What a delight on Pentecost Sunday to welcome Luke, Rachael, Christina, Hazel, Lorne, Greg, Rachel, Jane, and Pep as new members of Community Mennonite Church!
And within a few days, lo and behold, another new arrival...
Thanks be to God!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
annual gathering of mcec
A few weeks ago was the annual gathering of Mennonite Church Eastern Canada. Click here for a 3 minute video overview of the day...
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
What's For Dinner?
Here's an article by Rachael Gelinas, who moved to Stouffville last year with her husband Luke and young-and-growing family, and who attends Community Mennonite Church... this article was published recently in the Stouffville Free Press...
What's For Dinner?
Thinking about the Ethics of Eating
Many people these days seem to be admirably concerned about issues beyond themselves and their own well-being. People are starting to look in earnest at the big picture when it comes to the economy and the environment. We’re hearing a lot about "green living" in politics and advertising. We’re all questioning the environmental and economical impact of what cars we choose to drive, what vacations we choose to take, and what products we choose to buy. But perhaps something we don’t often think about -- in terms of repercussions larger than personal health -- is the simple question of what we eat. Talk of global economies is often in terms of oil, automobiles, electronics, etc. But the food economy also plays a central role in global economics. We can live without cars and laptops, but we can’t live without food. When Canada’s 33 million people ask themselves “What’s for dinner?” the answer has far-reaching consequences.
As my family and I have struggled with this question, on the practical level of “what’s for dinner tonight”, and on a more theoretical level, we’ve come to realize that we need to ask exactly who we’re supporting by our food choices. Are we supporting local farmers? Struggling third world growers? Or are we choosing to line the pockets of giant corporations?
Although these seem like daunting questions to ask on a daily basis, we’ve found that a couple of guidelines have simplified the issue: Be aware of how far your food has traveled. Eat fresh and local whenever possible. This happens to be both most beneficial to our health and to the environment (and arguably the economy). When buying packaged food, read the list of ingredients. If it’s longer than five items, and/or if the ingredients are unpronounceable and/or unrecognizable, try to leave it out of the cart.
As Stouffvillites, we live in an area wonderfully rich in agricultural history, with plenty of access to farmers’ markets and local Community Supported Agricultural initiatives (or CSAs). Personally, as people of faith, my family and I find that our greatest motivation to eat ethically lies in the biblical command to be good stewards of our bodies and of the earth. As Wendell Berry, writer/farmer and man of faith himself, put it: “The care of the Earth is our most ancient and most worthy, and after all our most pleasing, responsibility. To cherish what remains of it and to foster its renewal is our only hope.”
Recommended reading:
Michael Pollan’s "In Defense of Food" and "The Omnivore’s Dilemma"
Paul Roberts’ "The End of Food"
Wendell Berry’s "The Gift of Good Land"
What's For Dinner?
Thinking about the Ethics of Eating
Many people these days seem to be admirably concerned about issues beyond themselves and their own well-being. People are starting to look in earnest at the big picture when it comes to the economy and the environment. We’re hearing a lot about "green living" in politics and advertising. We’re all questioning the environmental and economical impact of what cars we choose to drive, what vacations we choose to take, and what products we choose to buy. But perhaps something we don’t often think about -- in terms of repercussions larger than personal health -- is the simple question of what we eat. Talk of global economies is often in terms of oil, automobiles, electronics, etc. But the food economy also plays a central role in global economics. We can live without cars and laptops, but we can’t live without food. When Canada’s 33 million people ask themselves “What’s for dinner?” the answer has far-reaching consequences.
As my family and I have struggled with this question, on the practical level of “what’s for dinner tonight”, and on a more theoretical level, we’ve come to realize that we need to ask exactly who we’re supporting by our food choices. Are we supporting local farmers? Struggling third world growers? Or are we choosing to line the pockets of giant corporations?
Although these seem like daunting questions to ask on a daily basis, we’ve found that a couple of guidelines have simplified the issue: Be aware of how far your food has traveled. Eat fresh and local whenever possible. This happens to be both most beneficial to our health and to the environment (and arguably the economy). When buying packaged food, read the list of ingredients. If it’s longer than five items, and/or if the ingredients are unpronounceable and/or unrecognizable, try to leave it out of the cart.
