Author: Andy Wood

Vineyard Fest! Welcome

Posted on by

Welcome!

We are so grateful you’ve come to celebrate what God has done in and through this unique community called Winnipeg Centre Vineyard.  It’s been 20 years since the prayer meetings in David and Anita’s living room morphed into public gatherings.  If you were around in those early days in 1995, and haven’t been here in awhile, welcome back!  If you’ve more recently found yourself part of the WCV family, we hope this weekend will help you become more rooted in our story.

Screen Shot 2015-09-17 at 2.56.22 PM

The Elder team at our 2015 retreat.

A wise man once told us to “Walk backwards into the future”.  In other words, where we come from will influence where we’re going.  As we meet in this place – this traditional Anishinabe and Treaty One territory – we want to recall the stories that have formed us and the powerful ways God has shaped us.  However, we don’t want to get caught in mere nostalgia, simply telling stories of the “good ole days”.  Our hope is that something will stir in our spirits as we trace the arc of WCV’s narrative and, in doing so, that we will be inspired into our future together.
As Paul said, “[…] he who began a good work in you will complete it.”  It’s a plural “you”.  God has been working since those early prayer meetings in the Ruis’ living room, and he’s still moving and active among us; forming us into his likeness.  Our prayer is that we will come out of this Vineyard Fest! celebration with a deep sense of gratitude for the past and renewed vision to propel us into the future.

~Andy for the pastoral team

Schedule:

Friday, 7pm

Worship led by David Ruis

“Stories that Shaped Us – Vision to Call Us” – staff telling pivotal WCV stories.

Saturday, 11am – 5:30pm

Neighbourhood Party (see below for details)

Saturday, 7pm

Worship led by WCV band

“Stories that Shaped Us – Vision to Call Us” – David and Anita Ruis

Sunday, 10am

Worship led by David Ruis

“Stories that Shaped Us – Vision to Call Us” – Noel Isaacs & Others

Neighbourhood Party

Since we never do anything without the thought of inviting others along for the journey, we have invited our neighbourhood to come and celebrate with us.  We want our celebration to be an actual blessing to our neighbours; one that will launch us into a new season of everything God has for us and our neighbourhood.

The Neighbourhood party will be in the Greenspace, parking lot and Vineyard Memorial Path and will include the following:

  •       Pancake Brunch: 11am – 12 noon
  •       Kids’ Activities (pony rides, bouncy castle, face painting): 11am – 2pm
  •       Live Music in the Greenspace: 11am – 5pm
  •       Prayer Tents: 12 – 5pm
  •       BBQ Feast: 4:30pm – 5:30pm

Share Your Stories

Unfortunately, there won’t be time this weekend to hear about all the ways God has worked in and through WCV over the years.  Nonetheless, we’d love to collect your thoughts, pivotal stories or prayers for WCV as we look to the future.  If you have something to share, please record a short video and post it to our Facebook page.  Some of these will be collected and shown in our Main Sessions.  Please keep them short (2 mins max, 30 seconds is great).  You can post them on our WCV Facebook Page.

Child Care

There is no childcare or kids’ programming scheduled during the Friday and Saturday Main Sessions.  The Sunday morning session will have our normal “Kids’ Church” activities.  All children must be signed into our Kid Check system, which is set up at the South Door Foyer (by the elevator).  The Neighbourhood Party is totally for kids!

The Nursing Moms’ room is available at any time during the main sessions for those who want some more privacy.  It’s located in the North-West corner of the sanctuary (opposite end from the Kitchen).

WCV Timeline

We know that any timeline will do a disservice to the numerous big and small things God has done in our life together.  Many people have contributed to WCV over the years – too many to list here.  This is simply a brief overview of significant events, incidents and leadership over the past 20 years.

1994 – David and Anita Ruis – The heart in the heartland!  They meet John and Violet Rademaker at a worship event in BC.

1995 Summer – A small group begins to meet in the Ruis’ living room in Winnipeg to pray and articulate vision.

1995 Fall – 960 Main St. is acquired for office space and a Ministry Centre.  Weekday prayer meetings and Drop-in begin.

1995 Oct – First public Sunday morning gathering at Living Bible Explorers.

1995 Nov – Sunday gatherings begin at Jubilee Place @ MBCI.  During this period the Pastoral team includes various combinations of: David & Anita Ruis, Jan & Coral Steffan, John & Violet Rademaker, and Brian & Shannon Creary.  Colin & Cynthia Lees later join the pastoral team.  Many others were also involved in various capacities, coming and going throughout the years.

