Author: Andy Wood

Nuit Blanche / Wall-to-Wall 2017

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We are hosting a party in our parking lot again this year!  

Saturday, Sept 30, 6pm – 9:30pm.  

BBQ, musicians, arts and crafts, and artists working on a live collaborative graffiti piece – all at 782 Main St Parking Lot.

It’s the culmination of the Wall-to-Wall festival that has seen five new contemporary street art pieces emerge in the neighbourhood.  It’s also part of the North End Arts week and Nuit Blanche Winnipeg festivities.  And, as if that weren’t enough, our parking lot is the rendezvous point for the Rainbow Trout Music Festival Bike Jam.

Wall-to-Wall 2017 is a collaboration by Synonym Art Consultation, North End Community Renewal Corporation and Graffiti Art Programming (the same people who organized the murals on our building). The purpose of the Wall-to-Wall project is, in their own words, “to transform an under-utilized warehouse district and to provide platforms for under-represented voices to be heard.” We’re expecting 1,800 people this year.

Also, the Flatlanders Studio will be open all evening as an official venue of Nuit Blanche. It will be showcasing a show called “Selcouth: a look into the upbringing of Winnipeg’s metal musicians.”  The Bear Clan will be onsite for security in the Parking Lot.

Schedule:

    • 6pm – Free Hotdog BBQ

    • 6:30pm – Faouzia

  • 7:30pm – Super Duty Tough Work X Studio 393

  • 8:30pm – DJ Srub

  • 9:30pm – Rainbow Trout Music Festival Bike Jam Departs

 

Saturday, Sept 30, 6pm – 9:30pm.

 

 

 

2 Gatherings – 1 Church

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The Upstairs Gathering rebooted this past week.  Until Advent it will be in a season of experimenting with a more liturgical flavour.  In the past few years there has been quite a bit of community jam for exploring the gifts of the contemplative life – good things have been happening. The Men’s retreat and the Schools of Spiritual Direction are prime examples of people connecting with God in deeper and more intentional ways. This focus for the Upstairs Gathering is another way we can continue to explore this as a community. While liturgy and contemplation are not the same, they can mutually reinforce each other. What we pray, the words we sing, the importance we place on certain elements of our gatherings – these all form us
whether we realize it or not.

In this experiment, we want to intentionally and carefully infuse our gathering with elements that are rooted in scripture, part of the historical understanding of what it means to follow Jesus, and central to Christian worship. It’s not that downstairs is devoid of any of these elements – it’s not!  We just want to use the Upstairs Gathering as a venue to intentionally explore these things with a little more attention to detail than we may be used to.  For example, each week we will have a specific prayer to lead us through a process of affirming what we believe and a specific prayer of confession in order to ready ourselves to receive communion. This central act of Christian worship has a sacramental power that is very rich if given time and space to do what it should in us. Ultimately, we want to place ourselves in the best possible position to both worship God and be formed, transformed and renewed by him.

The prayers that are used upstairs have been compiled from a wide variety of sources (scripture, Book of Common Prayer, early Christian creeds, ancient prayers, etc). and have been modified to suit modern sensibilities… in other words, they’ve been “Vineyardized”. We will tweak them as we go along.  There will still be a condensed sermon on the same topic as the Downstairs Gathering, and we’ll always make room for discussion, interaction and group dialogue.  Also, there is always coffee served right after the kid’s are released!

In the end, we’re one church with two gatherings.  Feel free to try it out – and then let us know what you think. Bear in mind we don’t really want to know whether you like it or not – as if church were some kind of product to be consumed. Rather, let us know if it helps you to encounter Jesus – enhances your worship – opens up space for God to do something in you. In the end it’s all about worshiping God regardless of form and irrespective of our preferences!

 

Together This Fall

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We’re excited to be all together again this Fall.  We have a sense that as we attend to each other, our neighbours and Jesus, that God will be present to us in many special ways.  We’ve been called to worship, develop a safe community, and work to see his Kingdom of justice established.  Below are a few dates and opportunities you’ll want to make note of as we go about these amazing tasks.

  • Sept 8-10: Men’s Lake Getaway
  • Sept 10: Kid’s Church starts
  • Sept 21: Women’s Event
  • Sept 24: Upstairs Gathering reboots
  • Sept 24: Welcome Party
  • Oct 8: Celebration Service
  • Oct 15: Community Life Sunday
  • Oct 28: Outer Circle gathering

Here are a few other opportunities that will be rebooting this Fall.

  • House Groups – rebooting
  • Jr and Sr High Youth groups
  • Breathe
  • Drop-ins
  • Schools of Spiritual Direction
  • School of Mercy and Justice
  • Core Class – exploring WCV essentials
  • Triads – get together before our last Outer Circle gathering of the year

Vineyard Metanoia – National gatherings and you’re invited

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Here are a few National gatherings that you may want to participate in this Fall.  We hosted the first Metanoia gathering a few years back and they are wonderful times of engagement, worship and encouragement in a unique format (they’re not typical conferences).  Jared Boyd (our friend who taught in the first School of Spiritual Direction we hosted) will be a special guest leading us through a series of experiences (and the first 50 people to register get a free copy of his new book).

