And Then a Moment of Silence

In quietness and trust is your strength (Isaiah 30:15)

It is July. July is vacation time, officially that is. Actually the airlines and travel agents would have us believe that any time is vacation time. July still qualifies - at least kind of. Schools are closed, except in elementary some children must learn extra things because report cards raised a concern or parents have extra ambition for their little ones. Highschoolers too actually, extra credits or make up classes needed here or there for many various reasons. Come to think of it, summer school is not only the kids. I’ve been there too. I remember myself one July with my wife and our two little ones settling into student housing, and me trying to sleep those hot Indiana summer nights full of nightmares, desperately trying to memorize conjugations of New Testament Greek verbs, prerequisite for a seminary degree program to commence in September.

So … July vacation time? Perhaps not for everyone all the time. The vacation image often includes a competitive stress with it also, many loud stories about glamping trips or attendance records at Calgary Stampede, etc. This year my mind is full of – many things in changing times and changing seasons - a busy head. Uppermost in this head is a considerable preoccupation with my faith. Yes, right in among the spring and summertime activities, my good mix of reading and writing and basement bathroom renovations – the homey things.  In addition there are the things out there - the headlines, social media posts, our American neighbors trying to cope with a dealmaking, dealbreaking inconsistent president, and us citizens in our country not sure whether we want a Liberal Canada or a broke-down private enterprise Conservative shadow of the U.S. Among all this I need my faith, in fact very grateful that I am able to claim it.

Gratitude for a living faith, thanks be to God. As indicated in my latest blog, I am a Mennonite, part of the Anabaptist faith community with its beginnings back there about 500 years ago. I rest my case as presented there (take a read if interested). [i] I am increasingly grateful that our Anabaptist communion is now right in here among many other faith communities. We belong! We have a significant place in today’s mixed up world. With this vantage of gratitude I go to my mailbox (yes snail mail) and there, printed on paper, discover immediately some differing ways of thinking about this!

To whit, “Closing Prayers: Facing the end times on our knees” front cover article in Ministry, [ii] a Journal for pastors, a Seventh Day Adventist publication which I have received free of charge forever. They just keep sending it to me, and eventually I have become grateful because they just don’t quit. Then there is latest issue of Canadian Mennonite,[iii] a publication serving my denomination of the Anabaptists (as per subscriptions. no freebies here😅), latest issue front cover article entitled “Here be Dragons.”

First impressions? Two magazines of very different vintage. First impulse? Start hyperventilating. On the one hand I can get upset with my denomination, the Mennonites, our signpost publication with cover picture and editorial imaging an ancient mapmakers’ lore reaching the edge and not knowing what’s beyond. Even after reading the very thorough report of current celebrations including excellent testimonials of what 500 years of church history means to us, there remains a mysterious mystery, woher wohin. Cover picture of dragon heads and tails just a little too close to Dungeons and Dragons, that unchristian gamers game.  The other magazine? Well, it’s nice to find a heading fully focused on – prayer and end times? Most of us can easily relate to that, I think. A read of the feature article, however, leaves me sort of unmoved. It hardly focuses on end-times, mostly proof texting with a few thematic Bible verses to make four points on how to be a good prayer warrior.

Two publications, neither quite cutting it for this reader. And having begun this little tome with my faith gratitude, how shall I continue?  Do I enter critique and analysis? Or … perhaps the scripture in the epigraph above? Another scripture comes to mind, leans in the same direction, “Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh” (Ecclesiastes 12:12). I shall go the quiet route - and immediately a memory. I am reminded of ... silence.

Many years ago I was chosen to be the pastor of a new church. Among the enthusiasms of the early participants there were details – not only organizational but also purposive. How and where would we focus this new ministry? One of our deacons had a perspective which took hold among us. Before we got too busy with vision statements and goals she suggested we have a silent retreat. We did, a resource person one of the members of Church of the Savior, Washington, DC! We experienced a miracle at that retreat - learned how to sit without words, how to pray and share out of the silence. It became an inspiration for this pastor and a core directive in the life and ministry of that congregation. 

In recent months I have devoted some time to reading about and participating in some celebration of “Anabaptists at 500.” My suggestion at this time is that we need to believe more in our ministry of peace, which the world needs desperately and we are well situated to provide. We need, however, the strength and the power of our witness to come out of silence – rather than the noisy posts on social media, or noisy critiques of devious and/or good politicians. Let our witness emerge out of the quiet and confidence. More than ever we need it now.

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[i] “Know Your Place”, https://www.jcfroomthoughts.blogspot.com/.

[ii] Silver Springs, MD: Seventh Day Adventist Church, Vol.97, no.5, May 2025.

[iii] “500 Years Behind Us, Uncharted Waters Ahead”, Vol.29, no.07, July 2025. 