1996 Sept – The Fragrance of Justice conference with John Wimber & Jackie Pullinger.

1996 – Sunday gatherings begin in Bethlehem Aboriginal Fellowship’s building on Burrows and Charles.

1998 – Noel & Dona Isaacs visit for 3 months and are sent out to plant the Kathmandu Vineyard in Nepal.  “Fragrant Oil” worship album released.

1999 – Nathan & Kendra Rieger join the pastoral team.  Andy & Beckie Wood start the first Vineyard School of Justice.  “Shake off the Dust” worship album released.

2001 – “The Mystery” & North End Artist’s Collective “No Fixed Address” albums released.

2002 Spring – David and Anita move to Los Angeles.

2002 Summer – WCV moves out of Burrows and meets in David Livingstone School, 960 Main St. and Winnipeg Christian Centre on Provencher while we search for a permanent home.

2002 – 782 Main St. is given to WCV after giving our building fund to the Kathmandu Vineyard for them to purchase their home.  Renovations to main floor and ½ of 2nd floor.

2003 Spring – Move to 782 Main St. & sell 960 Main St.

2005 – Mike & Jodi join pastoral team as Children’s Pastors.  A group leaves to start Sanctuary House of Prayer.

2006 – Andy & Beckie Wood join Pastoral team.

2007 Mar – Flatlanders Inn opens (1st phase on the 2nd floor)

2009 Mar – Flatlanders Inn expands (2nd phase on the 3rd floor)

2010 Dec – Flatlanders Inn expands (3rd phase on the 3rd floor)

2011 Spring – Flatlanders Studio opens

2013 – Suhail Stephen reboots the Vineyard School of Justice

2015 April – Earthquake hits Himalayan Region – WCV coordinates world-wide response.

2015 – Suhail Stephen joins staff team as Drop-in Pastor.

2015 – “Within and Without” worship album released.

Our youth have had a number of directors and leaders serve them over the years including: Nolan Clark, Jason & Loraleigh Epp, Sheri McConnell (who also spearheaded Student Revival & Downpour Youth events), Adria Penner, Tim & Tara Klassen, Robb Massey, Jeff Leighton, Sebas & Beckah Hodder, Cornelius & Tania Martens, Ian Williams and currently James & Lynelle Ryan.

Our children have had a number of Children’s coordinators / directors serving them including: Lilian Poetker, Cathy Barclay, Nancy Saura, Joyska Schmidt, Mike Labun and currently Jodi Labun.

Other various ministries and communities have spun out of WCV or have been part of the swirl in one way or another.  These include Andrew & Tami Smith, Rik & Zara Leaf and Kim Johnson who were part of the Artists Collective.  Jan and Coral Steffan planted the Brandon Vineyard which is now pastored by Ed & Lynn Creary who were part of WCV in the early days.  Joe Eapen, Derek & Joy Eidse, Jason & Theresa Eheler, Greg & Theresa Trask, Doug & Rachelle Houlbrook & David & Anita Ruis and others spearheaded the Freedom House.  Gregg & Irene Musselmen, Lindsay & Lois Ward and Sean & Natasha Hogan with the Winnipeg South Vineyard (which is now the Village Vineyard).  Robb and Christa Massey and a team of people from WCV planted the Vineyard in Elmwood.

Nepal and the Himalayan Region has seen many trips (too many to mention).  Many families from WCV have spent time and sown into this vital relationship.  The “multi-month club” include Kevin & Heather Attkey, Ken & Bonnie Lewis & family, Rod & Elisa Jersak & family, Mike & Jodi Labun & family and others.

Mercy In Action in the Philippines has also been a significant connection for WCV.  Andy & Beckie Wood, Steve & Susan Wintoniw, Jason & Theresa Eheler, Jennifer Stephen, Karina Lewis, and Jon & Tracy Mullet and others have all spent significant time cultivating this relationship.

