternative community for Korean Christians seeking to worship in a smaller, New Testament style setting. Mainline Protestant churches in Korea can have up to 750,000 members.

-from letter by Erwin Wiens

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November Equipping in the mail

Winnipeg, Man.—The November issue of Equipping Canada is in the mail! (Equipping Canada is an information packet sent to all Mennonite Church Canada congregations ten times per year.)

Equipping Canada offers resources, ideas, and news for all 250 Mennonite Church Canada congregations. It’s for anyone and everyone: lay leaders, Sunday school teachers, small groups, adult education leaders, pastors, treasurers, church councils, youth and young adult leaders, worship leaders, and perhaps even you!

If you’ve never seen it, ask your pastor or church secretary for it, or test drive it at www.mennonitechurch.ca/resources/equipping/. Highlights in the September issue of Equipping Canada include:

Notes from general secretary Dan Nighswander regarding Mennonite World Conference (MWC)
An issue of the MWC newsletter, Courier
A letter of encouragement and hope for drought stricken farmers from denominational minister Henry Paetkau
Letter to Treasurers or Finance Committee Chairs (except MCEC)
Worship materials for World Fellowship Sunday and Week for Christian Unity
Advent Resources: Which Arms Outstretched…
Mennonite Church Canada prayer requests and Witness notes for November
Resource Centre Updates Highlighting Resources for Christian Education Committees and Worship Planners
News from the Mennonite Heritage Centre Gallery
Missional Church Leadership Formation – education opportunity
Congregational Partnerships/Mongolia Support Group
Annual Assembly Expense Projections for St. Catharines 2003
Mennonite Church Canada Directory 2002
Annual Assembly Minute Book – Saskatoon 2002
Vision – A journal for church and Theology
Faith and Life Resources for music, venture clubs, communion, and Jubilee update

-MC Canada release

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Peace and Justice director resigns

Winnipeg, Man.— Arlyn Friesen Epp, director of Peace and Justice for Mennonite Church Canada, has resigned, citing health and a recent series of difficult transitions.

In a message to leadership, Friesen Epp said: “I am sorry to leave the work of peace and justice at MC Canada, an area of great potential and importance for the conference. I pray that God will bless this ministry. May God’s gracious Spirit continue to be with the staff, Councils and constituency of MC Canada as we seek to be faithful peacemakers in our time.”

Friesen Epp began his work in May of 2002. Justina Heese, executive secretary of Christian Formation said, “It is with a good deal of regret that we release Arlyn. We bless him in his decision and encourage him and his family as they discern their future.”

-MC Canada release

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Contribute to MC Canada on-line

Winnipeg, Man.—Mennonite Church Canada is now capable of accepting donations on-line.

The arrangement is the result of a partnership with Canada Helps.org, an internet service designed to accept donations on behalf of charities registered in Canada.

“Some constituents have been asking for this option to make individual giving a little easier them. With on-line giving, contributors can use a credit card to make a donation in a secure environment,” said Al Rempel, director of Resource Development for Mennonite Church Canada.

The service itself is a philanthropic effort by the founders of Canada Gives, available at no cost to MC Canada. There is however, a 1.75% fee charged by major credit card companies. Donations are possible via MasterCard and Visa.

Check out mennonitechurch.ca/give/ to see how this option might work for you.

-MC Canada release