Resourcing MCEC's Community of Congregations

Resource Library Rejuvenated

What do you do when you have a big task ahead of you that requires perseverance, attention to detail and imagination?  You give the task to volunteers who have proven themselves capable in all of those areas.

Four years ago, MCEC merged a number of small library compilations into one larger collection. Resources needed to be culled (not a job for the faint of heart), re-catalogued, and re-entered into the on-line database. We looked at what other Mennonite institutions were able to offer and discovered that MCEC's primary niche in the community was books.

Vicky Robinson and Mildred Roth, both long-time volunteers in the MCEC office, took up the challenge. They've worked countless hours, two days a week, to shape a ministry resource for individuals and congregations.

There is still work to be done. Mildred retired from her volunteer position in January after 10 years of loyal service to MCEC, but Vicky will continue as librarian. We are grateful to the two of them for the numerous hours they have spent at their computers, organizing books on shelves, reclaiming overdue books and responding to requests from borrowers.

See a listing of resources in the MCEC library.

More Library Connections

On the Same Page is a way to connect congregations to helpful resources by featuring the books that MCEC staff and volunteers are reading. Current and past features can be found on the MCEC website.

Maurice Martin, MCEC Resource Advocate, recommends Christian formation resources that are available through Mennonite Church Canada's resource library and Mennonite Publishing Network. Maurice's Picks can be found in the monthly congregational mailing and on the MCEC website.

A consortium of resource libraries is working towards providing networked access to four libraries; more options, both print and audio visual, for Mennonite congregations across Canada. MCEC is a member of the consortium.

Church libraries still have a unique ministry to provide, in their congregations and in the community. The Church Library Association of Ontario (CLAO) is dedicated to helping church libraries make the most of their resources and catching a vision of the difference a pro-active, engaging library can make in the lives of ordinary people. CLAO is hosting their annual conference at the Calvary Pentecostal Assembly in Cambridge on Saturday, May 1. For more information or to register for the conference.