Newsletter for October 5, 2014

Bearing Fruit

October 5, 2014

Our Church

Happy Anniversary to:  Gordon & Karen Watson (10/11)

Offering for 9/28/2014:  $2,412 (regular); $15 (library donations); $150 (Gideons International)

All Dinner Theatre musicians will meet at the church at 5:30 today to sight-read music options for the upcoming production.  Please come if you have interest in singing or let Edie know if you are interested but can’t attend tonight.

The Mt Pleasant prison choir will be starting again soon.  Rehearsals are Monday evenings 6:45-8:15.  There is some paperwork and an orientation needed prior to participation.  Carpooling available.  Consider volunteering for this unique outreach opportunity.  See Edie, Roger Farmer or Tim Widmer with any questions.

Crooked Creek Christian Camp

Oct 9^th, 9:00-2:30pm - Senior Day at the Retreat Lodge: Presenting The Power of Story by story-teller David Worth of Lititz, PA.  David has worked for MCC and Habitat for Humanity and traveled to more than 40 countries.  Music provided by Banjoy Trio featuring musicians Bob & Kristie Black and Paul Roberts.  $25 per person includes lunch and program.  Visit crookedcreekcamp.org for more information and to register or call camp.  You don’t want to miss this!  Sign up today!

Oct 10-11^th - Come to the Table:  For 27 hours women of all ages are invited to socialize, eat, make, laugh, create and work on their favorite craft project.  Visit crookedcreekcamp.org to learn more and sign up today!

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

Iowa Mennonite School

6^th-8^th graders and their families are invited to the IMS Music Concert at 3pm on Sunday, Oct 5, followed by a HAYRIDE sponsored by the Admissions Dept. and hosted by IMS National Honor Society students.  Join us for music, games, hayride, good food and fun!  To help in planning for food, please RSVP by Oct 2^nd online with the form in the sidebar of our website or by email to Candi at cschmieder at iowamennonite.org, or phone the office at 319.656.2073.

The junior class of IMS is preparing to serve their annual Pork Supper on Saturday, Oct 11, from 4:30-7pm in the gymnasium (Hillcrest Union).  Tickets are available from any member of the junior class or by contacting IMS – 656.2073 or 683.2586.  Proceeds go toward the class’ trip to Washington, DC in Aug of 2015.

The IMS music department will present their Fall Concert on Sunday, Oct 5.  Under the direction of Josh Tyson, the concert will include pieces by the Chorale, Concert Choir, and Symphonic Band.  All are invited to attend; a freewill offering will be taken to benefit the Music Boosters in support of the music program.

Central Plains Conference

The Sower Prayer Request:  Our Central Plains moderators, Nathan Luitjens an Margie Mejia Caraballo, and executive conference minister David Boshart will attend MC USA Constituency Leaders Council in Chicago this week.  Pray for the Spirit’s leading at this meeting of conference leaders from across MC USA.

Mennonite Agencies

Registration for Mennonite World Conference’s Assembly, “Pennsylvania 2015,” is now open.  Go to www.mwc.ccc.org/pa2015registration to learn more, and to register for this global gathering of worship and fellowship, to be held July 21-26, 2015, in Harrisburg, PA.  This is a once-in-a-generation event!

MC USA Announcement:  Employment Opportunity.  MC USA’s Executive Board staff is seeking a part-time communications association and coordinator for the Women in Leadership Project.  To read more about this job opening and to apply, visit www.mennoniteusa.org/about-us/jobs-with-mennonite-church-usa.

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: David and Rebekka Stutzman, who work with the Bammental Mennonite Church and the South German Mennonite Conference in Germany, are anticipating the arrival of their third child next month.  Pray for them as they adjust ministry roles to welcome the new baby.  The Stutzmans werve through MMN and Virginia Mennonite Missions.

MEA Prayers for Faith and Learning:  Pray for Goshen College alumni who have gathered this weekend for Homecoming Weekend.

Area Announcements

The Bel Canto Singers of Hesston College will present a diverse repertoire of choral music Thursday, Oct 9 at 7pm at IMS’ Celebration Hall.  The 24-member, mixed chamber choir is conducted by Bradley Kauffman and includes Eleya Raim, Alaina Beatty and Casey Perez from our community.  There will be a free-will offering to assist in the expenses of the tour.  All are invited to attend!

At 6:30pm on Oct 11, all are invited to West Union Mennonite Church to hear stories and testimonies about the deep connection that Central Plains Conference and Mennonite Mission Network have with God’s work across Ecuador.  The celebration will include a special offering and dessert reception.  Speakers to include Stanley Green, James Krabill, Linda Shelly and David Boshart.  Please email to RSVP to KarenR at Mennonitemission.net by Oct 1^st.  More information in the foyer.

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. 

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.