STAY CONNECTED. APRIL wmbchurch.ca

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1 wmbchurch.ca STAY CONNECTED. APRIL 2016 April means spring! It s a season for buds and daffodils, robins and new life! Our journey coming out of Easter reminds us that God has given SO much because of His desire to be in relationship with us! In the ups and downs of life, He is faithful to always be there no matter what offering us His grace, love, forgiveness and hope. He s the foundation for the freedom of life He longs for us to know. We d love for you to join us this month as we explore more deeply the key essentials for our faith, both on Sunday mornings and throughout the week. Have a look through our monthly newsletter, and take a next step! Let this spring be the beginning of something new and meaningful in your life.

2 Current Message Series Sunday Mornings, :45am Our Welcome Team is here to help you! For assistance, approach a greeter, usher or Welcome Centre host. The Welcome Centre is located near the main entrance. Nursery care (0-36 months) is provided during both services. Check in on the main floor. Preschooler care (3-year-olds) is provided during both services. Check in downstairs in the Lower Auditorium. We all remember teeter-totters, right? Ups and downs, dangling feet. Trusting the person on the other end (maybe!). Life itself can often feel like a teeter-totter, with ups and downs and lots of uncertainties. The Christian faith gives us a fulcrum solid, key essentials to help keep us grounded, to help us trust that it s Jesus Himself who holds us up. Journey with us as we look at who Jesus actually is, the meaning of grace and repentance, and what it looks like to view the world through the fulcrum of faith. April 3: Who Holds You Up? April 10: When Your Feet Are Dangling April 17: Grounded April 24: It Takes Two DIG DEEPER Current and archived message audio, notes and discussion questions are available on our website at wmbchurch.ca/messages Kids Ministry (JK-Grade 6) meets during both services. Check in downstairs in the Lower Auditorium. Jr. High Youth (Grades 7-8) meet in the Youth Room at 9am. Sr. High Youth (Grades 9-12) participate in our Sunday services in the sanctuary. Morning Glory Café is open 8:30am-12:30pm, just off the Foyer. During Communion, gluten-free crackers are provided in the centre of the bread plate for anyone requiring this option. The Prayer Room (Room 213 behind the Chapel) is available for private prayer. The Library Resource Centre is located down the hall to the right of the Chapel. Discover fiction, non-fiction and media for all ages. Open 10-11am and 12-12:30pm. Support WMB s short-term missions by using GO Cash Cards for everyday shopping needs. Available for purchase on Sundays at the Welcome Centre and weekdays from the Church Office. 2

3 Connect + Serve ADULT SOCIAL AT THE HAYES Saturday, April 16, 7pm, 611 Honeywood Place, Waterloo Come to the Hayes home for an informal evening of fun, food and fellowship. Please bring a favourite game to play and get to know some new friends. Sign up at the Welcome Centre or by ing Carole Hayes at carolehayes@rogers.com. Contact Greg Reed, Pastor, Family Ministries for more information. THE ART OF MARRIAGE SMALL GROUP STUDY Thursdays, April 28 June 2 (6 weeks), 7-9pm Join Carol and Gus MacDonald as they lead The Art of Marriage small group study. This series uses video to bring together a variety of pastors and experts on marriage and incorporates engaging stories and vignettes to learn God s design for marriage. Each couple will be provided with a workbook for the study. The cost for the six weeks is $20 per couple. Sign up at the Welcome Centre today or through the Church Office during the week. Contact Greg Reed, Pastor, Family Ministries, for more information. NEW TO WMB? WELCOME! Please stop by the Welcome Centre and ask for a Welcome Package to learn more about WMB Church and opportunities for you to connect, serve and grow. Are you new to faith in Jesus, or re-entering a relationship with Him? Please ask for a New Believers Package at the Welcome Centre. It has tools for your faith journey and opportunities for next steps to help you grow as a believer. TUESDAY MORNING BREAK (TMB) Tuesdays (weekly), 9:30-11am, Chapel A weekly time for women to be encouraged in their spiritual journey with Jesus and with each other. All women are welcome, and childcare is provided. WORSHIP + THE ARTS PRAYER INTERCESSION Tuesdays, 7-8:30pm, Room 210 Prayer lays a solid foundation for the Church and for living. Join us on Tuesday evenings as we call upon God to broaden His influence in our church, our community and our lives. Contact Shawn Branton, Director, Worship & Arts for more information. INTERESTED IN SOUND, LIGHTING OR MULTIMEDIA? We are looking for new recruits to help us out in all areas of our tech teams. Training will be provided. For more information or to indicate your interest, contact Shawn Branton, Director, Worship & Arts. MORNING GLORY CAFÉ PHOTO/ ART DISPLAY We re changing up the Morning Glory Café display and would love for you to contribute to the new look. Our theme will be Summer: Reflect, Refresh, Recharge. Anyone may submit a photo or drawing, up to two items, with a maximum overall size of 16x20 including the frame/mat. We will supply mats for 8x10 prints. Submit your art to the Church Office during the week or to the Welcome Centre on Sundays. The submission deadline is Wednesday, April 27. 3

