| Home | Welcome | Happenings | Info Sheet | Who to Contact |
| Our History | Our Covenant | Reflections | Map | Links |
| How we work together | Send us email | |||
| Fall 1998 | Winter 1999 | Spring 1999 | Summer 1999 |
| Fall 1999 | Winter 2000 | Spring 2000 | Summer 2000 |
| Fall 2000 | Winter 2001 | Spring 2001 | Fall 2001 |
| Winter 2002 |
| Waterloo North Reflections
Editorial Committee: Erica J., Sam S., Arnold N.-F. |
Table of Contents
What's in a Name?
Letter from Brother Anthony
From the Editors
Building Homes and
Building Hope
Profile: Ralph and Eileen L
"White Absolution"
How I Integrate Faith and Work
"A Valentine for my
Middle-Aged Love"
Connecting Abroad
Humour
Let's Play
Vision for Youth and
Young Adult Ministry
Youth Corner
Major Issues at WNMC
From Your Church Library
What's in a name? Plenty, if your name was Gilbert F. and is now Brother Anthony. Gilbert, a member of our congregation, has been searching for many years for a more liturgical style of worship, an opportunity to make a contribution to the society he lives in, and the physical assistance he needs in order to remain independent. He seems to have found all three at the Holy Transfiguration Monastery in Brookline, Mass., USA.
I visited Brother Anthony in September and found the experience both enlightening and interesting. The order is Holy Orthodox -- the services include incense and much chanting of scriptures and prayers. The monastery, designed like a Scottish manor, is situated on seventeen acres of wooded land with lawns and gardens -- a truly pastoral setting.
I have a book which Brother Anthony gave me entitled The struggle against ecumenism, that explains some of the order's beliefs. If you would like to borrow it, please let me know.
A letter to me from Brother Anthony about his life appears in the column to
the right. Brother Anthony's address is:
Brother Anthony Holy Transfiguration Monastery 278 Warren St., Brookline, MA
02445-5927, USA
- Barbara C
To the congregation of Waterloo North Mennonite Church: Greetings from Holy Transfiguration Monastery. I have been a novice here for a year already, and thought I might share some of my experiences with you.
A typical day begins with Liturgy that lasts from midnight till about 2:30 am. I have breakfast at 7:00 and work from 7:30 till noon and 12:30 to 1:00. My work consists of editing the lives of Saints that are read during meals, accompanying other monks on errands, and/or shredding paper. The paper I shred is used to fill packages of icons, books, etc., that the monastery sends out to customers. From 1 to 3:15 pm is a rest period, followed by Vespers at 3:30. Then we have supper and work till 7:00 pm. After 7:30 compline, I spend about an hour in private prayer, both for myself and for the needs of others.
As you can see, there is nothing comparable to this in the Mennonite Church. Although I enjoyed my time at Waterloo North, I always felt a calling to monastic life and now pray that God will give me the courage to persevere.
Guests are always welcome and I invite anyone to come and visit. Men can stay here at the monastery and women can stay at the convent down the road. Please let me know in advance so I can make reservations.
-Brother Anthony
Thanks for your kind words on the layout, the articles and pictures of our first issue. Thanks to those who wrote and who supplied the pictures for Vol. 1, No. I and now, for Vol. 1, No. 2, and for those to follow.
Our quarterly newsletters are to provide meaningful exchange of ideas in writing -- to inform and encourage one another in our Christian walk. We have selected several categories relating to topics which we think might be of interest to many and we will continue to ask members to write on these issues. However, this is not a restrictive list. Do you have a "word" that should be brought to the attention of all? Do you have something you would like to share from your journal -- for the edification of others, to the glory of God? How many poets do we have in our midst who can inspire us with a few well-chosen words? We would like to publish anything that can be said in 500 words or less (one page).
We would love to hear from you! Put your submissions into the folder marked Waterloo North Reflections found in the filing cart in the Fellowship Room or submit it by e-mail to the editorial committee:
Erica J, Arnold N-F, Sam S
One of the most beautiful things in the world is to work with people in need and who have a desire to improve their lives--in this case, to help someone acquire a home.
