Discernment at Gathering 2025

As part of encouraging ongoing discernment, during and following Gathering 2025, early “snapshots” of the shared reflections have been compiled.

Gathering 2025 'Gift Exchange' newsletter

For Gathering 2025, a daily newsletter is being published.

Gathering 2025 Measles Preparedness Information

The Region of Waterloo has issued a measles preparedness notice.

IW Global Companion for July 2025 - Colombia

Learn more and pray for Colombia - the International Witness Global Companion for July.

Reflections from our Inter-Mennonite/Inter-Cultural Good Friday Service 2025

In our gathering to share experiences of our Good Friday service, the leadership agreed that it was a beautiful experience. Many felt inspired by a service that connected present-day experiences of violence and oppression with the story of violence and oppression that led to Jesus’ death long ago.  As would be expected, a few felt a bit disconnected, longing for the “usual” way of remembering this day.  

Global Youth Summit 2025 report

Young adults report on Mennonite World Conference’s Global Youth Summit in May 2025. Held in Schwabsh Gmund, Germany. 

MC Canada Moderator sends letter to PM Carney

MC Canada Moderator Geraldine Balzer has written a letter on our behalf to Prime Minister Carney expressing concern over funding for military efforts.

Final reminders for Gathering 2025

Here are some last minute notes for Gathering 2025!

MC Canada Executive Coordinator position

Mennonite Church Canada is seeking a full-time (1.0 FTE) Executive Coordinator.

Sign-up to Pray for Gathering 2025

We're inviting people to pray during Gathering 2025. Sign-up for an hour of prayer.

National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada

June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada: “National Indigenous Peoples Day takes place on the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. For generations, many First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities have celebrated their cultures, languages, and traditions at this time of year. The summer solstice holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for many Indigenous Peoples, marking a time of renewal, connection, and celebration.”

Returning Home

I recently returned to Alberta after participating in the Anabaptism at 500 events in central Europe. On May 29, over two thousand Anabaptists from across the world gathered in Zurich to remember our denomination’s origins, to learn about where we are headed as a faith community, to broaden our understanding of our faith in action and to worship where we are today.

Gathering 2025 Feature Artwork

Artist Myrna Miller Dyck comments, "As I considered a visual piece for the conference, I was intrigued by the image of a fingerprint with the accompanying verse, “Each one has received a gift.” All of our gifts come from God, and each of us are marked by the fingerprint of God."

A Conversation about Mary/Maryam – Mother of Jesus

The Wisdom of Youth

It’s a silly thought, I traveled so far and saw so much, and yet I can’t stop thinking about those that were right in front of me the whole time.

IW Global Companion for June - Myanmar

Learn more and pray for Myanmar - the International Witness Global Companion of the Month.

Post-Gathering Church Planting & Renewal Discussion

Are you attending Gathering 2025? Do you want to hear stories about church planting and renewal? You are invited to "New Churches & Church Renewal Meet-Up."  

It’s a gift

 My work as Director of Admissions and Development at RJC has taken me to various communities and churches across the province and allowed me to meet kind and generous families and supporters of the school. I have the privilege of hearing stories about how RJC has shaped individuals' views of the church and helped them grow into the people they are today. Some haven’t returned to campus since their graduation, and others can’t wait to get back for their next decade reunion.

Reflections on the Pastor's Retreat

At this year's Pastors retreat, I found myself rejuvenated, filled with love and hope, and encouraged in my work.

Tithing our Time in the context of Prosperity

I remember visiting my Oncle Jean in Switzerland twenty years ago.  As we were getting ready to make a toast, I remember my Uncle explaining: “Back in the day, we toasted to our health. But these days, health is not as big a worry. Instead we have a deficit of happiness.” And so now he toasts to health and happiness!  “Santé Bonheur!”

A Worm's Eye View

As Earth Month wraps up, I’m reflecting.

Pastoral Letter following Federal Election

In these days following the election, when some are relieved and others are disappointed—some joyful, others deeply frustrated—we are called to walk in ways that exude grace, humility, and hospitality.

