Sun. Oct. 25, 2009 (Andre Pekovich)

Andre spoke about how we could change the world into a more peaceful place. The challenging passages of the Sermon on the Mount - Jesus’ instructions not to worry about food or clothing as well as the work of Bangladeshi Muhammad Yunus, founder of the Grameen bank - provided the basis for his comments. The capitalist system does not work for all, especially the poor. Bangladesh is one of the poorest countries in the world. Yunus started a co-op type bank to help poor villagers who are the bank’s shareholders; the concept flourished. Borrowers with no collateral must have a circle of five friends who support and are accountable to each other. The empowering part of this model was that the poor were able to earn respect along with the financial power, and thus felt able to participate in society, rather than being excluded. Andre noted that societies that exclude young men from earning a living breed resentment among them, which easily turns to violence. Andre wondered whether this system in Bangladesh puts their people closer to the ideals of Matthew 6 – seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added to you. (HN; ed-AP) Listen to the sermon audio MP3 recording from Sunday, Oct. 25th, 2009 using your browser's preferred media player.

Sun. Oct. 18, 2009 (Henry Neufeld)

Henry Neufeld spoke on Servanthood and Leadership. Modern Christians speak freely and frequently about being servants, yet few of us have ever had real servants, those second-class unseen people who do things others don't want to do. When we do volunteer work or work within the family (which we consider a form of serving), we fully expect to be thanked and acknowledged for our work. But actual servants seldom enjoy being acknowledged or thanked, largely because they are seldom treated as real people or of equal status to the one being served. In Mark 10.35-, Jesus refused to grant James and John positions of power in compensation for their years of giving up income and serving the cause (those disciples were not unlike today's full-time campaign workers who hope that their serving the candidate will be rewarded with political appointments and favours). This makes us ask why we serve others. Is it for eventual reward (possibly in heaven), is it to ease our conscience, would we serve as willingly if we were never thanked? As for leadership, Jesus warned that some leaders will indeed use their power incorrectly (e.g., Bush when denying prisoners humane treatment). Jesus then asked that Christians not succumb to that incorrect model of leadership, but that we rather find ways to serve others, even when we have a position of power. Jesus also acknowledged that serving is not always fun or rewarding, yet it is the role he took on throughout his life, culminating in his symbolic washing of feet. [JEK] Listen to the sermon audio MP3 recording from Sunday, Oct. 18th, 2009 using your browser's preferred media player.

Sun. Oct. 11, 2009 (Betty Funk)

A Thanksgiving service was held at PGIMF, featuring readings, prayers and hymns assembled, led and accompanied by our one-man band Evan Kreider. We also held a short celebratory feature for Betty Funk in honour of her birthday. Betty was encouraged to regale us with stories of the family’s flight from Ukraine to Canada and her life and career here. We all fervently desire to be of as sound and joyful a mind and body as Betty is! Listen to the sermon audio MP3 recording from Sunday, Oct. 11th, 2009 using your browser's preferred media player.

Sun. Oct. 4, 2009 (Ike Sawatsky and Helmut Lemke)

We celebrated our Peace Sunday. Two of our members spoke, one a veteran from Germany and the other a veteran from Canada -- both now worshiping together as brothers. Some of our families have been profoundly touched and even violated by war.

Ike told of being in Canada's medical core as a conscientious objector to killing. Even though he was not yet 20, he enlisted as a medic, serving most of his term in Montreal, working with and listening to severely wounded soldiers share their painful stories and emotional stresses. Ike concluded by giving thanks that he now lives a life of peace.

Helmut told his story, noting that God was his protector. War criminals are the soldiers on the losing side and war heroes are the soldiers on the winning side. Both are told that they are 'defending their home country', both are taught to kill, both obey orders. Helmut either had to join the German military forces or be shot; alternate service was not an option in Germany at that time. He summarized his experiences on the front by recounting the day he was stationed 20 kms east of his home village, assigned to defend it from the anticipated Russian assault in February, 1945. From his fox hole, he saw Russian tanks and several helmeted Russian soldiers. He knew he was supposed to kill rather than run (he was but 18), yet he also knew it was wrong to kill. He suddenly realized that the two Russian soldiers within his gun's range were also made in God's image. He instinctively realized that a mere handful of lightly-armed soldiers could not take on tanks, that killing two men would not change the war, so he made the decision to retreat, as trained. He now gives thanks that he did not kill anyone and that he therefore does not have to live with those memories and guilt. As Christians, we know we are challenged by scripture to love our enemies, yet powerful governments still declare war. Sometimes it seems that all we can do is pray for peace, pray that governments stop engaging in wars. [JEK]

Listen to the sermon audio MP3 recording from Sunday, Oct. 4th, 2009 using your browser's preferred media player.