Many of you are aware of Habitat for Humanity and its goal to eliminate housing poverty in the world. What you may not know is that Canada's sister project is Habitat for Humanity Jamaica. Jamaica's story is just beginning to be told.
Jamaica, a Caribbean beauty, is also a third-world country with 70% of the island's inhabitants living in inadequate housing. Jamaica's economy is not in good shape. Most industry has plummeted substantially, including the construction, bauxite, and the sugar cane business. Only tourism and the agricultural plantation industry are holding the country together.
Unemployment figures are unknown--many of the people are so poor, they don't even show up on national statistics. In addition, lack of work has accelerated crime in many areas of the island.
During my visit to Jamaica the still-alive slave mentality kept haunting me -- how men continue to see themselves from generation to generation and their lack of care and nurture for children. "Jamaica suffers from no parenting," states Bishop Duford, a well-recognized clergy on the island.
This may help explain the high rate of teen pregnancies and AIDS that is prevalent in present-day Jamaica.
Habitat has built fifty-two homes in the south and east of Jamaica in the last six years. We have a great vision for the north shore of this country. In November during my three weeks I visited the north shore and spoke with hotel and resort owners, plantation owners, mayors and councilors, chamber of commerce directors, spiritual leaders and many, many Jamaicans who are interested in owning their own home. Six communities have been working on their Operations Manuals. Upon completion of the manual these groups will be eligible to start building their first Habitat home.
In February I will accompany twenty students from the Wilfrid Laurier University Campus Chapter on a work week to the north shore. We will work together with Jamaicans making cement blocks, painting, and building a children's Habitat playground.
Habitat for Humanity is like a family where you are immediately accepted. Wherever we tell a Habitat house-raising story, we spread the wonderful disease called habititus. I encourage you to get "Reggae Habititus" and join me March 27-April 10, to build the first Habitat house on the north-shore of Jamaica.
"Habitat for Humanity is a crazy idea that works" (Millard Fuller, Founder).
-Byron S
Ralph and Eileen L are pioneers. You might not know it to visit them now in their spacious and sunny condo in Waterloo, but it is there in their recollections, in the things that spark the light of enthusiasm and amusement, in the things that they choose to remember when I ask them to tell me about themselves. There is too much to tell. What follows is only the barest skeleton. Talk to them in person. Use these tidbits as conversation starters!
Eileen and Ralph both grew up on farms. Eileen, the fourth youngest of 10 children, spent all her years on a farm near Millbank. Ralph was 11 when his father began farming on the edge of the Nith River near New Hamburg. Though married life has only taken them to cities, the farm they purchased years ago continues to ground them.
They have been pioneers in a number of ways. They went to Eastern Mennonite College and then Goshen Biblical Seminary when not many of their peers did such a thing. Eileen had 1 1/2 years of high school; Ralph had none. They moved to London, Ontario to lead a church planting effort there. Valleyview Mennonite Church was the result.
A course in mental health sparked enough imagination to send them off to Crozer Theological Seminary where Ralph completed a Master of Theology in Pastoral Care and Counseling as well as the requirements to be a Certified Supervisor in Clinical Pastoral Education. He began training pastors while still at Valleyview.
Ralph agreed to become the first Conference Minister for what was then the Ontario and Western Ontario Mennonite Conferences. These were the years when the church was in the transition from Bishops to Conference Ministers. Ralph's Doctor of Ministry studies contributed to this.
A sabbatical year while Ralph served as President of Conrad Grebel College took them to Pasadena, California where they had more time together, time to relax, time reflect. During that time Ralph worked on his book, Learning and Growing In Ministry. While there they participated in a new congregation that was being "planted". During that same year Ralph agreed to become Moderator-elect of the Mennonite Church, North America. He became moderator two years later.
When they returned to Waterloo they joined the effort to plant a new congregation in the north part of Waterloo. It became known as the Waterloo North Mennonite Church!
