Ushers: Susan Prestwich, Laurie Hadden, Simon Martin, Song Leader: Ellie Nash, Pianist: Elinor Hansen, Worship Leaders: Pastor Liz Brasier-Ackerman, Pastor Cameron Kaufman-Frey, Freda Burkholder, Lisa Schaub, Trisha Ashworth.
Prelude
Welcome & Ministries of the People
Call to Worship (Monitors)
Opening Prayer
Hymn HWB 120 Holy, holy, holy
Hymn SJ 23 Slowly turning, every turning
Prayers of the People
Offering Prayer
Offertory
Children’s time
Child care
Scripture Reading Proverbs 22:16, 22-23 (pg. 527 in Bibles) Matthew 20:1-16 (pg. 801 in Bibles)
Speaker Pastor Cameron Kaufman-Frey, from Community Mennonite Church of Stouffville
Sermon Title Can you solve the shopper’s dilemma; cheaper, better or nicer?
DVD Presentation (Monitors)
Hymn HWB 150 Wonderful grace of Jesus
Benediction
Coffee Time & Discussions Groups
CONGREGATIONAL CALENDAR
This week
Tues., Jan. 31- Leadership Elders meeting 9:15 am at the church.
- MYF Bible study 7:00pm, location TBA.
Wed., Feb. 1 - Out of the Cold program 3:00pm to 8:00am Thursday morning. To volunteer, see white binder in foyer or speak to Taucha Inrig.
Thurs., Feb. 2 – Sewing Circle 9:30am to 3:30pm in Cedar Grove Meetinghouse. If you are staying over the lunch hour please bring a sack lunch, coffee provided. All are welcome.
Sat., Feb. 4 - Come dressed for dinner in your finest RED! “ROYAL RED NIGHT” for your delight includes dinner, 6:00pm at the church. Please bring a red dessert to consume with tea. Brought to you by R&R (Recreate & Re-Create Ministry) - keeping you on your royal toes. Please sign up TODAY.
Sun., Feb. 5– 2nd Sunday of our AGM. Ushers: Trisha Ashworth, Brian Drudge, Valerie Wong, Song Leader: Ann Reesor, Pianist: Lisa Schaub, Worship Leaders: Pastor Pieter Niemeyer, Pastor Liz Brasier-Ackerman.
- Worship 10:00-10:45am, listening to the call of God for 2012
- Coffee time 10:45-11:00am
- Discussion groups on presentation from worship 11:00-11:45am
- Bag lunch 11:45am-12:30pm
- Gathered time for discerning vision and disbursements for ministry in 2012, 12:30-2:00pm
There will be child care in the Cedar Grove Meetinghouse, after lunch with crafts and games and skating beginning at 1:00pm (weather permitting) at Cedarena. Cost is $2.50 for ages 3 to 15 and $5.00 for 16 and over.
Coming up:
Tues., Feb. 7 - Living Room meeting 1:00 to 2:30pm at the church.
- MYF Bible study 7:00pm location to be decided.
- Women’s Bible study 7:00pm at the church.
Wed., Feb. 8 - Out of the Cold program 3:00pm to 8:00am Thursday morning. Volunteers are needed, see white binder in foyer or speak to Taucha Inrig.
- Ministry Council meeting 7:30pm in the Cedar Grove Meetinghouse.
Sun., Feb. 12 - Ushers: Trisha Ashworth, Brian Drudge, Valerie Wong, Song Leader: Ann Reesor, Pianist: Needed, Worship Leaders: Pastor Pieter Niemeyer, Pastor Liz Brasier-Ackerman.
- Worship 10:00-10:45am, listening to the call of God for 2012
- Coffee time 10:45-11:00am
– Prayer/Potluck groups meet as follows:
* Durham meets at the church for lunch followed by skating at Cedarena.
* Stouffville West meets for lunch at Paul & Nancy’s.
* Stouffville East meets for lunch at the Pogue’s.
Community Event:
Sat., Feb. 11 - Valentine's Celebration Mennonite Youth Fellowship Fundraiser for future missions and conference trips at Rouge Valley Mennonite Church 5:30pm arrivals, dinner to be served at 6:00pm, freewill offering. Look forward to an evening of a delicious spaghetti dinner and a delightful dessert surprise while you enjoy music and entertainment from our youth.
Notes
For other events happening within our community and out of town, see Announcement Sheet for Jan. 29 to Feb. 19/12 in your church mailboxes.
OUT OF THE COLD CLOTHING BANK: Items requested: We have enough women's clothing now. For men: jeans, t-shirts, undershirts, hoodies (most requested item), belts, warm parkas/jackets (preferred with hoods), fleece, running shoes & boots size 9 and up. All these can be second hand, but must be clean and ready to use. No more sweaters or scarfs needed. Because the guests usually wear 'layers', size large and extra large is requested. Bags of donations can be brought anytime, but please label "For OOTC". If there are any other items you wish to donate, please ask Lys Laurence before you bring them.
This is how your financial support of Mennonite Church Canada is ministering...from across the street to around the world! Your financial contributions are bringing the church’s voice to national and world leaders. Last fall, Willard Metzger, Mennonite Church Canada General Secretary, joined about 100 other faith group leaders for a discussion with Federal MPs about developing a Canadian Office for Religious Freedom. In October, Willard addressed Senators and MPs about climate justice. His remarks were distributed to all elected Federal leaders and Senators. Subsequently, he was invited by the World
Council of Churches to participate in the 2011 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Durban, South Africa. Together, we speak volumes. Thank you.
MDS invites their volunteers to participate in MCC Ontario’s response to Attawapiskat. MCC Ontario will lead the response to an invitation from community leaders to erect modular homes in this isolated community. MDS supports and encourages skilled (licensed) volunteers to participate. MCCO has nurtured relationships in Attawapiskat for 20 years. If you are interested please contact Lyndsay Mollins Koene, MCCO at 705-264-2494.
Markham/Stouffville area churches continue to search for a half time youth ministry pastor. Please consider prayerfully possible candidates. Applications can be made through MCEC, attention Muriel Bechtel. Or for more information contact Lois Bukar at Wideman Mennonite Church, 905-640-6219.
Pray with CPT for all First Nations people in Canada taking leadership in stopping the Tar Sands project. Oil production from the sands would sacrifice land, ecosystems, human health, and cultural heritage.
See Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) update for January 26, 2012 on shelf in foyer.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Community Events
Sopranos wanted: Pax Christi Chorale seeks additional chorus sopranos
for the performance of Elgar’s” The Kingdom" in Koerner Hall, May 6th,
2012. Monday rehearsals begin January 9th at Yonge and Sheppard. Please
contact Dan Norman at daniel@ssjd.ca to arrange an audition.
Out of Town Events
Feb. 23 – “What Does Anabaptism Offer To A Post-Christendom World?” free
public address with Stuart Murray, author of The Naked Anabaptist
7:30pm at Conrad Grebel University. See posting.
Canadian Mennonite University Updates:
Mar. 9-11, 2012 – CMU invites high school students to attend PIT 2012.
