A programme
in 4 parts
1
Migration
2
Compassion
3
Education
4
Celebration
Programme at Axone
Thursday 10
all day
12:00-14:00 • Lunch
14:00-17:30 • Reception - Registration
14:00-18:00 • Exhibition and Art
17:30-19:30 • Supper
19:00 • Door opening
19:30 • Singing
19:45 • Welcome
20:00 • Opening Show
Multi Media Show Surprise
21:30-21:45 • Announcements
22:00-23:30 • Youth Program
Friday 11
morning
08:30 • Door opening
09:00 • Singing
09:10 • Storytelling social work
- AEDE Hautefeuille + Servir
- Work among refugees in Neuwied
- The consequences of the economic crisis (Portugal)
09:45 • Music Group
Sinsheim / Raphael Klein
09:55 • Message
Riki Neufeld
10:15 • Music Group
Chorale de la Prairie
10:30 • break
11:00 • Singen
11:10 • Storytelling mission
- Mutono Bartok
- Doperse Dis
- Pontarlier - Genève - Mannheim
11:45 • Music - Art - Surprises
Joakim Dos Santos (Rap)
11:55 • Message
Philippe Klopfenstein
12:15 • Music - Art - Surprises
Julian Eisinger and Friends (Jazz)
12:00-14:00 • Lunch
Friday 11
afternoon
12:00-14:00 • Relief Work
13:00-14:00 • Exhibition and Art
14:00-15:30 • Workshops 1
Edification, sharing, sports, making comforters for refugees… See details below
15:30 • break
15:30-16:00 • Relief Work
16:00-17:30 • Workshops 2
Edification, sharing, sports, making comforters for refugees… See details below
17:30-19:30 • Relief Work
17:30-19:30 • Supper
18:00-19:00 • Exhibition and Art
19:00 • Door opening
19:25 • Singing
19:45 • BTG Choir
20:20 • Message
Wieteke van der Molen
20:40 • CH Choir
21:15-21:20 • Announcements
21:30-23:30 • Youth Program
Saturday 12
morning
08:30 • Door opening
09:00 • Singing
09:10 • Storytelling peacework
- MCC and the refugees of Syria
- CPT Europe
- Presentation of the workshop Peace (FR, CH, DE, NL)
9:45 • Music - Art - Surprises
Film "Artisan de Paix"
09:55 • Message
Jantine Huisman
10:15 • Music Group
Prai’Rythm
10:30 • break
11:00 • Singing
11:10 • Teaching
- Public school (Karl Martin and Matthias Hofer)
- Storytelling from Hamburg and Amsterdam
- Storytelling from Bienenberg and Bonn
11:45 • Music - Art - Surprises
Sandrine Rychen
11:55 • Message
Lukas Amstutz (Formation transformative)
12:15 • Music
Nohemy Ruth Garcia Soria
12:00-14:00 • Lunch
Saturday 12
afternoon
12:00-14:00 • Relief Work
13:00-14:00 • Exhibition and Art
14:00-15:30 • Workshops 3
Edification, sharing, sports, making comforters for refugees… See details below
15:30 • break
15:30-16:00 • Relief Work
16:00-17:30 • Workshops 4
Edification, sharing, sports, making comforters for refugees… See details below
17:30-19:30 • Relief Work
17:30-19:30 • Supper
18:00-19:00 • Exhibition and Art
19:00 • Door opening
19:25 • Singing
19:45 • Show Lightclubberz
20:20 • Message
Marie Noëlle Yoder
20:40 • Mosaic Orchestra & Choir
21:15-21:20 • Announcements
21:30-23:30 • Youth Program
Sunday 13
all day
08:30 • Door opening
9:30 • Worship
10:00 • Welcome
10:05 • Transmission Witnesses
10:15 • Message
Joël Driegder
10:37 • Worship
10:40 • Communion service
11:00 • collecte
10:40 • EU Choir
11:20 • Message
Christian Sollberger
11:55 • Children's choir
11:20 • Transmission & Blessings
12:30-14:00 • Lunch
12:00-14:00 • Relief Work
13:00-16:00 • Exhibition and Art
Friday, 11 May
14:00-15:30
Michel Sommer
Exploring different sermon forms (interactive, narrative…) to transmit the Word of God today
Christine Haldemann, Claire-Lise Dos Santos Graber, Damaris Hege
Stories about refugees are common in the history of Mennonite churches. My father was one, my Syrian sister is one, my daughter and grandchild may be one tomorrow. Who are the refugees in my life? Our workshop will be introduced
with a short film on the experiences in our churches.
