Canadian Mennonite
Volume 13, No. 21
Nov. 2, 2009
Focus on Books&Resources
Manitoba and beyond
Mennonite writers gather to discuss the past, present and uncertain future of their particular literary genre
Winnipeg
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Manitoba’s vast and expansive prairie landscape may be known as the stomping ground for Mennonite settlers, immigrants and close-knit communities, but the fertile soil also has something else to offer.
Over the last 60 years, it has proven to foster a rich and vibrant Mennonite writing fraternity that was celebrated during the fifth international Mennonite/s Writing: Manitoba & Beyond conference at the University of Winnipeg (UW). The event, organized through the partnership of UW and Conrad Grebel University College, Waterloo, Ont., ran from Oct. 1-4. It featured the presentation of scholarly papers, readings and panel discussions about the past, present and future of Mennonite literature, and culminated with a scenic bus tour visiting the bucolic landscape and sights that inspired the writings of many famous Mennonite prairie authors.
“The real place of literary fertility are the Mennnonite communities in southern Manitoba,” said Royden Loewen, co-organizer of the event and chair of Mennonite Studies at UW. “There’s probably no other place in North America that has such a concentration of nationally renowned Mennonite writers.”
Award-winning authors like Al Reimer, Rudy Wiebe, Sarah Klassen, Di Brandt and David Bergen interacted with the crowd of about 100 throughout the weekend.
Although Manitoba writing was at the core of the event, the conference had a larger threefold goal. “The purpose was to keep memories alive among Mennonites, to use the skills of literary interpretation to understand Mennonites better, and to convey our traditions by speaking to the wider world,” Loewen said.
Uprootedness and suffering
Much of the writing discussed came out of past suffering and tension: either Mennonite immigrants meeting Canadian culture and trying to manage it, or people finding themselves on the margins of their church communities.
“There’s an uprootedness. If you look at really good Canadian literature, it tends to be written by immigrants who feel uprooted,” said Loewen.
Al Reimer can identify. Growing up with Russian immigrant parents in rural Manitoba, the famed author recalls being embarrassed by his heritage. “I was ashamed of being Mennonite. I wanted to be a natural Canadian. The Mennonites weren’t part of the mainstream Canadian society,” Reimer said, adding, “They had their own unique religious customs and they didn’t speak the language of the country.”
After a trip to Russia in 1971, Reimer confronted his heritage and changed his attitude. He embraced the Mennonite faith and started writing the historical novel, My Harp is Turned to Mourning.
Rudy Wiebe paved the way for Mennonite writers early on with the 1962 publication of his Peace Shall Destroy Many, but it wasn’t until the late 1980s and early ’90s that other writers came out of the woodwork.
That’s when Winnipeg-based Turnstone Press began publishing the works of Reimer, Klassen, Brandt, Armin Wiebe and others—writings that often grappled with larger spiritual questions previously avoided by the church.
Coming from an oral storytelling tradition, imaginative self-aware Mennonites started realizing their potential as purveyors of the written craft.
“There was a flourishing of the concept of multiculturalism in Canada, and a growing understanding of what Canadian culture was all about, and that everybody could contribute to it,” Wiebe said in an interview. “Becoming a writer was not an odd thing to do anymore.”
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A complex love
Since then, the Mennonite writing fraternity has grown into a veritable force on the Canadian literary landscape. Known for confident and questioning voices, Mennonite authors like Miriam Toews and Bergen are now considered among Canada’s best novelists.
However, the writings have changed. Current Mennonite writers have left the rural communities of their parents and grandparents, and moved to the city.
“They look back at their upbringing in those close-knit communities, and there’s a certain pathos they identify,” said Loewen. “There’s kind of an attraction and repulsion at the same time. There’s a love with a certain complexity.”
According to Reimer and Wiebe, there is also a detachment from their church and their heritage.
“More and more, Mennonite writers are not living Mennonite ethnic lives. They want to be known as Canadian writers more than Mennonite writers,” Reimer said.
“One of the things that’s obvious among Mennonite writers nowadays is that many of them don’t have that particular commitment to a particular church anymore,” Wiebe said. “The concept of being ‘Mennonite’ is in some ways disappearing more and more.”
A bleak future?
A key part of the conference was a panel discussion and roundtable aimed at discussing the future of Mennonite writing in Canada.
In the face of a growing trend to subvert traditional values in the Mennonite narrative, the writing fraternity seems to have hit a fork in the road. Different engagements of writing leave some authors worried about the fate of Mennonite history in literature.
According to Loewen, subversion is just another way of keeping the memories alive. “Just by naming it, by keeping it in our conversation, no matter how the conversation goes, we are maintaining the Mennonite heritage,” he said. “The moment you debate something, you keep it alive.”
