wmbchurch.ca
STAY CONNECTED.
FEBRUARY 2016
Hoping to find out more about WMB Church, or to go a little deeper
in your walk with Jesus? Good! At WMB Church, we’re all about
relationships—with God, with the church, and with the world. We’d
love for February to be a connections month for you, whether that
be a first connect or a chance to explore something new. There’s
a lot going on—from drama; to pancakes; to Home Groups; to
Community Groups; to activities for all ages, from kids to seniors.
So make sure you find something of interest here, ‘In the Loop’.
Then take a next step. All you need to do is sign up, and show up!
We look forward to continuing the journey together with you.
Current
Message Series
Sunday Mornings,
9 + 10:45am
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.
It’s been said
that relationships
would be easy—
if it weren’t for the
people in them!
People always bring
interesting dynamics.
There’s a particular
story told in the
book of Luke about a father and his two sons.
Although both are deeply loved by their dad,
the younger son journeys along an avenue of
grace, while his older brother chooses a street
of bitterness.
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.
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.
Join us as we unpack the drama of the
prodigal son—a story which challenges us
in our own choices as we relate to
one another.
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.
February 14: The Selfish Son
February 21: The Bitter Brother
DIG DEEPER
The Prayer Room (Room 213 behind the
Chapel) is available for private prayer.
OSPE
E G
L
F•
Join us in reading through the
Gospel of Luke. Pick up your
10-week reading plan bookmark
at the Welcome Centre.
TH
Luke
O
Current and archived message audio,
notes and discussion questions
are available on our website at
wmbchurch.ca/messages
•
February 28: The Forgiving Father
During Communion, gluten-free crackers
are provided in the centre of the bread plate
for anyone requiring this option.
10-W EEK
REA DIN
G PLA
N
Our mes
sage serie
s leading
Easter
will be
up to
rooted
of Luke
in the Gos
. Read
pel
through
book with
the who
us usin
le
g this 10-w
reading
plan (five
eek
readings
each wee
for
k on the
back of
bookma
this
rk). As
you read
the follo
, conside
wing que
r
stions:
1 Wha
t was Luke
trying to
his orig
say to
inal aud
ience?
the con
Look at
text in
a commen
(in you
tary
r study
Bible or
online).
2 Give
n the con
text, wha
transfer
t is a
able trut
h for toda
y?
3 How
can you
persona
the text
lly apply
to your
life?
UPC OMI
NG MES
SAG E SER
You Don
IES
't Complet
January
e Me
3, 10, 17,
24 & 31
Grace Ave
nue or
Bitter Stre
Februar
y 7, 14,
et?
21 & 28
Life of
the Part
y
March 6
& 13
WMB Chur
245 Lexi ch
ngton Rd
Waterloo
,
N2K 2E1 ON
wmbchur
ch.ca
2
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.
Connect
+ Serve
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.
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 child care
is provided.
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.
CHALLENGES OF PARENTING WORKSHOP |
Wednesday, February 10, 7-8:30pm, Portable
This practical and interactive workshop hosted by
Barnabas Missions will explore communication,
building good relationships, being present, and
dealing with the pressures of being a parent and
the guilt we tend to place on ourselves. This is a
free workshop, and all are welcome – come, and
invite a friend to join you. Facilitated by Christian
Psychotherapist Ron Hallman. Childcare will
be provided.
SATURDAY,
FEBRUARY 20
WORSHIP + THE ARTS
Walk with us on Saturday, February 20, in
the Coldest Night of the Year, a fun, familyfriendly walking fundraiser that raises money
for the hungry, homeless and hurting in 100+
communities across Canada. Funds raised by
the WMB team support our long-term local
partner Ray of Hope in downtown Kitchener.
EASTER CHOIR
Sing in the Easter Choir conducted by
Robert Shuh. Rehearsals will be:
Sundays, March 6, 13, and 20, 12:15-2:30pm, and
Tuesday, March 22, 7:15-9:15pm.
Contact Lisa Matthews, Director, Worship & Arts
and Facilities if you’re interesting in participating.
How YOU can participate:
WALK: Join the “Chilled & Thrilled
@WMB” team. Register online or look for
a representative in the foyer on Sunday
mornings to sign up.
WMB PRAYER INTERCESSION TEAM |
Tuesdays, 7-8:30pm, Room 210
Prayer lays a solid foundation for the Church and
for living. Join us as we call upon God to broaden
His influence in our church, our community and
our lives.
