We still appreciated the people at the Lowe Farm church, but decided we needed to go shopping for another church. We wouldn’t have been able to put it into words, but we were looking for an entry level church, one that wouldn’t cost us too much in the way of commitment. Nevertheless, we had been … Continue reading Still looking for an entry level church
A time to learn
Suddenly, almost unexpectedly, we were parents. We placed our baby into the blanket lined oval laundry basket on the seat between us and drove home. Up to this point we had thought we knew all about how to raise a child. What we really had were strong ideas about the mistakes our parents had made … Continue reading A time to learn
Bunny blues
It was time to go back to school after the Easter vacation. I had put away my parka and winter boots. There wasn't but a tiny bit of green here and there, but the snow was gone, the road was dry. I crossed the highway and David came bouncing with excitement from the narrow pathway … Continue reading Bunny blues
Winter – month five
Snow is such beautiful stuff, so sparkly bright and clean, a symbol of purity. We just got another 30 cm of it over the weekend to mark the beginning of month 5 of winter. Perhaps you can tell that my enthusiasm is somewhat less than it would have been when I was a seven year … Continue reading Winter – month five
And then we were three
“Herb and Hilda are applying to adopt a baby,” Chris announced one day. Herb and Hilda were a young couple around our age in the Lowe Farm church. That simple bit of news started wheels turning in our minds. We wanted a family and so far there was no sign of that happening. Adoption had … Continue reading And then we were three
An entry level Mennonite church
“I like to use the New English Bible, it’s easier for people of our time to understand.” We had eaten supper with Peter Dueck and his wife in their home near Lowe Farm. Mr. Dueck (he didn’t want to be called Reverend) was the senior minister of the Lowe Farm Mennonite Church. Chris and I … Continue reading An entry level Mennonite church
The scandal of divided Christianity
For years I have been reading statements that go something like this: "The greatest stumbling block to Christian missions is the confused message coming from the divisions among those who call themselves Christians." I would like to propose a radical solution. Jesus said "I will build my church." Why don't we just let Him do … Continue reading The scandal of divided Christianity
Thoughts on growing old
Winter isn't much fun anymore. Neither are the really hot days of summer. Everything takes longer – even getting out of bed in the morning. It's no longer a mystery how my Dad could take a nap after dinner. I'm more concerned that my shoes be comfortable than that they be fashionable. Some of the hair … Continue reading Thoughts on growing old
Memories of a Bridge Builder
My mother was born to a family that spoke Plautdietsch at home and German in church. Those languages, sometimes called Low German and High German, were meant to be a protective wall, preventing folks of that heritage from feeling at home with the people around them. They also served to exclude the people around them … Continue reading Memories of a Bridge Builder
Flee temptation
Why do evangelical Christian leaders get ensnared in sex scandals? It's because they so easily forget that they are still flesh and blood and that the tendencies of the flesh are contrary to their high spiritual ideals. I wouldn't call it hypocrisy; at least not deliberate hypocrisy. It is a tragedy when a man with … Continue reading Flee temptation