Wiebe, however, offered stark, sobering comments. “The future looks pretty bleak to me,” he said in a panel discussion. “If we stop exploring our ancestors, what is there left for us?”
He added his concern for the complete disappearance of Mennonite heritage: “The kind of unique world we have talked about so far is in danger of disappearing in our multicultural world.”
Reimer is also apprehensive.
“It’s just a matter of time before Mennonite writing disappears as such,” he said. “It is a rich heritage, and I think there will still be people in a couple of generations that will look back—but they won’t be living the ethnicity any more.”
Others, like Mennonite historian John J. Friesen, see a niche in the collective lived Mennonite experience not yet explored. “The stories of South American Mennonite immigrants remain largely untold,” he said in the panel discussion. “There’s powerful stories that could be told there.”
Fall 2009 Listing of Books&Resources
Defenseless Christianity: Anabaptism for a Nonviolent Church. Gerald J. Mast and J. Denny Weaver. Cascadia Publishing House and Herald Press, 2009, 135 pages.
Mast and Weaver present their case that nonviolence is basic to the Christian life. The attitude of defencelessness taught by the Anabaptists is still necessary for Christ-followers today.
First Be Reconciled: Challenging Christians in the Courts. Richard P. Church. Herald Press, 2009, 232 pages.
Church declares that how Christians resolve disputes is an important witness to the world. He examines the traditional Mennonite interpretation of I Corinthians 6 and suggests that all Christians should try to avoid using the courts to settle disputes.
Jesus Matters: Good News for the Twenty-First Century. James Krabill and David W. Shenk. Herald Press, 2009, 250 pages.
This collection of essays by well-known teachers in the Mennonite Church explores why Jesus matters for us today. The writers were paired with youths and young adults, so that it is a conversation across generations. Questions are included in each chapter and the book can be used for young adult discussion groups.
Kingdom Culture: Growing the Missional Church. Phil M. Wagler. Word Alive Press, 2009, 157 pages.
In 11 chapters, Wagler outlines what a congregation should be and do in order to be missional and oriented toward God’s kingdom. Each chapter has questions for reflection and discussion. The book is designed to develop maturity among Christian congregations.
Mutual Treasure: Seeking Better Ways for Christians and Culture to Converse. Harold Heie and Michael A. King, eds. Cascadia Publishing and Herald Press, 2009, 205 pages.
The 10 essays in this collection reflect on how Christians interact with the culture of the world around them.
Nightwatch: An Inquiry into Solitude. Robert Rhodes. Good Books, 2009, 202 pages.
From 1995-2002, Rhodes and his family were part of a Hutterite colony. He reflects on his own spiritual journey, which drew him to join the colony, and provides insight into Hutterite spirituality.
A Persistent Voice: Marian Franz and Conscientious Objection to Military Taxation. David R. Bassett, Steve Ratzlaff and Tim Godshall, eds. Cascadia Publishing and Herald Press, 2009, 211 pages.
Marian Franz, who worked tirelessly at conscientious objection to military taxes, is remembered in this book. It includes many short essays by Franz herself, as well as essays by her colleagues.
History
Felix Mendelssohn: Out of the Depth of His Heart. Helen Martens. Annotation Press, 2009, 346 pages.
Martens, a retired professor of music at Conrad Grebel University College, has translated thousands of Mendelssohn letters from old Gothic German. She has written a biography of the composer showing the accomplishments and struggles of his personal life.
A Generation of Vigilance: The Lives and Work of Johannes and Tina Harder. T. D. Regehr, CMU Press, 2009, 335 pages.
This biography is the fourth major project of the Yarrow Research Committee. Johannes Harder led the Yarrow Mennonite Brethren Church in British Columbia from 1930-48 and was very active in the Canadian Mennonite Brethren Church.
A Glorious Disaster: A.D. 1100 to 1300, The Crusades: Blood, Valor, Iniquity, Reason, Faith. Ted Byfield, ed. The Society to Explore and Record Christian History, Edmonton, 2008, 288 pages.
Volume VII of The Christians: Their First Two Thousand Years is a large, hardcover book with many illustrations in colour. The Christian History Project is intended to describe the history of Christianity in 12 volumes. Visit ChristianHistoryProject.com.
The Schoenbrunn Chronicles: 75 Years in the Paraguayan Chaco. Compiled by Agnes Balzer and Lieselotte Dueck (2005), translated by Henry and Esther Regehr. Sweetwater Books, 2009, 363 pages.
