August 8th

Charleswood Series Strengthens Ties across Congregations

This spring, Charleswood Mennonite Church hosted representatives from five other Mennonite Church Manitoba congregations—and a sixth with MCM connections—during a series of “Sunday Seminars,” Charleswood’s adult education time. These representatives were also invited to stay for the worship service and bring greetings from their congregation.

“The purpose of this,” says Peter Rempel, who organized the series, “was to become better acquainted [with some of our sister congregations], to welcome the recently MCM-affiliated congregations, and to learn about and from their decision-making processes.” All these goals, says Peter, were accomplished: “Our ties to each congregation were deepened.”

Aberdeen Mennonite Church was one of those who joined Charleswood for this series. “It was a lovely experience,” says Sol Janzen, former congregational chair for Aberdeen. “It's so meaningful to have a sister congregation ask us to talk about our story and who we are.”

Current congregational chair Ken Grove concurs. “It was a very affirming encounter and conversation,” he says. “We were asked to bring some symbol of Aberdeen with us to the service. We have a quilted banner that has travelled with Aberdeen through various sanctuaries and through many changes (see photo, click to enlarge). This is like our ark of the covenant that roots us where we are during our journeys, spiritual and otherwise.” He notes that Charleswood folks were very interested in the story of this banner, and they affirmed Aberdeen in their continued presence in Winnipeg’s north end.

Sargent Avenue Mennonite Church was another of Charleswood’s guests. Bob Hummelt, chair of SAMC’s church council, described for attendees how SAMC makes decisions and spoke about current decisions the congregation is wrestling with. He expresses appreciation for the way this conversation was carefully held by people from Charleswood.

Peter adds to this: “We deeply appreciated the transparency and honesty with which the various representatives shared the challenges faced by their congregation and we reminded ourselves to listen and pass on the sharing with respect and sensitivity.”

In addition to Aberdeen and SAMC, Saint Julian’s Table, Vietnamese Mennonite Church, and River East Church participated in the series, which was called “Listen to What the Spirit Is Saying to Our Sister Churches.” Estuary Church, an emerging church plant in British Columbia which has a temporary mutual support agreement with MCM, also joined Charleswood during the series.

How can your congregation strengthen its ties with other MCM churches? Consider undertaking a similar project to Charleswood’s series, finding a way to pay attention to what the Spirit is doing among us, beyond your own congregation. If you need help connecting with other congregations, don’t hesitate to contact the MCM office.