Over the past year, there have been numerous reasons for celebration! Simonhouse Bible Camp successfully conducted its first full summer of junior and senior camps since the pandemic disrupted its ministry in 2020. Situated in northern Manitoba, Simonhouse serves an underserved community that was profoundly affected by pandemic-related closures. Thankfully, God showered them with a summer filled with campers and dedicated staff. To learn more about their exciting experiences, you can watch their windup videos. 

Many of our churches have joined forces with Multiply Central Canada’s programs. SOAR Heartland drew participation from a significant number of our Manitoba MB churches. Additionally, the nine-month FOCUS program has led to an enduring collaboration with Fort Garry MB, primarily through their Next Door ministry. 

In June, Manitoba had the honor of hosting this year’s Pastors Credentialing Orientation. This enlightening three-day event was held at The Meeting Place and brought together a total of 33 pastors, with 21 hailing from our own province. We are greatly encouraged by the committment displayed by our pastors in partnering together and building relationships towards our collective mission to follow Jesus.

In other work, the MBCM board and staff have dedicated themselves to the task of finalizing a range of critical policies and templates aimed at serving and resourcing our churches. This fall, we will introduce recently approved Pastoral Staff Employment Policy Template and agreement, a Ministerial Misconduct Policy, a Confidentiality Agreement Template, and a Code of Ministry and Personal Ethics Policy. 

Our provincial Assembly was one of the largest we’ve had in our collective memory. Friday kicked off the weekend with workshops and time for fellowship together. Saturday began with a time of worship and shared stories curated by conference friend David Balzar. (Listen here). There was much discussion and decision making on the agenda, but one motion, in particular, was foremost on most attendees’ hearts and minds.

A special resolution to remove Jubilee Mennonite Church from the Manitoba Conference passed at Assembly 2023. While such decisions are never easy, our intention is to inspire our churches in the life of discipleship, according to the shared convictions of our MB Confession of Faith. We grieve this loss to our Mennonite Brethren Church of Manitoba.

This report cannot capture the breadth of work that goes on within the conference –  work that we continue to do by the grace of God and the ongoing collaboration of our churches. Thank you.