Jan 22, 2012 Newsletter

Bearing Fruit
Jan 22, 2012

Iowa Mennonite School

Immigration Documentary: The IMS Spanish department and JPOG (Just Peace Outreach Group) invite you to view ”Abused:  the Postville Raid,” a documentary about the immigration raid in Postville, Iowa, on May 12, 2008.  It was the largest and most expensive immigration raid ever conducted, causing disastrous effects on hundreds of families and children.  Join us on Sunday evening, January 22, 2012, at Iowa Mennonite School, 1421 540th St. SW, Kalona, Iowa at 6:00 p.m. for a finger foods potluck and conversation (please bring your own table service) or at 7:00 to view the documentary and discussion.  For more information, please contact Maya Kehr at 574-238-3023 or Roger Farmer at 319-653-2547.

The IMS Chamber Singers are offering Singing Valentines on February 14 for your special person!  The Valentine package for an individual will consist of two songs, a flower and a photo for $35. The Chamber Singers will also sing songs for a group for $60.  The songs this year are You Are the New Day by King Singers, I Will Be There by Steven Curtis Chapman, In the Still of the Nite as recorded by Boys II Men. To reserve a singing valentine call the school office at 656.2073 or 683.2586.

The IMS Board invites you to join them in prayer for IMS every Wednesday morning at 7:30 AM.  Come to 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.

Crooked Creek Christian Camp

Book your February retreat now! Crooked Creek Christian Camp has prime winter weekends open on Feb. 10-12 and Feb. 17-19 at the Retreat Lodge and Pavilion or Shepherd's Inn. Call the camp at 319-653-3611 for information and to reserve your weekend; ask about reduced rates for these two weekends. Don't miss this chance to rest and rejuvenate this winter.

It’s time for Coins for Camp!  Crooked Creek Christian Camp invites you to collect those coins throughout the month of January.  Packets with calendars and instructions were mailed to each church and given to the camp reps.  Please help us collect coins so we can improve the climbing wall and make some improvements on the cabins.  Remember, the church that raises the most money per child in grades 1-8 wins a free pool party or 2 free hours at the activity center.  That’s a lot of potential for fun, so start saving those coins!!

"Crooked Creek Christian Camp invites you to join us for: Exploring Foods and Farming; The Myth of Sustainability on March 2-3, 2012. This conference is for anyone who eats food and anyone who produces food. Our keynote speaker will be Neal Eash, professor of Agronomy at the University of Tennessee, and Diane Zaerr Brenneman will help facilitate conversation.  This event will focus on bringing together producers and consumers, with a wide range of perspectives, to discuss and learn how we all can move towards more sustainable and restorative practices. Brochures with schedules and registration information will be in your church mailboxes soon."

Mennonite Agencies

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request:  Tomorrow, Service Adventure unit leaders will gather in San Antonio for a four-day meeting.  Pray that these leaders will have a renewing time of fellowship as they reflect on the past year and plan for the months ahead.  Service Adventure is a Mennonite Mission Network program.

The Sower Prayer Request:  A group of seven people from Central Plains (including Roger Farmer) will spend January 26 to February 7 on a Fellowship and Learning Tour with our partner churches in Ecuador.  Pray for safety in travel and growth in fellowship between the group and their hosts. Activities will include participating in the peace workshops, visiting with Colombian refugees, visiting an indigenous congregation, and crossing the Equator. Highlights of the tour will be worship and fellowship with the Mennonite congregations in Quito and Riobamba.

Young adults ages 18-26: are you looking for a purposeful year-long service experience? Check out Radical Journey. This Mennonite Mission Network program takes you to places like China, Paraguay, England or South Africa to join in God’s work. Upon return, take a month to reflect on your experience and share it with your home community. For info or an application, visit Service.MennoniteMission.net.

The 2012 National MDS Meeting will be in Sarasota, Florida on February 10-11.  Early registration must be sent by January 10.  For a registration form and more information, go to mds.mennonite.net or call John Schrock at 646.2260.

Washington Area

The Walk Thru the Old Testament seminar is being held at Lower Deer Creek Mennonite Church on Saturday, January 28th  from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  This event is for ages 13 through 113!  Registration fee is $25 per person which includes lunch, snacks and materials.  You can register by phone, 656-2076 or by email, ldc at kctc.net by January 20th.   Check out the website www.walkthru.org to find out more about this adventure or call the church for more information.