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Light + Life: Summer Series

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The sun, our galaxy’s star attraction, is amazing. Let’s reflect on this celestial ball of fire for a moment. 

Without the sun, our galaxy would simply cease to sustain life. Take away the sun and the source of all energy, heat and light is instantly removed. Extinguish the sun and a mass extinction would result leaving our green and blue planetary home a cold and and empty mass of rock hurdling through the universe without anchor or orbit. How’s that for comforting thoughts?! 

Clearly the sun is important.

Yet given the sun’s importance to our existence we spend remarkably little time considering our reliance on it. It doesn’t seem to mind, though. It continues to offer light and life to all – daily – without fail – whether or not we pay attention.

Kind of like someone else we know.

There are some remarkable comparisons of the sun to the Son. Perhaps this is why some biblical writers use this play on words so often – John employing it to near excess. Jesus is the light of the world. Jesus is the light in which there is no darkness. Jesus is the way the truth and the life. Jesus shines brighter (ok – John didn’t say this, but he sure could have!). 

This summer, as we enjoy the summer’s rays, let’s also tune our awareness to the Son.

Something as common as feeling the warmth of the sun on our cheek can be a reminder of God’s closeness. The beautiful colours of the setting sun can inspire gratitude to Jesus. The life-giving nature of the sun can be a window into the life-giving nature of the Son. 

Summer doesn’t have to be a time of distraction when our attention is far from God. We can be reminded of Jesus – our Light and Life – by the many ways the sun impacts our every day, sun-drenched lives this summer. 

Throughout July and August we will be hearing from a variety of our missionaries. They will tell stories of what got them on their path, what has sustained them along the way, and the transformation they’ve witnessed in themselves and others. They will be sharing their stories of Light and Life.

Our hope and prayer is that as we hear these stories of Light and Life we will find courage and be reminded to pause and pay attention to the dramatic effect Jesus has, and desires to have, on all our lives.

The Path: Our community rhythms

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“Follow me!” (1), Jesus said. The disciples did follow and it changed everything. The early Christians followed as well – so much so that they became known as people of “the Way”. (2)

We at Winnipeg Centre Vineyard are on “the Way” too – the way of Jesus. We are following Jesus as closely as we can on the path he is leading us. This is more than just rich imagery for us. Both the destination and the journey are important. Following Jesus is the call to discipleship. It is about transformation in the way – on the way – of Jesus. This journey is about putting one foot in front of the other again and again, with others choosing to stay as close as possible to our guide. 

How do you join the path? How do you know you’re on it? What are the rhythms that are required to walk this path well? What does it look like in our context? These questions are why we’ve developed “The Path”.

Of course, like any journey, there are a few critical components that will make this journey successful. A Map keeps the traveller oriented. The right Gear makes the journey doable. Companions make the journey enjoyable.  

Map: These are events and activities that orient us to our purpose. Who are we? Where are we going? What’s our mission?  

 Gear: These are events and activities that equip us for the journey. They include opportunities for both training and serving. 

Companions: These are events and activities that provide opportunities for connection and deepening friendship. More than just having fun (although that’s always good too!) these times are critical to finding belonging and building a safe community.

 

1) Matt 4:19, Mark 10:21, Luke 14:27, John 10:27; 21:22, and so on.

2) First recorded in Acts 9:2 but also used in chapters 18, 19 & 24. 


(click on image to increase size)

Mercy Boot Camp 2.0 – an opportunity

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Invitation to Volunteer for Mercy Boot Camp 2.0

Recap on Season 1:

We’ve handed out food bags every Sunday from November to April: 6 months, 26 Sundays, 800 bags to hungry people in our Street Parish including many visitors.

We have two types of bags, small and large, that we alternate each week. The small holds two sandwiches ready to eat, a bag of potato chips, zip top can of hearty chicken soup, twelve wieners, dry soup bag, cookies and a fruit juice. The big bag has two mac and cheese, two dry soup, a sleeve of crackers, cans cans of pork and beans, a can of luncheon meat, chicken bologna and wieners. We spend approximately $1000/ month for this food. It has a tremendous impact on the recipients.

