MCC Manitoba invites you to its Annual General Meeting
When: Friday, November 13, 7 pm
Saturday, November 14, 9 am
Where: Canadian Mennonite University, 600 Shaftesbury Blvd (south campus), Winnipeg
Program Highlights:
Friday
Report on MCC Manitoba programs
Public lecture by Francisco Machado, Mennonite church leader from Honduras, on the impact of mining of this community
Saturday
Workshops on "Caring for ourselves, our neighbours and God's creations"
in the extraction of natural resources
for our neighbours with mental disabilities and FASD
for refugees
through MCC thrift shops
for the people of Sudan
Reports on MCC Canada and International programs
Business Meeting
Francisco Machado is a Honduran church leader and the director of ASONOG (Association of Non-Government Organizations), a national network of social justice organizations in Honduras. He has worked to build awareness of unjust mining laws that have resulted in conflict, displaced communities, and the exploitation of Honduras’ natural resources by international mining companies. Now relocated to Virginia, Francisco continues to call for reform, accountability, and justice.
More information about the Annual Meeting will be made available as the date approaches
MCC Manitoba's Material Resource Activity Centres serve as collection and distribution points for MCC's Material Aid program as well as hosting tours, work groups and volunteers of all ages. The Centres are located in Plum Coulee and Winnipeg.
The Youth Service and Education program engages youth and young adults in creative activities and issues dialogue. It works at connecting faith, peace and justice through Youth Nights and service and learning opportunities like Urban Plunge.
The Winkler MCC Family Services provides a variety of services to Low German Mennonites in southern Manitoba including assistance with documentation and employment.
The Voices for Non-Violence program serves as a resource to faith communities and individuals, promoting positive family life and empowering individuals and group to respond effectively to domestic violence and abuse.
The MCC Manitoba Service program places service workers with local organization to work with them as they provide services that effect change and build healthy communities. Service workers may come from Manitoba, Canada or the USA, or from anywhere around the world.
MCC Manitoba's Refugee Assistance program works to promote refugee sponsorship by churches in Manitoba and works with other groups to address the needs of newcomers and refugees.
MCC Manitoba's Peace program works at continuing conversation and education on how we as people of faith articulate our peace perspective on a variety of social issues.
The Peace program is collaboration with the MCCs across Canada is currently working on a Mining Justice Campaign. As part of this, Francisco Machado will be speaking at the MCC Manitoba Annual General Meeting about the impact on Canadian mining companies in Central America. Francisco Machado is a Honduran church leader and the director of ASONOG (Association of Non-Government Organizations), a national network of social justice organizations in Honduras. He has worked to build awareness of unjust mining laws that have resulted in conflict, displaced communities, and the exploitation of Honduras’ natural resources by international mining companies. Now relocated to Virginia, Francisco continues to call for reform, accountability, and justice.
To learn more about Francisco Machado watch the following video.
Open Circle: Providing relationships of integrity and faith for prisoners and ex-offenders
Jesus said, "I was in prison and you visited me." - Matthew 25:36
Crimes break relationships and put distance between the offender and the community. Prisons further this separation. When offenders are released after serving their term, they fear an unfamiliar and fearful community.
Since 1973 Open Circle volunteers have entered the cold world of steel doors and razor wire to show prisoners that they care and prisoners have responded through inviting these strangers into their lives.
By matching prisoners and visitors from the community, Open Circle seeks to rebuild relationships that have been broken in order to bring understanding and healing to both sides.
Beyond the Din - CD Launch
Five participants in MCC’s prisoner visitation program, Open Circle, have launched a CD of their original music. All proceeds from the sale of the CD will support Open Circle. Copies are available for purchase from the MCC Manitoba Office, CD Plus locations across Canada, McNally Robinson Grant Park, Yvette's Music Shop in Winnipeg and online at mccstore.org.