Mennonite Church Canada updates and prayer requests
Published on March 31, 2021
CommonWord to host virtual book launch with author Lori Guenther Reesor
April 22, 6:30 p.m., CDT.
In our latest interview, member of Hamilton Mennonite Church Lori Guenther Reesor introduces us to her new book on generous giving, why churches struggle to talk about money and why stewardship is not about a budget. Read here: https://www.mennonitechurch.ca/article/11425-lets-talk-about-our-generosity-an-interview-with-lori-guenther-reesor
Susan Reynar joins Mennonite Church Canada staff
Susan will be our new executive assistant, beginning May 1. To learn more about Susan and why she applied for the job, read our release: https://www.mennonitechurch.ca/news/11423-susan-reynar-joins-mennonite-church-canada-staff
INTERNATIONAL WITNESS
INTERNATIONAL WITNESS
Palestine-Israel Network urges advocacy against destruction of Palestinian homes
Church leaders in the Holy Land urge the global church to advocate against the demolition of Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem to expand Israeli settlements--moves that contravene international law and human rights. Go to the links at the Mennonite Church Canada Palestine-Israel Network (PIN) web page for information on a letter-writing campaign asking Ottawa to speak out against this injustice.
China Witness workers to return to Canada
After 30 years of service in Hong Kong, Macau and Mainland China, George and Tobia Veith will return to Canada this summer. Pray for them as they adjust to this shift in their lives and ministry. Pray for their family in Canada and colleagues in China and for the changes this will cause in their lives.
Prayer for young adults during pandemic
The fall-out of the pandemic has been particularly difficult for young people just graduating and starting their work lives. Three of our Witness worker families have young adults living in Canada, while their parents serve internationally. Pray their children find the emotional and financial help that they need.
INDIGENOUS-SETTLER RELATIONS
We need your help to support Indigenous Rights!
The Faith in the Declaration Coalition invites everyone to send a letter to Hon. Pablo Rodriguez – the Government Leader in the House of Commons – calling on him to expedite the passage of Bill C-15 (An Act to Respect UNDRIP), so that it reaches Royal Assent. This is a vital response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
- Send an e-letter to Hon. Pablo Rodriguez.
- Click here to read why this legislation is so important.
NAIITS virtual symposium, June 3-5 - A Mennonite Church Canada ‘virtual delegation’
Mennonite Church Canada is sponsoring 20 friends from across our nationwide community, and the Unsettling the Word (New Leaf Network) Book Club, to attend this year’s virtual NAIITS symposium — Treaty and Covenant: Creating Space for Hope, June 3 – 5, 2021. It will be a rich time of learning and relationship building. For more information and to register, visit https://www.mennonitechurch.ca/naiits-2021.
News from our partners
Support human rights defenders in Mexico– message from Christian Peacemaker Teams
Two members of a CPT partner organization in Mexico were kidnapped on April 13, while traveling to go to a workshop on human rights. The link to the call to action is: https://frayba.org.mx/arbitrary-detention-of-human-rights-defenders-of-frayba/. Please sign to support them.
Voices Together supplementary resources
- Including copyright guides, launch videos, and these new 4 and 5-session curriculum pieces for worship leaders and a general study – www.commonword.ca/go/2199:
- New Accompaniment Books have arrived and will begin shipping this week. The recall is valid until May 1, 2021. For more information, see https://www.commonword.ca/ResourceView/82/23943#replace
MCC Sask to host virtual launch for Healing Haunted Histories
- April 29, 8 p.m. CDT Register: https://mcsask.ca/event/10228-2021-04-29-book-launch-healing-haunted-histories.
- The book is a family memoir, racial analysis and decolonization workbook by Elaine Enns and Ched Myers, former members of Nutana Park Mennonite Church
- Shipping generously subsidized by Mennonite Church Canada Indigenous-Settler Relations office.
- Buy or Borrow – www.commonword.ca/go/2243
Bring a great library to your home
Did you know borrowed items ship free with a membership to CommonWord?
