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Mennonite Church Saskatchewan
2015 Annual Delegate Sessions
March 13 & 14, 2015
Held at Mount Royal Mennonite Church, Saskatoon, SK
Co-hosted by Aberdeen Mennonite Church,
Mount Royal Mennonite Church, & Warman Mennonite Church
Theme: Walking with God
Friday Afternoon, March 13
2:30 pm
Future Directions Task Force Information Session
led by Anita Retzlaff and Aldred Neufeld
Friday Evening Session, March 13
1. Gathering and singing
2. A welcome was extended on behalf of the hosts: Mount Royal Mennonite (Len Andres),
Warman Mennonite (Josh Wallace), and Aberdeen Mennonite (Dan Martens).
Moderator Bruce Jantzen officially declared the 2015 Annual Delegate Sessions open and
invited churches to think about hosting next year.
3. Introduction of Parliamentarian and Resolutions Committee – Bruce Jantzen
Bruce introduced Parliamentarian Peter Peters and the Resolutions Committee – Ernie Epp,
Christy Martens-Funk, and Peter Neufeldt
4. Adoption of Minutes and Agenda
2015-0315-01 MOTION to accept the minutes of the 2014 Annual Delegate Sessions. Dave
Feick/Greg Redekopp. Carried.
2015-0315-02 MOTION to accept the updated Schedule of Events. Ric Driediger/Ken
Warkentin. Carried.
5. Moderator’s Report – Bruce Jantzen
Report can be found on p. 13 of the Report Book
2015-0315-03 MOTION to accept the moderator’s report as written. Jake Buhler/Henry
Paetkau. Carried.
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Gary Peters (representing PLC) and Bruce Jantzen (representing MC Sask Council)
addressed some of the questions that have come forward after a same-sex marriage
occurred in December 2014. Gary read the statement that came from the PLC and parts of
the statement from MC Canada that had been sent out after the wedding.
We are a body of congregations who seek to serve God, to serve our churches, our
communities and communities throughout the world. We start at a grassroots level in our
congregations and also look to our Area Church for support and guidance. In 2005 as we
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became MC Canada and MC Sask, we covenanted around Jesus Christ (not the
Confession of Faith, although it is part – it is not our rulebook). Ultimately we are
covenanted to Jesus Christ.
There are no grounds for withdrawal of pastoral credentials; no misconduct has taken
place; the ceremony was congregational.
At meeting in November, Council decided that no additional action was necessary.
Prayers as we continue to walk with God on this journey.
6. Presentation of Resolutions – Resolutions Committee
- Resolutions Committee Chairman Ernie Epp asked Parliamentarian Peter Peters to
comment on resolutions and motions.
o Resolutions and motions are very similar; however resolutions are more substantive
and have potential to impact an organization in a more intense way. Therefore, it is
preferred for resolutions to come in advance so that member congregations can
spend some time in thought and prayer before a decision is made.
o In the Bylaws of MC Sask, regarding selecting delegates - all members are invited to
attending delegate meetings, take reasonable part in discussion, however only
delegates (including youth delegates) have authority to make motions and to vote.
o The Resolutions Committee exists to review motions, make sure they are
appropriately submitted, are in accordance with the goal/mission of MC Sask, are
appropriate, and fit well with MC Sask decision-making process.
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Two resolutions were read, with discussion to occur on Saturday afternoon.
February 24, 2015 Resolution
Since two pastors in MC Sask have chosen to allow and perform a same-sex blessing
without due process within the whole body on a core value expressed in The Confession
of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective,
Be It Resolved: That all members in all congregations in MC Sask be invited to vote on
the question: “Do you agree pastors credentialed by MC Sask be allowed to conduct same
sex marriages or blessings?” Results to be sent to the Conference office by June 30, 2015,
tabulated and presented to the ADS in 2016 for decision.
Moved by: Sonya Zabaleta (Hope Mennonite Fellowship North Battleford)
Seconded by: Greg Redekopp (Laird Mennonite)
March 12, 2015 Resolution
Given the call for accountability and clarity regarding the freedom of congregations and
pastors within MC Saskatchewan to perform same-sex marriages, we feel that the time is
right for an intentional, Area Church-wide discernment process. The purpose of this
process would be to pursue greater understanding and communion among individuals and
congregations and to move us towards a clarifying resolution by delegates at the 2016
MC Sask ADS.
