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Thursday, August 30, 2007

thoughts on the Mennonite Church Canada Assembly in Abbotsford

Cameron writes:

If it weren't part of the expectations of my job as pastor of Community Mennonite Church, would I go to a Mennonite Church Canada Assembly?

Usually conferences wear me out, especially when I am a delegate. This is my own fault, as I try to go to as many events as possible while still fulfilling my responsibilities. What has often energized me was being part of heated discussions about issues in the church. It gets my heart pumping. Unfortunately, I often “crash” after such discussions.

This summer's MC Canada Assembly in Abbotsford, B.C. was notable for its lack of controversy. During the discernment sessions, in which we discussed the report of the General Board as well as three “Affirmation Statements”, there was little argument. Many of the sessions simply resulted in people saying, in essence, “We think this is the right direction, we just want the church to be a little bolder in its statements.” (You can have a look at the materials used in the discernment times by clicking here and looking under "Report Book")

I don't think this is a bad thing. Apparently, while I was sojourning in the United States for eight years, there was plenty of controversy in some MC Canada meetings. The Abbotsford Assembly certainly gave the impression that there is a lot that we can agree upon. Often I leave denominational meetings thinking that we sure don't have much in common. So Abbotsford did create a strong sense of unity and that the Mennonite Church does stand together on important issues. Perhaps this is why I came back feeling rejuvenated after the conference.

Of course, there was more to the conference than the delegate sessions. I visited a Sikh temple and heard an explanation of their religion. I got to hear a “preach off,” which was funnier than you might think. I went to a workshop called “Church and Culture: Finding Our Way in an Age of Disorientation,” where I heard about people that are trying to be faithful to the Gospel in creative ways. And there were interesting worship services with speakers from Burkina Faso, First United Spanish Mennonite Church and music led by a Latino band.

So, yes, I will go to another MC Canada Assembly. It certainly keeps me excited about the church.

- Cameron Kauffman-Frey