Flatlanders Inn began in prayer in 2005 and came to fruition in 2007.  Since then the Leadership team has included Andy & Beckie Wood, Jeff & Amanda Leighton, Adam Ward, Sarah Coloumbe, Luke Mayhew, Sarah Hildebrand, Brendan & Kelly Dvorak and Laura Dahl with many others contributing, serving and learning in this context as Transitional Members or Interns.

Of course there are many other people who could be listed who have served and led in various capacities over the years (like Lillian Poetker our amazing bookkeeper and Jason & Yvonne Parks in worship).  We are grateful for the rich heritage of leadership and service in WCV.  Thanks to all and thanks to God!  Here’s to the Kingdom Come!

 

Vineyard Fest! – a few more details

Posted on by

Ok people.  Our 20th Anniversary Weekend party is approaching!  Here are some details:

Schedule:

We’re having 3 Main Sessions and a “Neighbourhood Party” all at 782 Main St.

  • Friday, Sept 25, 7pm: Main Session – Worship led by David Ruis, WCV staff sharing Pivotal Stories to Propel us into the future.
  • Saturday, Sept 26, 11am – 5:30pm: Neighbourhood Party (details below)
  • Saturday, Sept 26, 7pm: Main Session – Worship led by a WCV Band, and David & Anita Ruis will speak – Stories that Formed us, Vision to Call Us.
  • Sunday, Sept 27, 10am: Main Session – Worship led by David Ruis, and Noel Isaacs will speak.

Neighbourhood Party

Saturday, 11am – 5:30pm

We don’t just want to get together to recall the “good ole days” – we want our celebration to be an actual blessing to our neighbourhood and one that will launch us into a new season of everything God has for us and our neighbourhood.  We want to celebrate together as we look to the future.  Our Neighbourhood party will be in the Greenspace, parking lot and Vineyard Memorial Path and will include the following:

  • Pancake Brunch: 11am – 12 noon
  • Kid’s Activities (pony rides, bouncy castle, games): 11am – 2pm
  • Live Music in the Greenspace: 11am – 5pm
  • Prayer Tent
  • BBQ Feast: 4:30pm – 5:30pm
  • Other things are in the works – if you have ideas and want to do them, contact the office.

If it rains (or snows!), we will move some of these activities inside and cancel others.

On Sunday, Sept 20, right after church, there will be a few small teams heading out to Turtle Island to invite people to our Neighbourhood Party.  If you want to join, please  contact the office.

Speakers & Guests:

David & Anita Ruis – They are the founding pastors of WCV and the current National Directors of Vineyard Canada.  After having felt the invitation from God to “bring the heart to the heartland” they relocated to Winnipeg in 1995.  WCV was birthed in their living room and quickly grew.

Noel & Dona Isaacs – They are the founding pastors of the Kathmandu Vineyard and current directors of the Himalayan Region Vineyards.  It was while they were living in Winnipeg for a few months in 1998 that the vision for a Vineyard church plant in Nepal was fully realized.  Since that time, WCV and the HRV have been joined together in friendship and family.

Silas & Sarita Rai – They are the founding pastors of the Namchi Vineyard in Sikkim India.  They are part of the Himalayan Region Vineyard leadership team.  This is their first visit to Canada, and they’ll be spending most of their time with their partner church, Cornerstone Vineyard in Winkler.  But we’re excited they’ll be joining us for part of our weekend!

Sharing Your Thoughts:

There won’t be time to hear all the ways God has worked in and through WCV over the years.  But we’d like to collect a series of thoughts, pivotal stories or perhaps words or prayers for WCV as we look to the future. You are invited to take a quick video and post it to our Facebook page.  Some of these will be collected and shown in our Main Sessions, and they all will be available for people to view on Facebook.  Please keep them short (2 mins max, 30 seconds is great).  You can post them here.

Helping Out:

Obviously we need a lot of help to pull this off well.  If you are willing and able to volunteer for a portion or all of the weekend, here are a few general areas we need volunteers in.  Please contact the office to be put in touch with the person who is organizing these areas.  If you have other ideas, or would like to help in a way not mentioned here, please let us know!

