Thursday December 24th Announcement Sheet from EZMC Office
Financial Update
I am pretty much speechless with the overwhelming financial response we have had in the last week. We are grateful for the way God has provided and for your generosity in giving. Any funds we receive until the end of the year that exceed our expenses for this year will be shared to support important ministries in our community or around the world.
During this time when we cannot meet together in our church building, we continue to be a faith community, finding ways we can connect and support each other. We prayerfully ask for your continued financial support as you are able. We know this time brings a lot of uncertainty and impact, we trust that God will provide and we will continue to experience the fullness of Christ.
Cheques can be mailed to Dawn Zehr or placed in the mailbox at the end of her driveway. E-transfers or questions about donating can be sent to treasurer@ezmennonite.ca.
Our usual Annual Meeting time is coming up quickly. While we don’t know yet what this will look like and exact timing, we fully expect it will be virtual, and hope to have it in the first couple months of 2021. In preparation, please submit your annual reports to Lisa by January 10 2021. 2020 has been a year like no other. Despite the fact we had to pause some of our church programs, many areas of ministry continued. Please report as it makes sense for your specific area. If you have questions, reach out to your lay minister for guidance. Please send reports to office@ezmennonite.ca or call Lisa at 519-655-6824 to arrange another way to submit your report. Thank you!
MCC Christmas Giving
This year, choose Christmas gifts that share comfort and joy with our neighbours around the world using MCC’s Christmas Giving options. Look online for more giving options: mcco.ca/Christmas.
Give the gift of time this Christmas season
From chopping vegetables in our Raw Carrot kitchen to serving virtually in one of our Circles programs, there’s a volunteer opportunity for everyone! By volunteering you can make a real difference in the lives of many this Christmas season. Click here to learn more about our volunteer programs and find an opportunity that is right for you.
Christmas at CMU Highlights! COVID-19 prevented CMU from hosting its annual Christmas at CMU musical celebration. While we lament the loss, the university is nonetheless sharing selected pieces of an earlier Christmas at CMU program. Be drawn into the spirit of Advent and enjoy the music! Find this curated selection of musical ensembles at www.cmu.ca/christmasatcmu, launched on Friday December 18 at 7 p.m. (CST).
Training Active Bystanders
January 13, 2021 at 7 pm
If you witness a violent situation, will you know how to respond? Training Active Bystanders shows you how. Join us for our next workshop on January 13, 2021. Participants learn to analyze harm-doing, and respond in everyday ways. For more information, go to mcco.ca/events.
Wednesday January 27 at 12:30 p.m.– The Grebel Noon Hour Concert series will feature Voices Together committee member Anneli Loepp Thiessen “Still Singing – Women Composers and the Voices Together Hymnal sharing stories and songs from Women.” This free event can be accessed online at https://uwaterloo.ca/music/events/noon-hour-concert-still-singing-women-composers-and-voices
Wednesday January 27 at 7 pm – Join the Grebel Community for a special virtual chapel service to celebrate the arrival of our new hymnal Voices Together. This special service is open to the public and will feature a homiletic reflection by Distinguished Alumni award winner Sarah Johnson. The service will include music and worship resources from Voices Together. Visit https://uwaterloo.ca/grebel/events/hymnal-celebration-sarah-johnson for details. Registration is required to receive a Zoom meeting link.
Ottawa Office Student Seminar –February 16-18, 2021
MCC’s Ottawa Office is hosting its legendary Student Seminar again – but this time it’s virtual! Perfect learning and networking opportunity for university students interested in international development, policy, and advocacy. Learn how local communities and organizations are key actors for change around the world; engage in MCC and faith-based advocacy with students from across Canada; meet with parliamentarians civil society advocates; and so much more! Register before January 15, 2021. Learn more and register here.
Applied Peacebuilding Skills Certificate Program – January-May 2021
Learning the skills of “peace” is a lifelong adventure. This skill-building program is an MCC pilot project that seeks to teach and develop peacemaking skills, and apply these skills within today’s context of home, work, and community. Participants will learn to integrate practical peacebuilding skills in everyday ways wherever they find themselves. To register or learn more, go to mcco.ca/peace-certificate.
An open call for Parents or Guardian with children ages 6-13
An interactive workbook for families focusing on developing peaceful relationships in the home is being developed. Restorative Justice Intern, Claire Smith, is conducting short 15-20 minute interviews to gain an understanding of the currents needs of young families to help develop healthy family relationships. If you would like to participate, contact Claire at clairesmith@mcco.ca.
Employment Opportunity: Rockway Mennonite Collegiate invites applications for the position of Technology Support Specialist. For details, visit www.rockway.ca.
UNMUTE: The Impact of a Pandemic on Gender Based Violence
UNMUTE is a forum theatre piece that addresses the rise of domestic violence and gender-based assault during COVID-19. Immerse yourself in this important and timely piece that gives audience members the chance to rehearse scenarios for real life. Audiences will learn skills and resources for how they can make a difference. Go to theatreofthebeat.ca/unmute to get your tickets today.
Conrad Grebel University College, a residence and teaching community affiliated with the University of Waterloo, seeks a married couple for the position of Campus Hosts, beginning spring/summer 2021. The role involves living in an apartment in the College’s residence building and supervising the College during non-business hours. Rent and utilities are free in exchange for performance of duties. Applicants should be mature, responsible, and able to relate to a broad range of people, especially students in residence. Application deadline is January 25, 2021. Read more at www.grebel.ca/position
Please remember the importance of the contact tracing sheets. We ask anyone who enters the church building to, record the relevant information on the sheet located just inside the mailbox lobby door and the office entry door. Please note when and where you were in the building and then use the disinfecting wipes provided to wipe all surfaces that were touched before leaving. Thank you for your help