Newsletter for December 23, 2012

Bearing Fruit

December 23, 2012

Our Church

Happy Birthday to:  Dale Wacker (12/29)

Happy Anniversary to:  Richard & Jo Ann Stout (12/27),

Wes & Liz Widmer (12/28)

Offering for 12/16/12: $2641.96 (Regular)

Grant and Amanda are giving the church a new microwave for Christmas this year.

WMC is responsible for the Saturday Kitchen on Jan the 5th.  2 assistant cooks (at 9am), 2 set-up table crew/greeters (10:30am), 1-2 greeters (11am), 4 servers (11am), 2 dish washers (11:30am), and 4 Texas sheet cakes are needed.  See Cindy Widmer for more information.

“Dear Friends,  Thank you so much for the plate of goodies & the beautiful music.  It was such a joyful surprise.  May each of you have a joyful and blessed Christmas.  I’m so fortunate to have each of you as my friend.”  - Lea Smothers

Iowa Mennonite School

Calling all former IMS basketball players!  The annual Alumni Extravaganza will take place Thur, Dec 27th at 4pm.  Anyone interested in playing should register with Karl Yoder – kynathan at hotmail.com.  The concession stand will be open throughout the evening, and all are invited to come and watch for a $3 admission fee (10 and under free).

Crooked Creek Christian Camp

CCCC THANKS you for your support this past year.  Because of your prayers, volunteer hours, and financial donations, camp has been able to share Christ’s love to thousands of persons.  And if you haven’t yet shared in camp’s fall fundraiser, you may still do so.  May God bless each of you as you celebrate Jesus’ birth. 

- Mary Lou Farmer, Adminstrator

Jr. High WinterFest at CCCC is quickly approaching!  (Jan 11-13, 2013)  Packets with registration information were sent to your church JYF sponsors.  Reminder that registrations postmarked after Jan 2nd will be assessed with a $10 late fee/person.  Don’t miss this chance to come to camp, have a blast, learn about God and be with friends!

Coins for Camp packets have been distributed to your church camp reps.  Coins for Camp is a Jan fundraiser for kids and adults and includes a calendar with scriptures and directions on collecting those coins each day of the month.  This year we are raising money for the water slide and other miscellaneous things.  Look for those calendars in your mailboxes or see your church rep to get one.

Mennonite Agencies

The Sower Prayer Request:  Give thanks to God for the 17 Central Plains pastors who are 35 or younger.  Pray that they will have rich opportunities to grow as pastors and theological leaders.

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request:  Thank Jesus for his great love shown to the world through his willingness to submit to the suffering and indignities that humanity experiences.  Pray that MMN ministries will allow that love to overflow in our lives to touch our neighbors across the street and around the world.

Prayers for Faith and Learning:  Pray that members of Mennonite congregations will express their support for church schools with their year-end gifts.  Give thanks to God for the ways God provides and for the church that upholds this important mission.

Washington Area

Crowded Closet will have late hours the month of December.  They will be open until 8 pm on Thursdays.

West Union would like to invite all area churches to a New Year’s Eve party at IMS on Mon, Dec 31st, 8pm - midnight in the gym and foyer areas.  Please, bring finger foods to share, table games, and invite your friends!  There will be games for adults, too!  If you have questions, contract Jim & Beth Schlabaugh at 319.646.2511.

Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center Kalona Community Blood Drive:  Sponsored by the Optimist Club will be held on Mon, Jan 7th from 2:30pm to 7:30pm at Kalona Mennonite Church.  To donate call Ed Yoder at 319.656.2134 or 319.656.2283 or go online at www.bloodcenterimpact.org. 

West Union MYF would like to invite you to come to HUHOT Mongolian Grill on Mon, Jan 14th and have supper.  The MYF will be the helping hands there from 5pm to 8pm and 10% of the sales will go towards their expenses for the 2013 Youth Convention.  There will also be a tip jar for donations.  Questions or directions?  Call Lisa Lammer 319.930.7500 or Ramona Miller 319.430.6832.

Lower Deer Creek Mennonite Church is presenting a Walk Thru the Bible Seminar in the New Testment on Sat, Jan 26th from 9am to 4pm.  This years’ event will be held at IMS and will include a Kids in the Book Event (grades 1-5).  For more information see the posters and sign-up sheet by the mailboxes.