MCEC PRAYERS FOR SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2023
Pray for Anita Schroeder Kipfer, pastor at Floradale Mennonite Church, and her family as they grieve the death of Anita’s father, Hardy Schroeder, who died on Sunday, September 3, 2023. Please keep Anita, her mother Elfrieda, and her sisters Christine and Heidi, as well as their families, in your prayers. A celebration of Hardy’s life took place on Saturday, September 9, 2023, in Winnipeg, MB. You can read Hardy’s obituary here
Ben Cassels was installed to serve as Witness and Resourcing Pastor at Steinmann Mennonite Church on September 10, 2023. Pray for Ben and the congregation as they begin their ministry together. To share your encouragement and support with Ben, you can reach him at ben@smchurch.ca.
Tim Amor will be installed to serve as pastor at St. Catharines United Mennonite Church on September 17, 2023. Pray for Tim and the congregation as they begin their ministry together. To share your encouragement and support with Tim, you can reach him at patortimamor@gmail.com.
Darrell Winger will be installed to serve as pastor at Grace Mennonite Church on September 17, 2023. Pray for Darrell and the congregation as they begin their ministry together. To share your encouragement and support with Darrell, you can reach him at gracemennonite@bellnet.ca.
Pray with PeaceBuilders Community (PBCI) as they work toward a sustainable transition of leadership in peace and justice work in Mindanao and other parts of the Philippines. Pray for Witness workers Lakan and Lakambini (Dann and Joji Pantoja) as they work with the group to discern future involvement in social enterprise and peace and reconciliation training.
Hold in prayer the organizers and planners of the ‘We are All Treaty People‘ event being held Sept. 17th in Winnipeg.
Call to prayer from the faith communities who gathered at Camp Morgan, at the entrance to the Brady Road Landfill outside of Winnipeg, MB! Praying for a broad acknowledgement that Indigenous women and girls continue to be violated in society and that God is weeping with those who suffer. May there be an outpouring of justice born from the realization that our communities have a role to play in coming alongside human suffering and extending healing and hope through presence, encouragement and advocacy. May our collective attention to injustice waged against indigenous communities not be as short sighted as the media cycle but sustained and focused on the good way of reconciliation.
Please pray for MCEC as we seek someone to fill the key leadership position of Operations and Finance Director. Pray for those who view and apply to the opportunity, those involved in the interview process and for the individual who will accept the call to this position. We ask for God’s wisdom and leading.
MCEC ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2023
MCEC Fall Equipping Day for pastors, chaplains and congregational leaders – an equipping day on saying farewell, Saturday, November 11, 2023, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., East Zorra Mennonite Church. All are welcome for this informative day to talk about green funerals, funeral planning, advanced care planning, MAID (Medical assistance in dying) and palliative care. Bring your leadership teams. Hear stories from experts, pastors, practitioners and family. Registration is now open at mcec.ca.
Help Build a Future of Peace in Mindanao – the Future of Ministry in Philippines. October 17, 2023, 2 – 4:30 p.m., MCEC 50 Kent Ave., Kitchener. Join MCEC, Joji Pantoja (MC Canada Witness Worker), Ka Boyet Ongkiko and Tala Bautista from the Philippines on their information and fundraising tour in Ontario. Dann and Joji Pantoja have served the socially and economically vulnerable people in the conflicted Mindanao region of the Philippines for many years. Discover and be a part of the exciting final stages of a transition plan from MC Canada Witness to Tala and Boyet’s capable leadership as the younger, Indigenous generation. The Malipayon Peace Hub will provide a sustainable pathway for PBCI and CFP to serve their communities into the future. Light refreshments will be served. More information at mcec.ca.
MCEC Financial Update Zoom Call. November 8, 2023, 7 p.m., online. Save the Date. Hear the MCEC financial story at this time of the fiscal year. More information will follow. This event is open to pastors, treasurers, councils and all other interested persons.
Join the MCEC Video Challenge! Join the congregations who have already responded! How are you or your congregation being transformed? Where is your inspiration coming from? What do you feel called into? Make your own short video sharing what you and your congregation are excited about. Videos will be premiered at Annual Church Gathering in Leamington, ON next April. What an amazing story it will be of how God is transforming, inspiring and calling people and congregations across MCEC. More information at mcec.ca.
MCEC Pastor’s Retreat, September 28, 2023, 9 a.m to 3:30 p.m., Ingersoll, ON. A day for pastors and chaplains to set aside for retreat, encouragement and rejuvenation. Consider gifting this day to your pastor or chaplain. Registration is open at mcec.ca.
Voices Together Resource Day, October 28, 2023, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Shantz Mennonite Church, Baden, ON. A day set aside for worship leaders, worship lovers, musicians, pastors and congregational leaders to explore the music and resources from, Voices Together. An evening hymn sing will close our worship. Registration is open at mcec.ca.
