Letters to the editor

Mennonite Brethren Herald welcomes your letters on issues relevant to the Mennonite Brethren Church, especially in response to material published in the Herald. Please keep your letters courteous, brief and about one subject only. We will edit letters for length and clarity. We will not publish letters sent anonymously, although we may withhold names from publication at the request of the letter writer and at our discretion. Publication is also subject to space limitations. Because the Letters column is a free forum for discussion, it should be understood that letters represent the position of the letter writer, not necessarily the position of the Herald or the Mennonite Brethren Church. Send letters to: Letters, MB Herald 1310 Taylor Ave. Winnipeg, Man.  R3M 3Z6 or send via e-mail. (Please ensure that your postal address is included in your e-mail correspondence.)

Israel needs help

To bless and befriend Israel, to speak up in support of the Jewish state is not the proper thing to do. It is considered out of order; politically incorrect. But, to remain silent in a time such as this amounts to nothing less than colossal betrayal of a member in the community of nations.

Today Israel stands alone, friendless and abandoned. The so-called “road map to peace” being imposed upon her is a sure road to Armageddon.

Christian Zionists love and bless Israel. For this they themselves will be blessed.

As once again we celebrated the birth of Jesus, King of the Jews and Redeemer of human kind, let us pray for the beleaguered Israel. Pray for her national leaders, her security services and defence forces.

Financial aid is needed. Holocaust survivors, victims of terrorist attacks, the growing number of Messianic congregations all need, deserve and appreciate our monetary gifts. Jesus said that whatever we do to one of the least of His brethren we do to Him.

Sylvester Dirks,
Abbotsford, B.C.

Another view of music

In “Singing In Church” (Letters, Nov. 14) Mary Pauls laments the loss of four-part harmony in church worship.

In our city we have a club consisting of a dozen men, all former MBs. I often think our conversation at our monthly breakfasts would be an education for your readers.

One morning we were discussing worship and the only member still attending an MB church, pipes up: “In our church we worship by the 7-Eleven method”, he announces with mock-bitterness. We had never heard of it. “Seven words sung eleven times,” he explains.

Upon leaving my MB congregation decades ago I remember the heavy loss I felt not hearing that beautiful harmony I had come to enjoy. Now I was among many new believers who, though lacking in musical sophistication, could indeed sing seven words eleven times. They sang with an exuberance and passion while I concentrated on hitting the right note. Maybe God wasn’t as impressed as I had thought. It occurred to me that God might be taking something away from me, something I was proud of, and giving me something better.

When we worship, we do so to an audience of one. He sings too. Every song He sings is a new song. And He never practices.

So I wondered if Mary Pauls and all the other good folk from Winnipeg, that mecca of Mennonite musicality, would be willing to make such a joyful exchange.

Ervin Redekop,
Kamloops, B.C.

An open letter to the contributors to “Mission Calgary”

As I sit at my computer and prepare for our first public service on Christmas Eve, I cannot help but feel gratitude towards those of you who have made this venture possible through your generous donations. I don’t know who you are and therefore I cannot thank you personally. There is something especially encouraging about people who give to Christian ministry when they do not personally benefit from it in any way in this world. Therefore I am doubly encouraged; first, by the example of such giving and second, by having resources available by which we (Sema Community Church) can reach out to the people of northwest Calgary. I just wanted you to know that I am personally appreciative of your donations, but more importantly, I want to encourage you by saying that already they are beginning to produce “kingdom fruit.”

Lance Christie, Pastor, Sema Community Church
(Sema Community Church is a congregation of Dalhousie Community Church, Calgary)

Mistaken theology

Re “Good news” (Letters, Dec. 5)

You should have recognized the teachings and theology [this letter] seems to represent; it should not have been printed in the Herald.

John P. Derksen,
Winnipeg, Man.

Thanks

Re Dec. 5 issue, thanks for a few pages with larger print. Good to see Harold Jantz’s article.

Norman Fehr,
Kelowna, B.C.

A parable

A generous, wealthy landowner had many children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren. His descendants decided to have a huge celebration to honour him. They organized two committees to put everything in order: one of the older generation and another for the younger generation.

Since this venerable gentleman enjoyed music (his ability as a composer and performer was legendary), this art form would take up most of the program.

The man’s children loved and respected him but their regard for each other left much to be desired. The older generation loved the richness of four-part harmony accompanied by traditional instruments. The younger generation enjoyed louder, more energetic and rhythmic music. As planning and practise progressed, tension between the groups mounted. Critical word arrows found their marks in hearts already over-sensitive. Those affected told others and sought sympathy for their pain.

On the day of the celebration, everyone gathered and greeted each other with superficial cordiality. As the evening began the two groups shot disapproving glances at one another.

The program had the groups take several turns presenting various musical pieces. When the older generation began their presentation the younger ones shuffled, yawned and some even began whispered discussions. When their turn came the older generation sat silently, arms crossed, their faces sober. Each piece was well-prepared and presented but greeted with only polite applause.

A few in the crowd turned their focus from the unfolding events to observe the father seated, like a king, in the place of honour. Imagine their shock to see him weeping.

Alma Siemens,
Coaldale, Alta.