Weekly News

Welcome! Here you will find all the news and events that your congregation will need for the week - MCEC in Prayer, Event Highlights, Mennonite Church Canada Updates, Announcements. Check out the hot buttons to ministry opportunities and pastoral transitions. Administrative Assistants: make sure to see the Bulletin Cut and Paste below.  Bookmark this page and check back regularly for updates. New items will begin to appear on Monday and the newsletter will come to your inbox on Wednesday.

Previous Editions of Weekly Bulletin              Bulletin Cut & Paste

MCEC in Prayer 

  1. Each week we pray for a faith community within the MCEC community of congregations. This week we pray for Shalom Worship and Healing Centre in Kitchener, ON. Pastors Jonathan Abrham and Daniel Tela provide pastoral leadership for the congregation. Pray as this large congregation seeks a permanent worship facility as they reach out to the Eritrean and Ethiopian congregations here and beyond. 

  2. We invite you to pray for the Evangelical Mennonite Church in Burkina Faso. This week there was a coup d'état, and a new leader appears to have taken power. Pastor Calixte Bananzaro, president of the church, reports that today the situation is calm and that church members are safe. Pray for peace in Burkina Faso, where there has been a significant increase in terrorist attacks and loss of life over the past year. We partner with Burkina Faso through the African Inter-Mennonite Mission.

  3. Continue to pray for peace and wisdom in Ukraine, Russia and in places throughout our world where the people cry out for peace. "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:3-10.

MCEC Latest News

Leah Reesor-Keller Resigns as MCEC Executive Minister
Sep 28th, 2022

Leah Reesor-Keller Resigns as MCEC Executive Minister

MCEC's Executive Council regretfully announces the resignation of Leah Reesor-Keller, Executive Minister. 

“We are grateful for Leah's service and leadership over the last two years,” says Arli Klassen, chair of the Executive Council. In spite of the pandemic, Leah strengthened relationships across the MCEC diverse family of faith, listening and connecting with leaders from many different communities in MCEC, as well as with Mennonite church leaders across Canada. “It has been an honour to serve in this role through many joyful and challenging experiences over the past two years,” writes Leah Reesor-Keller in her recent letter to the MCEC family of faith. “Though I am finishing my leg of the race and passing along the baton of leadership, I continue to believe deeply in the Church."

Leah will conclude her ministry on October 14, 2022.

Read more

Dear Siblings in Christ
Sep 28th, 2022

Dear Siblings in Christ

After careful prayer and discernment, I believe the time is right for me to leave the role of executive minister. It has been an honour to serve in this role through many joyful and challenging experiences over the past two years. I give thanks to God for this opportunity to learn, serve and grow alongside many faithful and gifted leaders within MCEC and MC Canada.

Read more

Call to Prayer: Storm Fiona causes extensive damage on Canada's east coast
Sep 27th, 2022

Call to Prayer: Storm Fiona causes extensive damage on Canada's east coast

We call our family of faith to pray for the people on Canada’s east coast in the wake of tropical storm Fiona, one of the strongest ever to hit Canada.

The hurricane-force winds, which peaked at about 100 mph in some regions, left hundreds of thousands of residents without power. Fiona travelled across southwestern Newfoundland, eastern mainland Nova Scotia, Cape Breton, Prince Edward Island, southeastern New Brunswick and the Magdalen Islands in eastern Quebec.

Read more

Upcoming Events

Ministering in a Liminal Space

Ministering in a Liminal Space

Oct 18th, 2022

In this workshop, the participants will review tools developed with MCEC for congregational processes like “The Congregational Lifecycle,” “Informed Conversations,” and “Appreciative Inquiry.” We will ask practical questions around how, when and by whom these processes can best be used for congregational processes. In addition, the group will work at questions of planning and conducting a vision exercise with a congregation looking carefully at what discernment means for faith communities in this work.

