| Grace Mennonite Church 677 Niagara St., St. Catharines, ON, L2M 3R4 Tel: 905.935.6112 ● Email: gracemennonite@bellnet.ca |
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At Grace
Focus Group on Sunday after church - We will continue our discussion of questions raised last week.
Women’s Chorus – Sunday, April 29–9:00 am; Sunday, May 6– 11:00 am; Sunday, May 13–9:00 am; Thursday, May 17–6:30 pm
Office Hours– Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9 am to 12 pm.
Women’s Chorus – Sunday, April 29–9:00 am; Sunday, May 6– 11:00 am; Sunday, May 13–9:00 am; Thursday, May 17–6:30 pm
Office Hours– Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9 am to 12 pm.
Across the Street and Around the World!
Bridge of Hope will be collecting items for the next family arriving within a few weeks. For a checklist of items needed check with Irmgard Penner or David Brubacher.
Niagara Area Mennonite Hymn Sing - Let’s sing together! Sunday, April 29, 6:30 p.m. at St. Catharines United Mennonite Church. We will sing hymns and songs from our faith heritage as well as feature the singing of our choral groups. Refreshments will follow the hour of music making. All are welcome, bring a friend! For more information, please contact either Alf Redekopp -289-362-5963 or Louise Wideman – 905-562-4422, or Annie Schulz – 905-562-8129.
The End of Us & Them. A conversation about poverty in Niagara. May 11 & 12. Friday 7-9 p.m. at Westview Christian Fellowship, Saturday 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m. at Vineland United Mennonite. Guest speakers: Hugo and Doreen Neufeld and Carol Penner. $10 registration at Grace Mennonite Church office. See poster for more details.
Ten Thousand Villages in Niagara-On-The-Lake is looking for volunteers for our 2nd Annual Fair Trade Rug Event! Our store will be hosting over 100 rugs from Pakistan that come in a wide range of sizes and styles. We are looking for help with loading and unloading the rugs on Thursday, May 24th from approximately 12pm-5pm and Monday, June 11th from approximately 9:00am-12:00pm. We are looking for volunteers with strong arms and backs as the rugs can by heavy and due to repetitive lifting. If you would like to help please contact Teresa Friesen at niagara@villages.ca or 905-468-5242.
Niagara Area Mennonite Hymn Sing - Let’s sing together! Sunday, April 29, 6:30 p.m. at St. Catharines United Mennonite Church. We will sing hymns and songs from our faith heritage as well as feature the singing of our choral groups. Refreshments will follow the hour of music making. All are welcome, bring a friend! For more information, please contact either Alf Redekopp -289-362-5963 or Louise Wideman – 905-562-4422, or Annie Schulz – 905-562-8129.
The End of Us & Them. A conversation about poverty in Niagara. May 11 & 12. Friday 7-9 p.m. at Westview Christian Fellowship, Saturday 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m. at Vineland United Mennonite. Guest speakers: Hugo and Doreen Neufeld and Carol Penner. $10 registration at Grace Mennonite Church office. See poster for more details.
Ten Thousand Villages in Niagara-On-The-Lake is looking for volunteers for our 2nd Annual Fair Trade Rug Event! Our store will be hosting over 100 rugs from Pakistan that come in a wide range of sizes and styles. We are looking for help with loading and unloading the rugs on Thursday, May 24th from approximately 12pm-5pm and Monday, June 11th from approximately 9:00am-12:00pm. We are looking for volunteers with strong arms and backs as the rugs can by heavy and due to repetitive lifting. If you would like to help please contact Teresa Friesen at niagara@villages.ca or 905-468-5242.
Outreach and Insight!
Intergenerational Life! – On Wednesday, March 21, eight of our Grace women spent an hour with the Northend Preschool children in a happy time of singing together. This was the launch of new initiative of outreach for our church where occasionally some of us as seniors can participate in a brief time of life-sharing fun and learning with the children who come regularly to our church building.
The next event – to be held Wednesday, April 25 at 10 a.m. in the Fellowship Room – will be a Bird House build. Joanne Janzen, the Preschool Coordinator, needs 8 Grace people to come enjoy a special time with the children. She writes: “My brother is a carpenter and he is going to precut all the pieces. It will be minimal amount of work to put it together. Then they can paint it or decorate it together.” Let the church office know if you are able to come participate.