PIT offers a special kind of peace conference, where participants can
also connect, play, and engage in worship and workshops with youth from
across Canada. Visit www.cmu.ca/pit for more details. Registration
increases after January 31, 2012.
* Journey through time on the CMU Study Tour: Ancient Stones, Living
Stones: the Holy Land in Perspective. Travel April 30 – May 21, 2012
with leader Gordon Matties, Professor of Biblical & Theological
Studies. Visit www.cmu.ca/studytour for more details.
* Come this summer to learn with other peacebuilders – local and
international, young and old, students, practitioners and those new to
peacebuilding – at the fourth annual Canadian School of Peacebuilding.
We invite you to participate in your choice of five-day courses for
personal inspiration, professional development, or academic credit. More
information is available at www.csop.cmu.ca or by e-mailing
csop@cmu.ca.
* “Youth Ministry as School of Love” is a youth ministry conference
planned for June 1 - 2 at CMU. The conference will feature Mark
Yaconelli and Michael Hryniuk. Participants can register for this
conference separately or participate in it as part of a week long
course. Contact abergen@cmu.ca.
* CMU Study Tour with Irma Fast Dueck. Explore the wild physical, social
and theological Christian landscapes in Great Britain. Tour includes
Greenbelt Christian Arts Festival, London and Glasgow, and the Iona
Community, August 23 to September 8, 2012. Application deadline: March
2, 2012. Visit http://www.cmu.ca/deepDown/
Notes
Mennonite Central Committee Updates:
31st Annual Heifer Sale, Fri., Feb. 17, Carson's Auction, Listowel. All proceeds support MCC. To sponsor or donate a heifer, contact Clarence Diefenbacher (519-669-2164) or MCC (519-745-8458). Visit heifersale.org.
Housing Partnership in Attawapiskat, By invitation, MCC Ontario is sending small teams of skilled or licensed tradespeople for 2 week periods beginning in February. Teams will work under local leadership in setting up modular homes and learning about the first peoples who welcomed us here. For more information, please contact Lyndsay Mollins Koene (lyndsaymk@mennonitecc.on.ca, 705-264-2494) or visit mcco.ca/aboriginal
Volunteers will need to cover (or fund raise) all costs including travel and accommodations. Please prayerfully consider this opportunity to share a practical message of love with our neighbours in Attawapiskat.
SALT Applications Due Feb. 15 Serve | Learn | Grow Year-long cross-cultural learning experience for young adults. Visit salt.mcc.org
Waging Peace Tour
A documentary about overcoming interfaith mistrust, featuring Ontario Christians and Muslims. A screening and panel discussion with Executive Producer Sheri Hartzler. Visit ontario.mcc.org/waging-peace-tour. Feb. 19, 2 pm at Toronto United Mennonite Church, 1774 Queen Street East, Toronto.
This is how your financial support of Mennonite Church Canada is ministering...from across the street to around the world! With your support, there are Mennonite Church Canada ministers in 26 countries including Canada. Through evangelism and church planting, education and leadership training, peace and conflict resolution training, community development, and ministry partnerships we are growing
relationships for God’s holistic vision of shalom inside the church and beyond. Thank you!
Yella! 2012 A Middle Eastern Tour for Young Adults. Are you between the ages of 18 and 25, interested in Israel and Palestine and available to travel during the month of May? Come explore questions of Christian faith and life as you:
* Interact with Christians, Jews and Muslims
* Encounter complex peace and conflict issues
* Consider the context for Jesus' life and ministry
Interested? Visit ontario.mcc.org/yella
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Ushers: Susan Prestwich, Tom Farrar, Simon Martin, Song Leader: Louise Pogue, Pianist: Julie Nash.
Prelude
We will be lead thru an order of service today of celebrating sharing in practice.
Coffee Time 10:45-11:00am
Discussions Groups 11:00-11:45am
Gathered time for Q & A Re: Proposed Budget Scenarios & 2011 Financials 11:45am-12:15pm
CONGREGATIONAL CALENDAR
This week
Tues., Jan. 24 - MYF Bible study 7:00pm, location TBA.
- Living Room meeting 1:00-2:30pm at the church.
- Worship Planning meeting 3:00pm at the church.
- Women’s Bible study 7:00pm at RV.
Wed., Jan. 25 - Out of the Cold program 3:00pm to 8:00am Thursday morning. To volunteer, see white binder in foyer or speak to Taucha Inrig.
Sat., Jan. 28 – The Sound of Scripture, a workshop at the church, 9:00am to 12 noon, led by John Epp, on practical tools for learning and proclaiming biblical stories with confidence. Not good at memorizing? Neither are we! Come and learn a more life giving way of learning and telling scripture by heart. No drama. No acting. Only a passion to see the power and beauty of the biblical story come alive. All are welcome, men, women, children, seniors and youth. You need to bring one biblical story you will learn. Cost $25 payable upon attendance. For further details contact Pastor Pieter Niemeyer via email pieter@rvmc.ca for planning purposes please register by contacting the church office 905-294-6242. See posting in foyer.
Sun., Jan. 29 – Ushers: Consumer Conscience & Peer Pressure. Ushers: Susan Prestwich, Laurie Hadden, Simon Martin, Song Leader: Ellie Nash, Pianist: Elinor Hansen, Worship Leaders: Pastor Cameron Kaufman-Frey, from Community Mennonite Church of Stouffville, Pastor Liz Brasier-Ackerman.
Coming up:
Tues., Jan. 31- Leadership Elders meeting 9:15 am at the church.
Wed., Feb. 1 - Out of the Cold program 3:00pm to 8:00am Thursday morning. To volunteer, see white binder in foyer or speak to Taucha Inrig.
Thurs., Feb. 2 – Sewing Circle 9:30am to 3:30pm in Cedar Grove Meetinghouse. If you are staying over the lunch hour please bring a sack lunch, coffee provided. All are welcome.
Sat., Feb. 4 - Come dressed for dinner in your finest RED! “ROYAL RED NIGHT” for your delight includes dinner, 6:00pm at the church. Please bring a red dessert to consume with tea. Brought to you by R&R (Recreate & Re-Create Ministry) - keeping you on your royal toes. Please sign up by Jan 29.
Sun., Feb. 5– 2nd Sunday of our AGM. Ushers: Trisha Ashworth, Brian Drudge, Valerie Wong, Song Leader: Ann Reesor, Pianist: Needed, Worship Leaders: Pastor Pieter Niemeyer, Pastor Liz Brasier-Ackerman.
- Worship 10:00-10:45am, listening to the call of God for 2012
- Coffee time 10:45-11:00am
- Discussion groups on presentation from worship 11:00-11:45am
- Bag lunch 11:45am-12:30pm
- Gathered time for discerning vision and disbursements for ministry in 2012, 12:30-2:00pm
There will be child care in the Cedar Grove Meetinghouse, beginning at 12:30pm with crafts and games and skating beginning at 1:00pm (weather permitting) at Cedarena. Cost is $2.50 for ages 3 to 15 and $5.00 for 16 and over.
