May 6thMCM Board Visits Congregations
In September 2021, at its annual working retreat, the Mennonite Church Manitoba Board of Directors discussed how they could better connect with MCM’s constituency. A decision was made to hold occasional board meetings in local churches, inviting representatives from area churches to meet with the board.
Since then, the MCM Board has met six times in local congregations, gathering with representatives from 21 of MCM’s 40 churches. The meetings have taken place in Altona, Steinbach, Winkler, and Winnipeg, plus a special online meeting with congregations from western and northern Manitoba.
“These meetings have proven to be a terrific way to hear from leaders and lay people in our congregations,” says Cheryl Braun, MCM Moderator. “We get to hear about their joys and their challenges as churches, as well as any questions or concerns they have for us as a board about what’s going on among us regionally.”
Common themes have emerged from these conversations. Churches have shared challenges such as increased polarization in some communities and the ongoing viability of some congregations. Concerns have been raised about the unity and financial sustainability of our regional church. At the same time, congregations are seeing significant engagement from core members and, in many cases, a revitalization of their congregational vision and sense of mission. There has also been much appreciation shared for the work of the board and the staff of MCM.
“It’s important that the MCM Board, and indeed all of us as MCM leaders, be as open as possible with our congregations and members,” says Michael Pahl, MCM Executive Minister. “Clear and open communication is vital to being a healthy church, whether you’re talking about a local congregation or a regional or nationwide church.”
The current MCM Board includes:
- Moderator: Cheryl Braun (Glenlea)
- East: Ed Neufeld (Grace Steinbach)
- South: Marvin Dyck (Emmanuel), Evelyn Rempel Petkau (Carman, completing term)
- West/North: Karen Tiessen (Prairie)
- Winnipeg: Brian Dyck (Hope), Chris Friesen (Jubilee)
- Young Adult: Kennedy Froese (Sterling)
Pray for our MCM Board as they meet and make decisions regarding our regional church. Pray that these meetings with congregational representatives would continue to be fruitful. See www.mennochurch.mb.ca/about-us/governance for more information about the governance of MCM; check out the wider MCM website for information about MCM and our shared programs, including news items and upcoming events.