Eileen and Ralph have both been deeply involved in launching and nourishing this congregation. Between them they have taught Sunday school, preached, served on committees, offered wise support and the kind of leadership that comes with experience. They have been generous with their time, their positive commitment and their Willingness even enthusiasm-to participate in creative ventures that helped a new congregation get on its way.
In 1991 Ralph discovered he had a form of cancer called Chronic Myeloid
Leukemia. A healing service held soon after by the congregation provided support
and health in ways words almost fail to express. Eileen and Ralph believe in
miracles. They covet a strong sense that God is present in their lives. They
believe that God's love surrounds them in mysterious and tangible ways. Though
they have participated in a lifetime of faith and worship they remain open to
surprises.
Eileen and Ralph have three children and four grandchildren. Connie and her
husband Tony and sons, Luke and Adam, live in Kitchener and are also founders
for Waterloo North. Marvin, his wife Isabelle and son Jérémie live in Toronto.
Cindy and her husband Scott and son Isaac have moved to Waterloo and are
increasingly involved at Waterloo North. If you have seen any of the
grandchildren with Eileen or Ralph you will know how important they are to one
another. These pioneers may be more settled now but the things that sustained
them through many adventures -- willingness to take risks, a willingness
to really be engaged in life, a sense of fun, a commitment to faith-continue.
Take time to meet them.
-Gloria ME
Consider
every snowflake's
delicate architecture
of compressed crystals
a six-point
winter sermon straight
from the design studio.
No sweatshop in the sky, that,
no cookie-cutter: enterprise.
All articles one-of-a-kind
precision crafted,
subtly signed
by the artisan's hand.
In the frosty air
a profusion of intricate lace stars
drifting, twirling slowly downward,
their white absolution
a healing skin settling
over autumn's raw wounds.
Throw yourself
on their soft mercy,
raise your arms in surrender: see the outline
of a divine messenger,
hear the words,
"Rise up and walk".
Under the cleansing
ritual of winter
an unquenchable heartbeat
rumbles.
-Esther R
I am a recently retired principal who has been fortunate to have worked for 31 years in education. I loved my job with a passion. Every day I was motivated by the fact that I had an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children and to make "the world of the school" a better place. It was not an easy task to keep spiritually centred while working at my job as principal in the elementary school system of Waterloo County.
The responsibility you feel as a teacher is one you take very seriously. It
can be overwhelming! Your behaviour and actions
can affect a child dramatically, either positively or negatively for years to
come. However, what an opportunity to do good! What an honour to be a source of
light, encouragement and motivation to our precious young people! The rewards
and satisfaction gained from a job well done spur you on to teach well and to
continue to look for ways of improving your practice. You really want to do it
for your kids! You can always count on them to let you know where you stand
along the way. Treat them with respect, compassion and a listening ear and
children will work to their utmost ability. They will also let you know how much
they appreciate you. We can all learn from our younger children in this respect.
Wow, what a thrill to see the smile on the faces of children when they feel
deeply cared for and where a strong rapport and sense of community have been
built! I couldn't have dreamed of a better vocation in life!
However, as rewarding a job as teaching can be, it can totally absorb you. Your job is never done. You can always do more. For me, I always struggled to keep things in perspective, trying to keep a balance between work, my family, personal and spiritual life. Too many times work won out!
I knew that when my relationship with God was strong, I felt calm, focussed, positive and in control. Things just seemed to fall into place. Then my a little wild uncontrolled self would take over and I was off the track. I could find all kinds of reasons for staying off the track. Weren't the tasks, I was obsessed with, part of my job? I owe a debt of gratitude to my wife Jan and many other friends for helping me to see when I was out of control. They nudged me (actually pushed) enough to make me see the error of my ways and change my priorities.
Over the last 10 years I have tried several avenues to keep my life in balance. When I was actively involved with a spiritual director, I found myself being most successful in staying in touch spiritually as well as achieving success in many aspects of my life. Working With a spiritual director allowed me to see the great value in regular prayer, reflection and meditation.