4 Connect + Serve CONTINUED DISCOVER DISCIPLESHIP WMB s Discover Discipleship Series consists of six community groups. Each group meets periodically throughout the year in two- to five-week sessions (offered one night a week) or in full on a Saturday. The groups can be experienced in any order. The following Discover Discipleship group is currently being offered: DISCOVER WMB Mondays, April 4, 11 & 18 (3 weeks), 7-9pm, Chapel Gain an understanding of WMB s mission, vision and objectives, and the various ministries that are part of our church. Learn more about our Discover Discipleship community groups and our goals for the 10-Year Disciple. Hear about our story as a Mennonite Brethren church, and the role of membership at WMB. Note: Completing Discover WMB is a requirement for membership. Sign up at the Welcome Centre by Sunday, April 3, to participate. KIDS MINISTRY PD DAY Friday, April 22 Would you be interested in a PD Day program for your kids? Friday, April 22, is a PD Day, and it also happens to be Earth Day! If you d be interested in helping Christie Penner Worden, Director, Kids Ministry, run a program, or know that you would sign your kids up if one was offered, please send her an . If there is enough interest AND leadership support, we will plan an awesome day for your kids! Looking for more ways to serve? Visit wmbchurch.ca/ serve/volunteer or contact the Church Office. 56ERS/JR. YOUTH EVENT: THE FOUND AND THE FREE Saturday, April 23, 6-8pm On April 23, we ll welcome The Found and The Free to perform for us! The Found and the Free is a hip hop dance ministry located in Elmira, Ontario. They use dance, drama, and spoken word to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is an awesome opportunity to invite friends to WMB Church! WUMBA KIDS CAMP Registration is open! Registration is now open for Wumba Kids Camp this summer. All kids entering Grades 1 6 in September are invited to sign up for any or all of the following weeks: July 18-22, July 25-29, August 8-12, and August Registration forms are downloadable on our website and available at the Welcome Centre. Apply to the 2016 Staff Team We are currently hiring for the Wumba Staff Team for our 2016 camp season! We re seeking at least four dynamic leaders who love kids and love Jesus even more, with some leadership experience. Previous camp experience is an asset. Does this sound like you or someone you know? Check out the application online at wmbchurch.ca/ connect/kids YOUNG ADULTS MINISTRY YOUNG ADULTS (YA) Sunday nights Our Young Adults community meets regularly on Sunday nights at various locations. Stay current on all things YA through facebook.com/wmb.ya 4

5 SENIORS MINISTRY Seniors Ministry seeks to meet the social and spiritual needs of adults ages 60+ (plus those retired earlier). If you re not currently signed up to receive Seniors Ministry updates and you d like to be in the loop, contact Gareth Goossen, Pastor, Seniors Ministry at X231 or garethgoossen@wmbchurch.ca SENIORS LUNCH Thursday, April 14, 10am 1pm Join us for lunch and hear from Ted Dueck, who will highlight the legal information we need as we enter retirement and deal with end-oflife scenarios, be it for our parents, our siblings or ourselves. Also, Shawn Branton, Director, Worship & Arts, will share some special music and a testimony of his call to ministry. Sign up at the Welcome Centre. Cost: $5 suggested donation. COFFEE, GAMES & CONVERSATION Friday, April 22, 7-9pm, 63 Ravenswood Road, Breslau Pastor Gareth and his wife, Gayle, invite you to their home to enjoy coffee, games and conversation. Sign up at the Welcome Centre. BARNABAS VICTORIA HILLS SOCCER CAMP: SERVING OPPORTUNITIES Barnabas Victoria Hills will be running a soccer camp for children going into Grades 2-6 on mornings from August at Gzowski Park in Kitchener. See below for opportunities to help out and get involved: On-field: Volunteer instructors/team leaders (must be at least 15 years old) Off-field: Snack provision volunteers to: a) be in charge of serving snacks for the week (approximately 9:45-10:30am); b) make cookies or delegate others to do so; c) obtain other snacks Registration volunteers on Monday, August 22, 8:15-9:30am Pre-registration volunteers to help with administrative tasks before camp starts on Monday, August 22 Your help could make a child s summer! To sign up or learn more about these opportunities, contact Mary Ellen Tierney, Director, Barnabas Victoria Hills. OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS Sunday, May 29, 2pm Drayton Festival presentation of Anything Goes at St. Jacobs Playhouse Theatre. Sign up at the Welcome Centre by Sunday, April 3. Thursday, June 9 Serving with Ontario Christian Gleaners in Cambridge. We are limited to bringing 15 people, so sign up at the Welcome Centre ASAP. October Bus Tour to Amish Country, PA, including Sight & Sound Theatre and other highlights. Sign up at the Welcome Centre ASAP. 5