Neal Blough
As we find ourselves in increasingly secularized, urbanized and multicultural
contexts, how do we transmit a theology that has long been linked to a rural, frequently ethnic identity? Which elements of our theology must be passed on? How do we maintain our connections to the extended Mennonite family and other churches?
Pascal Keller
Reflections on how our churches transmit peace theology to their children.
Henk Stenvers, General secretary of the Mennonite Church in the Netherlands, Coordinator of the European Mennonite conferences and secretary of the Deacons Commission of Mennonite World Conference
In Western European societies Christians are becoming a minority. What are the challenges for Mennonite churches? Are there models that can help us think about our future as congregations? What should we keep and what should we let go of? This workshop is for interested church member and leaders.
Gregory Rabus
Interfaith dialogue is about honest and open conversations with those of other religions. It involves affirming what we have in common, without denying difference. But most importantly, it means attempting to understand the way the other sees the world. In this workshop, we will talk about what we have done in Berlin to further understanding between Christians and Muslims, and we will reflect on participants’ experiences of interreligious encounter. How does listening to the other affect our own faith? What makes dialogue work? What makes it difficult?
Astrid von Schlachta
The experiences of Mennonites under the Nazi regime were complex and
multi-faceted. The same is true of the historical assessment of this period. Trying to characterize this phase of our history by focussing only on resistance to or conformity with the regime is a form of black-and-white thinking that fails to do justice to the complexity of the situation these people faced. The first part of the workshop places the problems that Mennonites faced under National Socialism within the context of the historical development before and after Hitler’s takeover in 1933, emphasizing the major developments that affected them. In the second part we will turn to the “history of memory”, looking at the different ways in which Mennonites dealt with their past after 1945.
Liliane Gerber
Poetry of Dorothee Sölle put to music by Swiss musician Peter Roth. We will be singing excerpts from this work for 4-part women’s ensemble.
Claude Baecher
The situation in every city is unique. In Geneva, church service attendance is in rapid decline. Under the auspices of Swiss Mennonite Mission (SMM), Convergences-Geneva is involved in creating a community space for people at the margins of existing churches, and representing the relevant presence of Anabaptist-Mennonite theology and lifestyle in ecumenical and protestant spheres. We recount the experiences, encounters, and difficulties of the last two years of Convergences-Geneva.
Marcus Weiand, Institut ComPax
Mediation is one method of resolving conflict between at least two parties. It takes into account the interests and needs of both sides in order to come to a creative solution. In this process, it is important to abstain from pressure, including admonitions to forgive and reconcile. We have before us parties of difficult conflicts who are in a state of inner turmoil. As David writes in the Psalms, many practically cry to God to take action for justice to prevail. In this workshop we will briefly explain the basic principles of mediation. Using practical examples, participants will learn how to leave room in the process of mediation for God to act, for the kingdom of God to grow.
Hansuli Gerber
We speak often of the church community and seldom about the kingdom of God. But what about the civil society? How do nation and society function? What is the connection between our discussion of these to the kingdom of God? We work to establish connections and discern signs of hope for our future. The
workshop involves a presentation and exchange.
Mari Friesen
All the steps and materials that go into making an MCC comforter are shown in this workshop, including basic patchwork technique and what makes it a comforter and not a quilt. Information about MCC requirements and shipments will be passed on, as well as questions answered. No previous experience is required, but a willingness to try new things will make this a
fun workshop for all – young and old, male and female.
14 participants
Timo Doetsch, Inmi Agadé
Make little cows that can be used as evangelistic tools at the Flash mob or other events, using either origami or upcycling materials.
Matthias Hofer
Participants of all ages build their world together, using 5000 wooden Kapla blocks.
