66 th Annual Report Book. Leaping Ahead Shaky Ground. Mennonite Women Canada... a place to belong... a place to connect

Transcription

1 66 th Annual Report Book 2017 Leaping Ahead Shaky Ground Mennonite Women Canada... a place to belong... a place to connect

2 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS Mennonite Women Canada Annual Report 2017 Mennonite Women Canada Executive 2 Bible Study Advisory Council Mennonite Women USA 3 President s Report 5 Regional Representatives Reports British Columbia Women s Ministry 7 Alberta Women in Mission 9 Mennonite Women Manitoba 11 Saskatchewan Women in Mission 13 Women of Mennonite Church Eastern Canada 14 Annual Bible Study Guide Spiritual Growth Assistance Fund Pennies and Prayers Legacy Fund 18 PPLF and International Ministry Fund Recipients 18 Description of Projects 19 Opportunities for Giving Opportunities for Giving Remittance Form 22 Statement of Receipts & Disbursements Minutes of the March 10, 2018 Executive Meeting 24

3 2 MENNONITE WOMEN CANADA EXECUTIVE PRESIDENT (2016 -) Shirley Redekop 4 Ernst Street Elmira, ON N3B 1K5 Phone: presmwcanada@gmail.com FORMER PRESIDENT (2016) Liz Koop th Street St. Catharines, ON L2R 6P7 Phone: koopfarms@becon.org SECRETARY ( ) Elsie Rempel 531 Dominion Street Winnipeg, MB R3G 2N3 Phone: elsiewrites1@gmail.com TREASURER (MARCH ) Helen HyangOk Kim 78 Bay Tree Court Winnipeg, MB R3P 2L2 Phone: helenkim0612@gmail.com ALBERTA Kate Janzen Box 7 Site 21, Cochrane, AB T4C 1A2 Phone (403) kajanzen13@gmail.com EASTERN CANADA Vacant (Liz Koop serving s current contact) koopfarms@becon.org SASKATCHEWAN Mel Harms PO Box 514 Osler, SK S0K 3A0 Phone: cmharms3@gmail.com Regional Representatives MANITOBA (Interim) Elsie Rempel 531 Dominion Street Winnipeg, MB R3G 2N3 Phone: elsiewrites1@gmail.com BRITISH COLUMBIA Vacant (Janette Thiessen current contac ) admin@mcbc.ca For more Information: Mennonite Women Canada Blog: Mennonite Women Canada Facebook Page:

4 3 Communications Committee Waltrude Gortzen Blue Jay Street Abbotsford, BC V2T 6N7 Phone: waltrude@shaw.ca Shirley Redekop 4 Ernst St Elmira, ON N3B 1K5 Phone: presmwcanada@gmail.com Liz Koop th Street St. Catharines, ON L2R 6P7 Phone: koopfarms@becon.org June Miller 147 Tuscany Valley Rise Calgary T3L 0A1 Phone: jmiller@mennonitechurch.ab.ca Mel Harms PO Box 514 Osler, SK S0K 3A0 Phone: cmharms3@gmail.com BIBLE STUDY ADVISORY COUNCIL, March 2016 Mennonite Women Canada Members Shirley Redekop 4 Ernst St Elmira, ON N3B 1K5 Phone: presmwcanada@gmail.com Elsie Rempel 531 Dominion Street Winnipeg, MB R3G 2N3 Phone: elsiewrites1@gmail.com Sue Steiner (July 2018) King Street East Kitchener, ON N2G 4T8 Phone: scsteiner@sympatico.ca

5 4 Mennonite Women USA Members Marlene Bogard, Director 718 N Main St Newton, KS Phone: marleneb@mwusa.org Gail Shetler 506 Revere Dr Goshen IN Phone: bgshetler@yahoo.com Marathana Prothro 112 South Spring Road Bluffton, OH Phone: prothrom@bluffton.edu