Sun., Feb. 12 – Prayer/Potluck groups meet as follows:
* Durham meets at the church for lunch followed by skating at Cedarena.
* Stouffville West meets for lunch at Paul & Nancy’s.
* Stouffville East meets for lunch at the Pogue’s.
Community Events:
What? MYF Ministry Pizza lunch!
TODAY AT 1:00 p.m.
Where? Wideman Mennonite Church.
Who can come? If you are connected with MYF in any way; youth, parents, Sponsors, or on any of the support committee's, or an interested person in MYF, you are welcome to come out.
Why? This will be a time to connect. Share stories, get updates and field any questions you may have.
Tues., Jan. 24 – Rouge Park: Sharing Ideas Information Session for Cedar Grove Community, 7:00 to 9:00pm at the Cedar Grove Community Centre, on 14th Avenue east of Reesor Rd. Topics covered will include: Bob Hunter Memorial Park, Rouge Park Trails Master Plan, Rouge Park Ambassador Program, Stewardship Activities, Guided Walks and Upcoming Events. For more information contact Michelle Holmes, Manager of Visitor Experience at
Notes
Pastor Pieter Niemeyer will be preaching at Hagerman Mennonite church on Sun., Jan. 29/12.
The last Sunday of each month will be 'Food Bank Sunday'. Donations will go to the Markham, Scarborough, and Oshawa food banks. Please bring your non-perishable food donations next Sun., Jan. 29.
For other events happening within our community and out of town, see Announcement Sheet for Jan. 8 to Jan. 29/12.
OUT OF THE COLD CLOTHING BANK: Items requested: We have enough women's clothing now. For men: jeans, t-shirts, undershirts, hoodies (most requested item), belts, warm parkas/jackets (preferred with hoods), fleece, running shoes & boots size 9 and up. All these can be second hand, but must be clean and ready to use. No more sweaters or scarfs. Because the guests usually wear 'layers', size large and extra large is requested. Bags of donations can be brought anytime, but please label "For OOTC". If there are any other items you wish to donate, please ask Lys Laurence before you bring them.
This is how your financial support of Mennonite Church Canada is ministering...from across the street to around the world! Your financial contributions are bringing the church’s voice to national and world leaders. Last fall, Willard Metzger, Mennonite Church Canada General Secretary, joined about 100 other faith group leaders for a discussion with Federal MPs about developing a Canadian Office for Religious Freedom. In October, Willard addressed Senators and MPs about climate justice. His remarks were distributed to all elected Federal leaders and Senators. Subsequently, he was invited by the World
Council of Churches to participate in the 2011 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Durban, South Africa. Together, we speak volumes. Thank you.
MDS invites their volunteers to participate in MCC Ontario’s response to Attawapiskat. MCC Ontario will lead the response to an invitation from community leaders to erect modular homes in this isolated community. MDS supports and encourages skilled (licensed) volunteers to participate. MCCO has nurtured relationships in Attawapiskat for 20 years. If you are interested please contact Lyndsay Mollins Koene, MCCO at 705-264-2494.
Markham/Stouffville area churches continue to search for a half time youth ministry pastor. Please consider prayerfully possible candidates. Applications can be made through MCEC, attention Muriel Bechtel. Or for more information contact Lois Bukar at Wideman Mennonite Church, 905-640-6219.
Mennonite Central Committee Updates: A message from Rick Cober Bauman:
Attawapiskat does not want our pity. They want our partnership. On Jan. 11, MCC Ontario was invited to send volunteer trades people in small, short-term teams to hammer and lift alongside Attawapiskat workers, under the direction of Attawapiskat leaders. As they set up the modular homes – that are being sent in on the winter roads – these volunteers are going to learn more than most Canadians about the relationships between newcomers and the first people who welcomed us here. They will learn that the men and women and children of Attawapiskat are far more than "victims." Skills, humour, stories, wisdom are all integral parts of this community, but these strengths have been hard for us to see on the late news in recent weeks.
We are honoured to have been invited. We are honoured to be allowed to be bearers of God's love and compassion to our neighbours on the James Bay Coast.
Housing Partnership in Attawapiskat:
By invitation, MCC Ontario is sending small teams of skilled trades people for 2 week periods beginning February 1. Teams will work under local leadership in setting up modular homes and learning about the first peoples who welcomed us here. For more information, contact Lyndsay Mollins Koene (lyndsaymk@mennonitecc.on.ca, 705-264-2494) or visit mcco.ca/aboriginal
Volunteers will need to cover (or fund raise) all costs including travel and accommodations. Prayerfully consider this opportunity to share a practical message of love to our neighbours in Attawapiskat.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Ushers: Susan Prestwich, Laurie Hadden, Simon Martin, Song Leader: Ellie Nash, Pianist: Nancy Burkholder, Worship Leaders: Pastor Pieter Niemeyer, Pastor Liz Brasier-Ackerman, Lisa Schaub, John David & Trisha Ashworth.
Prelude
Welcome & Ministries of the People
Call to Worship
Opening Prayer
Hymn 6 HWB Here in this place
Hymn 10 SJ Spirit working in creation
Prayers of the People & Offering Prayer (Monitors)
Offertory
Children’s time
Child care
Scripture Reading Jonah 2 (pg. 752 in Bibles)
Sermon Lisa Schaub
DVD Presentation (Monitors)
Hymn 327 HWB Great is thy faithfulness
Benediction
Coffee Time & Discussions Groups
Let’s remember in our prayers:
This week please remember in your prayers Letitia Wise and Valerie & Leighton Wong that they may witness to what God is doing in their lives.
Pray for Reverend Salvador Alcántera and other Colombian farmers who have received death threats as they struggle to remain on their lands. CPT accompanied Alcántera and his family out of the Magdalena Medio region and continues partnerships with farming communities.
CONGREGATIONAL CALENDAR
This week
TODAY - Long Term Visioning meeting in the Hospitality Room after the worship service.
Tues., Jan. 17 - MYF Bible study 7:00pm, location TBA.
Wed., Jan. 18- Women’s Prayer group meets at Evelyn Burkholder’s at 2:00pm.
- Out of the Cold begins 3:00pm to 8:00am Thursday morning. This programs runs for 11 weeks until Wed., Mar. 28/12. To volunteer, see white binder in foyer or speak to Taucha Inrig.
Sun., Jan. 22 – 1st Sunday of our AGM. Worship 10:00-10:45am, Ushers: Susan Prestwich, Laurie Hadden, Simon Martin, Song Leader: Louise Pogue, Pianist: Julie Nash, Worship Leaders: Pastor Pieter Niemeyer, Pastor Liz Brasier-Ackerman. Worship 10:00-10:45am, our sharing in practice: giving thanks for ministry in 2011. Coffee time 10:45-11:00am, discussion groups on theology of sharing 11:00-11:45am, gathered time for questions and answers regarding proposed budget scenarios and 2011 financials 11:45-12:15pm.