GIVE: Go online to sponsor the
WMB team or an individual walker.
coldestnightoftheyear.org
3
Connect + Serve CONTINUED
KIDS MINISTRY
EASTER DRAMA TEAM
Interested in participating in
our Good Friday or Easter Sunday
drama team? Contact Michelle
Herrle at 519.884.7935 or
[email protected]
DISCOVER
DISCIPLESHIP SERIES
Looking for more
ways to serve?
Visit wmbchurch.ca/
serve/volunteer
or contact the
Church Office.
CHILD DEDICATION |
Sunday, April 10, 3:30-5pm,
Lower Auditorium
Register at the Welcome Centre or
online at wmbchurch.ca/connect/
kids by Sunday, March 13. We’ll
celebrate together by hearing some of
the hopes the parents have as they raise
their children, praying with each family and
their children, and making commitments to God
and to one another. Light refreshments will
be served.
DISCOVER FOLLOWING JESUS |
Tuesdays, February 9 – March 1 (4 weeks),
7-9pm, Chapel
Discover following Jesus as a disciple in our
contemporary context through this interactive
study of the encounters Jesus had with ordinary
people. Learn about who He claimed to be, about
His Kingdom, and what it means to follow Him as
a growing disciple at WMB Church.
KIDS MINISTRY OFFERING
This month, kids are giving money toward WMB’s
Coldest Night of the Year team and collecting
practical hygiene items for the Ray of Hope
Community Centre. You’re invited to join us in our
efforts: donations of soap, shampoo, toothbrushes
and toothpaste are all welcome!
Sign up at the Welcome Centre or through
the Church Office. Contact Greg Reed, Pastor,
Family Ministries for more information.
POVERTY
THURSDAYS, FEBRUARY 11, 18 AND 25, 7:30-9PM
Join us for three interactive, educational sessions that will help us, as individuals
and as a community, to better serve those who are marginalized. We strongly
recommend that participants attend all three sessions to gain full benefit from
the series. RSVP to Stefanie MacGregor, Director, Barnabas Local Outreach.
Thursday, February 11:
Thursday, February 18:
Thursday, February 25:
AWARENESS
OF POVERTY
UNDERSTANDING
POVERTY
COMPASSION +
ACTION
Become aware of the
vastness of poverty and
who lives in poverty, and
debunk commonly
held myths.
Begin to understand the
assumptions we make
about poverty, social
norms of poverty culture,
and the effects of
living in poverty.
Begin to shift our new
intellectual learnings into
compassion and the desire
to move to action.
4
YOUNG ADULTS MINISTRY
Invite your friends, coworkers and
neighbours to join you at
YOUNG ADULTS (YA) | Sunday nights
Meet regularly on Sunday nights at various
locations. Stay current on all things YA through
facebook.com/wmb.ya
BARNABAS MISSIONS
LOCAL OUTREACH OPPORTUNITY:
PROVIDING TRANSPORTATION
Barnabas Missions has opportunities for you to help
make it possible for kids and adults in our local
community to attend Barnabas Missions programs
at WMB Church by providing transportation. This
allows people to become familiar with our church
building and begin to feel like they can belong here.
Commitment is flexible. If you have some evening
availability, please contact Stefanie MacGregor,
Director, Barnabas Local Outreach.
Six community and skill building
evenings at WMB Church
Wednesdays,
March 23 – April 27, 6-8pm
A few of our NEW workshops include:
VICTORIA HILLS WINTER FUN DAY |
Monday, February 15, 1-3:30pm
DrumFit | All ages (4+)
Join our certified DrumFit instructor
for fun-filled exercise while drumming
on exercise balls!
You and your family are invited to connect with
our Victoria Hills community at a Family Day
Winter Fun Day. Come to Victoria Hills Community
Centre (10 Chopin Drive, Kitchener) to enjoy hot
chocolate and treats, games, ball hockey, ice
skating, sledding and more!
DIY Maintenance | Ages 18+
Learn a variety of skills for home
maintenance, bike repair, car repair
and plumbing.
We could also use your help to make this
event a success! Can you help in one of the
following ways?
Provide sleds to borrow for the day (softer style).
“Rock, Paper, Paint”
Art Workshop | Ages 11-17
Help facilitate outdoor events (snow soccer,
tug-of-war, road hockey, or encouraging and
teaching newcomers how to toboggan) or indoor
events (Jenga or Kerplunk).
