I thank God for the rich experiences
through North Edmonton Ministry. Twenty seventeen started with a trip to Israel/Palestine and I now see life in two
layers. The shepherds at Jesus birth remind me of the Bedouin shepherds and
their displacement from traditional lands today. “He will feed his flock like a shepherd...
gather the lambs.. and carry them in his bosom.” Isaiah 40:11. I returned home to find deeper connection to
the Palestinian community, now struggling with the Jerusalem decision. “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, how often have I longed
to gather your children together... as a hen gathers her brood.” Matt 23:37
Our
main goals as “A Common Word Alberta”(ACWAB) are to create spaces of trust for
dialogue and to nourish faith in the younger generation. But regular attendees are often seniors. In September, Michelle, a young Christian woman, joined me as intern to
get credit at Regent College. At the
same time a young Muslim woman joined our Scriptural Reasoning Group. This young woman was so excited the first
evening, she had to apologize for asking so many questions, questions she had
never had a chance to ask. A highlight of that group was a discussion
about ethics
"Michelle told of the people in Rwanda who God protected with angels when they refused to take arms in the genocide."
and non-violence that ended when Michelle told of the people in
Rwanda who God protected with angels when they refused to take arms in the
genocide. Their lives are an
inspiration in spiritual friendships. ACWAB
planning committee this year was strengthened by new energy from two
evangelical pastors and more Shia Muslims.
At the October “Two Friends, Two Faiths” week of Dialogue, many Shia
Muslim and Anglican participants were engaging the “other” for the first
time. Our Shia Muslim and Mennonite
speakers challenged us to think in new ways about our relationships:
- We don’t need to defend, convince or find a common denominator.
- When differences surface, and
people listen respectfully, friendship goes to a deeper level.
- Living faithfully is not talking about our religion, as much as
it is living differently than others.
- We are too possessive of God and instead need to be possessed by
God. As our spiritual lives go
deeper, we have more and more strength to engage and accept the “other” with respect.
- Mission is saying to the other “I want you to find your way
to God” and this we have in common
because both of our faiths expect us to share our faith beyond our
circles.
- In our secular contexts of UK and Canada, instead of competition
between our faiths, it is better that
we work together inviting people to come and experience a life of faith.
In
November, as part of my Southern Alberta “tour”, a third "Under-wraps" event was held
in Lethbridge. Old Colony Mennonites
and Muslims shared on the meaning of
their head coverings. The event was
simply superb because it built on
relationships that are already strong with the women who shared. The Muslim speaker begged afterwards that
they all find ways to stay more connected.
That day was rich in the power of hospitality, spiritual friendships,
and witness. This is a good example of
where Mennonite Church Alberta has already grown into their new structure.
We
are most grateful for the support of various sorts that we receive during the
year. We see the fruits of that
concretely in the events mentioned above and in numerous other ways. If
others would like to participate in sustaining this important peace-building
ministry, please contact Donna Entz. We
would be thrilled."
Merry
Christmas / Blessings in 2018
Donna Entz
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