Be It Resolved: That the Pastoral Leadership Commission of MC Sask call an ad hoc
committee to guide a listening and discernment process around the question of
congregations within MC Sask performing same-sex marriages. The committee will
include representatives from across the theological spectrum present in MC Sask, if
possible. The committee will design and facilitate the process, communicate its learnings
MC Sask 2015 Annual Delegate Sessions
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to the congregations, and prepare a recommendation for decision by delegates at the 2016
MC Sask ADS.
This resolution is moved by Joe Heikman (Wildwood Mennonite Church) and seconded
by Cheryl Woelk (Wildwood Mennonite Church).
7. Reports from Area Church Ministers – Jerry Buhler and Kirsten Hamm-Epp
Jerry Buhler’s Area Church Minister report is on p.15 of the Report Book
Updates:
- First Mennonite Church in Saskatoon was eagerly anticipating Jake Froese to begin as
minister on April 1. That decision has been reversed, as Jakes’ health will not allow him
to take on the role. This means that First Mennonite is back into full search mode again.
- The Vietnamese Mennonite Church recently had an internal conflict that essentially
ended their ability to continue as an organized congregation. We grieve with them and
will continue praying for the individuals who were part of that congregation.
- Introduction of Patty Friesen, who is Interim Pastor at Osler Mennonite Church.
- A thank you to all for welcoming Jerry into the position of AC Minister, for being patient
with him and working with him.
Kirsten Hamm Epp’s Area Church Youth Minister Report is on p. 18 of the Report Book.
Updates:
- Thanked all those who have helped set up the Annual Delegate Sessions.
- Thanked the many people/churches who sent in their footprints – we’re walking the path
of the cross together.
- Carmen & Hugo Valle have taken on Interim Youth Pastor position at Mount Royal
Mennonite.
- Thanked Jerry for his guidance and mentorship during their time together.
- Strongly encouraged all to read the SMYO Committee’s report: they worked very hard
and she is proud of the process they used to create the report.
8. Report of the Personnel Committee – Bruce Jantzen, Ida Buhler, Florence Driedger
- There will be a change in Kirsten’s job description and it will become full-time: part
administrative and part youth. The other ministerial position will be reduced to .6 time.
Along with job description changes the names of their positions will be changed to Area
Church Co-Minister and Area Church Co-Minister, Youth Programming.
9. Report of the Nominating Committee – Mark Wurtz and Les Regier
- Mark and Les presented the slate of nominations, as found on page 11 & 12 of the Report
Book, and added the following names:
o Ken Warkentin accepted a nomination for Moderator, to fill out the 1 year left on the
term
o Mel Siemens accepted a nomination to the Youth Farm Camp Board
o Wilmer Froese accepted a nomination to the Youth Farm Complex Board
The first call for nominations was made by Moderator Bruce Jantzen.
10. Financial Report and Proposed Budget – Ida Buhler
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New things that have been brought into the office:
o System called “square” that is used in conjunction with a smart phone to use credit
cards – either in office or out on location
Using PayPal on the website to may donations and payments easier
The church packages have the audited financial statements in them
Individual and congregational giving fell $40,000 short of 2014 approved budget
As a result of the shortfall, it was difficult to create a 2015 budget. There was a deficit of
$24,000, which was covered by the Reserve Fund. Reserve Fund has approx. $50,000
before taking out the $24,000
o Were hoping to put some money back into reserves with this budget, however this
wasn’t possible if we want to maintain the programs we have run in the past
Two hard cuts were made - $4000 to the Camp Commission and $15,000 to RJC
2015-0315-04 MOTION to approve the reports as presented Emily Toews/George Epp.
Carried.
11. Worship
- A Buncha Guys (directed by Russ Regier) sang for us and with us
- Josh Wallace (Warman Mennonite Church) spoke on the theme “Walking with God:
With Each Other”
- A Memorial Service was held in remembrance of those from our Mennonite Church
Saskatchewan family who died in 2014
Saturday Morning Session, March 14
Worship
- Gathering and singing led by Russ Regier
- Joe Heikman (Wildwood Mennonite Church) & Krista Loewen (Wildwood Mennonite
Church) spoke on the theme “Walking with God: With the Stranger”
Business Session
1. Introduction of Guests – Bruce Jantzen
- Tobia and George Veith – Mennonite Church Canada Witness Workers
o George thanked MC Sask for hosting the Chinese pastors last year and for the
welcome and hospitality that was given
- Janet Plenert – Mennonite World Conference/Mennonite Disaster Services
o Janet invited us all to attend the Mennonite World Conference in Harrisburg this
summer – either in person or by supporting someone from your congregation or the
SMYO
- Dori Zerbe Cornelson – Mennonite Foundation of Canada
- Michael Hostetler, Donna Schulz – Canadian Mennonite Magazine
- Terry Schellenberg – Canadian Mennonite University
- Willard Metzger – Executive Director, Mennonite Church Canada
- Daniel Horne, Dave Bergen, Coreena Von Kampen – Mennonite Church Canada Staff
- Arlyn Friesen Epp – Mennonite Church Canada – CommonWord
- Ken Hawkley – Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary
- Claire Ewert Fisher, Heather Peters – MCC Saskatchewan
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Cory Regier – Mennonite Trust Ltd.
