Lent – an invitation to Life

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Ash Wednesday (March 6) marks the beginning of the Lenten season in the Western Christian calendar. These 40 days (excluding Sundays) culminate in the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Sunday.
Lent is about preparation, self examination and meditation on Jesus’ life and suffering. It’s about journeying with him to become like him. It’s about taking up our cross prior to being raised with him.  Before being raised to life on Sunday, Jesus was lifted up on Friday.

Lent is about finding life – the true source of life

Our culture shuns anything that remotely hints of denial. “Why should I have to give up anything?” we ask, if not with words then through how we conduct our lives.  Examining the deep inner contours of our hearts is not something we do naturally – yet it is what followers of Jesus have done for centuries during this season and have found deep life in the process. This, of course, is the point.  Lent is about finding life – finding the true source of life – the very author of life.  In Lent we give up other embraces to make room to be more fully be embraced by Jesus.

This season, you may want to embark on a journey asking the question, “what in my life is crowding out the very source of life?” This is the essence of fasting – another practical marker of Lent.  Jesus wants to bring us to a place of being more fully alive and yet he won’t do it without our partnership.  As we posture ourselves toward him, the Holy Spirit will transform our self-centred lives into new lives of community and justice. Lent prepares us to live worshipful lives of compassion, generosity and all embracing love.  This sounds like a good definition of being fully alive to me – how about you?

 

Here are a few resources that may help on your Lenten journey:

Pray As You Go

A daily contemplative podcast that leads the listener through a series of meditative prayers and scripture readings.  Each episode is about 10 – 13 minutes long.  You can listen right from their website or subscribe to it via iTunes podcasts.

Lent for Everyone

This is an online devotional created by N.T. Wright.  It includes daily scripture and a well-crafted and thoughtful devotion by one of the foremost New Testament scholars of our time.  (You have to sign up to view it).

Living Lent Daily

Features prayers, thoughts and more each day to inspire you throughout your Lenten journey. A new article will become available daily throughout Lent.  These are quite short.

And a few WCV inspirations:

Lenten Devotional

There is a guided Lenten devotional centred around the book “Sacred & Desecrated: 40 days with Wendel Berry“. It includes daily readings and various challenges designed to deepen our connection with God while preparing us for Good Friday and Easter. The group meets Wednesday evenings beginning March 6th, 7:30-8:30. Contact Amanda for more info.

Empty the Pantry – a Flatlanders Lenten Tradition

The folks in Flatlanders Inn have been doing this for 9 years or so – you may want to try it in your living situation.

“Each year during this season, we dig out the accumulated boxes, tins, and bags from our cupboards and make a deliberate choice to use up the food that we wouldn’t usually choose to use.

Doing this helps us to remember that not everyone has the luxury of choosing what they want to eat. Many people simply have to find ways to use up what they have. Doing this also reminds us to be grateful – on a regular basis, we actually get to choose what we want to eat. We have enough food to have all of these extras.

At the end of Lent, we calculate how much money we have saved on groceries, and then use that money to bless others.”

 

Feature Image credit: Jenson Stidham

 

 

The Vineyard Creative Imaginarium

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Mark your calendars! On April 4, 5, 6, 2019 Vineyard Creative is hosting an Imaginarium gathering in Winnipeg, MB. What in the world is an imaginarium you ask?

Here’s how Wikipedia defines it:

“An imaginarium refers to a place devoted to the imagination. There are various types of imaginaria, centers largely devoted to stimulating and cultivating the imagination, towards scientific, artistic, commercial, recreational, or spiritual ends.”

What that looks like for us is a Christ-centered gathering of Imaginators that is a creative, safe, sacred space. A space to share our work and our dreams, to be inspired, challenged and listened to. It means engaging with and exploring the imagination of God, the great Imaginator of it all. It means feasting together, worshipping together and creating together. It means coming to the table and breaking bread and the wine together.

We will be specifically exploring creativity as a healer and as a story(truth)-teller.

This gathering is being facilitated by Vineyard Creative Catalyst Leaders Kris MacQueen and Krista Heide. Rik Berry, acclaimed painter and Valley Gate Vineyard pastor will be joining us as well.

We will start with a Dinner Meet & Greet on Thursday, go all day Friday and Saturday, ending with a celebration / party Saturday evening.

There is a registration fee of $70 (early bird pricing of $50 until March 15)

 

Registration includes dinner together Thursday night and fun party food/appetizers on Saturday night. Attendees responsible for all other meals.

>>>Register here.