  • Food Prep & Service – Neighbourhood Party – Pancake Brunch & BBQ Supper
  • Security – mainly during the Neighbourhood Party
  • Welcome People – we need a small army of people to be especially welcoming of newcomers, especially during the Neighbourhood Party
  • Kid’s Activities (face painting, games, bouncy castle set-up, pony rides helpers) (normal Children Safety Checks apply)
  • Neighbourhood Invite Teams (on Sun Sept 20 after church)
  • Hospitality – we’d like to have coffee and snacks for the two evening sessions
  • Collaborative Art Project – we’d like to have an exterior art piece that everyone can participate in.

Other ideas? Please let us know!

Nepal Update: Lost Memories, New Homes

Posted on by

It’s been awhile since the last update.  Monsoon season has been a difficult time without much progress in rebuilding.  The rains are typically from May to September, becoming most heavy throughout June and July.  By now it still rains but normally only once a day during the evenings.  Working in these conditions poses significant challenges.  The roads become greasy with mud and the worksites become difficult to access.  The saturated ground clinging to the sides of mountains occasionally loses its fight with gravity causing landslides and washouts.  In the height of the monsoon season this year, many people flooded into Kathmandu causing a new wave of refugees leaving the countryside for the relative stability of the city.  There are tent cities throughout Kathmandu hosting these displaced people.  Now it rains only once a day which has allowed work to continue.  It will kick into high gear when it dries up by the end of September.

Kothgaon

IMG_3646On Thursday, we visited the village of Kothgaon.  This is a small village of about 100 families perched on a mountain ridge overlooking the Kathmandu Valley.  Nearly all of the homes there are either destroyed or significantly damaged.  The homes that survived were made out of concrete and rebar, although many that look fine at first glance display ominous cracks upon closer inspection.  The Vineyard there has 18 families – 16 lost their homes.  In the weeks after the earthquake, we built 30 temporary shelters there.  13 permanent homes are now under construction for those in greatest need.  Some can afford to rebuild, others are destitute.  We will help both the Vineyard families and other non-Christians in the village who cannot afford to rebuild.  The same is true for the other villages in which we have churches.

Kothgaon – House on the Rise from WCV on Vimeo.

 

Lost Memories

Screen Shot 2015-08-21 at 4.20.08 AM

Kaila Ama and her grandson

We spent some time with Kaila Ama along with her son, daughter-in-law and their cute little guy.  Sitting under a tarp next to their temporary tin shelter she recounted the story of what happened when her home crumbled on April 26.  As she recounted her story, we sensed both gratitude and loss.  She told how immediately before the earthquake there was a gust of wind, then everything started to shake violently.  All the homes around her began to crumble including her own home.  Two stories of brick, stone and mud mortar came crashing down behind her as she ran to the field for protection where she began to pray – apparently with some fervency.  Through a small smile, she said that people thought she was crazy for kneeling in the field calling out to God like she did.  She stood up and told them that she was not crazy – she was just praying to her God who she insisted would keep her and her family safe.  He did.

Hearing the stories.

Hearing the stories.

Her countenance shifted as she told us of everything that was lost.  What hurt the most wasn’t the loss of property, but the loss of memories.  She lost a house, but she also lost a home in which she had lived for a very long time.  Clutching her grandson, she told how her family had grown up there, and that her husband had died there a year ago.  The earthquake took many memories that day, and we could tell this is what pained her the most.  As we sat with this dear sister in her makeshift shelter we cried, overwhelmed with both gratitude that her life was spared but grieving with her all the losses.  Together we prayed for healing and God’s presence to continue to envelop her as she moves into her new home in a few weeks.

 

>Please PRAY.

>Donate.

>See the Plan.

>Subscribe.

 

Men’s Lake Getaway registration

Posted on by

What & Why:

One of Jesus’ most famous stories is about two sons and their father.  The younger son asks his father for his inheritance long before he is meant to have it (his father was still alive!) and after receiving it, goes and spends it on wild living.  He runs out of money, gets a job feeding pigs, and ends up starving.  Coming to his senses, he decides to return to his father’s house, and when he does, his father throws him an extravagant celebration.  The older son hears the music and is furious because though he’s always been a faithful servant to his father, he’s never been thrown a party.
Screen Shot 2015-08-12 at 12.49.40 PMWe are earthly sons of our parents and heavenly sons of God by faith – but what kind of sons are we?
Like the younger son we’ve all had moments where we’ve lost our way and ended up in the company of swine.
Like the elder son, we’ve all felt that despite how hard we have tried we haven’t gotten what was owed us.
Come and enjoy a weekend of reflection and fun (with great food!) as we dive into more of what it means to live as real sons of our father in heaven.

