MCEC PRAYERS
Pray for Marilyn Rudy-Froese, MCEC Church Leadership Minister, as she preaches at and worships with Bethel Mennonite Church on November 3, 2024. Pray that this will be a time of encouragement and inspiration, filled with God’s presence.
Pray for Norm Dyck, MCEC Mission Minister, and Michel Monette, MCEC Catalyzer Minister, as they meet with provisional congregations in Quebec this weekend. Pray that their time together will encourage congregations and leaders of hope, vision and transformation.
Lord, we lift up all who are affected by war across the world. Bring comfort to those who grieve, healing to those who are wounded, and hope to those who feel lost. May your peace take root in every land, transforming hearts and bringing an end to violence.
MCEC ANNOUNCEMENTS
Climate Jazz: Anabaptist Improv & Collaboration, November 16, 2024, 9:30 – 3:00, MCEC, Community Room, 50 Kent Ave, Kitchener. You are invited!! Join staff and volunteers from regional and national Anabaptist organizations gathering to share what is happening in their workplaces and constituencies around the climate crisis. We are eager to hear from concerned and interested congregational members, pastors, organizers and activists! Come and share ideas, challenges, barriers, and inspiration, or come and listen and dream! Register by November 1 at: https://www.mennonitechurch.ca/climate-action/climate-jazz-one-day. Student subsidies available!
MCEC Workshop: Multivocational Church? How might we have a good conversation? November 20, 2024, 7 p.m. This workshop is for your congregational teams. Tent-making has a long tradition in the Chirstian church. Tent-making or multivocational ministry is drawing an increasing amount of attention. Join us for a conversational online webinar with James Watson. Register your congregational teams at mcec.ca/events.
MCEC Financial Update Zoom Call, Wednesday, November 27, 2024, 7-8 p.m., online. Join MCEC for an engaging mid-year financial update and conversation. This online Zoom event offers a unique chance to hear key insights and ask any questions you have about our financial progress.This is a fantastic opportunity for pastors, delegates, treasurers, councils and anyone else interested to be involved and stay informed! Make sure to register your congregational teams and delegates. More information at mcec.ca./events.
ONLINE PUBLICATIONS
ANABAPTIST MENNONITE BIBLICAL SEMINARY News and Updates
BRETHREN MENNONITE COUNCIL FOR LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER ISSUES BMC NewsNet Fall 2024
CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY [CMU] Through this place October 2024 issue
COMMUNITY PEACEMAKER TEAMS Newsletter 2024
MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE bulletin announcements – current
RECEPTION HOUSE WATERLOO REGION Third Quarter Newsletter 2024
WORLD MENNONITE CONFERENCE October 2024 INFO
WORKING CENTRE Good Works Fall 2024 newsletter
MEN LISTENING, MEN TALKING – HONEST CONVERSATIONS FOR MEN OF FAITH – MEN’S RETREAT NOVEMBER 29 AND 30
This invitation goes out to the churches of MCEC, requesting that you highlight our upcoming retreat to the men of your congregation, over the next few weeks. We at Mennonite Men are excited to collaborate with Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp and Retreat Centre (our hosts) and with MCC Ontario to bring this event for men, Friday evening and Saturday of the last weekend of November. Details can be found here: https://mcc.org/events/men-listening-men-talking-honest-conversations-men-faith The registration portal can be found here: https://hiddenacresmcrc.campbrainregistration.com/ If there are any questions, please contact me. I would be happy to hear from anyone with comments or questions! We hope to see some of the men from your congregation! Don Neufeld, Mennonite Men Coordinator for Canada, mennonitemen.org 905-650-1577
RECEPTION HOUSE LAUNCHES BIENVENUE PROJECT
Kitchener, ON – Reception House Waterloo Region (RHWR) is excited to announce the launch of its Bienvenue Project, funded by Ontario’s Francophone Community Grants Program, as well as our new partnership with Collège Boréal. Both initiatives aim to enhance services for Francophone refugees and newcomers, supporting their integration into the Waterloo Region.