Set one up today: https://www.commonword.ca/Content/Become-a-Member
Calendar
- Easter Season – www.commonword.ca/go/2231
- Ascension Day – www.commonword.ca/go/2348
- Pentecost – www.commonword.ca/go/2265
- Trinity Sunday – www.commonword.ca/go/2349
- Ordinary Time – www.commonword.ca/2350
- For more calendar resources, see www.commonword.ca/go/calendars
Past updates
Published on March 31, 2021
Raise hard truths and turn towards healing: an interview with Elaine Enns and Ched Myers on new book
In their new book Healing Haunted Histories: A Settler Discipleship of Decolonization (Cascade Books, 2021), authors and life partners Elaine Enns and Ched Myers confront hard truths about settler complicity in historic and ongoing injustices perpetrated against Indigenous peoples. They also offer a way toward healing.
Mennonite Church Canada issues call to prayer
In the midst of the worst-yet coronavirus outbreak in Palestine, Bethlehem Bible College (BBC) invites us to pray with them for students, staff, faculty, families and all Palestinians.
INTERNATIONAL WITNESS
Continued prayer for Myanmar
With news of increasing violence in Myanmar, we invite you to continue to pray for the people of Myanmar. Pray also for our nationwide siblings in our community of faith, many of whom are still unable to reach their family members in Myanmar. We invite you to reach out with encouragement to:
- Calgary Chin Church, Alta. https://calgarychin.mcab.ca/
- Chin Christian Church, Kitchener, Ont. https://www.facebook.com/kitchenerchinchristianchurch/
- Grace Christian Church, Ottawa, Ont.) https://www.facebook.com/GraceChristianChurchOttawa
- Kitchener Emmanuel Church, Ont. https://www.facebook.com/groups/122767158395246
- Living Hope Christian Fellowship, Surrey, B.C. https://www.lhcf.ca/
Anabaptist resources in Mandarin growing
The number of Anabaptist resources available online in Mandarin is growing. We are thankful for a small group of Chinese writers that are beginning to add to these. pray for these writers, their writing will have an impact far beyond their congregations.
Witness worker teaches restorative justice to school board committees
Witness worker Bock Ki Kim, together with others in the Chuncheon Community Peace Center, has been invited to visit all 17 school boards in the area to talk about restorative justice/education with committees involved with student violence and conflict. Pray for Bock Ki as he does this training every Thursday and Friday until the end of May.
Income-generation in Thailand
Income-generation training and discipleship training go hand in hand in the church communities of northeastern Thailand, served by Witness workers, Tom and Christine Poovong. Pray that the trained leaders will find ways to support their families and become strong anchors in their communities.
INDIGENOUS-SETTLER RELATIONS
Indigenous climate action webinar
We are in a climate crisis and Indigenous peoples are on the frontlines defending Mother Earth. How can we support and join in their struggle? Join a panel of amazing land and water protectors for a rich and challenging webinar conversation on April 7 at 6 p.m. CDT — register here. This event is co-sponsored by Indigenous-Settler Relations, Mennonite Central Committee MB, KAIROS and the office of MP Leah Gazan.
Lectionary resources on Indigenous solidarity available for April 25, 2021
Mennonite Church Canada and Christian Peacemaker Teams Turtle Island Solidarity Network have partnered to create lectionary resources on Indigenous solidarity for Sunday, April 25. We invite congregations to take part in this Sunday of prayer and action as we strive to stand in solidarity with Indigenous Water Defenders in Minnesota. To participate, please email outreach@cpt.org.
NAIITS virtual symposium, June 3-5 - A Mennonite Church Canada ‘virtual delegation’
Mennonite Church Canada is sponsoring 20 friends from across our nationwide community to attend this year’s virtual NAIITS symposium — Treaty and Covenant: Creating Space for Hope, June 3 – 5, 2021. It will be a rich time of learning and relationship building. For more information and to register, visit https://www.mennonitechurch.ca/naiits-2021.
