Notes
…from the general secretary for Equipping

April - May, 2002

Dan Nigh- swander

Dear Colleagues in faith and work,

Christ is risen. After weeks of preparation, suddenly the busy season of Holy Week and Easter is behind us. Other agenda now fills our minds and hearts. We have only a couple of months to accomplish whatever we can before the "summer slump," and there is so much to do. But I pray that in your work and in ours the resurrection will continue to shape who we are and what we do. We have all been reminded that "If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and …we are of all people most to be pitied" (1 Cor. 15:17-19). But since Christ has been raised we have hope, and we have a gospel to proclaim and to live. Thanks be to God!

You will have heard by now that the delegates of Northwest Mennonite Conference have voted to withdraw from MC Canada effective March 31, 2003. We are disappointed with this decision, and we want to find ways to continue working with those sisters and brothers in NWC churches in any way we can. Please continue to pray for the leaders and churches of NWC as they discern what other options are open to them.

Our General Board and Executive Committee meet again on April 25-28. The agenda includes receiving reports on the re-building of Mennonite Publishing House (of which you have read in Canadian Mennonite). A second major item will be further shaping of a proposal on education for discussion at this year's assembly-we want to determine how best to empower and receive the gifts of our seminary, three colleges and various elementary and secondary schools. We will also be spending one afternoon and one morning with representatives of Mennonite World Conference to consider our role in the world-wide family of faith.

The news, as I write, is full of war, terrorism and violence on many fronts-Afghanistan, Israel/Palestine, Colombia and Canada. The church, speaking on behalf of the Prince of Peace to governments, public opinion and above all to our own people, needs to raise its voice clearly and consistently in these times. We expect shortly to name a new staff person in Peace and Justice to succeed Marilyn Houser Hamm as she moves into new responsibilities on our staff team. Let us not grow weary of praying, preaching and acting for peace.

The agenda of interchurch and interfaith relations is coming to the fore in my work. Please note the attached letter. I would welcome your counsel and stories as we undertake these initiatives.

Finally, when you call or when you receive mail from my office you will learn to recognize a new name and a new voice. Gina Loewen is my new administrative assistant (as well as Henry Paetkau's). She brings skills, enthusiasm for the church and a lot of fresh questions. I am sure you will find Gina helpful whenever you have occasion to contact our office.

These are a few of the matters that occupy my mind as I try to understand the implications of Christ's resurrection for each of them.

I pray that your work on Christ's behalf will be a blessing to you and to those around you.

-Dan Nighswander, general secretary