One Step at a Time – AGM & other meetings

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The past season has been quite a season – an understatement perhaps, but good to acknowledge nonetheless. It has been complicated and difficult in many ways.

Throughout this time I’ve often been reminded of the passage in Hebrews that says of Jesus, “for the joy set before him, he endured the cross.” There was a grit to Jesus’ path to the cross – a dogged “just keep putting one foot in front of the other” kind of determination that I see in him. But there was also something beyond the cross that seemed to impel him forward – something that held his vision. He both worked with what was right in front of him – “one step at a time” as Alcoholics Anonymous wisdom recommends, and he kept his “eye on the prize”, so to speak. I believe the same is to be true of us in this complex time. We need to keep our eyes on Jesus, and be obedient to the small steps along the way – one step at a time – a “long obedience in the same direction” as Eugene Peterson famously put it.

We do have a few steps laid out for us in the coming months. These plans will simply help us be together as a community in a way that we haven’t been able to be for the past little while. This means, getting together, talking about where we’re at and where we’re going as well as hearing what is stirring amongst each other. It means praying together and asking questions of each other. We know there are many conversations happening amongst the community – working through the continued implications of Nathan’s arrest, trial, conviction and recent sentencing, questions about leadership in WCV, the 2019 budget, opinions about where we are heading, where we should be heading and what God is calling us to – these and others are all relevant topics for discussion and prayer. We need to hear each other, and in the midst of it, we need to hear God. This kind of conversation and dialogue together will be healing in many ways, and will also help us discern where we’re at, and where we need to be heading. But it begins, like Jesus, with one step at a time.

Here are a few of the next steps:

Our Annual General Meeting will be Monday, March 11, 7pm. At this meeting we will review our finances (as is required by the Charities Act) as well as provide lots of space for questions and dialogue. Additionally, we’ll have some clarity about leadership roles and responsibilities in WCV.

Secondly, we’re going to be having Community Meetings at which we can further our discussions as well as get some helpful input from you. These will be times to hear each other, hear God, and provide the leadership with a venue for community discernment. We are working on getting some input and inspiration from David and Anita Ruis who will help us unpack what leadership looks like in a Kingdom of God context. Watch for the exact dates of these Community Meetings but the first one will be during the last week in April, and we will likely have another in May.

…we fasten our gaze onto Jesus who birthed faith within us and who leads us forward into faith’s perfection. His example is this: Because his heart was focused on the joy of knowing that you would be his, he endured the agony of the cross and conquered its humiliation, and now sits exalted at the right hand of the throne of God!

 

Hebrews 12:2 (TPT)

 

 

 

Vineyard Prayer and Worship Summit – Edmonton

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Every year, there is a national Vineyard event held in Edmonton called the Vineyard Prayer & Worship Summit. It is a time of gathering together to simply “seek the face of the Lord and worship him.” It is two days of worship and prayer and is always an impactful and encouraging time. Also, there is a pre-summit symposium that is designed to offer some training and teaching around particular topics. This year there are two symposium tracks: 1) How to develop a culture of prayer in your church community, and 2) Prophetic movement through dance.

>> Prayer and Worship Summit: March 1 & 2, 2019

>> Pre-Summit Symposium: February 28, 2019

>> Edmonton

>> Visit the website for more details and to register.

 

Let Me Ask You a Question

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Questions have a way of engaging the heart. Doctrinal statements, creeds, arguments and various proclamations don’t produce the kind and quality of engagement that a well placed question can. Jesus certainly knew this and often harnessed the power of the question – there are over 300 recorded in the bible.

This winter we’re exploring a few questions Jesus asked. Our intent is not so much come to Jesus with our own questions but rather to have him interrogate our hearts through his questions. This may sound harsh, but his questions do have a way of cutting through the clutter of our own lives and hearts, of helping us notice what is already there, but we may not be aware of it. His queries help us to be reflective in a way that our society does not typically encourage.

“Our deepest longing is not for answers but for Him. Ultimately we’re happier and more satisfied with mysteries than with any amount of explanation.”

Jesus’ questions also encourage relationship. He doesn’t just tell us what to believe – he invites us, through his questions, to enter into a dialogue with him – to engage relationally and not just simply seek him for the right answers. Mike Mason says, “Our deepest longing is not for answers but for Him. Ultimately we’re happier and more satisfied with mysteries than with any amount of explanation.” (Champagne for the Soul: Rediscovering God’s Gift of Joy, 171) This is what we’re after – meeting Jesus in his questions!