If you’re interested in going to the Metanoia West, let Andy know (he’s going).

Go here for more info.

Men’s Lake Getaway – the Contemplative Life

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We experience an overdose of activity because of all the things expected of us. Life is often characterized by doing and busyness. It’s difficult to dial down into quietness; to rest, reflect, and simply be. This kind of contemplative life seems to evade us.  This year we want to consider the benefits of cultivating an inner life that we may know God and ourselves more deeply. We will hear from those who live this well. It will be a time of listening, sharing, and deciding what might click for us going forward.

Of course, we will enjoy all the fun things at the lake while we hang loose and relax. Food by Peter the Great will exceed our expectations and appetites. We want this to be a watershed time for us all that enriches our lives for days to come. Don’t miss it!

Due to demolition of a cabin, the number of beds is reduced this year and we expect a need for a lot more mats and tents. We recommend that your registration is completed and the fee be paid by August 15th for your best chance for a bed.

Where & When:

  • September 8 – 10. Starts Friday night at 7:30 p.m. and ends at noon on Sunday.
  • Rademaker Cabins on Lindsay Rd., Clearwater Bay, Ontario
  • 20 minutes (30 km) East of Ontario-Manitoba border just 2 kms East of Clearwater Bay. Right on Lindsay Rd., drive straight into Fire Rd. 5 or 6.

Register:

  • Cost $50 (partial subsidy available if needed).  Payment due with registration.
  • Cash or cheque to church office or Cornelius, or via e-transfer (email Lillian for instructions).  Make cheques payable to WCV and indicate “Men’s Getaway” in the memo line.
  • Bring sleeping bag /bedding /tent if required
  • We have limited inside beds (first registered basis) but lots of decks for tenting or mats!

 

 

September 8 – 10, 2017

 

Mid-Summer Financial Update

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WCV family,

This short report will bring you the latest update on WCV’s financial situation.

As we enjoy the summer we are seeing our deficit increase to a level that needs attention.  At July 31, we had an operating deficit of $35,699 which is at the maximum level that we can manage our cash flow comfortably.  The operations effect of this amount is somewhat reduced by the $18,646 surplus that we carried forward from previous years.  But the reality is that we must replace that amount before year-end.

We want to bring this situation to everyone’s attention so that all are aware.  Our income must now increase significantly to make up this deficit and carry us through to the end of the year.

We are thankful for all the generous support from many in the community, and continue to pray for God’s provision for all our needs.

Thank you,

Your Board of Directors

Himalayan Region Conference and Trip Postponed

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As many of you may already be aware, the Himalayan Region Vineyard’s AVC release party and conference which was planned  for this Fall has been postponed due to political unrest.

There have been ongoing strikes in the Darjeeling area of the Himalayan Region of India.  The massive movement of people, foreigners and locals alike, would have attracted undue attention and likely would have had negative consequences.  So, the HRV leadership team decided it best to postpone the conference.  In the meantime we will pray for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and that our brothers and sisters would be safe and be able to access all the supplies they need during this indefinite shutdown.  The aim of the protests is to secure statehood for “Gorkhaland” – so far eight people have been shot dead and the economic repercussions of the strike threatens many with hunger and violence.

The leadership team says:

“We ask the Global  Vineyard  Family to stand with us in prayer for a peaceful resolve of the conflict and the safety of all peoples on the region. We need your ongoing support for all the opportunities that God has given us to reach the lost for the Kingdom.”

Hebrew 2:8,9 God left nothing that is not subject to them. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to them. But we do see Jesus Our passion for Jesus remains.
 

Upstairs Gathering Envisioning

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On Sunday, April 30 we’re going to be spending the morning in evaluation and envisioning mode for the Upstairs Gathering.  This time is for anyone who has a stake in the UG as well as anyone would love to see something different happen – even if you’ve never been to there.  It’s time to do some renovations.  We are sensing that we need to make some tweaks and changes – to ask some good questions, and perhaps take it in some new directions.  We want to discuss together what these renovations could be.

Everyone’s welcome.

  • April 30.
  • In the Upstairs Gathering (3rd Floor Flatlanders Studio)

 

Flatlanders Inn 10-Year Anniversary

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On May 28 we will be celebrating a decade of open doors and opening hearts in Flatlanders Inn.  The Flatlanders will be hosting the morning service and afterwards, inviting everyone upstairs for an open house, a light lunch, music and some other surprises.  Make sure you mark your calendars and plan to join us on this special day.  Also, watch for our 10-year anniversary edition Newsletter coming out soon.

