What’s happening at MCBC?
Happening at MCBC
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.
MCBC is looking for volunteers to help maintain the flower beds throughout the spring and summer. If you are interested please contact info@mcbc.org
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
Want to join a small group, but feeling "Zoomed out"? We know that this is a season of transition, and some groups are now meeting in person. Please contact Pastor Sheldon if you would like to connect with a group in person!
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.