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Mennonite Church Saskatchewan Assembly 2015
Program Reports
Saturday 10:45 AM
Camping Commission
Shekinah – Nick Parkes
Hermitage in disrepair – do they invest or do they demolish? – concern voiced that it was the
first bldg. at the camp – great history – asked if they would be open to having a group come in
and restore it – questions raised as to the cost of up keep once it is restored
Replacing the shanties is top priority at this time – want something all season - considering
timber frame to match with the Chalet or yurts (round tent style housing)
Elim – Lorna Wiens
Niche camp – smallest with 85 kids and 14 staff (proud of high camper to staff ratio)
Year round for retreats – pastor’s retreats (hint, hint)
MDS came and asked them if they had any projects that needed doing – two cabins and boat
house - Lots of work for the board to get ready for the project – permits, etc - Gave up some
income (bookings) in order to make this happen
Would like to see staff exchanges between the camps – leaders of our camps are tomorrow’s
leaders of our conference – need them to participate with in the larger community
YFBC – Mark
Camps have great impact – 600-700 kids and their families / year
Summer camp is the main focus – 5 weeks of camp for adults and children with intellectually
difficulties – have become a ‘special needs’ camp – often staff learns more than the campers do!
Taking the 13 staff to Tijuana, Mexico (8th trip) to help build houses – great experience
Make sure you check out the website and facebook page – ad in the Cdn Mennonite
as reported by Ida Buhler
Ministries Commission
Unfortunately as this is being prepared, there is no summary report available for this break-out
session. If you did not attend this session, and if you recognize someone in the picture, you
might be able to get some information from someone who attended. Also check back to this
page in the next short while, if the on-site reporter submits a report, we’ll update the page.
Coffee and Goodies served near
breakout session rooms
Rosthern Junior College
I attended the RJC breakout session and was pleased with the interest shown and with the
presentation. There is energy there from both staff and board. They have embarked on a new
initiative called; “Do More, Be More” as both fundraising and publicizing or getting the name
of RJC “out there” so more people are aware of it. Some of the purposes for fundraising include
updates to the physical structure, i.e. the roof, updating the biology and chemistry labs, a new
piano and other basic maintenance and upgrading.
RJC has much going for it and the slogan, “Education with a plus” refers to more than simply the
education, the drama, the music, the sports, and the community aspect. RJC offers education
from a Christian, Anabaptist perspective to both Mennonite and non-Mennonite background
children.
This year the school is doing well, even with the reduced enrolment. There is increased interest
from outside the so called normal channels within the Mennonite church itself. International
students come looking for both an education and a cultural experience in Canada, a Christian
experience in our case.
The future looks very promising for RJC in all aspects. Why don't you stop in for a visit and look
around?
report by Bruce Jantzen
Restorative Justice Ministries Saskatchewan
Mica Mission
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Based in Saskatoon
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Currently have 8 clients, up from 2.
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They have about 3 volunteers per client
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Three Bethany students on “practicum” working with an inmate
Person to Person
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Formerly Person to Person, now Parkland Restorative Justice; based in Prince Albert
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have a 1/2 time director (following budget cuts by the Federal Government)
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have a 30 – 40 year history of relationships with inmates
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102 inmates; 60 volunteers – gained 12 this year
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people wonder about the good they do – “provide an opportunity for God to work.”
COSA South Sask
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(Regina, Melville, Yorkton, Swift Current)
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studies in studies in recidivism show that it is down with volunteer contact
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originally had funding for 1.5 staff; after funding cuts in July it is now run by the board.
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All three programs are ecumenical (represented by multiple churches / faiths)
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There are some women volunteers; but few women being seen as clients.
report by Berny Wiens
Saturday 3:15 PM
Pastoral Leadership Commission
The Pastoral Leadership Commission’s break out session was overflowing with participants who
heard about various events and ongoing work of the committee. Emily Toews, pastor at North
Star Mennonite in Drake shared about the meaningful fun that was enjoyed by MC Sask pastors
at Ric & Teresa Driediger’s Churchill River Canoe Outfitters in Missinipe. Ric is a member of
PLC and will again be hosting the pastors in the fall of 2015.
Linda Michalowski, a member of Pleasant Point Mennonite Church talked about her impressions
of the 2014 Continuing Education course. The course, Faith and Literature, was taught by Cindy
Wallace, a professor from Saint Thomas More College. Linda expressed her appreciation for the
course, indicating that she would sign up again for such an event.
Craig Neufeld, pastor of Rosthern Mennonite Church, told about the China Vision exchange visit
which saw MC Sask pastors hosting pastors from China. Craig had been part of a visit to China
with other Canadian pastors and felt that the return visit helped the relationships to grow.
Participants were intrigued with the story of a Chinese pastor learning crokinole and purchasing
a number of boards to take back to China!
When asked what had been the biggest challenge for PLC, chair Gary Peters responded that
responding to the question of same sex marriage had likely been the biggest challenge.
Peace and Best Wishes!
report by Jerry Buhler
Youth Farm Complex Board
Armin Krahn shared about the existing Youth Farm Complex --- Pineview (assisted living), and
Mennonite Nursing Home,
and then explained the process to add a 20 unit Personal Care Home, level 2 care, plus common
areas and chapel. Armin explained about the levels of care and also the need for affordable, level
2 care. He also explained that the present sprinkler system will need to be updated. It is safe, but
not up to code. The projected cost is $2.5 million. They have $500,000.00 in reserves, are
planning on fund raising for $1 million and borrowing an additional $1 million. We saw pictures
of what the new facility will look like. Fund raising will be starting right away and donations are
warmly welcomed!
report by Sharon Shultz
Women in Mission Saskatchewan
Presenters: Myrna Sawatzky – president of SK Women in Mission, Ruth Quiring Heppner, and
Lois Siemens
Myrna, Ruth, & Lois spoke of the different events that have occurred over the past year and
those coming up. While these events have been successful, there is some concern for the future
as there is no one who has let their name stand for president or vice-president, and there has
already been a full year without a secretary. The treasurer will be continuing, however without a
full executive it will not be as easy to carry on.
Lois and Ruth presented their report in a “conversation” about voices of various women. Myrna
shared some resources that are available and those present shared about different activities their
women’s groups do, spoke about inviting other women’s groups to join their own for some
events, and discussed how to get some of the younger generation of women to be interested and
involved.
The next SK Women in Mission event is Enrichment Day on April 25, where Patty Friesen will
be speaking.
report by Myrna Wiebe
Open House MC Sask Council
Five council members were present to respond to questions from attendees.
There were few concerns expressed by those in attendance, most of the queries related to the
budget and other money issues. As a Council we indicated that the budget cuts were necessary to
present a budget that seemed realistic based on 2014 giving. RJC and the camps have other
sources of income and the ability to fund raise from their constituents – admittedly in most cases
the same constituents as MC Sask. The audience expressed some concern about meeting
expenses.
report – Bruce Jantzen and Len Andres