We share the food and we share the good news about Jesus. We always offer to pray with those who come and invite them into relationship with Jesus. Many know Jesus, some don’t.

Until now we’ve had various faithful volunteers each Sunday with no structured schedule.

The hungry count on us every week. Our Street Parish has been held together by this touch point activity throughout Covid-19.

Mercy Boot Camp 2.0: Season 2, May-Aug

We envision an opportunity to expand the volunteer participation for serving those who are at risk in our neighbourhood and community. The plan is to find 16 volunteers to form 4 teams of 3 people to help every 4th week. We’d also like to have 4 people on a standby list.

One person hands out the food bags, one serves coffee, the other serves cookies. All food prep logistics are handled beforehand and are not the team’s responsibility.

This new plan will start on May 9.

The commitment is 1 hour every 4th Sunday from 9:30-10:30am.

In total we seek 16 Mercy Boot Camp volunteers for the 4 summer months. No experience necessary. Just a passion with a heart of mercy to feed those who are hungry.

  • Week Firsts rotation: May 9 + June 6 + July 4 + Aug 1  (1 more needed)
  • Week Seconds rotation:  May 16 + June 13 + July 11 + Aug 8  (3 needed)
  • Week Thirds rotation:  May 23 + June 20 + July 18 + Aug 15  (3 needed)
  • Week Fourths rotation:  May 30 + June 27 + July 25 + Aug 22  (3 needed)

Please contact the office: hello@WCVchurch.ca / 240-582-2900 

or John: johnrademaker1(at)gmail.com / 204-228-0042.

 

In Matthew 25 Jesus said “I was hungry and you gave me something to eat… When did we see you hungry and feed you?… Truly I tell you whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sister of mine, you did for me.” (vs 35 & 40 NIV)   

 

 

Photo by Maya GM on Unsplash

Covid-19 Sunday Update – April 27, 2021

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Effective immediately the tightened Covid-19 restrictions will result in WCV suspending in-person gatherings.

We will still be broadcasting live from WCV during this time.  No visitors will be permitted in the building besides those helping to run the service.

We will continue to serve our community folks outside (Mercy Boot Camp).

At this time, we understand implications for other meetings as thus:

  1. Jouth & Youth – These worship and instructional settings operate under the day camp provisions of the orders which allow gatherings of up to 10 people indoors or outdoors.  Stay tuned to newsletters and emails of each week’s plan.
  2. House Groups – Time to take advantage of the warmer weather and take a walk outside in public places (as you’re not allowed to meet in/on any private property at all).

The revised restrictions are in effect until May 26 or until superceded.

 

 

Photo by Martin Sanchez on Unsplash

Community Catalysts: encourage, equip, envision

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Community Catalysts is a new yearly rhythm of three gatherings for everyone who wants to or is leading, influencing or serving the WCV community in some way shape or form. We’re calling you “catalysts” because you initiate activity, events or change within the WCV community in a positive way. 

catalyst [ kat-l-ist ] “Something (or someone) that causes activity, an event or change.”

With this in mind, the goal of Community Catalysts is threefold: 

    1. to encourage each other with connection and fun
    2. to equip each other with relevant training
    3. to envision each other to what God is calling us to 

The first Community Catalyst event is Monday, May 17, 7 – 9pm and we have something special lined up… 

We have engaged Vineyard Canada’s Leadership Development Team (Sherry Ansloos is part of this team) who are providing us with some high quality experiences that will help us “connect on what matters most”. This interactive training will be guided by Brady Wilson (Vineyard Canada National Team and CEO of Juice Inc.). 

To get a taste of what Brady will offer us, you can watch his Ted Talk entitled “How to Fix the Exhausted Brain”: 

Here’s the summary of what we’ll explore: 

    • How do we call out the best in each other as a community? 
    • How do we unlock energy in ourselves and in those we serve and lead? 
    • How do we connect on what matters most to each other in order to accomplish the mission God has given us? 

These are the kind of questions Brady will discuss in this highly engaging and interactive time together. You won’t want to miss it! This first gathering will provide the foundation on which we will build subsequent Community Catalyst events in the Fall of 2021 and Winter 2022 with Brady and the Vineyard Canada Leadership Development team.

