MCBC Women's Ministry - Inspirational Day
This report should have been posted for a while already but life gets busy and things sometimes get in the way ..... good thing that Amy Dueckman - BC Report to the Canadian Mennonite already sent in her report a few weeks ago and you can read about it HERE
But, here on our blog you will see many more pictures and some bits and pieces that Amy did not have space for in her article.
So ... take some time to look at all the pictures and get to know some of our MCBC Women.
Here we go......
Saturday, May 3rd with the sun shinning brightly, the women started to arrive at
Emmanuel Mennonite Church in Abbotsford ready to celebrate our big occasion.
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| Registration line up started at 9:30 am. |
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| Getting their name tags and program/annual report books. |
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| Our friendly Worship Team from Living Hope Christian Fellowship in Surrey l-r: Cheryl Heinrichs, Elly Federau, Dorothy Friesen and Carla Hordyk |
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| Cheryl Dyck from Cedar Valley Mennonite Church in Mission welcoming all the women. |
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| Mary Bergen |
Mary Bergen served from 1980 to 1984.
She told us that after having been asked to consider taking on the position, she decided to first go back to school and learn English. A year later she accepted the position.
Her home church is Eben-Ezer Mennonite Church in Abbotsford.
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| Sue Kehler |
Sue Kehler served from 1994 to 1996.
She highlighted some BC Women in Mission history which included the booklet
"History of BC Women in Mission
1939-1976"
It was compiled by a committee of 5 women.Sue was one of the 5.
Her home church is Emmanuel Mennonite Church in Abbotsford.
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| Marie Rehsler |
Marie Rehsler served from 1996 to 2000.
Her home church is Yarrow United Mennonite Church in Yarrow.
P.S.
I will be adding some more info here as soon as I get it! Waltrude
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| Helga Rempel |
Quote: "The shortest road between 2 people is a smile!"
She started her talk by donning her hat & talking about by gone days when ladies would buy new hats for the Annual Inspirational Day. (What a beautiful sight that must have been! Waltrude)
Helga spoke about "Courageous Women of the Bible" by Linda Gehman Peachy, commissioned by MW Canada & USA
This study uncovers the stories of biblical women who acted with unflinching courage - women who sought justice, spoke truth & witnessed God’s love. The women profiled in this study serve as models to encourage & challenge us today.
She also reminded us about the many examples of courageous women of faith & courage in our Mennonite heritage, women who helped shape us, who led by example. Our mothers, ladies in our churches, missionaries etc., and we thank you all of them.
"Let us not grow weary in doing the Lord’s work."
Her home church is Eben-Ezer Mennonite Church in Abbotsford. |
| Veronica Thiessen |
Veronica Thiessen served from 2002 to 2007
She told us about her mother always waiting with great anticipation for the annual Inspirational Day.
She also shared about her journey with breast cancer and how after having had surgery she received over 200 get well card during her stay in the hospital and the staff asking her if she was some sort of VIP. She said no but that she had many wonderful friends that were praying for her.
Her home church is Yarrow United Mennonite Church in Yarrow.
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| Lee Dyck |
Lee Dyck - MCBC Moderator bringing greetings from MCBC and thanking the many women that baked, sewed, catered or put on Mission Programs to raise funds that were then sent to BC Women in Mission to help with overseas missions around the world or provided financial help to pastors during their studies, as well as, supporting many missionaries in the field.
Her home church is Eden Mennonite Church in Chilliwack.
Lunch time!
Our meal was catered by Karen Bergen (Catering by Karen)
Up against the outer walls of the gym we displayed years of poster boards containing pictures of past Inspirational Days including Memorial Boards, as well as, years of fun memories from past Retreat Weekends.
After lunch, a few pictures were taken.
Our 5 past BC Women in Mission Presidents that were present at our celebration followed by an invitation to join them in a group picture. Thank you, Ladies!
Thought it would be an opportunity to add the picture below at this time!
She reflected on the second part of the verse found in 1 Samuel 7:12 - "Thus far the Lord has helped us." and spoke about how we stop to remember and mark special milestones such as our 75th Anniversary Celebration.
Before returning to the gym to partake and enjoy a special celebratory anniversary cake, we marked the occasion by taking a group photo of all the ladies present.
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| If anyone would like to have a copy of this picture, please leave a comment at the end of this post! |
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| And a closing song led by our Worship Team! |
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| And it was delicious, too! ! ! |
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| MCBC Women's Ministry Committee l-r: Cheryl Dyck, Waltrude Gortzen, Rita Siebert |
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| Another group picture! |
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| Cheryl serving cake! |
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| Cake & Fellowship |
And to finish up this very lengthy post.... here is a poem that was part of the program booklet.
Thus far the Lord has helped us
Thus far the
Lord has helped us
HE has brought
us safe thus far.
Thus far, His
faithfulness has
paved the way
for us, and made it light.
To Him, who
with His blood,
purchased us
to be HIS own,
be eternal
praise and honor!
Thus far, HE
has given strength,
Has covered
and protected in storm and wind,
Thus far, he
has spread
His
everlasting arms over His child.
His Love shall
always be praised,
It has never
left us disappointed and never alone!
Thus far, HE
has faithfully blessed
The work
entrusted to our hands;
Thus far, HE
has given open doors
To those who
by faith, look to Him.
Worship the
Lord and bring Him Thanks
He conquers;
He reigns in holiness and power.
Thus far! And
what will be from here on?
Go forward in
faith! HE walks with you,
HE who thus
far has guided us,
holds our hand
for every step.
Praised be
Christ Jesus, at all times
the same
yesterday - today - forever!
Author
Unknown
Translated from German into English by Ellie Loewen.
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