News...
from Formation

Justina Heese Elsie Rempel

It’s about Networking!

The phrase "doing together what we cannot do alone" implies relationships and networks. Networking with others makes it possible to do God’s work in the world.

As Mennonite Church Canada Formation establishes networks with partners in area conferences and congregations, I wonder what simple visual image could be used to represent networks. In my search for an image, I discovered that spider webs have been adopted by some virtual networks. Talking to colleagues, we mused that somehow the thought of being "trapped" in a spider web does not quite fit the image for Mennonite Church Canada Formation!

At the Saskatoon Assembly 2002, Elsie Rempel, who starts as Director of Christian Education and Nurture in August, wants to meet with persons involved in education and nurture ministries in area conferences and congregations. This is one network Mennonite Church Canada Formation wants to establish. Look for the place and time of the meeting when you get to Saskatoon.

Also, at the Assembly, Henry Paetkau, Denominational Minister, and Maurice Martin, Director of Congregational Leadership, will be offering a workshop on leadership in the congregation. Attend this workshop and become part of the network of congregational leaders. Explore the role of "laity" in our understanding of the church. Consult the listing of times and places for seminars at the Saskatoon Assembly.

Networks need continuous care. This is especially true for networks involving peace and justice. As news reports are filled with stories of war and conflict, Christian Peacemaker Teams and Mennonite World Conference’s Global Anabaptist Peace and Justice Network are swamped with requests for prayers and solidarity for those who suffer unjustly. At this year’s assembly, learn more about peace and justice networks and issues around the world; meet Arlyn Friesen Epp, who succeeds Marilyn Houser Hamm as Director of Peace and Justice Ministries for Mennonite Church Canada in June, 2002. Let’s keep connected so we can do together what we cannot do alone.

- Justina Heese,
Executive Secretary,
Formation