Hans Peters – New Director of Mennonite Men/Join Hands
2. Update on SMYO trip to Mennonite World Conference Assembly – Kirsten Hamm-Epp
- Number of Canadian youth and sponsors going around 300 people
- Sponsor slots are full, still have 2 open spots for youth
- The church packets have an SMYO fundraiser map – Kirsten will send updates to the
churches with how much has been raised so all can watch the progress together/travel
together/celebrate goals together
3. Blessing for Hague Mennonite Church – Jerry Buhler and Bruce Jantzen
- Hague Mennonite Church has given a letter of withdrawal from MC Sask
- Jerry read a blessing – acknowledging with hope a continuing relationship with Hague
Mennonite, and said a prayer for both Hague Mennonite and MC Sask.
4. Future Directions Task Force Update – Willard Metzger and Aldred Neufeld
- We are in a world of change. There is life, and there is also struggle. Many people feeling
that the institutional church is no longer relevant. How can we be a church in our context
for this time?
- It is not that people aren’t doing good work, but how do we capture a new way of being
church together?
- Task force currently looking at structures and have presented 2 models that may work.
5. Rosthern Mennonite Nursing Home Board motion update – Armin Krahn
- Armin showed slides of the proposed personal care home’s drawings/plans
- There is a need in this area. There is level 1 care and a nursing home, but not the inbetween care. This would help address that.
- There will be an information evening and fundraiser on March 20 at Rosthern Mennonite
Church
6. MC Sask Communications Policy – Len Andres
- Len presented the policy, which is on p. 8 of the Report Book
- Discussion:
o Sask Women in Mission was not included in the list of those that should receive
copies of approved minutes. This was an oversight and will be added to the policy.
o In order to include SMYO somehow, could there be a short-form, highlighted
version? Youth would be more likely to read that.
7. Presentation of Bylaw changes – Len Andres
- Len presented the Bylaw changes, which are on p. 6 of the Report Book
2015-0315-05 MOTION to adopt the changes of the Bylaws. Len Andres/Renata Klassen.
Amendment moved by Margaret Peters/Peter Neufeldt:
Part IV – Delegate Sessions, Powers, 11 (c):
“direct council to develop policies and position statements to enhance operational
effectiveness;”
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Carried.
Amendment moved by Ernie Epp/Armin Krahn:
Part IV – Delegate Sessions, Powers, 11 (d):
“approve by-laws and by-law amendments recommended by council;”
Carried.
Motion to adopt the bylaws as amended. Ken Warkentin/Sonya Zabaleta
Carried.
The second call for nominations was made by Bruce Jantzen.
- Garth Ewert Fisher accepted a nomination to the Pastoral Leadership Commission
8. Program Reports and Discussion
1) Camping Commission: Shekinah Retreat Center, Camp Elim,
Rosthern Youth Farm Bible Camp
- A good way to connect with the camps is to check out their websites and
facebook pages
2) Ministries Commission
- Walking the path: lots of events upcoming
o Touring Mission Fest (info to come to churches shortly)
o Truth and Reconciliation - what are the next steps, May 1 & 2
o Spruce River Folk Fest, August 22-23
o Ecumenical response to missing and murdered indigenous women, April
o Truth and Reconciliation event in Ottawa
o Story gathering project still going on
3) Rosthern Junior College
- a school with a plus – the plus is not drama or music, but God
- Do More, Be More fundraiser in 3 parts - some updates to structure (roof),
updating biology and chemistry lab, new piano, etc
4) Restorative Justice Ministries Saskatchewan – The Micah Mission, Parkland
Restorative Justice (P2P), Circles of Support and Accountability (Regina)
- need someone to help with grant writing
Saturday Afternoon Session, March 14
Worship
- Gathering and singing led by Russ Regier
- Daniel Janzen (Carrot River Mennonite Church) spoke on the theme “Walking with God:
Beyond our Walls”
- Communion Service, led by Jerry Buhler and Kirsten Hamm-Epp
Business Session
- Marianne Harder, a board member with the Canadian Mennonite, announced that the
2016 Canadian Mennonite Board Meetings will be held in Saskatchewan. She asked for
help with hosting, planning, etc.