At the advice of this support person, my growth in this area, was enhanced by several two-day silent retreats at Loyola College in Guelph. A memorable week-long silent retreat in Cambridge was also particularly rejuvenating. The most moving and transforming experience spiritually was my attendance at a "Cursillo" weekend at an Anglican church in London, a spiritual retreat for men new to Christianity. At the conclusion of every one of these activities, I felt like a new person, having had a chance in silence and in community with others to come to terms with issues that I needed to tackle in my life at the time.
Regular church attendance also was an important time for me. I used worship and Sunday School sessions to refocus and reflect on my life and get recharged for the week ahead.
During my work week I had many opportunities to relate to students, teachers, and parents, sometimes in some very difficult situations. At these times, I tried to draw from my spiritual base, attempting to relate with respect, compassion and empathy. I tried to keep an important question first and foremost in my mind as a guide, "What would Jesus do?"
Although we had to respect cultural diversity while working within the public school system, there were many opportunities to instill values and beliefs common to all faiths and cultures. Indeed during my last five years in teaching, opening and working at Lexington School, our staff was able to create a school environment very much in line with Christian values. We felt very good about our school-wide discipline program based on non-violent conflict resolution (an important "Mennonite" concept). We called it "Peaceful Problem Solving". It was a joy for me that our children internalized and used this concept so routinely. It laid a great foundation for our school.
In summary, for me integrating spiritual life and faith with work was a difficult assignment. Many times I missed out on God's grace because I did not acknowledge God, who was walking along with me all the time. The challenge for me, and I expect for others, is to put into effect that which we truly know. This I will have to continue to work on into my second adulthood with God's help!
-Gary C
Come, my sweet,
corny love,
let us step hand in hand, outside,
into the snowy, sparkly dark
and remember that
long-ago diamond night
of untried promises.
Let us tryst at the mall --
from long practice
matching our pace -- searching
the supermarket produce aisle
for my favourite life-enhancing
greens and velvety mangoes.
Then lovingly release each other
to go our separate ways:
you to the sports outlet,
me, the curiosity shop.
Later meeting at the food court,
heady with harmonious thoughts,
recklessly indulging your
passion for Boston creams.
Let us return to our cozy nest,
sink into soft chairs,
minds taking blissful flight
in our respective. books.
Envying not those friends
groaning at a overpriced meal,
poorly served and digested,
followed by an over-rated concert.
Finally my love,
let us slip once more
into the snowy, sparkly dark,
savor the heavenly
light extravaganza: the maiden moon
festooned with misty shawls of cloud
in the celebratory banner of stars
and sing the triumphant song
of our proven love.
-Esther R
These past 2 1/2 years have passed quickly. There are moments when we step back in wonder as we observe and participate in China's Hong Kong. Life is fast paced and almost excessively dollar driven. Values, ethics, and religion seem somehow much less important here than they did "at home". On the other hand, hard work, traditions and beliefs remain central for the majority of the people.
Hong Kong is known for its concrete structures and is becoming known for its bad air and water quality. The large population in nearby Mainland China contributes to the water pollution as well as the many factories taking advantage of cheap labor. We feel fortunate to live on the south side of Hong Kong Island. We are somewhat removed from the frantic pace of downtown. Public transportation is excellent and we enjoy being able to commute to the hub of activity on a weekend should we choose to do so. However, our preference clearly is to embark on one of the numerous hiking trails either on Hong Kong Island or on one of the surrounding islands. We have found more free time to enjoy the outdoors since we have moved here.
Bert continues in his role as Assistant Principal for Academic Affairs at the high school division of HKIS. That section has 680 students, 70 faculty members and 40 support staff. Teaching two sections of Religions of the East helps him maintain contact with the students and it is a role he enjoys. One of his responsibilities is also to organize a ten-day, off-campus learning experience in Asia, for all of the high school students. He has worked hard at introducing more service into these ventures. Bert and I will be leading one of these off-campus adventures in March as a 10 day trek in the Himalayan foothill country of Sikkim. We are working hard at conditioning and preparing our bodies for this!
