we are ANABAPTIST
To be Anabaptist is to hold fast to “a faith that imitates Jesus, that rejects violence and loves enemies, that bears each other’s burdens, that lives by values in contrast to the world’s, that places loyalty to the kingdom of God above allegiance to any nation.” (Mennonite World Review, editorial)
we are a COMMUNITY
To live in community is to welcome the stranger and share what we have with one another.
we have a GLOBAL OUTLOOK
To have a global outlook is to grow as a multi-ethnic/multi-cultural congregation, and to be engaged with the wider church, community, and world through prayer, dialogue, and action.
The phrase “priesthood of all believers” describes how we view the participation of each individual in our mutual ministry and outreach according to their giftedness and as they are able. We are linked to Mennonite Church BC, Mennonite Church Canada, Mennonite World Conference, and various other organizations for education, mission, and relief efforts.
Emmanuel strives to embrace our multicultural/ethnic and inter-generational community. The worship services are geared for all ages. The sermons--presented by congregation members and guest speakers in addition to the pastoral staff--speak to most ages, while the children’s features and children’s church focus more on the younger children.
The music at Emmanuel has a refreshing mix which reflects the cultural and generational differences in the congregation. The sounds of traditional, contemporary or international music can be heard coming from the sanctuary, meeting rooms or gymnasium. The music is led by a number of individuals and music teams with piano, guitars, strings, and drums used in various combinations for accompaniment.
Emmanuel has 278 members plus other adults, youth, and children who are part of the congregation. Decisions are made at the congregational level with a council (comprised of committee heads) and deacons to provide leadership and implement decisions.
Emmanuel is a community where searching questions can be addressed in a safe and stimulating environment; where adults and youth are challenged to learn and grow, to become ambassadors in the community and world; where everyone is encouraged to become active in the church and to live out their Christian faith and principles in all areas of life.
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s t a f f
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Bob Boehr
Transitional Lead Pastor
pastor@emmanuelmennonite.com
Joel Brandt
Administrative Assistant
office@emmanuelmennonite.com
Joel is Emmanuel's Administrative Assistant, whose days are full of emailing, organizing, printing, typing, etc. He is a proud dad to a 5-year old daughter named Gemma. He has a BA in Youth Work from Columbia Bible College and an MA in Theological Studies from Regent College. He enjoys creating and appreciating various forms of art in his spare time.
Gerald Neufeld
Music Coordinator
music@emmanuelmennonite.com
Gerald is our Music Coordinator, responsible for coordinating the music ministry of the church. He is a versatile musician who sings, plays piano, guitar, and dulcimer, leads a seasonal choir, and enjoys encouraging the musical gifts of others. A former missionary in Japan for 13 years, he is also the pastor of the Mennonite Japanese Christian Fellowship in Surrey. He is married to Rie and is the father of three children.
Laura Loewen
Seniors Coordinator
seniors@emmanuelmennonite.com
Laura is our Seniors Ministry Coordinator, with a focus on visiting seniors with particular needs and providing support for our Seniors ministry. She loves the arts, and volunteers locally at Ten Thousand Villages and MCC Thrift. Recently she was appointed to the Mennonite Benevolent Board of Directors.
Ken Ha
Pastor - Vietnamese Christian Church
vietchurch@outlook.com
Ken is the pastor for our Vietnamese Ministry, which is a growing “church within a church.” He has previous pastoral experience both in Abbotsford and in the U.S. He has a heart both for those who are primarily Vietnamese-speaking and for the younger generation that is more comfortable in English. He is married to Ruth and the father of four adult children.