MCEC PRAYERS
Matthew Bailey-Dick will be installed at Wellesley Mennonite Church on October 6, 2024 as Pastor. Pray for Matthew and the congregation as they begin their ministry together. To share your words of encouragement and support with Matthew, you can reach him at matthew@wellesleymennonite.ca.
Pray for the MC Canada Joint Council as they meet this weekend in Winnipeg. Pray for this group of individuals from across Canada who care deeply about the church. Pray for Ben Cassels, Yoel Masyawong and Ann L. Schultz as they travel from and represent MCEC.
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. Pray for Wendy Janzen and Sara DeWeerd who are attending on behalf of MCEC.
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
Volunteer Opportunity for all ages! The MCEC Creation Care Working Group is making plans for the coming year, and we would love your help! We have set four goals for this year:
1) To host a book club related to creation care/environmental justice themes,
2) To run a social media campaign highlighting what creation care looks like,
3) To create Earth Day worship resource for churches for April 2025, and
4) To amplify ideas and initiatives happening in congregations.
If you are passionate about 1 or all of the above, or if you would like to learn more about our working group and have ideas for how to support and engage MCEC congregations in the work of creation care, please reach out to Jay Reesor and Sara DeWeerd (co-chairs) at creationcare@mcec.ca.
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). October 10 is the first meeting and will then take place 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
AMBS News – Spetember 26, 2024 and October 2024 Bulletin Announcements
MCEC Executive Summary of Annual Report Submissions from MCEC Congregations
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 at Rockway Mennonite Collegiate on Sunday, October 27th, 2:30 pm. Featuring the music of Menno Valley Sound and Rockway’s own Better Than Nothing, there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy! Special Guest, Cal Jutzi (Rockway class of ‘72), will add some Mini-Auction excitement too! Admission by donation, so pay what you can (amounts over $20 are receiptable). Proceeds support FMC’s Student Aid Program: Helping our youth attend Rockway. Please visit our FMC Facebook Event Page for more information on the musicians, auction items and more. We’d love to see you there! CLICK HERE FOR POSTER
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.
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
FALL SENIORS RETREAT AT 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
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 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.
MDS CANADA CELEBRATION BANQUET
Friday, October 18, 2024 at 6 pm at Schantz Mennonite Church, 2473 Erbs Rd, Baden, ON. Come hear: Volunteers who served at the
North Shuswap, BC project; Kevin King, Executive Director of MDS US; Ross Penner, Executive Director of MDS Canada. Special music. Tickets are free but reservation required. Contact Clara Flores at 1-866-261-1274 or cflores@mds.org
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
WOOLWICH COUNSELLING CENTRE PROGRAMS
Upcoming workshops and small group therapy (Nov.): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MddtrStd8gIMco3i2e7TAJW7mxCoVc8A8OikLSxNQxk/edit?usp=sharing All our upcoming programs are available for registration on our website: https://woolwichcounselling.org/upcoming-events/
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. Support students of Rockway Mennonite Collegiate by attending our annual Spaghetti Supper School Fundraiser at Connections Homecoming Night on Friday, October 18! NEW this year – you can also support us through our ONLINE AUCTION. Visit rockway.ca/events to pre-purchase your meals (don’t worry, you can still show up that night with cash or cheque if you don’t want to use your credit card) and to read up on all the fun, family-friendly activities and events happening that night.
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: Tending Tomorrow: Courageous Change for People and Planet – On October 17 at 7:00 PM, author Leah Reesor-Keller, Sandy Plett, and Moses Falco discuss pathways for Christians seeking courage amid environmental and social upheaval. Join in person at Marpeck Commons or watch the livestream at commonword.ca/go/3579. CLICK HERE FOR POSTER
J.J. Thiessen Lecture Series: CMU invites you to hear Dr. Bruce Hindmarsh from Regent College, on October 22-23 at 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM on both days in the CMU Chapel. The first lectures will focus on the spiritual life of early evangelicals (1700s) and its relevance today. The second day will include a presentation (with film excerpts) and discussion on “Amazing Grace” with its author, John Newton. All events are free and open to all. More information and recordings available at cmu.ca/jjt. CLICK HERE FOR POSTER
CMU Discover Day: Full- or half-day options available on October 25. Tour the CMU campus, attend a sample lecture, meet professors and current students, ask questions and have lunch and treats on us! Visit cmu.ca/experience for more information and to register.
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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