My Money Talks - CD Release!

Bryan, who happens to be a co-moderator of Community Voices, has just released his newest album, My Money Talks. Check out his website to learn about the CD, hear some demo tunes or order the album online! The CDs are also available at the Care and Share Thrift Shop in Stouffville and of course, from Bryan himself.

Come and support Bryan at a CD Release Party on Saturday November 3, at 7:30pm hosted by Community Mennonite Church at Parkview Village Auditorium, 12184 Ninth Line, Stouffville. This is sure to be an evening full of exciting new songs and fellowship!

We are really excited for Bryan's musical ministry and the release of My Money Talks. Way to go!

Benin, West Africa

This is Benin, where Denise will be for the next 3 months.

Off to Benin

Denise writes:

Hi All,

I am two days away from my departure for Benin. I was feeling a bit nervous until this morning when my VISA and passport finally arrived in the mail. Cutting it close...phew.

For those of you unfamiliar with the area, Benin is a small West african country bordered by Togo, Niger, Nigeria, and Burkino Fasa. Though economically poor as a country, Benin has a stable government and for the most part experiences peaceful interactions within its borders and with surrounding countries.

I visited Benin once before during a travel semester with Eastern Mennonite University. While there this time I will be working and living at La Casa Grande, a small orphanage located 50km outside of Cotonou, Benin's largest city. Time will tell what exactly my day at the orphanage will look like but I understand it may involve tasks such as caring for/teaching the kindergarten aged children, helping cook meals, cleaning, planning activities....

This orphanage really is a special place. Take a look at their website for more information.

I will be in Benin until December 11th when I will travel to France and spend a week there before returning to Toronto on the 17th.

Thanks for your interest. I look forward to sharing stories when I return home!

- Denise

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

So long, Farewell

On Monday, July 23rd,we said goodbye to Menno and Lydia as they embark on another journey to Manitoba and then to Kenya. We are going to miss them a lot, but we wish them God's blessing in what lies ahead and hope to visit them in their travels! :)

A singing group sang some lovely tunes for us and we presented them with a beautiful comforter quilt to take with them.

Best wishes Menno and Lydia!

Love, Community Mennonite Church

Biking in the Beaches and Beyond

Sunday afternoon on the 15th of July, a few members of one of the small groups of Community Mennonite Church loaded up their bicycles and headed down to the beautiful Edwards Gardens at Leslie and Lawrence Ave. It is a former estate garden featuring annuals, roses, wildflowers and an extensive rockery. It is located on Wilket Creek, one of the tributaries of the Don River West Branch. Edwards Gardens is one of several parks located in Toronto’s ravines, many of which are connected by hiking and cycling trails ending on the shores of Lake Ontario.

We started the bike trail from Edwards Gardens following the Don River, through beautiful park areas, stopping for a picnic lunch and ending up at Ashbridges Bay at the Beaches. We treated ourselves to an icecream cone and relaxed for a few minutes on the busy boardwalk along Lake Ontario. Many people were out enjoying the warm, summer day and all the activities along the beach area.

As we headed back to Edwards Gardens, we biked along Queen St. which is a fascinating Street. Somewhere along the trail back to the Gardens, we were caught in a downpour of rain. We waited it out for a few minutes under trees and under a bridge, until it cleared again. We returned with nothing more than some sore bottoms, and a great satisfaction of having biked nearly 45 kilometres with friends. We’d do it again!


Julie & Eugene
Norbert & Judy
Donna & Paul

This is what the wheat field looks like now. Soon it will be ready for harvest!