This Sunday we rest. On this last long weekend of the summer, we will not be meeting for Sunday morning worship.  May you find rest and refreshment in nature, through quiet reflection or through gathering with family and friends.

Next Sunday we will join together as the hands and feet of Jesus for our Clothing Distribution Sunday.  Join us at 10:30 at CMCC as we pack, bless and deliver new back-to-school clothing to children and youth in the Chandler Mowat community.  We will enjoy a pizza lunch after delivering the clothing.

To help with planning the lunch, please let Ruth know if you will be staying for pizza (office@gatheringchurch.ca)

During July and August, our many volunteers take time to rest. 

There will not be a nursery program or Kids Zone on Sunday mornings. If the weather is nice and if we have two adult volunteers, children will go outside for a time of supervised play during the sermon. If it is rainy or no adult volunteers, there will be colouring pages for the children to enjoy.

On Sunday September 13^th we will join together for our Clothing Distribution Sunday.  This is a day where we rejoice in God’s goodness and generosity and participate in acts of justice and love through delivering new back-to-school clothing to children and youth in the Chandler Mowat community.  Many families have registered this year and the children already are excited for new clothing which provides them with dignity and confidence for their new school year.

We hope that you will join us for this day of being Jesus’ hands and feet. 

After delivering the clothing we will join together for a pizza lunch.

On September 22^nd we will kick-off Snack Attack for this school year.  Our hope is to have a POPCORN PARTY in the CMCC parking lot.  We would bring our kettle corn popper and enjoy popcorn and conversation with the children and youth on their way home from school.  This would create a warm welcome and opportunity for meaningful connection.

WE NEED YOUR HELP!  If you are skilled at using the kettle corn popping machine, would you be able to help make the popcorn from 2:30 to 4:00 on September 22^nd?  Please let Catherine know (catherine@gatheringchurch.ca)

This week we are invited to pray for:

• Students and teachers as they begin their new school year

• New ministry year at The Gathering Church

• Clothing Distribution Sunday

• Hans’ family as they continue to grieve
  
  

• Each other

We are going to postpone this year’s Women’s Retreat.  Please stay tuned for more details on upcoming women’s events.

In the Spring at MCEC’s AGM, pastors and church leaders were introduced to a new initiative led by Derek Suderman, professor at Conrad Grebel.  Derek is eager for MCEC congregations and congregants to study the Bible together.  Wazir, Rich and Catherine all attended an introductory session to this new Bible study format and know that it will be full of learning and growing in faith and relationships.

This new Bible study initiative is being offered this Fall at Erb Street Mennonite.  Please see information here.  Catching the Spark — Ministry Forum

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, 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,  Rich Janzen, 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.