Who is this for?: 

Everyone who wants to or is leading or serving in WCV in some way is welcome to participate. If you’re in high school now or those school days are ancient history, you are welcome to come! 

Sign up now!

(this takes you to an Eventbrite sign up page)

>>Monday, May 17, 7 – 9pm<<

 

What is a catalyst?:

 

 

Photo by Yaoqi LAI on Unsplash

Next week, we’ll be SOAR-ing (March 26-30)

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Still on the fence about whether to participate in SOAR HEARTLAND?

Just DO it! You won’t be sorry.  Click this link to go straight to the application: SOAR APPLICATION

Photo by Kevin LEE on Unsplash

There will be:

  • Excellent teaching
  • Spirit-filled worship
  • Life-changing opportunities
  • Deep challenges
  • Transformative prayer
  • Relationship building

Thanks to the new restrictions we can operate as a day camp with up to 25 people in the group!

 

WHY COME?

  • Meet with Jesus

  • Experience God’s Heart for Winnipeg

  • Looking for a catalyst to renew your heart for Jesus?

  • Don’t just want to go to a youth conference, but want to get hands-on with ministry?

  • Experience God stretching you outside your comfort zone as you invest the 5 days into training, worship and ministry.

  • Experience the needs in your local community and maybe start a long-term relationship with a local ministry.

Here is the detailed schedule if you’d like to take a look: DETAILED SCHEDULE

The schedule is VERY flexible. Anyone is welcome to come and join us for the evening sessions, either at the church or from your own home.

POSSIBLE MINISTRY EXPERIENCES

You’ll notice that there are two days for us to experience ministry opportunities. These are some of the possibilities we’re considering:

  • hanging out at 710 Aberdeen – helping with lunch, kids ministry
  • serving our own ministries by sorting the ‘resource pile’ and getting things back in the vaults as we prepare for more in-person ministry
  • partnering with Mercy Boot Camp  – preparing food hampers
  • joining in with Love Lives Here
  • preparing a video ‘concert’ that we can share with nursing and care homes
  • ?????

Click this link to go straight to the application: SOAR APPLICATION

WHAT ABOUT FOOD?

**Update – there is no longer a food delivery option due to covid restrictions. Participants will be required to bring their own food.  OR there are a few restaurants nearby if you’d like to walk and get food, OR you can use another delivery service of your choice! FOOD IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY (but there will be snacks available)

 

Introducing a New BOD Member

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We are excited to announce that Deyan Momtchilov has agreed to an invitation to serve on the Board of Directors. This will be an item that will be up for ratification by the membership at our Annual General Meeting on April 12 (mark your calendars). Deyan will join Cornelius Martens (BOD Chair) and Sara Epp on the BOD. Note that Andrew Chan and Andy Wood also attend BOD meetings as invited liaisons. Also, while we’re on the subject of leadership, don’t forget we’re seeking your input in the discernment process for New Elders.

A little about Deyan:

Deyan Momtchilov

Deyan and his wife Deanna have been part of the Winnipeg Centre Vineyard for over 20 years and continue to consider it home. They first met through one of the church’s house groups and got to know each other while serving the community together.

Over the years, the two have led a house group, completed the church’s internship program, and contributed to the creative community and kids church in leadership and supporting capacities. During his internship with WCV, Deyan was part of the development of the School of Justice, the set-up of the Hadishville Farm and directly involved with the church’s ministry to our street community.

Deyan’s educational background is in architecture. He earned his degree in Environmental Design from the University of Manitoba and worked as a project manager in the construction industry in the years to follow before joining the City’s Planning, Property and Development Department. He is currently on the management team of the Development and Inspections Division.

Another intersecting point of Deyan’s knowledge and interests has been the investment in residential real estate. Along with his partners, he has been providing safe and affordable housing in the community for over a decade.

Deyan and Deanna have four children, Simeon, Esther, Kaloyana and Gavrail, and live in the Scotia Heights neighbourhood of the city.

 

Feature Image credit: by Tobias Mrzyk on Unsplash

Tools for Transformation: resources for prayer

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We are developing a “tools for transformation” tool kit.

Here are the first three. You may want to give one or three a try in your own devotional times.