When & Where:

Sept 11 – 13, starts Friday night at 7:30pm.  Ends Sunday noon.

Rademaker Cabins on Lindsay Rd., Clearwater Bay, Ontario.  20 minutes East of the Ontario border just 2km East of Clearwater Bay.  Right on Lindsay Rd., drive straight in to Fire Rd 5 or 6.

Register:

Cost: $50 (partial subsidy available if needed).  Payment required with registration – Please include Cash or Cheque to Church Office or Cornelius (payable to Vineyard Men’s Getaway)

Bring: sleeping bag / bedding / tent if required (or wanted)

We have limited inside beds (first come basis) but lots of decks for tenting or mats!

Count me in!

Fill in the form below to register.  It will be sent to Cornelius Martens.

 

[gravityform id=”14″ title=”true” description=”true”]

Nepal Update: The Other Side

Posted on by

At the Vineyard Global Gathering a few weeks ago, there was a poignant moment of worship and intercession for Nepal.  David Ruis and Noel Isaacs led a song of lament and longing – a song of hope and pleading on behalf of the Himalayan Region.  It was powerful and raw and you can view part of it in the clip below.  Lament coloured with hope.  Healing amidst pain.  The Kingdom coming, the Kingdom here.  Come Jesus.

You can watch more here for a limited time (It’s the Thursday evening recording).  Skip to 1:03:20 on the recording to view more of the intercession and song for Nepal.

>Please continue to PRAY.

>Click here to donate.

>Click here to see what we’re doing (our Strategic Plan).

>Subscribe to receive these updates in your inbox.

 

Nepal Update: Pray

Posted on by

Pray

The power of prayer is on display in the Nepali earthquake response. In the midst of such an extreme humanitarian crisis, it’s easy to get into work mode. It’s also easy to recognize one’s own insufficiency. We’ve realized that for as much work that gets accomplished, it’s not going to add up to much if God isn’t doing more. In other words, even in huge disasters like this, we must still do what the Father is doing. This thought has kept prayer on the forefront of our response and has undergirded all the activity this crisis has generated. Practical response and prayer are both critical, and remain so – perhaps more now than ever.

Noel recounted to me the incredible sight of people worshipping in Chhampi. They were totally given to worship, even while their own homes were in shambles. They have come to know God as, what Psalm 91 calls, their “defender and protector.” Their attitude isn’t a normal response to devastation of this magnitude. Despondency and hopelessness would seem to be a more natural result, however the opposite is their reality. Yes, there is trauma, which will take years to work through. Yes, there are moments of despair. Yes, there are homes and livelihoods that need to be rebuilt. But each and every person is being bathed in prayer, which has made all the difference. Our prayers have lifted them. This is the power of a praying community.

 

Thank you for your prayers. We’ve received wisdom, grace, strength and even strategy as a result. But most of all, we’ve seen Jesus as we follow him into the lives of those hardest hit and work together to see his Kingdom come in the Himalayas as in heaven. Please keep praying! The work is only just beginning.

  • Wisdom – for local leaders determining how and who to help
  • Protection – from corruption & thieves
  • Hope – for everyone affected
  • Rest – for the leaders
  • Provision – to accomplish all God’s set out for us to do

Landslides

One unfolding situation that needs both prayer and practical response is the landslides.  The Earthquakes and daily tremors have disturbed the ground conditions which are now being saturated with monsoon rain.  These have triggered many landslides.  Reports indicate that in recent days over 70,000 people have flooded into Kathmandu from the villages to get away from these unstable conditions.  Many have family in the capital who are staying in unstable structures, but others are simply setting up tents and tarps in available space. This is putting strain on the capital region and has the potential to develop into a full-scale crisis.  Please pray into this pressing situation.

>Please continue to PRAY.

>Click here to donate.

>Click here to see what we’re doing (our Strategic Plan).

>Subscribe to receive these updates in your inbox.

 

 

Vineyard Fest! – 20 Year Celebration

Posted on by

On Sept 25, 26 & 27 Winnipeg Centre Vineyard will be celebrating 20 years!

