Notes
…from the general secretary for Equipping

June 2002, 2002

Dan Nigh- swander

Several matters pull my mind in different directions these days. I share these few (from a much longer list) as announcements, as a window into my life and as ways for you to reflect on your work and participate with us in "doing together what we cannot do alone."

1 - Saskatoon 2002

The registration materials and report book have been sent. Now it's time for you to register for this exciting event. Check the web site for more, and for more recent information.

The schedule for this year's assembly includes several times when we especially invite congregations and area conferences to define the agenda. One is on Friday 9:00 - 10:00 a.m., when the focus will be on discerning and proclaiming the gospel peace in our troubled world. We invite congregations, conferences and agencies that have counsel or testimonies on this topic to be prepared to share them. We expect some resolutions will be offered for consideration, but we also look for stories and conversation among those present. Our planning will be helped if you can notify us in advance that you have something to share.

The second invitation is for a shorter block later on Friday morning for "issues from congregations and area conferences." If your congregation or area conference has agenda you want to bring to the floor for discussion or action by the delegates please send that in advance so the moderators can budget the time.

2 - Publishing Transformation Team

You have read in the church press about the financial troubles of Mennonite Publishing House. These are being addressed in a forthright and appropriate manner. You will shortly receive information about a call to contribute funds to reduce the burden of the debt that has been accumulated.

At the same time, the vision for publishing is also being revitalized. A team of 8 persons (4 Canadians-Byron Rempel-Burkholder, Donna Driedger, Sue Steiner and me-with 4 Americans) has begun meeting to listen, talk and dream of the future for this important ministry. If you have a word of advice on publishing in Mennonite Church Canada I would love to hear from you and will pass it on to the rest of the team.

3 - Staff changes

We are dismayed to report to you that Henry Paetkau has resigned from his appointment as Denominational Minister for MC Canada; at the same time we are delighted to report that he has accepted an invitation to become the President of Conrad Grebel University College. Henry will serve well in that part of the church's work-starting in January 2003. In the meantime, we will begin the search for a replacement for him. If you feel called or have a nomination, I would be glad to hear from you.

4 - Personal note

The staff of MC Canada has become a significant support for one another as we have faced various challenges in our personal lives. We have learned to bear each other's burdens and share each other's joys. In a two-week period in mid May, as I write this, my family is marking the death of my mother and the weddings of both of our daughters. In the midst of these experiences I am reminded of the flow of life and death. The perspective this gives to my work is invaluable. The perspective it gives to my faith is a gift.

"God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen." (Phil. 4:19-20)

-Dan Nighswander, general secretary