[This is one of my earliest posts on this blog, dating from four and a half years ago.] For twelve years we lived in a little village in Ontario. Directly across the street from our home was the United Church manse. The minister and his wife were a pleasant older couple, professional and polished. There … Continue reading A fading faith
excommunication
Gerhard Roosen and the Amish division
The year was 1697. Mennonites fleeing persecution in Switzerland had been living in Alsace for some time. There was danger without because Louis XIV had sent his troops to annex Alsace to France. There was trouble within because Jacob Amman, one of the Mennonite ministers, accused the church of apostasy and worldliness. He demanded a … Continue reading Gerhard Roosen and the Amish division
Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace
The first Mennonites to settle in Canada came from Pennsylvania in 1786 and settled near Sherkston, along Twenty Mile Creek in the Niagara region of Ontario. The church membership increased rapidly. Dissension arose between two of the ministers in the later 1840's. Bishop Benjamin Eby of Waterloo county was called in to make peace between … Continue reading Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace
Spiritual gangrene
I had known Roddy for years; he had given true direction and support in the early years of my Christian life. Over the years, when problems arose in the church, he seemed to have clear discernment to clear the fog of confusion and bring peace in the storm. Now I was beginning to notice things … Continue reading Spiritual gangrene
“Where two or three are gathered in my name”
It is likely that in many churches this morning, someone will mention that Jesus has promised to be present wherever two or three are gathered in His name. This raises some questions in my mind. Wasn’t He present with us when we got up this morning? Wasn’t He there when we read the Bible and … Continue reading “Where two or three are gathered in my name”
Peter and the Keys
“And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, … Continue reading Peter and the Keys
A Fading Faith
For twelve years we lived in a little village in Ontario. Directly across the street from our home was the United Church manse. The minister and his wife were a pleasant older couple, professional and polished. There came a Christmas Day where we were all snowbound after a three-foot snowfall that began the day before. … Continue reading A Fading Faith
Flatlander Faith 