Know Your Place

“In the year 2525, if man is still alive. If women can survive…” was a spoofy sort of prophetic hit song by Denny Zager and Rick Evans which I heard many times shortly after my high school years, listening to the radio in my ’57 Plymouth. For some reason this 60s tune has popped up in my brain a number of times recently, reading and hearing many invitations to join the celebrations, join a party? My faith community is a Christian group called Anabaptists, its beginnings about 500 years ago. At this anniversary time, even though we are a somber lot, there are hints of party, along with worship, including of course much reflection, some confessions, and wondering about the future. That old tune is rolled in there somewhere as my retirement thinker thinks many things.

Preachers and People

I am a preacher. Note, you are okay to keep reading; this preacher is not known to be particularly boring. Anabaptism has always had a love – hate relationship with preachers. I probably would not have ventured this statement during the years I was serving as a pastor (diplomacy? job security?). Now in retirement, however, reflecting on my personal experiences and granted the luxury of thinking and reading, “I cannot but speak of what I have seen and heard,” as it says in the Bible (Acts 4:20). 😌 I see evidence of that love – hate all around.

Mennonite history, Anabaptist history – call it what you will – is not a history of preaching. It is a history of history, of emigration, of immigration, of suffering, hard work, successes and failures (Have you been to the movies recently)? [i] This anniversary time is being conveniently celebrated with professional planners, travel agents and tour guides – a time for holidays, perhaps some learning but not much preaching. This is in character for all churches these years, at least in the western hemisphere. Churches with roots going back a considerable distance are dealing with the empty church syndrome. Mennonites and the ‘mainliners’ shy away from any church or fellowship that smells too much of preaching, opting instead for modern-day focuses like being hospitable or inclusive or welcoming. If we want preaching, the choice for many is the non-Mennonite option easily available the other side of town or on television or livestream a favorite service from somewhere, many also reserving their charity donations for tax deductible ‘overseas mission projects’ where preaching is still important. [Note: Mennonite World Conference today registers 2.13 million baptized believers, two-thirds of those in Africa, Asia or Latin America. No fear of preachers there.] [ii] A personal friend of mine, well into his 90s and very proud of his Anabaptism, will tell me every time we visit, “Don’t ask me if I am a Christian. Just see how I live.” Interestingly this slightly leaning viewpoint, after a number of repeats, also sounds like a sermon to me!

Preaching, or proclamation, regardless of modern day opinionating, was there at beginning in the sixteenth century. As most historians will tell us, the Reformation followed on the heels of the printing press, a populace beginning to read for themselves. It was this possibility of information which allowed both the student and the commoner to find information, especially regarding spiritual matters which to date had been explained and provided by the clergy. The eager learners of the day were what we might label as undergrads – a studious young generation the first to take advantage of new reading material, and making discoveries regarding everybody’s interests. It is these discoveries shared with common folk that became the Reformation driving force. That early story already gives a hint of why preaching was important, carefully listened to, and also some new misunderstandings, indeed some notably interesting personalities among the preachers. [iii] It was in this raucous environment that a gentle Dutch priest named Menno Simons came along with his considerable gift of pastoral care. A new take on the gospel, a new way to live.

The new way to live was a movement away from the Catholic as well as the Protestant Church. Catholicism is the church which required the Eucharist and that provided by the priests who also listened to confessions, and of course determined the after-death status of the faithful as well as the unfaithful. Protestantism railed against this, especially the selling of Indulgences, claiming that salvation is not to be purchased through the church, but freely available through Jesus Christ, which was preached from the pulpit. Anabaptists agreed totally with the Protestants, except they understood salvation in Jesus not only a state of being, but also a state of living, and that available whenever, wherever two or three are gathered… (Matthew 18:20), not only as preached from the pulpit on Sunday mornings. It was this ‘third way’ which took hold especially among the peasants and the commoners. The teachings, group interpretations, and the consequences became the new way. Many New Testament scriptures became the rallying cry. Two samples: One from the gospels, Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6); and one from the epistles, For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11).

Congregational Authority

The leaders of this peoples’ movement were the ones who had studied and prayed, and along with the commoners, willing to die for these convictions. This was a radical movement very different than the ordered official appointments within the Catholic as well as the Protestant Churches cooperating with the political authorities as required in each saxon. The radical actions of these “schwaermer” [iv] (swarmers) daring to break from political subservience, were there thanks to the proclamation of preachers finding their authority simply from eager listeners hungry for what they were now learning.

Obviously that early controversial preaching grew out of the study and discovery. Powerful preaching always comes from those who share openly from biblical discovery. Sleepy time preaching comes from those who try to explain complex biblical truths, maybe try to impress the listeners, or because it’s a job. The listeners usually fall asleep.

