Ed’s Newsletter | December Update

Posted December 31, 2017

Ed's Newsletter | December Issue

Christmas greetings friends,

I’ve recently been reading through the Gospel of John. I’ve found it to be rich and life-giving. One nugget grabbed my attention. In the middle of a clandestine conversation with Nicodemus Jesus says:

“I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” 3:3
“I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen…”3:11

Jesus reminds this seasoned leader/teacher of a simple yet profound truth. You can only testify to what you personally have seen and experienced. This Christmas, may we personally taste afresh the transforming nature of the incarnation – Jesus’ coming stepping into our world. May we be ‘born again’ so that we can testify to ‘what we know’ and ‘what we have seen’.

The beauty of collaborating together is that it draws us into a larger story. Here are several ways that you can engage with your sisters and brothers early in 2018:

Our national body (CCMBC) is going through a process of re-visioning and restructuring. To assist in the discernment process, everyone is being invited to fill out the enclosed Survey. If you have not yet participated, could I ask you to quickly fill it out. It will only take 15 minutes, but will be of great help to the discernment team.
mbsurvey.ca

Kristi my assistant has been working passionately to reshape our ONMB website. The new 2.0 version is to be even more user friendly while allowing us to provide registration and donation services online. Please keep an eye out for this new site appearing later this month.

www.onmb.org

January provides several great options to shape the focus of 2018. You are invited to take advantage of the Week of Prayer – Jan. 21-28.

2018 Week of Prayer Guide

Young adults (and those young at heart) are invited to participate in Embrace – Jan. 19-21 (This will be a full emersion into urban mission).

This event is for anyone who wants to embrace God, neighbour, stranger.

Click here for more information.

If you live close to Niagara, you may wish to take advantage of Carey Nieuwhof coming to St. Catharines on Jan. 25^th. A ministry called Thrive (which I can endorse) will be hosting this event. Join us for an interactive day of learning and encouragement for Pastors, Church Leaders and Spouses. Click here for more details.

EARLY BIRD DEADLINE: Dec 31, 2017

Finally, keep the upcoming ONMB Convention dates in mind: February 23,24 2018. The convention theme is: “Empowered for One Mission”. More details and registration coming later this month.

As 2017 comes to a close, some of you may wish to make a year end donation to ONMB and our united efforts across this province. Any such gift could be mailed to the address noted below. You can select Leadership Development or the ongoing efforts of your team here at the office!

Blessings to you and yours this Christmas season!