Newsletter for October 19, 2014

The Bearing Fruit

October 19, 2014

Our Church

Happy Birthday to:  Carl Wulf (10/23)

Offering for9/28/2014:$1,742(regular);$100(bike to church)

Baby shower for Naomi Friesen!  Sunday, Oct 26^th, there will be a potluck dinner and baby shower for Naomi.  We look forward to welcoming Naomi into our church family.  The Friesens, already feelings blessed by gifts from friends, family and church, suggest that buying a book for our church library to honor Naomi would be appropriate.

JPOG (Just Peace Outreach Group) invites you to hear Roger and Mary Lou Farmer describe their recent trip to Israel.  Join us on Sunday evening, Oct 26, 2014, at Washington Mennonite Church, 815 E Polk St, Washington, IA at 6pm for a finger foods potluck and conversation (bring your own table service) or at 7pm to hear Roger and Mary Lou’s report.  For more information call Roger Farmer at 319.653.2547 or email Jane Yoder-Short at yodershort at netins.net.

Crooked Creek Christian Camp

Oct 25 – Wood cutting day at camp.  Starts at 8:00am.  Bring a chainsaw, wood splitter or both.

Crooked Creek Christian Camp

The IMS chapter of National Honor Society is hosting a blood drive on Monday, Nov 3, from 7:30-11:30 am in the lower lobby of Celebration Hall.  Donors may call ahead for an appointment at 656.2073 or 683.2586…or may also walk in.

Central Plains Conference

The Sower Prayer Request:  Pray for those preparing for the Ecuador Partnership meetings to be held in November.  Representatives from Central Plains, the Mennonite Churches of Ecuador, the Columbian Mennonite Church, and Mennonites in Venezuela will gather for fellowship and planning.

Mennonite Agencies

It’s not too late to sign up for the MCC Learning Tour to Kenya.  On Feb 7-17, 2015, you will discover, first-hand, Sand Dams at work and see other MCC supported programs in the areas of health, education and peace.  The estimate cost for this learning tour is $1100 per person, which includes food, lodging, and in-country transportation.  Airfare needs to be purchased separately.  For more information contact Anna Yoder by Monday, Nov 3, 2014 at annayoder at mcc.org or call 316.283.2720.

MC USA Announcement:  Biblical and Theological Resources on Same-Gender Sexuality.  The MC USA Executive Board and Staff have compiled a list of resources focused on same-gender sexuality for study in small groups and congregations.  The list was developed with input from Mennonite church members with diverse perspectives, and seeks to tell stories of the ways people have come to their theological understandings.  The list is available online: http//bit.ly./MCUSAResources

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Today, DOOR’s city directors and national staff are gathering in Chicago for a week of meetings and fellowship.  Pray for them as they reflect on last year’s programs and plan for 2015.  Thank God for the DOOR program through which MMN and Presbyterian Church USA’s Young Adult Volunteers partner.

MEA Prayers for Faith and Learning:  At Bluffton University, this fall pray that students would develop into leaders; in the church, on the field, and in the classroom.

Area Announcements

The Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility Community Choir is looking for new members.  The goals of the MPCF Community Choir are to provide choral singing experiences for men in the general population of the MPCF Community Choir are to provide choral singing experiences for men in the general population of the MPCF who are eligible, and for community volunteers who have an interest in learning more about issues in the prison system.  The MPCF Community Choir meets on Monday evenings from 6:30 – 8:45.  If you are interested in learning more about or participating in the choir, please contact Heather Blosser Herschberger by email at Heather at Herschberger.net or by phone 319.930.0669.

Youth Worship Night – On Sunday, Oct 19^th at 6pm, the Christian band The Elim Arrival will be in concert at Kalona Mennonite Church performing their songs, sharing testimonies, and leading worship.  Free admission and refreshments afterwards.  For more information, contact Jeff Miller (319.471.1279) or visit theelimarrival.com. 

2014 Annual Banquet for the Iowa City Informed Choices Medical Clinic with guest speaker: Gail McWilliams.  Tuesday, Oct 21^st, Marriott Hotel & Conference Center.  Seating begins at 6:45pm.  Dinner & program 7-9pm.  Register by Oct 15^th www.InformedChoiceIA.org or 319.337.0575.  No charge to attend.  Sunday attire.  Adults only as seating is limited.

 

Ervin Stutzman, executive director of MC USA, will be speaking on Oct 25 at 7pm at Wellman Mennonite Church.  All sisters and brothers are invited to come hear him speak and engage in discussion around important topics for the Mennonite church.  For any questions contact Nathan Ramer, Wellman Mennonite Church.

Get your feather or foam pillows cleaned, sanitized, deodorized & NEW TICKING on Tuesday, Nov 4^th from 8:30-4:00pm at Kalona Mennonite Church at 902 6^th Street.  Sponsored by the Kalona Mennonite WMSC.

Sugar Creek Mennonite Church invites you to Fall Special Meetings with Duane Yoder speaking on the book of Revelation from Nov 9-11.  Duane will speak during the worship service at 10:30am on Sunday, Nov 9, and again at 6pm that evening; at 7pm on Monday, Nov 10; and at 7pm on Tuesday, Nov 11.  Sugar Creek’s MYF will also host their annual Chili Supper from 5-7pm on Tuesday, Nov 11.