So, although the spoken word is essential in today’s Anabaptist churches, preachers are not dependent on authorization from the higher ups. The message of the gospel is more powerful than that! There are many ways of communicating and practicing the Word of God. Within our worldwide fellowship of Anabaptists that includes some set traditions and almost liturgies, preachers still unpaid with limited education, and of course also many with seminary training, doctorates becoming commonplace especially in city churches, some with professional salaries and others with stipends volunteering their work. Anabaptism accommodates this whole spectrum. To me one of the most endearing qualities of Anabaptism is not only congregational autonomy but congregational authority. Even with assistance from denominational bishops or executive ministers, the people in the congregations make the call. No pastors are required to have the M.Div or D.Min or other required education.

Holy life and ministry happens within the gathered community. Although preaching is important, our theology forbids any preacher from claiming that s/he is proclaiming the truth even as there is a wonderful freedom to “preach it as one sees it.” [v] So as I say love – hate kind of lightheartedly, I also say freedom – constraint. It’s called honoring one another. Gareth Brandt, a Mennonite college professor, makes reference to similar differences already in the New Testament, several apostles working among new believers from various backgrounds, “The reality is that each one – Peter, Paul, Apollos, and others – still had to be faithful to who God was calling them to be.”[vi] The early church with early factions, not unlike today’s denominationalism. We are like them, says Brandt; Evangelical Anabaptists (born again), Spiritual Anabaptists (charismatic and/or contemplative), Progressive Anabaptists (the woke ones), and Separatist Anabaptists (settlers and re-settlers all over Mexico and South America). The love – hate can so easily find a place within the variety.

This formative theology of Anabaptism requires preachers to proclaim as servants, a problem for some preachers as well as congregants. Within this servant community a preacher cannot pretend to proclaim the truth until the people say “Amen.” It follows that a community of this nature will have some good and some not-so-good preaching, and the assembled people must have a listening maturity enough to respond honestly on occasions when the sermon may need further discussion or a corrective or prayer or the hearty amen. That is everyone’s privilege and everyone’s responsibility - not only feel good stuff. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body (Ephesians 4:25).

Given our understanding that God’s word comes not only via pulpit or altar, the theme here is absolute equality for all – not only the preachers and the listeners, but everybody in, as the hockey coaches will say (Stanley Cup playoffs just finished 😐). Full equality is not only a theological concept, but an experience, and this is best understood by knowing your place, again with much biblical support, especially reference to gifts of the spirit, There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work (1 Corinthians 12:4-6). The greatest gift of Anabaptism is the level playing field, and the best way to experience that is to take your place when you know your place. “Take your Place at the Table”, another folksy tune comes to mind recently recorded by Kim Thiessen, a former employee of Mennonite Central Committee Alberta. [vii] Anabaptism is a unique contributor as well as receptor among all. [viii] We give and we receive!

This year of anniversary celebrations is a call within the community to recognize and claim our individual and our corporate giftedness not only to fellow Christians, but to all faith communities, including the atheists in our neighborhoods, in some of our families (yes your family too?) and even in church communities. Yup! Know your place, a way of being humble and also confident!

I was born into an Old Colony Mennonite farm family, and with the encouragement of my parents who obviously recognized my interests, most of my lifetime has been among the 'educated and progressive' ones. Now in these latter years I am aware that a continuing gift to our Anabaptist worldwide presence comes also from those unassuming members of this our unique Christian community. Will we be here in the year 2525 (or 3535)?  I conclude with a short list of some seed thoughts to keep us fresh and growing for the next 500 years!

 t

Anabaptists among other religions (not only Christian). One enjoyable involvement in retirement for me has been Calgary Interfaith Council. One friend in this community, quite aware of our recent tagline, “neither Catholic nor Protestant,” [ix] said with tongue in cheek, “both Catholic and Protestant.” It seems to me that especially in today’s painfully broken world, Anabaptists are needed in Interfaith fellowships and/or service projects wherever they emerge in our neighborhoods. This of course is best facilitated when our preachers show neighborhood awareness and encourage participation in ecumenical and interfaith relations. Neighborly relations are more important than expensive touristy mission trips.

Evangelism is essential if Anabaptism will continue. I say this even with the above reference to the variety and types of Anabaptist communities. We are among many faith communities. The invitation of Jesus is not only to fit into one of the groupings listed by Brandt. The great invitation is for all “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Our communion of about 2 million plus Anabaptists is but a miniscule number among the billions who populate this world. Jesus’ challenge after his resurrection and just before his ascension was, “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). 

  Celebrations in context. It would be good even now after the May 29 celebrations in Switzerland to acknowledge some other significant occasions. For example, I recently attended a concert where my daughter was singing in a local United Church. During intermission I stumbled upon a display informing of an anniversary for many of these our Canadian neighbors. June 10, 1925 was beginning of the United Church of Canada when Presbyterians, Methodists, and Congregationalists joined forces. In our multicultural pluralistic world it is important to exchange blessings with these neighbors especially in our continuing desire to be a peace church.

