MCEC PRAYERS
Pray for Al Rempel, MCEC Regional Minister, and his wife Brenda as they grieve the loss of Brenda’s mother, Elma Rempel, who died this past week. Funeral arrangements are pending. Please pray for Al and Brenda as they travel to Manitoba.
Pray for Benin Bible Institute, an interdenominational Bible school that offers leadership training for churches in Benin. St. Jacobs, Poole and Wanner Mennonite churches have been long-term supporters of this important ministry. Currently, visitors from Benin are in Ontario as part of a regular exchange, fostering relationships and strengthening connections with their Canadian partners. Pray that their time together will be rich in fellowship, spiritually fulfilling, and mutually edifying for everyone involved.
Pray for Nhien Pham and Garry Janzen, from Mennonite Church BC, as they travel in Vietnam and serve the Evangelical Mennonite Church Vietnam (EMCV) with training courses based on Palmer Becker’s Anabaptist Essentials. EMCV has requested more basic-level Anabaptist training for church leaders. Pray for safety in travel, and life-changing response to the training.
Hold in prayer the gathering of Indigenous Relations and Climate Action working group leaders from the 5 regional churches of MC Canada, including MCEC, gathering in Pinawa, MB from Oct. 4-6. The weekend will be a time to learn what each other are up to in the regions, develop shared goals and postures of engagement and build community around the ministries we hold in common towards the healing of relationships with Indigenous neighbours and creation.
Continue to pray for areas in the world who cry out for peace. We grieve for all who have experienced the horrors of war and violence. May God bring comfort, healing, and justice to those suffering. Lord, have mercy on us and hear our prayers for peace and reconciliation in these troubled regions.
MCEC ANNOUNCEMENTS
Wendy Janzen, MCEC Eco-Minister, and Herb Sawatzky, pastor of Bethany Mennonite Church, invite you to join in a monthly prayer for our planet. Let’s come together to pray for our concerns around climate justice (ways that climate change has unequal impacts on marginalized and vulnerable populations, both human and more-than-human). The second Thursday of the month, for 30 minutes, beginning at 11:15a.m. Sign up for the Zoom link at mcec.ca.
MCEC Pastors Fall Retreat – Meeting God in the Old Testament: Hearing the Advent Voices. Thursday, October 17, 2024, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Thamesford, ON. Join Zac Klassen and Tanya Dyck Steinmann for a transformative pastor retreat as we renew our faith, nourish our souls and equip ourselves for the sacred season of Advent. We will delve into the prophetic voices of the Old Testament, exploring their significance during Advent. Register at mcec.ca/events.
MCEC Junior Youth Fall Event – Healthy Friendships – October 20, 2024, 1 – 5 p.m, UMEI Christian High School, Leamington, ON. What does it mean to be a good friend? What did Jesus teach us about how to have healthy friendships? Join us at UMEI in Leamington as we dig deeper into creating meaningful friendships! Register at mcec.ca/events.
MCEC Intercultural Worship Gathering and Potluck, Saturday, October 26, 2024, 4 – 6 p.m, First Hmong Mennonite Church. We warmly invite everyone to join us for a special time of worship, unity, and celebration, as various congregations come together to honour our diversity in Christ. This year’s speaker: Hruai Tu, Chair of Young Adult Ministry at Chin Christian Church (Kitchener). Potluck follows – bring food to share! More information at mcec.ca/events.
Mennonite Church Canada International Witness Sunday – October 27, 2024, Welcome to the Banquet Table: Sharing in God’s Global Feast. Congregations across Canada are invited to celebrate the relationships and gifts we have and share with our brother and sisters around the globe. Worship resources including prayers, music suggestions and sermon starters are available at mennonitechurch.ca.