MCEC Seeks an Operations and Finance Director. Are you a strategic and collaborative leader with experience leading Finance and at least one of the other key Operations functions of general Operations, Human Resources, Risk Management, Information Technology and/or Communications? Join the MCEC staff team in Kitchener, ON. This person will be a strategic thinker, experience serving on an executive team, is able to think long-term while also able to shape the appropriate execution through the Operations team. The Operations & Finance Director plays a key role in the day-to-day operations of MCEC, ensuring that MCEC’s practices demonstrate good stewardship, meet industry best standards and adhere to charitable law requirements. This is a full-time, permanent position. More information at mcec.ca.
ONLINE PUBLICATIONS FOR SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2023
House of Friendship Your Friendship News Fall 2023 and previous issues
Jubilation Male Chorus Recruitment Fall 2023
MCC Bulletin Announcements current edition and Church Connections current edition
MEDA The Marketplace September/October 2023 issue
MWC [Mennonite World Conference] MWC Prayer Network September 2023
PiE [Pastors in Exile] UPCOMING EVENTS FOR YOUNG ADULTS
Pastors in Exile (PiE) is excited to gear up for fall programming for young adults in Waterloo Region. For more information about events see: https://pastorsinexile.org/fall-programs-2023/
FAIRVIEW PARKWOOD COMMUNITIES ANNIVERSARY GALA SEPTEMBER 16, 2023
On Saturday, September 16, we invite you to join us to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of Fairview Mennonite Homes and the 60th Anniversary of Parkwood Mennonite Home Ltd. at Bingemans in Kitchener at 6 p.m. The evening will begin with an elegant reception and a delicious meal. When the plates are cleared, the dance floor will open with swing, big band and 1960s music provided by KW Big Band Theory. In between dining and dancing, there will be plenty of opportunity to explore the Silent Auction. This unforgetable event will benefit Parkwood’s affordable housing for seniors in the new Delphine and Lloyd Martin Apartments and the planned expansion of Fairview’s Long-Term Care Home.
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- Tickets:
- Individual tickets are $200 per person.
- A charitable tax receipt of $50 will be issued for each ticket purchased.
- Silent Auction:
- We are welcoming new items or donations to support our Silent Auction.
- Please contact Lena Herold at lherold@fairviewmh.com to donate or propose a large, live auction item.
- Sponsorships and Reserved Tables:
- If you are interested in sponsoring a table for your business, reserving a table for your guests
- please contact Alex Normandeau at anormandeau@fairviewmh.com.
- Tickets:
Interested parties can visit either the Fairview or Parkwood websites to purchase tickets/receive more information. Please see the URLs below:
COMPASS REFUGEE CENTRE – RIDE FOR REFUGE
Compass Refugee Centre invites you to join this year’s Ride for Refuge – a family-friendly ride/walk raising funds to support the work of Compass in serving people seeking hope, safety, and freedom. Join us Saturday, September 23, 2023, or sponsor a rider/walker. Visit rideforrefuge.org/location/kitchenergrandriver or contact Karen Martin Schiedel for more information.
CLIMATE EMERGENCY VIGILS
Faith Climate Justice Waterloo Region and climate justice partners Divest Waterloo, the Working Centre, and 50by30WR have planned a series of 16 vigils to be held every Friday at Waterloo Public Square from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m., beginning September 1 and continuing to December 15. These vigils are a local response to the global climate emergency: they seek to provide for people space and time to contemplate and reflect on the climate struggles facing our world. We have also attached an information letter prepared for Christians Together Waterloo Region by the Climate Emergency Vigil organizers Barbara Schumacher, Isaiah Ritzmann, Kai Reimer-Watts, Laura Hamilton, Becky Voll, and Henriëtte Thompson. You can contact the committee at climatevigilswr@gmail.com Attachments: Climate Emergency Vigils Information Letter for CTWR
CANADIAN MENNONITE SURVEY
Canadian Mennonite is evolving. You can read about it in Tobi Thiessen’s August 25 editorial. Help shape the next chapter: take the survey.
MEDA NETWORK
- MEDA Convention 2023 information and registration
MENNO YOUTH ENSEMBLE
With the support of Menno Singers family of choirs, it is our pleasure to introduce the Menno Youth Ensemble to Kitchener-Waterloo and surrounding areas! Under the direction of Mykayla Turner and Joel Woods, this ensemble welcomes musicians between the ages of 14 and 24 to expand their musical and collaborative imaginations. Weekly rehearsals will culminate with regular performing opportunities and one major performance event per semester. The Menno Youth Ensemble is open to all voice-types and instruments, and all participants should be willing to sing.
For more information or to register for the Menno Youth Ensemble, please contact one of the co-directors: Mykayla Turner mykaylat@smu.edu and Joel Woods joel.woods@uwaterloo.ca
MENNONITE MASS CHOIR
This Fall you are invited to join as a singer in the Mennonite Mass Choir in a performance of Handel’s Messiah with the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony at Centre in the Square on Sunday, December 10th (afternoon). Monday evening rehearsals begin on September 25th at First Mennonite Church (800 King St E, Kitchener) from 7:30-9:30pm. For more information and to register go to www.mennosingers.com
SILVER LAKE MENNONITE CAMP
- Registration now open for a wide variety of fun retreats coming up this fall. Click here for more info about the retreats below… slmc.ca/retreats
- Men’s Retreat (Sep 15-17) – A relaxing weekend away to connect with others and enjoy a variety of fun camp activities. Saturday features a Russian Mennonite dinner with many favourite traditional dishes. Stories and reflections presented by host Mike Schmidt.
