 Five years ago, the board of MCC Manitoba made the decision to transition two of its programs into independent agencies. After considerable conversation and deliberation, the decision was made to transition all four of MCC Manitoba's community justice programs to create one umbrella agency under which Circles of Support and Accountability, El'dad Ranch, the FASD program and Open Circle would function as programs.
The transition is in full motion. A board has been formed and has been working together for over a year. While there are many details to address Initiatives for Just Communities was operational as of fall 2010.
Our hope is that this agency will establish a recognizable presence in Manitoba in community justice and restorative practices. The purpose of the agency reads: "Embracing Christ's mandate of reconciliation, we seek to be communities of justice, advocacy and integration for those who have been or are at risk to be victims or offenders."
Purpose & Values Statement:
Purpose: Embracing Christ’s mandate of reconciliation we seek to be communities of justice, advocacy and integration for those who have been or are at risk to be victims or offenders.
Values:
- Christian Faith: We serve in Christ’s name and seek to model our faith and values without imposing them on others.
- Human Dignity and Worth: We respect and value all persons as uniquely made in God’s image and loved by God.
- Restorative Justice: We work with victims, offenders and the community to seek healing and restoration.
- Relationships of Integrity: We offer supportive relationships and community to victims and offenders.
- Peace Tradition: We pursue peace, rather than returning evil for evil, in all our relationships and communities.
- Community Involvement: We encourage and facilitate participation by community volunteers in healing and restorative relationships, modeling positive values and lifestyles.
Programs within Initiatives for Just Communities
Circles of Support & Accountability
Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA) work to enhance community safety by creating circles of support and accountability around high-risk offenders after their release. http://mccmanitoba.ca/programs/cosa
El Dad Ranch
Mission Statement: Recognizing the inherent worth of all individuals, we seek to embody God’s love for people with intellectual disabilities by providing a positive alternative to institutionalization. http://mccmanitoba.ca/programs/eldad
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Program
The Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) program provides support for adults and families living with FASD and FASD awareness training for a variety of community groups. http://mccmanitoba.ca/programs/fasd
Open Circle
Mission Statement: Providing relationships of integrity and faith for prisoners and ex-offenders. http://mccmanitoba.ca/programs/opencircle
Take Your Place, a CD/DVD featuring Calgary vocalist Kim Thiessen, Winnipeg musician Darryl Neustaedter Barg and church choirs from Maasai communities in Kenya, will be launched at a series of CD release concerts in Manitoba and Alberta.
The exhibition, Just Food: Right to Food from a Faith Perspective, features the artwork of seven Canadian artists and 12 international artists, and is designed to raises questions on the right to food and responsibilities to end hunger from a human rights approach and a faith perspective.
 LENTEN CALENDAR: Reflection, Action, Prayer
For a printable version
[click here ]
A friend of mine in Zimbabwe was recently arrested and put in jail. His crime? Talking about peace and reconciliation in the context of Zimbabwean mining practices. MCC Canada has been running a Mining Justice campaign for the past two years. Canada is a country with enormous connections to the world of resource extraction. During this Lenten season we want to focus some of our thoughts and spiritual energy on how mining justice issues impact us and how we impact them. Do you use a cell phone? This is a mining justice issue. Are you considering an engagement ring? Another mining justice issue. Do you drink fresh clean water? Many people in our world do not, because of mining justice issues. This Lenten season you are invited to join this journey of reflection and learning, seeking ways to respond as individuals, as families and households, as churches, as communities. What might we fast from so that we might gain more awareness of the numerous places our lives intersect with products and resources that fuel the injustices resulting from resource extraction? What practices might we adopt that contribute to more health for the earth, more justice for impacted peoples (often the indigenous) and a more balanced life of integrity for ourselves?
The six weeks of Lent provide us with an opportunity to reflect upon our lifestyle patterns, to pray more deeply, to experience sorrow for what we've done and failed to do, and to be generous to those in need. Too often, however, this focus on ourselves fails to move us beyond our own individual, comfortable worlds - it becomes little more than an exercise in self-improvement. We give up sweets in the hope of fewer pounds, we to give to charity or live more "green" to alleviate a measure of guilt, and so on. Even if the things we choose to fast from or add to our daily lives seem noble on the surface, we feel prideful and self-righteous about our relative success in becoming a “better person”. The uncomfortable truth is that sometimes even our well-intentioned desires to make a difference are self-fulfilling.
