Join MCC and Aboriginal People in a Listening Circle - For
generations Aboriginal and Mennonite communities have lived in
close proximity, their children at the same schools, their parents
working together. Sometimes there have been distinct tensions
between communities. More often however, there is little contact
between the two. Worse still, ignorance and stereotypes begin
to cloud what exists of the relationship.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if there were a way to share the gifts
we've been given with one another? Might we find that aboriginal
people have much to offer? Might we find that the solutions are
not all ours, and the problems all theirs?
MCC is inviting you to become a part of a Listening Circle:
a listening and learning process that will take place over the
course of the next year. Individuals and families are invited
to participate in bi-monthly events, which will include the arts,
a camping trip, and interacting with leading aboriginal thinkers,
theologians, politicians and elders.
The first event is a two-evening series of sessions with Cree
theologian Ray Aldred to be held March 28th and 29th at 7 pm at
Emmanuel Mennonite Church, 3471 Clearbrook Road in Abbotsford.
Ray will reflect on the question " How can traditional spirituality
and understanding be fulfilled in the gospel, or transformed by
it, in the same way that European cultures interpreted the gospel
into their context. This event is being co-hosted by MCC and the
Mennonite Church Canada.
The annual MCC camping trip with aboriginal people on Vancouver
Island is scheduled for August 8 – 13 and more activities
will be planned throughout the year. For information about
a Listening Circle, the first event with Ray Aldred, and
other events being planned throughout the year contact Darryl
Klassen at abneighbours@mccbc.com or (604) 850-6639 or 1-888-622-6337.
Grandview Elementary School Gardening project - in one
of Vancouver's poorest neighbourhoods, MCC has partnered with
other agencies to help set up several gardens for students and
families living in the area to grow food. Volunteers are working
together with families to tend the gardens and build relationships.
To that end, volunteers work with families during the planting/growing
season and beyond.
Summer Gardens - more than gardening, these assignments
are concerned with growth - the growth of friendships and people.
Gardening can be a part of that, but if your expertise lies elsewhere,
assignments are designed to match participants with communities
in BC and across Canada. These are short-term assignments.
Weldon and Mathilda Epp of Gibsons BC gardened in Adams Lake last
year. Avid gardeners - at one time canning up to 400 jars of produce
from their gardens - they worked together with families in Adams
Lake to grow food and build relationships. The Epps gained a lot
from their experience: "The Shuswap are a feeling and gentle
people. For instance at the Skwilax Pow Wow, after the opening
grand entrance, the prayer to the Creator was: '...be with all
the non-natives and may they not hurt us...'"
Service Opportunities - John Ratagan, Kristin Green and
their daughter Nicole are currently serving under MCC in the historic
community of Tsawataineuk (Kingcome Inlet). See pictures and read
their interesting reports on their own website at http://www.geocities.com/kingcomeinlet/index.html