Doug Klassen Gathering 2025 Invitation

MC Canada Executive Minister Doug Klassen provides a short video invitation for prayer for and attendance of Gathering 2025.

Easter Dawn Reflections

It’s early Easter morning and I am standing on a small hill looking out to the east as the gradually brightening sky signals the approach of sunrise. To my right the moon hovers above rooftops, its perfect half already bathed in the sun’s rays, a prophet of the brightness to come.

Already Happening: Reflections on Climate Jazz

Marnie Klassen writes Already Happening: Reflections on Climate Jazz, Holy Participation, and the Essential Work of Collaboration.

Reflections on Youth Gatherings - Paul Peters

My life changed forever when I said yes to chaperoning a group of youth to a large inter-church gathering at the CMU chapel.

Waters Mennonite Church - the little church that could

Waters Mennonite Church started worshipping in their church basement in the 1950s. Now, over 65 years later, they’re approaching completion of upgrades that will soon include an air-to-air heat pump, replacing a gas-fired furnace.

Warman Mennonite Church Building Upgrades

Warman Mennonite Church’s 40-year partnership with a playschool operating in its building prompted a lighting upgrade in its basement.

Reflections on Youth Gatherings - Stephen Kennedy

20 years ago I signed up for my first Youth Retreat. I was an awkward teen, equal parts excited and wracked with nerves. Yet, I still went for it, and it became the catalyst that brought me to faith.

Relics? Momentos?

While as Mennonites we don’t have crucifixes hanging in our homes, we do have momentos.

Chin Christian Church ERG story

Chin Christian Church in Kitchener worships in an aging church building located on a busy street in a neighbourhood that dates back to the early 1900s. The congregation of 220 is working to keep up with repairs and upgrades on the old building.

Reflections on Youth Gatherings - Past and Present

Youth Gathering 2025, happening July 2-5, could have a major impact on your child or the youth in your congregation. Invite them to join us!

In memoriam - Sue Martens Kehler

In Memory of Susan Martens Kehler. Faithful saint and dear sister in Christ, Susan Martens Kehler (Emmanuel Mennonite Church), has passed into the presence of our Lord and Saviour April 9, 2025, at the age of 97.

A pastoral letter from Anabaptists in Ecuador

A state of “internal armed conflict” has been declared in Ecuador since January 2024. The three Mennonite national churches in Ecuador call for prayer from our global Anabaptist family. 

Church with roots in a log building going green

First Mennonite Church’s original 1832 log building in Kitchener was likely lit with candles and oil lamps. Energy-wise, that’s a long time away from the solar panels that help power the building today.

A Taste of Life in Creation

I have been reading a book in my time here titled Food and Faith by Norman Wirzba and he writes “eating is the daily reminder of creaturely mortality.” This quote stood out to me as a very small glimpse into life at A Rocha.

Spirit Acts

In preparation for the Mennonite Church Canada Gathering this summer, I have been immersed in the biblical story of Acts, and particularly the character arc of Peter. Through his eyes, I explore the dramatic movement of God’s spirit in him and in the church. It’s a remarkable journey in a few short chapters – from rutted old expectations (found below at Christ’s ascension) to a vision of a diverse and inter-cultural beloved community. Fortunately, against our initial impulses, Jesus does not sit in any one chair (or cheer for any one sports team!) but reigns over all, in all and through all – often beyond our limited imaginations.

2024 ERG Celebration and 2025 Launch

Saving energy, money and reducing emissions all at the same time? You bet! Join us on April 23.

Gathering 2025 invitation from MC Canada Moderator

Congregations, please share a special invitation video from Geraldine Balzer.

Global Youth Summit 2025

I have the privilege of representing Mennonite Church Alberta, along with four other representatives from across Mennonite Church Canada were tasked with compiling a report. This report centered on themes of belonging, spiritual inclusion and belonging. We surveyed 33 adults across Canada, with more than 50% of the responses from Alberta (go us!).

Youth Gathering 2025 schedule

The Wednesday to Saturday schedule for Youth Gathering 2025 is now available.

Osler Mennonite Church Charts Path to Reduced Carbon Emissions

For Dick Braun, a trustee at Osler Mennonite Church in Saskatchewan, the mantra of reduce, reuse, and recycle is simply a way of life passed down from his elders.