You can catch up here if you’ve missed any of the sermons so far.

Note: this series is based on the book “Let Me Ask You a Question: Conversations With Jesus” by Matthew Croasmun.

 

Carol Wimber @ SVS

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There are very few environments like the Society of Vineyard Scholars (SVS). Passionate, Spirit-filled, community minded followers of Jesus with distinctly Vineyard sensibilities gathering to discuss, dialogue, pray and worship with their whole hearts and their whole minds. I (Andy) have been going to the annual gathering for the past few years, and if I’m honest, have been stalking SVS since it began 10 year ago. 😉 Every interaction I’ve had, whether it has been downloading a paper from the SVS forum or going to an actual event, I always come away enriched and encouraged. What we think really does make a difference in how we live, and the SVS is a great place to think about God (do theology) in community.

My first year I was sitting next to a guy I had just met. We were chatting and then in mid conversation the tone shifted. I interrupted him and said, “wait a minute, are you giving me a word right now?!” In a distinctly Californian accent he said, “ya, that’s how we do it”, and continued to share with me three prophetic words that turned out to be very accurate and important in my life. At that same event I was further enriched by quality teaching, lively dialogue, creative expressions of worship and practical ideas to try out in WCV – I came away with a full heart and a full mind.

This coming year, the SVS gathering is within driving distance for us… it’s in Minneapolis. And, this year will be a special one because Carol Wimber will be interviewed in one of the plenary sessions. This is a rare opportunity to hear Carol as well as Bob and Penny Fulton, all pivotal people in the development of the Vineyard, reflect on the early history, identity and influences of our movement.

This conference is for academics, pastors and leaders… but it’s not just for people with lots of letters behind their name – it’s really for anyone who loves to think deeply – for anyone who loves to worship with their whole selves, including their minds! How about we go together?!

Here’s Caleb Maskell, one of the SVS founders:

Who should come?:

 

>>May 2 – 4, 2019

>>Minneapolis, MN.

>>Hosted at Mercy Vineyard

 

>>This year’s theme is  “The Coming of the Spirit and the Life of the Church.”

If you are interested in going, let Andy know and we’ll see if we can caravan together!

 

More info on SVS here.

Word of God – a new song

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Here’s a great new song that was shared at the Vineyard National Gathering in Montreal this past summer. This recording captures an early Tuesday morning session when many of us piled into the beautiful (and hot) St. Jax church for a time of worship and prayer “in the round”. This is a genuine “live” recording that somehow captures the living presence of Jesus amongst us.

Women’s Night

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Calling all women… here is an invitation to you from Elisa Jersak:
It has been awhile my friends. My heart is longing to connect and offer a space to be – whatever we may carry.
This is a night to gather…to worship, to pray and eat pies. Hope you can make it.
January 24, 2019
7:00-9:00pm
Comfy couch room
Watch the calendar for more Women’s night events (they’re scheduled monthly).

A Conversation on Our Roots

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This conversation was mentioned recently in our latest Elders’ meeting as we were praying and talking about the church, our roots, the Drop-in, the street parish, etc. This is a great view into some of the early foundational stories, and ideas from which WCV was planted. It’s a conversation with David Ruis on the Ferment Podcast.

It’s a free-flowing conversation but if you need to skip, at about 20 minutes, David discusses worship and justice and at about 30 minutes, WCV is brought into the discussion.

But the whole conversation is worth your while if you have the time.

 

A Community Letter Regarding Nathan

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Dear WCV Community,

This past season has been a difficult one. Thank you for hanging in there. The purpose of this letter is to communicate what’s been going on in Winnipeg Centre Vineyard since the shocking news of Nathan’s arrest on August 10, 2018, his immediate resignation from WCV, and his conviction on December 14, 2018.

We know the events and information surrounding this ordeal have been hard to digest. Each new media report stirred up many emotions. For some of you this has triggered past trauma – for others you’re ready to put it all in the past. We want you to know that no matter where you find yourself we are committed to walk this out in the best way possible.

Our Pastoral Staff, Board of Directors and Elders learned about Nathan’s arrest between August 12 -14. Immediately we sought counsel from the Vineyard Canada National Team, legal advice, and the Winnipeg Police. A joint leadership team meeting occurred on August 17th, and the community was informed of Nathan’s arrest on August 18th at our Sunday morning gathering and via email.

