DISCERNMENT DOCUMENTS

Transcription

1 MCEC MCEC 27th Annual Church Gathering April 25 & 26, 2014 Niagara College 135 Taylor Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake,ON On Holy Ground DISCERNMENT DOCUMENTS Rich Soil for Seeds of Promise Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground. Exodus 3:5 MCEC, Kent Ave., Kitchener, ON N2G 3R /

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3 TABLE OF CONTENTS DISCERNMENT DOCUMENTS IN ORDER OF SCHEDULE Get Connected... 2 Introduction from Our Moderator, Sandy Shantz... 3 Schedule - Annual Church Gathering Meet Our Speakers... 5 Minutes Annual Church Gathering... 6 Appendices to the Minutes MCEC Executive Council MCEC Executive Council Actions Slate of Volunteers MCEC Spending Plan/Budget New Congregations Pastoral Ministry Transitions New Pastors MCEC Strategic Directions Legacy Initiatives Fund Volunteer Listing Mennonite Church Canada Report Niagara College 135 Taylor Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake,ON 3

4 GET CONNECTED Emergency Contact Number Available during the Annual Church Gathering hours. Please pass along this number to your famillies and congregations. Texting During Annual Church Gathering text your questions and comments to MCEC Leadership throughout the weekend Twitter Wall! New this year! Extend the conversation on Twitter. Use the hashtag #holyground and share your refl ections electronically. MCEC will feature a Twitter wall allowing everyone at Annual Church Gathering to see what is being said online. Don t Forget to Bring With You! Discernment Documents Travel Mug or Water Bottles 2 ~ Extending the Peace of Jesus Christ ~ making disciples growing congregations forming leaders

5 INTRODUCTION Holy Ground: God s Call for Transformation Sandy Shantz Moderator Holy Ground: what makes the place Moses stood holy? Moses saw that though the bush was on fi re it did not burn up. So Moses thought, I will go over and see this strange sight - why the bush does not burn up. Moses took a risk. He walked toward something unnatural with curiosity to understand it. He walked away from his fl ock. There is no indication that he was afraid, either for himself or his sheep. When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush... and Moses said Here I am. God waited until Moses was willing to take the fi rst steps before God called him or before Moses even knew that it was God who was in the burning bush. It was then that God called to him and identifi ed godself to Moses. Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground. Is the ground holy only because it was close to where God is? Or is it holy because Moses is willing to move toward something new and different? What if Moses would have said, Well, that s kind of odd and scary, but I have to tend my fl ock over here. I better take them far away from this unusual phenomenon. How the story would have changed. In fact it would not really be a story, just another day in the life of a shepherd. But Moses takes up God s challenge (sometimes kicking and screaming), and rescues people who have been oppressed, misused, and searching for hope. We have been tending the Christian tradition for many years in a relatively safe and comfortable environment. Our society developed around Christian values and rules. The rules have changed; society has changed. If we, as MCEC, are Moses, where is God showing godself in unnatural and sometimes frightening places? Are we willing to walk into issues and places that are uncomfortable? And when God calls out to us, will we respond? How will we respond? Will we get close enough to fi nd holy ground? Will we even hear God calling us? We, both as an area church and a national church, are trying to fi nd our way in territory unknown to us since the first centuries AD. Our church is growing and diversifying. There are new issues and new ways of being church in post Christendom society. We are exiles who are part of the national identity, leadership, and culture. We have gifts to offer and lessons to learn. As we walk slowly toward God, it is through our faltering steps and detours, fears and curiosities that God will call out to us. We are happy and excited to be in our new offi ces and among many other Mennonite organizations. Together we will continue to talk and search and move forward into unknown territory. God is calling us forward. We are here. God has an assignment for us and we want to hear it. God will continue to shepherd us in all our diversity as we take steps forward and stand together before God on holy ground. Sandy Shantz Moderator 3

6 SCHEDULE - ANNUAL CHURCH GATHERING G 2014 Friday Evening ng 6:00 p.m. Registration 7:00-9:00 p.m. Opening Worship Dr. Safwat Marzouk Assistant Professor of Old Testament, Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary On Holy Ground: God s Call for Transformation Interaction with Dr. Marzouk Celebrating and Reviewing MCEC in Ministry Milestone s Recognition and Celebration Saturday Morning 8:00 a.m. Registration 9:00 a.m. Opening Worship 9:30 a.m. Celebrating and Reviewing MCEC in Ministry Minutes of 2013 Annual Church Gathering (pages 6-15) Executive Council Actions (page 17) Introduction of Slate of Volunteers (pages 18-21) MCEC Leadership Team LED talks Spending Plan/Budget Introduction (pages 22-28) 10:30-11:00 a.m. Break 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. LED Talks Welcome of New Congregation Church of the Living Word in Ottawa - full membership (page 29) 12:00-1:15 p.m. Lunch Saturday Afternoon 1:15-3:00 p.m. Opening Worship Celebrating and Reviewing MCEC in Ministry Pastoral Ministry Transitions (pages 30-31) Strategic Plan Update (pages 34-35) Legacy Initiatives Fund (page 36) MC Canada Update (pages 39-40) 3:00 p.m. Stretch Break 3:15 p.m. Celebrating and Reviewing MCEC in Ministry Approval of Spending Plan Approval of Auditors Approval of Slate 3:30-4:30 p.m. LED Talks Closing Worship 4 ~ Extending the Peace of Jesus Christ ~ making disciples growing congregations forming leaders

7 Dr. Safwat Marzouk Assistant Professor of Old Testament Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary MEET OUR SPEAKERS Holy Ground: God s Call for Transformation I pray this time would be an encounter of God as we respond to what God is calling us into. - Dr. Marzouk Safwat grew up where the interfaith dialogue among Christians, Jews, and Muslims influences daily life. As a Christian in Egypt, he focused on study of the Old Testament to better understand God s vision of shalom. Safwat is an ordained member of The Synod of the Nile, a counterpart to the Presbyterian Church, and was a pastor in Egypt while completing his doctoral studies. His love of teaching, pastoral heart, and scholarly curiosity foster discussions that bring compelling insights to ancient texts. Lead, Equip, Disciple LEDTalks Seeds worth scattering Patterned after the popular TED talks, MCEC will bring together several individuals to give LED talks (short reflections) to inspire, challenge, and encourage us as we consider how God leads, equips, and disciples. We anticipate encountering God in new, and perhaps surprising ways! Jennifer Killner The Commons Professional Photographer Allan Rudy-Froese Assistant Professor of Christian Proclamation Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary Bryan Moyer Suderman Community Mennonite Church, Stouffville Professional Musician / SmallTall Music Hedy Sawadsky The First Mennonite Church Founding Member of Christian Peacemaker Jessica Reesor Rempel Stirling Avenue Mennonite Church Master of Divinity Student Toronto School of Theology Kendra Whitfi eld Ellis Floradale Mennonite Church Associate Pastor 5

8 MINUTES ANNUAL CHURCH GATHERING MCEC S 26th Annual Church Gathering Minutes April 26-27, 2013 Scattered and Sown In Every Seed a Promise Rockway Mennonite Collegiate, Kitchener ON Friday April 26, Welcome Carol Penner, Moderator, and David Martin, Executive Minister, welcomed participants to the celebration of 25 years together as MCEC. Because our fi rst meeting was at the beginning of our fi rst year, this is our 26th meeting. They acknowledged participants who were here at the meeting 25 years ago, and encouraged us to connect with each other. 2. Business a. Minutes of 2012 Annual Church Gathering Sandy Shantz, MCEC Executive Council Secretary, reviewed highlights from the 2012 Annual Church Gathering and on behalf of Executive Council, moved and seconded the following motion: MOTION: That we accept the minutes of the 25th annual meeting of Mennonite Church Eastern Canada held April 27 and 28, Motion Carried. b. Review and Acceptance of Executive Council Actions Sandy Shantz reviewed the actions of the Executive Council in the discernment booklet and the update found in the workbook, and on behalf of Executive Council, moved and seconded the following motion: MOTION: That we approve all actions taken by the MCEC Executive Council for the year May 2012 to April Motion Carried. c. Introduction of the Slate Joanna Reesor McDowell, Chair, MCEC Gift Discernment Committee, announced some changes to the printed slate and asked to have any further nominations to her by noon Saturday. 3. Worship See Appendix A for more detail about our rich worship centred on the parable of the mustard seed. 4. Carol thanked the many people who have made this gathering special. She introduced a PowerPoint presentation of our partner ministries who are also present here and encouraged us to interact with them. Carol thanked the host Perimeter Cluster for taking on the task of organizing with a small cluster. After Lloyd Oakey, pastor from Calvary Ayr (Mennonite), made some announcements, Carol invited participants to enjoy refreshments and offered a short prayer. Saturday April 27, 2013 Morning Sessions 5. Welcome Carol Penner, Moderator, and David Martin, Executive Minister, welcomed participants and gave an overview of the day. Lloyd Oakey, K-W Perimeter Cluster host chair, welcomed participants and made announcements. 6 ~ Extending the Peace of Jesus Christ ~ making disciples growing congregations forming leaders