It will be a celebration of everything God has done in and through us since 1995.  It’ll be a party of God’s love and faithfulness. We will have friends David & Anita Ruis (Canadian National Directors & WCV Founders) and Noel & Dona Isaacs (Himalayan Region Vineyard Pastors and Director ) share pivotal stories that formed us and we will look to God as he leads us onward.

Screen Shot 2015-07-08 at 2.57.35 PMNeighbourhood Party ~ Worship ~ CD Release ~ Dancing ~ Stories ~ Prophecies ~ Music ~ Games ~ Inspiration ~ Vision ~ Bouncy Castle ~ Feast ~ Kid’s festival ~ Pancake Breakfast ~ and more!

Stories & Encouragement

Please share your stories!  We’d love to hear some of you reflections, especially if you were around in the early days.  What has God done in your life as a result of being part of WCV.  Please consider sending us a note or a short (1 min max) video message.  We also highly value any prayers or encouragements you may have for us.  You can send them to Andy, or use the form below.

[gravityform id=”13″ title=”true” description=”false” tabindex=”0″]

 

 

Sunday Gathering @ Bird’s Hill Park

Posted on by

Hey WCV – please remember that we are not gathering at 782 Main St this Sunday.  We will be meeting at Bird’s Hill Park, Group Camping Area #1, Site #2.   Click here for a map and for more info on the Camp-out.

Sunday, July 5, 10:30am

If you need a ride out to the park, there will be a bus leaving 782 Main St at 9:45am (actually it will leave at 10am, but be there early!).

 

Vineyard Global Family Conference Live Stream

Posted on by

This is the first international gathering of the Vineyard Family in many years and it’s being hosted by VineyardUSA.  There are thousands of representatives from all across the world converging on Columbus, Ohio.  It is promising to be a great time.  Nathan and Suhail are going to be going along with Noel Isaacs.  They’ll be hosting a meet-up about the Nepal Earthquakes and Suhail will be attending an international Vineyard educator’s forum representing the School of Justice.

You can view all the main sessions live right here.

July 6 – 9.

You can check out the schedule and speakers on their main site which is also where they’ll likely have information about getting recordings of the sessions.

Nepal Update: Jesus, Lead Us

Posted on by

Columbus Meet-Up

If you’re going to be in Columbus for the Global Vineyard Family gathering, you’re invited to our meet-up.  Join Noel Isaacs (HRV Director) and Nathan Rieger (WCV) as they share stories of the earthquakes.  You’ll hear firsthand tales of survival and faith as well as what’s happened in the relief, recovery and rebuilding efforts since as well as plans and opportunities for the future.

Wednesday, July 8, 2015 from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM (EDT)

Ramada Columbus North/Polaris
6767 Schrock Hill Court
Columbus, OH 43229

More details and registration for this event are here.

Chhampi Building Dedication

The inside of Chhampi church

The inside of Chhampi church

The Chhampi Vineyard has a new home!  Their old one was demolished in the first earthquake.  A few weeks ago they finished constructing a new building.  Noel says: “While I was at the Chhampi church building dedication service I saw women who have lost their homes and are sleeping under temporary tin roof shelters… they were singing, dancing and worshiping Jesus.  Unbelievable!  They’ve realized that the JOY of the Lord is their strength.”  This is a big boost for the community as they recover from the earthquakes.

Pre-Fab Homes

DSC_0745

The frame of the prototype home that will be built after the rainy season is over.

A template has been developed which will be used in Chhampi, Kothgaon and Gorkha.  There will have to be significant adaptations for the high mountain villages due to transportation and construction issues.  The frame is 20 feet by 12.5 wide and is 8.5 feet high.  It will be pre-made in Kathmandu in pieces and assembled on site.  In order to stretch funds as well as to provide opportunity for home owners to customize and contribute to the rebuilding, they themselves will construct the floor, walls, windows and doors from reclaimed brick and timber.  It’s a low-cost rigid structure which will withstand shaking while at the same time being sensitive to the local standards of living.

Tipling

Tipping is the most remote village we are working in.  The people here have trekked two days crossing rugged mountains to deliver supplies.  From the air it looked like a trail of ants marching up the mountains.  An appropriate home design is still in the works for this region.  However, the community has already come together to rebuild their church building.  We have sent tin for the roof.