Mari Friesen
Did someone in your immediate or extended family receive a blanket from MCC during or after WWII, or perhaps in some other context? Are you willing to share the story of your family’s blanket in an oral history project? We would like to record the story and an image of the blanket. Please bring the blanket along to the MERK, and sign up for a session with us under mariafriesen@gmx.ch . Languages: Your native language
Participants: Unlimited. Please sign up to receive a session appointment, by writing to mariafriesen@gmx.ch NOTE: WWII blanket recipients whoare not able to travel to the MERK but would like to share their story (or their family/friends who think their story should be hea rd) are encouraged to contact mariafriesen@gmx.ch .
Belinda Müller
Want to take a break from all that thinking and discussing and move around? Then come join the ultimate, all-age volleyball tournament. You will have the opportunity to meet new people and play in a mixed team.
Amy Montes
Lynn Kaplanian-Buller
The unforgettable exhibition “Passing on the Comfort” tells the story of a young Dutch woman doing resistance work before and during WW2, how
she helped people hiding or on the run, and how these very quilts helped her.
These quilts, now aged yet splendid in their intentional glow, were made by hand and donated as relief goods by North American Mennonite and Amish women. Together with the film and information panels, these twenty quilts should be seen in connection with the biographical book full of gripping true tales, which show the power of practical help, freely given.
Free guided tour at La Roselière for up to 30 participants per session
Robert Kauffmann reports on his physical and spiritual journey along the Camino, illustrated by many photos
Friday, 11 May
16:00-17:30
Anne-Cathy Graber
Seeking Christian unity is not an optional mission reserved for a few: it responds to the very prayer of Jesus
Christian Hirschler, Daniel Nussbaumer, Daniel Goldschmidt, Fabienne Weber (CdS); Wolfgang Seibel (MH), Jakob Kikkert (dWW), Matthias Hofer (SMM), Doug et Naomi Enns (MCC)
n the 17th century, Dutch Mennonites rose to assist their expropriated Swiss fellow Anabaptists. The River Rhine served to transport people and relief goods. Since 2012 this route is once again being used for the same purposes, this time using trucks, bringing urgently needed material relief to refugees in the Middle East.
Janie Blough
Singing especially the congregational songs plays an essential role in the development and transmission of faith. It forms the identity of the congregation and contributes to destroy the walls of separation and promotes unity in diversity. To enrich the repertoire of songs for your
worship, the group “Chant anabaptiste” offers songs that come from other places.
Marianne Goldschmidt, Marc Kuhn
To what extent does God’s plan, as revealed in the Word of God, influence our words and deeds when it comes to sexuality? In a maze of fear and pressure, moralizing discussions and prevention, how can we point to a path that is conducive to learning, communication, freedom?
Jakob Fehr, Aaron Kaufman
Let’s create new peace songs for our congregations! Songs about God’s alternative kingdom, about our journey of faith, about the difficulties and doubts that trouble us, about the joy of working for a more just world.
Which musical style is preferred? That depends on the creativity of the
participants! Everyone who writes texts or poems or plays an instrument is welcome to bring them along.
Stefanie & Ismael Weber, Riki Neufeld
This interactive workshop includes a presentation as well as an exchange on the different elements of a dynamic youth ministry. This workshop is led by Steffi Weber, who has a number of years of experience in international youth ministry settings. You will get inspired and motivated with ideas on discovering faith with young people.
Ernest Geiser, Neal Blough, Astrid von Schlachta
The beginning of the Anabaptist movement is reputed for the difficult
developments during a 16-month period in Münster (1534-1535). This workshop will cast a new light on these little-known aspects, to suggest a path to healing.
Fulco van Hulst, Fernando Enns (Dutch Mennonite Seminary)
For several years now, European Mennonite students of theology gather on a yearly basis for a short study conference. The goal of these
study conferences is to strengthen the bonds between (future) Mennonite pastors all over Europe, to get a deeper mutual understanding, to create friendships, to grow in faith, and to stimulate the development and growth of a European way of doing theology from a Mennonite perspective. In 2017 the conference was hosted by the French conference. The theme on that occasion was “Mennonite
identitie(s) in Europe”.
In this workshop we will introduce you to some of the outcomes of that meeting. We will share the struggles we met with as we worked on creating a shared document, but also the joy we found in formulating
a shared vision. By presenting this common effort we want to make our yearly student encounters known to a wider public.