When the village of Schoenbrunn in the Fernheim Colony celebrated its 75th anniversary, a collection of stories, poems and pictures was published. Henry and Esther Regehr translated the book into English so that others could access this excellent history of Mennonite life in Paraguay. It is available at hregehr@sentex.net or by writing the Regehrs at J-512 Albert St., Waterloo, ON N2L 3V4.
Worship at ‘George Street’: A History of our Transitions at W-K United Mennonite Church, 1924-2008. Karl Dick. Waterloo-Kitchener United Mennonite Church, 2008, 270 pages.
This large hardcover book contains a comprehensive history of the congregation and includes many illustrations and anecdotes.
Why Little Abraham Came to Canada: Tracing the Long Journey of our Mennonite People. David Suderman. Privately published, 2008, 168 pages.
Suderman tells the story of Mennonites coming to Manitoba in the 1870s so that his family can know its roots. Using an informal style, he connects the Mennonite story to world events at the time. Copies can be ordered from David Suderman, Box 1664, Carman, MB R0G 0J0.
You Never Gave Me a Name: One Mennonite Woman’s Story. Katie Funk Wiebe. DreamSeeker Books, Cascadia Publishing and Herald Press, 2009, 279 pages.
Katie Funk Wiebe reflects on the story of her life as a writer, beginning with her student days at Mennonite Brethren Bible College in Winnipeg and her childhood in Saskatchewan. Throughout her years as a wife and widow, she struggled to find her own voice in what she considered a man’s world.
Other Books
Building Bridges: Meditations by Wilmer Martin. Wilmer Martin. Masthof Press, 2009, 156 pages.
Many of the meditations in this collection are based on incidents from Martin’s life, either his growing-up years, his years as a pastor in Pennsylvania and Ontario, or from his travels in his work with Habitat for Humanity and TourMagination.
The Emerging Millennials: How Canada’s Newest Generation is Responding to Change & Choice. Reginald W. Bibby. Project Canada Books, 2009, 233 pages.
Bibby reports on his 2008 research on today’s teenagers and compares them to the Baby Boom generation. Although the world has changed dramatically in some ways, Bibby believes the news from today’s teenagers is positive.
Flying Canada: Fifty Years of Flying the Northland and Beyond. Clair Schnupp. Privately published, 2009.
Schnupp reflects on his years of flying in the Canadian north to teach biblical counselling. He is the founder of Northern Youth Programs, a Mennonite organization that works with aboriginal communities. Call 807-937-4421 or e-mail nym@nymministries.com.
Grief, Grace and Hope: The Autobiography of Pakisa K. Tshimika. Pakisa K. Tshimika. Good Books, 2009, 208 pages.
Tshimika was born in Kajiji, Congo, the son of a Mennonite Brethren pastor. Today, he lives in California and works for Mennonite World Conference. His life has not been easy, but he lives with grace and hope as he works for God’s kingdom.
He Flew Too High. Ken Yoder Reed. Winepress Publishing, 2009, 350 pages.
Set in a fictitious Mennonite commu-nity in Pennsylvania, this novel tells the story of how Saul MacNamara tried to bring a spiritual revival to the Mennonite Church in the 1950s. Although he was married to the bishop’s daughter, his efforts were not received with enthusiasm by the church leaders.
A Hundred Camels: A Mission Doctor’s Sojourn and Murder Trial in Somalia. Gerald L. Miller, with Shari Miller Wagner. Cascadia Publishing and Herald Press, 2009, 228 pages.
In the early 1970s, Miller and his family spent a year in East Africa while he served as a mission doctor in Somalia. Many years later, he reflects on his discoveries about Somali culture and how he responded to an accusation of murder.
A Piece of Forever. Laurel Dee Gugler. James Lorimer & Co., 2008, 164 pages.
This story, designed for children aged six to 10, explores the feelings of a young Mennonite girl who searches to understand peace and non-resistance.
Resources
Beyond Our Fears: Following Jesus in Times of Crisis. Pam Driedger. Faith & Life Press, 2009, 96 pages.
This book is intended to help congregations prepare for a flu pandemic, but it can also be used by individuals or for a group study. A leader’s guide is also available.
Just One More Day: Meditations for Those Who Struggle with Anxiety and Depression. Beverlee Buller Keck. Kindred Productions, 2009, 212 pages.
The 40 short chapters in this book are written as meditations in which the author speaks from her personal experience in dealing with anxiety and depression. Scripture passages, action steps and journal pages for personal reflection are also included.
What is Iran? A Primer on Culture, Politics and Religion. Laura Blanton Pierce. Herald Press and MCC, 2009, 96 pages.
This book outlines Anabaptist involvement in Iran, providing insight into the historical, religious and political situation there.
DVDs
Bridging the Gap: Conversations on Befriending our Gay Neighbours. New Direction Ministries, 2009, 2 discs, 3 hours.