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1. Program Reports and Discussion
1) Pastoral Leadership Commission
- they plan an education event every spring; a pastor’s gathering happened at
Missinipe this past year; 8 pastors from china spent time in local congregations;
spring pastor’s gathering will be in Langham; a fall retreat will occur at Missinipe
again
- PLC works to create healthy pastoral relationships; pastor peer groups; to support
pastors and equip them
2) Youth Farm Complex Board – Rosthern Nursing Home, Pineview, Country Gardens,
Youth Farm land management
- went through the plans for the care home to be built
3) Women in Mission Saskatchewan
- had a discussion on connecting women to other women; but without an executive
that will be difficult and will rely on people to be doing their own connecting
4) Open house with the MC Sask Council
- most of the discussion centered on budget and money
2. Rosthern Mennonite Nursing Home Board motion ratification – Armin Krahn
- (found on p. 7 of the Report Book)
2015-0315-06 MOTION Therefore be it resolved that the 2015 ADS of MC Sask ratify the
approval of the Mennonite Nursing Home Board building project as approved by MC Sask
Council. Marian Hooge Jones/George Epp.
Discussion: Given the demographic that we’re dealing with, why isn’t it bigger? Answer:
The Ministry has a certain set of regulations for up to 20 units, more than 20 units and the
regulations change greatly.
Carried.
The third call for nominations was made by Bruce Jantzen.
3. Nominations Report and Elections
2015-0315-07 MOTION that nominations cease. Armin Krahn/Ryan Siemens.
Carried.
As there were no further nominations, no elections were needed.
The new Commission and Committee members are:
o Moderator
Ken Warkentin 2016
o Secretary
Dianne Epp 2017
o Council Member
Craig Neufeld 2017
o Pastoral Leadership Commission Garth Ewert Fisher 2017
o Ministries Commission
Cheryl Woelk 2018
o Youth Farm Camp Board
Mel Siemens 2018
o Youth Farm Complex Board
Wilmer Froese 2018
4. Financial Report: Discussion and Approval – Ida Buhler
Time for questions was given; none were asked.
2015-0315-08 MOTION to accept the 2014 financial, audited statements as presented. Ida
Buhler/Ken Warkentin.
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Carried.
2015-0315-09 MOTION to transfer funds from reserves to cover the deficit. Ida
Buhler/Ernie Epp.
Carried.
5. Discussion and Approval of Budget for 2015 – Ida Buhler
2015-0315-10 MOTION to approve the budget for 2015 as presented. Ida Buhler/Charlotte
Bueckert.
Discussion: A question re what to do with funds left over now that the Vietnamese
Mennonite Church has disbanded. Answer: They have been given until the end of July to
decide whether or not they will reorganize, so those funds are being held until we know
what the outcome will be.
Carried.
6. Appointment of Auditors – Ida Buhler
2015-0315-11 MOTION to appoint James Stinn as Auditors for a one-year appointment. Ida
Buhler/ Carolyn Vis.
Carried.
Ida thanked the rest of the Finance Committee and Council for their help and suggestions in
creating the 2015 budget.
7. Resolutions – Resolution Committee
Along with the two resolutions read on Friday, a 3rd resolution was brought forward:
March 14, 2015
Whereas the matter in inclusion, with conditions or exclusion of LGBTQ persons
continues to evade consensus among the members and churches of Mennonite Church
Saskatchewan, and
Whereas the blessing of same sex marriage has been sanctioned in law by the Province of
Saskatchewan but has not been ratified for church-blessed marriages, and
Whereas, this delegate body having the authority to guide Mennonite Church
Saskatchewan on policy and practices,
Be it therefore resolved that this delegate body declare questions of same-sex marriage
and equality of participation and membership of LGBTQ persons in local congregations
to be assigned without prejudice and until further reconsideration by this body to the
prayerful and sincere discernment of each member congregation.
This resolution is moved by George Epp (Eigenheim Mennonite Church) and seconded
by Pauline Roth (Eigenheim Mennonite Church).
- The Resolutions Committee and Parliamentarian gave some information on ways to deal
with 3 resolutions where each refers to the same issue.
