BRESLAU MENNONITE CHURCH
is seeking to fill a part-time faith formation role with the possibility of two positions, with one focussed on children (0.25FTE) and the other on youth and young adults (0.25FTE), or one combined position (0.5FTE). In either configuration, we envision these positions to support the congregation’s vision and mission through worship, Christian education, collaboration with various committees (e.g. children’s ministry, youth ministry), and program leadership including for BMC’s summer camp. Commitment of 3–5 years preferred. For those interested in pursuing this as faith formation leader role please email a cover letter and resume to the attention of Kyle Gingerich, Church Council Chair at leadership.search@breslaumc.ca For those interested in pursuing this as a pastoral role please contact Marilyn Rudy-Froese, Church Leadership Minister, at pastoraltransitions@mcec.ca
COMPASS REFUGEE CENTRE
For the latest news please click here: Compass
CHRISTIANS TOGETHER WATERLOO REGION (formerly K-W Council of Churches)
You are invited to a special meet-the-author event on Sunday, September 15, at 2 p.m., at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 49 Blueridge Avenue, Kitchener. The author is Leah Reesor-Keller, and her book is entitled Tending Tomorrow: Courageous Change for People and Planet. This is an interdenominational event offered to the whole community.
HOUSE OF FRIENDSHIP
The “Backpacks for Kids” initiative invites your support to assist children in our community. Summer is a time for fun and freedom. But for families who are struggling to make ends meet, the fear of not being able to provide school supplies for their own children weighs heavy on their hearts… It’s a sinking feeling. Just imagine being this parent, longing to be there for their children. “I honestly thought I would have to do online schooling for my children again because I did not want them to be made fun of for not having food and having ripped bags.” Can you imagine if that were your family’s story? Sadly, that’s the reality facing more than 700 children in Waterloo Region. Over the next few weeks, can you come together and raise enough money to help an entire classroom of schoolchildren? For $1,225 – $50 per student – a congregation could equip an entire classroom with backpacks filled with the basic, essential school supplies they need to grow and learn. Or perhaps consider supporting five children, for $250 – every little bit helps! Thank you for ensuring that all children can get excited about returning to school, and start the year off with everything they need to succeed! Sincerely, Joanne Adair, House of Friendship Staff, Monthly Donor, and Mom of two!
MENNONITE CHURCH CANADA – INTERNATIONAL WITNESS
Read the latest news from Dann and Joji Pantoja (Lakan and Lakimbini) WNMC’s International Witness Partnership Workers in the Philippines.
MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE (MCC)
Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024, 12 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. Stories from Africa: Lunch and Listen with Vurayayi Pugeni in the Community Room at 50 Kent Ave. Vurayayi Pugeni, MCC’s Area Director for Southern and Central Africa and Nigeria, will share firsthand experiences that will uplift and challenge us. Can’t make it in person? No problem—tune in live on our Facebook page! Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect and learn!
Wednesday, Sept. 18, 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. — Training Active Bystanders — 50 Kent Ave. Kitchener As any bystander witnessing a potentially harmful situation knows, discerning how to move from passive observation to effective action is not easy. Training Active Bystanders (TAB) equips participants with the tools they need to prevent harm-doing and contribute to a healthier community. Please note that this event is in-person only and is suitable for individuals over the age of 13. Cost: $25. If this date and time do not work for you, consider joining on November 7 (afternoon session).
MCC Ontario annual general meeting ***NEW DATE*** Monday, Sept 23, 7:00pm
Grounded in the church, our Annual General Meeting (AGM) is an opportunity for us to be accountable, transparent and responsive to you. We invite you to join in celebrating the impact you’ve made of sharing God’s love and compassion in the lives of so many in Ontario and around the world. Delegates from constituent congregations are invited and authorized to vote. The meeting will take place over Zoom. For more information, go to mcc.org/Ontario-AGM.
Volunteer with Circle of Friends
MCC is recruiting volunteers to become part of the Circle of Friends program to help support individuals transitioning out of homelessness. No special experience or background is required to volunteer, but volunteers should be compassionate, patient and good listeners. Go to mcc.org/opportunity/circle-friends for more information.
Men listening, men talking retreat — November 29-30 at Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp & Retreat Centre
Who are men called to be in 2024 and beyond, and how can they live lives that matter? Join a two-day retreat to take a deep dive into honest conversations on healthy masculinity. The cost is $115 and includes refreshments, meals and accommodations. Learn more at mcc.org/events/men-listening-men-talking-retreat.
Soap for hope
MCC urgently needs soap donations for countries where soap is scarce. Both bath soap (85g or larger, in wrapper) and laundry soap (e.g. Sunlight) are needed. Please donate to meet this crucial need. Donations can be dropped off at your local MCC Thrift Shop, office or the Material Resources warehouse.
