Newsletter for January 4, 2015

The Bearing Fruit

January 4, 2015

Our Church

Happy Birthday to:  Sandy Buhrow (1/9)

Happy Anniversary to:  Harmon & Mary Martin (1/6)

Offering for 12/28/2014: $3,750  (regular)

Looking for a home for the stable we have enjoyed during the advent season.  If you have a place suitable for storage, please see Megan Miller.  It will remain at the church through January 4^th.

I'd like to thank the congregation for the monetary Christmas gift. You have all been very generous with Grant and I in the last year! Thanks for all you do, and blessings in the new year!

-Amanda

Crooked Creek Christian Camp

Camp's Fall Fundraiser goal was exceeded this week receiving $30,658. Thank you for your gifts that will enable Crooked Creek to provide generous hospitality for our guests and your church retreats in a place you can reconnect with God!

WinterFest 2015 January 16-18: Send your registrations in as soon as possible!

The entire month of January is Coins for Camp! Collect your loose change or dollar bills and donate to camp for outdoor rec equipment.

Central Plains Conference

The Sower Prayer Request:  Pray for pastors and lay leaders of our Northern Cheyenne churches as they lead the Ashland, Lame Deer and White River Cheyenne Mennonite congregations.

Mennonite Agencies

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mary Raber, serving with MMN, is currently in the US for a few months.  She requests prayer for Ukraine and the upheaval that touches all levels of society.  Pray for wisdom and restraint for government authorities, and pray that churches will model Jesus’ way as an alternative to violence.

MEA Prayers for Faith and Learning:  As we begin a new year, pray that students at Mennonite educational institutions would pursue the Lord with all of their heart.

Area Announcements

The Crowded Closet Thrift Shop, Iowa City, is seeking a full time Workroom Supervisor.  This position would involve orienting, scheduling, and the training of volunteers, and managing the flow of donations through the workroom.  Applicant must be able to work in a fast paced environment, be on your feet, work both independently and as part of a team.  Applicant would be required to work 1 or 2 Saturdays a month and occasional evenings.  Excellent public relation skills are required.  For more information or detailed job description contact Betsy Slabaugh at 319.337.5924 or email crowdedcloset.ic at gmail.com.  Applications will be accepted until January 12^th or until the position is filled.

You are invited to a respite weekend, Come to the Water is for adults experiencing grief, loss or health challenges of a loved one or yourself at Crooked Creek Christian Camp, Jan 16-17, 2015.  For all questions about the weekend’s content please contact Diane Zaerr Brenneman at 319.646.2371 or email atparsondzb at netins.net.  For reservation and payment to attend please contact the camp office ccccamp at iowatelecom.net or call 319.653.3611 by Jan 7, 2015.

Are you a SS Teacher who doesn’t feel confident of your teaching skills? Have you wanted to teach SS but aren’t sure how to prepare? The answers to your teaching questions can be learned at a Sunday School Teacher Workshop to be held Sunday, Jan. 18, 2015 at Wellman Mennonite Church. Discussion topics will be tailored to participant needs! Lunch will be provided at 12:15 with workshop at 1 p.m. Sign up by emailing Shana Boshart at shanaboshart@centralplainsmc.org by Jan. 14. If you have questions, contact Shana or ask Mary Lou.

JPOG (Just Peace Outreach Group) invites you to hear Vanessa Hershberger describe her recent term with MCC at the United Nations focusing on food and justice issues in Haiti as well as the African Great Lakes region.  Vanessa will soon leave for Congo as MCC's Eastern Congo Coordinator.  Join us on Sunday evening, January 11, 2015, at Wellman Mennonite Church, 1215 – 8th Ave, Wellman, IA at 6 pm for a finger foods potluck and conversation (please bring your own table service) or at 7 pm to hear Vanessa's presentation.  All are welcome to attend.  For more information please call Roger Farmer at 319-653-2547 or email Jane Yoder-Short at yodershort@netins.net.