Languages: the presentation will be in English, but conversation during the workshop can take place in English, German, French and Dutch.
Inmi Agadé
How do I welcome others? How am I welcomed ? My culture, my surroundings, my place of residence, my identity, all influence how I allow others to approach me or how I approach others. Let’s exchange our thoughts on this based on who we are in Christ, and with a look back at migration in the history of mankind
David et Aline Nussbaumer
Marijke van Duin
Climate change and the witness of the churches
At a time when “climate refugees” are multiplying and animal species are disappearing in masses, the Bible gives us hope and invites us to join God’s plan to restore creation.
Mari Friesen
All the steps and materials that go into making an MCC comforter are shown in this workshop, including basic patchwork technique and what makes it a comforter and not a quilt. Information about MCC requirements and shipments will be passed on, as well as questions answered. No previous experience is required, but a willingness to try new things will make this a fun workshop for all – young and old, male and female.
14 participants
Matthias Hofer
Participants of all ages build their world together, using 5000 wooden Kapla blocks.
Tom Nussbaumer
Join us for an international basketball tournament, alone or with your team! A great opportunity to get to know other players from different regions and countries.
Amy Montes
Mari Friesen
Did someone in your
immediate or extended family
receive a blanket from MCC
during or after WWII, or perhaps in some other
context? Are you willing to
share the story of your family’s
blanket in an oral history
project? We would like to
record the story and an image
of the blanket. Please bring
the blanket along to the
MERK, and sign up for a
session with us under
mariafriesen@gmx.ch .
Languages: Your native
language
Participants: Unlimited. Please
sign up to receive a session
appointment, by writing to
mariafriesen@gmx.ch NOTE:
WWII blanket recipients who
are not able to travel to the
MERK but would like to share
their story (or their
family/friends who think their
story should be heard) are
encouraged to contact
mariafriesen@gmx.ch
Lynn Kaplanian-Buller
The unforgettable exhibition
“Passing on the Comfort” tells
the story of a young Dutch
woman doing resistance work
before and during WW2, how
she helped people hiding or on
the run, and how these very
quilts helped her.
These quilts, now aged yet
splendid in their intentional
glow, were made by hand and
donated as relief goods by
North American Mennonite
and Amish women. Together with the film and information panels, these twenty quilts should be seen in connection with the biographical book full of gripping true tales, which show the power of practical help, freely given.
Free guided tour at Roselière
for up to 30 participants per
session
Saturday, 12 May
14:00-15:30
Denis Kennel
Based on the theology of two Anabaptist thinkers of the 16th century, we will examine anthropological principles suggesting that humans are capable of transmitting and receiving because it is in our nature to do so. In the light of
writings by Balthasar Hubmaier (1480/85-1528) and Pilgram Marpeck (1495-1556), we seek to understand the connection between human actions and God’s grace.
Philippe Klopfenstein
Wholistic mission among the neediest of the needy in Laos: Biblical principles and practical consequences
Linda Oyer
This workshop aims to discover the characteristics and benefits of this type of
accompagnement of a person who desires to grow in his/ her spiritual life within the context of the fabric of human existence.
Inloophuis de Ruimte
Missionary work is taking place on the boundary between two worlds: the world
we know and where we feel comfortable and the world of the stranger. How can an encounter with this strange and increasingly non-christian world inspire and build the Christian church? An exchange of ideas and experiences. Inloophuis de Ruimte is a mission project in Almere, anew town in the Netherlands.
Marijne Stenvers
Many Mennonites know the game of Dutch Blitz. In this workshop it will be played in a number of variations: from 4 players to more players, with the normal size cards and with very big “cards”, which make it possible to play in teams! The rules of Dutch Blitz will be explained to those who have never played the game. The workshop is meant for everyone who enjoys playing a (Mennonite) game. A moment for relaxation and fun.
Marius van Hoogstraten
For hundreds of years, “Europe” has defined itself in contrast to the “East” and
“Islam.” However, from medieval times until the present, millions of Europeans
have been Muslim. In recent years, this has become a topic of heated debate–frequently a debate about Muslims, rather than with them. Some Christians, as well as some atheists, have argued for a “Christian Europe,” leaving Mennonites, themselves the heirs of a history of exclusion, with mixed feelings. Can a continent be Christian? Is that a kind of Christianity Mennonites should support?