Representative, Delegate, or Participant?

Confused about which registration type to choose. Here are helpful explanations for congregational representatives, regional delegates, and participants.

Youth and U30 Gathering 2025 Information Meeting

Have questions about the Youth and/or U30 Gathering 2025? Schedule, travel, day pass, accommodations, activities, promotion! 

Gathering 2025 Speakers

We have invited a diverse collection of voices to inform our times of worship and discernment. We anticipate the thoughtful sharing you will bring to the discussion tables.

Gathering 2025 Workshops

We are planning a variety of workshops for Gathering 2025. Click below to read about the workshops and presenters.

Gathering 2025 Registration Now Open

Registration is now open for all options of Gathering 2025. Be sure to register while early-bird rates apply.

Celebrate Earth Month April 2025

Mennonite Church Canada invites you to celebrate Earth Month 2025! God calls us to care for Creation which sustains, heals and connects all of us, across the globe. Explore these resources to find your next step in Creation Care!

Come Early, Stay Late Attractions

Come early, stay late - make the most of your trip to Gathering 2025. We have some suggestions of things you might explore...

Gathering 2025 Accommodation Options

Gathering 2025 participants are required to find their own overnight accommodations. Click below for a few options...

OUR Shared Prayers

Our Shared Prayer is an experiment, no doubt, but my hope is, as these prayers open our newsletter each week that at least one over the next year would resonate with you, you specifically, you who are reading this Menno Minute right now.

Pre-Gathering 2025 Leadership Day

The pre-Gathering Leadership Day (Wed., July 2) now offers two options...

Reading, Thinking, and Figuring Out

I have always been a reader, this probably in character for this Old Colony eldest son back there who wanted to figure out many things (nesheah is the Low German word). So this morning I was reading again, not so much to gather news (no end of that since January 20, day one), but to meditate, pay attention along with brothers and sisters, fellow Christians and many other Americans reeling in shock at what they have just done to themselves. 

Gathering 2025 - Feb. 19 updates

MC Canada Gathering and Youth Gathering Update – Exciting Details Coming Together!

"I have memories as a teenager, overwhelmed by cringe, standing next to my tone-deaf dad in worship as he boldly sang Cantonese hymns..."

Still Radical

At this 500th anniversary of our faith tradition, I've reflected on our history--both Christianity and Anabaptism. Jesus’s message was radical 2,000 years ago. 500 years ago, Jesus’s message was STILL radical. Today, when the white Christian-nationalist church movement twists God’s good news to only being for them, Jesus’s message is still radical. 

Gathering 2025 Q&A

When to arrive? Childcare? Where to stay? Airports?

Gathering 2025 Daily Schedule

Click below to view the full daily schedule for Gathering 2025.

Youth Gathering 2025

Ready for an unforgettable summer?  Youth Gathering 2025 is happening from July 2–5, 2025 at the epic University of Waterloo campus – and you don’t want to miss it!

Gathering 2025 will feature diverse worship experiences

Mennonite Church Canada is excited about the inspiring and transformative worship experience being planned for the upcoming Gathering 2025.

The Real Journey

The first work is to admit our limitations and entrust our lives and our churches to the Lord. To surrender, trust, listen, and receive. We can do this. Let the real journey continue, in our hearts and in our churches.

Sustainable Food Service at Gathering 2025

Cyndi Pugh, caterer for Gathering 2025, shares her commitment to sustainability in food service.

Sharing about our Crossover New Year’s Eve church service

Holyrood Mennonite Church is an intercultural church. For the past 20 years since the church welcomed the first Liberians resettling in Edmonton as a result of escaping their civil war, Holyrood has incorporated this important event in the church calendar. 

Venissa Tumbay, representing the Holyrood youth, wrote the following reflection bringing together the thoughts and experiences of the Holyrood Youth who look forward to this event every year.

Gathering 2025: Each Person Has a Gift

As we come together for MC Canada Gathering 2025, we’ll explore how God is calling us to use our gifts for the good of the church and the world.