9 MINUTES ANNUAL NUAL CHURCH GATHERING 6. Worship See Appendix A 7. Executive Council Business a. Introduction of Executive Council Members Carol introduced the Executive Council Members: Carol Penner (Moderator), Bryce Kraeker (Assistant Moderator), Sandy Shantz (Secretary), Eugene Reesor (Chair of Adminstrative and Financial Services Council), Shirley Redekop, Pieter Niemeyer, Paul Wideman, Terry Keller, and David Martin (Executive Minister). b. 2011/2012 Financial Statements Ester Neufeldt, MCEC Operations Minister, and Eugene Reesor, Chair of Administrative and Financial Service Council, presented highlights of the audited Financial Statements. Ester explained some formatting differences because of a change in reporting requirements. Revenue and expenses were both lower and transfers from special funds were still required. Last year s surplus was applied to our statements. On behalf of Executive Council, Eugene Reesor, Chair of Administrative and Financial Services Council, moved and seconded: MOTION: That we accept the audited fi nancial statements for the fi scal year ending January 31, 2013 as printed. Motion Carried. Eugene thanked staff and the members of MCEC for their generosity and faithful giving. c. Approval of Auditors On behalf of Executive Council, Eugene Reesor moved and seconded the following motion: MOTION: That we appoint PwC (formerly PricewaterhouseCoopers) as auditors for the fi scal year ending January 31, Motion Carried. 8. Sprouting Seeds for the Next 25 Years Carol introduced Leadership Team: Ester Neufeldt, Brian Bauman, Jeff Steckley, Henry Paetkau, David Martin. Leadership Team discussed how MCEC is growing and emerging in three key areas: Identity and Spiritual Formation: While MCEC came together with theological and historical differences, we continue to grow and be challenged by our increasingly diverse background. We need to nurture a deep, biblically rooted spirituality that is aware of God s presence and activity, especially with our leaders both lay and ordained. Interpretation of Scripture is a key component of our growth and we increasingly wrestle with Scripture in an active way as we read the Bible. Each congregation needs to be grounded spiritually and theologically and sometimes our newer congregations have a stronger sense of who we are than the historic churches do. MCEC is becoming glocal (global and local) as congregations move to plant churches in their countries of origin. Congregational Formation: We are challenged to move from a maintenance mode to a mission mode as we are called to be more active in the wider world and in our neighbourhoods. We need courageous, creative, and energized leaders who are willing to risk new ways of being especially in urban settings. We are encouraged by the participation of youth and young adults at events like the recent Red Letter Dinner which attracted 60 young adults. Can we engage young adults in new ways like locating in marginalized communities to help create healthy communities and join in church plants? Historic congregations are increasingly retooling and renewing in upside down ways. Our challenge is to listen deeply to God and each other while letting go of our own agenda. 7

10 MINUTES ANNUAL CHURCH GATHERING Uniting Behind God s Mission: A new wave of diversity began as the seeds of MCEC took root when our fi rst Lao congregations emerged. We now have three Anabaptist congregations of different heritage sharing a single facility and our fi rst African minister leading an Anglo congregation at Hagerman Mennonite Church. We notice changes as the nativity is celebrated with new eyes and cultures. Our new Canadian churches are experiencing generational shifts as later generations become integrated into Canadian society and some of their traditions change. MCEC brought together different theologies and histories. We have been successful by focussing on what we agree on rather than what divides us. Let us learn from the past. Our core beliefs include: Centrality of Scripture even if we disagree on its interpretation; Jesus Christ is the centre of our lives; Commitment to non-violent faith; Supporting each other and growing together in community; God s mission on the streets is to be embraced; God speaks through everyone. 9. Youth Video Awards We watched the videos produced by youth from Breslau Mennonite Church, Floradale Mennonite Church, and Hanover Mennonite Church. There were over 1,100 views and over 5,000 votes online. Jeff Steckley, MCEC Congregational Ministries Minister, presented youth video awards: most inspiring to Breslau; most energetic to Floradale; most creative to Hanover. 10. Spending Plan Overview for FYE 2014 Ester Neufeldt, MCEC Operations Minister, presented the spending plan. She stressed the importance of congregational, corporate, and individual donations and bequests in the continuing ministry of MCEC. She highlighted budget amounts for and activity in each of the key leadership areas. Break The move to 50 Kent will allow us to work more closely with many of our partner agencies. Proceeds from the sale of the existing facility will be used as part of a loan to Mennonite Central Committee Ontario and the interest earned will cover the rent. The move is expected in Carol recognized Ester for 25 years of service at MCEC. 12. Recognition of Ministry Partners Carol Penner, Moderator, and David Martin, Executive Minister, highlighted the importance of partnering together and presented partnership plaques celebrating 25 years of Ministry Partnership to: Mennonite Church Canada; Mennonite World Conference; Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp; Ontario Mennonite Music Camp; Silver Lake Mennonite Camp; Fraser Lake Camp, Glenbrook Day Camp; Willowgrove; Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary; Canadian Mennonite University, Conrad Grebel University College; Rockway Mennonite Collegiate; UMEI Christian High School; MAX Canada; Mennonite Foundation of Canada; Mennonite Savings and Credit Union; Detweiler Meetinghouse; Mennonite Central Committee Ontario; Mennonite Disaster Service; Ontario Multi Faith Council; Ten Thousand Villages; Women of MCEC; Canadian Mennonite; MennoMedia; Associates Resourcing the Church; Mennonite Brethren Marriage Encounter; Mennonite Spiritual Directors of Eastern Canada; Sexual Misconduct and Abuse Response Resource Team; Shalom Counselling Services Waterloo; Maison de l amitie; Mennonite New Life Centre; Welcome Inn Community Centre. 8 ~ Extending the Peace of Jesus Christ ~ making disciples growing congregations forming leaders

11 MINUTES ANNUAL NUAL CHURCH GATHERING 13. Property Update 74 Fir Valley Court, Toronto Bryce Kraeker, Assistant Moderator, explained that the delegates in 2011 had authorized the divestiture of the property at 74 Fir Valley, Toronto and directed Executive Council to work towards selling it to Warden Woods Community Centre (WWCC) at a discounted price, or, failing that, to sell it on the open market for fair market value. In February 2012 WWCC initiated legal action claiming that they owned the property and MCEC was simply holding it in trust. WWCC rejected our Statement of Defence and we are now moving toward Discovery which is the next phase in the legal process. We continue to remain open to dialogue with WWCC. MCEC s request for mediation has gone unanswered, although we are aware of a signifi cant precondition to which we would need to agree in order to facilitate mediation. It would be diffi cult for us to so agree. The legal process will continue to unfold and MCEC will continue to work towards a settlement with an outcome both parties can support. 14. Bequest Strategy Carol and David expressed thanks for the dedication to the mission of MCEC by Amy Hunsberger, Alice Koch, Ivan Kuepfer, Nelda Lichti, Ervin L. Martin, Mary Margaret Reesor, Enid Schmidt, and Erma Snyder, who provided generous bequests to MCEC in the past year. We hope that undesignated gifts will be used in ways that plant seeds for the growth of God s kingdom. To that end, Executive Council formed an ad hoc committee to update our bequest policy. They introduced the committee: Lois Konrad, Rick Martin, Yoel Masyawong, Nelson Scheifele, Greg Yantzi, Tobi Thiessen, Marcus Shantz, Sandy Shantz (chair), Brian Bauman, Brent Charette, and David Martin. We do not plan to endow the funds but to use them strategically over a period of time to expand the mission and work of MCEC and to model generosity by sharing with our partners particularly Mennonite Church Canada and Mennonite World Conference. It is important that our operating budget and work continue to be supported by our congregations so we can continue to celebrate special gifts in creative and entrepreneurial ways. We will continue to focus distribution on the mission of MCEC: making disciples, growing congregations, forming leaders. We bring this policy forward for your comments and affi rmations. a. Open Microphone See Appendix B for details 15. Installation of Linda Brnjas, Regional Minister Carol Penner, Moderator, lead a litany of installation and prayer for Linda as those close to her laid hands on her. 16. Pastoral Updates a. Marianne Mellinger, Coordinator of Leadership Formation Marianne focused on fi ve trends in pastoral training and formation: We are in a time of great transition and while the academic model is still excellent, it is not always viable or preferable. We need to be more improvisational. Come to the Conrad Grebel University College s Lebold banquet to explore this further. Pastoral training must focus on training incarnational or missional leaders. We are collaborating with Steve Drudge, pastor, Steinmann Mennonite Church, who is doing a doctoral thesis on missional leadership and has included MCEC pastors in his work. Pastoral training is moving away from the Bible trained model of a pastor who graduates ready to lead to a lifelong learning model of continuing education. Annual School for Ministers and online opportunities support this model. Transformational change is more likely to occur in congregations when pastors and lay leaders participate together in training. Conrad Grebel University College and MCEC partner so pastors can take courses free of charge and lay leaders may audit free of charge. Pastoral training must seek new ways to equip our new Canadian pastors. 9

12 MINUTES ANNUAL CHURCH GATHERING b. Henry Paetkau, Area Church Minister 2012 included many transitions. Pastoral education and placement are part of our role and mandate. We currently have 290 credentialed pastors in over 100 congregations. 79 are retired pastors. Pastoral transitions as listed in the workbook. Our credentialing processes are being challenged in new ways because of our diversity of congregations and leaders. Leadership Council continues to look at how we can be fl exible in equipping leaders who are ready to serve in new and creative ways. Simeon Hurst was ordained in 1940 at Elmira Mennonite Church and served at Hawkesville Mennonite Church, Bethel Mennonite Church, and Fairview Mennonite Home and will celebrate his 100th birthday at his home at Fairview this year. He is our oldest living pastor. We recognized new pastors to MCEC: Rene Baergen (First Mennonite Church, Kitchener), Jonathan Brubacher (Elmira Mennonite Church), Kara Carter (Wellesley Mennonite Church), Denise Gruber (River of Life), Steve Hoeppner (Chaplain, Karios Pneuma Chaplaincy Inc.), Max Kennel (Crosshill Mennonite Church), Roberson Mbayamvula (Hagerman Mennonite Church), Tadesse Mekuria (Medahnialem Ethiopian Evangelical Church), Randell Neudorf (The Commons), Baw Boih Hring Ngen (Chin Christian Church, Ottawa), George O Reilly (Ottawa Mennonite Church), Josh Penfold (Wellesley Mennonite Church), David Penny (First Mennonite Church, Kitchener), John Rempel (Toronto Mennonite Theological Centre), Jodi VanHowelingen (Wellesley Mennonite Church), Mesfi n Woldearegay (Bethel Ethiopian Evangelical Church), Scotty Zehr (East Zorra Mennonite Church). Henry prayed for people entering ministry. 17. Open Microphone See Appendix B for details. 18. Welcome of New Churches to MCEC David Martin, Executive Minister, and Brian Bauman, Mission Minister, introduced the new congregations to MCEC: We have close to 100 churches if we include emerging congregations we are around Some are intentional church plants. Some just grow. Some existing churches are looking for a denominational home. The process for membership includes three stages: exploring, emerging (testing), and formal membership. Lunch Three congregations are requesting emerging church status: a. Bethel Ethiopian Evangelical Church, Kitchener, b. The Commons, Hamilton, c. Medahnialem Ethiopian Evangelical Church, Toronto. Medahnialem Ethiopian Evangelical Church, Toronto, Pastor Tadesse Mekuria. They thanked MCEC leaders for helping them be part of the Mennonite Church. They have been in existence since 2008 and worship in the Amharic language. Empower people with the word of God and their lives are transformed. The Commons, Hamilton, Community Curator, Randell Neudorf: The term community curator better refl ects his role as caring for the community by creating opportunities to engage with each other, their spirituality, and neighbourhood. They are defi ned by these values: justice, hope, beauty, authenticity, peace. Bethel Ethiopian Evangelical Church: Pastor Mesfi n Woldearegay expressed his appreciation for MCEC and their ability to be part of MCEC. Carol shared peace lilies with each congregation and invited them to each give a prayer of blessing to us. David led a litany of reception for the congregations. 10 ~ Extending the Peace of Jesus Christ ~ making disciples growing congregations forming leaders