As Stouffvillites, we live in an area wonderfully rich in agricultural history, with plenty of access to farmers’ markets and local Community Supported Agricultural initiatives (or CSAs). Personally, as people of faith, my family and I find that our greatest motivation to eat ethically lies in the biblical command to be good stewards of our bodies and of the earth. As Wendell Berry, writer/farmer and man of faith himself, put it: “The care of the Earth is our most ancient and most worthy, and after all our most pleasing, responsibility. To cherish what remains of it and to foster its renewal is our only hope.”
Recommended reading:
Michael Pollan’s "In Defense of Food" and "The Omnivore’s Dilemma"
Paul Roberts’ "The End of Food"
Wendell Berry’s "The Gift of Good Land"
Thursday, April 30, 2009
pandemic preparedness
Pastor Cameron writes:
Each day as we hear more about the Swine Flu Pandemic we feel a little more anxious and perhaps a little helpless. There is information available to help us start thinking about what we can do if the situation continues to worsen. Mennonite Church Canada has a website with resources for churches to think about how to respond. You can visit that website by clicking here - and use the tabs at the top of the page for links that will help us think about what our congregation may be called to do.
- Cameron Kaufman-Frey
Each day as we hear more about the Swine Flu Pandemic we feel a little more anxious and perhaps a little helpless. There is information available to help us start thinking about what we can do if the situation continues to worsen. Mennonite Church Canada has a website with resources for churches to think about how to respond. You can visit that website by clicking here - and use the tabs at the top of the page for links that will help us think about what our congregation may be called to do.
- Cameron Kaufman-Frey
Friday, April 17, 2009
solar initiative update
- from Richard Reesor & Bruce Syvret:
Background Information
In November 2007, a group of members of Community Mennonite Church met to discuss the potential of alternative home energy sources as a means to reducing our collective carbon footprint. In particular, the group was interested in considering the potential of solar power as a home energy source. Various members of the group were involved by collecting information, consulting with potential suppliers, analyzing the environmental impact and evaluating the financial feasibility. The assessment indicated that the project seemed viable and it was decided that the next step was to proceed with the installation of a PV solar system on the home of one of the members as a prototype. A 2.52 kW system was installed in September of 2008 and connected to the Ontario electrical grid in late October. The following is a summary of the results to date.
Energy Production Summary
Projected Actual
Month kWh kWh
November 140 130
December 120 120
January 151 160
February 195 200
March 256 270
April 289 170 (Apr 1-15)
Total 1151 1050
Financial Analysis
The system installed was under the Standard Offer Program (SOP) which pays $0.42 /kWh. Annual energy production is estimated to be 2957 kWh, resulting in annual revenues of $1,242. The electricity generated is roughly 2/3 of the annual electricity used by the home. The cost of the system installed, net of rebates, is approximately $20,000. The payback period is estimated to be 16 years, representing a 6-7% return on investment.
A recent change to the SOP has raised the price of the generated energy to $0.80 /kWh. This change has dramatically changed the financial viability of the project. As a result, a PV roof mounted solar system installed under the new price structure will generate annual revenues equal to approximately 9% of the cost of the system indicating a payback period of roughly 11 years. As an example, a $20,000 system would generate roughly $1,800 per year in electricity. Annual maintenance costs for the life of the contract are expected be insignificant.
Environmental Analysis
Calculating the environmental impact of generating solar electricity is not an exact science. However, estimates can be made. The following website, www.carbonify.com/carbon-calculator estimates that the CO2 emissions created from the generation of 3000 kWh of coal equals 2.25 metric tonnes. A careful reader of this analysis will question the logic of basing the calculation of the CO2 emissions based on coal noting that in Ontario less than half of the energy generated is sourced from fossil fuels. While this is correct, it should be noted that the peak solar generation production period coincides with peak power usage in the province. The province relies on fossil fuels to cover this peak demand period. In effect, solar generated power more or less replaces fossil fuel generated power; hence the defence for basing the estimate on CO2 emissions on replacing coal generated electricity.
It should also be noted that while this savings in CO2 emissions is considerable, compared to other typical household activity, it is less significant. For example, the above mentioned carbon calculator estimates that a medium sized vehicle driving 1500 km`s per month emits 6.6 tonnes CO2 annually. Therefore, a 33% reduction in personal car travel would have a similar impact on CO2 emissions. Another example is the household clothes dryer. The following website, http://hubpages.com/hub/The-Return-of-the-Clothesline-Debate claims that a typical dryer is responsible for 1 tonne of emissions per year. The implication is that a $50 investment in a clothes line has the potential to save almost as many emissions as a $10,000 investment in a solar generator. These examples are not mentioned to diminish the potential benefits of solar power; rather they are mentioned to highlight the importance of energy conservation as the first step in reducing CO2 emissions.