A Good Poem

I enjoy a good poem. Sometimes I don’t understand precisely what the writer is intending, but generally, I like to think I’ve been enriched after reading a poem.

2024 Emissions Reduction Grants

MC Canada is pleased to announce Emissions Reduction Grants (ERG) totaling $18,000 to help two rural and four urban congregations reduce their carbon footprint.

Watchword? Touchstone? Focus?

What word would you choose as a focus for your life in the coming year?

Update on South Sudanese students at Meserete Kristos Seminary sponsored by MCA

When Ruth Bergen Braun requested an update on the two students from South Sudan who are being sponsored by MCA to attend the Meserete Kristos Seminary in Ethiopia, I really didn’t know what to say that hasn’t been said before. These are two students whose names are Khan (Isaac) Gatkuoth and Gatjiak (Simon) Tongyik. Both have families. Both are grateful for the opportunity to learn and train for ministry so they can go back and train their South Sudanese Mennonite church members in Gambella, Ethiopia, and eventually in South Sudan.

Climate Action and Indigenous Relations working groups gather

Members from MC Canada’s regional climate action and Indigenous relations working groups gathered in picturesque Pinawa for several days of conversation they hope will inspire and ultimately lead to broader awareness and hyper-local uptake of earth-care and Indigenous reconciliation among congregations.

Fresh eyes on Palestine

Five participants from the MC Canada PIN reflect on their “solidarity pilgrimage” led by the Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Centre in occupied East Jerusalem in November.

Processing alongside Art

How do you keep going when it feels like your whole being has dropped into your stomach? How do you find the spirit to create when it feels like the building blocks are made of malice? How can you hold onto a hope that Creator is at work in the world when it seems that many are still choosing to dehumanize, rather than to love…?

Land, Identity, and Faith webinar

You're invited to join in an online conversation about decolonization from South Africa, Philippines, Israel/Palestine, and North America.

An Advent Gift

I think I have always loved studying the Bible. In elementary school, my friend and I went to the same church and attended Sunday School classes. In addition to this, some of us kids gathered for a few weeks in someone’s home one year where they were teaching us about the Bible.

Faithful Leadership in the Climate Crisis: Responding in Hope

Mennonite Church Canada and Anabaptist Climate Collaborative present, “Faithful Leadership in the Climate Crisis: Responding in Hope,” a 6-month cohort for pastors and church leaders. 

Remembrance Day Reflection

This week is Remembrance Day.  As Canadians, we are encouraged remember those who lost their lives in the brutality of war. As Mennonites, we are committed to peace, justice and nonresistance. The Confession of Faith affirms nonparticipation in war as a demonstration of the love of Jesus in the world. “Led by the Spirit… we witness to all people that violence is not the will of God.”

Bethlehem Then and Now Advent Meditations

“Bethlehem Then and Now” - a series of six short meditations which connects the biblical Christmas stories with the contemporary situation in Palestine, including Israel's war on Gaza.

A Courage to Love

“But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!” Christ, Matthew 5:43
“… are all summed up in this one commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Romans 13:9

Global Companions seek deeper mutual relationships

Mennonite church bodies abroad are seeking deeper, more mutual church-to-church relationships with MC Canada as they grow and develop organizational strength.

A weekend of unsettlement, learning and hope

Reflecting on the Climate Action & Indigenous Relations Regional Collaboration

What do the ministries of Indigenous Relations and Creation Care/Climate Action hold in common?  This question brought 25 Mennonites from across Canada together, October 4-6, near the beautiful shores of the winding Winnipeg River in Pinawa, Manitoba.  
 

From Our Students

...this last year at CMU was one that has changed the direction I thought my life was going. I am so incredibly excited to be returning.

Mennonite Church Canada statement lamenting a year of the current Israeli-Gazan conflict

On this 366^th day of the current Israeli-Gazan conflict, we, as Mennonite Church Canada, lament the ongoing violence.

From Our Students

CMU integrates faith into its faculty of science to a degree that few other institutions – religious or not – can achieve, and continues to draw me back as I complete my degree.