MCEC Palestine Israel Networking Group presents Challenge for the Church: Antisemitism, Saturday, November 2, 2024, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Waterloo North Mennonite Church, 100 Benjamin Rd, Waterloo. How has the Church been antisemitic in the past? How can the Church resist antisemitism today? Join us for a day that calls us to a deeper examination of Mennonite thought and action. We invite churches to join us for this workshop on antisemitism, as well as a companion event March 2025 Challenge for the Church: Islamophobia. Register 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
CMU [Canadian Mennonite University] through this place September 2024
Conscience Canada Fall 2024 Newsletter
MCC [Mennonite Central Committee] bulletin announcements
MEDA Market Place September/October issue
MWC [Mennonite World Conference] Message from César García and MWC Info
Steinbach Bible College SBC In Touch Newsletter and SBC Mission 2026
MENNO YOUTH ENSEMBLE
…is excited to begin our 2024-25 season! Menno Youth Ensemble encourages youth to expand their musical imaginations and build relationships by singing, playing instruments, and leading/performing together in a variety of settings. We rehearse Wednesday evenings from 7-9pm at Stirling Avenue Mennonite Church. For more information or to register, contact our co-directors: Joel Woods (j6woods@uwaterloo.ca) and Chloe Shantz (ckshantz@uwaterloo.ca).
WATERLOO REGION FRIENDS OF PALESTINE (WRFP)
Sadly, we are facing an anniversary of the unthinkable, brutal genocide on Palestine. Waterloo Region Friends of Palestine( WRFP) is hosting an important event, a very impressive line up of leaders for a discussion “UNTHINKABLE – Gaza One Year Later“. We gather to observe the genocide in Gaza to share grief, seek hope and take action. The event is on Saturday, October 5 at 7:00 pm held at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church (Weber/Queen in Kitchener). it is a free event, not to be missed, please join us. See poster Click here to see poster
OPEN DOORS AT THE MCC MATERIALS RESOURCES WAREHOUSE, NEW HAMBURG
On Saturday October 5th, the MCC Material Resources warehouse in New Hamburg is opening its doors and welcoming visitors to an event for the whole family with games, snacks and hands-on activities for all ages. The whole family can enjoy activities for kids, pack a kit or two and experience the joy of community service. Admission is free, but we kindly ask for donations of large bath or laundry bars of soap (in original wrapping) to help fill our kits. The event will take place between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at 65 Heritage Dr, New Hamburg. We hope to see you there. Further details on our website at https://mcc.org/events/bucket-thanks
PiE BIBLE TRIVIA 2024!
PiE’s Bible Trivia for Grownups fundraiser is back and in person again! Join us on Sunday, October 6th from 7:00-9:00 PM at WK United Mennonite Church to test out your knowledge of the end of the book of Daniel (Chapters 8-12)!
To participate: form a team of up to six member’s, sign up at https://pastorsinexile.org/2024-bible-trivia-for-grownups/, read the chapters in Daniel, and start asking family and friends if they would like to sponsor your team. This year again, all donations will go to support PiE’s affirming ministry with the LGBTQ+ community. For more information or questions contact admin@pastorsinexile.org
For those who may not be familiar with us: Pastors in Exile (PiE) is a progressive and affirming community-based ministry that seeks to empower young adults as they explore and deepen the spiritual meaning of their lives, world, work, and activism. Inspired by the Anabaptist Mennonite faith tradition, PiE brings together young adults from many denominations and spiritualities as well as those who are in a place of questioning their spiritual identity. The work of PiE includes facilitating groups, hosting retreats, providing pastoral care for young adults in our community, engaging in intergenerational dialogue, and supporting young adults to find a spiritual home. PiE is a registered charitable organization. If you have any more questions please connect with us on our website (https://pastorsinexile.org) or at our email admin@pastorsinexile.org.
