It has come to my attention that we have some voracious readers in our midst—thank you for your enthusiasm and attention to detail! Many of you dove right into the June newsletter and caught a few things worth mentioning.
First, a sincere apology and correction:
In our article highlighting Viola’s contributions, we mistakenly noted her starting year with MCC as 2017, when in fact, Viola began volunteering in 2013. That’s four full years of dedicated service that were overlooked. We deeply regret the error and thank Viola for her gracious understanding. Her commitment and many hours of work are truly appreciated and celebrated!
Secondly, regarding the QR code included in the original email:
If you scanned it and found yourself reading all about Stouffville and my former shop, MCC Care & Share, you weren’t imagining things! That was an earlier version with a technical error. A second email was sent out with the correct QR code, linking to our shop’s proper Flipbook edition. We apologize for the mix-up and appreciate your patience.
Thank you for reading—and for keeping us on our toes!
Construction: Replacement of the Weigel Drain
A large majority of the parking lot on the west side of the building will be under construction. We have now heard that the expected timeline will be July 15 – August 11.
We ask that all volunteers park at the very back of the parking lot or the very back of the parking lot of the Elmira Mennonite Church during this time. Our shoppers will be using the back lot for parking as well. The driveway will change to have the entrance and exit being in and out of Snyder. There will be work that requires the sea containers and our garbage containers to be moved. This work is all being done through the Township and they have been working to lessen the hardship to our shop. While we know this will not be completely possible, we will pray that they next month goes smoothly.
Memories
A Gentle Reminder from One of Our Volunteers
We were recently reminded of the importance of getting our personal affairs in order before the time comes when it’s absolutely necessary. Key items to consider include:
• Creating or updating your Will
• Establishing a Power of Attorney
• Compiling a secure list of passwords and important digital information
• Ensuring your Life Insurance policy details are easily accessible
There are many helpful End-of-Life checklists available online if you’re not sure where to begin. Taking time to prepare now can offer peace of mind—for you and for your loved ones.
Connect your Church to MCC
Does your church know about MCC? If not, would you like to see your church engage with MCC? If the answer is yes, consider introducing Stephen Roy to your pastor or another church leader. This could be the first step in starting a conversation about introducing MCC to your church and exploring ways to get involved. If this opportunity interests you, please get in touch with Stephen Roy, Church and Community Relations Associate, at stephenroy@mcco.ca or 226-978-6124.
Photo of Emma & Peter from 2023 - This photo is almost the exact view in the Donation center on June 13, 2025.
Building Tomorrow Our Strategic Plan 2025-2030
MCC
Ontario Peace Conference
November 1, 2025 at Rockway Mennonite Collegiate in Kitchener
The MCC Peace Conference is your chance to learn the art of everyday peace and experience firsthand how you and MCC are changing lives and communities through peacebuilding. This event will inspire and inform through general sessions and conversations with messengers of peace. Save the date (November 1) and stay tuned for more details!
A Strawberry Thanksgiving to Remember
Your work in MCC’s thrift shops is supporting the important work of building relationships with and walking alongside Indigenous communities on the path of truth and reconciliation.
On June 14, more than 170 people gathered at Rockway Mennonite Collegiate in Kitchener to take part in an event co-hosted by MCC that blended learning, relationship-building and celebration: the fourth Strawberry Thanksgiving & Communion. The day was led by Adrian Jacobs, Ganosono of the Turtle Clan, Cayuga Nation and Senior Leader for Indigenous Justice and Reconciliation with the Christian Reformed Church in North America.
For nearly two decades, Adrian has invited churches to reflect deeply on land, relationship and reconciliation. Through the “Spiritual Covenant,”— an idea he received from his elder Rick Hill at Six Nations — Adrian encourages non-Indigenous Christians to work toward tangible land justice. The Spiritual Covenant has three parts: to acknowledgement First Nations jurisdiction over their land, to pay annual token lease payments to First Nations, and a pledge that if the church ever closed, that the land would revert back to First Nations.
organizations including Mennonite, Christian Reformed, United, Lutheran churches sat side by side to listen, share, and take part in learning and ceremony that honoured both Indigenous and Christian traditions. This included the Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address, which is a prayer of gratitude to Creator for all that he provides us; and a communion service with strawberry juice to represent the union with Christ.
Saturday’s event brought those teachings to life. Participants from many denominations and have dancing… well, this year we’re dancing!” Adrian Jacobs leads participants in a closing ceremony dance.
Undercurrents Episode
Representatives from Southridge Community Church, Meadowlands Christian Reformed Church, Nations Uniting, Waterloo North Mennonite Church, and Stirling Avenue Mennonite Church shared about their journey toward the Spiritual Covenant. With the support of a multi-denominational planning team and the partnership of Rockway Mennonite Collegiate, the event brought together generations to learn, reflect and act. In the spirit of the Strawberry Thanksgiving, the day was a heartfelt expression of thanksgiving to the Creator—and a step forward on the path of reconciliation.
To learn more of Adrian’s story and the Spiritual Covenant, listen to MCC’s Undercurrent’s podcast at mcc.org/undercurrents.
In last month’s newsletter, you read a short version of Justin’s powerful story - now listen to the full story in his own voice in the new Undercurrents podcast! You’ll also hear the voice of Esther, a young woman from the DR Congo who shares her greatest hope with us.
