MCEC PRAYERS
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
MCEC Workshop: Multi-vocational 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 Christian church. Tent-making or multi-vocational 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 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
Mennonite Central Committee [MCC] Connections Newsletter – current edition and the 2023-2024 Annual Impact Report
KW TAIZE COMMUNITY
We are excited to have our first Fall contemplative services with Taize songs this Sunday. It is being hosted at Conrad Grebel University College, Sunday, October 27th at 7pm. (40 Westmount Rd N, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G6) We would love to have you join us. 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
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
ECUMENICAL WORSHIP OPPORTUNITY October 24 & 25, 2024 in Waterloo
Sing the Journey Deep: Gathering, Singing, Learning and Discussion
An ecumenical worship conference featuring special guest and noted composer Mark A. Miller.
Mark A. Miller is a distinguished composer, hymn writer, organist, and educator known for his profound contributions to contemporary worship music. Mark serves as Minister of Music at Christ Church in Summit, New Jersey, lecturer at Yale University’s Institute for Sacred Music, and professor of church music, director of chapel, and composer in residence at Drew University. He will deliver plenary sessions on Thursday and Friday.
Highlights of the Conference:
-
- Organ Recital – This free, public performance will be followed by a question and answer session. Mark Miller, who holds a Master of Music in Organ Performance from Juilliard, will play the 3,000-pipe Casavant organ at St. Matthews Lutheran Church at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24. St. Matthews is located at 54 Benton Street in Kitchener.
- Big Sing – The community is invited to participate. The cost is $10 per person. Anyone who likes to sing will enjoy the “Big Sing” from 7:30pm to 9:00pm on Thursday, Oct. 24 at St. Matthews Lutheran Church. Mark Miller will lead participants in several of his compositions, and will turn us into a massed choir. Pre-registration is required for this event. Some spaces may be available at the door.
- Workshops – On Friday afternoon, you have the opportunity to attend two different workshops presented by emerging scholars. Three of the scholars are connected to MCEC!
Workshop 1:
– Anneli Loepp Thiessen – Women’s Voices and the Church’s Song
– Josh Zentner-Barrett – Singing in Place
– Rebekah Ludolph – Expanding Our Stories Through Song
Workshop 2:
– Laura Benjamins – Sing the Journey Deep: Participation or Perfection
– Mykayla Turner – Building Trust Through Song
– Darren Hamilton – So, You Want to Sing Gospel Music? - Inshallah Sing the Journey Deep – This is a public event with a free-will donation. On Friday evening, the conference moves to Trillium Lutheran Church in Waterloo. From 7:30 to 9:00 pm, Inshallah, along with Mark Miller and other guests, will sing and lead songs from their new songbook, Sing the Journey Deep.
More information, registration details and for tickets for the Big Sing.
You are warmly invited to attend this amazing event, organized by an ecumenical planning team, which includes Mariko Ogasawara and Louise Wideman, from Steinmann Mennonite Church, and Jane Schultz-Janzen, from Shantz Mennonite Church.
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
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 and click here.
BACH VESPERS for St. Michael and All Angel
The Choir and Orchestra of Spiritus Ensemble will perform Bach Cantatas 149 and 50 on Sunday, October 27, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. at the Church of St. John the Evangelist, 23 Water Street North, Kitchener. Soloists are Elizabeth Lepock, Daniel Cabena, Bud Roach, and Rich Hrytzak; Kenneth Hull conducting. Admission is free; donations are gratefully received. 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
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.
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!
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.
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/
A MESSAGE FROM CHRISTIANS TOGETHER WATERLOO REGION
In 1944, the Canadian Council of Churches was founded to promote dialogue and sharing among the many Christians denominations in Canada. This national organization inspired a local group of clergy and laity to begin what became the Kitchener-Waterloo Council of Churches in 1962. In 2018, the K-W Council of Churches reorganized to include all the churches and parishes in Waterloo Region to become Christians Together Waterloo Region. Not surprisingly, the aims of CTWR, the K-W Council of Churches, and the Canadian Council of Churches continue to align after all this time. Today, it is on behalf of the 80th Anniversary of the Canadian Council of Churches that I write. Christians in the Region of Waterloo are privileged to have two CCC 80th Anniversary Events held locally on November 6, 2024.