The student body at HKiS is 80% Asian, although the majority of these would hold passports from western countries. They are a creative and driven group. The work is enjoyable without much stress, though in such a large school (total of 2600) an amazing amount of time is spent in meetings. There will be a shift in workload as the school restructures in keeping with the changes that are taking place Asia-wide.
My work as a teacher assistant at the first grade level continues to be
enjoyable and relatively stress free. It almost
feels like semi-retirement! I love these hours-this must be why people become
teachers; weekends off, great vacation schedules and most people are healthy!
There haven't been too many days when I've missed the health care scene. I
continue to be amazed at how I enjoy working with young children. It was an area
I had never explored (except as a mother, I suppose).
Bert and I continue to be thankful for the added time we can spend together. These past two years have given us more time for reading, Scrabble, hiking, and travel. We miss the church community that we were so much a part of in Ontario. We attend church at St. John's Cathedral and we increasingly enjoy the sermons, liturgy and concern for social justice which we find part of the Cathedral. Kenton and Julie meet us there and after the service we find some place to have lunch and visit. We feel very fortunate to have them close. They live on one of the other islands and generally come for dinner and a sleep-over once a week. Though our families are far from us we do feel fortunate to be able to connect With them quite regularly.
Hong Kong is a transient community, especially with so many expatriates living here. This makes it difficult to establish friendships, though acquaintances are plentiful. In spite of this we have developed strong friendships with several couples here and meet weekly with them. We also continue to have friends and family stopping in on their way to and from many Asian destinations. We have yet to find a substitute for the fellowship that we experienced at Waterloo North. Our thoughts are with you.
-Martha and Bert L
When Emily, age 5, was asked this question by her parents she responded that
"we talked about Joshua who went to Egypt". Her parents responded,
"Don't you mean Joseph?". "No it is Joshua." "Are you
sure it isn't the story about Joshua breaking down the walls at Jericho?"
"No," Emily replied impatiently, "we were talking about the
Joshua [C-A] from my Sunday School class who went to Egypt".
There is a play group for pre-schoolers and their parents and caregivers that meets every Monday morning from 10-11:30 in the fellowship hall for informal play and social time. Children love the great variety of toys and parents love the opportunity to drink coffee, meet and make connections with other parents.
"Let's Play" was formed in January of 1996 by Lynn BF under the auspices of the Missions and Service Committee. A small group of six parents and their children began meeting at church once a week. It gradually grew that first year, mainly by word of mouth, until it was a sizable group. I remember the warm welcome I received from Lynn the first week I came to "Let's Play" and how quickly I was included by other parents in the group. "Let's Play" has developed a reputation for being a warm and welcoming place for parents and children.
Parents are responsible for supervising their own children. Cost for
attending "Let's Play" is an optional $1 donation per family per
visit. No registration is necessary. "Let's Play" closes With a circle
time of songs for parents and children.
I took over as coordinator of "Let's Play" in September of 1998.
Throughout September and October, our numbers were high. On average, there were
between eighty and ninety people attending each week, with seven or eight new
parents per week.
During November and December, first-time attenders trickled down to one or two
per week and we averaged between sixty and seventy people each week. Those
numbers felt a little more manageable although our numbers are up again in
January. With more than twenty-five parents and fifty children using the space,
it makes for an active morning!
There is a wonderful group of volunteers from the church who have been
helping to provide a healthy snack each
week for the children. Marcella M, Barb C, Erica J, Eileen L, Helen I, and Elsie
F not only provide snacks but also offer a warm welcome to the parents and
children, reflecting some of the warmth of our church community.
That we are meeting a need, I hear repeatedly from parents. They comment on the wonderful space we have-the light, the size of the room, the great selection of clean and fun toys, the people willing to volunteer their time in the kitchen, and the warm welcome they receive from other parents. They also say how much their children look forward to coming.