RECALL NOTICE: Voices Together Accompaniment Edition (effective until May 1, 2021)
Due to a manufacturing defect, the Voices Together Accompaniment Edition is being recalled. The end sheets used in binding were not reinforced and therefore the book’s interior is pulling through at the punches. MennoMedia has been in close communication with the printer, and the printer with the bindery, on how to correct this problem.
- Replace your current copy – please fill out this form by May 1, 2021
- If you wish to keep your copy, you do not need to do anything.
- Buy a new copy – www.commonword.ca/go/2318 (Expected to be available to ship by mid-April)
- If you have questions about the recall, please contact MennoMedia, 1-800-245-7894
Virtual Book Launch with Lori Guenther Reesor
- Register – www.commonword.ca/go/2328
- Buy or Borrow book – www.commonword.ca/go/2327
- Add Bryan Moyer Suderman’s CD My Money Talks for free, with purchase – www.commonword.ca/go/2345
Online book club with ISR director Steve Heinrichs
- Weekly, beginning April 8
- Buy or Borrow book – www.commonword.ca/go/2321
- Registration closes April 1 – www.commonword.ca/go/2324
- Our next recommended title for Mennonite Church Canada congregations.
- Read individually or as a group. Great title for a parenting group!
- Buy or Borrow book – www.commonword.ca/go/2347. Bulk discount available when buying 5 or more copies.
- Free study guide available.
- Join a conversation with the author, Natalie Frisk, on April 9, noon CDT. Register - https://www.mennomedia.org/register-now/
Calendar and resources
- Easter Season – www.commonword.ca/go/2231
- Ascension Day – www.commonword.ca/go/2348
- Pentecost – www.commonword.ca/go/2265
- Trinity Sunday – www.commonword.ca/go/2349
- Ordinary Time – www.commonword.ca/2350
- For many more calendar resources, see www.commonword.ca/go/calendars
Published on March 17, 2021
Mennonite Church Canada is hiring!
Mennonite Church Canada is accepting applications for the position of executive assistant. The position is full-time and located in Winnipeg, Man., but applicants from across Canada (who are permanent residents or Canadian citizens) are welcome to apply. For the full job posting visit: https://www.mennonitechurch.ca/get-involved#exec-assistant.
Meet Mennonite Church Canada’s Sustainability Leadership Group
The SLG, which began meeting in February 2020, focusses on the environmental and social impacts of Mennonite Church Canada activities. It identifies ways the regional churches and nationwide community can improve in these areas while remaining economically sustainable. Visit our Sustainability webpage: https://www.mennonitechurch.ca/sustainability.
INTERNATIONAL WITNESS
Continued prayer for Myanmar
With news of increasing violence in Myanmar, we invite you to continue to pray for the people of Myanmar. Pray also for our nationwide siblings in our community of faith, many of whom are still unable to reach their family members in Myanmar. We invite you to reach out with encouragement to:
- Calgary Chin Church, Alta. https://calgarychin.mcab.ca/
- Chin Christian Church, Kitchener, Ont. https://www.facebook.com/kitchenerchinchristianchurch/
- Grace Christian Church, Ottawa, Ont.) https://www.facebook.com/GraceChristianChurchOttawa
- Kitchener Emmanuel Church, Ont. https://www.facebook.com/groups/122767158395246
- Living Hope Christian Fellowship, Surrey, B.C. https://www.lhcf.ca/
Colombia Mennonite Church asks for prayer amid violence
Mennonite Church of Colombia (IMCOL) asks us to pray for them as they support congregations in areas of violence. “Violence is widespread and affects us all. There is not a day that goes by that we do not hear of deaths, fighting and coca crops and fear for the welfare of children, young people and the whole church. But as a Church we cannot fall into despair. These events pain us but we must strengthen our hope in God.” Praise God for the witness of peace they bring to the region and the strong message of hope in darkness.