Enjoy and let us know how it goes. We’d love to hear about it.

>>Prayer Resource – Gospel Contemplation

>>Prayer Resource – Lectio Divina

>>Prayer Resource – Silence

 

 

It’s Time to Soar…

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Update:  Full SOAR schedule – click here to download (pdf)

SOAR Heartland 2021 is just around the corner! The Soar Heartland Team at Multiply are working diligently to prepare an unforgettable experience for every participant. Your days will be full of worship, teaching, equipping, team interaction and prayer – maybe some fun, too.

We do know that all sessions will be available through live steam and other platforms, however, we do not yet know some of the finer details that are dependant upon whatever restrictions will be in place at that time. We’re anticipating that we’ll be able to be in the same room for worship times but may need to spread out for workshops and outreach preparation. We’ll roll with it.

You can expect an experience that will help you to Grow in your faith, to Know more of God’s heart for you and our community, and an opportunity to Go and serve our community! The ‘going’ part will look a little different due to Covid, but we are going to focus on what we CAN do.

Soar Heartland is open to ALL ages, however, if you are under 12 years of age you’ll need an adult to accompany you!

Take a moment to hear the Penner family’s experience at Soar:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dD7QNJ5CMrM&feature=youtu.be

Important Information and Instructions:

  1. Soar Heartland will happen from Friday, March 26, through Tuesday, March 30.
  2. The WCV Soar Team will be led by Kelly and Lani Wiens. Normally all the church teams would gather together for this event but Covid restrictions make that impossible at this time. However, know that there are many other churches from around the province and some from across the water that will be meeting together online.
  3. Click the link below and complete the two-part application. Where it says church/team please fill in Winnipeg Centre Vineyard. CLICK FOR SOAR APPLICATION LINK
  4. Please note that an application form needs to be filled out for every member of your family with a unique email for each person. IF you have younger children that do not have their own email, please let me know and I’ll send a note to the Soar coordinator to let them know those numbers, you don’t need to fill out an application for them.
  5. I would like to know that you have applied, please drop me a note!
  6. The cost of Soar is covered by donations. For a family, the suggested donation is $120 and $90 for individuals (watch the newsletter for a link to do this or let me know and I’ll send it to you once I get it!). There is an option for meal delivery but we’ll talk about that closer to the day!

Ways to be involved in Soar Heartland 2021, whether you can be part of the in-person team or serving behind the scenes:

  1. Participant (fill out the application above)
  2. Prayer Partner (we’d love to have a prayer team during the whole process – contact Lani at lani@wcvchurch.ca)
  3. Prepare food for the participants (if we can do this, contact Lani if you’d like to help out with food)
  4. Pay for someone else to go (watch the newsletter for a link to do this or let me know and I’ll send it to you once I get it!)
  5. Production team (we may need a crew…)
  6. Possibilities team (prophetic intercession – bring on the ideas)

Contact Lani with any questions and to let me know how you will participate in Soar Heartland: lani@wcvchurch.ca or 306-859-7553 (cell)

Good Friday – an invitation to contribute

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This coming Good Friday, we will “gaze upon the one whom they pierced” (John 19:37 / Zechariah 12:10).

You can have a part in this service. Here’s a simple invitation:

1. Pray. Spend a little time in prayer considering Jesus’ crucifixion. Place yourself in the scene, perhaps at the foot of the cross. Observe Jesus. Suffering. Bleeding. Dying. Forgiving.

2. Record. Consider what comes up for you, then take a short video (from your phone is fine) to record your thoughts in the following format, filling in the blanks with your own words:

  • When I look upon the one who was pierced I see ___________.
  • When I look upon the one who was pierced I am ___________.

Here’s an example: “When I look upon the one they have pierced I see unconditional love“. When I look upon the one they have pierced I am humbled.”

3. Send. Share the video (keep them very short – 20 seconds max) with Andrew at the office. We will compile all the videos into a collage of short reflections to be used in our Good Friday Service online and in-person.

 

Thanks for your participation!

Deadline for video submissions is March 29.

 

Good Friday Service:

April 2, 2021, 7pm.

Online (via Facebook) and In-Person.

 

 

Photo by Josh Applegate on Unsplash