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The February 24, 2015 Resolution was re-read:
Since two pastors in MC Sask have chosen to allow and perform a same-sex blessing without
due process within the whole body on a core value expressed in The Confession of Faith in a
Mennonite Perspective,
2015-0315-12 MOTION - Be It Resolved: That all members in all congregations in MC
Sask be invited to vote on the question: “Do you agree pastors credentialed by MC Sask be
allowed to conduct same sex marriages or blessings?” Results to be sent to the Conference
office by June 30, 2015, tabulated and presented to the ADS in 2016 for decision.
Moved by: Sonya Azalea (Hope Mennonite Fellowship North Battleford)
Seconded by: Greg Redekopp (Laird Mennonite)
A Motion to suppress was made by Craig Neufeld on behalf of the Rosthern Mennonite
Church.
A ballot vote was taken: a 2/3 majority is required in order to suppress a resolution.
Suppressed.
The March 12, 2015 Resolution was re-read:
Given the call for accountability and clarity regarding the freedom of congregations and
pastors within MC Saskatchewan to perform same-sex marriages, we feel that the time is
right for an intentional, Area Church-wide discernment process. The purpose of this process
would be to pursue greater understanding and communion among individuals and
congregations and to move us towards a clarifying resolution by delegates at the 2016 MC
Sask ADS.
2015-0315-13 MOTION - Be It Resolved: That the Pastoral Leadership Commission of MC
Sask call an ad hoc committee to guide a listening and discernment process around the
question of congregations within MC Sask performing same-sex marriages. The committee
will include representatives from across the theological spectrum present in MC Sask, if
possible. The committee will design and facilitate the process, communicate its learnings to
the congregations, and prepare a recommendation for decision by delegates at the 2016 MC
Sask ADS.
This resolution is moved by Joe Heikman (Wildwood Mennonite Church) and seconded by
Cheryl Woelk (Wildwood Mennonite Church).
Discussion: a clarification was made that the PLC would call the committee, not be leading it
Amendment moved by Rick Driediger/Larry Epp that the Resolution read:
That the Pastoral Leadership Commission of MC Sask call an ad hoc committee to guide
a listening and discernment process around the question of congregations within MC
Sask performing same-sex marriages. The committee will design and facilitate a process
which will guide MC Sask in listening to one another regarding same-sex marriages
and will communicate its learnings to Mennonite Church Saskatchewan as it sees fit.
Carried.
A ballot vote was put to the amended resolution.
Carried.
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The March 14, 2015 Resolution was withdrawn by the mover, George Epp and the
seconder, Pauline Roth.
2015-0315-14 MOTION to destroy the ballets. Berny Wiens/Greg Redekopp.
Carried.
8. A Word for the Journey: Vision and Wholeness – Ben Pauls and Larry Epp
- We love because Jesus chose us. We bear fruit when we love. Hospitality is the way we
love. Getting beyond the walls is crucial to our hospitality. The way we do anything is the
way we do everything.
- There is something unique in this body. This is a family. We take each other seriously
because we are brothers and sisters. On the other hand, we don’t take each other so
seriously because we are brothers and sisters.
- How do we listen? How do we want to know more if we don’t agree?
- We may not always agree, but it’s good to be together.
9. Commissioning and Closing of the Business Session
- Bruce Jantzen expressed thanks to:
o Marianne Siemens and Kirsten Hamm-Epp for all of the work they have done
o The Council for their support while Bruce filled in as Moderator
o The Host Churches for their work throughout the weekend
o The Worship Committee and all of the speakers – their words and encouragement
have been very appreciated
o The departing member of MC Sask Council – Len Andres, Myrna Wiebe, and Ben
Pauls on Vision & Wholeness
o Everyone for their prayers, support, guidance and interest in what happens in the
church body
o God our Father – He cares for His church and will establish, build, and work for His
church.
- Bruce, as outgoing Moderator, handed over his “briefcase”/thumb drive to the incoming
Moderator Ken Warkentin
- A blessing and prayer were said for Jerry and Kara Buhler, as Jerry finishes his role as
MC Sask Area Church Minister
- Ryan Siemens was announced as the incoming MC Sask Area Church Co-Minister
- A prayer of blessing was given for all the workers of MC Sask – both newly elected and
continuing
- Bruce declared the 2015 MC Sask Annual Delegate Sessions closed
Sending Song: Come Walk With Us (Sing the Journey #2)
Respectfully submitted by Myrna Wiebe, MC Sask Council Secretary
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