13 MINUTES ANNUAL NUAL CHURCH GATHERING Afternoon Sessions 19. Approval of Slate Bryce Kraeker, Assistant Moderator, welcomed us to the afternoon session. Joanna Reesor-McDowell, Chair of Gift Discernment Committee, thanked everyone who has agreed to serve and, as no further additions had been received, presented the slate. On behalf of the Gift Discernment Committee, Joanna Reesor-McDowell moved and seconded the following motion: MOTION: That we accept the 2013/2014 Slate as presented. Motion Carried. 20. Approval of Spending Plan On behalf of Executive Council, Eugene Reesor moved and seconded the following motion: MOTION: That we accept the 2013/2014 spending plan as printed in the Discernment Documents Questions/Comments: We ve cut funds from signifi cant agencies. How are those decisions made? Eugene It is always a challenge to know how to balance the spending plan. We went to congregations and received three focus areas: making disciples, growing congregations, and forming leaders and while we endorse the work that all our partners are doing, we need to focus on those priorities. Correction to an earlier comment about $175,000 of the money for 50 Kent. The money is coming from existing funds, not from the bequest. While we have not made commitments on how or where to spend bequest money, Executive Council does have authority to spend it and expect that some will be distributed in the coming year. Do you know how much will be disseminated each year? Eugene and David: The money is just beginning to arrive and planning is important. We do not have a set amount for each year. Our fi nancial statements show a total of around $7MM from bequests. Eugene that includes other restricted funds. The bequests received for the past year total around $3.5MM. Ester further clarifi ed that the restricted funds are for specifi c uses. Motion Carried 21. Mennonite Church Canada Update including Church Engagement Highlights Bryce Kraeker, Assistant Moderator, reminded us that our national church, Mennonite Church Canada, is one of MCEC s primary ministry partners. Carol Penner, Moderator of MCEC, presented insights from her role as MCEC representative on the MC Canada Board. While other conferences experience similar joys and concerns as we do, some area churches are not experiencing the same generosity and joy that we are. a. Willard Metzger, Executive Director, Mennonite Church Canada Willard has just returned from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. He refl ected on how God has nurtured and cared for MCEC. Growing up in a small MCEC congregation, participation was required and that was a seed sown in Willard s life. MC Canada has decided to move to biennial gatherings. Willard showed a video of MC Canada s work in the last year. The 2012 Assembly approved Being a Faithful Church IV. It was affi rmed as a good discernment tool to help congregations use scripture in an active way and has been distributed to congregations. A group of four individuals has generously donated $80,000 over four years toward the Being a Faithful Church journey. A new task force is working to discern future direction 11

14 MINUTES ANNUAL CHURCH GATHERING for the church. There is a learning tour to the United Kingdom in August to learn from church renewal there in the post Christendom reality. In September there is a Canada-China pastoral exchange as well. We saw a video promoting the youth assembly in Winnipeg this summer called Fat Calf Festival. MC Canada and the fi ve area churches continue to explore new ways of working together. Brent Charette, Church Engagement Minister, has visited 60 congregations in the last year and a half on behalf of MCEC and MC Canada. We hope those connections will help foster positive connections. Willard thanked everyone for their fi nancial and prayer support as we strive to do together what God has called us to do. 22. Listening Committee Ilene Bergen and Cameron Kaufman Frey: Exciting, energizing, inspiring, forward looking. Someone missed the round tables. Another person was drawn to the biblical story of a rooster crowing (referring to the recorded rooster crow that indicated it was time to gather) and wondered if there was a message there. Young adults felt they have not been pushed with tough questions. New churches are growing. Are established churches growing? If not, why not? Break The committee thanked the K-W Perimeter Cluster for hosting the gathering. 23. Worship See Appendix A for more detail about our worship and César García s (General Secretary, Mennonite World Conference) message. 24. Closing Comments Carol thanked the many participants and organizers and invited us to the Annual Church gathering in Niagara in ~ Extending the Peace of Jesus Christ ~ making disciples growing congregations forming leaders

15 APPENDICES TO THE MINUTES ANNUAL NUAL CHURCH GATHERING Appendix A - Worship Worship Team included: Pader Lee, First Hmong Mennonite Church (MC), Barb Smith-Morrision, Bloomingdale MC, Mark Diller Harder, St. Jacobs MC, Mary Castello, Stirling Ave MC, Alissa Bender, Hamilton MC, Touzer Vang, First Hmong MC, Marshal Vang, First Hmong MC, Ann Weber Becker, Rockway MC, Jennie Wiebe, Waterloo North MC, Kathy Albrecht, First MC, Yoel Masyawong, Grace Lao MC, Brent Horst, St. Jacobs MC, Pauline Bauman, First MC, Lois Weber, Bloomingdale MC, and Helmi Wiebe, Steinmann MC. Friday Evening: We had a rich time of worship lead by Barb Smith-Morrison, Bloomingdale MC, and Pader Lee, First Hmong MC, and others. Mark 4:1-9 was dramatized on stage by garden tender Brent Horst and on the screen in a video drama by Ted and Company. We heard snippets of seeds that God is sowing from Shirley Redekop (Floradale MC), Sandy Shantz (St. Jacobs MC) and Mary Costello (Stirling Avenue MC), Ruth Boehm (Faith MC) and Suzanne Bender (Steinmann MC). Sue Steiner refl ected on the seeds that were sown in our diverse history and new seeds that are being sown now that we hope will bear rich fruit in the future: seeds of ethnic diversity, of new yearning for God and spiritual thirst, of compassion, resilience and hope, of an eclectic pool of pastoral leaders, and of renewed vision, resourcefulness and caring. She reminded us that seeds are often produced at the end of the life cycle and sometimes new growth emerges from our endings. We were invited to refl ect on seeds God is planting in us and in our congregations and how God has been surprising us in MCEC. We shared in small groups. We celebrated individual and congregational milestones with the hymn In the Bulb There is a Flower and in prayer. Saturday Morning: The worship team lead us in refl ective worship including much singing, prayer, a dramatization of Mark 4:26-29 by Brent Horst, a video presentation by Ted and Company, and music by Rockway Mennonite School choir. We heard of seeds being sowed from Glenn Zehr (Hillcrest MC), Tanya Dyck Steinmann (East Zorra MC), Susan Neudorf (The Commons). Saturday Afternoon: We concluded with another time of rich worship lead by the worship team, including music from the Chin Christian Church choir and an Amharic choir from Bethel Ethiopian Evangelical Church. Mark 4:30-32 was dramatized by our garden tender, Brent Horst, with help from Tamil dancers (Markham Christian Worship Centre) and a dramatic video presentation by Ted and Company. We heard of seeds sown from: Troy Watson (Quest Christian Community), Mee Thao (First Hmong MC) and Baw Boih Hring Ngen (Chin Christian Church, Ottawa), Shinnika Carpenter (Jane Finch Faith Community), Sririsack Saythavy (Grace New Life MC), Doug Horst (Église évangélique Mennonite de Joliette). Carol recognized staff and volunteers of MCEC who have served through the 25 years of MCEC. David introduced César García, General Secretary, Mennonite World Conference, who shared a sermon refl ecting on differences between a healthy delicious church and a fast food church using the parable of the mustard seed. When a seed touches ground it affects the soil. If a church is growing it affects the world around it. The church will also be affected by the place and soil in which it grows. The church is called to refl ect the values of the kingdom of God, not power and control. One cannot control the growth of a mustard plant one can facilitate it, but not control it. Keep institutions small so the church is about the people and not the structure, and so the structure serves the people and nourishes relationships. Henry Paetkau, MCEC Area Church Minister led us in communion together with music by the First Mennonite Anglo Hispanic group. We left with a blessing of growth by Matthew Isert Bender, pastor, Nith Valley Mennonite Church. 13

16 APPENDICES TO THE MINUTES ANNUAL CHURCH GATHERING Appendix B Open Mic: Bequest Strategy: Norm Dyck, Listowel Mennonite Church Brian Bauman reported two years ago that his budget had been signifi cantly reduced. Thanks be to God for the bequest. Norm expressed concern that we have known about this bequest and have been sitting on this for some time. As a result many rumours were spread. Earlier information would have been appreciated. Will any money be used this year? David Martin apologized if the information was slow in coming, but we did not always have accurate information ourselves and needed legal counsel as the Schmidt estate is a complex one and it will take years to be concluded. Executive Council wants to move carefully. No money has been spent to date as we wanted a clear sense of direction. In the next few months we will get a more detailed sense of direction around spending the funds with input from congregations. This will be ongoing. We will continue to bring information forward. Arli Klassen First Mennonite Church and staff, Mennonite World Conference Expressed appreciation for the support through our bequest policy as they are not usually named in bequests. Betty Kennedy Puricelli Toronto Mennonite New Life Church While it is exciting to start new projects, some projects prosper for a time and then end. Keep money aside for projects that need to close so they can close with a healthy exit clause in place, so that endings can be celebrated with joy instead of sadness. Steven Reesor Rempel Stirling Avenue Mennonite Church Should we include direction about ethical investing? David We have a policy that our investments are always invested through our agencies with that kind of screening. Bequests would also fall under that policy. Dave Erb Silver Lake Mennonite Camp Affi rmed the process and expressed hope that funds do not get used to prop up the current operating of MCEC so that bequests can be used for creative endeavours. Betsy Petker Rockway Mennonite Church This is a good strategy. How will you vet the actual disbursement of funds? Will there be a way for congregations or organizations to apply for funds? David We intend to work with our partners and congregations, but have yet to determine how that will look. We hope to have a more concrete plan in the next few months. Hans Peters Jane Finch Faith Community Is excited by the idea of entrepreneurial spending. Consider asking entrepreneurs for ideas. Maciel Hernandes Arias - Toronto Mennonite New Life Church - Share the wealth with less affl uent congregations who struggle. 14 ~ Extending the Peace of Jesus Christ ~ making disciples growing congregations forming leaders