6 5 Mennonite Women Canada Annual Report ~ March 2018 PRESIDENT S REPORT When the ground beneath your feet is shifting, do you stand still or leap ahead? As I look back over the last year for Mennonite Women Canada and Mennonite Church Canada, this quote I saw on an airport wall seems appropriate. The Executive Team met in Winnipeg in March 2017, where we prayed and brainstormed what MW Canada might look like in the next year. We are encouraged to have a representative from each provincial (now regional) church, even though a lack of volunteer leaders is leading to the loss of former president and executives. We listened to the leaders lament the changes happening in our women s groups. We are pleased to hear that women still want to have spring and fall enrichment days and meet together in other ways too, as well as in some traditional sewing circles. We spent some time responding to the Mennonite Church Canada Special Assembly meeting, which had just happened, October 13 15, 2017, and the transitions that will happen; where will Mennonite Women Canada fit? We decided it would be important for the executive to meet together at this Special Assembly and supported those who could come, so we met face to face twice in 2017, and will meet online in March of Over the summer, Elsie Rempel wrote a motion, which was presented at the Special Assembly, that MC Canada enable the continuation of MW Canada s ministry by committing to remain the official holder of our funds and to provide the related administrative support in the managing of our financial transactions. This is important for MW Canada so we can have autonomy of our budget and finances within MC Canada. At the October Assembly we were happy to see our motion pass unanimously, and we could continue from there. As our meeting progressed, I sensed an energy (of the Spirit) for us to leap ahead and continue with our plans of support as long as we have finances and women-power to do this. We listened as HyunHee Kim, this years recipient of the Spiritual Growth Assistance Fund (SGAF),

7 6 told her harrowing story of prison camp and escape from North Korea, and her desire to go back there and share the love of Jesus and his way of peace. There is a video of her story on our blog and FaceBook page. What we are doing to encourage her dream is so important. Although there are changes happening in the Witness program, we chose to continue with support to the Barkman s as they transition back to Canada. We also will financially support the Poovong s and are looking ahead to new Witness commitments as our savings and donations from you allow. We chose to leap ahead and trust we will have the finances for another Bible Study Guide. This year s writer is Carol Penner, and the theme is Everyday Worship. Watch for it in late spring. We ve chosen another writer for the 2019 BSG too, Shannon Dykus, Pastor of the Indianapolis Mennonite Church. In conclusion, we are not standing still on shaky ground. We are comforted to remember that we leap together. Even so, we wonder where we may land. There may be a time we will need to allow MW Canada to end as it is now, to allow for God to do a new thing, but for now, we are leaping. We belong together, and I hope you and those you meet with will continue to support MW Canada and the service we do together. Shirley Redekop President, MW Canada presmwcanada@gmail.com Front row, l-r: Carmen Brubacher, Shirley Redekop, Elsie Rempel Second row, l-r: Kathy Giesbrecht, Waltrude Gortzen, Mel Harms, Kate Janzen For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of od that is within you through the laying on of my hands; for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self discipline. 2 Tim. 1: 6-7.

8 7 MCBC Women s Ministry 2018 Report Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11 March May Guide October 2017 a. Mennonite Women Canada Executive Committee met in Winnipeg in March 8 to 11 b. Informed them that I will be done after the MCBC AGM in Feb c. Agreed to continue to help with Communications Committee for MWCanada. Inspirational Day May 6 th, 2017 at Emmanuel M. Church in Abbotsford Speaker: Marlene Kropf author of the 2017 Mennonite Women Canada Bible Study Faith Travels Theme: Who Am I Now? Trusting God in Life s Transitions Morning Session Caught in the messy middle: the threshold of transformation Afternoon Session On the way: finding courage for new beginnings a. Our annual event had barely started when the fire alarm sent all 130+ women outside to wait for the all clear once the firemen made sure there really was no fire. b. The offering gathered was noticeably lower this year at $2, but we are still pleased to be able to disperse our funds to the following ministries as listed below: a. ½ of the offering was sent to Camp Squeah to help with Kitchen needs b. ¼ was sent to Mennonite Women Canada for International Ministries c. ¼ was given toward the Women s Ministry Education Fund MC Canada General Assembly in Winnipeg October 13 15, 2017 I represented MCBC at the Mennonite Women Canada meetings. Mennonite Women Canada ministries continue as they were even-though MC Canada has reorganized.