- An all-day in-person learning event (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) at Mount Zion Lutheran Church, Waterloo, on
o Christian Unity and Social Justice in Context,
o Young Adults in the Canadian Ecumenical Movement, and
o Ecumenical Engagement at the Intersection of Faith, Life Sciences, and Biotechnology.
You can attend the all-day event in person or via Zoom.
-
- An evening service (7 p.m.) entitled Singing Lament and Hope Towards Peace, at First United Church, Waterloo. The music will be led by Andrew Donaldson and Wendy Wyatt Donaldson and a presentation on Climate, Peace, and Security will be given by Cesar Jaramillo, Executive Director of Project Ploughshares.
You will find full information on both events, a link for in-person registration (register by October 30) as well as a link for attending by Zoom on the poster we have attached. I commend both these events to you and invite you to read carefully the exciting list of participants who will gather for the learning event’s panel discussions.
-
- A second and unrelated item for your attention is to report on ongoing advocacy among faith-based groups in Waterloo Region on behalf of Kitchener’s Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS) and Waterloo’s Sanguen Health Centre. Both facilities anticipate having to close at the end of March 2025 because of a change in direction by the Government of Ontario. To discontinue the intervention component now available through the CTS and Sanguen will result in accidental overdoses and deaths. Discontinuing screening drugs for lethal ingredients will also lead to accidental deaths. Closing down both the CTS and Sanguen will return those who now inject drugs in a safe and monitored environment to unsafe public places. And there will also be the loss of a caring and non-judgmental community of medical professionals dedicated to this saving work.
The church I serve at present has welcomed St. John’s Kitchen and the St. John’s Kitchen Community to our parish hall for five days each week while the St. John’s Kitchen building on Victoria Street is being renovated, enlarged, and repurposed. The St. John’s Kitchen staff, our own parishioners, and the Waterloo Region Police Service support and build this community as it struggles with poverty, hunger, homelessness, mental illness, and addiction to drugs and alcohol. To remove the contribution of the CTS and Sanguen is to remove an essential member of this very necessary team. Please consider ways in which your congregation or parish might advocate for our neighbours in great need.
To inspire your response, we are attaching a letter written in late September by Supportive Housing Advocacy Waterloo Region and a video clip of Churchwarden Simon Guthrie’s delegation to Kitchener City Council, Monday, September 30, 2024. In his presentation, Simon spoke on behalf of the Church of St. John the Evangelist (Anglican), Kitchener. Here is the link.https://www.youtube.com/live/Ugi9_b6C8yM?si=xejiWWitycZu_56h&t=19074
Thank you for your partnership in the Christian community of Waterloo Region. Thank you for your faithfulness to Christ and the gospel. Thank you for your prayers which undergird our common life. Yours in Christ, The Rev. James F. Brown, Chair, Steering Committee, Christians Together Waterloo Region
ROCKWAY MENNONITE COLLEGIATE
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. “I think every parent should know that Rockway offers the best of everything…” This heartfelt quote from one of our current parents is a great conversation starter. Why do they think this? What does Rockway have to offer that’s so special? We invite interested families to join us at our upcoming Discover Rockway Open House on Thursday, November 7 from 7 – 9 pm and see what Rockway Mennonite Collegiate has to offer your family. For more information, to watch video affirmations from current parents and to register for this event, visit our Discover Rockway webpage.
MORE EVENTS…. Rockway Mennonite Collegiate has many events throughout the year. We are thankful for the support of our churches in getting the message out to you! If you ever want more information about any of our events, visit our new events page: rockway.ca/events There we list the events for the entire school year and specific information about current ones. We look forward to welcoming you to our school this year!
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
CONRAD GREBEL UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
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
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
Comments are closed.