What’s happening at MCBC?
Happening at MCBC
Since July of 2018, we have been thankful for Pastor Nathan Hooper’s ministry with us as the Pastor of Youth and Student Ministries. This past Tuesday, the elders sadly received his resignation, and his last Sunday with us will be Sunday August 21.
Nathan has responded affirmatively to a call to serve at Harvest Bible Chapel in Barrie as the Congregational Care Pastor. As most of you know, Nathan and his family moved to the Barrie area some time ago and this new position is closer to home.
Nathan has been instrumental in helping and working with our youth and the various youth programs over the past four years. His dedication, commitment and love for our youth and our Church will be greatly missed. We rejoice with him as he follows God’s leading, and we wish Nathan and his family continued success in ministry and God's guidance and blessings in the years ahead.
Nathan will be starting his new position on August 29.
In partnership with our sister congregation, the Slavic Evangelical Church, we are providing settlement assistance and transition support to Ukrainian refugees arriving in the GTA. If you can assist with providing short-term housing, household furnishings and items, financial gifts, or your time to help newcomers get settled, please contact info@mcbc.org. Click below for a detailed document with more information.
April 21, 2022
This past weekend we celebrated the resurrection of Jesus, the heart and summit of our faith. On Easter morning we welcomed several hundred people who joined us in person at our 9 am and 11 am services. Hundreds more tuned in online. For the first time in several years the sanctuary felt full and reverberated with the sound of God’s people in worship. We had the opportunity to welcome back many people who we have not seen in many months. “He is risen,” we cried out together. He is risen indeed!
However, in the midst of all the celebrations, we were also conscious of those who were not present… those who could not attend. For many people the absence of protective measures—face coverings and social distancing—places them at significant personal risk. Could it be that in our rush toward reopening we have left those who are most vulnerable behind? We like to say that MCBC is place where “All are welcome.” Is that still the case when a significant number of people—the elderly, the young, pregnant mothers, those with pre-existing medical conditions, caregivers, and more—no longer feel welcome? Church leaders have wrestled with those questions over the past week.
Therefore, as an expression of love and support to all of our people we have decided to reinstate the mask requirement for all in-person gatherings. This includes both the 9am and the 11am Sunday services.
We encourage you to see this as a loving gesture that opens the doors for the most vulnerable members of the body of Christ. Masks are not a restriction, but a protection. We encourage you to see the simple act of wearing a mask as a Christ-honouring way of celebrating and welcoming everyone into the presence of God for shared worship and service. Christian faith is meant to be shared. For now, we believe it is shared best with a mask in place.
So, masks up MCBC!! I look forward to worshipping with you in the days ahead.
Richard Root, Lead Pastor
Alpha is an 11-week course that explores the basics of the Christian faith. If you have questions about God, life and faith, this course is for you! Each session includes three components:
This course is offered each fall at MCBC. Contact Pastor Sheldon to sign up or to learn more about Alpha.
This two part course uniquely combines growing in love for God with growing in love for others.
The Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Course introduces people to a transformative spirituality with God. It will help you to know and become your authentic self in Christ.
The Emotionally Healthy Relationships Course gives practical skills to launch people into a transformative spirituality with others. It will help you on the journey of developing life-changing communication skills.
One of these courses are offered each winter at MCBC. Contact Pastor Sheldon to sign up or to learn more.