Mennonite World Conference, also begun in 1925, is a big player in this year’s anniversary celebrations. A simple question for my historian friends. Was there any awareness of the United Church beginning that same year?

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[i] Two examples: Mirriam Toews, Women Talking (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2018) now a movie https://en.wikipedia.org/; and another movie just out, Dale Hildebrand, Where the Cottonwoods Grow, a historical movie https://www.mmhs.org/cottonwoods/.

ii  https://www.mwc-cmm.org.

[iii] William Loewen, Free Radicals: A historical story-telling podcast highlighting events from the radical fringes of church history. https://www.freeradicalspod.com/. Also of note is an overview of scholars who examine early documents on Anabaptist emergence among former Protestants and Catholics of the day, The Anabaptists and Thomas Muntzer, James M. Stayer and Werner O. Pacull, eds. (Toronto: Kendal Hunt Publishing Company, 1980).

[iv] Thieleman J. van Bracht, Martyrs Mirror: The Story of Seventeen Centuries of Christian Martyrdom from the Time of Christ to A.D. 1660 (Scottdale: Herald Press, 1938).

[v] See recent blogpost, “Conviction and Instructions,” https://www.jcfroomthoughts.blogspot.com/.

[vi] Gareth Brandt, Radical Roots: A Collection of Paintings, Stories, and Poems Celebrating the 500^th Anniversary of Anabaptist Origins (Morgantown, PA: Masthof Press, 2024), p.63.

[vii] Kim Thiessen and Darryl Neustaedter Barg, Take Your Place (CD to end AIDS, 2010). https://www.mcc.org/.

[viii] “Many Hearts One Rhythm” a recent concert by Concino Chorus at MacDougal United Church, Calgary May 3, 2025, including a drumming circle, different beats contributing to the choir performance, including reference to Glossolalia, the gift of tongues. Good reminder, the Christian faith reaches beyond intelligible words. There are also charismatics in some Anabaptist churches.

[ix] Walter Klaassen, Anabaptism: Neither Catholic nor Protestant (Waterloo: Conrad Press, 1973).

Among the Addictions

We made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understand Him (Step 3).[i]

On any given day, if it be a warm afternoon, and I have a lull in activity, I may check in the refrigerator or basement cool-room for a beer. If there is one available I'll pop the can and enjoy the cool one – or I may open the fridge, find some ice cubes and then enjoy a glass of ice water with even greater relish. I am blessed with freedom of choice on all occasions like this.

I have lived my whole lifetime alongside persons for whom this is not a choice, those for whom the inclination leans toward having adequate groceries (brewskis) on hand. My dad’s younger brother was an alcoholic. He would tell fascinating stories to my brothers and I, and we could tell that our dad knew the source of those stories - mere fabrication, self-indulgent dreams or whatever uncle would impose on his wife and children, his parents (my grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc). They had seen it all.

Perhaps as per tradition in large families, also several alcoholics among my siblings, stories not quite as colorful as my uncle but addictive personalities for sure. Given this background, it was not unexpected to me when alcoholics showed up in my years of pastoral ministry. Some were active church members, others looking in from the fringe, some in company of others in denial of a problem. Alcoholism has been forever, obviously exacerbated in this western hemisphere by historic events like us colonialists ‘pioneering’ new lands occupied by indigenous resident owners, firewater often utilized as a currency of trade.

Recent social media posts are getting my thinker going on this topic. Says one young man on FB, not on topic of addiction, but on latest societal trends, artificial intelligence and its influence on information. In today’s yen for packaged quick answers to everything, he says, we are forgetting how to think. We interrupt conversations with quick Google searches of whatever topic is at hand. Addictions not only of alcohol are a lifestyle crisis. He is accurately critiquing not only his generation (chatGPT), but us baby boomers, the good lifers, perhaps his mother and all of us retirees. Seems like we, young, old, or in between, are losing the joy of looking each other in the eye.

The point here, based on some research,[ii] is that as we begin to think differently relying more on AI, it results in a massive decline in brain function. He is right about a different way of thinking; not sure about his assertion that our brains are getting smaller. 😅 At any rate, I would add my perspective, that among the changing brain signals there is an even greater need to pay attention to the Higher Power of the Alcoholics Anonymous. I’ve never thought of it that way, but my thinker apparently needs the exercise, so I'm on it now! Just a few thoughts on this.

Ever since Donald Trump got elected as U.S. President and the inauguration January 20 last, I have been deluged with opinions – much of it by friends and cronies. I get irritated by those who sit in coffee circles, even occasional spats with relatives who think Trump is God’s choice. [This is a confession, not a poke] That is the local scene. round and round every table! 

