The Barkman's

Darnell and Christina, Mennonite Church Canada Witness workers in the Philippines, are recipients of Mennonite Women Canada's Pennies and Prayer Legacy Fund.   Their  latest newsletter was recently posted on our web page.  You might also want to check out their BLOG. Christina writes:

Hello dear friends and family! We hope this finds you well. Once again, we'd like to share what the last couple months have looked like for us here in the Philippines. We are so thankful for the work we can be part of and also for all your support. We look forward to seeing many of you in August, when we come home for a visit!

Blessings,

Christina 

If you would like to read their previous newsletters click here. 

Inspirational Day for BC Women

Here's the poster for the BC Women's Inspirational Day scheduled for Saturday, May 4.  Check out the MCBC Women's Ministry blog to find out what else the women in that province are involved in.

"CONNECTIONS" is finally here!

Sorry for the delay in posting our latest "Connections" newsletter.  It is now on file on our web site which is being revamped by the communications department at Mennonite Church Canada.  Bit by bit our web site is getting updated and will have a new look!  Thanks to Grant and the communications staff at MC Canada for their expertise!

WMCEC Enrichment Day

Snow flurries and a cold wind were not enough to keep 310 MCEC women from participating in a wonderful Spring Enrichment Day at Tavistock Mennonite Church yesterday.  Thanks to the executive and the program committee for the planning and organizing and to the Tavistock women for your hospitality a wonderful lunch meal.  I was inspired by the speaker, Terri Plank Brenneman, the music, and I enjoyed the fellowship with my Sisters is Christ.   A report of the day's events will be posted soon!

Enrichment Day for SWM

Below you will find the poster advertising the upcoming SWM Enrichment Day taking place on Saturday, April 27.  Our area/provincial women's organizations host spring and fall events to which all women are invited.  If you've never attended these informative and inspirational days I encourage you to do so.  You'll learn more about your provincial and national women's organizations, be inspired by the speaker and meet some wonderful women.

Enrichment Day for WMCEC

Below you will find the poster advertising the upcoming WMCEC Enrichment Day happening on April 20.  Our area/provincial women's organizations host spring and fall events to which all women are invited.  Posters from other areas will be added to the blog in the next few days.  If you've never attended these informative and inspirational days I encourage you to do so.  You'll learn more about your provincial and national women's organizations, be inspired by the speaker and meet some wonderful women.

Women walking together in faith - March 2013 - "Gardening delights over generations"

Every second month, MW Canada is responsible for a page in the Canadian Mennonite under the heading "Women Walking Together in Faith".  A list of recent articles appeared in a previous post.    The most recent article was in the March 18 issue and was titled "Gardening delights over generations", written by Liz Koop, President of MW Canada.

Hopefully spring has already arrived in your area.  I'm looking forward to working in my garden soon.

My niece and nephew, Katie and Elijah, are willing helpers!

Echinacea, petunias, coral bells, rock roses and iris 

MW Canada embraces social media

A news release from Mennonite Church Canada - April 4, 2013

Winnipeg, MB — Mennonite Women Canada’s leadership launched a Facebook augmented communications strategy when they met in Winnipeg for Mennonite Church Canada’s Spring Leadership Assembly, March 7-9.

They are already active bloggers (http://mennowomencanada.blogspot.ca/) and produce a regular e-newsletter. Area Church reps are developing email databases to grow connections with women from across the country.

“A lot of women do not know that a national women’s organization of the church exists,” says Liz Koop, President. “We hope to become more visible.”  The group will also continue communicating through traditional media. They unfurled a collection of new banners, large and small, featuring 1 Peter 4:10, a verse that describes Mennonite Women Canada ministry: “As each has received a gift, employ it for one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”

Mennonite Women Canada nurture life in Christ by sharing their gifts, supporting one another and serving in ministry “across the street and around the world.” The group raises funds to support Mennonite Church Canada international ministry work, operates a spiritual growth assistance fund, and helps young adults explore matters of faith through Radical Journey.

Although finding volunteers to represent each of the five Area Churches has been a challenge in recent years, Koop says,” I’m really happy to report that this is the first time since 2008 we have a full complement of representatives.” Elsie Wiebe representing Mennonite Church Manitoba recently joined the team. 

From left to right: Waltrude Gortzen (MCBC rep); Liz Koop (President); Myrna Sawatzky (MC Sask rep.); Linda Wiens (MCEC rep.); Kate Janzen (MCA rep); Elsie Wiebe (MCM rep); and Lois Mierau (Secretary-Treasurer). The banner was designed by Mennonite Church Canada staffer, Megan Kamei, as part of a package of new communications tools for MWC. Photo by Deborah Froese.