October 18 - 7-9 PM
50 Kent Avenue, Community Room
Cost: $35

More Information
Pastoral Conversations: Soul-full care of self

Pastoral Conversations: Soul-full care of self

Oct 25th, 2022

Soul-full care of self:  Embracing the light and shadow of life-giving ministry. 

As pastors you carry the weight of care for others. In this session, you will be invited to nurture your understanding of self, in ways that deepen and sustain you. Please join Wanda Wagler-Martin for this pastoral conversation.

Online – $35
Date: October 25, 2022, 2:00-3:30 pm
Speaker: Wanda Wagler-Martin


More Information
Wheat and Weeds Challenge

Wheat and Weeds Challenge

Nov 19th, 2022

Join the MCEC Wheat and Weeds Challenge!!

Do we remember why we gather for worship as a faith community? Do we remember why we gather for mission? Join the Wheat and Weeds Challenge.

  1. Reflectively read or re-read Robert J. Suderman's (Jack Suderman) book, The Baby and the Bathwater: Aspirations and Reality in the Life of the Church.
  2. Attend the Wheat and Weeds Challenge on November 19 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. and join Jack and colleagues for an engaging, challenging and heartfelt conversation.

JOIN THE CHALLENGE!!

More Information

mountain with cloud mist

Courageous Imagination Podcast Facilitation Guide

The Courageous Imagination podcast series was created as part of MCEC's Courageous Imagination discernment process. This was culminated in the Identity, Purpose and Values statement adopeted by MCEC delegates at the 2022 Annual Church Gathering.

This 10-session guide can be used in small group settings, adult Sunday School classes, can be broken
into smaller sections or edited to fit your online Zoom services. Each session is centered around a topic
and is meant to help us exercise our imagination muscles.

This guide is created to be used in conjunction with the Courageous Imagination Podcast episodes.

Let’s journey together as we sharpen the shared vision and direction of where God is taking us next as the people of MCEC.

Download the Guide


  • Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary
    - Doctor of Ministry in Leadership
    - Take a seminary course this spring
  • Canadian Mennonite University
    - Experience CMU at our place or at your place
    - J.J. Thiessen Lecture Series
    - MHC Gallery Fundraiser
  • Conrad Grebel University College
    - Grebel Gallery Exhibit - Unmasking, Breathing, Moving Forward
    - Against the Grain: Mennointe Archives, Indigenous Histories
    - 2022 Bechtel Lecture - Dr. Mark Louden
    - Fall Open House
  • Mennonite World Conference
    - Employment Opportunity: Development and Regional Rep Assistant
  • Rockway Mennonite Collegiate
    - Spaghetti Supper and Alumni Sports Challenge

More Information

Mennonite Church Canada 

 

MC Canada invites congregations to participate in study groups for Anabaptist Bible 

In preparation for the 500th anniversary of Anabaptism in 2025, MennoMedia, MC Canada and MC USA’s publishing ministry, is looking for five hundred study groups from various Anabaptist communities across North America, to participate in creating the first-ever Anabaptist Bible. More information.  

Discover More

International Witness

International Witness Sunday – October 16, 2022 

Register to receive free downloadable worship resources for your congregation. This year’s theme is “What’s in your hands?”  

Gerald and Rie Neufeld called to be relationship catalysts in Japan

Mennonite Church Canada is pleased to announce Gerald and Rie Neufeld as “relationship catalysts,” fostering connections between the nationwide church and Mennonite churches in Japan. Read the full story. 

AIMM training focuses on community assets in DR Congo 

Praise God for the assets-based community development training that Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission facilitates at the Kalonda Bible Institute in DR Congo. As students begin their pastoral ministries, they will assess the local resources of their communities and create opportunities for sustainable progress, in their churches and for their own livelihoods. 

Chinese Christians face ongoing pressure and discrimination 

Believers in China will take a training course this weekend about following Jesus in the Anabaptist tradition. Pray for them as Christians face increasing political pressures and discrimination in the country, for wisdom in how to gather and for joy in being together.  