9 Women s Retreat Weekend at Camp Squeah October 13 15, 2017 THEME: Courage to boldly go! Philippians 4:13 aka Being a Superhero SPEAKER: Margo Tschetter Hoffmann ministers to Muslims living in Canada. She taught us about the Muslim culture and faith and how we can reach out in love and hospitality to our neighbours. The ladies of Mennonite Girls Can Cook led us through a variety of how to demonstrations: making vanilla, creating chacuttery boards, wrapping gifts, and decorating naked cakes. Workshops and various additional activities were also provided to the retreat participants. Coming up in Inspirational Day Saturday, May 5 th, 2018 location TBA. Theme: Women Empowering Women Speaker: Elsie Rempel from Charleswood Mennonite Church in Winnipeg Retreat Weekend Friday to Sunday, October 19 21, 2018 Tentative Theme: Contagious Joy Speaker: Katelynn Pankratz from Cedar Valley Mennonite Church in Mission! Watch for further information about both events... In the News n Notes and on our Facebook page. Words from Women s Ministry Coordinator Waltrude Gortzen - My time as the MCBC Women s Ministry Rep has come to an end and this is the last AGM report that I am submitting. - For almost 10 years it has been my privilege to be the BC Women s Ministry Rep. I have learned so much and connected with so many wonderful people that I would otherwise never have met. This also allowed me serve on the Mennonite Women Canada Executive Committee and meet even more people from across MC Canada. - Women s Ministry Education Scholarship Fund presently at $ 1, We are urgently looking for assistance in writing the scholarship application form and promotional materials. Please remember this fund in your charitable donations or bequests. - Until a NEW Women s Ministry Rep. is found Janette Thiessen, MCBC Admin will be your contact person. If you, alone or together with several others are interested in coordinating this valuable ministry contact Janette at the MCBC Office or her at admin@mcbc.ca 8 In His service MCBC Women s Ministry Waltrude Gortzen

10 9 MC Alberta Women Annual Report, 2017 Last year we announced the closing of Alberta Women in Mission and our hopes for continuing as a Women s Ministry of Mennonite Church Alberta. At the MCA Annual Assembly March 16-17, 2018, the following proposal came before the assembled body: 1. Resolution regarding Women's Ministry of Mennonite Church Alberta: Whereas Alberta Women in Mission has ceased to exist as an organization; and, Whereas Mennonite Church Alberta continues to value the Women's Ministry that is continuing through their annual retreat; and, Whereas Mennonite Church Alberta values the relationship with Mennonite Women Canada; Be it resolved that Mennonite Church Alberta formally include Women's Ministry as part of our core programming. Notes: This ministry will be lodged with the Community Building Committee. There will be a Women's Ministry representative on the Community Building Committee, nominated by the Nominating Committee. This position does not increase the committee size from the current size of 3 members. The Women's Ministry Representative will serve on the Women's Retreat Planning Committee. The Women's Ministry Representative will Liaise with Mennonite Women Canada. As Mennonite Women Canada Liaison, she would Go to Mennonite Women Canada meetings in March Distribute the MWC Connections Newsletter and any other communications from them to the women of MCA Attend the Bi-annual sessions of Mennonite Church Canada/Mennonite Women Canada. Existing AWM funds would be transferred to MCA to be put into a restricted fund to be used to Subsidize retreat registration costs for women who need financial assistance in order to attend. Alberta Women in Mission is listed as a Conference Auxiliary of Mennonite Church Alberta in our Constitution & Bylaws. Over the next year we will be working on revisions to our Constitution & Bylaws to incorporate this change. A Women s Ministry Restricted Reserve Fund has been established with an initial transfer in of just under $2,600 from Alberta Women in Mission, and budget lines for income and expense for the Women s Retreat have been included. Kate Janzen has been asked to let her name stand as the first Women s Ministry Representative. We are thankful.

11 We are excited to see where the future lies. The personal relationships fostered by our women s retreat bring us closer as sisters in Christ. Four women s groups from the former Alberta Women in Mission continue to meet on a regular basis and have been encouraged to continue financially supporting Mennonite Women Canada. The relationship that we maintain with women across Canada is important, and we continue to hold Mennonite Women Canada in our prayers as we all learn how to do the work within a new structure. 10 Submitted by Ev Buhr Former AWM President

12 11 Mennonite Women Manitoba Working Group Annual Report, 2017 After disbanding as a provincial organization in 2014, the working group was formed and chaired for several years by Elsie Wiebe, the former president of Mennonite Women Manitoba. The present interim chairperson is Elsie Rempel, who joined the working group as the MWCanada representative when she became its Secretary-Treasurer in New participants join the working group as interested women are identified. Mennonite Women gather in a wide variety of ways in Manitoba, including Bible Studies, book clubs, craft nights, meals, peace-building initiatives, retreats and service projects, but the group is only aware of a few remaining traditional women's groups, among them Sargent Avenue Women In Mission, Winnipeg, and the Koinonia Ladies Group of the Bergthaler Church in Altona. Conscious participation in Mennonite Women Canada and its ministries is drastically dwindling, but we cherish the continued strong support of SAMC's WIM. The MWMWG is supported by Mennonite Church Manitoba through active staff participation on the board, communications and publicity assistance, and transportation to rural meetings. The group just opened up their own bank account. The Mennonite Women Manitoba's Working Group sees its role within Mennonite Church Manitoba as follows: 1) Paying attention to the voices and experiences of women within MCM, and beyond, to discern possible responses. 2) Resourcing women's groups within MCM, including offering small and large group gatherings. 3) Creating networks of support and idea sharing. Examples of this activity have been, are, and will be: Regional Round Tables Promotion of MWCanada and USA Bible Study Guides Letters sent out to encourage support of Initiatives for Just Communities' Women Bible Study Fund May 9-10, 2016, Sister Care Seminar with Rhoda Keener and Carolyn Holderead Hegen April 29, 2017, Spiritual Retreat: Women Encountering Jesus with Laura Funk et al. Learning about Indigenous Women's lives Sharing outlines for event planning to respond in solidarity to issues impacting Indigenous Women in Manitoba Workshop at the Annual Meeting of MCM: What happens when Mennonite Women Gather? April 28, 2018 Retreat: Resilience Road: Struggle, Steps, and Strategies for Travelling Well with Dr. Moira Somers, a Mennonite clinical neuropsycholigist.