Jesus, Lead Us

A few thoughts from Noel:

“My fear was that our people would swing to negativity.  I thought these earthquakes would kill the spirit of our people.  I didn’t  know what kind of message I needed to give – I didn’t know how to lead.  I still say I don’t wanna be in this situation ever again.  How can you lead when you are just as shaken?  Now everyday I say “Jesus lead us”.  He has.  He was with us in the earthquakes.  He spoke to us and gave us wisdom and strategy.  He has mobilized the family from around the world.  I have heard many of our people say ‘at the end of the day nothing will protect you.  Even your riches, pride, and so on.  It is only in DSC_0460the hands of Jesus that we find safety!’  Yes, I can say the Himalayan Region Vineyard Churches are shaken – but not dead.  We don’t look to the earthquake – we look to God because that’s where our helps comes from.

I personally want to say a big “thank you” to everyone who took time to remember us and open their pockets.  May God bless you so much.  I know that if an earthquake hits your place we will be there to help you!”

HRV Online Presence

We’ve kept both the HRV website and Facebook page disabled due to continued sensitive issues on the ground.  It’s part of exercising diligence and wisdom and we don’t want to create undue hardship for our team and community’s there.

>Please continue to PRAY.

>Click here to donate.

>Click here to access resources and our Strategic Plan.

>Subscribe now to receive these updates in your inbox.

WCV Community Camp-out Info

Posted on by

Here’s the info you’ll need for both the camp-out and our Sunday gathering:

Where:

Bird’s Hill Provincial Park.  Group Use Area #1, Site #2 (see the map below).  Park in either lots 2a, 2b (closest to the Picnic shelter) or 2c (closest to the camping).  All three of these parking lots service Site #2.  There will be signs.

Bird's Hill Campground Map

Click to enlarge map

Bird's Hill Park Map

Click to enlarge map

When:

Friday, July 3 – Sunday, July 5.  You can arrive after 11am on Friday.  Check-out is 3pm on Sunday.

Transportation:

Bus leaves Friday from 782 Main at 6pm.

Bus leaves Sunday from 782 Main at 10am sharp!

If you need a ride on the bus, please contact Suhail at (204) 297-4031.

Food:

For the weekend please bring you own food.  Generally we try to eat together – sharing inevitably happens – kind of like a pot luck.  It’s not organized in any way, we just recognize that eating together is fun and a great way to get to know others.

For Sunday lunch, the church will provide a BBQ.

Cost:

$10 per tent per night.  Payable during the weekend.

Other info:

  • The sites are open concept.  Find a welcoming piece of grass and feel free to set up there. camp-tents
  • There is a central Picnic shelter which has electricity, picnic tables, and fire pits.  This is the central hub – if you or others with you need to sleep early, don’t set up near there.
  • There is running water available.
  • There are other running things too (like wild animals).
  • We will have some worship jams – so bring some instruments!

Sunday Gathering:

There will be no service at 782 Main St on Sunday.  Instead, we will gather at Bird’s Hill Provincial Park Group Use Area #1, Site #2.  Please note it will start at 10:30.  A bus will leave from 782 Main at 10am sharp (not Vineyard time) if you need a lift out for the day.

  • 10:30am – Worship, those getting baptized will share and Noel Isaacs will speak.
  • 12 noon – BBQ Lunch (provided)
  • 1:30pm – we will head down to the beach for the baptisms.
  • 3pm – check-out for campers

NOTES:

  • Bring your own Lawn chairs or blankets.
  • Each vehicle needs a Provincial Park Pass.
  • If you’re not camping, why not come hang out during the days?

Reflecting on Cambridge Metanoia 2015

Posted on by

Screen Shot 2015-06-25 at 3.16.35 PMMyself (Andy), Nathan, Jodi & Mike spent 3 days in Cambridge Ontario last week with about 40 other leaders and pastors at the first “Metanoina” gathering that Vineyard Canada is piloting. It was a wonderful time full of laughter, prayer, tears, food, challenge and a whole lot more. I’m sure they will continue in some form or another given the success of this one. There are many highlights, including a quick skinny-dip in the local stream – but I’ll reflect the more edifying elements here.