So where does that leave us? Certainly not without hope, for our efforts are not necessarily in vain. In fact, our personal, individual choices CAN make a difference in the lives of others, but it’s important we step back and take a long view of the journey ahead of us. There is no shortage of issues or causes to add to the list - there are always more items and issues that demand our attention and concern. But this is why we find hope and peace in the calling to find our source, our purpose, our vocation, in God. Nurturing our spirits with prayer, fasting and discipline, we stay close to God’s heart. We live in hope knowing our efforts can be used by God in a new creation. It is a journey, a process. We may not see our final destination - it is a practice of faith. You are welcome to use these Lenten materials as tools to aid your reflection and prayer, increase your mindful awareness, and nurture meaningful relationships in your life. You are invited to join this journey, and learn more about Mining Justice along the way. Our prayer is that you would experience
- Gather or look at all your plastic articles.
- Try going without hot water for the day (or week!).
- Turn down the heat! Adjust your thermostat one or two degrees cooler, and put on an extra sweater.
- Take the bus, carpool, walk, or cycle.
- Something to think about:
Relatively cheap oil has meant fast, easy and independent transportation for many of us. In a word, it is convenient. There are hidden costs to this convenience, however. We may feel entitled to this kind of transportation. We may have distorted views as to how much essentials like food should or shouldn't cost. It often means we are alienated from neighbours and others because we need them for less. How can we cultivate greater bonds of caring and friendship and potentially consuming less oil?
- Consider any upcoming vacation or travel plans - Can you travel by train or bus? Can you stay closer to home? Calculate your CO2 emissions (keeping in mind carbon dioxide is only one of the pollutant gasses released when we burn fossil fuels).
CO2 pounds per passenger per mile[1]:
Bike or Walk 0.00
Mass transit (¾ full) 0.26
Carpool (3 people, 21.5 mpg) 0.37
Intercity train (U.S. average occupancy) 0.45
Economy car (solo driver, 40 mpg) 0.59
Mass transit (¼ full) 0.75
Jet (U.S. average occupancy) 0.97
Average car (solo driver, 21.5 mpg) 1.10
Sport utility vehicle (solo driver, 15 mpg) 1.57
- Consider the past week: What does our need/addiction to gas and oil mean for the earth and its inhabitants? How are we practicing good stewardship of the gifts we have been given?
For further Reading & Reflection:
Prayers:
God, you are our Sustainer and Redeemer. Forgive us when our dependence and addiction to oil and gas fuels further abuse of your creation. Give us strength to reform our perspectives of needs and wants, so that, with your grace, our lifestyles might be transformed to truly reflect your love for all creation. May we live more mindfully, so that all might live more abundantly.
Amen.
Dear Lord, You too walked on this Earth.
We thank you for taking on flesh like ours.
But we struggle with the reality of our walk.
Our North American footprint is large and heavy.
We know there is a connection with our way of living
and the oppression of other people in the world.
We don’t want this to be so. Our lives are filled with many good things.
Parting with them is hard, for they give us comfort and security.
Forgive us for having our securities so rooted in things rather than in your love.
We seek repentance. We desire change.
Grant us wisdom to live in your joy by living with less.
May we be participants with you in restoration.
Coltan is an element used in all portable communications devices such as ipods, cell phones, blackberries and laptops. It is known as a "conflict mineral" because it's extraction is connected with war, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Make a personal commitment to be coltan-free regularly throughout the week (e.g. no laptops, cellphones, MP3s from 7-10 pm each evening)
- Watch the youtube video "The story of stuff/electronics"
- Replace the time you would have normally spent “virtually connecting” with real encounters or no-tech projects
- Trace your cellphone, laptop, or MP3’s coltan back as far as possible (suggestion: start with a call to the manufacturer)
- Quote for reflection:
"So, friends, every day do something that won’t compute." ~Wendell Berry
- Consider repairing or upgrading existing cellphones or laptops whenever possible. If not possible, look into recycling options.
For further Reading & Reflection:
- Clean, convenient drinking water is very easy to take for granted. When you turn on the faucet, offer a prayer for those who do not have access to clean water.
- Try using only water carried in from an outside tap for the day, or buy water. How did this limit/change your use? How do we take our unlimited access to water for granted? How would we respond if our tap water became unsafe to drink or use?
- Do you bathe? Great! Could you do it using a bit less water? While you're at it, turn down the temperature on the hot water heater.
- Several Canadian provinces have communities without safe drinking water sources or sanitation. Tell your elected representatives that this needs to change!
- Canadian mining companies are responsible for polluting water sources in Guatemala. People are sick because of this. This is lamentable!
- Read Psalm 65:9-13
- Prayer:
Oh God, we thank you for being the source of life.