A community that’s hard to replicate: Reflecting on RJC post-graduation

As I navigate university life, I realize how unique and irreplaceable those moments were. It's not just the activities or the events I miss, but the incredible people and the effortless sense of belonging that made RJC such a special place. The transition has underscored just how special and impactful that community was, and how much I miss the everyday, spontaneous connections that made RJC feel like home.

The Joy of Being a Camp Chaplain

I’ve had the honour to be invited to Camp Valaqua for several years now, as a chaplain (even though I am a school teacher, not a pastor!). Sometimes people thank me for “giving up” a week of my summer, but let me share with you what I get out of it.

Re-entry

One of the challenges of my job is the transition from the deep intensity of summer camp to the everything else that follows it.

No Small Thing!

...our tradition of simple living, our commitment to peace and justice, our love for and connection with the land, and our ability as a community to organize and work together to get stuff done, which is no small thing!

Introducing MC Canada GYS representatives

Anabaptist young adults from around the world will gather at the fifth Global Youth Summit (GYS) in Germany from May 30-June 1, 2025.

Grow Hope Evangelism

“We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us…” 1 John 1:3

This verse has rung in my mind ever since meeting Rwandan Grow Hope farmers while on a Mennonite Central Committee Learning Tour. Our group visited MCC partners and farmers doing peace building work through teaching Conservation Agriculture techniques.

Room in our Hearts

Near the end of the article, the author said something that made me pause:
But this should not be a popularity contest. There is room in our hearts and minds for more than one outcry for help.

100 Faithful Climate Conversations

“The most important thing you can do to fight climate change is to talk about it.” ~ Dr. Katharine Hayhoe 

Instruments of Healing

At a recent family gathering in Goshen, Indiana, I was sharing how I was organizing visits to local Alberta Powwows as a way to learn about and celebrate Indigenous ceremony and culture.

My 92-year-old father piped in – “my father was pow-wowed when he was a baby.”

Come Together

As a child growing up in the 1970s, my Hollywood-inspired exposure to Indigenous people included images dominated by buckskin regalia and feather headdresses, drumming, and dancing. I could have easily identified the stereotypes, but I had no idea of the role that any of these identifiers really played within the Indigenous community. They were simply the uniform and associations I had come to expect based on TV shows and media portrayals.

An Introduction

My name is Katie Doke Sawatzky and I am a journalist living in Regina, Sask., on Treaty 4 land and the homeland of the Métis. I live here with my husband Glenn and two children, ages 13 (just—I still can’t believe I have a teenager) and 9. I am the Saskatchewan/Alberta correspondent for Canadian Mennonite for the summer and I’ve been asked to introduce myself, so, hi.

Thai pastors describe first time visit to Canada as “Profound”

Thailand pastoral couple Khampan and Thippewan visited Canada from April 4-29. Tom Poovong, long term MC Canada Witness worker in northeast Thailand, accompanied Khampan and Thippewan and served as a tireless translator as they visited Mennonites and their congregations in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.

Malipayon Peace Hub Fundraising Campaign a Success!

Mennonite Church Canada is excited to announce the successful conclusion of a year-long fundraising campaign that raised $235,000 for ministry in the Philippines.

Rooted and Grounded

Last fall, I had the privilege of attending the Rooted and Grounded Conference at AMBS as we explored topics of climate hope. Among others, Avery Davis Lamb’s presentation titled “Making Room in the Anthropocene” has especially stuck with me.

Our First Church Retreat

Over the weekend of June 21-23, we in Calgary First Mennonite Church tried something for the first time - something that many other congregations here in Alberta have been doing for many years: we had a “church retreat” out at Camp valaqua. 

CMU, Estamos, and Gratitude

My cross-cultural experience was a remarkable educational experience that CMU provided for me, one that will continue to shape my thinking and character for many years to come.

MC Canada 2025 Gathering announced for Kitchener, ON

Mennonite Church Canada’s 2025 Gathering will meet at Rockway Mennonite Collegiate in Kitchener, Ont. from July 2-5, 2025.

Sustainable support for Congo pastors

The three Mennonite denominations in the Congo and Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission are working to reinforce local and sustainable support for pastors.  

New climate action resources

Mennonite Church Canada's Climate Action has new resources and learning opportunities for our church ministry leaders.