Learn from professional artists as they
teach painting, drawing and more!
If you’re interested in serving in any of these ways,
contact Mary Ellen Tierney, Director, Barnabas
Victoria Hills.
Explore all the workshops and register
at wmbchurch.ca/eatconnectlearn
5
Global Outreach
SOAR MONTRÉAL (SR. YOUTH) | July 8-18
Sr. Youth are invited to apply for our SOAR Montréal mission trip,
July 8-18, 2016. SOAR Montréal is a 10-day discipleship training
program for English and French speakers with a focus on worship,
prayer, ministry training and taking risks to share God’s love. Contact
Brad Sherk, Director, Youth Ministry for application forms and more
information. The application deadline is March 6.
ACTION (YOUNG ADULTS) | May 1 – June 10
ACTION is an exciting six-week discipleship training program and
mission internship alongside a long-term global missionary team.
Young adults 18+ are invited to participate in this experience.
Contact Darren DeMelo, Pastor, Young Adults Ministry or visit
mbmission.org/action to learn more.
Interested in a longer short term mission trip? WMB’s partner
organizations offer strong four- to 10-month global mission
and discipleship programs, including MB Mission (TREK),
International Teams (Forge Internships), MCC (SALT) and
CMU (Outtatown). Contact Michelle Knowles, Director,
Global Outreach to learn more about these opportunities.
Please pray for the following people from WMB serving on
mission during Reading Week this month:
Pan de Vida mission team: Dave Bast (leader), Amanda Bast and
John Klassen are part of a team of seven serving at Pan de Vida
orphanage in Queretaro, Mexico, February 12-20. The team will
assist with construction projects at the centre as well as build
relationships with the children and staff of Pan de Vida.
Reading Week Young Adults team: Emma Kschesinski,
Matt van Veen and Jonathan Hermann serving with International
Needs Canada in the Dominican Republic, February 13-20. Matt
and Jonathan will be working with locals to build a community
garden while Emma will coordinate and run a children’s ministry
program in the local community.
PANCAKE
DINNER
for
Shrove Tuesday
Tuesday, February 9
Continuous serving
from 5-6:30pm
WMB Church
$5
PER
PERSON
Proceeds support
WMB’s mission teams
Come, and bring
a friend!
Gluten-free option available
6
Staffing News
Family News
WORSHIP & ARTS
We congratulate and celebrate with:
We are excited to announce that
Shawn Branton will be joining our staff
team as Director, Worship & Arts beginning
February 16. Shawn has many years of
experience leading worship in various church
environments – most recently at Gateway
Church in Caledonia. He is also an experienced
school teacher and mentor. Shawn, his wife,
Linda, and their two girls will be here on
February 14, when we will commission
Shawn into his new role!
Parents Sarah and Bryant Whyte and
grandparents Harry and Lois Whyte
on the birth of baby boy Jacob Paul
on February 3!
We express our sincere condolences and
pray for:
Gareth and Gayle Goossen and their
family on the loss of Gareth’s mom,
Helen Goossen (January).
Thomas and Rhonda Schulwach and
their family on the loss of Thomas’ mom,
Eva Schulwach, and Rhonda’s dad,
Gabriel Rodericks (both in January).
CONNECTIONS
After a period of discernment, which included
a short leave, Bonita Eby has resigned from
her role as Pastor, Connections effective
February 7. We are thankful for Bonita’s
dedication to WMB and the Staff Team over
the past 12 years. She has pastored, led, and
invested in many people in our congregation
through her various roles over that time, and
we have been blessed! Bonita will be missed
in her role, but we are pleased that she and
Jeff will continue to call WMB Church home.
We look forward to seeing what God has in
store for Bonita in this next season.
WMB’s Morning Glory Café offers
workplace experience to participants
through our partnership with Ray of
Hope. Congratulations to Tanya Ball,
who completed a six-month placement
on January 31. Please stop by the café to
welcome our next trainee, Wendy!
WUMBA KIDS CAMP 2016 –
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
We are currently hiring for the Program
Coordinator position for Wumba Kids Camp
2016! We’re seeking a dynamic leader who
loves kids and loves Jesus even more, with
previous camp and leadership experience.
Visit wmbchurch.ca/employment to view
the application package.
7
Leadership Board
Update
On January 10, the Leadership Board announced Paul Chin’s
resignation from the Board so that he could accept a position
on staff at WMB. Paul is Director, Home Groups for one year
while Sarah Whyte is on maternity leave. The Board thanks
Paul for his dedication and hard work as the Chair, and
blesses him in this new role.