Metanoia means “re-think” or “think again”. It seems that the Vineyard in Canada is in a season of not only doing that, but being re-envisioned, re-discovering our identity, re-tooling for our mission, re-forming our leadership, re-capturing our birthright, re-connecting with each other and re-engaging hope on a national level. It’s not that any of these were missing in previous years, but there does seem to be a tangible uplift happening across the country.

We gathered on the stunning grounds of the Cambridge Vineyard. It is situated in an oasis of ancient Screen Shot 2015-06-25 at 3.31.54 PMand towering maple, oak, pine and spruce trees. Nestled in this natural beauty is a collection of old stone buildings, some of which date back 200 years. It used to be a monastery before the Vineyard acquired them. The grounds are surrounded by an old (and crumbling) stonewall. There is a saying that, “we build buildings, and then they build us”. Gathering in such a beautiful spot, certainly enhanced the sense of beauty we experienced in each other and enriched our worship together. It was evident that great care was taken to curate our environment. Various works of art spoke to us from the walls and a series of sculptures pointed us Godward. Even the set-up for communion was lavish – much like our God. It inspired me to think more deeply about our own environments in which we gather. We often say the Eucharist is the central act of Christian worship, but we often act in a way that relegates the Communion table to the periphery. This must change.

Various “catalytic leaders” shared their hearts & ideas with us:

Vineyard Formation – Jon & Beth Stovell from Calgary talked about all the ways theological and spiritual formation is happening across the country. There are specific efforts at providing some synergy and collaboration among the various efforts.

Vineyard Pulse – Anita Ruis shared about this prayer and prophetic initiative, which will hear and pray the heartbeat of God for the Vineyard in Canada. They are taking practical steps to hear, envision and train those involved in prayer in churches across the country.  There is an invitation to re-capture our particular Vineyard voice in these areas which is super exciting.

Vineyard Multiplication & Entrepreneurial Mission – Larry Levy, from Halifax, did a standup comedy routine – um, I mean he shared deeply church planting, citing a few recent initiatives.  Todd Rutkowski, from Calgary, gave us some examples of entrepreneurial mission that might not fall under traditional church planting models, but they are working – so who cares about traditional models anyways, eh!?  It’s wonderful to be part of a movement that can embrace both without being scared or intimidated by the other.

Vineyard Worship – Marc Pusch (New Brunswick) talked about the reemergence of this essential part of our movement, not as a business, nor a record label, but as a genuine reflection of our response to God in song and art.

Vineyard Engage – Beth Wood (Halifax) and myself shared our desire and plans to see the Vineyard in Canada fully engaged and speaking into all kinds injustice at local, national and global levels. I cried (and made others cry). It was a win.

We also heard from representatives of each region across the country. The general sense is that God is on the move. Ellie Mumford (UK) said/prophesied last year at Enlive that “Aslan is on the move!” This appears to be true. While there are varying degrees of loss experienced over the past number of years which varies from region to region, there is agreement across the country that good things are afoot.  They may not be big, but they’re small!  David and Anita Ruis’ leadership is instrumental in this. They’re doing a great job.

Screen Shot 2015-06-25 at 3.17.09 PM

Please notice Caleb’s glasses. 😉

A Prophetic People

We did a lot of listening to each other, with many break-out and “whiteboard” sessions. However, we did have two sessions with Caleb Maskell, a founding member of the Society of Vineyard Scholars. Not only is he a great guy with stylin’ glasses (they’re almost identical to mine), he’s pretty smart and gave us a Spirit-filled challenge. He contended that we should rethink being primarily a “culturally relevant” people to embracing a “prophetic” posture. He said that the church is to be the “institutional memory of the people of God”. That is, we are to remind those around us (and ourselves) what God has done and demonstrate what God will do. Being a prophetic people means showing the world what it means to really be fully human.

Screen Shot 2015-06-25 at 3.17.56 PM

The central act of Christian worship

Rooting ourselves in this kind of prophetic vocation will allow us to influence our cultures on a different level. Instead of getting irreparably bogged down in various issues, perhaps a better way is to call people into God’s story through Jesus. Caleb suggested the Eucharist is our most tangible expression of this, in which we have a “suffering God calling us to life”. We live in the tension that is most saliently displayed in the bread and wine. From this place of worship we extend the invitation to “encounter Jesus and live the story.”

 

Screen Shot 2015-06-25 at 3.56.51 PM