Saskatchewan Women's Retreat

October 16 & 17, 2015

For a downloadable poster please go to our WEBSITE.

Women walking together in faith - May 2015 - "Burning bush moment leads to refugee children singing"

Every second month our executive members take a turn writing/finding someone to write an article for our page in the Canadian Mennonite magazine called "Women walking together in faith". In the May 11, 2015 issue Naomi Unger from Rabbit Lake, SK wrote about how congregations from Alliance, Anglican, Catholic, Evangelical, Lutheran, Mennonite and Seventh Day Adventists in Rosthern, SK worked together in 2007 to bring refugees to Rosthern. Naomi writes "Now there are four families of Karen ethnic background from Myanmar who call Rosthern their home, including eight adults and 23 children." Read the whole article here. 

Karen children, refugees from Myanmar, sing at a
Mennonite Central Committee Saskatchewan event last fall.

Creating Beauty out of Randomness

On September 26-28 a group of creative women from across Saskatchewan participated in Shekinah Retreat Centre's annual Quilting and Scrapbooking Retreat.   Retreat participants use quilting as a metaphor for God's creative work in their lives. To read more about this event click on this link to an article written by Donna Schulz (Canadian Mennonite, October 13, 2014 issue).  Donna is the Saskatchewan Correspondent for the Canadian Mennonite.

Participants at the Shekinah Retreat Centre’s Quilting and Scrapbooking Retreat gather for a group photo on their final day together. Many of the women are holding items they crafted during the three-day event.

SWM Women's Retreat

Here is the poster for the Women's Retreat on October 17 & 18 sponsored by Saskatchewan Women in Mission. "Women's Voices from the Global Church" will feature speakers from other parts of the world, artists with their displays, Ten Thousand Villages items for sale and much more.  It's a wonderful opportunity to fellowship with women from across the province!

SWM Enrichment Day Report

Saskatchewan Women in Mission held their Spring Enrichment Day on April 26, 2014.  A story and photo by Donna Schulz appeared in the May 12 issue of the Canadian Mennonite. I wasn't able to link to the article so I copied and pasted it into here.  We hope that by posting what Mennonite women are doing in their communities and provinces we can feel more connected to each other.  

Remember Your Creator - Story and Photo by Donna Schulz

"Remember your creator in the days of your youth," proved to be a poignant theme for Saskatchewan Women in Mission’s annual Enrichment Day, since the only women under 50 were the three guest speakers. Yet it was to hear the voices of young women that 75 members met at Nutana Park Mennonite Church in Saskatoon on April 26.

The day began with a business meeting. Nominating committee member Denise Epp reported that no candidates had been found for the four vacant executive positions. Nominations from the floor yielded one volunteer, as Marlies Patkau of Hanley agreed to serve on the nominating committee. However, the program committee is still one member short and the positions of secretary and president-elect remain vacant.

In light of the difficulty recruiting leaders, president Myrna Sawatzky suggested changing the organization’s name to make it more appealing to younger women. As the only women’s group in Mennonite Church Canada with its own charitable status, Saskatchewan Women in Mission would have to keep its name in order to maintain that status, Sawatzky pointed out, but the organization could adopt a new operating name. Given the group’s aging population, she wondered aloud, “Do we want to continue as an independent charity?”

A comment in favour of relinquishing charitable status and funnelling money through the area church was made from the floor, but no decision was reached.

Treasurer Ruth Heppner reported that the group’s finances are in good shape. As if to prove the organization’s viability as a charity, the women gathered an offering of just under $3,000.

Particpants in Saskatchewan Women in Mission's
Enrichment Day add their handprints and signatures
to a banner in an exploration of the theme,
'Remember your creator'.

Program committee member Lois Siemens led a time of worship and activity focused on the chosen theme from Ecclesiastes 12:1. Through prayer, singing, journalling and adding handprints and signatures to a colourful banner, the women explored what it means to remember their creator.

Laura Buhler addressed the theme from the perspective of her experience volunteering at Bethlehem Bible College in Palestine. Buhler said she finds Ecclesiastes 12:1 “an intimidating verse because it puts a timeline on your faith.” She would rather render the verse: “Discover your creator in your youth so that when you are older you will be able to remember.”

