Join us this Sunday as we continue our journey through Advent. We will light the Peace Candle. We will hear scripture of God coming to live among us.  We will offer praise through prayers and song. Our Advent focus for this Sunday is God’s call for us to move forward even when we are afraid believing that God is with us. We’ll hear stories from within our congregation of finding God while walking with fears.

Next Sunday we’ll continue our Advent journey.  Lighting the candles. Singing our praises. Seeking God’s messages to us in Advent 2025. 

Each of us is encouraged to actively participate in Advent. Being attentive to God with us. Slowing down to listen to God. Pausing to pray. Open our hands to serve others.

Please pray for Snack Attack. For relationships to form. For encouragement to be given and received and for the community to experience the love of God.

Snack Attack continues each Tuesday of the school year.

As we approach year-end, we are sharing the year-to-date numbers to November 30, 2025. But first, we offer a very joyful thank you for your continued generosity and all the ways you support The Gathering Church!

If you are planning on donating before the end of the year, it is easiest to donate via e-transfer to donations@gatheringchurch.ca or you can contact Marlene if you’d like to arrange an alternate way of giving.

Reminder:  If you have any outstanding church expenses for this year, please make sure they are submitted to the church office or to Marlene Hoekstra ASAP.  Thank you.

Thank you once again for your faithful giving this year!

Craig Nafziger and Marlene Hoekstra

Treasurer and Finance & Accounting Liaison 

Our much anticipated Christmas Community Supper will be held on Saturday December 13^th. We invite you to join in the sharing of God’s love, hope and peace as we gather in community to enjoy a delicious meal and build relationships with our neighbours. Please let Ruth know (office@gatheringchurch.ca). Join in praying for the preparation of the meal and for a spirit of Joy to be present.

Friday, December 5 - Youth Christmas Party

We are invited to pray for one another as members of God's family.

This week we are invited to pray for:

• Christmas Community Supper

• Chandler Mowat Community

• Children and youth of the Gathering and Chandler Mowat Community

Christmas Community Supper - December 13

Women’s Advent Gathering - December 15    

Monday December 15^th  7:00 to 9:00 pm  Luther Village Celebration Room (139 Father David Bauer Drive, Waterloo)

Women are invited to an evening of being present to one another in this Advent season.

Together we will enjoy Christmas treats, warm drinks and a spirit of hope.

If you are able, there will be a basket for a $5.00 donation to the evening. You are also welcome to support another woman by donating an extra amount.

To help us prepare for the evening, please RSVP to Ruth (office@gatheringchurch.ca) by Monday December 8^th. 

As a time of celebration, we welcome you to bring Christmas goodies and treats to share on December 21 for our time of connection after the Sunday morning service.  The refreshment team will supply, hot and cold apple cider. 

We all enjoy the hot coffee and tasty treats after worship on Sunday mornings. The Refreshment Team is looking for new members. This is a once a month commitment to serving on Sunday mornings.

Please contact Laura if you would like to serve on the Refreshment Team.  (lauraannally@gmail.com)

Would you like to become a member of The Gathering Church?  Do you have questions about membership? Please speak to Catherine (catherine@gatheringchurch.ca).  We would love to welcome you into membership at the church.

Our Vision and Care team members serve the church through offering prayer, care and wise leadership around our vision.  The Vision and Care team members are:  Marlene Hoekstra, Frank Hoekstra, Gloria Lebold, Doris Maiolo, and Alisha Nafziger.

The Leadership Board brings prayerful leadership to our faith community, meeting monthly to ensure we fulfill our mission and vision and faithfully oversee the many areas of ministry of The Gathering. The members of the Board are: Wazir Ally,  Craig Nafziger and Chris Pot.

• E-transfer to donations@gatheringchurch.ca.
• Cheque or cash in the white donation box at CMCC.
• Online through the donation button on our church website. (Part of your donation will cover processing and admin fees.)
• Please contact Marlene Hoekstra if you would like to arrange an alternate way of giving (click here).

Click  here for the regular MCC (Mennonite Central Committee) Newsletter.

Please submit any bulletin announcements for next week to Ruth at office@gatheringchurch.ca by Thursday at noon.