13 We are finding our way as sisters in faith during a season of change. With the recent denominational shift toward increased responsibility and ownership by the Regional Church we are seeking greater visibility within MCM. We hope we can be a meaningful connecting point and resource for the many varied groups of Mennonite Women who add to the dynamism of our faith community and society. 12 Elsie Rempel MWM Interim Chairperson

14 13 Saskatchewan Women s Ministry Annual Report, 2017 As the Mennonite Women Canada board met after the Special Delegates assembly in October we all embraced the changes coming, both good and bad. Together as a group we said goodbyes to some great people from MC Canada but also had a chance to meet new friends within our National church. We realized that as we re Leaping Ahead from Shaky Ground we don t have to forget the things that have brought us to this place. We need to embrace all of it, old and new, and create something beautiful. This past year has been a year of learning for me. I ve been learning more about the past of Sask Women in Mission and what it was about. I missed most of these days and have really enjoyed hearing the stories of women who were blessed by their events. I ve been asking more questions about what our women s groups are up to these days; if they re running and where they are feeling led during these times. The diversity in answers shows me that there is no one way to gather. In Saskatchewan there are still numerous groups that gather, even if they don t think of themselves as a ladies aid. Some are younger groups of moms who gather in the morning for some time out and others consist of our older generations who have gathered for many years. Some are in quilting groups, some are strictly devotional based and some gather together over a meal to celebrate special events in their lives. But in all of these groups you can feel God at work when you hear their stories. It s amazing to see how relationships grow in all of these ways. Our retreat was held on Nov 3 & 4 this year. It was a little later due to scheduling conflicts, which resulted in smaller numbers, but those numbers didn t take away from the retreat. Our theme was called Embrace Your Calling and Claire Ewert Fisher lead us through some wonderful talks together and challenged us in new ways. It was a time for reflecting, relaxing and bonding. There is no better place to get away from it all than at Shekinah. We have been blessed to be able to host our retreats there and thankfully will be back there again for our next retreat, which will be held Oct 26-27, I have a great group of volunteers eager to help plan the retreat. As we prepare our hearts and our minds for where God guides our women s ministry this year I pray that we take the time to enjoy the journey. I know that I m an over planner and tend to lose myself in the process (I m sure that I m not the only one either!) but am challenging myself to slow down, give up control and enjoy whatever path I m lead down. May your year be fruitful and full of love and laughter. Mel Harms,Sask. Women s Ministry Rep

15 14 Women of MCEC 2017 Annual Report, Report Theme: Leaping Ahead from Shaky Ground. Scripture text: 2 Tim. 1: 6-7. This passage from 2 Timothy is an important reminder that it takes the encouragement of trusted friends and mentors to rekindle the gift of God that is within us. We need to lay our hands on each other and let that strength and care flow through them. There have been many beautiful moments where we who are WMCEC have felt those hands. And there are times where we long to feel those reassuring hands resting on our shoulders. In many ways, things haven't changed much at WMCEC. We continue to have an executive committee that relates in the same way to MCEC. Our mission statement* includes these words: we Encourage and support the mission of local congregations, the Mennonite Church of Eastern Canada, and the broader Mennonite Church. We support, both financially and prayerfully, a number of MCEC emerging churches, women studying theology, and other MCEC ministries. WMCEC continues to support MW Canada. Thanks to our treasurer, Karen Sauder, you can see our 2017 budget and 2018 proposed budget** as it relates to MW Canada. WMCEC has an Executive consisting of the following positions: an Executive Coordinator, Treasurer, Communicator, Personnel Coordinator, and Program Coordinator. We have been without an Executive Coordinator for a year and our Personnel Coordinator has been working hard to find someone to fill that role. Our executive has decreased in size in the last couple years. We hold these changes and wonder what they might mean for us going forward. We continue to have cluster groups, some of whom host their own annual events, such as women's breakfasts. Each year we host a Spring Enrichment Day. It is always the second last Saturday in April and we rotate locations throughout MCEC. On April 22, 2017 it was in St. Jacobs and Carol Penner, Assistant Professor at Conrad Grebel University College, was our resource person. She spoke on Women Talk: 'body and soul.' She invited us to reflect about how we experience the holy in very embodied ways. In the afternoon she facilitated a panel of women from a variety of ages to share about their experiences of 'body and soul' all the way from childbirth to end-of-life care. It was a very enriching and thoughtful day. 286 women attended many of whom had grey hair, but there were other rich colours that could be seen! This year we are meeting in Leamington (Canada's most southern location). April Yamasaki is helping us explore the theme Living Creatively. To give us more time together and accommodate travel, we have decided to make this a Friday night-saturday event.