17 APPENDICES TO THE MINUTES ANNUAL CHURCH GATHERING General Open Microphone Texted questions have been answered as they have been received. John Epp Toronto United Mennonite Church Affi rmed the questions being asked but wanted to add: Who is God? Where are we going? Deborah-Ruth Ferber Anabaptist Mennonite Bibilical Seminary It is exciting to see more young adults, youth, and younger pastors. How might we celebrate our diversity and encourage those with disabilities who wish to become pastors? Ivan Unger Wanner Mennonite Church What would the Apostle Paul say about the Warden Woods Community Centre issue? Lisa Schaub Rouge Valley Mennonite Church Remember there are ways to extend the witness of Christ without money. Lydia Harder Montreal Mennonite Fellowship How can we encourage Mennonite students who are pursuing doctoral studies to re-engage in the church as they try to integrate their Mennonite background with their academic pursuit? Jessica Reesor Rempel Stirling Avenue Mennonite Church Let s involve young adults in more signifi cant ways in MCEC. Jason Brown St. Catharines United Mennonite Church The comment about the possibility of young adults moving into a community should be extended to all age groups. Steve Brnjas The Gathering Church Sees how marvellously God has worked over time in MCEC as we strive to be faithful stewards Allister Gough - Zion Mennonite Fellowship Drives shuttles for guests and gets questions like Where are the Mennonites? and when he says they are sitting beside one, they are shocked. We need to get the message across that we are more than horse and buggy or the way we dress. Fanosie Legesse - Bethel Mennonite Church I have enjoyed the parable of the sower and idea of God planting seeds in me or my church. How do we prepare ourselves to be a good soil for the word of God? 15

18 MCEC EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ACTIONS MAY 1, MARCH 31, 2014 Executive Council Sandy Shantz MCEC Moderator St. Jacobs Mennonite Church Bryce Kraeker Assistant Moderator Rockway Mennonite Church Shirley Redekop Secretary Floradale Mennonite Church Eugene Reesor Chair of AFSC Community Mennonite Church, Stouffville Terry Keller Nith Valley Mennonite Church Sharon Lamont First Mennonite Church Pieter Niemeyer Rouge Valley Mennonite Church Brian Quan Toronto Chinese Mennonite Church Paul Wideman Community Mennonite Fellowship (Drayton) David Martin MCEC Executive Minister 16 ~ Extending the Peace of Jesus Christ ~ making disciples growing congregations forming leaders

19 MCEC EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ACTIONS MAY 1, MARCH 31, 2014 June 25, 2013 December 17, 2013 Adopted the minutes of the 2013 MCEC Annual Church Gathering for delegate approval at the 2014 ACG. Approved that MCEC join the new national benefi t plan administered by Mennonite Church Canada for MCEC staff and congregations. Approved the transfer of the Mennonite Bicentennial Commission Endowment Fund to The First Mennonite Church in Vineland for the maintenance and preservation of the Mennonite Bicentennial Memorial Cairn located at The First Mennonite Church in Vineland. Authorized the allocation of $50,000 of bequest funds for special projects. Authorized a fi rst fruits tithe from the Schmidt bequest monies to Mennonite Church Canada and Mennonite World Conference. October 22, 2013 Affi rmed the digital resolution of the Executive Council to authorize the transaction of the lease for offi ce space at 50 Kent, Kitchener, ON. Authorized the allocation of $892,000 of bequest funds for special projects. Approved the revised Canadian Mennonite Partnership Covenant Renewal document for the period of January 1, 2014 to December 31, January 28, 2014 Appointed Sharon Lamont, First Mennonite Church, and Brian Quan, Toronto Chinese Mennonite Church, to fi ll vacancies on the Executive Council. March 19, 2014 Approved the Church of the Living Word in Ottawa for reception into full membership status in MCEC at the 2014 ACG. Adopted the FYE 2014 Audited Financial Statements for delegate approval at the 2014 ACG. Adoption of Spending Plan for delegate approval at the 2014 ACG. Approved board-to-board discussions with the Warden Woods Community Centre Board re: the property dispute over 74 Firvalley Ct. Toronto, ON. 17

20 SLATE OF VOLUNTEERS means the term ends in April 2017 and the person is serving the first term. A 0 (zero) indicates someone starting mid-term or a mid-term replacement. An asterisk (*) means the individual has been approved by Executive Council subsequent to the April delegate sessions. Individuals in bold have agreed to serve an initial or subsequent term. EXECUTIVE COUNCIL NAME OF CHURCH 16-2 Sandy Shantz (Moderator) St. Jacobs 15-2 Bryce Kraeker (Assistant Moderator) Rockway 15-1 Eugene Reesor (Administrative & Financial Services Council Chair) Community (Stouffville) 16-2 Shirley Redekop (Secretary) Floradale Members at Large 17-2 Pieter Niemeyer Rouge Valley 17-2 Terry Keller Nith Valley 16-2 Paul Wideman Community Drayton 15-0 Brian Quan* Toronto Chinese 16-0 Sharon Lamont* First Mennonite David Martin (Executive Minister, MCEC) Ex-Officio ADMINISTRATIVE & FINANCIAL SERVICES COUNCIL 15-1 Eugene Reesor (Chair) Community (Stouffville) 17-2 Lloyd Redekopp (Vice-Chair) Niagara 15-2 Aubrey Wilkinson (Secretary) Danforth 15-2 Earl Martin Zion 16-2 Jim Brown (Pastor Rep.) Riverdale 16-1 Linda Van Bergen Hillcrest 16-0 Jodi Zehr East Zorra Ester Neufeldt (Operations Minister, MCEC) Ex-Officio David Martin (Executive Minister, MCEC) Ex-Officio CONGREGATIONAL MINISTRIES COUNCIL 17-2 Kevin Derksen (Chair) St. Jacobs Members at Large 17-2 Ray Martin East Zorra 15-0 Sam Assad Waterloo North 16-1 Jeanette Seiling Bethel 16-1 Vicky Roeder Martin Breslau 17-1 Juanita Laverty Hanover 15-0 Jeff Steckley (Congregational Ministries Minister, MCEC) Ex-Officio 18 ~ Extending the Peace of Jesus Christ ~ making disciples growing congregations forming leaders

21 SLATE OF VOLUNTEERS LEADERSHIP COUNCIL 15-1 Myrna Miller Dyck (chair) Steinmann 17-2 Steve Cox Niagara 15-1 Claire Osinkosky Preston 16-2 Ray Brubacher Waterloo North 16-2 Trakoon Yoel Masyawong Grace Lao 16-1 Greg Yantzi Cassel 17-1 Jessica Reesor Rempel Stirling Ave. Henry Paetkau (Area Church Minister, MCEC) Ex-Officio Marianne Mellinger (Coordinator Leadership Formation, MCEC) Ex-Officio MISSION COUNCIL 16-1 Norm Dyck (Chair) Listowel 15-1 Fanosie Legesse Bethel 15-1 Craig Frere Living Water 15-1 Jim Jantzi Avon 16-2 Cathrin van Sintern Dick North Leamington 17-1 Chung Vang First Hmong 17-1 Brian Bauman (Mission Minister, MCEC) Ex-Officio ACCOUNTABLE TO EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Gift Discernment Committee (Appointed by Executive Council) 17-2 Lois Konrad (Chair) Leamington 15-1 Alyssa Bender Living Water 17-2 Mary Anne Neufeld The First (Vineland) 16-2 Darrell Jantzi Floradale David Martin (Executive Minister, MCEC) Ex-Officio 16-0 ACCOUNTABLE TO ADMINISTRATIVE & FINANCIAL SERVICES COUNCIL Financial Aid Committee 16-1 Earl Smith (Chair) Hagerman 17-1 Victor Krueger Elmira 15-1 Karen Martin Schiedel Waterloo North 16-0 Rob Konrad Leamington Henry Paetkau (Area Church Minister, MCEC) Ex-Officio Ester Neufeldt (Operations Minister, MCEC) Ex-Officio 19

22 SLATE OF VOLUNTEERS MCEC REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENTS Conrad Grebel University College Board 17-2 Clare Schlegel East Zorra 17-2 Ted Giesbrecht Breslau 15-2 Fred Redekop Floradale 15-2 Lynn Yantzi Steinmann 15-1 Victor Winter Leamington 16-2 James Barber Hagerman 16-1 Steve Manske Stirling 16-1 Shelley Abdulla Waterloo North 17-1 Canadian Mennonite University Council 17-3 Don Neufeld Bethany Detweiler Meeting House Board of Directors 17-2 Robert Shantz Mannheim 16-1 Doug Roeder Calvary (Ayr) Mennonite Central Committee (Ontario) 15-0 Lynn Rempel Waterloo North 17-1 Tim Wichert The First (Vineland) 16-2 Margaret Amanatides Danforth Mennonite Church Canada General Board (MCEC Executive Council Member Appointee) Sandy Shantz Moderator St. Jacobs Mennonite Church Canada Nominating Committee Appointee 17-1 Marilyn Zehr Toronto 20 ~ Extending the Peace of Jesus Christ ~ making disciples growing congregations forming leaders