Then there is that other scene, online chat groups, in my case ranging from top notch theologians to truckers groups. Theologians have a natural mystique for me going way back to my college years. And truckers? They have been my lifesavers at several points of my journey. Thoughts and relationships have a way of deferring to the sky - or the cloud?.😏 Among the theologians I encountered a disappointment recently. A certain Professor eulogizes a well-known world renowned Professor Walter Brueggemann who died this month, June 5 at the age of 92. In reference to the deceased’s genuine faith even within a world of doctorates, scholars and students, an incident is mentioned, “Walter often told me that he regretted his habitat has been among liberals, because they don’t believe the Bible nor that Someone is truly on the end of the line when they pray.” Well, I had an inner objection here, how important is liberal or conservative terminology on this occasion? ...and so did others! In short order we had the liberals and conservative professors and atheists and other learned ones debating one another, allegations of empty piety versus realism, defensiveness and probably some quick breathing at the laptops everywhere. Quite disappointing this is to me. Brueggemann’s living faith was evident in all his writing. Nice to know he actually believed it! Why must professionals belittle one another in a chatbox? It reminds me of politicians

And it's important to this addiction topic … along with the observation about AI facilitated small brains. This actually touches on us humans in our human-divine sitz im leben (life situation). The Apostle Paul rails on a list of misbehaviors, nothing omitted seemingly - sexual immorality to debauchery to drunkenness to greediness to empty words, “It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.  But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light” (Ephesians 5:12-13). And then I think a little more about this packaged info and small brain-ness, how it communicates and how we communicate with one another. Recently on stage at a weekend festival I heard the song "Preacher Man", immediately brought to mind my CB handle when I was a trucker for a few too many years. The image and the music has almost nothing to do with preaching, but I remember clear as yesterday, when I was thus dubbed by fellow truckers it became my story without even talking about it - fit right in there somewhere. “Preacher Man” became my small package identity available for I know not what. It led to things, e.g. once asked to send in a eulogy for funeral of a trucker friend who had died on-the-job in the sleeper of his truck, or several times grieving with friends who had 'woman troubles', and now among us oldies on-line trucker exchanges, preacher references expected - a packaged unofficial identity. 

Something about the 12 step program shines a continuing light onto the conversations of all. Whether intellectuals or truckers, adolescents or middle aged, addiction is no respecter of persons. The one conditional is honesty, and must be placed in presence of the Higher Power, no matter the societal status or image. That is why talking circles at meetings are for everyone - including possibly the theologians, the professionals, the church members, villains, truck drivers, young adults, parents, grandparents - needing to be freed of the devil of addiction. 

There is no 12-step systematic theology to provide the good all-purpose solutions for all things. There is also no wise and all-purpose sensitive AI edited document to accomplish that task. This is after all God’s world. God is. God appears (read John 1). God cares often in surprising ways - small brain, large brain - not only at the other end of the line, and not only in holy communion or from the pulpit, but also sitting in the circle.

[i] Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book, 3^rd Edition (New York: A.A. World Services, 1976).

[ii] Brad Stulberg, @BradStulberg. https://www.instagram.com/. 

A Great Country

Liberal 169, Conservative 144, BQ 22, NDP 7, Green 1

This afternoon provided a sudden experience of fellowship and camaraderie in the men’s change room of our local swimming pool. Naked and half-dressed men seemed in a particular jovial mood, topic of yesterday’s election came up. Raised by an old guy who hails from Austria and cheerfully endorsed by a heavily accented white Spanish guy from Columbia and quickly chimed in by a mobility challenged MS guy who needs an hour to get dressed, the main point? So now we got a Canada almost same as yesterday morning! We laughed and laughed. Says the Spanish guy, “All South America, countries full of corruption, big business, and the governments can’t do anything about it.” “Like the U.S?” I asked.  “Oh yeah for sure,” was his reply. “The best place by far is Canada because here is something else.” Almost there was a cheer as the enthusiasms continued.

Never before in that change room! I’ve dressed and undressed in front of those lockers for at least five years – always a somewhat cautious meting out of comments about this or that and then the silence. Yes this is Calgary, I would tell myself, quite similar to church men’s breakfasts I have attended over the years. In today’s metamorphosed atmosphere I ventured a little more opinion, “The Liberals needed a new leader for this time; the Conservatives’ wannabe savior lost his seat; and the NDP got sacrificed so the liberals could win.” I said it and there was no uncomfortable silence! There was agreement (did not take a vote 😉), a celebrative atmosphere, amazing the fellowship of unhinged kindred. Only in Canada!

