November 30th, 2021"May our hearts reflect the hope and generosity of the shepherds, the magi, and most of all our God, who came to us this season in Jesus Christ"
Advent greetings from Mennonite Church Canada
Greetings to you in the Name of the one whose birth we will soon celebrate. 'Tis the season of Advent – a season of waiting…waiting in hope and expectation.
I don’t know about you, but this time last year I was thinking that there may not be in-person Christmas eve services. In most cases, there weren’t.
This year, I would love nothing more than to have the roofs of our buildings lifted off from the sheer volume of choirs and congregants singing in exaltation. But again in 2021, Christmas might feel more like “In the Bleak Mid-Winter” rather than “Joy to the World.”
We are making it through the COVID-19 pandemic. Pastors and church boards are bearing much of the stress and strain that comes with carrying a faith community through a time like this. Remember them. Pray for them.
I ask you to also consider the financial challenges your congregation might be experiencing. The season of Advent is also the season where church treasurers start to get nervous. What can you give in support of your local congregation?
You might also be wondering about the financial situation of the regional church that your congregation belongs to. Due to the pandemic, some regions are concerned about the long-term viability of some programs. Other regions have had to run camp programs at reduced capacity, the input costs are the same. Please inquire as to the need.
Finally, maybe you are in a position to contribute to our collective efforts towards reconciliation with the Indigenous people of this land or the relationships we build with our siblings in Christ around the world, in China, Philippines, South Korea, Thailand, Ethiopia, Benin, Burkina Faso, Congo and Colombia. And then there is the congregational resources ministry that we do nationwide through CommonWord. All of our nationwide ministries are in need at this time.
In this bleak midwinter, where “earth stands hard as iron, and water as a stone,” may our hearts reflect the hope and generosity of the shepherds, the magi, and most of all our God, who came to us this season in Jesus Christ.
Thank you for your continued care and support for our nationwide community of faith.
Doug Klassen
Executive Minister
Mennonite Church Canada