Who is silenced in such a discourse? Is there an alternative biblical vision society we can embrace for our societies?
Henk Stenvers, Liesa Unger
Many members of Mennonite congregations know Mennonite World Conference
(MWC) from the Assemblies that take place every 6 years. But MWC has become so much more! As a communion of Mennonite, Brethren in Christ, Mennonite Brethren and Anabaptist-related churches wants to be a global community of faith that connects Anabaptist churches and relates to other world communions and organizations. The Shared Convictions are what holds us together. Fellowship, worship, service and witness are what we do together.
Timo Doetsch
It is a time to share the different ways how we personally and how our churches transmit the faith. The basis will be parts of the ecumenical document “Christian witness in a multireligious world”. We will try to critically assess the ways in which we transmit our faith. But also encourage each other and pray for the things we do.
Doug und Naomi Enns (MCC)
How do Christians and Muslims live and work together for peace in the Middle East? What does peacebuilding look like in times of conflict, war and terrorism? And what might this mean for European Mennonites as refugees become our neighbours? MCC shares its experience of working alongside Muslims and Christians in Lebanon, Syria and Iraq.
Christian Sollberger
With an intercultural team from
the Tavannes Mennonite
Church (Switzerland).
Inmi Agadé
Dance in the history of Christianity. What is its status? What kind of dance are we talking about? What do Anabaptists say to dance? A little introduction to what
dance is or could be in our churches.
Jean-Pierre Magréault
Quelle est votre plus grande peur ? Votre peur influence-t-elle votre témoignage ? Que faire pour vaincre vos peurs ? Certaines peurs nous empêchent de partager notre foi. Comment celui qui a dit « n’ayez pas peur » peut-il nous aider ?
Frédéric de Coninck
Toute génération doit construire sa foi, en rapport avec les générations qui l’ont précédée, mais aussi compte tenu du contexte particulier qui est le sien.
David et Aline Nussbaumer
Marijke van Duin
Climate change and the witness of the churches
At a time when “climate refugees” are multiplying and animal species are disappearing in mass, the Bible gives us hope and invites us to join God’s plan to restore all his creation.
Mari Friesen
All the steps and materials that go into making an MCC comforter are shown in this workshop, including basic patchwork technique and what makes it a comforter and not a quilt. Information about MCC requirements and shipments will be passed on, as well as questions answered. No previous experience is required, but a willingness to try new things will make this a
fun workshop for all – young and old, male and female.
14 participants
Mari Friesen
Did someone in your
immediate or extended family
receive a blanket from MCC
during or after WWII, or
perhaps in some other
context? Is it still in your
possession? Are you willing to
share the story of your family’s blanket in an oral history project? We would like to record the story and an image of the blanket. Please bring the blanket along to the
MERK, and sign up for a
session with us
undermariafriesen@gmx.ch .
Languages: Your native
language
Participants: Unlimited. Please sign up to receive a session appointment, by writing to mariafriesen@gmx.ch NOTE:
WWII blanket recipients who
are not able to travel to the
MERK but would like to share
their story (or their
family/friends who think their
story should be heard) are
encouraged to contact
mariafriesen@gmx.ch .
Rehearsal for the Flash mob in Montbeliard
Tom Nussbaumer
Join us for an international basketball tournament, alone or with your team! Sports are a great opportunity to get to know players from different regions and countries.
Lynn Kaplanian-Buller
The unforgettable exhibition
“Passing on the Comfort” tells
the story of a young Dutch
woman doing resistance work
before and during WW2, how
she helped people hiding or on
the run, and how these very
quilts helped her.
These quilts, now aged yet
splendid in their intentional
glow, were made by hand and
donated as relief goods by
North American Mennonite
and Amish women.
Together with the film and
information panels, these
twenty quilts should be seen in connection with the
biographical book full of
gripping true tales, which show the power of practical help, freely given.
