Vignettes

This year, the individual boards were asked to summarize their work in five-minute vignettes presented right after lunch on Friday afternoon. Some of the efforts proved quite creative. Board of Management vice-chair Glyn Allen gave a dictionary definition of "vignette" and then reduced Management's report to a single illustration: a vine-covered sign that read, "GIVE MONEY".

In an interview, layperson Dan Block asked Board of Faith and Life member Harold Jantz what his board did anyway. The Board of Communications was most ambitious, presenting a humorous video outlining its work, complete with a cartoon "board" narrator.

In the Executive Board vignette, Reuben Pauls gave an impassioned speech that explained his "heartbeat for ministry". Referring to the membership statistics, he pointed out that the moderate growth is misleading. "Statistically, we are only baptizing our children, not winning new souls" he said. He also urged delegates to make the MB conference a community of grace.

Beginning on a personal note, Evangelism Board chair Peter Nikkel expressed gratitude to those praying for them after the loss of their son, David, in a diving accident earlier this year. "Thank you for bearing with us in our pain. Pain and sorrow are compatible with joy," he said to a hushed auditorium. Nikkel also profiled some of the successful ministries of the board, particularly in ethnic work.

Lorraine Dick, chair of the Christian Education Ministries Board, highlighted the curriculum they are promoting and stated their focus: To help MB churches strengthen ministry to kids and adults.

JC,KH

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