Newsletter for August 9, 2015

The Bearing Fruit

August 9, 2015

A Look Ahead     

Weekly Bible Study of Luke, 7pm                     Aug 11

Saturday Kitchen                                           Aug 15

Monthly Sewing; Luke 15:8-10,                        Aug 19

   Luke 1:57-58, 1 Corinthians 12:26

Church Retreat at CCCC                            Sept 26-27

                                                                                   

  

 

Our Church

Happy Birthday to:  Naomi Friesen (8/11),

Karen Watson (8/12)

Offering for 8/2/15:  $3,225 (regular); $250 (HACAP)

The church council met this week and after much thoughtful discussion has decided to proceed with the kitchen remodel project, asking the kitchen remodeling committee to pare down the plans to fit with our existing ­­budget of $45,925, which is still $7,000 short of our optimum goal. The council agrees that we will not borrow money or use reserve funds for the project, but as the project continues, there will still be opportunities to donate time and resources. Renovation will begin this fall with the goal of finishing by Thanksgiving. Council asks that you honor your pledges to this project before August 1, 2016. Thank you for your support of this upgrade to our church facilities.

 

It’s school kit time!  Take a bag (or two or three) from the table in the hall.  A list of items is included in each bag.  More bags will be coming later.  Return them by Aug 31, 2015.  Thank for your generosity!

Crooked Creek Christian Camp

To ALL former Crooked Creek Christian Camp Counselors: Join us this summer as we REMINISCE and tell stories, RELIVE our camp days making s/mores and playing capture the flag and REJUVENATE in the beautiful camp setting we’ve all known as home at THE REUNION!  August 14-15 $40/person for overnight and $25/person for day fee.  Review the schedule and register online at crookedcreekcamp.org. 

Sing and Smores, our annual event of enjoying the outdoors and singing is Sunday, August 30, at 6pm.  We are privileged to have Edie Nebel as our music leader.  We welcome all ages to attend at Sunset Shelter!

Central Plains Conference

David Hoshart, executive conference minister for CPMC, is on sabbatical until October 15.  Shana Peachey Boshart is the acting executive conference minister during this time.  You may contact her at 319.936.5905 or email shanaboshart at centralplainsmc.org. 

The Sower Prayer Request:  Today Gordon Scoville will be installed as transitional pastor at First Mennonite Church, Iowa City.  Please pray for Gordon and the congregation as do important work together in the coming months.

Mennonite Agencies

MCC Mobile Cannery Dedication – You are invited to join MCC on Friday, August 28 to dedicate the new cannery.  A meal will be served at 5:30pm (please RSVP by Aug 14 to 316.283.2720/denisevoth at mcc.org), a free will offering will be taken to help cover costs.  A service of dedication will take place at 7:30pm (no RSVP necessary).  All events will take place at the MCC Center in North Newton, 121 E 30^th Street.  Join us to dedicate the brand new canner as the 2015/16 canning season gets underway.

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request:  Laura Schlabach of MMN is speaking in churches throughout the United States this month and in September.  Pray that she will be able to share the good news about what God is doing in Mongolia with passion and in an invitational way.

Area Announcements

Crowded Closet, Iowa City, is hiring a full-time General Manager, who will have general responsibility for all Crowded Closet daily retail operations, including business administration, finances, marketing and computer operations.  Qualifications include a commitment to the goals of MCC and willingness to work with a team of staff and volunteers.  This position is available immediately and applications will be accepted until Monday, August 24, 2015, or until the position is filled.  For an employment applications form, job description, mission statement and other information, please contact Vi Graber, Crowded Closet Board Secretary, at 319.256.5701 or email vigraber at yahoo.com. 

Bonnie Smith invites you to hear from her son and family, Daniel and Kathryn Smith Derksen, about their upcoming assignment with MMN in Capetown, South Africa.  Dan and Kathryn have felt called to this work and would like to acquaint you with the increasing problems in South Africa concerning immigration from many other African countries, and to ask for your prayer and possible financial support for this 3 year assignment for their family.  Refreshments (fingerfoods and desserts) will be served.  Join Bonnie and friends at West Union Mennonite Church, 3253 305^th Street, Parnell, Iowa, at 6pm on Friday, August 14, 2015, to hear the story of Daniel and Kathryn’s call to mission in South Africa.

You are invited to an event at First Mennonite Church/Iglesia Menonita Torre Fuerte in Iowa City, on Sunday evening August 16 at 5pm.  Anton Flores-Maisonet, a well-known activist and public speaker from LaGrange, Georgia, will host a conversation about immigration and justice.  He will be speaking on how ‘Love Crosses Borders,’ reflecting on stories of deported individuals, providing information about political systems, and giving hopeful insight on how we can help.  This community came together to support the Villatoro family in their time of great need.  The conversation on immigration continues.  For more information, contact Rachel Schrock of First Mennonite Church: rachelsch2012 at gmail.com / 319.541.3065.