Gathering 2004

the biennial convention of the canadian mb churches

refresh, renew, reach out
toronto  •  july 7–10

“Go out where the water is deeper . . . Let down your nets and you will catch many fish . . . Don‘t be afraid! From now on you'll be fishing for people.”

—Jesus (Luke 5)

The disciples asked Jesus, “How should we pray?”
and Jesus said,

“Here is what I want you to do. Find a quiet, secluded place . . . be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God . . . pray very simply” (Matthew 6).

Jesus prepared for big events by seeking God’s will. To prepare for Gathering 2004 the Mennonite Brethren churches across Canada are asked to unite in “100 Days of Prayer” to pray for Gathering 2004. The goal is to “shift the focus from us to God” and to “pray very simply” for the ministry-shaping decisions of the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.

Churches are encouraged to adopt one date between March 28 and July 6 to pray for Gathering 2004. To reserve a “100 Days of Prayer” date please e-mail the conference. Prayer requests will be published in the MB Herald.

Prayer Chapel

“Come away with me . . .” are the words to a popular Norah Jones jazz song. However, they are also words that God by His Spirit often whispers to us as He calls us to take time to be with Him. Often this beckoning is squelched because of our full lives. If this describes you, then we have a place for you – the PRAYER CHAPEL. It will be open throughout Gathering 2004 for you to experience stillness, waiting on the Lord, creatively expressing yourself to Him or just being with Him. Please take time to come away!

Gathering 2004 Prayer Corner

Please join us as we pray for the planning of Gathering 2004.

Pray for:

• the planning team and Conference staff as they put together a myriad of details in the last months before Gathering.
• the Ontario Mennonite Brethren Conference as they prepare to host Gathering 2004. Pray for moderator Vic Thiessen and assistant moderator Nancy Boese as they recruit and coordinate Ontario volunteers. Pray that people will volunteer and experience much joy as they serve our national church family.
• the delegates from each church – that they decide to come and that they prepare to learn and make good decisions to shape our movement in Canada.
• Toronto area churches to be encouraged, and that Toronto will in some way be different because we met there.
• those preparing the tours that will showcase Ontario attractions so that these events will build a sense of community and oneness.