The next event – to be held Wednesday, April 25 at 10 a.m. in the Fellowship Room – will be a Bird House build. Joanne Janzen, the Preschool Coordinator, needs 8 Grace people to come enjoy a special time with the children. She writes: “My brother is a carpenter and he is going to precut all the pieces. It will be minimal amount of work to put it together. Then they can paint it or decorate it together.” Let the church office know if you are able to come participate.
Floral Showhouse and Peace Garden
Grace Mennonite Women invite all women to a tour of the Floral Showhouse, on the Niagara Parkway and lunch at the Mandarin Restaurant, St. Cath. We will meet at the church at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, April 9. Cost of the tour is $ 4.50. Cost of the lunch is $11.69. Sign up on the GMW bulletin board
Springing Toward Gardening - As the days lengthen and weather gradually warms up, we begin to anticipate garden glories. Watch for Peace Garden and Diversity Garden announcements coming up in mid-April.
Springing Toward Gardening - As the days lengthen and weather gradually warms up, we begin to anticipate garden glories. Watch for Peace Garden and Diversity Garden announcements coming up in mid-April.
ACROSS THE STREET AND AROUND THE WORLD
Invitation from St. Catharines United Mennonite Church
The Praise and Worship Choir welcomes all to hear the cantata “The Easter Story” during the Easter morning 11:00 a.m. service April 1
The Niagara Community Male Chorus will present its annual Good Friday concert at Fairview MB Church, on Friday, March 30, at 7:00 p.m.
Radiant Care Pleasant Manor Volunteer Appreciation Tea, Creekview Meeting Room -- Tuesday, April 3, 3:00 p.m. – for all who have regularly volunteered their time to serve the residents and tenants at Pleasant Manor and Heritage Place.
The Praise and Worship Choir welcomes all to hear the cantata “The Easter Story” during the Easter morning 11:00 a.m. service April 1
The Niagara Community Male Chorus will present its annual Good Friday concert at Fairview MB Church, on Friday, March 30, at 7:00 p.m.
Radiant Care Pleasant Manor Volunteer Appreciation Tea, Creekview Meeting Room -- Tuesday, April 3, 3:00 p.m. – for all who have regularly volunteered their time to serve the residents and tenants at Pleasant Manor and Heritage Place.
OUTREACH & INSIGHT
The Prayer of Saint Patrick (excerpt)
I arise today through God's strength to pilot me;
God's might to uphold me, God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me, God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me, God's hand to guard me,
God's way to lie before me…
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,
Christ in the heart of every [one] who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of every [one] who speaks of me,
Christ in the eye that sees me, Christ in the ear that hears me.
I arise today through God's strength to pilot me;
God's might to uphold me, God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me, God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me, God's hand to guard me,
God's way to lie before me…
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,
Christ in the heart of every [one] who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of every [one] who speaks of me,
Christ in the eye that sees me, Christ in the ear that hears me.
At Grace
At the Annual Meeting, Lyn Beckett's intention to retire from her office staff role was announced. Lyn will be completing her time in that position the end of March. We are grateful for her dedicated service over the last 13 years. Beginning April 3, Ester Funk, (a member of Vineland UM Church) will assume the role of Office Administrator. A time to celebrate Lyn's service will be announced.
Soup Supper – The total donation to the Brock Indigenous Student Emergency Fund was $600.00. Thank you very much for your generosity to help students needing some assistance.
Women’s Chorus – Today, March 11 – 11:00 a.m.
Sunday, March 18 – 9:00 a.m., Thurs., March 22 – 6:30 p.m.,
Sunday, March 25 – 9:00 a.m.
Soup Supper – The total donation to the Brock Indigenous Student Emergency Fund was $600.00. Thank you very much for your generosity to help students needing some assistance.
Women’s Chorus – Today, March 11 – 11:00 a.m.
Sunday, March 18 – 9:00 a.m., Thurs., March 22 – 6:30 p.m.,
Sunday, March 25 – 9:00 a.m.