Building on RHWR’s 30+ years of experience with government-assisted refugees, the Bienvenue Project will adapt programs to better serve French-speaking clients. Key components include the establishment of an advisory group with regional Francophone organizations, and the creation, translation, and adaptation of resources tailored to Francophone newcomers. In collaboration with Collège Boréal, CLIC French classes are now offered every Tuesday and Thursday, along with settlement services provided by a Collège Boréal settlement worker on Tuesdays at RHWR’s new location. “We’re thrilled to strengthen our capacity to support Francophone refugees through the Bienvenue Project,” said Babur Mawladin, CEO of RHWR. “This funding allows us to meet the unique needs of Francophone newcomers and help them feel at home in Waterloo Region.”
For more information, please contact: Reception House Waterloo Region, 519-743-0445, info@receptionhouse.ca www.receptionhouse.ca
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AT CANADIAN MENNONITE
Canadian Mennonite is hiring a publisher, Eastern Canada correspondent and social media curator. Applications due November 15. See canadianmennonite.org/employment.
LEBANON EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Give now and double the impact of your gift.
With the escalating violence in Lebanon, people’s lives are in danger and the need for basic necessities is great. MCC partners have mobilized in central Lebanon and Beirut to help, providing meals, hygiene items, bedding, health services, hot meals and psychosocial support for children.
Every donation made by Canadians to a Humanitarian Coalition member is matched to a maximum of $3 million until November 3, 2024. MCC participates in the Humanitarian Coalition through our membership in Canadian Foodgrains Bank.
Donate today 888.622.6337 mcc.org/lebanonemergency
MENNO SINGERS
Saturday, November 2, 7:30pm (Trillium Lutheran Church, 22 William St, Waterloo): Menno Singers and The Laurier Singers with Artistic Director Brandon Leis join voices to present music for All Souls’ Day – ‘Love, Loss & Eternity.’ Tickets $25, Child/Student $5 at the door or from choir members. CLICK HERE FOR ALL SOULS POSTER
Sunday, November 17, 3pm (St Matthews Lutheran Church, 54 Benton St, Kitchener): Menno Singers hosts its Annual Messiah Sing-Along with soloists and orchestra. Bring a score, sit in parts and join your voices to sing (or come and listen). Admittance by donation. CLICK HERE FOR MESSIAH SING ALONG POSTER
RE-TELLING OUR STORIES: MENNONITE AND INDIGENOUS PERSPECTIVES IN CONVERSATION
Friday, November 8, 7:00 pm, Erb Street Mennonite Church. Erb Street Mennonite Church invites you to join local author, Leah Reesor-Keller, and Crow Shield Lodge founder, Clarence Cachagee, in conversation about how Mennonites can be part of the journey towards reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, addressing opportunities and challenges, with discussion and Q&A hosted by Bob Nally. Free event with donations welcomed to support Crow Shield Lodge. Copies of Leah’s book, Tending Tomorrow: Courageous Change for People and Planet, will be available for purchase and signing. Refreshments to follow.
KITCHENER WATERLOO COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA
…is excited to present an evening of exceptional music featuring renowned trumpet soloist Matheus Moraes. Originally from Brazil, KWS Principal Trumpet Mr. Moraes has performed with some of Canada’s leading orchestras and is an active member of chamber music groups in BC and Ontario. Matheus Moraes will perform the world premiere of Enescu’s “Legend” for trumpet, orchestrated by Daniel Warren, alongside the Canadian premiere of Polgar’s Concertino. Additionally, the orchestra will perform Elgar’s Serenade for Strings and Brahms’ Symphony No. 2, ensuring a captivating experience for all attendees. This event is scheduled for November 9, 2024, at 7:30 PM, at Knox Presbyterian Church, located at 50 Erb St. W., Waterloo. The KWCO is committed to making this cultural experience accessible, particularly for students. High school students and younger music enthusiasts can attend free of charge, while tickets for adults are priced at $25, $22 for seniors, and $18 for university/college students. To secure your seats, please visit www.kwco.org or Onstage Direct.com, or you may purchase tickets at the door. For further information, contact the Kitchener-Waterloo Community Orchestra at 519 744 2666 or via email at kwcommunityorchestra@gmail.com. We look forward to welcoming you to an unforgettable evening celebrating musical excellence! Please find attached Posters to share with your Faith Community. KWCO Poster – Matheus Moraes PDF KWCO Poster – Matheus Moraes JPEG
For more information, please visit or contact:Programme — Kitchener-Waterloo Community Orchestra (kwco.org) Tel: 519 744 2666 kwcommunityorchestra@gmail.com
PASTORS IN EXILE [PiE]
Pastors in Exile is hosting an Art and Activism Retreat: Nov 10th from 2-8pm at WK United Mennonite Church. Join us for an afternoon reflecting on the ways that art and creative expression can be used in dreaming of a better world. We’ll talk together about the role of art in activism, make our own protest signs, explore Biblical examples of creative expression and lament and hope together. Registration is open now and can be found here: https://forms.gle/fyCbv3AQM1cWkDhb6 or through our website at pastorsinexile.org. Email steph@pastorsinexile.org if you have further questions. We hope to see you there!
