This Sunday we joyfully welcome new members to The Gathering Church.  Join us in extending the blessing of welcome to Barb, Jen and Rich as they enter into covenant membership at The Gathering.

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.

Hello Gathering Church

On Tuesday, January 27^th we are hosting our third High Schooler’s Only Supper.  As you may recall,  in March at Snack Attack, a grade 11 student asked if we could host a meal for high school students only, so they could have more time with The Gathering adults.  We had a ‘trial’ supper in April which was full of conversation, connections and peace. The youth and the church agreed that there is great value in joining together for supper. The City of Kitchener is supporting these suppers with a generous grant.   As a church, we are grateful to be part of the lives the youth in the community and are grateful for the City’s partnership with our vision. The suppers are a wonderful opportunity for us to enjoy a healthy and delicious meal with Chandler Mowat youth while building relationships and offering encouragement as they navigate their teen years.

We meet for supper between 6:00 and 7:30. We eat together, enjoy conversations and play some table games.

We hope that you will join in this opportunity of sharing God’s love and encouragement. 

To help with planning, please let Catherine know if you are able to join in the evening on January 27^th.  (catherine@gatheringchurch.ca)

Let’s be praying for meaningful connections with the youth.

Upcoming High Schooler Only Suppers are:

February 24
March 24
April 21

Hans is home from the hospital and is gaining strength each day.  He extends his deep thanks for all the prayers and acknowledges God’s faithfulness to him in feeling much better.

In October and November, we held a three part series as a way of continuing the church’s Priority, which came through under guidance from Credence and Co., of discernment around understanding Welcome at The Gathering. We then entered an intentional time of discernment and listening. We are thankful for the many who prayed, invited conversation with leadership, offered their feedback and participated fully in the discernment period. 

On Monday of this week, the Leadership Board, Vision and Care and pastoral staff met to share what we have heard from the congregation, from God and from the many conversations and resources over the past two months. We spent time in conversation, listening, processing and in prayer. Our goal is to do further work over the winter months and to host a congregational meeting in April or May where we will continue the discerning together as a congregation. 

Staff and leadership continue to welcome conversations and prayers.

This week we are invited to pray for:

• Our youth in high school as they enter into end of semester exams and summatives

• CM High Schoolers Only Supper—for God’s peace and encouragement to be present

• Barb, Jen and Rich as they become members at The Gathering

Refreshments and conversation at the end of our worship service are an important part of the life of The Gathering. Our Refreshment Team is seeking some new members. If you are interested in joining the team and serving on a monthly basis, please let Laura know.

(lauraannally@gmail.com )

Being warmly greeted on Sunday mornings as we enter CMCC is often where our worship experience begins. Being greeted reminds us that we belong and are welcome. We would love for you to join our Greeting Team. This is a once-a-month commitment of welcoming people and supporting the flow of Sunday morning  If you are interested in joining this team, please contact Catherine (Catherine@gatheringchurch.ca).

If you are interested in becoming a member of The Gathering Church, please be in touch with Catherine (catherine@gatheringchurch.ca)

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.