Meghan Wiens reflected on her nine-month adventure with Canadian Mennonite University’s Outtatown program in Canada and South Africa. Witnessing abundant joy juxtaposed against profound suffering in Soweto, Wiens said “Do not try and put God in a box because he will definitely breakout.”

Terri Lynn Paulsen brought her perspective as an agriculture student and gardener with a passion for community to the day’s theme. Paulsen sees God at work in creation and in his people. When asked what she would say to the women present, Paulsen replied, “Please be my friend. Sometimes as young people we don’t know how to ask for [friendship]. Share with me how you walked your faith.”

Perhaps as Saskatchewan Women in Mission members look for ways to remember their creator in the coming days, they will take up Paulsen’s challenge and share their walk of faith with the young women in their lives.

Women walking together in faith - May 2014 - "A pilgrim people on the margins"

Women Walking Together in Faith 
is the name of Mennonite Women Canada's page in the Canadian Mennonite magazine. Our executive members each take a turn writing or finding someone to write.  Melody Neufeld-Rochelau, our guest writer, is a client care coordinator with the Saskatchewan Health Region and is working towards a Graduate Certificate of Christian Ministry through Canadian Mennonite University, Winnipeg.  In the May 12, 2014 issue Melody shares about her experience at Breath of Life Mennonite Church, a house church in Saskatoon (2006-13) where she had the privilege of being in leadership.   Melody is also one of the current recipients of our Spiritual Growth Assistance Fund. 

Her article begins "Five loaves and two fish.  The story of the feeding of the five thousand illustrate how Jesus uses the small amounts we bring to him."  Click here to read the full article.

Saskatchewan Women's Retreat Celebrates Courageous Women

 "I Heard Her Voice: Courageous Women of the Bible" was the theme of the fall women's retreat sponsored by Saskatchewan Women in Mission, October 18 &19. The Timberlodge at the Shekinah Retreat Centre, Waldheim, was our location and was as beautiful as always.  Sixty-six women attended. The retreat began on Friday with much conversation over supper, then door prizes and an opportunity for everyone to get acquainted.

Elsie Goerzen, Director of MCC BC's End Abuse Program, was our guest speaker. In her first session, Elsie led a discussion about Hagar's courage and Hagar's naming of Abraham's God as "the One who sees me." Hagar obeyed and trusted in God even when the future seemed very dark, whether it was going back to Sarai or going into the desert. We agreed with Elsie that Hagar truly was the hero of the story.

In the second session, Lois Siemens dramatized the story of the bent-over woman in Luke 13:10-17. Elsie noted Jesus' call to the woman, his touch and his elevation of her status to a full member of the covenant. Elsie explained the woman's courage in allowing herself to be seen by Jesus and everyone in the synagogue, in her participation in her own healing by standing straight, and even in her praising God in front of a male audience.

Val Wiebe, Langham, was our song leader for the joyful singing we did before each session. She had written two songs as responses to the stories of Hagar and the bent-over woman and these she performed for us as well. There were requests from the women that she repeat "Hagar's Lament" at our closing session.

Additional aspects of the retreat included Saturday morning stretches, opportunities to walk outdoors, art and crafts displayed by Gwen Fehr, Hedie Borne, Barb Janzen and Lavonne Dyck to view and purchase. Nola Scofield was present to give massages for $10 and Dory Issac was present with Ten Thousand Villages items for sale.

On Saturday afternoon, Colette Baker (Lutheran pastor from Lanigan) explained laughter yoga to the women and led a series of breathing and laughing exercises. This was something different and before we knew it, the fake laughter was real. It was good exercise either way!

Our time together ended with reflections by Lois Siemens: Courage as hindsight that remembers and celebrates courageous actions in the past, as insight into where courageous actions are needed today, and as foresight  when we move forward in obedience, trust in God, and the support of others.
Braiding three strands of ribbon into bookmarks symbolized that courage.

Women walking together in faith - July 2013 - "Part of a sweet, sweet sandwich"

Being unable to link this article to the Canadian Mennonite, we will just "Copy & Paste" this time!
In the future, Mennonite Women Canada's page "Women Walking Together in Faith" will be listed on their "Current Issues' link list which will enable us to link directly to the article on their website. Waltrude 

Page 15

Canadian Mennonite Vol. 17 No. 14

Women Walking Together in Faith

Part of a sweet, sweet sandwich

By Myrna Sawatzky

 

A few years ago, when I was considering retirement from my work as a palliative care nurse, I wondered how I would find challenging new things to do. I laugh about that now, for when I retired in March 2012, several months after my mother had her second stroke, in the blink of an eye I was sandwiched!