Repeatedly through your Word and through your creation,
You have shown us the importance of food and water.
Both of these are gracious gifts. We give you thanks.
You ask us to share food and water with all - even our enemies.
We confess that our sharing is meager in comparison with our abundance.
Teach us to be good stewards of both the gift of food and the gift of water.
We pray for wisdom to know how we can be better partners in sharing these gifts
with all our neighbours near and far. We desire a greater equity.
May you be glorified as we care for these gifts. Amen.[3]
For further Reading & Reflection
- Look at a map of your province or country. How much of it is surface water? In what ways to you use or enjoy this resource?
- Get a copy of MCC’s cookbook Simply in Season.
- With others, discuss the advantages and/or disadvantages of a more localized, sustainable agricultural food system.
- Visit: www.kairoscanada.org/en/ecojustice/water
- Tape down your light switches, unplug your appliances! Try to reduce (or eliminate completely) any use of electricity today (or for a period of time you choose to designate).
- Unplug some of your appliances. When you find they don't work reflect on where the electricity comes from: Dams? Nuclear Power? Coal? Are the sources clean and renewable?
- Write a letter to your MP or Electricity provider! Invite their response to concerns about Northern Hydro development, and urge them to conduct a comprehensive environmental assessment of the northern hydro system.
- Article: Hydro - At Whose Expense?
- Read the one-page info-sheet: Healing Hydro Relationships
- Quote for reflection:
"The earth does not belong to man; man belongs to the earth...We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children." ~Chief Seattle
For Further Reading & Reflection:
Return to top
- If you wear jewellery (e.g. wedding bands, earrings, etc), go unadorned for the week. Collect all gold, silver, precious gems & stones and place them somewhere you will see them.
- Watch the videos Goldmine and La Mina
- Research mining companies in Manitoba, or your province or country - Who are they? Where do they mine? What are their mining practices?
- If you have investments (RRSPs, CPP, etc) are any of them in (or connected to) mining or Resource extraction? Article: RRSP Season: Investing for the Common Good
- Read the case studies on San Marcos, Guatemala and San Andres, Honduras
- Read Matthew 6:19-21: What are your treasures? To what do you assign value? What is the real cost of our earthly treasures?
For further Reading & Reflection:
- Look at your consumer goods. They all come from natural resources. How can our extraction of these resources and our use of them be more just?
- Dialogue with people holding differing perspectives. Look for common ground and the common good.
- Advocate for better legislation, encourage the Canadian government to implement the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People, invest to build the common good, affirm mining companies that operate in just and community-friendly ways.
- Pray: The Lord’s Prayer
- Fast: Choose one or two items from the past few weeks that held meaning for you or your community.
- Confess: Pray for forgiveness for the things we have done, continue to do, or have failed to do.
- Celebrate!! God forgives us, works through us, and gives us Life.
[2] Luke Gascho, Creation Care: Keepers of the Earth (MMA, Goshen, Ind., 2008), 99.
[3] Luke Gascho, Creation Care: Keepers of the Earth (MMA, Goshen, Ind., 2008), 111.
 Mennonite Central Committee Manitoba (MCCM), with the assistance of the Winnipeg Foundation (WF), has undertaken a feasibility/business plan for a social enterprise that would lessen the environmental impact and the economic waste of certain building materials in the Winnipeg area, while at the same time providing a venue for clients of MCC’s social justice programs to work on their employment development path. The Reclaimed Building Supplies (RBS) Centre would be a new retail social enterprise venture due to begin operations in mid 2010. The enterprise is a non-profit retail outlet for select used building material.
For a quick overview of the project read the Executive Summary.
For a very basic over view see the Overall Schematic.
To understand how the Employment Development Path will work, see the Intentional Support document.
For an idea of the Material flow refer to the Material Supply Path.
Like many MCC projects there will be a role for volunteers. This will be very hands on involvement with plenty of variety. You could become a specialist leading a small team of 4 or 5 people in various team jobs or you could have a more independent role helping in the sales, or in the technology area keeping the interactive sales and “catalogue” centre humming along. There will a wide range of opportunity especially but not limited to those with some construction skills.
Volunteers
If you or your group would be interested in volunteering, contact Dan Maxson at feasibilitystudyoc@yahoo.com.
Employment
There will be at least one salaried position for someone with the right skills and knowledge. This project will have a connection with MCC and other faith based organizations, if your values are compatible this and you have management skills and construction knowledge, consider the role of Operations Director.
Role of the Operations Director Job description.