MC South Korea holds annual retreat 

Pray for God’s Spirit to be present as Mennonite Church South Korea meets to hold its annual retreat this weekend (Oct. 1-2).

Discover More
Discover More

CommonWord Bookstore and Resource Centre

October is Pastor Appreciation Month 

Consider gifting your pastor(s) a CommonWord gift card!

Resources for upcoming events 

In-person and livestreamed book launches 

  • Buy or borrow the book, and see book launch details.
Discover More

Quick Links               Ministry Opportunities     Pastoral Transitions     Guest Speakers

 

Bulletin Cut and Paste

Administrators: Thank you for sharing the MCEC story with your congregations. Please continue offering valuable feedback on how we can tailor announcements to empower you in your ministry.

Prayers:

  1. Each week we pray for a faith community within the MCEC community of congregations. This week we pray for Shalom Worship and Healing Centre in Kitchener, ON. Pastors Jonathan Abrham and Daniel Tela provide pastoral leadership for the congregation. Pray as this large congregation seeks a permanent worship facility as they reach out to the Eritrean and Ethiopian congregations here and beyond. 

  2. We invite you to pray for the Evangelical Mennonite Church in Burkina Faso. This week there was a coup d'état, and a new leader appears to have taken power. Pastor Calixte Bananzaro, president of the church, reports that today the situation is calm and that church members are safe. Pray for peace in Burkina Faso, where there has been a significant increase in terrorist attacks and loss of life over the past year. We partner with Burkina Faso through the African Inter-Mennonite Mission.

  3. Continue to pray for peace and wisdom in Ukraine, Russia and in places throughout our world where the people cry out for peace. "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:3-10.

Announcements:

  1. You are invited to Leah Reesor-Keller's Farewell Gathering on October 14, 2022, 2:00 - 5:30 p.m in the Community Room at MCEC, 50 Kent Ave., Kitchener, ON. Gather to celebrate Leah's ministry as MCEC Executive Minister. She concludes her ministry on October 14. Program begins at 2:30. Registration will open this week for those wishing to join online via Zoom.

  2. MCEC Intercultural Worship Gathering and Potluck. October 22, 2022, 5 p.m. @ Meheret Evangelical Church at 456 Krug St., Kitchener, ON. Join together with sisters and brothers across MCEC to worship and fellowship together. Potluck to follow.

  3. Join the MCEC Wheat and Weeds Challenge!! November 19, 2022, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Conrad Grebel University College. Do we remember why we gather for worship as a faith community? Do we remember why we gather for mission? Join the Wheat and Weeds Challenge. Read Robert J. Suderman's (Jack Suderman) book, The Baby and the Bathwater: Aspirations and Reality in the Life of the Church. Come to the Wheat and Weeds Challenge on November 19 and join Jack and colleagues for an engaging, challenging and heartfelt conversation. JOIN THE CHALLENGE!! Register today.

  4. Join the MCEC staff team! MCEC seeks an organized, detail-oriented person with experience in accounting and bookkeeping to serve as Financial Manager. The Financial Manager plays a key role in the day-to-day operations of MCEC, ensuring that MCEC’s internal financial practices demonstrate good stewardship, meet industry best standards and adhere to charitable law requirements. Interested candidates can submit their cover letter and resume to John Reimer, Operations Director,  hr@mcec.ca. This role will remain posted until the role is filled. Download the full job posting.

Nationwide Web-Hub - All MCEC congregations are welcome to join

If you are considering a change to your website, definitely consider the new nationwide web hub. It is much more than a web building tool. Contact Lisa Williams , Director of Communications, for more info.

Click below for information about the features, pricing, testimonials and links to launched websites.

Hub Information

Weekly Bulletin Subscribe

Subscribe to our weekly bulletin and keep informed of important news, announcements and celebrations!