Corporately there have been three grief and prayer evenings, a grief run, as well as one sharing circle time. Resources on grief, trauma, and talking to children and youth about loss have been compiled. Many hours of pastoral care have been given to those most vulnerable and most directly affected. Some have also accessed our list of available and qualified counsellors who are willing to support WCV people through this season. (If you’d like to receive this kind of care please contact anyone on the leadership team). Additionally, we’ve accessed outside support from other Vineyard pastors and leaders, including members of the Vineyard Canada National Team who have come to be with us at regular intervals. This national support will continue.

This situation has magnified a few weaknesses in our leadership structures as a church. We sought wisdom and guidance from leaders in Vineyard Canada and elsewhere in order to strengthen how we work together as a leadership team.

Since August, the Pastoral Elders and Staff, the Lay Elders, and the Board of Directors have begun meeting together as a whole “Leadership Team” in order to increase collaboration, communication and effectiveness. This coming together has allowed for more voices to be in the mix while at the same time maintaining each team’s unique function. Besides leading the congregation through this time, the team has initiated a number of conversations looking at staff roles, leadership functions, policies and procedures. Specifically, our abuse policy, kid-check system, as well as support and accountability structures for leaders in WCV have been reviewed and are being updated accordingly.

To make this work, the team is relying on Ben Kelly (BOD Chair), Krista Heide (Lay Elder Point Person) and Andy Wood (Pastoral Executive) to provide leadership and collaboration.

Many of you have inquired about care for Nathan throughout this past season. Our Vineyard Canada National Directors, David and Anita Ruis, have been walking alongside Nathan since the beginning and are committed to carrying this for the next season. We recognize that there are many vulnerable and affected people in our community, and for this reason, as David Ruis stated in our gathering on December 9, Nathan will not be returning to Winnipeg Centre Vineyard. As time goes on, there will be talks about how and what reconciliation looks like, but this will not happen on a Sunday morning and will not be forced. We commit to do everything we can to provide a safe place for those who are most vulnerable in this situation.

We are all deeply affected and grieved by this situation. We apologize for the parts of our functioning that is clunky. As we seek to follow God’s leading we are committed to continue to grow and improve as well as continue to care for those most vulnerable.

This process of helping our community and any others affected will take considerable time. As we continue to offer resources, gatherings and support, please know that we want to make a safe place for healing to happen. If you need support, want to share concerns or want to have someone meet with you, please contact anyone from our leadership team.

In the end the church is built on one person: Jesus. Hard situations make this even more clear. Though this season has been difficult, it has been so good to see our level of desperation and focus increase. Jesus truly is our centre, our strength, and our light – especially in suffering. Just as we regularly pray for our whole church, would you keep praying for us?

If you have any questions or need to talk for any reason, we’re here.

 

Sincerely,

The WCV Leadership Team

 

Pastoral Elders     

Andy (Pastoral Executive)

& Beckie Wood

John & Violet Rademaker

Jodi & Mike Labun

 

 

 

 Lay Elders

Krista (Lay Elder Point Person)

& Cliff Heide

Paul & Sherry Ansloos

Jason & Theresa Eheler

Rod & Elisa Jersak

 

 

 Board of Directors

Ben Kelly (Chairperson)

Stephen Fligg

Paul Ansloos

Andrew Chan

Marlese Hazeu

Cornelius Martens

John Rademaker

 

Help Needed in the New Year

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As we plan for the new year we can see that we are in need of a few new volunteers for our Sunday morning gatherings. If you would like to give to the community in this way we’d love to have some new faces join our serving rotation in 2019!

Please prayerfully consider the following roles:

(*Orientation will be provided for all roles, some will have additional training.)

Sound Board Technicians: 1 volunteer needed-This job requires an niche for music and an early morning (8:15am) arrival. *Additional training will be provided.

Ushers: 2 volunteers needed – A simple but important responsibility on a Sunday morning. The lead usher coordinates passing the offering baskets, fills out our Sunday morning tally (head count), receives newcomer registrations and locks up the offering after it has been collected. *Women are welcome!

Projectionists: 1 volunteer needed – The projectionist should arrive by 9:15am to make sure all music, power points & slides are in order. *Additional training will be provided.

Communion: 1 volunteer needed- Communion preparation requires a 9:15am arrival to fill the cups and break the bread. There is space for creativity in this role with how the table is set & prepared. Post service clean up takes approximately 15 minutes.

New Years Eve Party

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Beckie and Andy are opening their doors for a family friendly New Years Eve Bash and they’d love for you to come! 729 College Avenue. Drop in any time after 7pm. Bring a suit and a towel for the sauna and a snack to share. There will be a campfire and games as well. Everyone is invited!