Pray for the future of PeaceBuilders Community, Inc.
PeaceBuilders Community, Inc., in Mindanao, Philippines, invites you to pray with them as they plan with Witness workers, Dann and Joji Pantoja, a sustainable future of training for peace and reconciliation and economic development with marginalized communities. Pray for wisdom as they seek God’s vision for peace and harmony with the people and the land.
INDIGENOUS-SETTLER RELATIONS
ISR online book club runs this April
Join Steve Heinrichs (director of Indigenous-Settler Relations) for an online book club this April on Beloved Amazonia. Beginning April 8, we’ll gather by Zoom each Thursday at 1:30 p.m. (CST) for five weeks of circle conversation. Together, we will dream new paths for the Church in these lands now called Canada. Together, we will consider what roles we can play to help make this gospel dream a reality. To register, visit https://www.mennonitechurch.ca/beloved-amazonia.
NAIITS virtual symposium, June 3-5 - A Mennonite Church Canada ‘virtual delegation’
Mennonite Church Canada is sponsoring 20 friends from across our nationwide community to attend this year’s virtual NAIITS symposium — Treaty and Covenant: Creating Space for Hope, June 3 – 5, 2021. It will be a rich time of learning and relationship building. For more information and to register, visit https://www.mennonitechurch.ca/naiits-2021.
New Guide - Season & Event Calendars
A comprehensive set of links to church season resources, lectionary materials, thematic items for holidays and calendar events - www.commonword.ca/go/calendars
Healing Haunted Histories by Elaine Enns and Ched Myers
A family memoir, racial analysis and decolonization workbook from members of Nutana Park Mennonite Church. Shipping generously subsidized by Mennonite Church Canada Indigenous-Settler Relations office – www.commonword.ca/go/2243.
The Confession by Richard Toews
The Confession – Richard Toews examines questions of theodicy, culpability and loss of story in this novel of Mennonites in Ukraine during the years encompassing the Russian Revolution and Hitler’s invasion of Stalin’s USSR - www.commonword.ca/go/2325.
Calendar and resources:
- Lent - www.commonword.ca/go/2213
- Palm Sunday – www.commonword.ca/go/2226
- Maundy Thursday – www.commonword.ca/go/2227
- Good Friday – www.commonword.ca/go/2228
- Holy Saturday – www.commonword.ca/go/2229
- Easter Sunday – www.commonword.ca/go/2230
- Easter Season – www.commonword.ca/go/2231
- Pentecost – www.commonword.ca/go/2265
Congregations launch new websites through Mennonite Church Canada congregational website hub
Fifteen congregations have launched new websites through the Mennonite Church Canada congregational website hub. Read about the benefits of the platform during a pandemic and how congregations make use of other tools like online giving and registrations here.
INTERNATIONAL WITNESS
Bylers to begin Anabaptist training in Asia
Pray for Ruthie and Myrrl Byler sent jointly by International Witness and Mennonite Mission Network to support Anabaptist training in Asia. Pray their visas for Thailand will be available soon so they can start working with various partners in the region.
Partnership sees new literacy teachers trained in Congo
Praise God for four recently completed teacher training events for the Congo Literacy Project, held in Mutena, Kamiji, Kamayala and Bita in December and January. Pray that 80 newly trained teachers would have the courage and determination to begin literacy classes in their respective congregations. The literacy project is supported by International Witness and Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission.
Connection with Colombia churches amid violence
Pray for groups meeting in both Colombia and Canada to work on ideas for bringing our churches into closer relationship. May we support each other in the issues that face us. Pray that the violence threatening rural Colombian congregations decreases.
