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Adela Uwimana and Tesfa Chutta, both of Winnipeg, take a break at the Pastors Credentialing and Orientation (PCO). About 30 people gathered May 13–16 at Canadian Mennonite University, Winnipeg, for the annual event sponsored by the Canadian conference. Over the four days, pastors had an opportunity to learn about the conference, meet national staff, and discuss Mennonite Brethren theology and history. “This is a very helpful and important event – overall, very well done. Keep it up!” commented one pastor. On the final day, each participant was presented with a certificate suitable for framing.
On April 21, Columbia Bible College, Abbotsford, B.C., graduated 139 students, 50 with 1-year faith formation certificates, 16 with certificates in Early Childhood Education, 34 with diplomas, and 39 with BA degrees. The ceremony was at Central Heights MB Church, followed by a banquet at Columbia Place. Pictured graduates are (l–r) Ashley Russo, Laura Abraham, and Aaron Abraham.
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George Hunsberger, professor of congregational mission at Western Theological Seminary, Holland, Mich., will be the keynote speaker at the Board of Faith and Life study conference, “Culture, Gospel, and Church,” Oct. 11–13, in Abbotsford, B.C. Hunsberger is committed to equipping churches to effectively participate in the encounter of the gospel with Western culture, and is currently the coordinator of the Gospel and Our Culture Network in North America. He has worked as a campus staff member for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, a pastor, a missionary team leader in Kenya, and a teacher. He has also written extensively on the intersection of gospel and culture. For more information about the BFL study conference or to register, go to mbconf.ca.
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The centennial celebration of Canadian Mennonite Brethren in the city, held June 1–3 in Winnipeg, included services of reminiscence and celebration in the former North End Church and current Elmwood MB Church, a Dream Manitoba banquet, and a bus tour of historical sites, where MBs, traditionally more comfortable in the country, first began living and ministering in the “wicked” city. Lawrence Warkentin (above) explains where his grandparents and several other families met for services near the Louise St. Bridge as early as 1906. The tour also visited the church building where the former South End congregation met for some time before eventually settling on William St.
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On April 25, Manitoba churches and organizations commemorated the 10-year anniversary of the province’s Flood of the Century. About 100 people gathered to remember the devastation along the Red River Valley and celebrate how the community bonded together to overcome hardship. Mennonite Disaster Service built Lea and Leon Dorge (above) a new wheelchair-accessible home after the flood forced the couple to evacuate the home they’d lived in for more than 50 years.
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