pcda.bc.ca

[POSITION FILLED AS OF JUNE 21. The selected candidate will start on Sept. 1, 2020. An introduction announcement will be made here shortly before that date] 

We are looking to hire an Anabaptist Interim Ministry Coordinator to provide hands-on leadership and support to the Board of the PCDA during the gap year(s) between the end of our work at 4000 West 11th Avenue and the opening of our new “Menno Hall” project at the UBC Gateway (corner of Wesbrook & University Blvd). This quarter-time position will help us with our social media presence, special events, and networking with UBC campus ministries.

For details and how to apply, see our job posting at pcda.bc.ca/anabaptist-interim-ministry-coordinator-2020-job

 

And so, the finale …

This newsletter comes as the final chapter closes on the Menno Simons Centre as we know it. And what an interesting finale it has been! Although the ending to the year was not what anyone expected or planned, the community flourished through difficult times. Read our 15th issue for a reflection and photos from the last months of Menno, an article about our farewell celebration, and an update from our president.

If you haven’t already received this by e-mail, sign up for our mailing list to receive future updates!

 

 

The Pacific Centre for Discipleship Association is closely following advisories from the Minister of Health, Provincial Health Officer, and the BC Centre for Disease Control in our response to the state of emergency prompted by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. As we pray for the brave women and men providing essential services in our community, we are taking the following actions at 4000 West 11^th Avenue:

1. The Point Grey Inter-Mennonite Fellowship has suspended worship services in the chapel until further notice.
2. Signs have been posted in and around the Menno Simons Centre, reminding residents and guests to wash their hands, not to touch their faces, keep their distance, and stay home & seek help if sick.
3. Additional paid daily cleaning duties have been instituted.
4. Monthly community meals normally open to alumni and friends have been suspended, and the weekly gatherings for residents in the building are limited to 26 or fewer people.
5. Residents and the Residence Coordinators are caring for each other, providing emotional and spiritual support during this time of stress and uncertainty as university classes and social activities have all been cancelled. If any resident exhibits symptoms that indicate a potential for COVID-19 infection, all appropriate medical protocols will be followed.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” ~ Isaiah 41:10

The Menno Simons Centre has been sold in order to raise capital for a new building on the corner of University Boulevard and Chancellor, across the street from UBC and Regent College.  Although the Menno Simons Centre will not be accepting applications for this summer and fall, we will still be networking with students on and off campus.  The envisioned new ‘Menno Hall’ should be able to accommodate three times as many students as our present Centre. Further news will be posted on this site and our new one at mennohall.ca.

Join us on Saturday, March 14th from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 4000 West 11th Avenue as we celebrate the legacy of the Menno Simons Centre, and say farewell to the building that has housed our ministry for over 34 years!

We will be looking back on fond memories with alumni, church members, and supporters as we leave this building in May 2020 to embark on a new project on UBC campus. Refreshments will be provided as we join the extended Menno Simons Centre community for worship and sharing.

You can RSVP to this March 14, 2020 event and connect with us on our Menno Simons Centre Facebook Page.

If you are unable to attend but would like to share memories or photographs, please send us a message.

 

Please join the Abendmusik Vesper Choir at 7:30 p.m. for an hour of Choral Music for the Lenten season. See maps and links to driving directions on the “Hear us sing” page.

• Saturday, March 7, 2020, Emmanuel Free Reformed Church, 3386 Mount Lehman Road, Abbotsford, BC
• Sunday, March 8, 2020, St. Philip’s Anglican Church, 3737 West 27th Avenue, Vancouver, BC

You can add an appointment to your calendar application by downloading the ICS file for Sat. Mar. 7 or Sun. Mar. 8.

We are pleased to announce that the RC Search Committee’s selected candidates have been approved by the PCDA Board to continue our ministry at the Menno Simons Centre as follows:

1. Adam & Bethany Parsons are confirmed as our next Residence Coordinators, starting Monday, August 19^th after they move into the MSC Coordinator’s Suite on the preceding weekend.
2. Thomas Bergen is providing continuity, as our half-time Remote Residence Coordinator for the two months of mid-June through mid-August, supervising the Interim On-Site RCs (Chloe & Madeline – see below), and keeping up with all scheduling, communications and other coordination tasks, plus transitional Q&A time to help the new Coordinators settle in.
3. Two of the summer Residence Assistants (RAs) have been hired as Interim On-Site Residence Coordinators for additional paid work, under the supervision of the Remote Residence Coordinator (Thomas):
   a) Chloe Derrenbacker until July 24
   b) Madeline Sawatzky until August 18

Our contact form and office phone number all remain in use as usual.

At an Extraordinary General Meeting on May 6, 2019, the PCDA approved the sale of the Menno Simons Centre to a local company, including a lease-back through May 31, 2020. Until then, our programs at the MSC will continue as usual, and the Point Grey Inter-Mennonite Fellowship will continue to meet in our chapel until they find a new gathering place. The new owner will be making plans for renovations in the building, with further news to follow. We are very grateful to our realtors at CBRE for finding good hands for our property to be sold to! Now we can move forward with financial certainty on our plans to relocate and expand our ministry at our UEL site, in partnership with the MCC Legacy Trust.

You are all invited to join us for the Alumni Summer BBQ this coming Saturday, June 1^st at 6:00 p.m. at the Menno Simons Centre. Meat and veggie burgers will be provided, along with some sides, but if you have a salad or dessert dish that you could bring to share, that would be appreciated. You can RSVP on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/events/350163608973901/