Outreach and Insight
Visit the Mohawk Institute - Last call! Let Doug Schulz know if you would like transportation to visit the Mohawk Institute and Royal Chapel of the Mohawks in Brantford on Saturday, March 24. This is an opportunity to follow Mennonite Church Canada's encouragement for congregations to become friends in relationship with indigenous neighbours.
Watershed Protection - Kevin McCabe has provided us with a memo full of significant information about a threat to the Thundering Waters forest in Niagara Falls. Please ask Doug S for a copy if interested.
Watershed Protection - Kevin McCabe has provided us with a memo full of significant information about a threat to the Thundering Waters forest in Niagara Falls. Please ask Doug S for a copy if interested.
A Message from Westview Christian Fellowship
They are grateful for the $515.00 donation from Grace Mennonite. The Westview Christian Fellowship and Westview Centre 4 Women share space with Quest Community Church, seven recovery groups, Sex Trade Recovery Services (STARS), many community events, and much more. Donations this year allowed them to install an accessible washroom on the upper level and a high-heat laundry service on the lower level. It is the only one of its kind in Niagara – it kills bedbugs. This year, the Fellowship was accepted into the MCEC conference. See www.westviewcf.com/
Remember to pray for and work for
. . . those among us facing health challenges.
. . . the many people affected by the Portland Florida school killings.
. . . Wellesley Mennonite Church, one of the MCEC faith communities.
. . . MDS volunteers as they travel to and from locations, handle tools, repair, and build homes and bring hope to disaster survivors
. . . the families of the two Christian Aid Ministries (CAM) volunteers killed in a vehicle accident in North Carolina last week. MDS mourns their loss and expresses condolences to the families and staff of CAM.
. . . for the staff, volunteers and customers of MCC's new rePurpose Centre as they work long hours getting ready for opening day on March 1 and that this venture be full of integrity, generosity, fruitfulness, and provision. http://mccrepurposecentre.com/
. . . Witness Workers, Bock Ki Kim & Sook Kyoung Park (South Korea). Pray for peace during the Winter Olympics which are taking place in Pyeongchang, South Korea (an hour’s drive from their home). Their prayer is “to see peace and reconciliation in the relations between North and South Korea, as well as for all nations, through a spirit of sportsmanship during and beyond the game.”
. . . the many people affected by the Portland Florida school killings.
. . . Wellesley Mennonite Church, one of the MCEC faith communities.
. . . MDS volunteers as they travel to and from locations, handle tools, repair, and build homes and bring hope to disaster survivors
. . . the families of the two Christian Aid Ministries (CAM) volunteers killed in a vehicle accident in North Carolina last week. MDS mourns their loss and expresses condolences to the families and staff of CAM.
. . . for the staff, volunteers and customers of MCC's new rePurpose Centre as they work long hours getting ready for opening day on March 1 and that this venture be full of integrity, generosity, fruitfulness, and provision. http://mccrepurposecentre.com/
. . . Witness Workers, Bock Ki Kim & Sook Kyoung Park (South Korea). Pray for peace during the Winter Olympics which are taking place in Pyeongchang, South Korea (an hour’s drive from their home). Their prayer is “to see peace and reconciliation in the relations between North and South Korea, as well as for all nations, through a spirit of sportsmanship during and beyond the game.”
This Week at a Glance
MONDAY 9:00 a.m. GMW making buns – CH, Kit
TUESDAY 10:45 a.m. Exercise Group – FR
WEDNESDAY 1:30 p.m. Pastoral Care Network
3:00 p.m. Church Council –SS Room
THURSDAY 9:00 a.m. Quilting – FR
FRIDAY 10:45 a.m. Exercise Group -- FR
SUNDAY 9:30 a.m. Pastor David, Speaker
Annual Meeting
TUESDAY 10:45 a.m. Exercise Group – FR
WEDNESDAY 1:30 p.m. Pastoral Care Network
3:00 p.m. Church Council –SS Room
THURSDAY 9:00 a.m. Quilting – FR
FRIDAY 10:45 a.m. Exercise Group -- FR
SUNDAY 9:30 a.m. Pastor David, Speaker
Annual Meeting
Job Opportunity
Grace Linwell Retirement Community (671 Niagara Street, St. Catharines) currently requires a Maintenance person for general repairs, maintenance, and property oversight. This is a contract position with flexible hours, typically in the range of 15 hours per week. The job would be perfect for a retired individual who is handy and able to handle a variety of general maintenance duties. Remuneration is approximately $1,030 per month.