Coming up:
Tues., Jan. 24 - MYF Bible study 7:00pm, location TBA.
- Living Room meeting 1:00-2:30pm at the church.
Sat., Jan. 28 – The Sound of Scripture, a workshop at the church, 9:00am to 12 noon, led by John Epp, on practical tools for learning and proclaiming biblical stories with confidence. Not good at memorizing? Neither are we! Come and learn a more life giving way of learning and telling scripture by heart. No drama. No acting. Only a passion to see the power and beauty of the biblical story come alive. All are welcome, men, women, children, seniors and youth. You need to bring one biblical story you will learn. Cost $25 payable upon attendance. For further details contact Pastor Pieter Niemeyer via email pieter@rvmc.ca for planning purposes please register by contacting the church office 905-294-6242. See posting in foyer.
These stories will be told in preparation for our worship service on Sun., Feb. 26/12.
Sat., Feb. 4 - Come dressed for dinner in your finest RED! “ROYAL RED NIGHT” for your delight includes dinner. Please bring a red dessert to consume with tea. Brought to you by R&R (Recreate & Re-Create Ministry) - keeping you on your royal toes. Sign up by Jan 29, starting today.
Sun., Feb. 5– 2nd Sunday of our AGM. Worship 10:00-10:45am, Ushers: Susan Prestwich, Laurie Hadden, Simon Martin, Song Leader: Louise Pogue, Pianist: Julie Nash, Worship Leaders: Pastor Pieter Niemeyer, Pastor Liz Brasier-Ackerman. Worship 10:00-10:45am, listening to the call of God for 2012. Coffee time 10:45-11:00am, discussion groups on presentation from worship 11:00-11:45am, bag lunch 11:45am-12:30pm, gathered time for discerning vision and disbursements for ministry in 2012 12:30-2:00pm.
Community Events:
What? MYF Ministry Pizza lunch!
When? January 22, 1:00 p.m.
Where? Wideman Mennonite Church.
Who can come? If you are connected with MYF in any way; youth, parents, Sponsors, or on any of the support committee's, or an interested person in MYF, you are welcome to come out.
Why? This will be a time to connect. Share stories, get updates and field any questions you may have.
Tues., Jan. 24 – Rouge Park: Sharing Ideas Information Session for Cedar Grove Community, 7:00 to 9:00pm at the Cedar Grove Community Centre, on 14th Avenue east of Reesor Rd. Topics covered will include: Bob Hunter Memorial Park, Rouge Park Trails Master Plan, Rouge Park Ambassador Program, Stewardship Activities, Guided Walks and Upcoming Events. For more information contact Michelle Holmes, Manager of Visitor Experience at
Notes
For other events happening within our community and out of town, see Announcement Sheet for Jan. 8 to Jan. 29/12.
Thank you for collecting your stamps over the Christmas season. Please keep collecting them during the year for the Bible Society and give them to Dorothy Reesor or put them in her mailbox. Leave a ¼” border around stamps when removing them from envelopes.
OUT OF THE COLD CLOTHING BANK: Items requested: t-shirts, undershirts, hoodies (most requested item), belts, jeans, warm parkas/jackets (preferred with hoods), fleece, running shoes & boots size 9 and up. All these can be second hand, but must be clean and ready to use (e.g. no jackets with broken zippers). Because the guests usually wear 'layers', size large and extra large is requested. Definitely no size small. Scarves and tuques are not popular, as people prefer hoodies and ball caps. Unfortunately we get donations of old suits, long overcoats, out-of-style women's coats, boys' jackets and stained clothes. No one wants these, so it's extra work to get rid of them. Bags of donations can be brought anytime, but please label "For OOTC". If there are any other items you wish to donate, please ask Lys Laurence before you bring them.
Markham/Stouffville area churches continue to search for a half time youth ministry pastor. Please consider prayerfully possible candidates. Applications can be made through MCEC, attention Muriel Bechtel. Or for more information contact Lois Bukar at Wideman Mennonite Church, 905-640-6219.
See MDS (Mennonite Disaster Service) update for January 12, 2012 on shelf in foyer.
Norma Barkey has moved to Brooklin. Here is her new contact information, 5909 Anderson St. Apt. 219, Brooklin, On L1M 2H1, 905-655-3682. Please change your church directories accordingly.
This is how your financial support of Mennonite Church Canada is ministering...from across the street to around the world! Research by Mennonite Church Canada’s Task Force on Pastoral Leadership Development highlights the importance of pastors/leaders connecting with one another for encouragement, support and learning – and your dollars help make this happen. In late 2011, there was a bi-national gathering in Toronto of area church ministers and conference ministers from Mennonite Church Canada and Mennonite Church USA. Thank you for your commitment to growing and nurturing leaders!
Silver Lake Mennonite Camp – Registration is now open for summer 2012 with programming available for campers ages 6-16. Two all-inclusive “Family Camp” weekends are available for families wanting to experience camp together!
Spaces are limited so be sure to register early. For more information, please visit www.slmc.ca or contact Dave Erb – silverlake@slmc.ca or 519-422-1401.
Mennonite Central Committee Updates: A message from Rick Cober Bauman:
Attawapiskat does not want our pity. They want our partnership. On Jan. 11, MCC Ontario was invited to send volunteer trades people in small, short-term teams to hammer and lift alongside Attawapiskat workers, under the direction of Attawapiskat leaders. As they set up the modular homes – that are being sent in on the winter roads – these volunteers are going to learn more than most Canadians about the relationships between newcomers and the first people who welcomed us here. They will learn that the men and women and children of Attawapiskat are far more than "victims." Skills, humour, stories, wisdom are all integral parts of this community, but these strengths have been hard for us to see on the late news in recent weeks.
We are honoured to have been invited. We are honoured to be allowed to be bearers of God's love and compassion to our neighbours on the James Bay Coast.
Housing Partnership in Attawapiskat:
By invitation, MCC Ontario is sending small teams of skilled trades people for 2 week periods beginning February 1. Teams will work under local leadership in setting up modular homes and learning about the first peoples who welcomed us here. For more information, contact Lyndsay Mollins Koene (lyndsaymk@mennonitecc.on.ca, 705-264-2494) or visit mcco.ca/aboriginal
Volunteers will need to cover (or fund raise) all costs including travel and accommodations. Please prayerfully consider this opportunity to share a practical message of love to our neighbours in Attawapiskat.
Focus statement: God came into the world to bring life to all humankind. The light of God reveals God’s generosity to us through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. God’s generosity embraces us as the body of Christ who’s light shines through our rich diversity to our neighbour; both friend and foe.
Ushers: Susan Prestwich, Laurie Hadden, Simon Martin, Song Leader: Ellie Nash, Pianist: Elinor Hansen, Worship Leaders: Pastor Pieter Niemeyer, Pastor Liz Brasier-Ackerman.