INDIGENOUS-SETTLER RELATIONS
Canada, The Churches, & Bill C-15: A Webinar Discussion
The church has been called by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to adopt and comply with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. But what should we make of the government’s newly proposed Bill C-15 legislation? We’ve got a fantastic webinar event coming up on February 18th to help us understand these matters. Join a brilliant set of panelists— land defender Ellen Gabriel, professor Sheryl Lightfoot, Chief Wilton Littlechild and Archbishop Mark MacDonald— and invite your friends to take part in the discussion. Everyone is welcome! To register, visit https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/canada-the-churches-bill-c-15-le-canada-les-eglises-et-le-projet-de-tickets-140299007107
Prayer for new Mennonite Church Canada-CPT Internship
Please pray for Allegra Friesen Epp (Home Street Mennonite Church, Winnipeg, Man.) as she begins a joint internship with Mennonite Church Canada and Christian Peacemaker Teams' Turtle Island Solidarity Network. Allegra will work out of Winnipeg (Treaty 1 & the Homeland of the Metis Nation) for a six-month term, relating to churches, CPT partners and Indigenous solidarity groups. Pray for strength, wisdom and joy as she navigates this work and builds new relationships.
Read an interview with Allegra and CPT Canada coordinator Rachelle Friesen.
Season & Event Calendars
A comprehensive set of links to church season resources, lectionary materials, thematic items for holidays and calendar events - www.commonword.ca/go/calendars
Lent
- Lenten Guided Prayer from Mennonite Spiritual Directors of Eastern Canada – www.commonword.ca/go/2221
- An At-Home devotional guide for families from Mennonite Church USA – www.commonword.ca/go/2240.
- Resources for Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter Sunday – www.commonword.ca/go/2213
From Friends of CommonWord
- A family memoir, racial analysis and decolonization workbook by Elaine Enns and Ched Myers. Due to be released in a few weeks. Shipping generously subsidized by Mennonite Church Canada Indigenous-Settler Relations office – www.commonword.ca/go/2243.
Voices Together licensing guide
Here’s a comprehensive spreadsheet, compiled by the Anabaptist Worship Network, noting whether a Voices Together song is licensed by OneLicense, CCLI, or is Public Domain – www.commonword.ca/go/2266
A narrative look at Mary, the mother of Jesus, by Lorne Brandt from Mennonite Church British Columbia – www.commonword.ca/go/2254.
Calendar
- Epiphany Season – www.commonword.ca/go/2212
- Lent Season – www.commonword.ca/go/2213
- Ash Wednesday – www.commonword.ca/go/2225
- Palm Sunday – www.commonword.ca/go/2226
- Maundy Thursday – www.commonword.ca/go/2227
- Good Friday – www.commonword.ca/go/2228
- Holy Saturday – www.commonword.ca/go/2229
- Easter Sunday – www.commonword.ca/go/2230
- Easter Season – www.commonword.ca/go/2231
Published on January 20, 2021
CommonWord, Herald Press and MC USA partner for Common Read winter title
The book chosen for Common Read's winter title is I Am Not Your Enemy: Stories to Transform a Divided World by Michael T. McRay. Read more about the author and book here: https://www.mennonitechurch.ca/article/10893-commonword-herald-press-and-mc-usa-partner-for-common-read-winter-title.
INTERNATIONAL WITNESS
Anabaptist Global Fellowship Sunday – January 24, 2021
Sunday, Jan. 24, 2021, is Anabaptist Global Fellowship Sunday! MWC calls us to prayer on this day. Praise God that Anabaptists around the world are united in faith in God’s kingdom across language and cultural differences. Give thanks for the growing networks in the MWC family: mission, service, health, peace and education.
Myanmar congregation builds church
Pray for the Mission Anabaptist Church in Chin State, Myanmar, as they build a place where they can worship with and train members of their community. Pray that God will bless this place and use it to be a blessing to their region and country.
Daycare program offered by Bolivia Mennonite Church forced to close
Iglesia Evangélica Menonita de Bolivia (IEMB) community daycare program for vulnerable and marginalized children in Santa Cruz has been forced to close due to COVID-19 numbers in the area. Pray for the families affected by this closure. Pray they can find ways to work while taking care of their children. Pray for the staff of the daycare program who have been without work for many months due to the closure.
