Authors

As you read through the weeks of Advent you will notice that there will be differences in structure, format, language and sources used. Each of the first three weeks were undertaken by different individuals from different life, ethnic and church backgrounds. As such you will see our individual interpretations of the themes of Advent. The last week we each undertook one of the days leading up to Christmas.

This group project is a part of our Missional Leadership class at Regent College, a trans-denominational Christian graduate school. Our hope and goal is to provide a small guided introduction to some themes that can be incorporated into changing our mindsets and the structures of our churches toward being more missional. While many of the devotions and applications are individual focused with guidelines for outworking, there is plenty of space for excited congregations to even reframe these spiritual disciplines and applications into wide contexts, utilizing small groups or ministry teams. 

Bio

Arlene Wu developed a clear sense of God’s call for her life at 16 and dedicated herself to His mission in the world. Her family immigrated from Taiwan to Vancouver, Canada, where during college years Arlene experienced a renewal in her faith in Jesus Christ. Upon completion of a B.A. in Linguistics from UBC, Arlene reconnected with Taiwan and began a meaningful career there as a high school teacher, teaching English, play-writing and coaching students in drama and speech competitions. In 2010 she returned to Vancouver to be enrolled in the MDiv Program at Regent College. She is currently in her 4th year. Peace, the theme of week 2, is a concrete reality of God’s reign that Arlene deeply desires to share. In her contribution to this Advent devotional, she invites all of us to practice the spiritual disciplines of solitude and prayer and dwell more fully in the marvellous peace that Christ ushers in.

Frank Klassen is a native of Vancouver from a Mennonite background. Before receiving a call to the pastoral ministry, he was a professional symphonic and operatic conductor. Since hearing the Lord call him, Frank has served as summer Interim Pastor at Black Creek United Mennonite Church on Vancouver Island, Music Coordinator at Emmanuel Mennonite Church in Abbotsford, and Interim Pastor at Immanuel Baptist Church in Vancouver. Since January 2013 he is studying full time toward an MDiv degree. For the Advent Devotional, Frank has contributed week 3 which presents the theme of Joy together with the disciplines of secrecy and celebration. Christmas Eve ends the Advent journey with the lighting of the Christ candle, celebrating the birth of Jesus, who is the Light of the world.

Jenn Baerg was born in Vancouver and raised in a Mennonite household and congregation. She has completed an English Literature BA degree and a Post Baccalaureate Degree with a Concentration in Gerontology from Simon Fraser University. Her intention upon starting Regent College was to complete an Interdisciplinary MATS degree and continue on to further graduate work. However, during Summer Intensive Hebrew it became clear that the MDiv degree with a focus toward medical chaplaincy was the true purpose behind her attendance at Regent College. For the Advent devotional, she was responsible for the first week, Hope and the fourth Sunday all while focusing on the disciplines of fasting and feasting. It is her hope that the radical nature of Advent will permeate our lives and faith to be partners in the already on going working of the Kingdom.
  

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