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James Bergen has accepted a call to be lead pastor at Peace Arch Fellowship in South Surrey, B.C., effective in June. Currently, he is studying at MB Biblical Seminary and serving half-time in an Evangelical Free church in Fresno, Calif. Previously, he was youth pastor at Peach Arch Fellowship 1994-96 and worked with youth camps in Russia under Kingdom Ventures International 1992-93. He has a B.A. from Providence College, Otterburne, Man. He is married to Marcy.
Roland Marsch is continuing to serve with MBMS International. He is speaking in churches in Canada and the US and is assisting with the ministries of the churches in German-speaking Europe. A long-term assignment is being explored. His wife Lorina passed away Nov. 7.
Steinbach (Man.) MB Church held a “Celebration of Missions” Oct. 22-24. Keynote speaker Delbert Enns of MB Communications/Family Life Network challenged those in attendance to “leak the light of Christ to the world”. The theme of the weekend was based on Isaiah 49:6: “A Light to the World”. Fourteen agencies set up displays, gave reports and provided children’s ministry. Friday evening, David Balzer of MBC/FLN spoke on his work with GodTalk, a phone-in show on CJOB, a secular radio station in Winnipeg. He encouraged the audience to ask good questions that would create opportunities to share the light of Christ with others. At a Saturday morning brunch, Samir and Lewiza Youssef reported on their Arabic ministry in conjunction with MBMS International and MBC/FLN. A video of Arvid Loewen of Winnipeg cycling over the Rockies and across the prairies was shown. Loewen made the trek as a fundraiser for MBC/FLN.
Walter and Margaret Reimer (centre) have completed their 9-month interim pastoral assignment at Steinbach (Man.) MB Church. At an appreciation lunch on Oct. 31, membership chair Randy Dueck and leadership team chair Barry Dyck thanked the Reimers for their work during the convalescence of senior pastor Norm Neufeld. Neufeld is planning to resume his duties in the church in February. In February 1998, he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. In September 1998, the church held a service of communion, anointing and prayer for healing for Neufeld. On Jan. 14, 1999, he underwent a bone marrow transplant. A blood test on May 24 revealed no trace of multiple myeloma. Despite the many valleys, Neufeld says he had “not one moment of fear”. He credits the feeling of peace to local and international prayer support. Pictured are (l-r) Randy Dueck, Margaret Reimer, Walter Reimer and Barry Dyck.
Central Heights Church in Abbotsford, B.C. kicked off its 50th anniversary celebrations Jan. 2 with the presentation of a history book, Celebrating God’s Goodness . . . 1950-2000. Copy editor Jim Wright (right) presents the “gold-seal first book” to Mel Schroeder, assistant moderator of the congregation. The book chronicles key events involving those who have worshipped at Central Heights over the years; 12 charter members are still regular attenders. January 1, 2000, the actual 50th birthday, began a “year of jubilee”, which will climax in a weekend of celebrations May 20-21. The program will include a mass choir, displays of the decades (including vehicles), activities for the whole family, a barbecue dinner and reminiscing and singing. Central Heights has been unique in several ways. First, it has had a strong emphasis on Christian education; a lack of Sunday school space in South Abbotsford MB Church in the late 1940s inspired a group to start Central Heights on Jan. 1, 1950, and the present classrooms reflect the continuing prominence of education in the church program. Second, it has promoted Christian ministry around the world by supporting teachers, medical workers, linguists, agriculturists, builders and missionaries; at present, the church has 22 family units in full-time missionary service. Third, the first sanctuary (built in 1950 and now used for a nursery and a women’s ministry centre) is flanked by a second (known for its “ski-slope” roof and now used as a youth centre), and the new sanctuary (built in 1985).
On Nov. 14, Dalhousie MB Community Church in Calgary baptized Jack Latta; on Dec. 12, the church baptized Kathleen Hamm, Angeleah Brown, Kurt Shellborn, Brandy Shellborn, Kristi Toews and Heather Pauls.
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Last modified May 4, 2000.
© 2000 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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