Reimagining Mount Zion Updates

Great News!

Council is pleased to report that Mount Zion has retained the GSP Group/ABA Architects to work with us through the next phase of our physical revitalization project.

The next phase will involve defining our requirements more specifically and evaluating the condition/suitability of our existing buildings. This will enable us, with their help, to develop realistic options for consideration moving forward.

Here are links to their websites. They both have solid experience working on the planning, zoning, and design of both large projects and new low- to mid-density housing projects, as well as church building renovations, some of which included daycare facilities.

https://www.gspgroup.ca/     https://abarchitect.ca/#   

Bill Gastmeier

This summer, council sent out a request for proposals and received four submissions. A subcommittee of council, including Bill Gastmeier, Richard Brubacher, Kirk Swanson, Ross Schlegel and Pastor Philip, reviewed the proposals and interviewed the top two candidates using a rating sheet. The decision was unanimous.​​​​​

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​Reimagining Leadership Workshop

​Everyone interested in shaping Mount Zion’s future is encouraged to attend our Reimagining Leadership workshop on November 15. We need to hear each and every one’s voice as Karen Bjerland leads us in an exploration of leadership, old, new, and imagined.

This is the first step on our journey to develop and enhance our leadership, which is at the top of our strategic priorities.

Gathering and Coffee Will Begin at 9:30, with the program starting at 10:00. We will conclude the event with a light lunch at 1:00 pm. Please plan on attending.

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Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR) Friends of Creation Challenge

We are pleased to announce that the Mount Zion Church Council has approved a Challenge Goal for Mount Zion of $5,000, with the goal of achieving it by the end of January 2026.    This aligns with the goals of some of our local sister congregations.  You can contribute to our goal in the coming months as part of your Mount Zion offering by specifying either Lake Chad or Friends of Creation.    It is our understanding also that if you have already contributed directly, in response  to a mailing or on the CLWR website, you can have this amount credited toward the Mount Zion’s goal, by sending a note to  donations@clwr.org

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$50 will restore an acre of farmland in the Lake Chad Basin.

Sunday, November 16, will be a special day in this connection.  In the morning, there will be more information about the Lake Chad effort, a project of Global Affairs Canada in partnership with the Lutheran World Federation and CLWR.  As we have heard in the past few weeks, the Canadian government is matching our donations, and a donation of $50 from us will help restore an acre of farmland in the Lake Chad Basin.  Thus, through our goal, we are hoping to restore 100 acres.  

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Financial Update - October 25

Year-end is Approaching.

Results for the past ten months are essentially on plan, despite incurring heavy expenses early in the year due to weather impacts.

The Ministry and Mission (current) account has accumulated a deficit of $49,568 on a year-to-date basis. The support of member contributions and higher rental income has offset the increased expenses.

With Your help, we can decrease this deficit by year end.

• Member regular gifts $182,411 are $1,386 better than plan.

• Rental Income from parking & facility of $57,385 is $3,532 better than plan.

• Other income of $10,906 is $2,156 better than plan

• Disbursements of $300,270 are $6,866 worse than plan. The major issue in spending was the high cost of snow removal and salt, which exceeded the plan by $7,500. Some was offset by lower spending in staffing.

Thanks!!   Richard Brubacher, Treasurer and Chair of Finance Committee 

   See the full report at here     

 

​​​​​​​​​Climate Vigil - November 16, 2 pm

On the afternoon of November 16, beginning at 2 pm in our Sanctuary, Faith Climate Justice will hold a Climate Vigil, marking the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference, which will take place from November 6 to 21 in Belém, Brazil.  This interfaith service-length event, featuring meditation, education and music, will focus on the CLWR Lake Chad project.  Pastor Marie Besong has kindly agreed to speak.  There will be refreshments following the vigil, and all are welcome to attend.

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Food Cards

Thank you to congregation members who are donating to the Food Card ministry.  As you know, food insecurity is still very present in our community, and especially felt at this time of year! 

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Mount Zion’s Caribbean Christmas Party  Nov 22

Tickets for Mount Zion’s Caribbean Christmas Party are available on Sunday in the narthex for the Saturday night event.  It’s time to enjoy a traditional Turkey Dinner embellished with the tastes of the Caribbean. It’s time to sing Christmas songs and carols and enjoy the music of the Acoustic Steel Band. It's time to sing the Twelve Days of Christmas, which has become a Mount Zion tradition.

The funds raised from this event support the expenses of February’s Black History Month Celebrations. Come out and enjoy the food and welcome the Christmas season.

As with all our events, many hands are needed to help with cooking, setting up or cleaning up. Volunteering for this event is a fun way to meet new people, support your church with a gift of a few hours of your time.   Please see the sign-up sheets in the narthex for details

November 22: Mount Zion’s Caribbean Christmas Party

Doors Open – 5:45 pm

Dinner - 6:00 pm

Cost - $50. Per person (Kids under 12 are free) 

Take out Dinner  $45.  Pick up 4:00 to 5:15 pm

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Congratulations to Open Sesame's Staff

Open Sesame passed their annual inspection with flying colours. For the second consecutive year, they had no non-compliance concerns. The region awarded them a coveted Tier One designation, qualifying the school for a two-year license. Very few schools can claim the same thing.

Congratulations to Jana, Samantha, Jennifer and  Preet.

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Mount Zion Kitchen

​Our Wednesday volunteers are busy every week chopping, peeling and spinning our veggies for our delicious weekly meal. You can order the meal of the week by calling the church office by noon on Wednesday. Our menu can be found on the church website. November 6 is a hearty Beef Barley Soup. November 13 is Mrs Bell's famous Jerk Chicken. We have heard that some would like it a little more spicy! 🌶

Thanks to everyone for helping to keep this valuable Outreach Ministry successful. 

Jane Schlegel 

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​Mount Zion Cafe:  Nov 12 and 26

Mount Zion Cafe will be serving coffee, smiles and conversation on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, starting at 10:00 AM.   This month's dates are Nov 12 and 26. 

Please join us for coffee, tea, and goodies.  We encourage you to come out and bring a friend (or more!!) and join us for a caring and engaging conversation. If you need a ride to the Cafe, please call the church office the day before the cafe to make arrangements.

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