Weekly Email Bulletin

MCEC Weekly Email Bulletin - May , 2013

 

 

 

 

MCEC in Prayer

MCEC invites your prayers for two significant items related to its stewardship of property. In preparation for the relocation of MCEC offices to the new 50 Kent complex in Kitchener, ON, the existing office property is in the process of being sold. MCEC is also engaged in clarifying ownership understandings related to 74 Firvalley, a Toronto, ON property held in title by MCEC. Your prayers for wisdom and guidance as we deal with both of these important matters would be greatly appreciated.

MCEC's 25th Anniversary!!
You are invited to join MCEC celebrations of 25 years of ministry together!

 

This spring 15 years ago….

Conrad Grebel University College announced the addition of a Ministry Option to its Master of Theological Studies program.  The most recent Mennonite graduates in this Applied Studies stream are Dawne Dreidger, co-pastor of Zion Mennonite Fellowship (2013); Vicky Roeder Martin, associate pastor of Breslau Mennonite Church (2012); and Amanda Zehr, associate pastor of Listowel Mennonite Church (2012).

For the next year you will find short paragraphs that are glimpses of the past which inspire the present and future MCEC life and ministry. You are invited to use these as notes for your bulletin, highlights for a church newsletter or some other way that fits into your community life to inform and inspire. We are excited about these stories and hope you will be too. The first will appear in the week of March 24, 2013.

Mennonite Organizations are Making Change!

A group of Mennonite organizations are partnering to produce ‘Making Change’, a financial literacy video series. The series contrasts contemporary perspectives with biblical principles of sharing, saving, and spending. It is intended to spark discussions about how faith influences and informs how money is managed. The series is scheduled to be released in fall 2013. Check out the full press release.

To see the teaser that was shown at Annual Church Gathering and for more information on the series visit makingchange.ca. Coming soon: video series trailers; discussion guides; and other relevant resources.

Youth Video Contest

Thank you to Breslau, Floradale and Hanover youth for their video submissions to the MCEC youth video contest. The online voting resulted in over 5000 votes being cast, with Floradale receiving the most votes.

As we reviewed the videos, it was apparent that all three videos were deserving of awards.

  • The award for the most inspiring video went to… Breslau.
    Breslau youth obviously have a lot of fun together – a reminder for us all not to take ourselves too seriously.
  • The award for the most energetic video went to… Floradale.
    The Floradale youth sow seeds each time they're together - seeds of friendship and family. They remind us to “give ear” to the Bible as a guide for our scattering and sowing.
  • The award for the most creative video went to… Hanover.
    Hanover youth artistically and creatively portray planting the seed in the world. In the process, they cover a lot of ground from parks to playgrounds to downtown. They encourage us to be welcoming and present in our neighbourhoods.

If you missed out on seeing these wonderful videos, they can still be viewed online on the MCEC website.

Winter Youth Retreat Coordinator Position Available

MCEC, Silver Lake Mennonite Camp, Rockway Mennonite Collegiate and Conrad Grebel are looking for someone who enjoys working with youth to join the Winter Youth Retreat Planning Team. As part of this team you will work directly with the above ministry partners, as well as another retreat coordinator, to help plan the Winter Youth Retreat weekend. Responsibilities include: securing and working with a resource person/group, coaching a team of youth to plan the worship time, creating a schedule for the weekend (including a set up and clean up schedule), organizing the overnight accommodations, and being present during the retreat to oversee the event.

For more information about this position or to apply, please contact Liz Weber at lweber@mcec.ca or 519-650-3806 ext. 105.

Annual Church Gathering & 25th Anniversary Celebrations
Follow Up Resources

We had a grand celebration last week at the Annual Church Gathering/25th Anniversary Celebrations. Each congregation received materials and were encouraged to continue the celebration this Sunday, May 5th. Across MCEC our community of congregations will join together in planting seeds brought back from the Annual Church Gathering.

  1. Please find on line resources to assist you in that celebration - litanies and hymn suggestions; video clips shown at the ACG; sermon materials from Sue Steiner and Cesar Garcia. More resources will be added so check back!
  2. Take pictures and forward them to Lisa Williams, MCEC Director of Communications, so we can share them with MCEC. How did you congregation choose to continue the celebration? What seeds is God growing in your local setting?
  3. Continue to follow the progression of the seeds - both literally and figuratively. What are the stories you wish to share with our larger family to encourage and spur us on as we continue to plant seeds, nurture the seedlings, and then reap the harvest. Be in touch with Lisa about how God is moving in your congregation.