 

Streams of Living Water: Get the book, follow along

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This Spring and Summer we’re going to be embarking on a new series called “Streams of Living Water: exploring unity and diversity in the church”.  We’re going to be exploring the wondrous and varied expressions of the body of Christ – streams, if you will.  There are many streams that comprise the whole body of Christ.  We hope to place ourselves in a position in which we can be challenged by and learn from other streams and, ultimately, come to love Jesus more through the beautiful expressions of his Bride.  In John 4, Jesus offered the Samaritan woman a drink from a stream of “living water” that he promised if we drank from we’d never thirst again.  In John 7:37-38 Jesus said, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me!  Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.”  This is what we want for each of us and we believe that this will happen through the exploration of these streams of the church.

This series will be based on a classic book by Richard Foster called “Streams of Living Water”.  Perhaps you want to grab a copy and follow along.  We’ve heard from many of you that this would be a good idea – so let’s make it happen!  We’ll be starting June 4.

Himalayan Travel Update: Subsidy & Other Details

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We’ve got a team of about 13 people interested in going to the Himalayan Region Vineyard Church’s anniversary celebration in Siliguri, India this September!  This is exciting – it’s going to be a great time.  We’ve had to move the travel subsidy deadline to May 1 due to the need to firm up tickets, visas, etc.  If you’ve been holding off letting us know if you’re interested, please hold off no longer.  Contact the office right away.

New Travel Subsidy Deadline:

May 1 is the deadline if you require subsidy (it was previously May 31).  After May 1 we will determine the exact subsidy for each person.  We will also reserve a group of tickets through one travel agent.  If you decide to join later, you may or may not be able to get the same flight path, so it’s best to sign up together so we can travel together.  It’s more fun that way!  The office will organize the flight details through a travel agent, but each individual will be required to contact the travel agent to pay whatever is owing after the subsidy is applied.

 

Possible Itinerary:

  • Sun, Sept 24: Leave Winnipeg
  • Tues, Sept 26: Arrive in Siliguri, India
  • Wed, Sept 27, 3pm – Friday, Sept 29, evening: Conference in Siliguri, India.
  • Sat, Sept 30: Fly to Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Sat, Sept 30 – Tues, Oct 3: Visit Kathmandu Vineyard & Village churches (Kothgaon and/or Chhampi), see the sights of Kathmandu (temples, Thamel district, etc).
  • Wed, Oct 4: Leave Kathmandu
  • Thurs, Oct 5: Arrive in Winnipeg

NOTE: This itinerary is subject to change based on available flights.

Planning Ahead:

  • You need to have a valid Passport that doesn’t expire within 6 months of travel.
  • Canadians need to apply for an Indian Visa ahead of time (you send your passport in to the Indian consulate and they issue a visa – this takes time).  Canadians can apply for a Nepali visa in the airport upon arrival.
  • Check with your physician or the travel health clinic regarding recommended immunizations.
  • India and Nepal are nearly 12 hours ahead of us.  This means that it takes a long time to get there and that jet-lag is a significant factor in recovery.  Plan for a few days of recovery when you return to Winnipeg (don’t go back to work right away).

Approximate Costs:

  • Wpg – KTM – Wpg Flights: $1,500 – $1,900 (fluctuates depending on options and routing)
  • KTM – Siliguri – KTM Flight: $300 – $400 (flights purchased from Nepal)
  • Accommodations & Food: $500
  • Incidentals: $100 (ground transportation, tourist fees, etc)
  • Visas: $200

Approximate Total: $2,600 – $3,100 

NOTE: Total does not include personal gifts, etc.

NOTE: These costs are all approximate.  Fluctuations occur because of changes in flight schedules, exchange rates (some costs are always in USD), changes in itinerary, etc.  We will get more accurate numbers after we purchase tickets.

Activities:

In Siliguri:

  • Visit Metanoia Vineyard.  Visit people living on the Riverbed and distribute hampers.
  • During the conference, there will be amazing cultural worship, international Vineyard leaders will be speaking, and there will be plenty of time to connect and party with people from all across the Himalayan Region.  There will also be great food and rice… lots of rice.

In Kathmandu:

  • Visit Kathmandu Vineyard.
  • Connect with our family there.
  • Visit outlying village churches (Kothgaon & Chhampi).
  • See some of the sights of Kathmandu (Thamel district, Pashupatinath, Durbar Square, etc).
  • See the recovery and rebuilding efforts.

 

Accommodations:

In Siliguri:

  • The conference will be held at a conference centre and hotel.  All accommodations, meals and conference activities will be there.

In Kathmandu:

  • We will stay at a guesthouse (kind of like a cross between a bed and breakfast and hotel – Nepali style!)
  • We would be within walking distance (20 minutes) of Kathmandu Vineyard.

 

>>NOTE: Updated Subsidy application deadline: May 31, 2017. May 1, 2017.

Please contact the Office if you’re interested in this trip.