Prelude
Welcome & Ministries of the People
Call to Worship
Opening Prayer
Hymn HWB 218 As with gladness men of old
Hymn SS 32 Oh, beautiful star of Bethlehem
Share the Peace of Christ
Prayers of the People/Offering Prayer (Monitors)
Offertory
Children’s time “Take Good Care” (CD, vs. 1, 2, 3)
Child care
“Take Good Care” (CD, vs. 4, 5)
Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:1-12 (pg. 783 & 784 in Bibles)
Sermon Pastor Pieter Niemeyer
DVD Presentation (Monitors)
Hymn SJ 54 Longing for light
Blessing (Monitors)
Coffee Time & Discussions Groups
Let’s remember in our prayers:
This week please remember in your prayers Graeme, Lucy, Christina, Heather, Mia & Daniel Weston that they may witness to what God is doing in their lives.
Pray with the CPT Aboriginal Justice Team that the government of Canada and the non-indigenous peoples who live in this land would honor the treaties they have made with indigenous peoples.
CONGREGATIONAL CALENDAR
TODAY: Prayer/Potluck groups meet as follows:
* Durham lunch at the Weston's.
* Stouffville West to meet for lunch, at George & Anna Reesor’s.
* Stouffville East to meet for lunch at Mick & Mary Lymburner’s.
This week
Tues., Jan. 10 - Living Room meeting 1:00-2:30pm at the church.
- MYF Bible study 7:00pm, location TBA.
- Women’s Bible study meeting 7:00pm at the church.
Wed., Jan. 11 – Ministry Council meeting 7:00pm at the church.
Thurs., Jan. 12 – Congregational Care Elders meeting 9:30am at Trudy Burkholder’s.
Jan 14 at 700pm at the church, COME TO THE MASQUERADE!! Dress up as your favourite Bible Character or as your own special self but keep your character secret! Ssshhhhhh!! Bring a dessert ready to serve. Beverages provided. Brought to you by R&R - be ready to have some fun!
Sun., Jan. 15 – Worship at 10:00am. Ushers: Susan Prestwich, Laurie Hadden, Simon Martin, Song Leader: Ellie Nash, Pianist: Nancy Burkholder, Worship Leaders: Pastor Pieter Niemeyer, Pastor Liz Brasier-Ackerman.
-Long Term Visioning meeting in the Hospitality Room after the worship service. Please bring a sack lunch.
Coming up:
Tues., Jan. 17 - MYF Bible study 7:00pm, location TBA.
Wed., Jan. 18- Out of the Cold begins 3:00pm to 8:00am Thursday morning. This programs runs for 11 weeks until Wed., Mar. 28/12. See white binder in foyer to sign up to volunteer.
Our AGM (Annual General Meeting) will take place over two Sundays, Jan. 22 and Feb. 5. (Watch your bulletins for details)
Mark your calendars for WEAR YOUR RED! on Feb 4/12, An R&R event at the church.
Mark your calendars for our Annual Quilt Knotting Blitz, for Sat., Mar. 3/12.
Notes
For other events happening within our community and out of town, see Announcement Sheet for Jan. 8 to Jan. 29/12 in your church mailboxes.
Thank you for collecting your stamps over the Christmas season. Please keep collecting them during the year for the Bible Society and give them to Dorothy Reesor or put them in her mailbox. Leave a ¼” border around stamps when removing them from envelopes.
It's getting COLD Outside!!! That mean's it's time to start thinking about Out of the Cold and how you can help. RVMC will be hosting guests on Wednesday nights from January 18 to March 28, 2012. There are many ways to help from gathering clothing donations and preparing
meals to greeting and eating with the guests. The volunteer white binder can be found near the mailboxes in the church foyer.
OUT OF THE COLD CLOTHING BANK: Items requested: t-shirts, undershirts, hoodies (most requested item), belts, jeans, warm parkas/jackets (preferred with hoods), fleece, running shoes & boots size 9 and up. All these can be second hand, but must be clean and ready to use (e.g. no jackets with broken zippers). Because the guests usually wear 'layers', size large and extra large is requested. Definitely no size small. Scarves and tuques are not popular, as people prefer hoodies and ball caps. Unfortunately we get donations of old suits, long overcoats, out-of-style women's coats, boys' jackets and stained clothes. No one wants these, so it's extra work to get rid of them. Bags of donations can be brought anytime, but please label "For OOTC". If there are any other items you wish to donate, please ask Lys Laurence before you bring them.
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Focus statement: God showed up in our world in the least expected way, in the form of an infant. This is how God comes, what God’s awesome deeds look like-a small shoot springing up and changing everything. Christ has come, and the world is being transformed. So let’s celebrate!
Ushers: Paul W. Reesor, Brian Drudge, Richard Ackerman, Song Leader: Hugh Laurence, Pianist: Lisa Schaub, Worship Leaders: Pastor Pieter Niemeyer, Pastor Liz Brasier-Ackerman, Elise Niemeyer,
Prelude
Welcome & Call to Worship (Monitors)
Opening Prayer
Praising
Hymn 189 HWB To us a Child of hope is born (vs. 1 & 2)
Hymn 191 HWB O little town of Bethlehem (vs. 1 & 2)
Hymn 199 HWB The first Noel, the angel did say
(vs. 1, 2 & 4)
Offering Prayer
Offertory
Children’s Story
Hymn 201 HWB Hark! The herald angels sing (vs. 1 & 3)
Child Care
Hearing the Word
Scripture Reading John 1:1-14 (pg. 862 in Bibles)
John 3:16-21 (pg. 864 in Bibles)
Sermon Pastor Pieter Niemeyer
Hymn 215 HWB What Child is this (vs. 1 & 3)
Hymn 210 HWB Good Christian friends, rejoice
(vs. 1 & 2)
Responding to the Word
Prayer of Confession
Prayers of the People
Ministries of the People
Sending
Hymn 212 HWB O come, all ye faithful (vs. 1 & 4)
Blessing (Monitors)
Let’s remember in our prayers:
This week please remember in your prayers Diana & Angela Tiessen and Del & Linda Wall that they may witness to what God is doing in their lives.
Pray for CPT and its partners as they respond to Israeli military actions in Al-Khalil (Hebron). Soldiers entered the grounds of a school and civilian homes, while military and intelligence officers forced Palestinian Old City shops to stop renovations.
CONGREGATIONAL CALENDAR
This week
Sun., Jan. 1 – New Year’s Day, service in the fellowship hall at 11:30am, communion will be celebrated with a simple finger food potluck. Ushers: Susan Prestwich, Laurie Hadden, Simon Martin, Worship Leaders: Pastor Pieter Niemeyer, Pastor Liz Brasier-Ackerman, Song Leader: Mark Schaub.
Coming up:
Tues., Jan. 3 – Leadership Elders meeting 9:15am at the church.
Thurs., Jan. 5 – Sewing Circle 9:30am to 3:30pm in the Cedar Grove Meetinghouse. If you plan on staying over the lunch hour please bring a sack lunch, coffee provided. All genders and ages are welcome.
