July 29, 2012 Newsletter

Bearing Fruit
July 29, 2012

Our Church

Happy Birthday to:  Wes Widmer (7/31), Dick See (7/31), Katie Miranda (8/2), Lea Smothers (8/4)

Happy Anniversary to:  Monte & Lori Asbury (8/2)

Offering for 7/22/12: $2691.00 (regular), $15.70 (Worship Committee Sound Equipment), $200.00 (Hispanic Roof)

Church Council meeting Wednesday, August 1^st at 7pm

VBS is coming up! Mark your calendars for August 10 and 11. On the 10th, we'll be meeting at the church from 9:30-3:30 and on Sunday the 11th, the children will help with our worship service followed by lunch and a church-wide swimming party at Crooked Creek.  It’s not too late to register your kids! 

Mennonite Church USA asked all member congregations to report each song they sang from Sep 1^st to May 1^st.  WMC participated in this survey.  Here are the top ten songs sung by Mennonite congregations:

·         The Love of God

·         Joy to the world

·         Praise God from whom

·         O come, all ye faithful

·         The Lord lift you up

·         Longing for light

·         Come, thou long-expected Jesus

·         Lord, you sometimes speak

·         Great is thy faithfulness

·         Hark! The herald angels sing

Iowa Mennonite School

Student registration for all students attending IMS this fall will be held Aug 1 and 2, 7:30 am - 6 pm.  Students – and preferably at least one parent – should plan to finalize their schedules and receive pertinent information for the start of the year (first day of classes is Aug 15).  Please contact theschool if neither date is convenient, and please check the web site for necessary information prior to registration.

The IMS Operating Board has approved moving ahead with the re-roofing project over portions of the facilities . . . beginning with replacement of the library roof.  As funds continue to come in, the project will continue throughout the summer and early fall.  To date, nearly $26,000 has been given toward the overall goal of $64,000.  A fresh salmon meal is tentatively scheduled for Friday, September 7 for those couples/individuals who contribute a minimum of $400 toward the project.  IMS alum Jim Miller ('80) is currently catching the supply in Alaska!  Please contact Larry Swartzendruber or Tony Miller at the school with questions.  Thanks in advance for your support!

Crooked Creek Christian Camp

CCCC invites you to join Dave Boshart and Chris Grier on Saturday, Sep 8^th from 8:30am-3:30pm for a day of reflection, introspection, learning, and activities that enhance body, mind, and soul.  What does the Bible say about health, our bodies, and the food we eat?  In this one-day intensive workshop, Dave Boshart, a Conference Minister and missional theologian, and Chris Grier, a Wellness Chiropractor with an emphasis on human potential and performance, will dive deep into the Biblical and cultural narrative of Body, Food, & Health.  Participants will gain understanding of what Biblical teachings exist and how they can influence behavior today along with the forces at play in modern culture that have led to an epidemic of poor health.  Participants will also have the opportunity to identify their individual needs for enhancing well-being and connectedness in their lives.  Registration fee is $30 and you can call the camp to register today at 319.653.3611.

Mennonite Agencies

The Iowa MCC Sale Annual Meeting has been scheduled for July 30^th at 7pm at Washington Mennonite Church.  All are welcome to come and hear reports on the 33^rd Annual Iowa MCC Sale.

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request:  MMN’s Service Adventure unit leaders are concluding their orientation in Raleigh, NC, today.  Pray for safe travel and empowerment as they prepare for a year of mentoring youth.

The Sower Prayer Request:  Pray for all those who will attend Youth Escape 2012 next weekend in Central Iowa; youth, sponsors, speakers and event staff.  Pray that youth will deepen their connection to God through prayer and that they will also strengthen their connection to the church.

Mennonite Education Agency Prayer Request:  Pray that Dock House, a new housing option for international students, will be a positive support for these students and ultimately enhance the mission of Christopher Dock Mennonite High School.

Washington Area

On September 15, 2012 Jason Boller Construction from Kalona and area Mennonite Churches will work together to put a new roof on the house of one of the Iglesia Centro Cristiano members.  The roofing project will also include volunteer labor.  The family will contribute funds to the roofing project but area Mennonite Churches are being asked to raise $4,000 by September 1, 2012.  Please label your contribution to this project as “Roofing Project” and either give to Mary Lou Farmer or put in a labeled envelope and place in the regular offering basket on Sunday morning.

Robin Mark of Belfast N Ireland will be at Iowa Mennonite School for a worship concert on August 2^nd at 7 pm.  Robin Mark has written worship songs such as “Days of Elijah,” “All for Jesus,” and “The Wonder of the Cross.”  There is no admission fee, but a free-will offering will be taken.

There will be a comedy concert by Ken Davis August 5^th at 6 pm at the Washington Community Center.  Ticket prices are $15 and are available at https://events.kendavis.com/eventinfo/ or by calling 319.653.2545.  For more info call, visit www.faithwashington.org, or email lkmjb at iowatelecom.net.  

Lower Deer Creek Mennonite Church will be celebrating our 135^th anniversary on Sunday, September 9^th in a special worship service.  As part of this service, Arlen Hershberger will be coming to direct a choir.  We invite anyone who has ever sung in an LDC choir to be a part of this.  If interested, please call the church office at (319) 656-2076 for details and rehearsal times.

Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University course will be offered at East Union Mennonite Church starting this fall.  The class will begin on Sunday, Sept 9^th and meet for a total of nine Sundays, ending Nov 4^th.  The classes will be held each Sunday from 4-6pm.  The cost is $80 per family unit for the 9 week course kits.  If you are interested in attending, please email Jane Swartzentruber at janer777 at hotmail.com for registration forms and/or if you have any questions.