Yes, sandwiched: That time in mid-life when you find yourself caring for, and providing the “filling”/con­necting point between the older and younger genera­tions within your family, as you parent your parents and your teenaged/young adult children, and are often also honing new skills as a grandparent. That means you don’t have a lot of extra time for yourself, which can result in some negative feelings in our me-centred society.

Finding the “sweetness” in that sandwich filling is quite a challenging step-by-step process. You feel your way minute-by-minute at times, and then slowly, very slowly, you start a new rhythm.

In my case, my mother’s second stroke in 2012 was far more devastating than the first one, a year earlier. Suddenly, our family, me in particular, needed to be there for her a lot, and it wasn't an easy transition, because, as my mother’s doctor stated, she was “tenaciously independent.” She loved to drive, entertain and shop; after her first stroke, she even drove to Manitoba by herself to attend her great-grand­daughter’s wedding! So I knew it would be a hard day when she could no longer drive.

Consequently, I was often plagued with questions and tensions about how much I should do for her, or how much say she should have in decision-making, and still be safe. Suddenly, all the on-the-job training related to my palliative care work, and the challenges of raising teenagers a few years earlier, became very helpful. And the hours spent praying for my teenagers at home on their own when I worked the night shift, now shifted to praying for my mother, at home alone, in assisted living.

Increasingly, I relied on the teachings of my mother and grandmother,  to always know where my help comes from. Psalm 121 was a favourite scripture text of my grand­mother. In the King James version then used, it begins, “I will lift up mine eyes to the hills, from whence cometh my help.” A picture in my bedroom beckons me to pray when challenges arise: “Be still and know that I am God.”

On the day when my mother said, after a longer than usual break between my visits, “I missed you so much,” tears welled up in my eyes and I felt sad for her in her new, very challenging and definitely unchosen life. Suddenly, all the times she was angry because of the changes, which tried my patience, simply melted away, and felt “worth it,” just as they did in similar circumstances while parenting teenagers.

Nowadays, when I’m asked if I miss my former work in palliative care, my reply is, “I haven’t had time to miss it.”

Amazingly, caring for my mother has actually helped me contentedly transition into retirement. My days are now filled with committee work, gardening and travel, as well as being on-call for my moth­er, now in a nursing home. I also have more time with my grandchildren and enjoy sharing it with them.

It especially touches my heart when my mother, who still enjoys the beauty of a new little person, cuddles my youngest granddaughter.

All around, I have a very rich life, and give thanks for that, knowing that someday there will be a new sandwich, and I’ll be the one being cared for. So I wonder, am I doing a good job of teaching my adult children how to find joy in being part of such a sweet, sweet sandwich? 

Myrna Sawatzky is president of Saskatchewan Women in Mission.

Nowadays, when I’m asked if I miss my former work in palliative care, my reply is, ‘I haven’t had time to miss it.’

SWM Enrichment Day - April 27

In the following weeks I plan to post write-ups about the various provincial/area meetings that have been held across Canada this spring.  For over 70 years women's groups from each province have met once or twice a year to discuss business, listen to a guest speaker and fellowship with one another.  In the past number of years the women who attend these meetings (and the ones in our local churches) are getting older and there are fewer younger women in attendance.   This has not gone unnoticed and Mennonite Women Canada is constantly being challenged to find ways to encourage the participation of younger women.  --Liz Koop 

Saskatchewan Women in Mission (SWM) celebrated their annual Enrichment Day on Saturday, April 27, 2013 at Eigenheim Mennonite Church with 87 women in attendance. In the foyer, bedding plants on a garden bench depicted the day’s theme – “Like a Watered Garden” – while water trickled through several garden fountains, adding an auditory element to the visual display. 

Hosted by Eigenheim Women’s Fellowship, the event began with refreshments and a time of visiting. Morning worship included hearty singing led by Gwen Ens and accompanied by Donna Schulz, and a devotional by Lois Siemens. SWM executive officers were commissioned for another year of service during the annual business meeting. They are Myrna Sawatzky, president, Marilyn Neufeld, vice-president, Ruth Quiring Heppner, treasurer, and Verna Olfert, secretary. Naomi Unger and Lois Siemens continue on the program committee; the third position on this committee is vacant. Kathy Friesen, Glennis Koop, and Denise Epp form the nominating committee.  