6 Family News WE CONGRATULATE and celebrate with: TJ and Brittany Parkes on the birth of baby boy Thomas Ryder on February 21. WE OFFER OUR CONDOLENCES TO and pray for: Gloria and Jim Hett and family on the passing of Gloria s mom, Ruth Hamilton, in March. Jeff and Jo Ann Merriman and family on the passing of their brother-in-law, Hugh Baker, in March. Elizabeth and Herman Goertz and family on the passing of Elizabeth s brother, Harold Schulz, in March. Karin and Gary Sawatzky and family on the passing of Karin s dad, Joe Eppich, in March. Gary and Brenda Doyle and family on the passing of Gary s mom in March. Sheryle Lackey and family on the passing of Sheryle s mom in March. CHILD DEDICATION: A child dedication will take place on the afternoon of Sunday, April 10. At this gathering of family and friends, parents will share some of the hopes they have as they raise their children, and we ll pray for each family as they make commitments to God and to one another. Please pray for and encourage: TJ and Brittany Parkes as they dedicate their son Ryder. Brad and Carolyn Johnston as they dedicate their daughter Sadie. WELCOME HOME JOHN COFFEY, WMB missionary serving in the Philippines with International Teams! John is in Canada for a two-week visit this month, on his way to attending a training conference in Georgia. PRAY FOR RACHEL JANTZI, Serving on mission this April through June. Rachel is returning to Jinja, Uganda to serve for a second term with Ekisa Ministries International, assisting in their school for children with disabilities and working with their families in the local community. Learn more at ekisa.org and pray for Rachel as she continues to use her gifts and passion to serve children and families, and prepares for longer term service with Ekisa. GOD IS AT WORK AT WMB! Be encouraged by this small sampling of recent ministry highlights (also shared in our Easter services): 179 people registered for EAT, CONNECT + LEARN BARNABAS OFFERING: Met our offering goal and exceeded it by 25 % NEHEMIAH FUND: WATER BAPTISMS since last Easter Met our annual goal within the first four months We re thankful to God for evidence of His work and resurrection life among us, and we thank you, WMB Church, for your partnership in ministry through gifts of your time, talent and treasure. We look forward to even greater things as we continue to discern and apply God s voice together! 6

7 From the Leadership Board SEEKING LEADERSHIP BOARD CANDIDATES The Discernment Committee is actively seeking out candidates to serve on the Leadership Board for a three-year term, beginning September Please prayerfully consider nominating members of WMB Church who are in good standing, have demonstrated a heart and passion for the ministry of WMB, and who are gifted in leadership and decision making. Once you have contacted a nominee and have obtained consent to put their name forward, please complete a form available at the Welcome Centre or Church Office. Nominations will be open until May 1. If you would like to know more about the discernment process or what it means to serve on the Leadership Board, please attend an information session hosted by the Discernment Committee on Sunday, April 10, at 10:45am in the Chapel. Waterloo Region WORSHIPS Saturday, April 23, 7pm Forward Church 455 Myers Road Cambridge Come to Forward Church in Cambridge on Saturday, April 23, for an evening of worship and prayer led by a worship team and mass choir comprised of worship leaders from around the region. This is an annual event that unites more than 30 local churches and 1,600 people as we pursue our God together in worship! wrw.ca facebook/wrwnetwork 7

