OF BUILDINGS AND BREAD

OF BUILDINGS AND BREAD

Back in 2009 we were approached whether we would be willing to participate in restoring an old building to become a gathering place for surrounding communities.  A century ago this had been a school in the Mennonite village of Schoenau.  We found this structure in very poor condition. At that time we felt we’d rather put our resources into helping people instead of restorations. So it was unexpected to receive an invitation this week to attend a ‘gala grand-opening concert’ in this very building. Of course we had to go.  Getting there was a harrowing ride, potholes have grown bigger and more abundant.

Former Schoenau village school

What a surprise to see the building restored; the regional government has made this possible.  A plaque on the wall pays tribute to its Mennonite past. 

It reads that one hundred years ago this building was a Mennonite village school and is now a club. In a society where performance begins in kindergarten, the palace of culture becomes one of the most important, and usually the most attractive building in the community. 

We watched young and old gathering from all directions.  A political party took this opportunity to make a bold statement hoisting blue banners and passing out T-shirts (parliamentary elections are coming up October 28).

A young woman in ethnic costume offered the traditional welcome of bread and salt placed on an embroidered ceremonial cloth called a rushnyk - bread symbolizing the warmth of Ukrainian hospitality and salt representing friendship.  It was a three-hour event of many speeches, dances, and music making.

Molochansk Dance Troupe

Rudy’s father was born and grew up in the next village just a few kilometers down the road.  It is very possible that he may have set foot in this building.  Rudy offered words of congratulation and we left with a feeling of optimism. In contrast to so much bleakness we see this piece of history being transformed into a place of potential, the former village school now a palace of culture. 

Yesterday the Kutuzovka church celebrated their Harvest Festival.  The opening words were poignant.  “Do we have reason to be thankful this year since it has been such a dry summer with little harvest?”  The day before, the question had been: “what can we use to decorate?"

Bread tree

Bread became their symbol and thus the theme developed.  People brought what fruits and vegetables they had and in their characteristically creative way a wonderful display evolved. The sermon centred on Habakkuk 3:16-17-18.  Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vine, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food . . . yet will I rejoice in the Lord.  There is cause for gratitude - among other  things there are grapes on the vine the cost of bread hasn't risen, and the walls of a new church building are being erected in Molochansk.  It was another three hour event, excluding the meal.  

Step #1 in the process

The Mennonite Centre provided the main course.  Dema, Plov Master, presided over the new plov pot and 120 were fed.  Everyone loves plov. It is a dish of Uzbekian origin that contains meat, vegetables, rice, lots of oil and special seasoning.

Both events this week touched our hearts.  The focus was thankfulness and it was a privilege to participate. 

If you wish to contribute to the work of the Mennonite Centre in Ukraine make your Canadian cheques to "Friends of the Mennonite Centre in Ukraine" or "FOMCU." Cheques from American donors should be made out to "MFC-FOMCU". All cheques should be mailed to George Dyck, Treasurer, 3675 North Service Rd, Beamsville, Ontario, Canada - L0R 1B1. Check our website at http://www.mennonitecentre.ca/ for information on credit card donations.