"Let's Play" functions as a significant part of the witness and mission of the Waterloo North Mennonite Church. Opportunities for parents and children to make connections with Waterloo North as a church community have grown out of these interactions.
-Cindy L
As I write this, I am only eleven days into my new role as a 1/4 time Minister with Responsibility for Youth and Young Adults, but already my excitement about this work is growing. I recently sat in on a Youth Executive meeting and was impressed by the energy and enthusiasm of this group. Together, they worked on plans to make their dream of attending the "Peace it Together" conference in Winnipeg a reality. As a congregation, we have a tremendous opportunity to give concrete support to the Youth in this project.
Our support for the various programs, activities, and curriculum available for youth and young adults must remain grounded in our broader vision for youth and young adult ministry at Waterloo North. Our goal as a congregation is to provide the context in which youth and young adults can choose to become rooted and grounded in a community of faith, and then continue to grow and flourish in that community.
In a recent sermon, I noted that our respect and support for the youth and young adults in this process commits us as individuals and as a congregation to at least three underlying priorities:
1. We commit ourselves to pray for the youth and young adults in our programs
and on the periphery of our programs by name. Paul's prayer in Ephesians 3:14-21
can guide us in this task.
2. We commit ourselves to becoming more familiar with and living in confidence
of the goodness of our faith heritage. In doing so, we will strive to remain
open to youth and young adults in their searching and normal process of
individuation. We will find opportunities to deliberately discuss issues of
faith with youth and young adults in non-threatening ways.
3. We commit ourselves to an understanding of ministry that is mutual,
inter-generational and relational, ultimately fostering connections with each
other that nurture all of us. Our activities will intentionally work towards
helping youth and young adults foster this connectedness - with each other,
within their families, within the congregation, within their communities, to the
conference, to God and to the faith story of this denomination and the wider
church.
"Peace it Together" is a wonderful example of an experience that
can foster better connectedness to the conference.
By the time this goes to print, I will have met with the group known as
"The Youth Leaders" (Junior Youth and Youth Sponsors, Young Adult
Coordinators, Youth Mentor Coordinators, and Youth Sunday School Teachers). The
goal of this meeting is to hear their input on where I should focus my energy as
a resource person to them, supporting and facilitating their work in the light
of the three priorities. Of course, not everything that could be done will get
done, but we will remain undaunted!
I think I can venture to speak for all of us and say that we covet your ongoing prayers and your support as a congregation in our work.
-Lynn Bergsma Friesen
The weapons of the world are constantly updated to kill with more punch, more ease and with less discretion about the target. Each new military advance makes older forms of combat more obsolete.
The U.S. Air Force can now provide a picture of any area on the planet from a high altitude spy plane in less than six hours. That's one example of military advancement. So what's the problem? Whenever we start to think that we have reached some threshold of military terror, a point where things can't get any worse and won't escalate, the military advancements go on.
Does that mean we should predict the end of the world? No. The world is strong. She will survive. Or will there be a nuclear holocaust that will bring the end? Will nuclear weapons be the only mercy that we will see in bringing about quick death?
I suggest that although we may not be able to eliminate the effects of deadly military decisions made in the past, the values that we hold precious now will write the course of the future. Because if nuclear weapons are allowed to become a universal standard of military activity, the next revolution in arms will be even deadlier.
I will have nothing to do with war. Glorifying war or idealizing war is a terrible crime. It creates false impressions for young people in our society, who are then eager to join the military system and to accept its assumptions. But that's just it! Impressions! We are vulnerable to impressions about War, and those impressions - or judgments - or views - or perceptions - whatever you want to call them, all differ.
I guess my problem is that war always has victors and those who are defeated. It always has those who invade and those who yield. But isn't that what life, and especially war, is? Full of consequences.
Wars begin when people stop listening to each other. So you say, "Are you trying to tell me that 'Send in the marines' and 'Scraper fidelis' don't work?" But that's the problem. We reduce military conflict to a motto, a mere handful of words. We simplify so many things to the point in which everything becomes an in-your-pocket phrase that sounds great and moves people to action. In politics. In law. And in war.