Sun., Jan. 8 – Epiphany – Service to begin at 10:00am Ushers: Laurie Hadden, Susan Prestwich, Simon Martin, Song Leader: Ellie Nash, Pianist: Elinor Hansen, Worship Leaders: Pastor Liz Brasier-Ackerman, Pastor Pieter Niemeyer.
Prayer/Potluck groups meet as follows:
* Durham potluck lunch at Weston’s.
* Stouffville West to meet for lunch, location TBA
* Stouffville East to meet for lunch at Mick & Mary Lymburner’s.
Tues., Jan. 10 - Living Room meeting 1:00-2:30pm at the church.
- MYF Bible study 7:00pm, location TBA.
- Women’s Bible study meeting 7:00pm at the church.
Wed., Jan. 11 – Ministry Council meeting 7:00pm at the church.
Thurs., Jan. 12 – Congregational Care Elders meeting 9:30am at Trudy Burkholder’s.
Notes
There will not be a bulletin published for Sun., Jan. 1/12.
Pastor Pieter Niemeyer will be on vacation Dec. 26 to Jan. 2/12, for pastoral concerns please contact Pastor Liz Brasier-Ackerman via email at liz@rvmc.ca or her cell 289-385-6212.
Please collect your stamps this Christmas season for the Bible Society and give them to Dorothy Reesor or put them in her mailbox. Leave a ¼” border around stamps when removing them from envelopes.
TAKE NOTE, CHANGE IS COMING SOON!
Over the seven Sundays of Epiphany, (the celebration of God’s attracting and transforming light) we will explore our values and how our society is affecting them. We want as many as possible to participate. We will explore first through our Worship service and then gather in discussion groups; some age specific and others intergenerational. In the words of Bryan Moyer Suderman, we are detectives of Divinity! From January 8th, to February 19th, we will be meeting at 10:00am for gathered worship. Then enjoy some
Java on your way to a discussion group. Explore together so we can strengthen lives of faith in our neighbourhoods today!
For other events happening within our community and out of town, see Announcement Sheet for Dec. 18 to Jan. 8/12.
OUT OF THE COLD CLOTHING BANK:
Items requested: t-shirts, undershirts, hoodies (most requested item), belts, jeans, warm parkas/jackets (preferred with hoods), fleece, running shoes & boots size 9 and up. All these can be second hand, but must be clean and ready to use (e.g. no jackets with broken zippers). Because the guests usually wear 'layers', size large and extra large is requested. Definitely no size small. Scarves and tuques are not popular, as people prefer hoodies and ball caps. Unfortunately we get donations of old suits, long overcoats, out-of-style women's coats, boys' jackets and stained clothes. No one wants these, so it's extra work to get rid of them. Bags of donations can be brought anytime, but please label "For OOTC". If there are any other items you wish to donate, please ask Lys Laurence before you bring them. Note the Out of the Cold program will run on Wednesday evenings at Rouge starting January 18 until March 28, 2012.
Donate to our Maple Key Holiday Campaign! At the Mennonite New Life Centre of Toronto, we are excited about the contributions and achievements of newcomer Canadians. This is why we have made it our mission to walk with newcomers as they navigate and participate in the economic, cultural and social life of their communities. It is our role in the community to engage and welcome new Canadian citizens and support their integration in all aspects of Canadian life. You can support our work with a one time gift, or join our network of monthly donors. It’s 100% tax deductible and it’s easy to do. As gifts are received, maple keys will grow on our online Giving Tree until December 31st, 2011. Keep checking our website at www.mnlct.org to see the difference you contribution can make.
This is how your financial support of Mennonite Church Canada is ministering...from across the street to around the world! Mennonite Church Canada congregations will celebrate the birth of Jesus in over 15 languages other than English. Your gifts help the Resource Centre to offer support materials in a variety of languages. For a list of resources available in a selection of languages, see www.mennonitechurch.ca/resourcecentre/Home (scroll down).
Mennonite Central Committee Updates:
Christmas Greetings from Material Resources!
We have an abundance of comforter tops and backs and would welcome some willing hands to knot them for us. Contact Wendy Cotter at 519.745.8457 or wendyc@mennonitecc.on.ca.
Kit the Season spreads Christmas cheer!
MCC Ontario thanks the countless groups and individuals who replenished our warehouse with gifts of kits. Many are still coming in from families and churches, but current numbers are 3200 School Kits and 2100 Hygiene Kits. Wow!
See the MDS (Mennonite Disaster Service) update for December 22, 2011 on shelf in foyer.
Mennonite church Canada (MCC) and Mennonite Church Eastern Canada (MCEC) invites you to grow our family this Christmas. Take a look at the Christmas Gift Guide in your church mailbox and prayerfully consider your participation in extending the mission of the wider church.
Norma Barkey sends her thanks for the lovely poinsettia from the congregation and for the Christmas card she received from the children Sunday school class.
Treasurer's Report to the Congregation
General Fund Offerings Progress Report through December 18th
General Fund Offering Budget for 2011
$235,242
Actual General Fund Offerings Received to Nov. 30th
$171,943
Goal for December to meet our Budget for 2011
$63,299
Offering Received in December through the 18th, including Direct Deposits
$26,778
Goal for the Balance of December to meet our Budget Objective
$36,521
You will note that our goal for the remainder of December in General Fund Offerings is $36,521. This amount is a significant target for us for the balance of December.
Rouge Valley Mennonite Church
Building relationships through God to people
7452 Reesor Rd., Markham, ON L6B 1A8
Church Office: 905 294-6242 eMail: Admin@rvmc.ca Web: www.rvmc.ca
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Pastor: Pieter Niemeyer eMail: Pieter@rvmc.ca
Associate Pastor: Liz Brasier-Ackerman eMail: Liz@rvmc.ca
Interim Youth Coordinators: Rachel Burkholder & Simon Martin
eMail: markhammyf@gmail.com
Church Elders: Trudy Burkholder, Laurie Hadden, Lisa Schaub, Lys Laurence,
Hugh Laurence, George Reesor, Elinor Hansen
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Focus statement: We serve a God who lifts the lowly, fills the hungry, and chooses an unwed teenage girl for a role of greatest honour. God’s shalom overturns the world’s assumptions about what matters and what doesn’t. How do we begin to reveal this new kingdom reordering now?
Ushers: Paul W. Reesor, Brian Drudge, Richard Ackerman, Song Leader: Ann Reesor, Pianist: Freda Burkholder, Worship Leaders: Pastor Pieter Niemeyer, Pastor Liz Brasier-Ackerman, Hugh Laurence, Elise Niemeyer, Phearom Nak, Dave Burkholder, Louise Pogue.
Prelude (Monitors)
Welcome & Call to Worship (Monitors)
Opening Prayer
Praising
Hymn 175 HWB O Savior, rend the heavens
Hymn 180 HWB The angel Gabriel
Treasurer Update
Offering Prayer
Offertory
Children’s Story
Hymn 13 SJ My soul is filled with joy
Child Care
Hearing the Word
Scripture Reading Luke 1:26-38 (pg. #831 in Bibles)
Sermon Hugh Laurence
Hymn 176 HWB Comfort, comfort, O my people
Responding to the Word
Prayer of Confession
Prayers of the People
Ministries of the People
Sending
Hymn 30 SS Arise, your light is come!
