Bulletin for December 18, 2011

WASHINGTON MENNONITE CHURCH

	Re: Jesus’ Birth Reorder

 

REUNITING WITH GOD’S PEOPLE

Prelude

Gathering

Lighting of Advent Candles

Song

                                                RECEIVING GOD’S WORD

NT Reading                           Luke 1:26-38

Songs

Children’s Time

Responsive Reading           HWB 840

Meditation                            “The World is About to Turn”

RESPONDING TO GOD

Song of Response              

Sharing

Pastoral Prayer

Offering

RELEASED WITH GOD’S BLESSING

Benediction

Sending Song                      

 

Centro Cristiano Hispanic Worship Service                    2:30 PM

                Martha Hernandez, pastor

VISION STATEMENT:  As followers of Jesus Christ, we are a community of faith

empowered by the Holy Spirit, seeking to love God with all our heart, mind, soul,

and strength, and to love others as our self.

Worship Leaders:

Song Leader:  Myron Graber                              Pastoral Prayer:  Grant Nebel

Worship Leader:  Barb Ramsey                         Meditation:  Amanda Beachy

Children’s Time:  Amy Widmer                         Advent Visuals:  Ty Blas

We welcome all to this place for the worship of God and for Christian fellowship.  Let us worship God in spirit and in truth, reaching out to one another in Christ’s love.  We welcome our guests and visitors and hope you will join us again soon.

Upcoming Advent Themes

December 25 – Re-create                                    January 1 – Restart

                                               

Offering for 12/11/11:  $3,765.24  (regular)

EDUCATION LEADERS

Adult Sermon Extension (Sanctuary):  Sandy Buhrow

Adult Bible Study:  (end classroom of Fellowship Hall):  Barb Ramsey

Preschool – 2-5 years (middle classroom in Fellowship Hall):  Becky Widmer 

Grades 3-6 (classroom off kitchen):  Karen Bates

ABIDING “But when he heard this, he said, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.’”               - Matthew 9:12-13 I have a tendency to want to be viewed as a capable person who not only does what is right, but is right, and gives great advice J  This verse reminds me that God desires those who are imperfect and admit their faults.  Even if I did achieve perfection in the eyes of others, I would be missing the point of God’s mercy.  And once I get over my slight annoyance at this truth, it is comforting and life giving to remember that there is hope for all the lost, including me.    - Andrea Nussbaum

 

Ministers:  All of God’s People

Pastors:  Grant Nebel: 256.7252 (home)                             Amanda Beachy:319.325.4522

       319.931.2579 (cell)                                         (cell)

                                       grant.edie at gmail.com                             abeach25 at gmail.com

Elders: Francis Litwiller 656.3426 Becky Widmer 653.4714 Myron Graber 653.1674

Church Secretary: Andrea Nussbaum 815.404.3363   Church Office Phone: 653.6041 

Church Office e-mail:  wash.mennonite at juno.com

Washington Mennonite Church Announcements

This Week  –

·         Christmas Eve Service this Saturday at  6 PM – Bring family and friends to celebrate Christmas together

Upcoming Events –

·         Church council meeting – Jan 4, 5:30 at church

Happy Birthday to:  Jason Litwiller (12/20),  Matt Wood (12/21)

Happy Anniversary to:  Jon & Becky Litwiller (12/22)

Prayers of Washington Mennonite --

·         Tina Wiklund

·         Andrea Nussbaum

·         Lea Smothers – medical tests

·         Leroy Reber – double vision

·         Dennis & Connie Byler

·         Lisa Hernandez Knuth – gall bladder surgery last Friday

Needs around Washington --

·         On the bulletin board in the foyer is a list of food items needed for a HACAP food box.  If the box is complete it will be given to Washington families in need.  Incomplete boxes need to be marked so HACAP can complete what is needed.  Would you or your family be willing to work on one or more food boxes for needy families in Washington?

Centro Cristiano has invited us to join them in singing Christmas songs (mostly in Spanish) this afternoon, Dec 18, at 2:30.  There will be refreshments afterward.

There will be NO SUNDAY SCHOOL next Sunday, Dec 25^th.

There is a Christmas letter from Dennis & Connie Byler on the bulletin board in the foyer.

The Sounds of Washington choir has made a quilt for WMC in appreciation for practicing in our fellowship hall.  It will be shown this morning.

Meals on Wheels:  Washington Mennonite Church is scheduled to deliver Meals on Wheels from January 2^nd to February 3^rd.  There is a sign-up sheet in the foyer.