Free guided tour Roselière for
up to 30 participants per
session
Saturday, 12 May
16:00-17:30
Frédéric de Coninck
La fe de cada generación
Cada generación debe construir su fe, en relación con las generaciones
que la precedieron, pero también teniendo en cuenta el contexto
particular que le es propio.
Philippe Klopfenstein
What is church good for? Why do people get together at church? Which 3 main requirements must a church meet?
Sylvain Roussey
Transmitting peace in multiple languages in various European countries. Presentations by multiple groups.
Evelyne Frère Mario Leimgruber
We live in a time of demographic growth, disquieting globalisation and far-reaching crises. This leads e.g. to verbal violence (insults, simplistic judgement, generalizing, use of stereotypes…) and multiple conflicts (between individuals and systems). Christians choose to be guided by goodwill, a daily challenge. How can we develop the idea of goodwill from a concept to culture, in our everyday life?
Gerlof Born
Menno’s Travelling Table is a metaphor for bringing people together and exploring new paths. Gerlof&Machteld Born moved on in the Netherlands with their table in 2017 and will continue in 2018 around Europe. With Menno’s Travelling Table, they wanted to help local congregations and communities come together by organizing activities around the table. In the workshop they share their experiences, what does it mean to start from scratch with a dream, step out of your
comfort zone and reach out to society. Join us at the table!
Ds. Renze Pieter Yetsenga, Pfarrer in Ruhestand (Groningen, NL)
Pastoral counselling … but contextual. The possibility of living a
successful, fulfilled life. What do giving and receiving mean in my everyday life? When is loyalty or disloyalty called for? How can I practise multipartiality in conflict situations? Contextual pastoral counselling is no cure-all but an attempt to bring movement to deadlocked situations. This workshop is for church members and people with visitation responsibilities, who would like to find new ways of conversing with each other. Contextual pastoral counselling is intergenerational. Renze Yetsenga is retired pastor of the Groningen Anabaptist Church, and trained in contextual pastoral counselling at Hydepark Theological Seminary in Doorn, Netherlands.
Don Grigg
You have received the sheet music and you wish to go over the music before the main rehearsal just before Sunday morning’s service? Join us for a session with the conductor, to rehearse and to spend some time with this international community.
Jantine Huisman, European Representative of the YABS committee
As a young Anabaptist you may sometimes feel that there are not many other young people who consider themselves Anabaptist, or even Christian. But you are not alone! Across the world there are thousands of young Anabaptists, who share the same faith as you do! What
does it mean to be part of a global community? How can you connect with young Anabaptists over the world and how can the Young Anabaptist Committee help you with this? These are questions that will
be addressed in this workshop. Feel free to join in! For everyone who’s interested, but especially for young adults (16-30).
Andi Hofer (Christhof), Paul Gerber (Stiftung Wartheim)
Christhof: a home for children and youth who are at risk in their personal, social and scholastic development; they receive support and encouragement in their development, with the goal of becoming more self-confident and independent. Christhof has a standard of 8 residents
at the age of 5-17 years who are attending either public school or a similar institution. Ueli Rediger works at Bernhardsberg, a residence and employment centre for young adults. The goal at Bernhardsberg is to integrate the residents in various work and home situations.
Lukas Amstutz, Bienenberg
Every day we see pictures and hear stories. These have the power to influence our idea of a good life to the extent that we yearn and act to achieve the same. This power to influence us can be used in a worship service when the service is conducted not only in an informative but in a formative manner. The liturgy plays an important role. This workshop looks at the spiritual power of worship service customs and shows how form influences content.
Gregory Rabus
It is a Mennonite urban outreach ministry founded in 2016. With the motto “Building Community, Learning Peace”, the Friedenshaus aims to be a focal point between the local Mennonite congregration and
the neighbourhood. It has worked extensively with the Syrian refugee population and built up a community. What are the opportunities and
challenges of multicultural outreach? What is the role of the church? Where is the space for the (trans)mission of Good News in a multi-religious environment?
Riki Neufeld, TimoDoetsch
Fulco van Hulst, Andrés Pacheco Lozano
EN / Discussions : EN, SP, DE, NL, FR
Initiated by the Peace Committee of the Mennonite World Conference, the Global Anabaptist Peace Network (GAPN) is expected to start in
2018. Much work has already been done, and by the time Mennonites from all over Europe will gather for the MERK, a steering committee will have been installed to coordinate the activities of the GAPN.