23 SLATE OF VOLUNTEERS Mennonite Church Canada Assembly Delegates ~ Winnipeg, MB (July 3-6, 2014) Sandy Shantz MCEC Moderator/Designate 14-1 Kevin Derksen St. Jacobs David Martin MCEC Executive Minister 14-1 Don Neufeld Bethany 14-2 Brian Quan Toronto Chinese 14-2 Kim Rempel East Zorra 14-2 Alyssa Bender Living Water 14-1 Eugene Reesor Community (Stouffville) 14-2 Mike Wiebe Milverton Myrna Miller Dyck Steinmann 14-1 Linda Brnjas MCEC Staff Mennonite Publishing Service Board 16-2 Tim Reimer Danforth Ontario Mennonite Music Camp 17-1 Carolyn Strathdee Breslau Angela Ishaka Floradale Ontario Multifaith Council on Spiritual & Religious Care Provincial Board Susan Kennel Harrison Hagerman Regional Multifaith Committee Kawartha Lakeshore George Best Wideman Mid-West (Hamilton Niagara) Troy Watson Avon North-East (Timmins) Glenn Carney Hunta Windsor-Chatham Ottawa Region South Central (Toronto) Susan Kennel Harrison South West (London-KW) Sudbury David Nicol Hagerman Waters Rockway Mennonite School Association Board (term begins November) 17-2 David Carr-Pries Waterloo North 15-2 Jim Loepp Thiessen The Gathering 16-0 Mark Diller Harder St. Jacobs Silver Lake Mennonite Camp Board 16-1 Karen Martin Schiedel Waterloo North United Mennonite Educational Institute Board (term begins November) 16-1 Jennifer Driedger Leamington 21

24 MCEC SPENDING PLAN/BUDGET Proposed Proposed Mennonite Church Eastern Canada Budget Budget Budget for Year Ended January 31, 2015 FYE FYE with Comparison to Budget for Year Ended Jan. 31, 2015 Jan. 31, 2014 January 31, 2014 $ $ Total Contributions to Area/National Church Covenant 2,320,500 2,320,500 MCEC Operations Revenue Contributions based on 60.16% of Giving to Covenant 1,396,013 1,396,013 Corporate and Individual Donations 68,500 68,500 Support from Women of MCEC 8,000 8,000 Interest 90,375 31,595 Total revenue 1,562,888 1,504,108 Expenditures Executive Council (Schedule 1) 124, ,766 Leadership Council (Schedule 2) 92,149 91,452 Regional Ministry (Schedule 3) 224, ,515 Mission Council (Schedule 4) 382, ,909 Congregational Ministries Council (Schedule 5) 100, ,525 Partner Ministries (Schedule 6) 374, ,746 Programme Resourcing (Schedule 7) 367, ,575 Occupancy Costs (Schedule 8) 115,172 52,260 Total expenditures 1,781,465 1,661,748 Net revenue (expenditures) (218,577) (157,640) Transfers to (from) Operating Fund (Schedule 9) 218, ,640 Operating Surplus (Deficit) for the Year ~ Extending the Peace of Jesus Christ ~ making disciples growing congregations forming leaders

25 MCEC SPENDING PLAN/BUDGET Proposed Proposed Mennonite Church Eastern Canada Budget Budget Budget for Year Ended January 31, 2015 FYE FYE with Comparison to Budget for Year Ended Jan. 31, 2015 Jan. 31, 2014 January 31, 2014 $ $ National and Binational Partners Revenue Mennonite Church Canada 924, ,487 Based on 39.84% of Total Contributions to Covenant Total Revenue 924, ,487 Expenditures - Based on Actual Share of Giving to Covenant Mennonite Church Canada 854, ,872 Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary 69,615 69,615 Total Expenditures to National and Binational Partners 924, ,487 National and Binational Partners' Surplus 0 0 Executive Council (Schedule 1) Staff - salaries and expenses 90,925 91,216 Professional development pool 9,000 9,000 Council travel and expenses 5,200 5,200 -Recovery (3,700) (3,700) Council seminars and retreats 1,250 1,250 Other travel and expenses 4,300 4,300 -Recovery (2,000) (2,000) Miscellaneous expenses 5,000 5,000 Assembly delegate travel and expenses 14, Recovery - - Special Projects - Historical Recovery (665) (665) Special Projects - 25th Anniversary - 26, , ,766 23

26 MCEC SPENDING PLAN/BUDGET Mennonite Church Eastern Canada Budget for Year Ended January 31, 2015 Proposed Proposed Budge et Budget with Comparison to Budget for Year Ended Jan. 31, 2015 Jan. 31, 2014 January 31, 2014 $ $ FYE FYE Leadership Council (Schedule 2) Staff - salaries and expenses 84,899 84,402 Council travel and expenses 1,600 1,600 -Recovery (400) (400) Task group travel and expenses Recovery (200) (200) Council seminars and retreats Program and policy development expenses 1,500 1,500 Resource library Database cost sharing Transitioning into ministry (TiM) - leadership formation 23,000 23,000 -Recovery (27,500) (27,500) Transitioning into ministry (TiM) - youth ministry 5,250 5,250 -Recovery (7,750) (7,750) Congregation/pastor concerns Professional services for pastoral leaders 5,000 5,000 Sexual Misconduct and Abuse Response Team 1,500 1,500 Ministry Inquiry Program 1,500 1,500 Toronto Mennonite Theological Centre 1,000 1,000 Continuing education and development 13,500 13,500 -Tuitions received (13,500) (13,500) 92,149 91,452 Regional Ministry (Schedule 3) Staff - salaries and expenses 243, ,386 -Recovery (19,003) (50,871) 224, , ~ Extending the Peace of Jesus Christ ~ making disciples growing congregations forming leaders

27 MCEC SPENDING PLAN/BUDGET Proposed Proposed Mennonite Church Eastern Canada Budget Budget Budget for Year Ended January 31, 2015 FYE FYE with Comparison to Budget for Year Ended Jan. 31, 2015 Jan. 31, 2014 January 31, 2014 $ $ Mission Council (Schedule 4) Staff - salaries and expenses 85,400 84,294 Council travel and expenses 1,900 1,900 -Recovery (250) (250) Promotion and publicity 10,000 9,743 Special support needs 8,000 8,000 Miscellaneous program and expenses 2,000 2,000 Church Development and Urban Ministry Jane Finch Faith Community 54,351 65,222 Toronto Mennonite New Life Church 5,000 10,000 Missional initiatives 6,000 6,000 Transfer to Leadership Enrichment Fund 1,000 1,000 Church Planting Mission Associates 60,000 - Missional leadership development 10,000 30,000 Church plant support: BadenSpace, Baden - 12,000 Chin Christian Church, Ottawa 3,000 3,000 Freedom Gospel Ethiopian Church, Toronto 10,000 10,000 Lao Canadian Evangelical Mennonite Church, Toronto 10,000 10,000 Maranatha Evangelical Church, London - - Medhadinalem Ethiopian Church, Toronto 5,000 - Refugio de Paz Church, Sherbrooke 20,000 25,000 Scarborough Neighbourhood 20,000 24,000 Shalom, Kitchener - 5,000 The Commons, Hamilton 20,000 5,000 The Village International Mennonite Church, Ottawa 12,000 15,000 New Churches 19,000 37,000 Education, promotion and outreach 20,000 20, , ,909 25

28 MCEC SPENDING PLAN/BUDGET Mennonite Church Eastern Canada Proposed Proposed Budget Budget Budget for Year Ended January 31, 2015 FYE FYE with Comparison to Budget for Year Ended Jan. 31, 2015 Jan. 31, 2014 January 31, 2014 $ $ Congregational Ministries Council (Schedule 5) Staff - salaries and expenses 83,016 82,825 Council travel and expenses Recovery (250) (300) Council seminars and retreats - - Congregational resources 13,200 13,250 -Recovery (5,300) (9,300) Youth and young adult ministry events 29, ,500 -Recovery (27,000) (53,000) Youth and young adult learning tours New ministry initiatives 6,000 14,000 -Recovery (500) (4,000) Promotion, education and communication Contingency , ,525 Partner Ministries (Schedule 6) Canadian Mennonite 74,600 74,000 Conrad Grebel University College 154, ,171 Mennonite World Conference 6,962 6,962 Rockway Mennonite Collegiate 73,911 73,911 United Mennonite Educational Institute 27,905 27,905 Camps 36,797 36,797 Ontario Mennonite Music Camp Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp Silver Lake Mennonite Camp 374, , ~ Extending the Peace of Jesus Christ ~ making disciples growing congregations forming leaders

29 MCEC SPENDING PLAN/BUDGET Proposed Proposed Mennonite Church Eastern Canada Budget Budget Budget for Year Ended January 31, 2015 FYE FYE with Comparison to Budget for Year Ended Jan. 31, 2015 Jan. 31, 2014 January 31, 2014 $ $ Programme Resourcing (Schedule 7) Staff - salaries and expenses 313, ,775 -Recovery (1,000) (4,000) MCEC staff development Council travel and expenses Recovery (250) (250) Office supplies and other expenses 6,000 6,000 Equipment and computer maintenance 14,000 14,000 Postage 6,200 6,500 Internet access and website development 3,500 3,000 Telephone 2,000 5,000 Advertising and Promotion 7,000 7,750 Area Church Gathering 12,000 12,000 -Recovery (18,000) (18,000) Legal and audit 21,000 20,000 Interest and bank charges , ,575 Occupancy Costs (Schedule 8) Custodial supplies, maintenance, utilities - 11,275 Rent 78,072 19,510 Common Area Maintenance 20,725 5,100 Insurance 6,000 6,000 Equipment and furniture (expensed) 10,375 10, ,172 52,260 27

30 MCEC SPENDING PLAN/BUDGET Proposed Proposed Mennonite Church Eastern Canada Budget Budget Budget for Year Ended January 31, 2015 FYE FYE with Comparison to Budget for Year Ended Jan. 31, 2015 Jan. 31, 2014 January 31, 2014 $ $ Transfers to (from) Operating Fund (Schedule 9) Transfers to Operating from Faithful Steward Fund 150, ,140 from Missions Bequests and Donations Fund 86,077 62,000 from Third Century Outreach Fund 6,000 6,000 Transfers from Operating to Leadership Enrichment Fund (13,750) (13,750) to Theological Leadership Development Fund (9,750) (9,750) 218, ,640 Budget Budget Mennonite Church Eastern Canada FYE FYE ADDENDUM to Budget for Year Ended January 31, 2014 Jan. 31, 2015 Jan. 31, 2014 $ $ Capital expenditures and leasehold improvements 10, ,000 -Recovery (10,000) (175,000) ~ Extending the Peace of Jesus Christ ~ making disciples growing congregations forming leaders