Thinking back now, I can say it was sort of a theme already a couple days before the election; several conversations with friends were non-committal regarding whom to vote for, also acknowledging that the ballot box would not be a conditional of continuing friendship. There were the confessed or closet conservatives, some liberals with a reason, and me the Saskatchewan boy still NDP just because of basic long-held values and something earthy about voting as my dad would have. Among my peers there is also agreement that we live by a commitment higher than a political party.

So I shall close it down here. Even those of my friends who don’t read much and those who avoid reading my blogs because they fear a sermon, can read till the end. Political parties wax and wane. Democracy is a great thing, but not the only thing. Government of the people by the people for the people  –  if only politicians would not try to convince an electorate that ‘the other party’ is a shameful mess, and when it’s all done, like last night’s speeches, even the losers tried to sound like winners (except for Jagmeet Singh). Seems to me that our change-room atmosphere was a hint of some new possibilities.

One further query for my thinker. What might the atmosphere be in U.S. change rooms these days? 

Shock and Awe

This morning I had a shocker. Front page headline, I read it second click on my cell phone just before I stepped out the door for my early walk, first click to tell the temperature so I know which jacket to put on, and then New York Times, “Pope Francis is Dead at 88.” Quickly I read a multitude of subheadlines, trying hard to capture some detail, but too soon reminded that I had reached limit of free articles. When I returned an hour later my wife already knew more detail because of “The Current” on CBC radio by our bedside. It became focus for our morning prayers.

It is the day after Easter, still inspired by resurrection worship yesterday in church, the pope's passing is kind of surreal. Our pastor described so clearly Jesus’ appearance to Mary in the tomb (the well-known Easter account) and then an extra “recognition connect” after the supposed gardener (John 20) asks her to turn to him, and as she turns she recognizes, she delights from the depth of her heart, “Rabboni” (Teacher :16). Resurrected Jesus is not a theological preference; it is not “a resurrection story.” Not a story, it is an experience availed to her, availed to us, availed to anyone who will turn to face him, especially as per invitation of that risen One. In yesterday’s worship we were an assembly of Mennonites, Evangelicals, Progressives, and of course some ambivalent. We were of quite a few stripes. This service was so "Resurrection" seemingly for each person there, a telling invitation to face Jesus beyond our preferences and our explanations. To see the risen savior was the connector which sent the familiar Mary Magdalene out of there, quickly to tell the others, “I have seen the Lord” (:18).

This proclamation by our pastor, who has come among us fairly recently, also included his testimony of a once-upon-a-time surprise (Surprise! Personalized sermons also bit of a rarity these days). A preacher and a teacher with a considerable ‘curriculum vitae’, pastoral ministry had not been in the cross hairs of his educational pursuit. Included also was some childhood pain, grad studies in philosophy, and then call to pastoral work both in congregations and university student chaplaincy. Surprises all along the way, good intentioned academia got sidelined into pastoral ministry and seems not yet to be stopping. “The best laid plans of mice and men …?”

Pope Francis at Lac St Anne, AB. July 26, 2022

Now back to Pope Francis, pontiff of an imperfect Church. Catholicism has been the big player in the colonialism and residential school horrors of Canada's history. By now, after many years of foot dragging and due process within ranks of the Holy See, this Pope offered apology in 2022 – albeit inadequate. How does a contemporary atone for the sins of an institution? He showed up! He has been courageously everywhere. An Argentinian, grown up among the people, very concerned about environment, Amazon forests and impact of commercial developments within those 'lungs of the world'.[i] He cared deeply for migrants, the displaced victims of war, recently chiding a member of his church, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, for his role in the Trump administration on that very topic.[ii] A man of surprising ways with a faith and a presence with people, his also was not a career path, but an obvious 'Call of God’ as us low-church believers will say, along with high church authority. Awesome things still happening and perhaps about to happen, especially when humble passionate broken persons are able to take a look at the One who is already looking at them.

Another surprise! [And this now another day later - best laid plans of bloggers?] There is so much "thinking material" everywhere - almost as though his death went viral. There are touching tributes on social media (Some positivity for a change), editorials and op-eds in local papers especially of conservative ilk, like Calgary Sun,[iii] labeled by many of us critics as the red neck rag. Hear hear, all you aspiring perfectionist theologians, activists and politicians, each one of us never fully represents the voice of God! God is present right in among the surprises and in between the points of view.

I did not idolize Pope Francis, certainly don’t expect him to rise again, but I know that he knew the One who did rise again! He will be buried in a basilica just outside the walls of Vatican City, and remembered in Christendom way beyond the Roman church, in a world that recognized a pontiff who lived his days face to face with our resurrected Savior.

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[i] Pope Francis, Beloved Amazonia (Holy See: Orbis Books, February 2020).

[ii] Jason Horowitz, “For a Times Reporter Who Covered Him, Francis Was Always a Surprise,” New York Times (NY: April 21, 2025).

