Philip and Robyn Serez
ONMB hosted a senior’s luncheon on Thursday, the first of its kind in many years. Seniors attended from across the Niagara region, as well as a large contingent from Scott Street Church’s neighbouring Tabor Manor.
An all-day pastors’ equipping day took place on Friday, with guest speaker Carolyn Klassen of Wired for Connection (Winnipeg) leading the assembled leaders through conversation and exercises exploring how to lead in ways that stay far away from the violation of power and from spiritual abuse. “Healthy Leaders: Addressing Pastor Vulnerability and Power Dynamics,” was introduced as part of the Pastors Credentialing Orientation curriculum in 2023.
Concerning Friday’s workshop, Connie Maier (Glencairn MB Church in Kitchener) said, “Exploring our weak and vulnerable places is a great first step for pastors. We must be on the lookout for patterns and mindful of where they may lead.”
Friday’s public worship was highlighted by Robyn and Philip Serez’s testimony of faith in the shadow of Philip’s tremendous battle with ALS and punctuated by new ONMB provincial director Trevor Seath’s address. The worship team led the congregation in singing “Take My Life and Let it Be,” a reflection of the faithful service Robyn and Philip continue to uphold. “Faith is not mustered,” says Robyn, “It is nurtured. When the ship sinks, the hymn on my heart will be ‘It is Well With My Soul.’”
In his closing address, Trevor Seath challenged Ontario churches to be on mission: “I long to see MBs living in intimate discipleship to Jesus Christ. Our world deeply needs our churches to be transformed by the gospel.”
ONMB executive and search team commission incoming ONMB provincial director Trevor Seath.
Seath was commissioned as ONMB’s Executive Director the next day as part of the provincial annual general meeting. ONMB staff Kristi Lee and Ryan Jantzi were recognized for their exceptional work. Of Jantzi, who served as Interim Executive Director, board chair Michelle Knowles said, “You have taken a season of great struggle and nurtured a deep relational connection with our family.” Knowles referred to Lee as “The heartbeat of ONMB.”
Live episodes of “Jesus Stories,” ONMB’s podcast, were peppered throughout the days’ business portions: reminders that MBs are indeed great news people, defined not by who they are, but by what God has accomplished.