31 NEW CONGREGATIONS Church of the Living Word in Ottawa From Emerging Congregation into Full Membership Ottawa, ON Worship Language: Amharic Leadership: Board of Elders Pastoral Contact: Getachew Woldeyes Church of the Living Word in Ottawa is a congregation of aproximately 25 households. They are East African descent - 70% Ethiopian and 30% Eritrean. Their Elder s team gives spiritual and administrative leadership to the church while the Deacon s team provides pastoral care to the congregation. One of their needs at this time is that of a space which ether belongs to them or is more accessible for activites other than worship. Currently they rent from Cedarview Alliance Church. Another challenge they are addressing is the gradual transition from Amharic worship to English. At present they have youth worship and children s Sunday school in English. By moving to English worship, the youth of the congregation would benefi t, as well as enable the congregation to reach their local community with greater ease. They hope to use emerging leders from their university aged youth to carry out this transition. Baptism at Church of the Living Word Church of the Living Word in Ottawa state that they are an Anabaptist and Mennonite Church existing in Ottawa and seek full membership within the MCEC community of congregations at this year s Annual Church Gathering. Executive Council, upon the recommendation of Mission Council, has approved the Church of the Living Word in Ottawa for reception into full membership status in MCEC. From MCEC reports, B. Bauman, Mission Minister Leading in worship Children sharing memory work during worship. 29

32 : FEBRUA PASTORAL MINISTRY TRANSITIONS: FEBRUARY 1, JANUARY 31, 2014 Ordained Alissa Bender Hamilton Mennonite Church Minister Jason Brown St. Catharines United Mennonite Church Associate Minister Liana Brown St. Catharines United Mennonite Church Associate Minister Ching Jehu Lian * Chin Christian Church, Kitchener Minister Sherri Martin-Carman Hawkesville Mennonite Church Chaplain Vicky Roeder Martin Breslau Mennonite Church Associate Minister Doug Schulz * St. Catharines United Mennonite Church Minister * Ordination credentials received Licensed Toward Ordination Alicia Good North Leamington United Mennonite Church Minister Carrie Martens Stirling Avenue Mennonite Church Christian Formation Minister Randell Neudorf The Commons Minister Hans Peter Jane Finch Faith Community Minister Michele Rae Rizoli Toronto United Mennonite Church Associate Minister Licensed For Specific Ministry Heather Whitehouse Bethany Mennonite Church Chaplain Placements Gord Alton Mannheim Mennonite Church Minister Rudy Baergen Waterloo North Mennonite Church Interim Minister Phil Bender The First Mennonite Church Intentional Interim Minister Jonathan Brubacher Elmira Mennonite Church Associate Minister of Youth Ministries John Docherty Mennonite Fellowship of Montreal Interim Minister Julie Ellison-White Crosshill Mennonite Church Minister Alicia Good North Leamington United Mennonite Church Minister Angelika Guenther Correa Windsor Mennonite Fellowship Associate Minister Gary Harder Mennonite Fellowship of Montreal Intentional Interim Minister Randy Klaassen St. Catharines United Mennonite Church Associate Minister Ruth Anne Laverty Preston Mennonite Church Interim Supply during a Sabbatical Carrie Lehn Ottawa Mennonite Church Interim Associate Minister Carrie Martens Stirling Avenue Mennonite Church Christian Formation Minister Lydia Neufeld Harder Mennonite Fellowship of Montreal Intentional Interim Minister Michele Rae Rizoli Toronto United Mennonite Church Associate Minister Doug Schulz St. Catharines United Mennonite Church Minister Michael Turman Waterloo-Kitchener United Mennonite Church Associate Minister for Youth and Family Cathrin van Sintern-Dick Faith Mennonite Church Interim Supply during a Sabbatical Isaiah Vang First Hmong Mennonite Church Minister Erwin Wiens Wilmot Mennonite Church Interim Supply during a Sabbatical Erwin Wiens Hawkesville Mennonite Church Intentional Interim Minister Celeste Wright Waters Mennonite Church Minister Participants in the Transitioning into Ministry (TiM) Program 30 ~ Extending the Peace of Jesus Christ ~ making disciples growing congregations forming leaders

33 PASTORAL MINISTRY TRANSITIONS: FEBRUARY 1, JANUARY 31, 2014 Concluding Assignments Doug Amstutz Crosshill Mennonite Church Intentional Interim Minister Perry Bartel Hawkesville Mennonite Church Minister Jason and Liana Brown St. Catharines United Mennonite Church Associate Ministers Jonathan Brubacher Elmira Mennonite Church Youth Worker Lois Bukar Wideman Mennonite Church Minister Jenny ny Csinos Erb Street Mennonite Church Interim Minister of Christian Education Julie Ellison-White Poole Mennonite Church Interim Youth Minister Jason Erb Living Water Community Christian Fellowship Youth Minister Sarah Johnson Ottawa Mennonite Church Associate Minister Gary Knarr Harrow Mennonite Church Intentional Interim Minister Jane Kuepfer Avon Mennonite Church Associate Minister Ruth Anne Laverty Preston Mennonite Church Interim Supply Minister Jean Lehn Epp Waterloo-Kitchener United Mennonite Church Associate Minister Martin Misener Bethany Mennonite Church Associate Minister Carol Penner The First Mennonite Church Minister Ross Penner Vineland United Mennonite Church Minister David Penny First Mennonite Church Pastor of Youth Ministry Tom Roes Kingsfi eld-zurich Associate Minister Herb Sawatzky Avon Mennonite Church Minister Nicole Sero Community Mennonite Fellowship Youth Worker Cathrin van Sintern-Dick Faith Mennonite Church Interim Supply Minister Erwin Wiens Wilmot Mennonite Church Interim During a Sabbatical Pastoral Retirements Ardith Frey Waterloo North Mennonite Church August 15 Dave Nicol Waters Mennonite Church June 15 Adolfo Puricelli Toronto Mennonite New Life Church August 31 Marvin Shank Chaplain, St. Joseph s Health Care, London September 30 Deaths Fern Horst wife of deceased minister Osiah Horst March 8 Simeon W. Hurst Hawkesville & Bethel Mennonite Churches, Fairview Mennonite Home January 7 Elisabeth Shannon wife of deceased minister Clyde Shannon November 20 Ordination Milestones 55 years Werner Fast Harry Janzen Amsey Martin 50 years David Groh 40 years Gerry Vandeworp 25 years Brian Bauman Arthur Byer Jan Kraus Bertha Landers David Ringer Mary Schiedel Sue Steiner 10 years Anne Campion Mark Diller Harder Norm Dyck Barb Smith-Morrison 31

34 PASTORS NEW OR RETURNING TO MCEC The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world s deep hunger meet. From Frederick Buechner s book Wishful Thinking: A Theological ABC (New York: Harper and Row, 1974), page 95 Phil Bender, The First Mennonite Church I am happy to be involved in the life of a congregation again, after nine years in China. A question I return to North America with is, "How can a congregation fi nd its own deep gladness in reaching out to the world's deep hunger?" John Docherty, Mennonite Fellowship of Montreal My road to pastoral ministry in the Mennonite Church has taken a number of turns, and God has provided various contexts for my energies over the years. I'm thrilled to be able to contribute in such a direct way to the well-being of the church in Montreal. Alicia Good, North Leamington United Mennonite Church I feel blessed and privileged to be called to ministry at North Leamington United Mennonite Church during this time of change and challenge in our community. It is a gift to be called by God to walk alongside my new friends in Essex County as we discover together the new opportunities God has for us. Angelika Guenther-Correa, Windsor Mennonite Fellowship My family and I began attending Windsor Mennonite Fellowship three years ago, and it came as a surprise to recently receive a call from within the congregation, to be one of its pastors. It has been a joy to work alongside all who are a part of our church family, and we are constantly surprised and excited by the way God continues to work and move in our midst. Carrie Lehn, Ottawa Mennonite Church One of my favorite songs says "Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander." This is what I desire for myself as a pastor that God may continue to take me deeper with those around me and with my congregation. Being a pastor for me is about carving out spaces and creating opportunities for people to experience God. 32 ~ Extending the Peace of Jesus Christ ~ making disciples growing congregations forming leaders

35 PASTORS NEW OR RETURNING TO MCEC The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world s deep hunger meet. From Frederick Buechner s book Wishful Thinking: A Theological ABC (New York: Harper and Row, 1974), page 95 Carrie Martens, Stirling Avenue Mennonite Church Recently I found myself sharing with our children during Gathering Time that praying with them is the space in which I fi nd deep gladness. As a pastor I feel called to create spaces for people of all ages to breathe, to hear God's story, to wonder, and to engage in a diversity of prayer practices. Michele Rae Rizoli, Toronto United Mennonite Church Though I am new to licensed ministry, I ve realized that the thread of ministry has been present throughout my life as part of the church. What has given me peace of mind when I don't understand all the details is the fi rst half of the Buechner quote, knowing that pastoral ministry is the place where God has called me. I ll just leave the gladness and hunger parts for God to work out as I take each faithful step in the direction of that call. Doug Schulz, St. Catharines United Mennonite Church: refl ection in your face of meeting deeply given grace calls me - gladly hungry, worldly-godly - to my place Isaiah Vang, First Hmong Mennonite Church The preachers who are the mightiest in their closets with God are the mightiest in their pulpit with men. From Edward M. Bounds book Power Through Prayer. Celeste Wright, Waters Mennonite Church For me, being a pastor is the fulfi llment of all my life's trials, experiences, and education, especially those that have surprisingly had no connection to ministry in their intent. I feel deep gladness that I am at last doing what I was born for, and that I am equipped by my life and abilities to fi ll, with the help of the Holy Spirit, the deep hunger that my people have. Thanks be to God! 33