At the Board meeting on January 18, Board members
unanimously appointed Terry Shuh as the new Board Chair.
As Terry had previously been the Board Secretary, Board
members appointed Phil Chenier as the new Secretary.
Welcome to your new roles, Phil and Terry! Thank you
for taking on these new responsibilities.
85th Convention
of the Ontario
Conference
of Mennonite
Brethren
Churches
February 19-20
MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD CHAIR
In life, we know change happens, and when we are reminded of that,
we claim the foundational truth that our Lord does not change. As
a Leadership Board we have experienced a significant change this
past month, releasing Paul Chin as our Board Chair, with blessings,
to follow the Lord’s call on his life to give leadership to WMB’s Home
Groups ministry. He will be missed on the Board for the significant
commitment and contributions he made, faithfully serving the church.
I am humbled to be discerned to the role of Chair, among my peers,
for such a time as this. We have a strong, unified Board with gifted
men and women passionate about serving Jesus and our church
wholeheartedly. Our biblical focus this year is Romans 12 as we,
individually and together, seek a deeper relationship with Christ,
striving to live out the covenant we established at our Board retreat
last October – a leadership community gathered around the presence
of Christ for the purpose of spiritual transformation so that we can
discern and do the will of God.
As a Board, we covet your prayers of support for us and for our
work, serving alongside each of you and building His Kingdom.
Romans 12: 11-12: Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual
fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction,
faithful in prayer.
– Terry Shuh
8
Southridge
Community Church,
Vineland location
We invite you to
pray for our Senior
Leadership Team
as well as the
many other leaders
and pastors from
across Ontario
attending this
annual convention
and leaders’ retreat.
Pray for vision
and equipping
for the next year
of ministry.
onmb.org/
convention-2016
CAMP
CROSSROADS
About Camp
Crossroads
Camp Crossroads sits on
300 acres on the shore of
Black Lake, in the town
of Torrance (Muskoka
Lakes). It’s affiliated with
the Ontario Conference
of Mennonite Brethren
Churches. Camp’s programs
and events are focused
to meet both the spiritual
and recreational needs of
children, youth, adults,
and families.
REGISTER FOR
SUMMER CAMP
Registration for 2016 summer
camps is now open! Camp
enables people to step
outside of the routines of
life to hear from God.
Consider registering your
kids or your family for a
life-changing week at Camp.
Note: Pastor Chris Stevens (in partnership with
Sarah Whyte) will be the speaker for Family Camp 4!
2016 Summer Camps
KIDS (ages 8-10):
July 10-16
APPLY TO VOLUNTEER
JUNIOR (ages 11-12):
July 17-23
Camp Crossroads depends on
the generosity of adult, Christian
volunteers to provide memorable
camp exeriences. They need the help
of at least 300 willing workers each
summer. Consider volunteering for
a week or more this summer in a
variety of areas, including cabin
leading, program leading, dining
hall, cooking, nursing, janitorial or
maintenance staff.
INTERMEDIATE
(ages 12-13): July 24-30
JUNIOR HIGH (ages 13-15):
August 7-13
TEEN (ages 14-16):
August 14-20
YOUTH (ages 16-18):
August 21-27
FAMILY 1: June 30 – July 3
Find details about camp speakers and costs,
register for summer camp, and apply to volunteer at
campcrossroads.com
FAMILY 2: July 4-9
FAMILY 3: August 1-6
FAMILY 4:
August 26 - September 3
9
Get in Touch
CONNECT ONLINE
STAFF
wmbchurch.ca
Profiles and contact information for Pastors,
Directors and Operations Staff can be found
at wmbchurch.ca/staff. Staff email addresses
are their first and last names @wmbchurch.ca
(i.e. [email protected]).
Contact the Church Office at
[email protected]
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 series.
Executive Team
Chris Stevens
Lead Pastor
@WaterlooMB
Follow us to stay up-to-date
on upcoming events and
message series.
Karen West
Pastor, Associate Lead
LEADERSHIP BOARD
Kim Knight
Director, Operations &
Administration
Profiles and contact information for
Leadership Board members can be found
at wmbchurch.ca/welcome-to-wmb/
our-team/#leadership-board
245 Lexington Road • Waterloo, ON N2K 2E1 • 519.885.5330
wmbchurch.ca