KW SYMPHONY FREE CONCERT FOR KIDS
Sunday November 17 at 2:00 pm – Free Concert for Kids Community Event at St. Jacobs Mennonite Church. Musicians of the KW Symphony present Music for Horn and Harp, an introduction to these instruments featuring a selection of classical, popular, and folk songs. Refreshments to follow. For more info contact Pauline at church@sjmc.on.ca Click here for Poster
IN THIS TOGETHER
…presents a webinar series…Faithfully at Variance: Engaging with the Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective. Webinar #1 takes place on Sunday November 17, 6pm CT. What’s a Confession and how did we get here? Join Karl Koop and Ann Weber Becker for some historical context and storytelling about the writing of the current Confession of Faith shared by MC Canada & MC USA. What about that Article 19 in particular? For more details and to register, visit inthistogethernetwork.ca/news-and-events
Trans Day of Remembrance Service- PiE invites you to join us for a time of worship and self-guided reflection to mark the loss of trans folks around the world in 2024. On November 20th from 7-8pm at Stirling Ave Mennonite Church, we’ll hold space for grief and lament together. *Allies and folks identifying as cis (not-trans) are welcome to join us in solidarity. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at admin@pastorsinexile.org
HIDDEN ACRES
Hidden Acres new “Learning IN Community” Programs – We believe that people of all abilities have been created to experience community! Our vision for “LINC” is to use its programs as a place of connection and growth for young adults with special needs. If you would like to learn more about our Day Programs or retreats, check our website at https://hiddenacres.ca/programs/linc or email cc@hiddenacres.ca CLICK HERE FOR POSTER
SILVER LAKE MENNONITE CAMP
SLMC Work Weekend – For those who enjoy physical labour! Help out at Silver Lake’s Fall Work Weekend Nov. 1-3. A family-friendly event with free, delicious meals cooked for you. Registration and more info at slmc.ca/retreats.
A MESSAGE FROM CHRISTIANS TOGETHER WATERLOO REGION
On Wednesday, November 6 in Waterloo there will be a Canadian Council of Churches’ day of learning events (10:30 am – 4 pm) and an evening of singing and learning (7 – 8:30 pm). Please register and plan to attend. Attached is the evening event poster featuring Project Ploughshares and the music of Andrew Donaldson and Wendy Wyatt Donaldson with Scott Knarr, as well as the incredible “day event” speakers list.
To register, you and your parishioners or congregation members can go to https://canadianlutheranhistory.ca/nov-6-ccc-day-learning .
In Kitchener and Waterloo last week we had several hundred Canadian Council of Churches Christians join in the Big Sing (Thursday) and the launch (Friday) of the new Inshallah songbook of global music. The large turnout made it clear that people are excited to sing new hymns and songs with leaders like Dr. Andrew Donaldson. In fact, Andrew helped create several of the hymns sung last week.
On Wednesday Nov. 6, Andrew and Wendy will be leading singers in a rehearsal from 4:30-5:45 p.m. at First United followed by supper. Please forward this to your choir and congregation members who would like a chance to learn directly from Andrew and Wendy, and then stay to sing in the evening. Please contact Karen Kuhnert or Peter Kuhnert at Peterkuhnertcan@aol.com for more information and to book supper.
The Rev. James F. Brown, Chair, Steering Committee, Christians Together Waterloo Region Click here for extensive information re events and speakers (6 pages)
ROCKWAY MENNONITE COLLEGIATE
“His (my son’s) experience of school is fundamentally different … at Rockway.” This is Rockway’s goal–to create a school experience for our students that makes an impact on them and their families. We invite interested families to join us at our upcoming Discover Rockway Open House on Thursday, November 7 from 7 – 9 pm. Meet our teachers, talk with other parents and discover for yourself, what Rockway Mennonite Collegiate has to offer. For more information, to watch video affirmations from current parents and to register for this event, visit our Discover Rockway webpage.