INDIGENOUS-SETTLER RELATIONS
Join a February bookclub on Unsettling the Word
In partnership with the New Leaf Network, Mennonite Church Canada’s Indigenous-Settler Relations is co-hosting a four-week book club on Unsettling the Word: Biblical Experiments in Decolonization. Join editor Steve Heinrichs, along with Indigenous authors and activists Cheryl Bear and Sylvia McAdam, for life-giving conversations on justice, faith, reparations, and healing. Borrow or order the book through CommonWord. For more info, and to register, click here.
News from our partners
35 years and going strong: A webinar with Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT)
For more than three decades, Mennonite Church Canada partner CPT has been transforming violence and undoing oppressions around the world. Join us for a webinar this Jan. 28, noon CT, to learn about the current work in Colombia, Greece, Iraqi Kurdistan, Palestine and here on Turtle Island. Be inspired and discover ways that you can support. To register, visit https://cptaction.org/looking-back-acting-now-planning-ahead/.
- Including resources for Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter Sunday – www.commonword.ca/go/2213
- [image] Lenten Guided Prayer from Mennonite Spiritual Directors of Eastern Canada – www.commonword.ca/go/2221
CommonRead
Our winter 2021 CommonRead title – www.commonword.ca/go/2215. Additional savings for group studies: 20% off when purchasing 5 or more copies!
Featured resources:
What happens to Mennonite Church Canada plastic communion cups once they are blessed and then used? In 2016 Lois Siemens was asked to "take care of them." So she did! She began to photograph them in Mennonite worship spaces across Canada to remind us that we are all beloved children of God - www.commonword.ca/go/2236.
A personal memoir by Jack Suderman, former General Secretary of Mennonite Church Canada - www.commonword.ca/go/2238.
A novel set in Lusaka Zambia in 1974 by First Mennonite Church, Edmonton writer – www.commonword.ca/go/2239
A new companion study guide by Dan Epp-Tiessen for Peaceful at Heart, Anabaptist Reflections on Healthy Masculinity – free to download at www.commonword.ca/go/2224.
MC USA devotional guides for family
An At-Home devotional guide for families from Mennonite Church USA – www.commonword.ca/go/2240.
Calendar
- Epiphany Season – www.commonword.ca/go/2212
- Lent Season – www.commonword.ca/go/2213
- Ash Wednesday – www.commonword.ca/go/2225
- Palm Sunday – www.commonword.ca/go/2226
- Maundy Thursday – www.commonword.ca/go/2227
- Good Friday – www.commonword.ca/go/2228
- Holy Saturday – www.commonword.ca/go/2229
- Easter Sunday – www.commonword.ca/go/2230
- Easter Season – www.commonword.ca/go/2231
Published on January 6, 2021
Mennonite Church Canada annual report available online
Mennonite Church Canada’s annual report, “Looking Back on 2020,” is available through CommonWord. A one-page summary and full report are both available for congregational AGMs.
Voices Together hymnal launch on Jan. 9, 2021
Voices Together is holding a second hymnal launch this Saturday afternoon, Jan. 9, at 2 p.m. EDT, as a free three-hour webinar. Visit http://voicestogetherhymnal.org/2020/12/30/launch-event-ii/ to register for the Zoom link.
INTERNATIONAL WITNESS
International Witness invites congregations to join Witness Support Networks
Thirty-five churches already part of five networks
Is your congregation interested in mutual faith learning with brothers and sisters around the globe? Join a Witness Support Network and connect with other congregations who support International Witness ministries. Five networks currently support ministry in China, Philippines, South Korea, Thailand and Burkina Faso. Learn more at www.mennonitechurch.ca/witness-support-networks.
Vietnam believers celebrate
Praise God for the Christmas celebrations and services held by the Evangelical Mennonite Church in Vietnam. Over 2,000 people attended multiple gatherings during Christmas week in six different counties. Pray for the leadership of these congregations and for the new believers that are worshipping with them.
