Newsletter for December 22, 2013

Bearing Fruit

December 22, 2013

Our Church

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

    Richard & Jo Ann Stout (12/27), Wes & Liz Widmer (12/28)

ring Fruit

Calling all worship leaders, all those who have ever been asked to lead worship, all those who have wondered what exactly a worship leader is supposed to do, and all those who have ever had even the slightest inclination to lead worship!  Mark your calendars for Sunday, January 19!  We’re planning a potluck lunch and short presentation on the nuts and bolts or worship leading.  What is the job of a worship leader?  How should the worship leader prepare?  How do we lead the congregation into worship?  Come to learn the exciting answers to these and other important questions!

Want to influence the Sunday morning sermon?  Amanda is looking for 3 or 4 people to meet with her each week to do lectio divina or other small group study on the assigned scriptures for each Sunday.  She’s looking for people who can commit to meeting for 6 weeks, starting the 2^nd week of January.  She’d like to meet on Tuesdays (time is flexible) for 45 minutes-1 hour.  Please let her know if you’d be interested!  If this goes well, the group will rotate every six weeks.

‘Caroling caroling now we go’ on tonight!  Please meet at the church to assemble cookie plates at 5:30 (so bring cookies or fruit to share) and then we’ll go into the town with ‘joyous voices sweet and clear.’  We plan on singing at Autumn Park at 6:30.  We’ll meet back at the church for our own Christmas celebration, so bring goodies for that as well.  See you then!   - Megan and Myron, Frivolity Committee

Crooked Creek Christian Camp

Calling at 6^th, 7^th and 8^th graders; get excited for Winterfest January 10-12, 2014!  Early registration is due by Jan 2, 2014.  If you have any questions or want more details, contact Megan Miller at ccccprog at gmail.com or call the camp 319.653.3611.

Please remember Camp’s Fall Fundraiser for year-end giving and check your brochure for more information.  Some items include a new roof for the house, table saw, commercial refrigerator and energy efficient lighting.

Central Plains Conference

The Sower Prayer Request:  Pray that in this Advent season God’s Word would come to life in new and various ways that challenge, convict and transform us.

Mennonite Agencies

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request:  Lois and Wayne Hochstetler, pastoral counselors to MMN personnel around the world, were based in London, England, for five years.  In November, they returned to Illinois to complete the last four months of their assignments before retiring.  Pray for the Hochstetlers in the many adjustments they are experiencing.

Prayers for faith and learning:  Pray for international students at all Mennonite educational institutions who are celebrating Christmas away from families and their own holiday traditions.  Ask God to be near to them and surround them with new friends and meaningful celebrations.

Areas Churches

You are invited to a special Christmas musical titled “The Christmas S.O.C.C.E.R. Team” that is being performed at Lower Deer Creek Mennonite Church this evening at 6:30.  Come join the 70 member cast, ranging in age from a few weeks to 80 years old, as they share the true meaning of Christmas.  There’s something for the whole family!  Refreshments will be served following the program.

Parkview will be hosting our 2^nd Winter Fundraiser Appreciation Banquet Feb 8, 2014 at Bethel Church.  The evening will consist of a catered meal, a short report and a small auction with popular items.  Watch for more information to follow.