In this workshop we want to present this brand-new initiative to Mennonites from all over Europe. We will share our first plans with the public, but we also intend to use this occasion to receive input on needs and desires when it comes to what such a network could bring to all of us.
Meanwhile in light of the start of the Global Anabaptist Peace Network the Amsterdam Center for Religion & Peace and Justice Studies, which is part of the Mennonite Seminary in Amsterdam, is preparing a Global Anabaptist Peace Conference and Festival in 2019. This workshop will be an occasion to learn more about this conference and festival and
about the way the organizers want to involve the European Mennonite community in it.
Mari Friesen
All the steps and materials that go into making an MCC comforter are shown in this workshop, including basic patchwork technique and what makes it a comforter and not a quilt. Information about MCC requirements and shipments will be passed on, as well as questions answered. No previous experience is required, but a willingness to try new things will make this a fun workshop for all – young and old, male and female.
14 participants
Mari Friesen
Did someone in your
immediate or extended family
receive a blanket from MCC
during or after WWII, or
perhaps in some other
context? Are you willing to
share the story of your family’s blanket in an oral history project? We would like to record the story and an image of the blanket. Please bring the blanket along to the
MERK, and sign up for a
session with us
undermariafriesen@gmx.ch .
Languages: Your native
language
Participants: Unlimited. Please sign up to receive a session appointment, by writing to mariafriesen@gmx.ch NOTE:
WWII blanket recipients who
are not able to travel to the
MERK but would like to share
their story (or their
family/friends who think their
story should be heard) are
encouraged to contact mariafriesen@gmx.ch
Riki Neufeld
A team sport in which the combination of various capabilities is needed to win. For (older) children, youth, and mobile adults.
Meet at the city square to transmit what you cannot keep for yourself! A video with the choreography will be sent a few weeks before the event which will allow some preparation. At the CME, we will have a session before the event, to practise before meeting at the square for two presentations.
Lynn Kaplanian-Buller
The unforgettable exhibition
“Passing on the Comfort” tells
the story of a young Dutch
woman doing resistance work
before and during WW2, how
she helped people hiding or on
the run, and how these very
quilts helped her.
These quilts, now aged yet
splendid in their intentional
glow, were made by hand and
donated as relief goods by
North American Mennonite
and Amish women.
Together with the film and
information panels, these
twenty quilts should be seen in connection with the
biographical book full of
gripping true tales, which show the power of practical help, freely given.
Free guided tour at Roselière
for up to 30 participants per
session
Programme for youth
Age 0-3
day care
for children
• Friday, Saturday, Sunday morning
9:00-12:00
(For children under 1 year of age who are not yet used to day care, the presence of a parent is required)
Age 4-12
input & games
Come live the MERK at 400 km per hour: a lot of fun, a lot of creativity, a touch of madness, good humor, crazy discoveries, with a team of enthusiasts … Will you be there?
Friday and Saturday
9:00-12:00
Worship, games, input, application, Art Factory
Friday and Saturday
9:00-10:30
Plenary session with the adults
Friday and Saturday
10:30-12:00
Worship, games, input, application, Art Factory
14:00-17:30
OKIDOK indoor playground https://www.okidok.fr/
14:00-17:30
Geocaching for families
Discover the city of Montbéliard and its history
(Attention: this activity is proposed in self-management and the children) remain under the responsibility of the parents)
• 9:30-11:45
Worship / “The great journey!” Workship for all ages
• 11:55
Participation in the closing service
Age 13-15
Teenage Anabaptist Camp
(TAC)
a great way to experience the EMC by connecting with young people their age and be supervised by a motivated team
• several activities proposed by the EMC (music, sport, songs, workshops, youth evenings, etc.)
• a program specially designed for the TAC (Kinball and other sports, times of interaction between us, searching for Mister X in Montbéliard, etc.)
Most members of the TAC team are bilingual French-German and speak English. If you do not speak any of these languages, register anyway, we will arrange for you to have a great time with the team and be a part of everything that happens!