Peace in South Korea
This month pray for Song Kang-ho, founder of Frontiers (a Christian-based peace organization), who is appealing a two-year sentence for trespassing onto a military base during a peaceful protest. Pray for Witness workers Bock Ki Kim and Sook Kyoung Park as they support and provide study resources for the Christian peace community in South Korea.
Outbreaks in China put student holidays at risk
Pray that the students of Tobia Veith, in Harbin, China, are able to end the semester well before returning to their homes for the Chinese New Year holiday. Students under end-of-term exam pressure are worried about being caught in Harbin for the holiday due to COVID-19 outbreaks and a potential lockdown. Pray for Tobia as she provides support and a calm presence in their lives.
INDIGENOUS-SETTLER RELATIONS
Join a February bookclub on Unsettling the Word
How might we read the Bible so that it can be an instrument of reconciliation and decolonization? In partnership with the New Leaf Network, Mennonite Church Canada’s Indigenous-Settler Relations is co-hosting a four-week book club on Unsettling the Word: Biblical Experiments in Decolonization. Join editor Steve Heinrichs, along with Indigenous authors and activists Cheryl Bear and Sylvia McAdam, for life-giving conversations on justice, faith, reparations, and healing. Borrow or order the book through CommonWord. For more info, and to register, click here.
Epiphany
Resources for the season between Christmas and Lent – www.commonword.ca/go/2212
CommonRead conversation with author Michael McRay
Join us for a conversation with CommonRead author Michael McRay, Thursday, January 14 at noon, Eastern. Register here - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfPZBTRx9nS6-7lWcndIlpLtD__hKmWFuWh1gVOGZ_SimmaEg/viewform. Our winter 2021 CommonRead title – www.commonword.ca/go/2215. 20% off when purchasing five or more copies!
New Peaceful at Heart study guide
A new companion study guide for Peaceful at Heart, Anabaptist Reflections on Healthy Masculinity – free to download at www.commonword.ca/go/2224. Watch for additional resources, including free audio book and video interviews, in the coming months.
Calendar
- Epiphany Season – www.commonword.ca/go/2212
- Lent Season – www.commonword.ca/go/2213
- Ash Wednesday – www.commonword.ca/go/2225
- Palm Sunday – www.commonword.ca/go/2226
- Maundy Thursday – www.commonword.ca/go/2227
- Good Friday – www.commonword.ca/go/2228
- Holy Saturday – www.commonword.ca/go/2229
- Easter Sunday – www.commonword.ca/go/2230
- Easter Season – www.commonword.ca/go/2231
Published on December 12, 2020
Together in Worship launches in collaboration with CommonWord
Together in Worship, at www.togetherinworship.net, is an online, curated collection of free and downloadable Anabaptist worship resources. It’s also a place where contributors can submit their own resources to be shared by the wider Anabaptist and ecumenical community. Read full story here.
‘For God all things are possible’: Mennonite Church Colombia continues its witness despite great risk
In late October, Iglesia Cristiana Menonita de Colombia issued a public statement declaring that there have been 60 massacres (killings of five people or more) so far in Colombia in 2020. Victims include young people and small farmers, as well as 200 civic leaders. The violence stems from a decades-long, multi-layered conflict between guerilla, paramilitary and drug cartel groups who fight for control of the country’s land for their own interests. Read full story here.
INTERNATIONAL WITNESS
Advent meet-and-greet with Bethlehem Bible College
Join a live online gathering to hear from representatives of the West Bank’s Bethlehem Bible College (BBC). Tuesday morning, Dec. 15, 11 a.m. EDT. The one-hour gathering is with BBC president Jack Sara and community outreach director Shireen Awaad Hilal. A Q&R will follow with hosts Jeanette Hanson, director of International Witness, and Doug Klassen, executive minister of Mennonite Church Canada. The event is sponsored by the Mennonite Church Canada Palestine-Israel Network in collaboration with International Witness. Registration is free: write to mcmfriendsofpalestine@gmail.com for the Zoom link.