16 A younger group of women is organizing a preaching conference called Empowered Women Preach, and they have contacted us for support. With these women, and many others in mind, we seek to be faithful to how God is moving, or leaping, in the world around us. And perhaps you can take a moment to place your hands on your lap and imagine that they are resting on the shoulders of the women of WMCEC and say a prayer for us. We will do the same for you! *WMCEC Mission Statement: We commit ourselves to: 2. Promote and encourage the Women of Mennonite Church Eastern Canada to seek a growing personal relationship with Jesus Christ. 3. Discern and nurture our gifts through mission, service, and stewardship. 4. Build unifying relationships for affirmation, support, and fellowship with each other. 5. Encourage and support the Mission of local congregations, the Mennonite Church of Easter Canada, and the broader Mennonite Church. 15 **WMCEC continues to support MW Canada. 2017: - Mennonite Women Canada Support Ministries $3, Mennonite Women Canada Publications and Communications $3,000 - Undesignated for Mennonite Women Canada $1,040. Proposed for 2018 (approval pending at our Spring Enrichment Day): - Mennonite Women Canada Support Ministries $3, Mennonite Women Canada Publications and Communications $3,500 - Undesignated for Mennonite Women Canada to be determined at June and December disbursements. As Note: under the MCEC Projects of our Proposed Budget, it was recommended to include Witness Worker, Joji Pantoja, of the Philippines as one of our MCEC projects. Prepared by Carmen Brubacher, on behalf of Executive Committee for WMCEC

17 16 Annual Bible Study Guide Since 1992 Mennonite Women Canada (MW Canada) and Mennonite Women USA (MW USA) have published an annual Bible Study Guide (BSG). Comprised of 12 or 13 lessons, the guide is recommended for use in women s groups, Sunday School classes and for personal meditation. Every third year the writer is a Canadian woman. In the past we have sent a complementary BSG to each MC Canada congregation and the executives of the area church women s organizations. We can no longer continue this practice, but will still send out a free copy to each congregation upon request through the volunteer services of Liz Koop, (see contact info on p.2) Live your Call: Embracing God's Mission was published in 2017 and written by Anna Liechty Sawatzky of Goshen, Indianna Author, Anna Liechty Sawatzky, has been immersed in life-long mission; first as a child of North American missionaries to Ireland, then as a student of mission, camp worker, and as a missionary in South Africa with her husband for eight years, where they relied on the Holy Spirit, learned from scripture and the people around them to get through times of difficulty. After settling in Goshen, IN, four years ago, she embraced God's mission as a social worker. In Live Your Call Anna presents insights from her years in mission where she lived mission as ministry in the dimension of difference in the knowledge that the only mission there is, is God's. Given that we all have different gifts but the same Spirit (1Cor. 12:4), these lessons will push users in new directions that stretch, sharpen, and refine their gifts for partnering with God in their lives. Everyday Worship will be available by June 1, 2018 Author, Carol Penner, lives with her husband, Eugene, in Vineland, ON, in a house surrounded by Apricot trees. She studied at Canadian Mennonite Bible College and Toronto School of Theology. She worked for 15 years as a pastor in Ontario and Alberta. She is currently assistant professor of theological studies at Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo, ON, where she teaches practical theology. She has a special interest in feminist theology and violence against women. Carol writes worship resources and shares them on her worship blog, In her spare time she likes to hike on the Bruce Trail, read novels, and do anything crafty. Everyday Worship: Discover the rhythm of worship. Every day, every week, every year, there are ways to worship God. Every Day Worship inspires women to be worshipful people, not just people who worship. Using the elements of a worship service, Carol guides women invites women to dive deep into Scripture and faith through worship experiences. Every Day Worship calls women to worship as they gather, pray, sing, confess, give thanks, and serve. Excellent for women s groups, retreat settings, and individual study and inspiration.

