January 22nd, 2025Gathering 2025: Each Person Has a Gift
“Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.” – 1 Peter 4:10
What would it look like if we, as a church, truly recognized the unique gifts God has given each of us? How might our communities change if we boldly celebrated those gifts and the people who hold them? At Mennonite Church Canada Gathering 2025, we’ll explore these questions and more, as we come together to discover how God is calling us to use our gifts for the good of the church and the world.
Wednesday, July 2: Celebrating the Gifts
What if the church could truly celebrate every person’s gift?
We kick off Gathering 2025 by asking what it means to recognize and honor the gifts that God has given us. On Wednesday evening, we’ll reflect on 500 years of Anabaptist history and 100 years of Mennonite World Conference. César García, General Secretary of Mennonite World Conference, will help us imagine a church that lifts up the voices and gifts of all people—without exception.
Thursday, July 3: Visiting the Wounds
What if we took the time to listen to stories of exclusion?
What happens when people’s gifts are ignored or rejected by the church? Thursday will take us deep into the wounds of exclusion, as we hear from those who have been told their gifts are not welcome. Derek Suderman’s Bible study will help us reflect on how Scripture calls us to care for the marginalized and how we can transform our communities to make space for those who have been silenced. A moving drama by Arlyn Friesen Epp will bring these stories to life, prompting us to ask: How can we, as the body of Christ, do better?
Friday, July 4: Transforming Injustices
How can we turn pain into blessing?
What if the things that have hurt us could become the very tools God uses for transformation? On Friday, we will wrestle with this question as we explore how we can turn injustices into opportunities for growth and healing. How can the church transform systems of exclusion and marginalization into places of welcome, hope, and renewal? Together, we will ask how God is calling us to bring about this transformation.
Saturday, July 5: You Belong
What if, in the end, we could all say, "You belong"?
In a world that isolates, commodifies, and discounts, how can we, as a nationwide church, declare that each person belongs to God and to each other? In our final worship on Saturday morning, Doug Klassen will preach, and we will celebrate communion as a National body of believers.
Gathering 2025 will be a journey of celebration, reflection, and transformation. Join us as we ask tough questions, share in worship, and discover the gifts that each of us brings to the table. Together, let’s explore what it means to live out the message of 1 Peter 4:10 and create a church that reflects the fullness of God’s love.
Save the date: Registration opens March 5, 2025. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of this exciting journey!
For more information, visit Gathering 2025 - Mennonite Church Canada.
Come, and let’s worship together as a nationwide family of faith.