36 MCEC STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS Introduction Actively Extending the Peace of Jesus Christ is the unifying vision of the MCEC community of congregations. Within this vision we have set for ourselves three key mission priorities: Making Disciples, Growing Congregations, and Forming Leaders. At the 2012 Annual Church Gathering, delegates reviewed three strategic priorities that grew out of our fall 2010 regional consultation with MCEC congregational leaders: 1) Forming a Mennonite/Anabaptist Identity and Spirituality, 2) Supporting Congregational Vitality and Mission, and 3) Uniting Behind God s Ministry of Reconciliation, along with some specific c goals to pursue in the coming years. Now, just over three years later, the MCEC Executive Council has requested that staff embark on reviewing and refi ning the existing strategic plan. This request was precipitated by two key factors: 1) The increasing speed of secularization in Canada and the need for our congregations to adapt to a rapidly changing social context in order to remain relevant and to fulfi ll our call to extend the peace of Jesus Christ, and 2) The availability of additional bequest dollars from the Legacy Initiatives Fund to extend MCEC s capacity to engage in mission and to equip MCEC congregations for mission. Purpose The overall purpose of a refi ned MCEC Strategic Plan is to position MCEC as an organization, congregations, and partners to be a faithful missional presence in an increasingly secular society. Specifi c purposes include: 1. Acquire a clear picture of the existing and emerging context for MCEC ministries by conducting an environmental scan (that identifi es trends within and beyond the Church) and interviewing representative MCEC stakeholders. 2. Discern how God is calling MCEC to assist congregations to position themselves to faithfully witness and minister in a post-christendom society. 3. Review current MCEC core ministries and ensure that they are still relevant and aligned with our stated vision, mission, and values. 4. Specifi cally discern how God is calling MCEC to use its bequest capacity to foster new projects and initiatives that align with and extend MCEC s current ministry/missional capacity. 5. Institute clearly defi ned goals, actions, and accountabilities that are monitored through the application of performance measurements and stakeholder feedback. Timeline The development phase for the new strategic plan has been set for January 1 to June 30, 2014 with the implementation phase beginning in July Executive Council and Staff have been hard at work to accomplish this ambitious time frame and the planning process is currently on schedule. Components of the Strategic Plan Work from the existing Strategic Priorities is being incorporated into the new Strategic Plan. Incorporation and adaptation of the existing statements regarding vision, mission, values, and strategic directions will assist in the timely completion of the project. The completed Strategic Plan will include the following components as listed below. 1. Vision Statement 2. Mission Statement 3. Values Statement 4. Strategic Directions 5. Goals 6. Actions 7. Performance Measurement 8. Feedback Loop 9. Evaluation & Review 34 ~ Extending the Peace of Jesus Christ ~ making disciples growing congregations forming leaders

37 MCEC STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS Strategic Planning Process The following is a brief summary of the strategic planning process: The overall process will be managed by the Executive Minister in reference with the Executive Council and Leadership Team. Facilitation of the process is being provided by Betty Pries, consultant with Associates Resourcing the Church (ARC), who will lead the Strategic Planning Working Group through the overall stages of developing an MCEC strategic plan. An environmental scan is being conducted to assess trends and acquire feedback. Arli Klassen has been contracted as research consultant for items a through c below. The environmental scan includes the following components: a. An online survey of MCEC congregations. b. Personal interviews of pastors, church leaders, young adults, donors, business leaders, and ministry partners, that represent a sampling of the MCEC constituency. c. Personal interviews of leaders of regional church bodies (both Mennonite and non-mennonite) that have a similar role to MCEC. d. Onsite interviews with church leaders from approximately 50% of MCEC congregations. e. Review of fi nancial trends and data. f. Review of congregational ministry trends and data. g. Review of leadership trends and data. h. Review of church planting trends and data. Jeff Wright, Executive Missional Consultant with Urban Expression North America, has been engaged to provide missional input and expertise. Listening for the voice of the Spirit, engaging in dialogue with the MCEC constituency, and discerning how God wants us to engage in new mission initiatives that are relevant to changing times is an exciting exercise. Further updates will be given at the Annual Church Gathering. Congregations and individuals are asked to support this process with their participation and prayers. Pray that we as an MCEC community of congregations will listen carefully to the voices both within and beyond the Church and, above all, surrender to the voice and guidance of the Spirit so that we can be faithful in God s call to extend the peace of Jesus Christ to our world. David Martin Executive Minister 35

38 LEGACY INITIATIVES FUND UPDATE Delegates to the 25th Anniversary Church Gathering (2013) celebrated the generosity of all those who supported the mission of the Church through their generous provision of estate gifts. We expressed our gratitude for these faithful acts of generosity that are a testimony to an individual s faith and a reflection of their strong commitment to Christ and God s mission in the world. These gifts are invaluable to the health and vitality of the Church and provide the opportunity to pursue projects that are beyond the normal scope of ministry. They also play a special role in mobilizing expansion and innovation in the mission to which God has called the Church. Last year delegates were informed of a very generous bequest gift from the Estate of Enid Schmidt. Enid and her husband Harold were life-long supporters of the mission of the Church and donated the entirety of their life savings to advance the mission of the Church. This large bequest inspired the Executive Council to develop a new strategy for the use of these funds. The Executive believes that God wants to do some amazing new things through the congregations of MCEC and to grow the Church in ways that we never dreamed possible. On our 25th anniversary, God blessed MCEC with an amazing gift to kick-start a whole new stage of ministry for the next quarter century. This strategy was shared on page 22 of the 2013 Discernment Documents, which can be searched on the MCEC website. The primary goals for the use of bequest funds is to: Equip congregations to engage in local mission and disciple-making; Collaborate with our Partners in Ministry; Strengthen and expand the ministry initiatives of MCEC for making disciples, growing congregations, and forming leaders. The Executive Council has worked throughout the past year to implement this strategy. Legacy Initiatives Fund is the name that has been chosen for the new bequest gift. As of January 31, 2014, this gift exceeds four million dollars. Tithing to the wider church (Mennonite Church Canada and Mennonite World Conference) is a foundational part of the bequest strategy and the Executive has authorized gifts to the wider Church that have surpassed $400,000 to date. The Executive has also authorized over $800,000 from the Legacy Initiatives Fund to be allocated to a variety of special initiatives. Details will be provided at the 2014 Annual Church Gathering. The Executive Council, however, is concerned that bequest gifts that were given as above-budget gifts to the Church do not become a substitute for the ongoing generosity and commitment of congregations, individuals, and ministry partners to the ongoing vision and mission of MCEC. Instead, bequests are an opportunity for the Church to celebrate, nurture, and expand generosity. We simply cannot do what we are doing without the normal pattern of generosity that we have come to expect from congregations and individuals. Congregational and individual giving is critical to the MCEC mission. We cannot do it without you. You are a crucial link in this cycle of generosity. God is actively at work in our world extending the peace of Jesus Christ. As individuals and congregations, we are called to join God in that mission. Let us celebrate the resources with which God has blessed us and use them wisely and diligently to empower our mission as an MCEC community of congregations. David Martin, Executive Minister Sandy Shantz, Moderator 36 ~ Extending the Peace of Jesus Christ ~ making disciples growing congregations forming leaders

39 2013 VOLUNTEERS MCEC is abundantly blessed with generous and gifted volunteers. Thank you to everyone who contributed to MCEC ministry in Abdulla, Shelley 2. Amanatides, Margaret 3. Arsenault, Sean 4. Assad, Sam 5. Barber, James 6. Bender, Alissa 7. Bender, Alyssa 8. Bender, Gladys 9. Best, George 10. Boehm, Ruth 11. Bolts, Darcy 12. Brown, Jim 13. Brubacher, Jonathan 14. Brubacher, Glenn 15. Brubacher, Ray 16. Brubaker, Nancy 17. Brubaker-Zehr, Micah 18. Brubaker-Zehr, Mary 19. Brubaker-Zehr, Scott 20. Carney, Glenn 21. Carr-Pries, Dave 22. Carr-Pries, Lisa 23. Clement, Crystal 24. Cox, Stephen 25. Cressman, Janna Lynn 26. Derksen, Kevin 27. Diller Harder, Mark 28. Draper, Barb 29. Driedger, Alex 30. Driedger, Jennifer 31. Dyck, Norm 32. Easson, Laura 33. Ellison-White, Julie 34. Erb, Jim 35. Fehr, Mary 36. Frere, Craig 37. Frey, Ardith 38. Frey, Christ 39. Gallian, Sylvia 40. Gerber, Jamie 41. Gibson, Gregory 42. Giesbrecht, Ted 43. Gonzalia, Noe 44. Grosz, Sherri 45. Harder, GAry 46. Hines, Jon 47. Isert Bender, Matthew 48. Ishaka, Angela 49. Jantzi, Darrell 50. Jantzi, Jim 51. Janzen, Peter 52. Janzen, Wendy 53. Jewitt, Brenda 54. Johnson, Polly 55. Kaufman Frey, Cameron 56. Keller, Terry 57. Kennel Harrison, Susan 58. Kipfer, Brent 59. Knarr, Gary 60. Konrad, Lois 61. Konrad, Rob 62. Kraeker, Bryce 63. Krueger, Daniel 64. Krueger, Charles 65. Legesse, Fanosie 66. Lichti, John 67. Loepp Thiessen, Jim 68. Manske, Steve 69. Martin, Earl 70. Martin, Gloria 71. Martin, Maurice 72. Martin, Nathan 73. Martin, Ray 74. Martin, Ruth 75. Martin-Carman, Sherri 76. Martin Schiedel, Karen 77. Masyawong, Yoel 78. Matthews, Kris 79. McDowell, Paul 80. Miller Dyck, Myrna 81. Moyer, Jon 82. Mustard, Amanda 83. Neufeld, Don 84. Neufeld, Mary Anne 85. Neufeldt-Fast, Arnold 86. Nickel, Susan 87. Nicol, Dave 88. Niemeyer, Pieter 89. Oakey, Lloyd 90. Osinkosky, Claire 91. Pauls, Waldo 92. Penner, Carol (St. Catharines) 93. Penner, Carol (Vineland) 94. Penner, Sarah 95. Peters, Nel 96. Peters, Oderay 31