This resource of four sessions, designed for groups to discuss how Jesus wants us to treat our gay neighbours, comes with a facilitator’s guide. The DVD avoids the extremes in this debate, but wrestles with the issue, using stories from Christians who have experienced same-sex attraction. Among the commentators are Tony Campolo and Bruxy Cavey.
From Harm to Hope: Standing with Cluster Bomb Survivors. MCC, 2009, 21 minutes.
As well as identifying what cluster bombs are, this DVD tells the story of how MCC has been assisting victims of cluster bombs. Available in English or Spanish, it is suitable for viewers from Grade 9 to adult.
Pax Service: An Alternative to War. Mennonite Media, 2008, 43 minutes.
This DVD tells the story of 1,200 young men who chose alternative service rather than military service and served with the Pax program in 40 countries from 1951-76. It comes with a discussion guide and is suitable for viewers from youth to adult.
Restorative Justice: Rooted in Respect. MCC U.S., 2009, 20 minutes.
This DVD explores how perspectives about victims and perpetrators of crime and violence have changed, and describes the importance of restorative justice in building community and restoring relationships.
Taking Action Against AIDS. MCC, 2009, 20 minutes.
As well as stories about people affected by HIV and AIDS, this DVD describes the work MCC is doing with youths in Uganda, Zambia, Swaziland and Nepal who educate their peers. It is suitable for viewers from Grade 11 to adult.
Viewpoint
Publishing in tough times
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Two years ago we invited people across our church to join us in celebrating the final payment in a long journey of debt elimination by Mennonite Publishing Network (MPN). In a period of about six years, MPN, through a combined effort involving many people, repaid a debt of more than $5 million. We still feel deep appreciation for the support and contributions of individuals and congregations during that time.
We were optimistic as we prepared the budget for the fiscal year ending January 31, 2009. In response to a board request to start building reserves, we developed a budget with a projected reserve of 1 per-cent of sales. For the first six months of the year, we got close to sales targets and it looked as though we would end the year with a small reserve.
Then the recession hit in the summer and fall of 2008. Sales softened on all fronts, but particularly through the book retail outlets. We ended the year with an overall loss of $270,500 on total sales of $3.28 million. About half of the loss was due to non-cash charges such as depreciation and inventory adjustments. The remaining portion of the loss decreased MPN’s cash reserves.
In January of this year, as we finalized the budget for the current fiscal year (Feb. 1, 2009, to Jan. 31, 2010), we knew the year would be tough. In this year’s budget, we cut overhead costs by eliminating some positions and trimmed expenses we believed were the least likely to affect sales. We set what we believed to be realistic sales targets.
We also put in place measures to stimulate sales: hiring a director of marketing and sales, and planning for an expanded version of Simply in Season accompanied by an extensive marketing and sales plan this fall. We scheduled a range of new resources and books to be released in the spring, in time for the Mennonite Church Canada assembly in early June and the MC USA convention in early July. The enthusiastic response and robust sales at both events confirmed the timeliness and relevance of these materials.
However, the economic downturn is hitting us—and many other publishers—harder than anticipated. So far this year, sales of congregational resource materials are slightly above budget, but sales of books have continued to decline and are about 20 percent below budget. Given MPN’s limited reserves, we are particularly concerned about an extremely tight cash situation as we set limits on how far to draw on a line of credit.
This fall, we are taking several short-term measures to cut costs and to bring in extra cash, while waiting for longer-term sales stimulus measures to take effect. For example, all staff are taking a two-week “pay furlough” (two weeks off without pay). We regret having to institute measures such as this. At the same time, we’re aware of similar steps being taken by other church agencies and by other companies, whether public or private.
We are stepping up marketing efforts by improving the usability and searchability of the MPN web store, planning for greater use of e-mail to notify congregations and members of new and existing resources, and establishing gift certificate capability. Resource centres and conference-based resource advocates are being creative in highlighting new resources wherever possible, resources produced by MPN and also by other parts of our church.
We hope these measures will prove to be sufficient. If not, we will take additional measures to remain financially viable so we can continue to fulfill the publishing mission mandated by the church: to help equip the church to experience and share the gospel of Jesus Christ from an Anabaptist perspective.
We are sharing these challenges in order to be transparent about MPN’s financial picture and to invite your prayers and support. Amidst the sea of books and resources available to you and your congregation are those produced by your own denominational publisher. As you consider resources for your church to use, please look first at what is available from MPN.
Take advantage of opportunities to provide feedback and counsel on what is most needed to help you and all members of your congregation to be grounded in the faith, and to share God’s good news at home, in your congregations, across the street and around the world.