- Bruce Trail Hike (Sep 18-21) – Join us for a series of short-loop hikes near Owen Sound and learn about the cultural and natural history of the Niagara Escarpment. Accommodations and meals at Silver Lake.
- Fall Hike Retreat (Sep 29-Oct 1) – Stay at camp and enjoy a Bruce Trail hike on the Saturday. Everyone welcome, including families.
- Fall Work Weekend (Oct 27-29) – Help get camp ready for the winter season!
- Book Launch (Oct 1 at 3pm) – SLMC is hosting the book launch of “Childhood Unplugged” by Katherine Johnson Martinko. Join us to discuss and hear advice about how to get kids off screens and find balance. Location: Community Room at 50 Kent Ave, Kitchener.
ABNER MARTIN MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP — REVISED
The Abner Martin Music Scholarship ($4,000 value last year) is awarded annually by Menno Singers to a student who: 1) will be enrolled in a full-time music major or minor program at the undergraduate or graduate level in 2023-2024); 2) is affiliated with an MCEC congregation; and 3) has demonstrated involvement and proficiency in musical activities in church and community. Applications must be received by September 22, 2023. For more information and/or an application form contact Lewis Brubacher, lbrubacher@sympatico.ca, or call him at 519-884-3072.
DETWEILER MEETINGHOUSE
Detweiler Meetinghouse, 3445 Roseville Rd., Ayr, will be one of the 20 sites for Doors Open Waterloo Region, September 16, 10-4. We welcome visitors to see the restored 1855 stone meetinghouse and learn about its 1990s restoration. A self-guided tour of the adjoining Roseville Mennonite cemetery will highlight about 10 people buried there. Information is online at Doors Open Waterloo Region, detweilermeetinghouse.ca or contact mlroes@sympatico.ca.
SHALOM COUNSELLING SERVICES
Shalom Counselling Service’s 10,000 Steps for Mental Health will begin at Shalom Counselling Services (9 Avondale Ave. S., Waterloo) on Saturday, September 16, 2023. Registration begins at 9 am with an official send off at 9:30 am. Participants will travel a route to the Iron Horse Trail, along the trail, and back to Shalom.
Join us to walk and support more affordable, accessible counselling services in Waterloo Region. Sign up on our website at: https://shalomcounselling.org/steps
After the walk their will be a community block party celebrating Shalom Counselling Services 40th Anniversary. Please come out and support local mental health resources.
INNOVATE
Have you ever wondered what it might look like to follow Jesus into your neighbourhood? To see your workplace, home, and regular life as a place of discipleship and mission? Join INNOVATE for a one-day workshop on September 23 to discover how to imitate Jesus in building a disciple-making culture, wherever God has placed you!
Listen to stories and teaching from experienced practitioners. Go deeper into understanding Covenant relationship and Kingdom responsibility, evaluating where you are now, and setting goals for change! Individuals and/or teams are welcome!
This workshop will be held at 50 Kent Ave. in Kitchener. Cost is $35 per person (an 85% discount). Registration information can be found at innovatebethechange.ca/training.
HIDDEN ACRES
Hidden Acres will be hosting our annual Seniors Fall Retreat on Monday October 2nd. The theme is Songs that Shape and Reshape Us. Our resource person is Ingrid Loepp Thiessen. Doug Cressman will accompany the singing. Cost is $50 per person, registration is limited. Click here for brochure The link for registration can be found here.
HOUSE OF FRIENDSHIP ANNUAL COMMUNITY GATHERING
This year’s Friendship Dinner, House of Friendship’s annual community gathering, puts the spotlight on youth!
IF I HAD ONE WISH…
Every parent has big dreams for their children’s future. And every parent knows that nail-biting fear of how to get there. This is especially true for families living on low income. When parents are struggling to make ends meet, wishes for a bright, happy future for their children can seem out of reach.
But with the right supports, youth can not only dream of a bright future – they can see those dreams and wishes become a reality!
Friendship Dinner is your time to celebrate the inspiring youth who are overcoming the odds, and how you can help them become our future leaders!
Saturday, October 29
5 to 9 p.m.
Bingemans Conference Centre
More info and tickets at www.houseoffriendship.org/friendshipdinner
CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY [CMU]
Xplore – CMU’s Xplore extended ed program that investigates dimensions of the Christian faith, our world, and life in it—all without assignments or exams! Join one or more in-person or online courses beginning October 3 and 4. For more information and to register visit cmu.ca/xplore.
CONRAD GREBEL UNIVERSITY COLLEGE — nothing at this point
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