Following lunch in the fellowship hall, Melita Hildebrand, gave participants a mental workout with a gardening quiz, and Marian Hooge Jones offered a physical workout with a series of gardening-related stretches and exercises. The afternoon session began with a devotional by Naomi Unger and special music by the Eigenheim women. Kaytee Edwards, representing MCC Saskatchewan’s gardening project, described her work of teaching inner-city children to grow their own food. SWM designated a portion of the afternoon’s offering for this project. Featured speaker Lavonne Dyck of Glenbush eloquently shared what gardening has taught her about faith in Christ. Then four women – Verna Olfert, Kristen Fehr, Renata Klassen and Rosalind Epp – shared their “100-word stories” about meeting God in their gardens. This was followed by conversation in the pews around the question, “What have you learned about God through gardening?” A memorial service, led by the women of Zoar Mennonite Church, Langham, honoured women who passed away in 2012. Refreshments and more visiting brought the day’s activities to a close.

 - Donna Schulz

Enrichment Day for SWM

Below you will find the poster advertising the upcoming SWM Enrichment Day taking place on Saturday, April 27.  Our area/provincial women's organizations host spring and fall events to which all women are invited.  If you've never attended these informative and inspirational days I encourage you to do so.  You'll learn more about your provincial and national women's organizations, be inspired by the speaker and meet some wonderful women.

Memories of a Childhood Christmas

Christmas Memories! 

I asked four women from my church community for a Christmas memory. 

Here is what they shared. 

Have a blessed Christmas.

Erna (82):  

On Christmas Eve, we children each put a clean plate at our place at the kitchen table and then went to bed. Early on Christmas morning, mom would waken us. We all got dressed and gathered at the kitchen door. Dad was waiting there with the coal-oil lamp. We entered the kitchen together and went to the table. On our plate was an orange, candy and peanuts and a small unwrapped present. 

We understood that the present was from Nate Claus. When I got older, mom told me that Nate Claus was just a story; I was a bit sad that he wasn't the source of my gift. 

We played with our presents while dad and my older brother did the farm chores. When they came back in, we had breakfast and got ready for the sleigh ride to church to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Jean (65): 

Because both the extended families lived quite a distance from our home, Christmas visits in either direction were rare. We celebrated at home by ourselves. 

On Christmas Eve, we children each put out a stocking for Santa to fill. The next morning, our stockings contained nuts, an apple and one Mandarin orange as well as our gifts. For many years I received a new pencil, a new eraser and a box of eight new crayons. It was a special gift because I loved to color. My September school crayons were already worn down with the paper pulled away. Whether or not I received a coloring book didn’t matter as much as having crayons with sharp points again. 

Dad oversaw the eating of the oranges. We had to lay out and count each segment before we could eat them. By eating our orange slowly and carefully, Dad taught us to really enjoy the taste of those special Christmas oranges.

Marlene (47): 

In my childhood home, the focus of Christmas was the presents from Santa Claus and being happy as a family. Granny didn't come every year but when she did, we were especially happy to have her with us.

My mother owned a shiny green housecoat that she wore only at Christmas. She did this for many years, and so it became a tradition to have mom in her green housecoat as we opened our gifts on Christmas morning. 

When our son was 4 or 5 years old, he was very excited that we were celebrating Jesus’ birthday. As his mom, I was really pleased that the message got through. I was an adult before I understood that Christmas is a Christian celebration of Christ’s coming, so I was grateful to God that my child was developing that awareness in his life. 

Ruth (24): 

In our family, we always wrapped our Christmas gifts to each other in nice Christmasy paper and we opened those gifts on Christmas Eve. 

One year, the 12-year old me was more than a little puzzled when there was no wrapped gift from my parents but only a simple white envelope. I was upset until I opened the envelope and found a printed clue. When I figured that out, I found another clue which led me to the living room sofa. There, tucked behind the cushions was my gift: a .22 shotgun. It had been too long and cumbersome to wrap, so mom made a game of hunting for it instead. Perhaps that was in keeping with the hunting that I’d learn from my dad. Both the game and the gift are a special memory for me.