Viewpoints

In my last article, I explained that baptizo (the Greek word for “baptize”) means to merge or saturate something to the point of transforming its essence. One of the oldest documented uses of baptizo is found in an ancient pickling recipe.

“Pay now . . . or really pay later.” This recent Winnipeg Free Press headline pointed to the close relationship between investing in education and healthcare for the very young, and the lifelong costs of healthcare, crime prevention and social support required by those who fall through the cracks.

Next to biblical nativity stories, How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss is one of my favourite seasonal tales. We read it as a family every Christmas Eve.

While we typically view this vintage Dr. Seuss yarn as a reminder that there is more to Christmas than its trappings, it offers something unexpected too. It shares an example of restorative justice at work.

We just got back from a church lunch. Sitting at our table was our young family, a couple in their early 30s and three people in their senior years: a couple and a widow. While our life situations were different, I am learning to pay attention to moments where young and old listen to each other.

What is the nature of the church today and the nature of the church to come? Will it continue to be important to organize our churches into denominational bodies or is there another way for God’s people to come together?

If, according to the gospels, baptizing people with the Holy Spirit was Jesus' primary mission, what exactly is Spirit baptism?

For 40 years, Mennonite Foundation of Canada has partnered with people to help them live generously in support of the church and related charities. Increasingly, we find donors are asking questions to better understand the effectiveness of charities.

Before progressing, we need to know our starting point

Re: "What’s ahead" editorial, Oct. 14, page 2.

1. We eat together a lot

On Thanksgiving Sunday our church celebrated the joy of baptism. It was a wonderful and diverse community event as we heard transforming stories of the young and middle-aged who had travelled unique pathways to surrendering their lives to the lordship of Jesus.

Catholics also display the love of Christ

Re: “Holy contradictions,” Sept. 16, page 4.

As Christians, we are often very prone to tip-toeing around difficult subjects. I appreciate the boldness and truth of this feature article. I agree with a lot, but have a few comments.

I was twenty-two years old when I first realized the price of my happiness was too high. I had met some Christians in a small Russian village who, although struggling to obtain life’s most basic necessities, were happier and more content than I was.