But many things simply can't be distilled into a pretty little package that you call "all the news you need" or "current events". Current events is not a discussion. It's not a leaflet or even a newscast. It's a book, a BIG book. If you try to make current events like Reader's Digest and condense them and box them for those who think current events have to be made bite-sized, then our societal knowledge and our civil power will decrease.
So you say, "Do you think life is supposed to be fair? The concept of fairness depends on the existence of an established set of rules. Things are fair when people follow the rules, and are unfair when they break the rules, and get away with it. In life, no such rules exist. Therefore, the concept of fairness isn't applicable in life."
Perhaps I am not entitled to something, but I still believe that life is fair. God tells us that life is worth living for our enjoyment and therefore, we should not deprive someone of his or her time here on earth.
Consider the soldier. He is paid to do what you and I could be imprisoned for as civilians. The only difference between us is that the government supplies him with his weapons, clothes him and feeds him; they fly him to other parts of the world where he meets interesting people and then kills them in the name of freedom for all those enslaved or democracy for all those who are oppressed or some other grandiose motive.
But you say, "It's a job, like any other. It's the dirty work that requires our culture to survive. We are on top, and it's our price to pay."
-Conrad E, derived from a chapel presentation at Rockway Mennonite Collegiate in December 1998
The editors of Reflections asked the chair of CMC to outline major issues and concerns facing the congregation. I welcome this opportunity to share with you some of those items that occupy considerable time on the Church Ministries Council agenda.
Ministry Staff
Moving from an 80% position in Dan Nighswander's era to one and a quarter positions now has been an important step in meeting the needs of our growing congregation. What is the right level of staffing? Is our paid staff deployed to the best advantage? We value your input.
Office Support Staff
Alice and Sheri staff the office four half days a week but it has already been identified that this needs to be increased.
Ministry Team
Having a group of lay ministers to assist paid staff is very important to how we work together. CMC is striving to have at least four persons on the team but recognizes that in a church of our size the team will always be in transition and that we must be much more flexible, taking into consideration people's interests, skills, and time availability.
Congregational Pastoral Care
Pastoral care in its broadest sense can be delivered by many persons in the congregation. A proposal is being developed called a "Congregational Care Team" (not to be confused with "care groups".) It is planned that the Congregational Care Team will receive direction from Ministry Team. What is your experience? What do you think of this approach?
Abuse Prevention Policy
The Mennonite Conference of Eastern Canada (MCEC) is encouraging all churches to develop an Abuse Prevention Policy. Waterloo North is very fortunate to have several professionals working in the field who have willingly prepared such a policy statement. The challenge now is to find ways of adapting it to meet our congregation's specific needs and wishes and then implementing it.
Incorporation
Similarly MCEC is encouraging churches to consider incorporation. In fact incorporation may become essential to full implementation of the above policy. While this has been on Waterloo North's agenda for some time, more work needs to be done. Can you help?
Nursery
With six or seven expectant mothers in the congregation we are assured of a full nursery for now and in the near future. Are the two nursery spaces which we have adequate to meet all our needs?
Let's Play
This has been identified as an important outreach program of the congregation. How do we meet the increased demand? Is it time to consider adding an outdoor playground for summer use? There are playground kits stored in the attic available for construction.
Completing our Building
Much has been done to meet our growing needs: paving the parking lot, acquiring a new fax machine, file cabinet, and a third bulletin board, dividing one of the upstairs classrooms, and building railings and a lift for the physically challenged as well as new Sunday school cupboards.
Many items remain on the agenda: new chairs, cemetery options, playground, windows in classroom doors, the one acre lot. Both the Landscape Committee (Tony Bender) and the Growth Task Force (Dale Brubacher-Cressman) will provide input. What are your priorities? Plan to attend the mid year congregational meeting on April 25 and enter into the discussion.