[iii] “The People’s Pope”, Calgary Sun, Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

Who Walked

It’s Good Friday. The irony of that caption has baffled me almost forever. What is good about a demented crowd and religious and political power brokers humiliating one who has been among them teaching and healing? The term used in my mother tongue seems more appropriate, Stelle Friedach (Quiet Friday). While this is only a linguistic or translation observation, it warrants a little closer look.

I must begin with a little rant. These last several days have presented more than ever the argumentiveness of seemingly everybody on social media. I have only to open Facebook, click notifications and there it is. A friend is 'sharing' her latest creative thoughts, which are a cut and paste of another's creative thoughts, fully explaining significance of Jesus’ death on the cross to save me from my sins, including an obligatory request to forward to at least five others if I care at all! Another posting, obviously from a different theological angle, is in pain about Jesus having had to deal with followers – early disciples leaving their day jobs to learn, ask questions, advocate for him, see miracle healings performed, and yet one of them betrays and all scatter when mob action wins. This all in the occupied territory we read and watch on present day news media! I’m not sure whether to go on with this societal critique or get down to the heart of the matter. And if I do that, there will be a number of my good friends, yes relatives, fellow Christians or neighbor across the street who suspect I may be voting Liberal in next election.

My heart yearns Quiet Friday, and mercifully it is available still. This morning my wife and I were blessed to participate with fellow Mennonites in an inter-church service in our city. Attendance was better than it has been last couple of years, clear evidence of a growing spiritual hunger among us wealthy urbanites. I was not one of the planners, but probably the prior instruction to leave the sanctuary quietly after the last word was well advised and even welcomed by us hyper-types to just let it sink in. Perhaps our favorite theories of atonement or sanctification or Jesus as Savior and/or Lord can be laid aside and just … quietly leave. For  the rest of the day we enjoyed considerable quiet, not even a couple of NHL games scheduled. I love it!

So, Quiet was the tone for today. The other option, Good Friday, however, has some sentimental resonance also in my soul.  Good Friday became an important way of staking my faith claims during a stretch of my life when I was a long distance trucker. At mid-career point as identified by the life-cycle experts, fifty years old and my mental and spiritual being simply had nothing left especially after some recent work-related over commitments. I suffered what they label as nervous breakdown. The brief reprieve in the truck was going to quickly get me back preaching and teaching and relating and administering. I recovered, praise the Lord! Only it didn’t happen in the planned two-year reprieve; it took 21 years! South, north, east, west, all over Canada and the U.S. - seasons coming and going during those 2 million miles. AND it was the church year – yes church year (cf. Revised Common Lectionary Advent thru All Souls Day) that became my go-to. Within North America's supply chain service industry (in amazing cooperation with dispatchers and planners), I was able to stake my liturgical claims as priorities for my trips (eg Christmas more important than New Years, Good Friday and Easter very important, and try to stay out of the U.S. May long weekend and 4th of July 😅). There were times when my preferred schedule could not be accommodated. During those trips there was always somebody or something else – another trucker who wished he was home, or a chapel service in a truck stop somewhere, or just the right music, wide open highways, or conversation at a fuel island or wherever relationships might happen. 

Given this bit of drivel with its sentimental twists and turns, from my current retirement vantage, now participating in a lively Interfaith organization in this city, I testify to the wonderful inspiration available in none other than Jesus, the One who walked this lonesome valley. I am ever so grateful for friends, Sikh, Muzlim, Hindu, Jewish, and Mormons and Christians of Aboriginal, Anglican, Catholic, Lutheran, CRC, UCC and even some Evangelical Anabaptists! I am most engaged when I communicate my gratitude for Jesus my savior! He’s walked with me and trucked with me, and on this day – Good Friday or Quiet Friday - gave His life even while setting a best example for each of us.

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters (1 John 3:16).

For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2).

Conviction and Instructions

I heard a one-hour sermon last Sunday morning – sermon, not service. The service was one and a half hours. I cannot recall any previous hour-longs, although half hour sleepers do come to mind, myself the preacher on a few of those occasions I’m sure. Mostly in my preaching years I tried to adhere to the so-called limit of 20 minutes, and then felt badly if it lasted 25. This sermon was already well preached at 25, excellent opening image of cookies that will disappear if we take those bites to suit our own tastes, first one bite, then another, and another, and soon only a few crumbs! Point very clear, complete with biblical references from the OT book of Daniel, where Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refuse to worship any other than God and they survive the fiery furnace (Ch 3), and the very convincing NT gospel of John, the promise of Jesus that His absence (death and resurrection) is for our good because he will send the Advocate, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth (16:13 NKJV). He is with us still to guide us in all things.