MCC Prayer Request
Please take time to pray for our staff in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Palestine and Israel. Please pray for peace and calm in the region. The killings of a Hezbollah leader in Lebanon, and a political leader of Hamas in Iran – both attributed to Israel – have exacerbated already-high tensions and raised the risk of a wider war. We pray for continued safety and for calm and peace for MCC’s nine staff members currently in Beirut, and for MCC’s partners and the communities that are part of our work in Lebanon. We continue to cry to God for an end to the devastation in Gaza and for our partners there and in the West Bank who are working, often under unimaginable conditions, to meet urgent needs. We pray for the four MCC staff members now in Jerusalem. Please also join us in praying for elected leaders in the U.S. and in Canada and encourage them not to pour fuel on the fires of war but to do all they can to work for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and a lasting and just peace for all.
MENNONITE CHURCH EASTERN CANADA (MCEC)
Are you an enthusiastic and creative person? Do you love the church and love communications? MCEC seeks an enthusiastic and creative Communications Assistant who will support the development and implementation of communication strategies to enhance Mennonite Church Eastern Canada’s identity, purpose and values. This is a 0.5 FTE permanent position beginning fall 2024. Apply by August 15, 2024. Click here for more details.
MCEC Junior Youth Fall Event, October 20, 2024, 1 – 5 p.m, UMEI Christian High School, Leamington, ON. Inviting all junior youth to an afternoon packed with awesome activities, meaningful connections and plenty of laughter. Find out more and see other news at mcec.ca.
SILVER LAKE MENNONITE CAMP
Silver Lake Mennonite Camp is seeking a committed individual to serve as the new Executive Director, beginning Fall 2024. The ideal candidate is an excellent communicator with strong financial management and people skills. They will live and lead the camp’s mission of fostering personal/spiritual growth, community, and environmental care. Those interested can view the job description at slmc.ca. Please send your resume and cover letter to boardchair@slmc.ca by August 20.
ANABAPTIST MENNONITE BIBLICAL SEMINARY (AMBS)
To see the Aug. 8 edition of the AMBS news, click here.
MEDA
Waterloo Network Hub Event: August 21, 2024 Pfennings Organic Vegetables Inc. Join the Pfamily! Come on over to New Hamburg for a first hand look at how an organic vegetable farm operates in Waterloo Region. Hear from the Pfennings, a local family with a 400-year legacy of farming, about how and why they are committed to raising healthy, chemical free vegetables. You will have the opportunity to tour the farm fields and then enjoy a delicious meal catered by Chef Adam Brenner. Music will be provided by Byron Shantz and Dean Shoemaker. Whether you’re a seasoned MEDA member or new to global development, all are welcome, as we explore together the integration of entrepreneurship, faith and creativity for our shared purpose of poverty alleviation! Click here for details and registration
SHALOM COUNSELLING SERVICES
10,000 STEPS FOR MENTAL HEALTH — Saturday, Sept. 21 — Shalom Counselling Services, 9 Avondale Ave. S., Waterloo — Registration begins at 9 am — Walk starts at 9:30 am. Participants will travel a route to the Iron Horse Trail, along the trail, and back to Shalom. Join us and set your own goals, whether it’s taking 10,000 steps or 1,000 steps, or fundraising $10,000 or $100. Choose a goal that works for you and help us provide more affordable, accessible counselling services in the Waterloo Region. Sign up on our website: https://shalomcounselling.org/steps. After the walk, there will be a community block party to celebrate our achievements. Please come out and support local mental health resources. Thank you for your continued support and prayers, Shalom Counselling Services
CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY [CMU]
Xplore – CMU’s Xplore extended education program investigates dimensions of the Christian faith, our world, and life in it—all without assignments or exams! Courses begin October 1 and topics include the Gospel of John, grief, and the great oratorios. Churches may consider hosting an Xplore watch party with people from the community. For course information and to register visit cmu.ca/xplore.
CONRAD GREBEL UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
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
Saengerfest: A Centenary Mennonite Song Festival | August 25, 2024, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM, St. Matthews Lutheran Church | Come together in song to commemorate the centenary of the 1920s Mennonite immigration to Ontario from settlements in present-day Russia and Ukraine. Admission by donation, with excess being collected for the with proceeds going to MCC Russlaender Remembrance Fund programming. uwaterloo.ca/grebel/events/saengerfest Click here for poster.
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
MENNONITE DISASTER SERVICE
To see the Summer 2024 edition of MDS’s “Behind the Hammer” click here.
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