The TAC will start on Thursday evening at 9:45 pm, at the end of the opening night. The meeting place will be communicated later. The TAC will end on Sunday at 9:30, before the service.
We will be staying together at the same place, in the gym at AXONE. Each participant must bring their own mattress and sleeping bag
To participate in the TAC, it is sufficient to register normally at the EMC (individually or in groups)
1- Tick the box “TAC” (A participation of 15 euros for the 3 nights + breakfast at the AXONE will be added to the total of the registration)
2- Select all desired meals on site at the AXONE.
In addition, plan 10 € for a TAC activity on Saturday (To be paid directly to the organizers)
Infos: Valentin dos Santos (Email: contact@cjms.ch ou tel. +41 (0) 79 936 97 75)
Age 15-30
workshops, sport, youth programme
At MERK, a wide range of activities is offered by young people for young people! The opportunity also to meet young Mennonites from all over Europe and have a good time!
• Friday, Saturday,
14:00-18:00
workshops for reflecting, football, volleyball, basketball, kinball, a flashmob in town, …
• Thursday, Friday, Saturday,
after 21h30
youth evenings with concerts of groups from several European countries, times of sharing, entertainment, joy!
Programme at la Roselière
Exhibitions, colloquium & workshops
Entrance: free of charge • for all audiences
Exhibitions
From thursday to saturday
10:00-18:00
Sunday
10:00-16:00
Exhibition of antique comforters and quilts
Panels by Maria Consuelo Vargas de Speiss
The Detmold Museum (Germany)
Anabaptist-Mennonite historical societies
Presentations
& colloquium
Friday and Saturday
14:00-18:00
Friday 11 May
from 14:00 to 18:00
History of Mennonites in Russia
Kornelius Ens, director of the Detmold museum, will make two presentations on Friday at the Rosalière building (in German, with French interpretation):
– At 14:00, « Why did the Mennonites leave Germany for Russia in the 18th century? The tragic consequences of the First World War »;
– At 16:00, « The emigration to Canada in the 1920s. The deportation from 1941 onwards. Relocation to Germany ».
Between these contributions, Kornelius Ens will guide tours through the exhibition of the Detmold museum.
Saturday 12 May
from 14:00 to 18:00
Historical colloquium
Saturday, from 14:00 to 18:00, five brief presentations by historians on the Anabaptist-Mennonite movement (in French and German, interpretation provided):
– The prince of Montbéliard welcomes the Anabaptists in the 18th century (Robert Baecher)
– The Peasants War at the beginning of the Anabaptist movement and its effects on the Alsace (Neal Blough)
– Anabaptist-Mennonites and the Alsatian religious context in the 18th century (Claude Muller)
– “To let Scripture set us aright”? On the varying significance of the Bible among Anabaptists (Astrid von Schlachta and Hanspeter Jecker)
– French Mennonites and conscientious objection : an uncomfortable position (Claude Baecher)
Chaque exposé sera suivi de quelques minutes de questions-réponses. Une traduction français-allemand sera assurée pour tous les exposés.
Workshops
Friday and Saturday
14:00-18:00
Making refugee comforters
From 14:00 to 18:00, it is possible to observe and participate in the making of comforters using recycled textiles. Room is given for discussion and questions relating to the tasks at hand as well as regarding the organisation this work is contributed to, i.e. MCC (Mennonite Central Committee).
Excursions
Online registrations are now closed. Please contact the MERK2018 reception on Thursday or Friday morning before 10:00 to know the excursions available on Friday and Saturday afternoon
• Registration for an excursion is binding.
Failure to attend an excursion you have signed up for does not entitle you to a reimbursement.
• Participation is limited. Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.
• Conditions for cancellation: Excursions may be cancelled if insufficient participants register, in which case the fee will be reimbursed.
Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
• Volunteer interpreters: if you have a good command of French and are willing to interpret for others in your chosen excursion, please indicate the language(s) you are able to translate into. We may be in touch with you. Thank you.
Excursion 1
Montbéliard
Excursion 4
Social services and Belfort
CANCELED FRIDAY AFTERNOON
Excursion 2
Ronchamp
Excursion 5
Montécheroux
Excursion 3
Japy / La Damassine