After a pause to kneel at our seats for personal prayers (I still enjoy memories of that ritual from my childhood years), then another 35 minutes pointing out specific temptations, those habits which so easily get in the way of life lived with conviction. The implications thereof were listed in a kindly manner – seemingly with a love and specificity I cannot remember ever hearing before. The evils of alcohol, of marijuana, foul language complete with local anecdotes, and then into a wider scope - the importance of head coverings for women, more important than jewelry and tattoos we are tempted to adorn ourselves with. Then there are the subtle dangers of modernism which can cloud up our souls, including LGBTQ male-female confusion even in some of our Mennonite churches. Imagine the worldliness creeping in!

The church was full, two services each Sunday morning, brand new building with spacious foyers, modern spotless bathrooms, comfortable seating, and a plain front – no theme verse, no cross, no idols or images before our eyes. And yet one image I came away with and shall never forget. Everyone not only listening but seemingly absorbed in every word of this duo-lingo Plautdietsch – English sermon; young people, middle-aged and elders fully attentive even while young mothers or older brother or sister would take out a squirmy little one (and then return to their seat to continue listening). No exasperated looks and no sleepy heads. I cannot forget.

As per my preacher-trucker style (most readers of these tomes know all about it), the thinker often kicks in after some incident, and then I “says it as I sees it.” My thinker has mixed feelings about hour-long sermons. On this occasion, however, I would say the second half hour was not wasted time; it met the requirements of holy assembly. The examples were obviously clear to a congregation who knew where he was coming from, no boring explanations or theologizing with quotes from smart authors somewhere. I could not but notice some of the muscular young men, some already married to pretty young ladies complete with head coverings – some not. These are hard-working Mennonites. They are welcome immigrants to a province [i] which welcomes entrepreneurs (Could not but notice the parking lot full of late model Yukons, Rams,  F150’s and many SUV’s, even an Escalade. No horse and buggies here). This was a pastoral sermon directed to these high-energy recent immigrants, many of them quite youthful. Needless to say the preacher knows about local concerns even in this province of opportunity (local police know about it too - Mennonite kids also know how to get into trouble like others in nearby towns and villages). Understandably, in order to really cover all bases, instructions from one of their Ohms would include a caution regarding the worldly resident Mennonites who have compromised to societal trends. Misbehaviors and worldly values: all must be included in those bites we might be taking out of the sacred cookie.

So, my thinker has not yet fully integrated this into the further thinking, sometimes referred to as philosophizing. One initial thought has to do with evangelism. I am disappointed with the impression of these ‘returning Mennonites’ that we 'resident Mennonites' have compromised with the world. Their hesitation about us is legitimate and their caution is in order. Us urbanized educated woke Mennonites preach more about inclusiveness and love, working hard at diplomacy, while admitting that there is not much for our young people in our gathered assemblies. We are just like all the mainline churches. Are we inviting our young people to church, inviting them to the rigors of faith or are we excusing them? 

A second thought, and this is a challenge to these immigrant brothers and sisters. Even as we all need the Advocate, the presence of God’s Holy Spirit to help us live with conviction, are they also willing to discern with all of us, rather than stand off? The worldwide Anabaptist community of faith is facing deep challenges especially in these days of very confusing politics. How might we as a peace church be a peaceable witness even as we await the imminent return of Jesus? I say this in defense of us who have lived our whole lives here. Many of us are now ‘educated’ and at risk of losing some simple gospel truths. As Anabaptist Christians, we need to become reacquainted and speak with one another in this God-given land, including those of us in the cities. [ii] My family and I, having lived in Alberta for 45 years, now in Calgary with immigrants flooding in, we have daily opportunities to learn neighborliness with ALL of our neighbors! [iii] 

The Mennonite sojourn from Europe to the West and then the auswanderungs within North and South America is colonialism (including liberal and conservative organizational readjustments - splits).😏 And now we have run out of places to move to in pursuit of special privileges (privilegium). We dare not merely vote Conservative (or Republican) just because conservative politicians like immigrants who give them no hassle. That is not the calling of a people committed to a peace ministry. 

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ (Ephesians 4:14-15 NIV).

Perhaps in a future blogpost, and I will appreciate responses from anybody reading this. For now I express my appreciation. I was deeply blessed to hear the word of God fitly spoken to a people gathered to hear exactly that.

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[i] In 2000 then Premier Ed Stelmach facilitated the building of a public school named Two Hills Mennonite School. Started with 36 students and now has over 400, with teaching staff of 55. https://www.twohillsmennoniteschool.ca/

[ii] See Palmer Becker, Anabaptist Essentials: Ten Signs of a Unique Christian Faith (Harrisonberg, VA: Herald Press, 2017).

[iii] Calgary Interfaith Council theme for 2024 – 25 is “Courage to Connect.”