18 17 SPIRITUAL GROWTH ASSISTANCE FUND Our Spiritual Growth Assistance Fund (SGAF) assists women with the costs of academic and/or applied study at the Master s level in church related ministries (such as seminary, theology, peace and conflict resolution) from an Anabaptist perspective. Women who are members of a congregation belonging to Mennonite Church Canada are eligible to apply. Funding may be granted for part of the tuition costs (payable to the institution) at the discretion of the executive of MW Canada. First time applicants are given priority, but applications for continuing support are also considered. The deadline for applications every year is June 30. Application forms are available online at or by contacting presmwcanada@mennonitechurch.ca This year MCM made videos with our recipients, Marlene Wiebe and Hyunhee Kim. You can find it at The following are letters from our current recipients. Fuller reports were posted on our blog last October Hi Elsie, Thank you so much for the great news! Oh my goodness! I do not know how to appreciate for such great support. Yes, I am willing to meet your executive whenever you arrange the date. I am so grateful for that. So many thanks for SGAF grant. Hyunhee.. Upon hearing the news that she would be receiving funds from our Spiritual Growth Assistance Fund for a second year, Marlene Wiebe from Gretna, MB wrote: "What very good news. I extend my sincere thanks to Canadian Women. I am very gratified and I am looking forward to one more year and then 6 more hours! You are making it easier and giving me encouragement. Thank you so very much." We had invited Marlene to come share with us at our recent executive meeting but she was unable to attend. The report she sent was posted on our blog in October, 2017.

19 18 PENNIES AND PRAYER LEGACY FUND This endowment fund had its roots in a project begun by General Conference women s groups in the US and Canada in Women were invited to contribute two Pennies and a prayer which was directed to the needs of returning missionaries. In 1957 this Missionary Pension Fund officially became a Canadian Women in Mission (CWM) project and the fund continued to grow. In 2003 when the General Conference separated into two national conferences, the respective women s organizations also separated into two separate entities Mennonite Women USA and Canadian Women in Mission (renamed Mennonite Women Canada in 2010). At that time the Missionary Pension Fund was divided proportionately with the Canadian group receiving about 30% of the funds or $70,000. Each year up to $5000 in interest and principal is used to support two programs of Mennonite Church Canada Witness that involve women. In 2017 we supported Darnell & Christina Barkman (Philippines) and Tom and Christine Poovong, (Thailand) (whom we also support through the decining International Ministry Fund). We are grateful for this gift a remarkable legacy of caring and compassion from our mothers, grandmothers and great-grandmothers who had the vision of how small gifts could grow and make a difference. It is a legacy that calls us to dream again. Contributions to the Pennies and Prayer Legacy Fund help carry forward our commitment of caring and compassion for future generations. Donations made in 2017 to PPLF by the following: The Goodwill Club of Coaldale Mennonite Church, AB Helping Hands, Calgary, AB Stirling Ave. Mennonite Church, Kitchener, ON Springridge Mennonite Church, Springridge, AB Fiske Mennonite Church, Fiske, SK Rosthern Mennonite Church, Rosthern, SK Tiefengrund Mennonite Church, Tiefengrund, SK We are thankful for all donations towards this fund. We encourage you to honour the life of a loved one by making a memorial donation or to recognize a milestone event in your family, congregation or community with a celebration donation. You can send a cheque payable to Mennonite Church Canada (be sure to designate Mennonite Women Canada PPLF) to: Mennonite Church Canada, 600 Shaftesbury Blvd, Winnipeg, MB R3P 0M4. Or you can make an online donation on our website at

20 19 DESCRIPTION OF PROJECTS Connect with our PPLF and International Mission Fund recipients! Christina and Darnell Barkman, Phillipines Here is the update from the Barkman Family dated January 25, Please continue to pray for them as they transition from the Philippines back to living in Canada. Hello friends and family, Check out my latest blogpost about our upcoming move. Click on the link below. Thanks for the love and prayers, Christina and Darnell Tom and Christine Poovong, Thailand Support Christine and Tom Poovong, with their children Phimchanok and Joseph, as they provide holistic pastoral leadership to the Maliwan Mennonite Church, an emerging Christian community in Khon Kaen, Thailand. The Poovongs work at income generation initiatives to engage their neighborhood with a long term goal of establishing a sustainable congregation. The Poovongs have initiated a restaurant and explored a children's nursery program as business opportunities and as ways of interacting with neighborhood families and inviting people to the way of Jesus and into the community of the church. The Poovongs also connect with leaders of other Thai Mennonite communities to encourage relationships and fellowship among emerging Mennonites communities across Thailand and Laos. You can also connect with them on Facebook or by at ctpoovong@mennonitechurch.ca

