Leader editorial council

Last week I was in Winnipeg for my last Leader editorial council meeting.

The council is a group of pastors and denominational reps from both Canada and the USA that meet together periodically and stay in touch by email to plan and then later also review each issue of Leader magazine. 

What issues are facing us as a church and in our world that need to be addressed?  Who can provide a biblical and theological perspective?  What are churches already doing, and how can we share their stories and counsel? What resources could be recommended?  How can we make the magazine more visually appealing to communicate more effectively?  What budget constraints do we need to work with?   Our discussions are always lively (and punctuated by chocolate), and I come back full of ideas!  I'm sorry my term on the council is ending, but I'm glad that someone else will have the opportunity to carry on this work--I hope whoever it is will find the group as collegial and energizing and encouraging as I have over the last few years.  

For a sneak peak at what's already in the works, here are the theme issues that are coming up: food in congregational life (which should be in our church library very soon!); the praying congregation; the financial crisis hits the church; addictions; the business of church.

Apr 29, 2009 at 3:43 PM

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Photo Gallery

Our first Easter 2009 photos are now on the website thanks to Hans Hofenk and Anthony Klassen, with Easter art photos by Dale Klippenstein to come soon.

If you have photos of public church events that might be good for Emmanuel's website, please contact Anthony directly at webemc@telus.net   For photos of children and youth, we need signed permission from a parent or legal guardian.  Thanks!

Apr 19, 2009 at 9:04 AM

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More on Facebook

I heard on the radio this week that the fastest growing segment of Facebook users is women over the age of 55!

I still have a few years to go before then, but I thought it interesting that Facebook is reaching into the middle age and up group. . . . some of those over 55 are apparently signing on mainly to check up on their kids(!); others to keep in touch with family at a distance. Then on the same radio show, one of the co-hosts went on to say that Facebook is “so over” for her and actually kind of boring. So maybe I’m not missing much anyway. . . .

Apr 16, 2009 at 10:31 AM

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BC Christian News: debate over the cross

During Thursday's sharing at communion, Peter Kehler mentioned an article in BC Christian News on understanding the cross.

If you normally receive a copy of the BC Christian News, you've probably already seen the article on the front page, and I agree it's definitely worth reading for a broad understanding of the meaning of Jesus' death.  For those who don't have a copy of the paper, you can read the article at www.canadianchristianity.com/bc/bccn/0409/01shack.html.

Regent College professor Hans Boersma is right when he says the debate on different theories of atonement is not new.  For another look at the historical perspectives he cites, you might also be interested in one of my older sermons:  "How We See Salvation: What Difference Does It Make?" published in Vision (Spring 2006) and available in the church library.

Apr 12, 2009 at 6:11 AM

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Testimonies

Hearing or reading testimonies from new members is always a highlight, so I'm looking forward to this Sunday April 5 when we plan to hear from eight new members. Related to that, this week I received an invitation from Vision: A Journal for Church and Theology to write an article on "Testimony."

The invitation comes from Steven Schweitzer, assistant professor of Old Testament at the Mennonite seminary, who is also on the editorial council for Vision:  I am wondering if you would be willing to write an article on "Testimony in Congregational Life. The article would be approximately 1800 words, which should discuss the function or importance of testimony in the life of the congregation (worship, community formation, etc)."
 

I've already said yes to writing the article, because I think testimony is vital and writing will give me a chance to think more deliberately about it.  I haven't given it much thought or prayer yet though, since the deadline isn't until July.  What do you think of when you hear the word "testimony"?  How important is it to you, or in the life of the church?

Apr 4, 2009 at 7:26 AM

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Earth Hour

For last Saturday’s Earth Hour, I turned off all the lights, lit some candles and spent a happy hour on the New York Times crossword puzzle. But did abstaining from electricity for that one hour really make any difference?

Especially since I made up for it immediately afterward (!)  by baking brownies and thimble cookies for the deacon and new member meeting planned for the next day.  Did that one hour make any difference?  Was it really a vote for Earth as promoted? Did it spur any more political action on climate change?

If not for Earth Hour, I suppose I could have gotten my baking done earlier! For that one hour though, it did seem quieter than usual with no tv or computer or other electronic noise, even though the phone still rang, and we had left our furnace on.

I noticed that most of our neighbours left their lights on, and this week I read in the newspaper that in Abbotsford, last Saturday’s Earth Hour resulted in a power saving of only 3.8%. But according to the same article, if everyone observed Earth Hour every night, B.C. Hydro says it could save enough electricity to power 2,400 homes for a whole year.

What were you doing last Saturday, 8:30-9:30pm? Did Earth Hour make any difference to you?
 

Apr 2, 2009 at 2:24 PM

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