40 2013 VOLUNTEERS MCEC is abundantly blessed with generous and gifted volunteers. Thank you to everyone who contributed to MCEC ministry in Peters Unrau, Kevin 98. Raimbault, Bev 99. Raimbault, Jeremie 100. Raimbault, Justin 101. Raimbault, Pierre-francois 102. Redekop, Fred 103. Redekop, Lloyd 104. Redekop, Shirley 105. Reesor, Eugene 106. Regehr, Alison 107. Reid, Nick 108. Reimer, Tim 109. Rempel, Len 110. Rempel, Lynn 111. Roeder, Dianne 112. Roeder, Doug 113. Roeder Martin, Vicky 114. Rogalsky, Annamarie 115. Rogalsky, Dave 116. Sauder, Renee 117. Schlegel, Clare 118. Schmidt, Brenton 119. Seiling, Jeanette 120. Shantz, Robert 121. Shantz, Sandy 122. Smith, Earl 123. Steiner, Glenn 124. Steiner, Rebecca 125. Steiner, Sue 126. Strathdee, Carolyn 127. Schlegel, Clare 128. Schmidt, Brenton 129. Seiling, Jeanette 130. Shantz, Robert 131. Shantz, Sandy 132. Smith, Earl 133. Steiner, Glenn 134. Steiner, Rebecca 135. Steiner, Sue 136. Strathdee, Carolyn 137. Streufert, Erik 138. Suderman, Derek 139. Thiessen, Michael 140. Thiessen, Susanne 141. Tiessen, Dave 142. Turman, Michael 143. Van Bergen, Linda 144. van Sintern-Dick, Cathrin 145. Veitch, Bob 146. Wagler, Devon 147. Wagler, Joy 148. Wagler, Pat 149. Wallace, Mac 150. Watson, Troy 151. Weber, Vernelda 152. Weber Becker, Byron 153. Wideman, Paul 154. Wiebe, Bruce 155. Wiens, Carolyn 156. Wiens, Erwin 157. Wiens, Greta 158. Wilkinson, Aubrey 159. Winter, Rebekah 160. Winter, Victor 161. Yantzi, Greg 162. Yantzi, Lynn We would also like to recognize the many volunteers who assisted with the Annual Church Gathering Thank you. 38 ~ Extending the Peace of Jesus Christ ~ making disciples growing congregations forming leaders

41 MENNONITE CHURCH CANADA REPORT 600 Shaftesbury Blvd Winnipeg MB R3P 0M4 T: F: E: W: Report to Mennonite Church Eastern Canada Forming a People of God, Becoming a global church, Growing leaders for the church Greetings to my Mennonite Church Eastern Canada family of faith! You are an integral part of a faith family that is transforming local communities and making a difference! In Eastern Canada, we know that many of you are committed to a wide variety of ministry in your neighbourhoods, with participation in this year s Truth and Reconciliation events in Montreal and elsewhere, engaging youth and children through camping ministry, working very intentionally with congregations of newer Canadians, equipping congregations and leaders, and more. Together we are opening the doors of a deep faith in Jesus, to those around us. This year I am pleased to announce that your national church has rolled out a new national health benefits plan that is open to all pastors and congregational staff, area church staff, and national church staff across Canada. For more information, please contact Kirsten Schroeder. The Being a Faithful Church (BFC) process continues to engage people at congregational and individual levels. Over 100 congregations have engaged or are planning to engage the BFC process. This will strengthen our ability to soundly discern scripture for our time. We have welcomed six new Witness workers to international ministries in Thailand, South Korea and the United Kingdom in A number of additional short term assignments have occurred in India, Philippines, Israel, Palestine, and South Africa. Several more are scheduled in 2014 in India, Palestine, Israel, Philippines, China, and South Korea. Staff has made significant contributions to three books: Buffalo Shout, Salmon Cry, edited by our Indigenous Relations Director Steve Heinrichs, has been getting very positive reviews across North America. It is slated to become a text book in several higher education institutions. In collaboration with the Canadian Council of Churches and World Vision, I have written Thanking God with Integrity, a prayer book based on core Anabaptist values. I also contributed a chapter to the book, Living Ecological Justice. And I continue to connect with colleagues and matters of faith through the Evangelical Fellowship of Churches (EFC). Recently, I was selected to join a small EFC delegation to meet with Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Mennonite Church Canada s Resource Centre and CMU s Book Store have embarked on a collaborative effort to offer a one-stop, Anabaptist borrow and buy resource shop from a common storefront within CMU s new Learning Commons. The new building is presently under construction. The 2013 Youth Assembly dubbed the Fat Calf Festival was a smash hit for youth this past July. Manitoba s Camp Assiniboia was bursting at the seams as youth from across Canada came together to grow in their walk with God and each other. I was privileged to be among them. Research has shown that the first two years of ministry are critical in a pastor s decision to commit to their vocation for the long term. TiM or Transitioning into Ministry is a new mentorship program for new pastors in Mennonite Church Canada designed to encourage and resource new pastors. TiM was inspired by a similar initiative in MCEC. 39

42 2013 VOLUNTEERS March 25, 2014 Page 2 Mennonite Church Canada s preliminary financial statements as of Jan. 31, 2014 report a small surplus total income. Thank you for your generosity. Expenses are well within budget for this point in the year. Please continue your financial and prayer support so that we can continue national church work such as international ministry and continue to resource congregations through the Resource Centre. You can find useful adult and child-friendly giving projects at donate.mennonitechurch.ca. As a national family of faith, Mennonite Church Canada leaders know that changes must be made in how we operate as a body of five Area Churches representing 225 congregations (B.C, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Eastern Canada). The baby boom generation is easing into retirement, information technology holds both promise and peril for the unity of our faith family, and the creep of culture toward a post-christendom reality all hold challenges and opportunity for the church. That s why we have created the Future Directions Task Force (FDTF). This group, comprised of leaders from every Area Church, is conducting research, consulting broadly, and discerning wisely to determine what the church of the future might look like. Stay tuned for their findings and recommendations. Technology has made communicating both easier and more difficult. There are more communication channels than ever before in human history. At the same time, people are being bombarded with more information than ever before. That makes the work of communicating with you a growing challenge. I am grateful for the many congregations that are helping by sharing their newsletter and Sunday bulletin space with us to report on wider church news, prayer requests, and announcements. If your congregation is having difficulty finding communication channels to share information with your members, I encourage you to contact our Communications staff to explore ways in which you might be able to break through the information overload so many experience. Finally, I invite you to mark your calendars now for Mennonite Church Canada s Assembly 2014, to be held at Canadian Mennonite University from July 3-6, The theme is Wild Hope: Faith for an Unknown Season. Exciting activities, energizing worship times, seminars, and more are being planned right now. Registration will begin on Feb.1. In addition, the first ever urban Native Assembly at CMU in Wpg. will host guests from across Canada and the USA. I encourage you to attend both of these events. There are so many ways to connect with your wider church. So many opportunities for spiritual growth open for you when you engage your faith family across Canada. Here are just a few ways to connect: Like the Mennonite Church Canada Facebook page or join the Mennonite Church Canada Facebook Group. Subscribe to the YouTube channel at Listen to the monthly podcast, Church Matters, via There are a number of subscriptions (some free) available to help keep you informed about international work, pray wisely, stay in touch with First Nations ministry, and more at May God grant you and your congregation a fruitful new year of ministry in your community and beyond. Willard Metzger, Executive Director 40 ~ Extending the Peace of Jesus Christ ~ making disciples growing congregations forming leaders

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44 MCEC Community of Congregations Seeds of Promise Bloomingdale Mennonite Church of the Living Word in Otta Calvary Church Ayr (Mennonite) Rockway Mennonite Church Breslau Mennonite Church Community Mennonite Church of Stouffville Erie View United St. Catharines United Mennonite Church Warden Underground Community Mennonite Fellowship Floradale Mennonite Tavistock Mennonite Church First Mennonite Church First Hmong Mennonite Church Medahnialem Ethiopian Stirling Avenue Mennonite ChurchValleyview Mennonite Church Freedom Gospel Ethiopian Church Evangelical Church Maple View Mennonite Church Grace Mennonite Church Faith Mennonite Church Markham Chinese Mennonite Church Hagerman Mennonite Church Leamington United Mennonite Church The Commons Bethany Mennonite Church Hamilton Lao Canadian Evangelical Mennonite Church Grace Lao Wideman Mennonite Church Grace New Life Mennonite Elmira Mennonite Church Bethel Ethiopian Evangelical Church Steinmann Mennonite Church Hanover Mennonite Church Rouge Valley Mennonite Church Shantz Mennonite Church The Gathering Mennonite Fellowship of Montreal Milverton Mennonite Fellowship Markham Christian Worship Centre Brussels Mennonite Fellowship Chin Christian Church - Ottawa Agape Fellowship Church St. Agatha Mennonite Church Toronto Chinese Mennonite Church McArthur`s Mills Christian Fellowship Shalom East Zorra Mennonite Church Wilmot Mennonite Church Waterloo-Kitchener United Tree of Life/Arbre de Vie Mississauga Mennonite Fellowship The Village International Avon Mennonite ChurchRiverdale Mennonite Church Harrow Mennonite Church Niagara United Mennonite Church Windsor Mennonite Fellowship Blenheim Ecumenical House Church Waterloo North Mannheim Mennonite Church Cassel Mennonite Church St. Jacobs Mennonite Church Hawkesville Mennonite Church Nairn Mennonite Church Danforth Mennonite Church Lao Christian Fellowship Vineland United Mennonite Church Hillcrest Mennonite Church L Essential Refuge de paix Maranatha Evangelical Church Preston Mennonite Church Crosshill Mennonite Church Nith Valley Mennonite Church Zion Mennonite Fello Hunta Mennonite Church Erb Street Mennonite Quest Christian Community Rehoboth Evangelical Church Jane Finch Faith Community Living Water Community Christian Fellowship Toronto Mennonite New Life KW House Church River of Life Fellowship Wellesley Mennonite Church West Hills Mennonite Kingsfield - Clinton North Leamington United Mennonite Church Toronto United Menno Wanner Mennonite Church Bethel Mennonite Church Chin Christian Church - Kitchener Kingsfield - Zurich Mennonite Church Open Table Waters Mennonite Church Poole Mennonite Church Église Évangélique Mennonite de Joliette Petitcodiac Mennonite Church Calvary Mennonite Church Listowel Mennonite Church Ottawa Mennonite Church Pioneer Park Christian Fellowship The First Mennonite Church Rainham Mennonite Church Extending the Peace of Jesus Christ making disciples growing congregations forming leaders Kent Ave., Kitchener, ON N2G 3R1 March 2014