21 20 New International Mission/PPLF Project for 2018! Bock-Ki Kim & Sook-Kyoung Park in Korea Following 17 years in Canada and serving the church in several capacities, Bock Ki and Sook Kyoung are serving in a ministry assignment in Korea. In partnership with the Korea Anabaptist Centre (KAC) Bock Ki and Sook Kyoung are working to strengthen the church in South Korea by networking among Korean Anabaptists and developing Anabaptist resources for Korean congregations. They have been insturmental in the recent formation of "Mennonite Church South Korea" and also relate closely to the Korea Anabaptist Fellowship (KAF), a community of individuals who seek to promote Anabaptist perspectives in Christian churches throughout Korea. Sook Young nurtures the mind and soul of Korean children who come to her after school homework classes. Bock Ki Kim & Sook Kyoung Park Long Term Workers in South Korea Home Congregation(s):Shalom Adonai Church, London, ON bskimpark@mennonitechurch.ca Please remember all these Witness workers in your prayers! * Short-Term Ministries and Changes in IM funding Since the Short Term Ministry program has been discontinued in its former state and donations toward international projects through our women's groups are declining, we are no longer promoting STM project on our opportunities for giving form. In 2017 we received $442 for Short-Term Ministries, which we donated to the Witness program budget. As funding for International Ministries shifts to a congregationally based relational funding model we encourage you to invest your passion and dedication to mission through those channels, even while we welcome your continued support of the projects MWCanada has chosen; projects in which women play a significant role.

22 21 MENNONITE WOMEN CANADA OPPORTUNITIES FOR GIVING DESCRIPTION OF PROJECTS February 1, 2018 to January 31, 2019 PROJECTS Support Ministries of Mennonite Women Canada Your gifts help support all the ministries of Mennonite Women Canada. AMOUNT $6,000. Spiritual Growth Assistance Fund Mennonite Women Canada encourages women to consider using their gifts and talents in various ministries of the church. This scholarship fund is available to assist with costs of academic and applied study at a Masters degree level in church related ministries (such as seminary, theology, peace and conflict resolution) from an Anabaptist perspective. Funding may be granted for part of the tuition (payable to the institution) at the discretion of the executive of Mennonite Women Canada. $1,000. Pennies and Prayer Legacy Fund This endowment fund supports the involvement of women in Mennonite Church Canada mission work. Each year $5,000 is used to support two projects chosen in consultation with Mennonite Church Canada. We also encourage memorial donations to this fund made in honour of a loved one or to celebrate a milestone event in your family, church or community. $5,000. Publications & Communication Together with Mennonite Women USA and MennoMedia we publish a 70-page annual Bible Study Guide for use in women s groups, Sunday School classes and for personal meditation. Connections is Mennonite Women Canada s semi-annual newsletter available to churches across Canada by and also by hard copy. Our web site and our new brochures and banner inform women and promote our projects. Our blog is a place where women can connect with Mennonite Women Canada and with each other. $7,500. TOTAL $24,500.

23 22 Mennonite Women Canada Opportunities for Giving Donation Form February 1, 2017 to January 31, 2018 Date of donation: Donation from: (Region or Local Group) address: Donation Details Ministry Budget Giving Fund ID(for office use) Support Ministries of MW Canada(General Fund) $6, General Spiritual Growth Assistance Fund (Masters level) $1, SGAF Pennies & Prayer Legacy Fund (Kim Park, Korea, MC Canada Witness) $5, PPLF Publications & Communications (inc. Bible Study Guide) $7, Publications International Ministries (Living Water Church Ministries, Thailand, MC Canada Witness) $5, IM Above budget designated donation: designation Total ($ 24,500.00) ($ - ) Please make cheque payable to "MC Canada", with "MW Canada" in the memo line. Mail cheques and Donation form to: MC Canada 600 Shaftesbury Blvd Winnipeg, MB R3P 0M4