DYING TO KNOW
Supporting someone who is dying or grieving starts with conversation and the right information. What if you could have all of your questions about death, dying and grief answered in a safe space? On Oct 19th you can get started. Dying to Know is a one-day conference hosted in partnership by Hospice Waterloo Region and St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. For more info and to register www.dyingtoknow.ca
FUND RAISER CONCERT EVENT
First Mennonite Church invites you to a Fundraising Concert Event, Sunday, October 27th, 2:30 pm at Rockway Mennonite Collegiate. Featuring the music of Menno Valley Sound and Rockway’s own, Better Than Nothing, there is sure to be something for everyone! Bonus: Cal Jutzi will add some Mini-Auction fun! All are welcome. Admission by donation. Proceeds support FMC’s Student Aid Program. We’d love to see you there!
ABNER MARTIN MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP
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 2024-2025); 2) is affiliated with an MCEC congregation; and 3) has demonstrated involvement and proficiency in musical activities in church and community. Application deadline is October 30, 2024. For more information and/or an application form contact The Abner Martin Scholarship Committee at amscholarship@awbecker.ca
P.S. Menno Singers, a choir in Waterloo Region, was founded by Abner Martin in 1955. The scholarship honours Abner’s contributions to Mennonite congregations, and to the wider community through the work of this choir. More than 40 musical scholars have benefitted from this scholarship over the past 42 years. Many of them have gone on to make major contributions to music in our churches, schools and communities.
FALL SENIORS RETREAT AT HIDDEN ACRES
You are invited to the beautiful Hidden Acres Camp on October 7th to explore the theme of Falling in Love with Creation – For God so loved the world. What does loving God’s good creation look like? What changes in us when we pay loving attention to creation? Come join us for a day of encouragement, reflection and good food. To register visit hiddenacres.ca/programs/seniors-retreat. Click here for more details
SILVER LAKE MENNONITE CAMP
SLMC Fall Coffeehouse Fundraiser – Silver Lake Mennonite Camp is hosting a Coffeehouse Fundraiser on Sept. 28 from 7-9pm on the second floor of 50 Kent Ave, Kitchener. This will also be a sendoff for former Executive Director Karen Cornies. Visit slmc.ca for more information.
SLMC Work Weekend – Help Silver Lake close up camp at Fall Work Weekend on Saturday, Nov. 2. Come for the day or stay for the weekend. A family-friendly event with free, delicious meals cooked for you. Registration and more info at slmc.ca/retreats.
WILLOWGROVE’S HELPING HAND HOOTENANNY FUNDRAISER
Join us on Saturday, October 26th from 5-7pm and help send kids to camp with folk music, food, and friends! All proceeds go towards supporting our Helping Hand Subsidy Program – providing subsidies for kids in need so that everyone can attend Willowgrove’s programs (including Fraser Lake Camp). Tickets can be purchased at willowgrove.ca/events/hootenanny
Employment: Willowgrove is accepting applications for the position of Executive Director. Please go to the link below for additional information and to apply. Applications close October 31st 2024. Here’s the link: https://www.willowgrove.ca/executive-director-hiring
HOUSE OF FRIENDSHIP
This year’s Friendship Dinner, House of Friendship’s annual community gathering, puts the spotlight on critical Supportive and Affordable Housing programs! THE JOURNEY HOME…. Home means a lot of things. It means comfort, a safe place to turn to, or a shelter from the storms of life. But what does home mean to someone who hasn’t known that comfort in years? Or for someone who grew up in a home that wasn’t safe? This year, attendees will hear from those who have taken this difficult, arduous journey – and find out how to walk alongside these neighbours, as they find their own journey home. Join us this October to learn more about the impact of your support and be a part of a compassionate Waterloo Region, building a better future. Date: Saturday, October 26, 2024. Time: 5:00pm – 9:00 pm. Details: Three course meal followed by inspiring participant stories and leadership remarks. Location: Marshall Hall, Bingemans Conference Centre (425 Bingemans Centre Drive, Kitchener). Tickets: Single Ticket $125, Table of Eight $875. More info and tickets at www.houseoffriendship.org/friendshipdinner
ROCKWAY MENNONITE COLLEGIATE
CONNECTIONS HOMECOMING NIGHT. Rockway Mennonite Collegiate invites you to its annual Spaghetti Supper School Fundraiser followed by the Alumni Sports Challenge. Mark your calendars for Friday, October 18! Visit www.rockway.ca/events for more information, to buy your spaghetti or to learn how to play on the Alumni team!
