Prayer, Notes and News - June 2005

Prayer Requests:

Consider praying for the work of the Church!

Announcements:

Stay in tune with the wider church

Witness Notes:

This is how your financial support of Mennonite Church Canada WITNESS is ministering...from across the street to around the world!

June 5, 2005

Creator God, you commanded the earth to “put forth vegetation” and “living creatures of every kind.” And you saw that “it was very good.” In this season of growth and productivity of the earth we pray that you will bless the land, its plants and its animals. May the labours of farmers in our church family and our communities be rewarded with abundance of produce. In every part of the world may the harvest be plentiful so that people will be able to eat their fill. May we be able to say, “It is very good.” Amen.

The secret is out: Mennonite Church Canada’s Resource Centre is not just for pastors! Whether you’ve been asked to participate in worship, teaching, or starting a special group or class, there’s a guide, book, video, or audio tape for you. Over 7000 titles available for 4-week loan; book shipment is free. Call toll-free 1-866-888-6785; email resources@mennonitechurch.ca; request titles online at www.mennonitechurch.ca/resourcecentre; or inquire about subscribing to Resource Update.

Pedro (not his real name) is a man in his late thirties that is trying to start over in Colombia. Having left a life of violence, he is being helped by a small congregation in Colombia to understand himself and the world differently. Together we are supporting congregations and leaders that are finding insights and encouragement for this ministry through the peace studies program of the Colombian Mennonite Seminary supported by Mennonite Church Canada Witness.

June 12, 2005

Delegates to the Mennonite Church Canada assembly in Charlotte, North Carolina on July 4-9 will discuss many issues, including the formation of a Faith and Life Committee, funding the ministries of the church, and our future relationship with Mennonite Church USA. Pray for delegates as they prepare to represent their congregations and area conferences in discernment on these and other issues.

ARTISTS, why do you create? Why Art?2 is a juried group exhibition to open at the Mennonite Heritage Centre Gallery in Winnipeg on November 25. Submissions can be made from across the country. Contact curator Ray Dirks for information at rdirks@mennonitechurch.ca or (204) 888 6781. Manitoba Churches: Exhibition Opening. Two exhibitions open together, by Winnipegger Neil Dyck and Edith Krause from B.C., at the Mennonite Heritage Centre Gallery, 600 Shaftesbury Blvd., Winnipeg on Thursday, June 9 at 7:30PM. All are welcome.

It may not sound exciting, but it is the critical next step in bringing God’s profound message of Bible to San speakers in Tougan, Burkina Faso. Anne Garber Kompaoré spent four days with four San speakers making important discoveries about how to write the tone marking system of this language. This painstakingly detailed work is the ministry of this Mennonite Church Canada Witness worker whose ministry is touching a people. Your support enables this to happen.

Pray for Henry Krause, Moderator, Esther Peters, Assistant Moderator, and Dan Nighswander, General Secretary as they prepare for their leadership roles at the Mennonite Church Canada assembly in Charlotte, North Carolina on July 4-9. Pray for wisdom and clarity as they lead delegates in discernment on issues important to our life as a church.

It’s not too late to register for Charlotte 2005! Lodging still available - come get involved and inspired with God’s activity through Mennonite Church Canada! www.mennonitechurch.ca/events/charlotte.

Pae and Sone are a couple in Thailand that have had an encounter with God that has brought much needed healing and hope to their lives. The growing church among the Isaan people reached out to this couple with love and encouragement. Pae told a church leader that he has found so much joy and peace in coming to the church. Give God thanks for this story of hope and the opportunity to be a significant part in this event through your support of ministries in Thailand through Mennonite Church Canada Witness.