24 23

25 24 Mennonite Women Canada Executive Meeting Minutes, March 10, 2018, 1:00 3:00 CST Locations: Google hangouts Participants: Shirley Redekop (President), Elsie Rempel (Secretary and Manitoba Rep), Helen Kim (Treasurer), Tany Warkentin (Past Staff Liaison), Jason Martin (MCCanada staff rep), Waltrude Goertzen (Past BC rep and CC member), Kate Janzen (Alberta Rep), Liz Koop (Past- President and acting MCEC rep) Regrets: Mel Harms (Sask Rep) 1. Opening Devotional and Installation Service. Shirley led the opening devotional, connecting Lent and our theme of standing on shaky ground as we move toward Easter. She also introduced and welcomed Helen Kim to the executive and installed her as an officer (Treasurer) on our executive. Elsie (with whom she shared a computer connection), gave her a linking candle and led the installation prayer. 2. There were some connection difficulties, but we still enjoyed brief regional reports, and were grateful for the fine written ones we all received ahead of time. 3. Finance Report and Adjustments to preliminary budget for FYE2019 (see Opportunities for Giving Form) It was accepted with a few questions of clarification. Moved by Helen, seconded by Waltrude, accepted. 4. Bible Study Guide distribution decisions: Elsie outlined the changes in service from MennoMedia and proposal we discussed possible responses. Liz made the following proposal: An initial order of 250 (at 40% off from MennoMedia) will be shipped to the BSG distributor (Liz Koop) who will provide 1 free copy per church upon request. She will also sell to individuals or groups who want to purchase copies. These will be sold at full price and include shipping cost. When the 250 are sold, more can be ordered through Common Word. The bill for the cost of shipping free copies will be sent to the Treasurer. We further agreed it was important to get word out in spring about having to now order their free copy. If groups need more BSGs, after our initial order of 250 is used up, we direct them to purchase from Common Word. Moved by Elsie, seconded by Kate, accepted. * Follow up: Elsie will communicate this to CommonWord and MennoMedia. 5. Future planning for MWCanada. Coreena Stewart (Master Planning Consultant) is willing to help us with event planning. Elsie suggested a plan for planning a retirement party or Celebration of Closure at Assembly 2019, in which we disburse our funds to area churches for women's ministries and refocus our energies for supporting mission projects at the regional and congregational levels. This would help vitalize womens ministries and mission projects through the new relational funding channels. Discussion included the suggestion that we still need a bare bones national level group to continue the BSG, Connections Newsletter, and the Scholarships. Shirley suggest we have another video meeting to

26 25 discuss this further before we do the fall newsletter 6. Spiritual Growth Assistance Fund: How do we get word out about this continuing scholarship? Lets promote the scholarship In the Spring newsletter. Helen Kim can also keep her eyes open for a CMU female student as she works in finance and Shirley will be in touch with CGC. 7. Changing relationship with MC Canada: Even though Willard Metzger, Executive Minister is our liaison person our connection is mainly through Jason Martin, Director of Witness. Willard does sign the expense claims we submit. 8.Communications Committee Report: 8.1 Liz shared her report and recommends that we post any new material we have in a PDF form on the blog. A web presence will remain for MC Canada and we will still be able to link to it for archival materials. Liz and Waltrude will talk further about the logistics of doing this. 8.2 A researcher, Lisa, who approached Shirley for help with her research project on women. Shirley will be in touch with Lisa and explore ways of her doing her research through our blog site. Lisa wanted numbers of contacts from us: we have 167 on our list, FB has 200 likes, average blog views are about 400 a month. 8.3 Next newsletter will be on the mug theme. Could each woman send in a picture of herself and her mug as well as what that mug means to her. Liz will send us what she has in an and we can elaborate on it and send it to her by March Canadian Mennonite writing record for 2018: Feb : Carmen Brubacher for WMCEC - done April : Elsie Rempel for MWM submitted June 4, 2018 for May 4 issue: Waltrude Gortzen for MCBC July 13, 2018 for Aug 13 issue: Kate will contact Ev Buhr about writing for MCAlberta September 8, 2018 for October 8 issue: Shirley (President) November 17 for December 17 issue, 2018: Mel Harms for MCSask Report Book. Theme: Leaping Ahead from Shaky Ground. Elsie has the reports and will proceed. Book formatting will be done through Judith Rempel Smucker for a fee. She will send it out electronically to the mailing list and each region can print them out in the region, as needed. Perhaps regional church offices can help with this. 10. Tanzania Tour. We discussed and are continuing to encourage women to participate in the Tanzania Women's tour with Tourmagination. 11. Next meeting: Preferably through Zoom from MCEC office in the fall. Tentatively set for Saturday, September 15. er/march 10, 2018