Retired Ministers and Spouses Retreat
Amusing Faith
Monday, May 27, 2013
9:30am to 3:15 pm
Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp– Woodhouse Retreat Centre

Speaker: Dr. Don Morgenson, Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Wilfrid Laurier University
Cost: $5.00 per person - no pre-registration required
Bring your own lunch – drinks and snacks provided

For information, contact Stan and Marie Gingerich at 519.662.2367.

Mennonite Church Eastern Canada and
Conrad Grebel University College present...
Lebold Banquet
Pastoral Training in the 21st Century: The Art of Improv

Tuesday, June 4, 2013, 6:30 p.m.
Steinmann Mennonite Church
1316 Snyder's Rd. W.,, Baden, ON
Tickets: $50/person ($25 receipable)

You are invited to a panel discussion and fundraising banquet hosted by Mennonite Church Eastern Canada and Conrad Grebel University College. A panel convened by Marianne Mellinger will discuss Pastoral Training in the 21st Century. Contact David Martin (Executive Minister), Henry Paetkau (Area Church Minister), or Marianne Mellinger (Coordinator of Leadership Formation) for tickets. For more information, see the CGUC website.

MCEC Administrators Day
Bind Us Together!
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
9:00 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.

Vineland United Mennonite Church
3327 Menno St.
Vineland, ON  L0R 2C0

Registration is now open! Join Administrators from across MCEC for a day of professional development, encouragement, and networking. Stimulating workshops, great conversations, spiritual input with Laura Mullet Koop, sharing and giving of information - a day worth attending! Check out the online information and registration. Please note: Car Pooling options are on the registration form.

Congregations - We encourage you to offer this event to your Administrative Assistant as a continuing education/professional development opportunity.

MCEC Transitions

Pray for ministers and congregations who are in a time of transition.

On the Same Page

Check out Troy Watson’s review of The Naked Now by Richard Rohr.

Mennonite Church Canada Featured Resource

The Resource Centre was privileged to attend the 2013 “In Conference” of Hope Centre Ministries this past weekend (http://www.in2013.org/) – and meet the presenter Barbara Newman who spoke passionately about the inclusion of disabled persons within the life of the congregation.  Consequently, we have added several important resources to our Centre on the theme of inclusion.  See www.mennonitechurch.ca/tiny/2031 for the listing.

An orientation to our services.

MCEC Lay Leaders and Pastors, It’s Time to Hold the Dates
Tending the Soul is Returning for 2014 - 2015

Tending the Soul is a series of six weekend retreats spread out over two years. These retreats are to aid individuals in deepening their relationship with God and others, through various workshops, small group practice, reflection time, and experience with spiritual disciplines.

The upcoming dates for the retreat are Jan. 10-13, 2014, April 4-6, 2014, Sept. 19-12, 2014, Jan. 9-11, 2015, April 10-12, 2015, and Sept. 18-20, 2015.

More details to come.

Event Resources – School for Ministers
Eating Bitter Texts: Joshua and the Legacy of Scriptural Violence.
Find reflections, bibliography, and photos.
Share this link with participants and those who were unable to attend.

Event Resources - Pastors, Chaplains & Congregational Leaders
A Good Farewell: Developing Faithful Practices in the Hour of Death
Over 100 people attended this year’s event to reflect on Christian and Anabaptist-Mennonite funeral practices. Find stories, presentations, and pictures.
Share this link with participants and those who were unable to attend.

Upcoming MCEC Youth and Jr. Youth Events!

Mark your calendars with the upcoming Youth and Jr. Youth events.
More information will come closer to the specific dates, but for now you can know what’s coming!

  • May 31-June 2, 2013 – Jr Youth Retreat at Silver Lake Mennonite Camp
  • July 29 - August 2, 2013 – MC Canada Youth Assembly 2013 at Camp Assiniboia, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Go and Grow Monies Is your congregation considering a new initiative that connects with other congregations and/or your community? Contact Jeff Steckley, MCEC Congregational Ministries Minister, to discover if Go and Grow monies can enable or extend your ministry! Download more information and the 2012 application form today!

MCEC Available Resources

  • Availability of MCEC Staff for Speaking Engagements
    We are available for participation in Sunday worship services and the adult education hour. David Martin, Executive Minister, and Brent Charette, Church Engagement Minister will have the most availability. Other Leadership Team staff will also be available. Sermon focus will reflect the mission of the church as a whole and also highlight how we, as MCEC congregations, share a common church wide mission through the ministries of MCEC and MC Canada. Please contact Liz Weber (lweber@mcec.ca / 519-650-3806, 800-206-9356 x 102) to schedule your Sunday visit!
  • On the Same Page
    Keep connected to other congregations and helpful resources.

    Check out Troy Watson’s review of The Naked Now by Richard Rohr.

The Fine Print:

  • Mennonite Church Eastern Canada
    4489 King St. E.
    Kitchener, ON N2P 2G2
    Canada

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