Village News

This year is a significant year for the Mennonite community and Mennonite Heritage Village (MHV):

• MHV is celebrating 60 years.
• 60 years of building a 40-acre village.
• 60 years of creating a space that all can find joy and hope in.
• We share the sacred journey of millions to millions.

• A 150 years ago Mennonites landed in Manitoba.
• 150 years of building villages.
• 150 years of creating spaces that all can find joy and hope in.
• Do we still share this sacred journey of millions to millions?

There is a lot to celebrate and reflect upon. My hope is that we all lean into our faith, culture, and heritage more this year and find the stability and goodness it has for us. As Vahid Houston Ranjbar writes in his article The Enlightenment, Materialism, and the Lose of Meaning:

When the Enlightenment occurred in the 18th century, much of humanity moved into an era of rationality and science – which also diminished the role of religion and the meaning it offers.

The Frankfurt School philosophers Max Horkheimer and Theodor W. Adorno recognized that meaning had become a casualty of the process of Enlightenment, saying ‘On their way toward modern science human beings have discarded meaning’ …the effect is such that the souls of humanity have become disenfranchised and alienated against each other.

Two centuries later and the development of a technological global village that cares little for our souls we are now needing to be very intentional about meaning and purpose in our lives. There is no longer a local village around us that supports our families, that helps us pass on traditions of belonging and wisdom for living well.

As we enter this new year let’s make it a priority to go deeper with our heritage, to pass on the stories and customs that will help our children feel more grounded and less anxious. There is still a village that will surround you and your loved ones. There is still a village that will provide them meaning and well-being for the future. But, and this is a big one, you must go to it. During this special anniversary year make sure you get you and your families a membership for your village at MHV, so you don’t miss out on all the events and commemorations.

Sign-up today for MHV’s online newsletter so you don’t miss out on the extra events we are planning for this year. A major theme that you will see in my articles this year will be the need for a village in our lives. Mennonite Heritage Village is more than a museum, we are your village. It takes a village…

Please give generously to the mission of MHV. We are the premiere site of the Mennonite story in Canada. Our heritage may be getting older, but the need for it is only getting stronger. In 2024 we expect a busy year of hosting over 50,000 people from all walks of life who want to learn from and commemorate the Mennonite journey. May 2024 be a meaningful year for us all!