Summary Information
The experience to date has been very positive. It would appear that the initial projections for energy generation provided by the system provider are accurate. As the table above indicates, actual energy produced to date has been very close to projections. The installation was handled very professionally, with minimal effort required on my part. Based on experience to date, and the added incentive of the updated SOP, it would seem that the technology is financially viable and could be considered by other interested members of the community. However, it should also be noted that as the discussion above mentions, a solar generation installation should only be considered in conjunction with other conservation measures. As good as the financial return may be for a PV system under the SOP, other ``low tech`` solar technologies such as clothes lines and energy conservation measures should be considered as a first step in reducing ones carbon footprint.
Submitted by Richard Reesor & Bruce Syvret
Background Information
In November 2007, a group of members of Community Mennonite Church met to discuss the potential of alternative home energy sources as a means to reducing our collective carbon footprint. In particular, the group was interested in considering the potential of solar power as a home energy source. Various members of the group were involved by collecting information, consulting with potential suppliers, analyzing the environmental impact and evaluating the financial feasibility. The assessment indicated that the project seemed viable and it was decided that the next step was to proceed with the installation of a PV solar system on the home of one of the members as a prototype. A 2.52 kW system was installed in September of 2008 and connected to the Ontario electrical grid in late October. The following is a summary of the results to date.
Energy Production Summary
Projected Actual
Month kWh kWh
November 140 130
December 120 120
January 151 160
February 195 200
March 256 270
April 289 170 (Apr 1-15)
Total 1151 1050
Financial Analysis
The system installed was under the Standard Offer Program (SOP) which pays $0.42 /kWh. Annual energy production is estimated to be 2957 kWh, resulting in annual revenues of $1,242. The electricity generated is roughly 2/3 of the annual electricity used by the home. The cost of the system installed, net of rebates, is approximately $20,000. The payback period is estimated to be 16 years, representing a 6-7% return on investment.
A recent change to the SOP has raised the price of the generated energy to $0.80 /kWh. This change has dramatically changed the financial viability of the project. As a result, a PV roof mounted solar system installed under the new price structure will generate annual revenues equal to approximately 9% of the cost of the system indicating a payback period of roughly 11 years. As an example, a $20,000 system would generate roughly $1,800 per year in electricity. Annual maintenance costs for the life of the contract are expected be insignificant.
Environmental Analysis
Calculating the environmental impact of generating solar electricity is not an exact science. However, estimates can be made. The following website, www.carbonify.com/carbon-calculator estimates that the CO2 emissions created from the generation of 3000 kWh of coal equals 2.25 metric tonnes. A careful reader of this analysis will question the logic of basing the calculation of the CO2 emissions based on coal noting that in Ontario less than half of the energy generated is sourced from fossil fuels. While this is correct, it should be noted that the peak solar generation production period coincides with peak power usage in the province. The province relies on fossil fuels to cover this peak demand period. In effect, solar generated power more or less replaces fossil fuel generated power; hence the defence for basing the estimate on CO2 emissions on replacing coal generated electricity.
It should also be noted that while this savings in CO2 emissions is considerable, compared to other typical household activity, it is less significant. For example, the above mentioned carbon calculator estimates that a medium sized vehicle driving 1500 km`s per month emits 6.6 tonnes CO2 annually. Therefore, a 33% reduction in personal car travel would have a similar impact on CO2 emissions. Another example is the household clothes dryer. The following website, http://hubpages.com/hub/The-Return-of-the-Clothesline-Debate claims that a typical dryer is responsible for 1 tonne of emissions per year. The implication is that a $50 investment in a clothes line has the potential to save almost as many emissions as a $10,000 investment in a solar generator. These examples are not mentioned to diminish the potential benefits of solar power; rather they are mentioned to highlight the importance of energy conservation as the first step in reducing CO2 emissions.
Summary Information
The experience to date has been very positive. It would appear that the initial projections for energy generation provided by the system provider are accurate. As the table above indicates, actual energy produced to date has been very close to projections. The installation was handled very professionally, with minimal effort required on my part. Based on experience to date, and the added incentive of the updated SOP, it would seem that the technology is financially viable and could be considered by other interested members of the community. However, it should also be noted that as the discussion above mentions, a solar generation installation should only be considered in conjunction with other conservation measures. As good as the financial return may be for a PV system under the SOP, other ``low tech`` solar technologies such as clothes lines and energy conservation measures should be considered as a first step in reducing ones carbon footprint.