To apply for this position, or for further information, please contact Ted Kopp @ 905-938-8383 or via email at thkopp@sympatico.ca
To apply for this position, or for further information, please contact Ted Kopp @ 905-938-8383 or via email at thkopp@sympatico.ca
At Grace
We welcome Bryan Moyer-Suderman to our worship service. Bryan is a singer-song writer and Bible teacher. He is in the Niagara area doing a workshop on “Reading the Bible with Jesus”.
Calling All Quilters – The women will be quilting (both tying and fine quilting) Thursday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Please join them. No previous experience is necessary. (Photo is from wikipedia.)
Soup Supper – Thursday, February 1 at 5:30 p.m. Donations will help the Westview Centre4Women. Please use the sign-up sheet on the lobby bulletin board if you can bring donations of bread, soup, and desserts. We sincerely appreciate your help. The next (and last) soup supper is March 1.
Grace Mennonite Women -- Grace women will be making meat buns (Fleisch Perishky) on Monday, February 12 at 9:00 a.m. All women are invited to come, no experience is required. We will be offering fellowship, coffee break, and a soup lunch. Women can come and go during the morning, as it suits them.
Calling All Quilters – The women will be quilting (both tying and fine quilting) Thursday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Please join them. No previous experience is necessary. (Photo is from wikipedia.)
Soup Supper – Thursday, February 1 at 5:30 p.m. Donations will help the Westview Centre4Women. Please use the sign-up sheet on the lobby bulletin board if you can bring donations of bread, soup, and desserts. We sincerely appreciate your help. The next (and last) soup supper is March 1.
Grace Mennonite Women -- Grace women will be making meat buns (Fleisch Perishky) on Monday, February 12 at 9:00 a.m. All women are invited to come, no experience is required. We will be offering fellowship, coffee break, and a soup lunch. Women can come and go during the morning, as it suits them.
Soup Supper
$285.00 was donated to Pastor Accilien’s ministry in Haiti. Thank you, Grace congregation and friends, for your generosity and support.
REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR
. . . MDS and MCC responding to many global disasters.
. . . newcomers who have found homes in Ontario and their sponsors’ love and compassion.
. . . refugees who languish in refugee camps for decades with little prospect of resettlement.
. . . Bock Ki Kim and Sook Kyoung Park, who are encouraged by the small group meetings held in Seoul every Sunday (of which Bock Ki is part). Group members enjoy reading, studying, and sharing together their lives through the Gospel of John. The group hopes to serve as a seed bed for the formation of a worshipping community in the future. We pray along with Bock Ki and Sook Kyoung that this will happen.
. . . the Hoi An Mennonite Church in Vietnam. The congregation celebrated the construction of a new building and their 25th anniversary with a gathering of more than 300 people! Pastor Sang shared, “We thank the Lord that in this first day of celebrating Christmas in the new church we have six persons believing in the Lord.”
Outreach and Insight
SEEDS OF CHANGE – Elsewhere in this bulletin is a note reminding us of the Bryan Moyer Suderman workshop day to be held at Bethany Mennonite Church on January 27. I hope you will consider attending. Bryan wrote on his blog in November about an interesting experience meeting a man wrestling with his demons from military participation in the Vietnam War. The man had listened to Bryan’s songs an one of them had reached deep into his heart. Now the man was selling his gun collection to donate the money to his local church. Here are the words that had ‘touched’ the man:
“Oh the songs of war are all around
I can hear them wherever I go
There’s a drumbeat of worry, the frightening sound
Of an enemy at your door
If we’d get a look at the enemy’s face
I wonder just what we might see
Could it be that the people in some other place
Are planting their seeds just like me…”
“Oh the songs of war are all around
I can hear them wherever I go
There’s a drumbeat of worry, the frightening sound
Of an enemy at your door
If we’d get a look at the enemy’s face
I wonder just what we might see
Could it be that the people in some other place
Are planting their seeds just like me…”