AGM MEMBERSHIP. Rockway Mennonite Collegiate will host its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at 7:30 pm on Zoom. Visit Rockway’s AGM webpage to confirm your voting and membership eligibility by November 11. Please email AGM@rockway.ca to RSVP for the Zoom link. All are welcome.
DISCOVER ROCKWAY. Calling all families interested in learning more about Rockway Mennonite Collegiate for their child. We invite you to attend our Discover Rockway information night on Thursday, November 7 from 7 – 9 pm. For more information and to register for this event, visit our Discover Rockway webpage.
PARADE. Rockway ON PARADE! Students of Rockway Mennonite Collegiate invite you to watch their THINK float in the KW Oktoberfest Parade on Monday, October 14. Their display will get you THINKing about single-use plastic.
CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY [CMU]
CommonWord Book Launch: Transformative Moments in Chaplaincy – On Thursday, September 26 at 7:00 PM, Ken Kuhn, Interim Chair of the Justice and Corrections Committee of the Manitoba Multifaith Council, Bernie Mullins, Provincial Chaplain of Manitoba, and former prison chaplain and author Donald Stoesz discuss God at work through prison ministry. Join in person at Marpeck Commons or watch the livestream at commonword.ca/go/3973.
Xplore – “Wisdom, Tension and Conflict in the Gospel of John”, “Dreams and Dreaming”, and “Exploring our Relationship with Grief ” are some of the fall courses offered through CMU’s Xplore extended education program. Classes begin October 1; for course information and to register, visit cmu.ca/xplore. Churches may consider hosting an Xplore watch party with people from the community.
Join the CMU team – CMU invites inquiries and applications for a full-time Lab Steward position (one-year term with benefits). Other opportunities include sessional instructor positions in Psychology. Visit cmu.ca/employment for information on all employment opportunities.
CONRAD GREBEL UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
Toronto Youth Event – Get ready for a fun evening filled with games, snacks, and a time to worship together, led by Grebel students, at Toronto Chinese Mennonite Church on Friday, October 4 from 7:00-9:30pm. Ask your Youth Pastor to contact Grebel Student Services via email by Friday, September 20 to register your group. uwaterloo.ca/grebel/events/youth-night-toronto
“Leading the Church Through Conflict” is designed to help those in paid or unpaid church leadership roles think through the unique challenges of group dynamics within a faith community and how to best address and transform polarities that may arise. Plan to join us October 1 – 4, 2024 each morning online for this valuable interdenominational learning opportunity led by Dr. Betty Pries. Registration fee required. uwaterloo.ca/conflict-management/workshops
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
Signs of Peace: A Retrospective of Peace Posters | July 2 – October 31, 2024 at the Grebel Gallery. Featuring over 40 posters from organizations and initiatives connected to Grebel, this pop-up exhibit encourages viewers to reflect on the messaging and design work that goes into inspiring peace action. uwaterloo.ca/centre-peace-advancement/grebel-gallery
September 26, 2024: The Mennonite Historical Society of Ontario, along with the Ontario Heritage Trust, will unveil a commemorative plaque to be placed at the site of the Montreal River Alternative Service Camp (just north of Sault Ste. Marie). Canada’s Alternative Service program ran from 1941-1946, with over 10,000 participants, many of them Mennonite. The unveiling will take place at Conrad Grebel University College at 4:00 pm. Then on September 28, the plaque will be installed at the Montreal River site. For more information, please visit the MHSO website at MHSO.org
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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