DaCapo CHAMBER CHOIR PRESENTS…
Word Over All – November 9th & 10th – featuring oboist Jim Mason, cellist Miriam Stewart-Kroeker, and a string quintet.
Full details and tickets at www.dacapochamberchoir.ca or by calling 519-725-7549. DaCapo’s Remembrance Day weekend concert begins with music of reflection and lament as themes of the first portion of the program, while the second part is music of anticipation and hope inspired by the spirit of the coming Advent and Christmas seasons. We are joined by oboist Jim Mason and cellist Miriam Stewart Kroeker along with string players Adam Diderrich, Xueao Yang, Rebecca Diderrich and Brian Baty.
Saturday November 9th, 7:30pm. Sunday November 10th, 3:00pm. Trillium Lutheran, Waterloo. Adults $30 | Seniors (65+) $25 | Post Secondary Students $15 | Youth & Children (18 & under) $5.
KW TAIZE COMMUNITY
We are excited to provide a service with simple songs, contemplative space including prolonged silence, and a spirit of unity where different denominations can meet. Next service: November 24 at Waterloo CRC.
Check out our KW Taize’s Facebook page or www.kwests.ca. Weekly services are posted on Taize’s Youtube page Daily audio from Taize and more can be found on Taize’s website
CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY [CMU]
CommonWord Book Launch: The Secret Treaty: A Lost Story of Ojibwe and Mennonite Neighbours – On November 7 at 7:00 PM, Jonathan Dyck and Elder Dave Scott discuss how we can forge a different way of sharing the land. The authors share stories of the West Reserve before Mennonite settlement and first encounters between Ojibwe and latecomers. Join in person at Marpeck Commons or watch the livestream at commonword.ca/go/3972. Click Here for Poster
CMU Discover Weekend – Do you live outside Winnipeg and want to learn more about CMU? Come to our Discover Weekend on November 28-30. You’ll experience all the excitement of a Discover Day, plus two nights in residence and an off-campus excursion to get to know Winnipeg. Visit cmu.ca/experience for more information and to register.
CMU Employment Opportunities – CMU invites inquiries and applications for a Sessional Instructor position in Conflict Resolution Studies. Other opportunities include a part-time Student Services Assistant with Menno Simons College, a part-time Kitchen Assistant, and a full-time Custodian position. Visit cmu.ca/employment for more information.
CONRAD GREBEL UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
Friday, November 8, 7:30 PM | The Grebel Gallery at Conrad Grebel University College invites you to the exhibit launch of Resurfacing: Mennonite Floor Patterns, with artist Margruite Krahn. Resurfacing brings to light the beautiful and practical testaments of Mennonite women’s self-expression despite the economic and gender constraints of 19th and 20th century rural Manitoba. Learn more at uwaterloo.ca/centre-peace-advancement/grebel-gallery
High School Students! Are you thinking of attending the University of Waterloo? On Saturday, November 25 from 10-5, attend the UWaterloo Open House and stop by the Conrad Grebel University College residence, right on the UWaterloo campus. Learn about the supportive residence environment that this small and vibrant faith-based community can provide for students studying in any faculty or program at UWaterloo. uwaterloo.ca/grebel/tour
Eby Lecture: Paint as Protest | Thursday, November 14, 7:30 PM. Reading socio-political experiences through graffiti and street art in conflict-affected societies. Through his field research, Dr. Eric Lepp will engage with graffiti as a spatial and temporal resource in societies undergoing social and political transformation. grebel.ca/eby
Interested in pastoral training? Conrad Grebel University College at the University of Waterloo offers a two-year Master of Theological Studies degree for people from a range of academic backgrounds. Integrate academic study and practical internships to prepare for a pastoral role in congregations, chaplaincy in hospitals, prisons, or elder care facilities, or social service work in varied settings. Full-time Canadian/permanent resident MTS students are eligible for full tuition scholarships. Learn more at uwaterloo.ca/theological-studies.
YOU CAN PROVIDE EMERGENCY RELIEF TODAY
MCC and local partners provide emergency assistance to affected families. Your donations and prayers help bring critical support to these global neighbours. To donate go to mcco.ca/volcano-relief
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