Quebec MB Conference meets for annual convention and rally

The annual convention and rally of the Association des Églises des Frères mennonites du Québec (AEFMQ) was held Sept. 10–11 at Église Chretienne de St. Jérôme and the secondary school, Lucille-Teasdale de Blainville, respectively.

The convention brings together the representatives of the Quebec MB conference and those responsible for its various ministries. The rally is a combined worship service for members of all AEFMQ churches.

The worship rally of Quebec MB churches, Sept. 11.

The sanctuary of the St. Jerome church was turned into a meeting place for the convention, attended by some 50 people, including guests from the Canadian MB Conference – David Wiebe, executive director, and Ewald Unruh, director of Evangelism Canada.

The day began with a reflection by pastor Jacques Charbonneau of the host church on servant leadership.

Charles Martin, president (moderator) of the AEFMQ, then reported that title to several buildings is being transferred from the national to the provincial conference. This process should be completed soon. In addition, he said, a consultation could take place to explore collaboration between the Mennonite Brethren, the Mennonites and other churches with an Anabaptist orientation in Quebec.

Camp Peniel celebrated 30 years of ministry in June. Gilles Dextraze, of the camp board, noted the growth in facility use. He said Peniel is searching for a cook to begin in October and that it offers a free stay to people who can relieve the supervisor for a weekend.

Patrice Nagant, director of Rendez-Vous Montreal (Quebec’s Key City Initiative), reported on the province’s church planting endeavours. The International Christian Community Church is re-locating to the Verdun region of Montreal, with Bruno Synott working as assistant pastor to Jean Calvin Kitata. This summer’s SOAR outreach in Montreal had 150 participants, including 14 students from Quebec. Starting in January, Nagant, together with David Miller, will plant a church in the Montreal suburb of Terrebonne. Michel Monette is a church planting apprentice under the St. Laurent Church and Gille Dextraze is assisting Nagant with the administration of Rendez-Vous Montreal. Dan Loewen continues to assist churches with their worship ministries.

The team leading worship at the Quebec rally; Dan Loewen at left.

The last item under the business of evangelism was the official acceptance of the Spanish Church – The Ambassadors of Christ Church – into the Quebec conference.

Jean-Raymond Théorêt, director of leadership development, reported on upcoming training programs. News of these will be circulated soon. The position of director will not be continued for financial reasons.

Pastor Gérard Basque of St. Laurent Church, the AEFMQ liason to the Protestant Partnership on Education, reported on a document presented to the minister of education by this organization. The document outlines the fears of Protestant parents about new government directions in education and proposes guidelines for the government in legislating relations between church and state.

Éric Wingender, director of École de Théologie Évangélique de Montréal (ETEM) and member of the Board of Faith and Life of the Canadian MB Conference, informed the assembly about the board’s recommendation on women in ministry leadership, which will be discussed and voted on at Gathering 2006 in Alberta. He also said there are three positions open on the ETEM board.

Elections resulted in the following appointments: Charles Martin, conference president; Robert Dagenais, vice-president of internal affairs; Ginette Bastien-Rolland, vice-president of external affairs; Jean-Raymond Théorêt, vice-president for relations with the Canadian MB Conference; Jacques Charbonneau, secretary; Roger Deschênes, management; Éric Wingender, faith and life; Patrice Nagant, evangelism; Gérard Basque, liaison to the Protestant Partnership on Education.

At the rally the following day, the Ambassadors of Christ Church, as well as assistant pastor Bruno Synott and the young people who participated in SOAR 2005 were presented to the assembled churches.

Pastor Robert Dagenais spoke on the convention theme, “Together.” He emphasized the need for the body of Christ to move forward and grow as one united body. Following lunch, a “bike for peace” activity organized by the peace and justice program of the Quebec MCC brought together cyclists of all ages.

—Sylvie Plant, member of l’église de Saint-Jérôme, Quebec