Youth
We are privileged to have a large and active youth and young adult contingent in our congregation. With Lynn's leadership we anticipate that this group will continue to flourish and grow.
Growth Task Force
While steps have been taken to meet our current needs in terms of size, it is important that we become proactive in planning for our future. The GTF will no doubt ask for your input into this process. CMC views this as a longer-term process requiring a lot of diligent process. What are your thoughts?
- Henry P.
Check out our Videos!
The Library Committee is working to build up a video library, particularly for children. We have made some purchases, but most of the videos we have are on loan from the Mennonite Resource Centre.
We ask parents to be with their children when, videos are taken out. A $1.00 rental fee is being charged to help us maintain our video library and update it. Videos are to be kept for one week only so more persons have a chance to see them. We appreciate your cooperation in following these guidelines.
New Videos on Loan from the Resource Centre
Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
C.S. Lewis's classic tale is retold in live action as Lucy, Peter, Susan and Edmund return to the land of Narnia to find that it is ruled by the corrupt King Mira. Together with Prince Caspian, they fight an epic battle between good and evil.
Folktales of Peace II
Three separate folktales about getting along with others. This popular MCC production can be enjoyed by children and adults.
Gerbert, The Doctor
Gerbert has a doctor's appointment and he is afraid. He learns from several Bible stories that fear and courage go together and that God will be our strength.
Jesus Teaches
The Gospels are full of wonderful stories about Jesus ... and stories Jesus told. Included in this video: "The Lost Coin," "The Good Samaritan," and 'The Log and the Speck".
Living God's Way
Well-known Bible stories are retold through storytelling, animation, puppetry and drama. Included are: Noah's Ark, Miriam and Moses, The Prodigal Son, Joseph's Coat of Many Colors, Naomi and Ruth, David and Goliath.
Los Ninos
Victor and Samuel live in Santa Cruz, Bolivia where they go to school in the morning, wash car windows to earn money for their family in the afternoon and finally get help with their homework in a Mennonite Central Committee tutoring program.
McGee and Me: Take Me out of the Ball Game
Nicholas and McGee with the help of special guest Orel Hershiser - learn about the importance of keeping things in the right perspective and putting faith in God, not people.
Story Keepers: Breakout
The year is A.D. 64 ... and in Rome, the church faces fierce persecution. Driven into hiding, Christians gather wherever it's safe. At secret meetings, they learn about Jesus of Nazareth.
Veggie Tales. Where's God When I'm Scared!
Jr. Asparagus watches a Frankencelery movie that's a little too scary for him.
Veggie Tales. A Very Silly Sing-Along
A hilarious sing-along collection of everyone's favourite tunes from earlier Veggie Tales videos.
By Barbara Kingsolver
There are few things I like better than a good story. Then, if it's a wholesome story with themes like the power of love, or holding fast to one's values, I count myself truly blessed.
The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver was such a book. It is the story of Taylor, a young woman who's grown up in. a small U.S. town where teenage pregnancy is the trap of many young women. Taylor manages to evade this trap with the help of the unconditional confidence and love of her mother -- a single parent herself Having escaped the trap, Taylor decides to escape the whole small town existence. She sets out on her own, in a dilapidated V.W., heading west to embrace her adult life. She has no definite plan other than to drive as far as the old V.W. will take her.
As Taylor's adventure evolves, Kingsolver shows how love, community and social action can transform life's tragedies. This warm tale had me laughing aloud and then weeping. It is a lovely, warm story full of rich characters that were real and loveable.
The themes in The Bean Trees are especially timely for young adults, but I enjoyed it immensely, and I'm middle aged., If you haven't read The Bean Trees, do pick it up. It's a great escape with many lessons for life.
By the way the book is in our library thanks to the donation of Sarah H. I hope one day well have more of Kingsolver's novels on our shelves.
Lorrie L.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - If you would like to help staff the library on a Sunday morning, please contact one of the members of the Library Committee: Anne B, Chris H, Marg K., Eileen L, Janet M, Edith S