HACAP sends their thanks to WMC for our donation of food which allows them to provide assistance to those in need in our community.

Iowa Mennonite School Announcements

IMS is looking for families interested in hosting students from China for the 2012-2013 school year.  This is a great way for your family to get to know another culture and to practice hospitality.  Families will receive a monthly stipend to cover expenses.  For more information, or if you are interested call the school at 656-2073.

The 3rd annual Alumni Extravaganza will be held at IMS on Thursday, December 22, beginning at 4:00 pm.  Basketball games will feature students/players from years gone by, and former pep band members are also invited to participate.  Players should contact Dwight Gingerich at the school; there is a $3.00 fee for ALL participants, fans and players alike, with proceeds benefitting the IMS Athletic Department.  Dust off the sneakers and join us!

The IMS Board invites you to join them in prayer for IMS every Wednesday morning at 7:30 AM.  Come to the conference room at IMS or ask to have the prayer guide emailed to you.  Join us either way as we invite God’s guidance and blessing for IMS each week.

Crook Creek Christian Camp Announcements

Crooked Creek Christian Camp's fall funding drive continues through December. Your donation will help maintain the Retreat Lodge by providing needed repairs and equipment upgrades. Please prayerfully consider how you can support the camping ministry. Contact the camp if you have questions. Thank you.

Mennonite Conference and Agency Announcements

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Some members of the Macau Mennonite Church--led by Pastor Treasure Chow and Grace Au—share the joy of the Lord each morning through praise dancing in a park near the church.  Pray that those participating may be drawn to the abundant life that Jesus gives.  Macau Mennonite Church partners with Mennonite Mission Network.

Want to serve next year alongside a church and community to make a difference? Apply now to Mennonite Mission Network’s year-long programs! Mennonite Voluntary Service, Radical Journey, Service Adventure and DOOR Dwell are all accepting applications for Fall 2012. Visit Service.MennoniteMission.net for applications and details.

growth groups and other ministries.”

The Sower Prayer Request: Pray for Mercy Church, Sioux Falls, SD.  Pastor Shel Boese writes, “We have run out of space for small groups and need to look at adding on in the near future.  Pray for wisdom, clarity, and stewardship of all God has given us.  Pray for our new associate pastors, Nate and Brittny Larson, working with youth,

Washington Area Announcements

The Washington Ministerial Association is beginning a soup kitchen for people and families who may need help with a hot meal during the weekend.  This soup kitchen will be every Saturday from 11-12:30 beginning in January.  The pastors are encouraging us to volunteer one Saturday a month to prepare and serve a meal.  Some planning needs to be done by the Outreach & Service ministry.  More information will be coming later.

Chili Supper Benefit for Jim Cavin: Jim has been a custodian at Lincoln Elementary for 34 years.  Jim is currently at Mayo Clinic waiting for a heart & possibly liver transplant.  The benefit is on December 20^th from 4-8 PM in the Lincoln Elementary Gym.  A silent auction will be held.  If you would like to make a donation checks can be made to the “Jim Cavin Fund” and mailed to “Washington State Bank, 121 S Marion, Washington, IA 52353.”

Hesston College alumni and friends are invited to performances of the Concert Band and Bel Canto Singers in Iowa on Sunday, Jan. 15. Bel Canto will present sacred choral music during the 9:30 a.m. worship service at First Mennonite Church of Iowa City. The Concert Band will perform a program entitled “Collaborations” with the Iowa Mennonite School Symphonic Band at 2 p.m. in IMS’s Celebration Hall. The free concert marks a homecoming for fifth year faculty member Bradley Kauffman, who began his teaching career at IMS 15 years ago. 

A Walk Thru the Bible Seminar is coming to your community. Lower Deer Creek Mennonite Church is presenting an Old Testament seminar on Saturday, January 28, 2012 from 9 A.M. to 4 P.M.  Registration fee is $25 and includes lunch, snacks and materials.  More information is on the bulletin board.

Volunteer opportunities at the Crowded Closet. Cashiers needed for Saturdays in the thrift shop or International gift shop, 10-4:30. Commitment of one Saturday a month, willingness to serve Christ through the mission of the Crowed Closet, good customer service, and attention to detail are skills required. Previous experience not necessary but helpful. Contact Karen Schrock  at the Crowded Closet 319-337-5924 to schedule orientation and dates to serve.