Submitted by Richard Reesor & Bruce Syvret
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Thinking on the Middle East...
Here is a blog I've come across that is dedicated to dialoguing about the conflict in Israel/Palestine. Reading the stories and firsthand experiences of MCC Palestine is a good supplement/alternative to mainstream media.
Check it out. http://mccpalestine.blogspot.com/
Check it out. http://mccpalestine.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Gratitude for Christmas
by Michael Turman, who is just finishing his "Ministry Inquiry" at Community Mennonite Church, and will begin as Youth Pastor at First Mennonite Church in Kitchener in the New Year:
Can you feel it coming? The days are shorter, the nights colder, the house warmer and homier. The stores are decorated, the strings of lights are coming out, and that familiar music can be heard everywhere you go. Excitement and nostalgia are growing. Christmas will soon be here!
Strangely, such a special celebration brings so much anxiety and stress with it. We worry about the decorations, the dinner planning, the intense time management. After the presents are opened we sometimes get annoyed thinking about the things we asked for but did not receive. We worry a lot about which people we are supposed to get gifts for, and then wonder if the gifts we choose are nice or meaningful enough. Lost in these worldly concerns, many Christians develop another fear: Are we faithful enough to the spirit of Christmas? All of these anxieties reflect one thing: dissatisfaction.
Our dissatisfaction is not what Christmas should highlight. Christmas is a celebration of a miracle: the birth of a particular boy we believe brought us salvation. Is that gift alone not enough for us to celebrate? If the celebration of God's gift of Jesus is enough, then should we not be satisfied by the presences of whatever friends of family are with us? Satisfied by whatever may be the meal, satisfied by whatever we are able to give those we love, by whatever we receive from them, whether a hug, a kind word or an iPod? If we choose to be satisfied with what we have and who we are, then we can truly receive the gifts of the season with joy and give of what we have graciously, free from the fear of its inadequacy.
How can we practice this radical gratitude at Christmas? Tell people how much you appreciate their gifts and contributions—no matter how small. Teach your kids not to make a mile-long wish list, but make a thank-you list of simple things they are glad to have. Don’t believe the advertisers when they tell you that your loved ones will only be happy once they have the flashiest toys of the moment. If we are not happy now with all that God gives us every day, a few mass-produced gadgets will not change that. With hearts filled with gratitude, our holiday season can be a time of peace and joy. May God bless you with such gratitude!
- Michael Turman
Can you feel it coming? The days are shorter, the nights colder, the house warmer and homier. The stores are decorated, the strings of lights are coming out, and that familiar music can be heard everywhere you go. Excitement and nostalgia are growing. Christmas will soon be here!
Strangely, such a special celebration brings so much anxiety and stress with it. We worry about the decorations, the dinner planning, the intense time management. After the presents are opened we sometimes get annoyed thinking about the things we asked for but did not receive. We worry a lot about which people we are supposed to get gifts for, and then wonder if the gifts we choose are nice or meaningful enough. Lost in these worldly concerns, many Christians develop another fear: Are we faithful enough to the spirit of Christmas? All of these anxieties reflect one thing: dissatisfaction.
Our dissatisfaction is not what Christmas should highlight. Christmas is a celebration of a miracle: the birth of a particular boy we believe brought us salvation. Is that gift alone not enough for us to celebrate? If the celebration of God's gift of Jesus is enough, then should we not be satisfied by the presences of whatever friends of family are with us? Satisfied by whatever may be the meal, satisfied by whatever we are able to give those we love, by whatever we receive from them, whether a hug, a kind word or an iPod? If we choose to be satisfied with what we have and who we are, then we can truly receive the gifts of the season with joy and give of what we have graciously, free from the fear of its inadequacy.
How can we practice this radical gratitude at Christmas? Tell people how much you appreciate their gifts and contributions—no matter how small. Teach your kids not to make a mile-long wish list, but make a thank-you list of simple things they are glad to have. Don’t believe the advertisers when they tell you that your loved ones will only be happy once they have the flashiest toys of the moment. If we are not happy now with all that God gives us every day, a few mass-produced gadgets will not change that. With hearts filled with gratitude, our holiday season can be a time of peace and joy. May God bless you with such gratitude!
- Michael Turman
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