January 12, 2023
By Gary Dyck
Thank you for your interest in Mennonite Heritage Village! I often hear how you enjoy our Village News from Mennonites and non-Mennonites alike. After 18 years of working overseas, it is now my privilege to work with my own culture and heritage.
From a young age, I cherished what my parents taught and lived, that there is always room at the table for another guest, and that hospitality is one of the greatest acts of love. This coming year will be a time of practicing generous hospitality at MHV. As the world gets more hostile, we want to become a place where everyone can experience well-being, good food, and learn from the Mennonite saga. We know that we have more to learn about how all our lives and cultures intersect. We recognize that to be a good host, these conversations should not be one-sided.
In 2023, we will host an exhibit about Mennonite art (Resurfacing: Mennonite Floor Patterns), followed by an exhibit about the Russian Mennonites (The Russländer). We will also continue our ‘All My Relations’ series as there is so much more for us to know about our Indigenous community and our shared history. There will also be fundraising for a renewal project for the south side of the village street, which will cost over $100,000. The 30+ heritage buildings and monuments we have will continue to enhance our museum by modeling a rich Mennonite homestead experience. Please consider donating to this project in the coming month.
Finally, thank you for your generosity in 2022! We received a good amount of donations in December. Your donations ensure the future of Mennonite Heritage Village. May you have a special year. My prayer for you and this year ahead is 1 Peter 4:8-10: “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
Upcoming Events:
Winter in the Village, January 13 till March (see specific times on our website), bring your friends and family to see the festive lights at MHV! You can skate along our trail or outdoor rink. We will also rent out skates, snowshoes and kicksleds for you to try out in the village. Then end the night with some hot chocolate. Our warming hut (located at the back of the General Store) will be open for visitors.
Exhibit opening: “Resurfacing: Mennonite Floor Patterns,” January 18, 2023, 7 pm – Join artist Margruite Krahn for a presentation followed by a Q&A and exhibit opening. This is an exhibit produced with our partners, the Mennonite Historical Society of Canada and the Plett Foundation.
Beauty in the Ordinary January 18, 7:00pm South East Artist’s Group is pleased to present a new exhibit called “Beauty in the Ordinary.” The works of art on display in the exhibit will be available for purchase through each artist.