Unplugged for Advent

Fall Highlights God has been good to us at MB Mission Mission Central Canada these past 3 months. He has sustained us and given us what we have needed. Thank you for all of your prayers, notes of encouragements and impromptu coffee invitations! We truly appreciate your curiosity and involvement in our work.     Here is a little glimpse into some of what we have been up to: TREK CC - we wrapped up 2 months of orientation with a fantastic group of 10 Trekkers, who are now scattered across the globe for their 6 month assignments in Central Asia, Panama, Japan, and Winnipeg.   Partnership Readiness Symposium October 3rd we spent time with over 40 individuals, ranging from lead pastors to mission committee reps and long-term international workers, exploring what it means to partner and how to do it well. To access these resources, please contact our office.     Einer Zuluaga, Colombian church planter serving in Panama. AWAKE - This fall our office hosted 2 AWAKE programs - one in Edmonton (Oct. 16-18) and one in Winnipeg (Nov. 6-8), alongside our C2C and provincial conference partners. Outtatown - Once again we facilitated an Urban Exposure for Outtatown (www.outtatown.com) in the core of Winnipeg - 1 for each of the 2 Outtatown sites. MUD Cafes - Add to the list a couple MUD Cafe's, mobilization trips to Northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan, planning retreats for SOAR Heartland and SOAR Saskatchewan, a national study conference and you have a very full schedule! We are thankful for the many partners we are privileged to work with and for an amazing staff team to share the load!

 

 

Did You Know??? MB Mission Central Canada and the Mennonite Brethren Churches of Manitoba  have started producing monthly podcasts interviewing people in the community about what makes them tick. To subscribe to the podcasts, search "The No Name Podcast" on iTunes and subscribe!  You can also listen to each podcast at (MBCM), the first one features me, Lloyd Letkeman, talking about the spirituality of fishing!       Advent Ponderings ~by Kara Friesen Tis the season for christmas decor, advertisements for the season's hottest gifts, delicious Christmas drinks in red cups and Christmas music. I love this time of year. While many are counting down the days until December 24th, I have been finding myself counting down until first advent. First Advent is when the journey to manger starts to feel real. It is a mix of hopeful anticipation of what is to come, but it is also an intentional slowing down in my heart and mind. There is invitation to slow down and to breathe deeply. This is a season to posture oneself with open hands, reflecting on what it is that you might have to give in worship - an offering to the Christ Child. This is a season that asks us to journey. There is movement towards something - to someone. Who is God asking you to journey with and make space for this advent? There is an invitation to slow down - to not rush along the road, but to take our time and to pay attention to the journey we are on. A spirit of quietness gives space for thin spaces to be experienced. How is God inviting you to be still and prepare your heart for an encounter with the Son of God this Christmas? We have an invitation to give - to give of our time, ourselves and our resources, and to approach the manger with open hands. What is God nudging you to give freely of this season? Each one's journey will look different in the weeks ahead, but however the journey looks, may it be one that is marked with the presence of Christ the Lord.   "For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end." ~ Isaiah 9:6-7