AIMM appoints new executive coordinators: John Fumana and Bruce Yoder
John Fumana of Democratic Republic of Congo, and Bruce Yoder of Listowel Mennonite Church in Ont. will work as a team to give leadership to this Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission. Former executive coorindator Rod Hollinger-Janzen says, "The complementary skill sets of Bruce Yoder and John Fumana, together with their shared passion for Christian mission... position AIMM well for an exciting future." Read the press release here.
Restorative circles in Chuncheon well received by schools and teachers
Praise God for response to recent restorative circle processes led by Witness worker Bock Ki Kim in South Korea. Schools have been asking trainers from the Chuncheon Community Peace Center for training in communication and conflict transformation. One teacher responded, “I realize that I haven’t been really listening to my students. Today they expressed themselves so well.” Pray that God will use this training to bring peace to schools and homes in Chuncheon.
INDIGENOUS-SETTLER RELATIONS
Federal government tables Declaration legislation
On Dec. 3, the Government of Canada tabled Bill C-15, An Act Respecting the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. “It is a good day!” said Chief Wilton Littlechild, former commissioner of the TRC. If Bill C-15 reaches Royal Assent, it will affirm the Declaration’s application in Canadian law and provide a framework to align law and policy with the standards and rights affirmed in the declaration. To read the full text of the legislation, see Bill C-15. To read the Declaration Coalition’s statement of support, and resources for further learning, see www.declarationcoalition.com.
Christmas Gift Ideas
- Stocking stuffers: From chocolate to activity books, recommended reads to Sunday School ideas, there’s a gift for almost everyone. If you require shipping, please place your order before Dec 1. Curbside pick-up available to local residents. https://www.commonword.ca/Browse/9352
- Gift cards: A flexible gift for your avid reader, student and loved one. Gift cards can be redeemed in-store or remotely by phone and used toward any purchase – merchandise, food, book or textbook. https://www.commonword.ca/Browse/9372
Christmas resources
Resources for Christmas Eve, Day and Season - www.commonword.ca/go/2191
Together in Worship has launched
Visit www.togetherinworship.net for hundreds of free, digital, Anabaptist worship materials. A collaboration of CommonWord, in coversation with Anabaptist Worship Network and Voices Together, Together in Worship curates words, music, other artistic expressions and teaching resources to support Christian worship. It’s also a platform for individuals and communities to create and contribute resources. Bookmark it for the next time you’re planning worship!
Voices Together
Congregations who pre-ordered the Voices Together hymnal and related products from MennoMedia will receive them soon! Individual copies of the pew edition of the hymnal, the Worship Leader’s edition, accompaniment edition, and audio recordings are available to order from CommonWord. T-shirts, masks and tote bags are also available to pre-order. (We do not expect these to arrive in time for Christmas). www.commonword.ca/go/2199.
Worship calendar
Christmas Season – www.commonword.ca/go/2191
Christmas Eve – www.commonword.ca/go/2192
Christmas Day – www.commonword.ca/go/2193
Epiphany Season – www.commonword.ca/go/2212
Lent Season – www.commonword.ca/go/2213
Free book
The Government of Canada has introduced legislation (Bill C-15) to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. To educate and raise support Mennonite Church Canada is offering this study for free - https://www.commonword.ca/ResourceView/82/18343
CommonWord remains open during increased COVID-19 restrictions
Staff remain available for congregational resourcing questions and are here to help connect you with Anabaptist and related materials, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m, CDT. Browse our website (www.commonword.ca) to find thousands of free digital resources or to place your online retail or loan order, or contact us (204-594-0527; info@commonword.ca) for assistance. If you’re in Winnipeg area, we are glad to arrange for curbside pickup. We don’t want you to go without your fair-trade coffee, other local specialty foods or a good book to read!