Send your resume to feasibilitystudyoc@yahoo.com
MCC Manitoba is awaiting word on several competitive opportunities. The results of these will be known in April 2010. If you would like to be considered for this position, send your résumé NOW. Subject to positive results in April we would like to move quickly to hiring when the final decision is announced.
If you would be interested in this employment, salary would be negotiable, please send your résumé and statement of interest to Dan Maxson at feasibilitystudyoc@yahoo.com and share your thoughts.
 
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’s Summer G.A.P.
Summer Global Awareness Program for School Age Children
A time to learn, work and have fun.
School Age Children will engage in thought provoking and challenging activities to foster global awareness and think about how they fit into the world. This year’s focus is on Fair Trade and children will have the opportunity to tour the Ten Thousand Villages store. They will also have an opportunity to help others by packing MCC kits to send overseas. Snacks will be provided at the end of the session.
Each session runs from 1-3:00 p.m. and has room to accommodate 16 participants. Each child can only register for one session.
July 16 – Grade 1-3 July 23 – Grade 7-9
July 17 – Grade 7-9 July 24 – Grade 4-6
July 18 – Grade 4-6 July 25 – Grade 1-3
July 19 - Grade 1-3 July 26 – Grade 4-6
Children in grades one through three are requested to bring along one adult for every three children.
Please register by phone (204-261-6381 and ask for Arthur Mann; 1-888-622-6337 toll-free) or email (arthurmann@mennonitecc.ca) by July 11, 2012.
Registration is $5.00; please pay when you arrive.
All sessions take place at 134 Plaza Drive
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.
Learn how to make a kit.
Contact the Material Resource Activity Centre in Winnipeg.
Contact the Material Resource Activity Centre in Plum Coulee.
Current Needs
The contents of our Newborn kit have changed and now we are in great need of socks and T-shirts (or onesies) for 3 -9 month olds. We would really appreciate donations of this kind. Thank you for your support.
 MCC Low German Mennonite Services provides a variety of services to Low German Mennonites in southern Manitoba including assistance with documentation and employment.
Contact MCC Low German Mennonite Services.
- Serves as a resource to faith communities and individuals by promoting positive family life and empowering individuals and groups to respond effectively to domestic violence and abuse
- Seeks justice by proclaiming Christ’s message of healing and hope
- Offers a safe place to those who have been wounded by abuse
- Provides help for those who have behaved abusively and wish to take responsibility for their actions
VNV raises awareness about abuse through
- Workshops and presentations
- Written and audiovisual materials (brochures, booklets, information packets and library)
- Worship resources
VNV provides assistance to individuals, families and churches grappling with abuse by offering
- Support groups
- Consultations regarding specific situations
- Referrals to affiliated agencies
- Practical tools for abuse prevention which include promotion of healthy relationships and safety in homes and churches
Resources
 Understanding sexual abuse by a church leader or caregiver *NEWLY REVISED*
This booklet addresses the very difficult topic of sexual abuse by a church leader. Using biblical text as its foundation, it provides a clear definition of sexual abuse as illustrated by a composite story of an actual abuse experience. The booklet offers tools to help readers understand the dynamics of and appropriately respond to sexual abuse by a church leader, as well as providing means of prevention.
 Abuse: Response and Prevention
Intended as a guide for church leaders, this 31-page booklet provides tools to care for the abused and the abuser, both inside and outside the church. It includes basic information about abuse, biblical reflections, suggestions for appropriate response to incidences of abuse as well as ways to prevent abuse.
 Home Shouldn’t be a Place that Hurts
This brochure is intended for churches and individuals. It defines abuse, lists signs of abuse and offers suggestions of what to do for the abused, the abuser and those who know of abuse.
To receive free copies of any of these resources, contact Voices for Non-Violence.
Voices for Non-Violence is looking for participants to take part in a weekly support group for male childhood abuse victims.
The group will offer a safe place for healing the brokenness of childhood sexual abuse. Participants will explore topics such as coping, shame, trust, spirituality, identity, intimacy, and forgiveness with the hope of gaining tools for transformation from victim to survivor to thriver.
Group participants will be required to attend an individual meeting with the facilitator before sessions begin. For more information or to schedule a meeting, please contact vnv@mennonitecc.ca or Voices for Non-Violence direct, confidential line at (204) 925-1917.
Voices for Non-Violence gratefully acknowledges the support of The Meeting Place and Eden Health Care Services in this endeavor.
View a list of books or CD's, DVD's, and videos available at the Voices for Non-Violence library
To check out a further MCC intiative on abuse, go to abuse.mcc.org
|
Share