Blessing (Monitors)
Let’s remember in our prayers:
This week please remember in your prayers Mary Jean Steckley and Nancy Thompson that they may witness to what God is doing in their lives.
CONGREGATIONAL CALENDAR
This week
Tues., Dec. 20 - Living Room meeting 1:00-2:30pm at the church.
- MYF Bible study 7:00pm, location TBA.
Sat., Dec. 24 – All are welcome to go caroling on Christmas Eve at 5:00 pm at Parkview Home, 123 Weldon Rd., Stouffville, then on to Parkview Village, 12184 9th Line, Stouffville.
- Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 7:30-8:15 pm at the church. Extend an invitation to family and friends.
Sun., Dec. 25- Worship service at 11:00am - 5th Sunday of Advent – Celebrating the Savior, Ushers: Paul W. Reesor, Brian Drudge, Richard Ackerman, Song Leader: Hugh Laurence, Pianist: Lisa Schaub, Worship Leaders: Pastor Liz Brasier-Ackerman, Pastor Pieter Niemeyer, Letitia Wise.
Focus Statement: God showed up in our world in the least expected way, in the form of an infant. This is how God comes, what God’s awesome deeds look like - a small shoot springing up and changing everything. Christ has come, and the world is being transformed. So let’s celebrate!
Coming up:
Sun., Jan. 1 – New Year’s Day, service in the fellowship hall from 11:30am to 12:30pm, communion will be celebrated with a simple finger food potluck. (No Sunday school.)
Thurs., Jan. 5 – Sewing Circle 9:30am to 3:30pm in the Cedar Grove Meetinghouse. If you plan on staying over the lunch hour please bring a sack lunch, coffee provided. All genders and ages are welcome.
Notes
TAKE NOTE, CHANGE IS COMING SOON!
Over the seven Sundays of Epiphany, (the celebration of God’s attracting and transforming light) we will explore our values and how our society is affecting them. We want as many as possible to participate. We will explore first through our Worship service and then gather in discussion groups; some age specific and others intergenerational. In the words of Bryan Moyer Suderman, we are detectives of Divinity! From January 8th, to February 19th, we will be meeting at 10:00am for gathered worship. Then enjoy some Java on your way to a discussion group. Explore together so we can strengthen lives of faith in our neighbourhoods today!
If you would like to order a copy of the Money Sanity Solutions booklet for yourself or family see sign up sheet and booklet on table in foyer. We will be receiving a 40% discount for these at a total cost of $21.00 each to you.
For other events happening within our community and out of town, see Announcement Sheet for Dec. 18 to Jan. 8/12 in your church mailboxes.
Pastor Pieter Niemeyer will be on vacation Dec. 26 to Jan. 2/12, for pastoral concerns please contact Pastor Liz Brasier-Ackerman via email at liz@rvmc.ca or her cell 289-385-6212.
OUT OF THE COLD CLOTHING BANK:
Items requested: t-shirts, undershirts, hoodies (most requested item), belts, jeans, warm parkas/jackets (preferred with hoods), fleece, running shoes & boots size 9 and up. All these can be second hand, but must be clean and ready to use (e.g. no jackets with broken zippers). Because the guests usually wear 'layers', size large and extra large is requested. Definitely no size small. Scarves and tuques are not popular, as people prefer hoodies and ball caps. Unfortunately we get donations of old suits, long overcoats, out-of-style women's coats, boys' jackets and stained clothes. No one wants these, so it's extra work to get rid of them. Bags of donations can be brought anytime, but please label "For OOTC". If there are any other items you wish to donate, please ask Lys Laurence before you bring them. Note the Out of the Cold program will run on Wednesday evenings at Rouge starting January 18 until March 28, 2012.
Mennonite church Canada (MCC) and Mennonite Church Eastern Canada (MCEC) invite you to grow our family this Christmas. Take a look at the Christmas Gift Guide in your church mailbox and prayerfully consider your participation in extending the mission of the wider church.
Please collect your stamps this Christmas season for the Bible Society and give them to Dorothy Reesor or put them in her mailbox. Leave a ¼” border around stamps when removing them from envelopes.
Just in time for Christmas, Canadian Mennonite University PRESS announces the release of two new children’s books: On the Zwieback Trail by Lisa Weaver, Julie Kauffman and Judith Rempel Smucker, available now, and David’s Trip to Paraguay, by Miriam Rudolph. Available from the CMU Bookstore, www.cmu.ca.
The two special collections for the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) school and hygiene skits totaled $393.56. With this money and with additional items purchased by congregational members, the Women's Tuesday Night Bible Study group and the Children's Sunday school class 38 School kits and 57 Hygiene kits were assembled.
Donate to our Maple Key Holiday Campaign! At the Mennonite New Life Centre of Toronto, we are excited about the contributions and achievements of newcomer Canadians. This is why we have made it our mission to walk with newcomers as they navigate and participate in the economic, cultural and social life of their communities. It is our role in the community to engage and welcome new Canadian citizens and support their integration in all aspects of Canadian life. You can support our work with a one time gift, or join our network of monthly donors. It’s 100% tax deductible and it’s easy to do. As gifts are received, maple keys will grow on our online Giving Tree until December 31st, 2011. Keep checking our website at www.mnlct.org to see the difference you contribution can make.
Pray for the Las Pavas community in Colombia, whom CPT has accompanied as 123 families returned to land from which they were displaced. The Colombian government now denies the displacement and is investigating organizations that have supported the community.
Treasurer's Report to the Congregation
General Fund Offerings Progress Report through December 4th
General Fund Offering Budget for 2011
$235,242
Actual General Fund Offerings Received to Nov. 30th
$171,943
Goal for December to meet our Budget for 2011
$63,299
Offering Received in December through the 11th, including Direct Deposits
$16,428
Goal for the Balance of December to meet our Budget Objective
$46,871
You will note that our goal for the remaining two weeks of this year (including today’s offering) in General Fund Offerings is $46,871. This amount is a significant target for us for the balance of December. Last year our General Fund Offerings for the entire month of December were $36,343. Please continue to give prayerful consideration to your giving plans over the coming weeks.
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Community Events
Fri., Jan. 27 – Pax Christi Chorale 25th Anniversary Gala Fundraiser - 25 Years of singing in the City – Gala Fundraiser Celebrating Masterpieces Old and New – 6:30 pm Gourmet Reception, 7:30 pm String Quartet world premier, at 333 Bay St., 24th floor, Toronto. See posting for further details.
Sopranos wanted: Pax Christi Chorale seeks additional chorus sopranos for the performance of Elgar’s” The Kingdom" in Koerner Hall, May 6th, 2012. Monday rehearsals begin January 9th at Yonge and Sheppard. Please contact Dan Norman at daniel@ssjd.ca to arrange an audition.
