Reflections from the Denominational Minister
Are you sometimes preoccupied?

Henry Paetkau

Dear Pastors,

Are you sometimes preoccupied?

Henri Nouwen (Making All Things New, p. 25) suggests that "to be pre-occupied means to fill our time and place long before we are there." Preoccupations fill our minds with fears and worries about "tomorrow." They overwhelm us with the "what ifs" and "if onlys" of life. They can rob us of the joy of living. So, what's your preoccupation? And what's giving you power and victory over it?

Here are a number of items that are occupying (if not preoccupying!) me these days.

First, I'm pleased to announce that as of May 1st Maurice Martin has begun his half-time assignment as Director of Congregational Leadership Development in the Leadership Office of Mennonite Church Canada. Maurice is available to work with congregations and their leaders as they develop the vision and appropriate strategies for their life and work together, in their walk with God and each other. He works out of his home office in New Hamburg, ON where he can be reached by email at mauricem@sympatico.ca or by phone at 519-662-1031. Please send your questions and inquiries directly to him.

Second, please be sure to include the annual Ministers' Conference in your make plans for the Assembly of MC Canada in Saskatoon, SK this summer. This year's gathering takes place at the Osler Mennonite Church, located about 15 minutes out of the city, from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3rd. The morning session will overlap with the "Making Peace with the Land" conference being held there on Tuesday and Wednesday. (Some of you will want to attend both events - for one low price!) In our joint session Cam Harder, professor at the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Saskatoon, will explore the themes of honour and shame in communities challenged by economic disparity. His presentation will help ministers think about how economic hardship impacts a faith community, and how that community might respond pastorally to the ensuing tension and conflict. The afternoon provides opportunity for worship, fellowship, inspiration and reporting on issues of concern to pastoral leaders. A time of prayer and anointing will conclude the day. Please register for this event on the Assembly registration form. The forms should already have arrived at your church; you can also retrieve registration forms from http://www.mennonitechurch.ca/events/saskatoon/.

Third, an invitation to read and share sermons on the web. Oh, sure, you've seen the other sites, but now you can see the best of MC Canada at www.mennonitechurch.ca/resources/sermons. Or at least the best that's been collected to date. Daniel Rempel, webmaster, invites your contributions to this collection. Any time you preach or hear a sermon (or several) that you think would benefit a wider audience, please send it to Daniel at drempel@mennonitechurch.ca.

Grace, peace and joy be yours in this season of Pentecost!

-Henry Paetkau, denominational minister