8 Coming up in May... GET READY FOR ADVENTURE! If you ll be journeying with us at WMB this May, get ready for adventure! Our teaching focus will be mission, local and global. Together, we ll learn about God s heart for the nations whether across the ocean, or across the street. Through our Sunday morning message series, Passport to Global Adventure, we ll explore discipleship, diversity, and mission. And as part of this series, we ll have the opportunity to participate in two missional field trips. We ll get a taste of the global Church (literally!) by travelling to two MB churches in the Toronto area and experiencing their different cultures as we worship, eat and fellowship together. See the opportunities at right. Our month of mission exploration will culminate with AWAKE. Through this weekend of training and local outreach for our whole church family, our hearts will be awakened to the love of God and to the needs all around us. Get the details on page 9. Missional Field Trip Opportunities To sign up for one or both of the field trips below, visit the Welcome Centre on Sunday mornings, or contact Lisa Matthews, Director, Administration during the week at lisamatthews@wmbchurch.ca or X244. Space is limited, so sign up soon to reserve your spot! CULTURAL CONTEXT: House for All Nations Church is a Mennonite Brethren church with a predominantly Indonesian congregation. LOCATION: Grace Memorial Church, 36 Broadlands Blvd, Toronto, ON, M3A 1J3 TIME: Depart from WMB in carloads at 1:30pm. The service begins at 4pm and will run for approximately 1.5 hours. Plan to be home by about 9pm. SPACES AVAILABLE: 40 Additional Field Notes for Participants CULTURAL CONTEXT: Behta Darya is a Mennonite Brethren church with a predominantly Punjabi congregation. LOCATION: 573 Albion Road, Etobicoke, ON, M9V 1A1 TIME: Depart from WMB in carloads at 1pm. The service begins at 3pm and will run as long as 3 hours. Plan to be home by about 9pm. SPACES AVAILABLE: 70 ATTIRE: Participants may dress casually; come as you are, but be respectful and dress modestly. FOOD: Bring a bag lunch to eat in the car en route and a small snack for the afternoon. For both trips, we ll share a meal with the congregation following the service. COST: Please bring some money to contribute to the cost of gas. 8

9 A local weekend of mission and renewal for the whole Church WMB Church Friday, May 27 - Sunday, May 29 AWAKE is a weekend event where local churches will join together at WMB Church for worship, teaching, team discussions, prayer and workshops that will help us take practical steps to be a light in Waterloo and in our world. AWAKE is created through the partnership between the local church, C2C Network, and MB Mission. WEEKEND SCHEDULE FRIDAY: AWAKE MY SOUL We ll begin on Friday evening at 6:30pm with a worship session focused on renewing our love for God and surrendering to His work in our lives. SATURDAY: AWAKE MY CITY In the morning, we ll explore the needs of our own city and how the Gospel is good news at home. We will be trained to share our faith in word and deed. During the afternoon, we ll take part in a variety of ministry opportunities designed by WMB. We ll take new risks of faith in sharing the love of God within our community. In the evening, we ll share stories from the day and intercede in worship and prayer for those we met. REGISTRATION People of all ages from WMB Church are invited and encouraged to participate in this weekend of mission and renewal. There will be special programming for children and youth. Register online at wmbchurch.ca/awake starting Monday, April 18. The cost for the weekend is $20 per adult or teen and $10 per child (up to a maximum of $50 per family). SUNDAY: AWAKE MY WORLD On Sunday morning, the AWAKE weekend continues in our 9am and 10:45am worship services. We ll focus beyond our city and country, asking God to awaken our hearts to global mission to the least reached, and how we can be involved. 9

10 Get in Touch STAFF Profiles and contact information for Pastors, Directors and Operations staff can be found at wmbchurch.ca/staff. Staff addresses are their first and last (i.e. Contact the Church Office at Executive Team Chris Stevens Lead Pastor Karen West Pastor, Associate Lead Kim Knight Director, Operations CONNECT ONLINE wmbchurch.ca Learn about WMB Church, contact staff, browse the events calendar, listen to current and past messages, interact with the Prayer Wall and much more on WMB s website. WaterlooMB Like our page to find out about upcoming events, view and share event photos, and track with our current message Follow us to stay up-to-date on upcoming events and message series. LEADERSHIP BOARD Profiles and contact information for Leadership Board members can be found at wmbchurch.ca 245 Lexington Road Waterloo, ON N2K 2E wmbchurch.ca