Out of Town Events
Winter Youth Retreat January 13-15, 2012 at Silver Lake Mennonite Camp, cost $70/person. For more information, contact Mollee Moua; mmoua@mcec.ca or 519-650-3806 x 102. Register online by Friday, December 23, 2011.
Sat., Jan. 21/12 - Join Derek Suderman, Rebecca Seiling and Bryan Moyer Suderman for a Day of Engaging, Experiencing and Facilitating the study of the Bible, at Vineland Mennonite church. Most people have experienced Bible study through either lecture or discussion. Often neither has captured their imagination. Attend this workshop to discover why shifting the focus from biblical literacy to biblical engagement increases interest and investment in studying the Bible learn about participatory Bible study and strategies for facilitating study deepen your understanding of how to facilitate participatory and communal study. Explore topics such as the role of the facilitator, asking good questions, engaging in the arts, leading children and youth in Bible study and the possibilities of social networking strategies. Experience how music can deepen and illuminate biblical test. (See posting in foyer.)
Canadian Mennonite University Updates:
Mar. 9-11, 2012 – CMU invites high school students to attend PIT 2012. PIT offers a special kind of peace conference, where participants can also connect, play, and engage in worship and workshops with youth from across Canada. Visit www.cmu.ca/pit for more details. Registration increases after January 31, 2012.
* Journey through time on the CMU Study Tour: Ancient Stones, Living Stones: the Holy Land in Perspective. Travel April 30 – May 21, 2012 with leader Gordon Matties, Professor of Biblical & Theological Studies. Visit www.cmu.ca/studytour for more details.
* Come this summer to learn with other peacebuilders – local and international, young and old, students, practitioners and those new to peacebuilding – at the fourth annual Canadian School of Peacebuilding. We invite you to participate in your choice of five-day courses for personal inspiration, professional development, or academic credit. More information is available at www.csop.cmu.ca or by e-mailing csop@cmu.ca.
Notes
Mennonite Disaster Service Updates:
* During a cold Canada winter it can be our dream to go south to escape the freezing temperatures. However, the people in Minot, ND are dreaming of returning to dry, warm homes. Consider serving in Minot rather than further south this winter. It will be cold outside but the work inside the homes will be warm.
* In the chaos after a disaster it takes time for local long-term committees to form. These committees do case work and find funds for those who are not able to repair their own homes. Before MDS can set up projects, four pillars need to be in place: volunteers, accommodations, identified people who are not able to repair their own homes and funds in place to pay for building materials. Please pray that these four pillars can be put in place quickly in places such as Mississippi (flooding), Texas (fires) so houses can be built and people move back into homes.
* Join MDS in warm Sarasota, FL for the annual All-Unit meeting on February 10 & 11, 2012. For registration forms and more information check the MDS newsletter Behind the Hammer or the MDS website at www.mds.mennonite.net
This is how your financial support of Mennonite Church Canada is ministering...from across the street to around the world! Your financial gifts allowed Mennonite Church Canada General Secretary Willard Metzger to bring an Anabaptist voice to Ottawa in Oct. for discussions about a Canadian Office for Religious Freedom, and to Toronto in Nov., where he joined other church and mission leaders to discern sensitive approaches to evangelism in a multi-religious world. Thank your for helping the global church.
Mennonite Central Committee Updates:
- MCC Ontario is in discussion with Attawapiskat community leaders around long term housing responses. Blankets, hygiene kits and relief kits are also being sent to the most vulnerable. Consider helping MCC replenish its stocks of hygiene kits by joining a Christmas Kit Packing Party December 16 at the Care & Share Thrift Shop in Stouffville. For details check http://ontario.mcc.org/kits/christmas
- Mennonite Central Committee Ontario invites applications to fill the following full-
time salaried positions. Please send cover letter and résumés to Cath Woolner at cathw@mennonitecc.on.ca. See complete job description at mcc.org/serve/positions: Receiving Assistant Manager, Christian Benefit Shop St. Catharines this person will be responsible for coordinating the receiving of donations to the thrift shop and for coordinating the pickup and
delivery of furniture. Application deadline: Dec. 21, 2011. Administrative Assistant to the Executive Director, Kitchener. This position requires a person with strong organizational and communication skills, and an ability to work with multiple tasks. Application deadline: Dec. 30, 2011.
- There are still spaces open for pastors and other church leaders to join a learning tour to Palestine and Israel from March 17-28, 2012. For more info, contact “Jon Nofziger"
- Give a gift that makes a difference. MCC Christmas Giving catalogue is now available. Limited copies have been sent to each church. Please call the office at 519.745.8458 for additional free copies (we have lots!) or
https://resources.mcc.org/content/2011-simple-giving-mcc-christmas-giving.
Yella! 2012 A Middle Eastern Tour for Young Adults. Are you between the ages of 18 and 25, interested in Israel and Palestine and available to travel during the month of May? Come explore questions of Christian faith and life as you:
* Interact with Christians, Jews and Muslims
* Encounter complex peace and conflict issues
* Consider the context for Jesus' life and ministry
Interested? Visit ontario.mcc.org/yella
Donate to our Maple Key Holiday Campaign! At the Mennonite New Life Centre of Toronto, we are excited about the contributions and achievements of newcomer Canadians. This is why we have made it our mission to walk with newcomers as they navigate and participate in the economic, cultural and social life of their communities. It is our role in the community to engage and welcome new Canadian citizens and support their integration in all aspects of Canadian life.
Since 1983, we have had a pulse on the needs of newcomer communities and we have customized our programs to ensure that newcomers have access to much needed settlement services. To name a few, we lend a hand in helping newcomers gain access to education, employment, housing, social programs and family reunification. We also offer training such as citizenship classes and parenting courses, language instruction, bridging programs for internationally trained professionals and employment and entrepreneurial workshops. Visit us at www.mnlct.org to learn more.
We have the expertise, energy and commitment to offer new Canadians the settlement, language, and employment support they need. What we lack is the necessary and sufficient funds to meet the diverse and growing demands of our newcomer communities.
Please invest in a diverse and prosperous Canada. You can support our work with a one time gift, or join our network of monthly donors. It’s 100% tax deductible and it’s easy to do. As gifts are received, maple keys will grow on our online Giving Tree until December 31st, 2011. Keep checking our website at www.mnlct.org to see the difference you contribution can make.
The Mennonite New Life Centre relies on the support of generous people like you!
Ordinary Canadians through churches, community groups, businesses and individual acts of kindness have always played a critical role in welcoming newcomers into our midst. As the Mennonite New Life Centre looks to the future, we count on your continued support to sustain the important work of walking with newcomers. Together, we can plant seeds of integration, mental health, and social change. Together, we can grow a proud, strong and inclusive Canada.
Rockway Mennonite Collegiate, a dynamic Christian school with a current enrolment of 300+ students (grades 7-12), invites applicants for the position of PRINCIPAL. Go to rockway.ca for job posting and position description. Duties will commence August 2012. Applications should be sent to principal principalsearch@rockway.ca
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