Newsletter for February 7, 2016

The Bearing Fruit

February 7, 2016

Upcoming Events:

Feb 24  – Mennonite Women Sewing (at church)

Feb 28  – Soup and Game Night, 5:30pm

Mar 26 – Saturday Kitchen (UP Church)

Our Church

▪ Offering for 1/31/16: $3,229.36 (regular); $250 (HACAP);

$100 (mutual aid fund)

▪ Soup and Game Night, 5:30 – Feb 28^th    Bring your favorite game and something to accompany soup.  We’ll join in games and supper with one another.

▪ “Thank you for your continued strong giving in January giving a positive balance of $2529.08 in the Annual Blueprint!  Your continued generosity is appreciated as they church has several large payments due in February including the annual insurance premium and some staff benefits.  If you have questions, please see Mary Lou Farmer, Treasurer.”

▪ Saturday Kitchen:  “Thank you to everyone who helped at Saturday Kitchen on January 30^th.  We served 103 persons a hot meal and had thirteen carry outs.  We had dinner music provided by Natalie Graber and Susan See.  Our guests always enjoy the music.  Marlene Leichty and Eliza Widmer went from table to table serving Valentine treats.  We were blessed as we worked together.  We represented all ages.  Our next Saturday Kitchen date is March 26, 2016 which is the day before Easter Sunday.”

▪ “Thank you, Washington Mennonite Church, for giving $6,289.92 to Mennonite Mission Network in 2015!  Your donations, prayers, participation, and enthusiasm for mission are deeply felt across the street and around the world.”

Iowa Mennonite School

▪ IMS’s Chamber Singers, under the direction of Josh Tyson, are available to present their annual “Singing Valentines” on Friday, Feb 12.  For $35, the select group of seven singers will present two songs and a box of chocolates to individual recipients ($60 for a group).  Please contact the school to reserve a spot for the day.

▪ 8^th grade students – and students considering a transfer – are invited to visit IMS for a day on Monday, Feb 15.  The day includes visiting classes, attending chapel, eating lunch on campus, and meeting other students and faculty members.  To register, contact the school or visit www.iowamennonite.org.

 

Crooked Creek Christian Camp

▪ Coins for Camp is in February!  Join with other churches collecting coins for camp that will go towards purchasing a new camera to take photos and videos.  We plan to post a fabulous picture slideshow after each week long camp with highlights from that week.

▪ February 21 is Open Gym at the Activity Center 3-5pm.  The climbing wall will be available and if interested please call the camp office.

▪ February 22 is Open Gym for parents and young children (Pre-K and younger) 10am-12pm.

▪ The High School Retreat is April 2^nd-3^rd at Crooked Creek for one night of woods games, worship and wolfing down food!  Churches and/or sponsors have been given more information including registration.  You can go online to read more at www.crookedcreekcamp.org. 

Central Plains Conference

▪ Families, we have a set of At-Home Lent Devotionals available for you.  From Feb 9 through Easter Sunday, nurture your family’s identity as Christ-followers by using these daily scripture readings and activities.  Research shows that the best way to pass faith to children is through family worship in the home.  These family devotions give you just the tools you need!  If interested, see Andrea or email the church office.

▪ CPMC/Ecuador Partnership Fellowship and Learning Tour will be June 3-15, 2016.  For more information see the bulletin board by the mailboxes.  For an application see Andrea or email the church office.

▪ The Sower Prayer Request:  Pray for David Boshart and the rest of MC USA Executive Board as they meet this weekend in Chicago.

Mennonite Agencies

▪ You’re invited to join the MCC Central States Board and Staff at our annual Community Engagement Event on Saturday, Feb. 27.  Our event this year will be held in the chapel at Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kan. From 8:30-10:45am focusing on Mass Incarceration.  We will have a variety of speakers share with the group and time for questions and answers.  Please call our office to let us know if you’ll be attending at 316.283.2720.  All are welcome to attend this informative event with opportunity to engage with MCC board and staff!

▪ Have you always wanted to experience another culture while growing professionally, spiritually, and personally?  Then MCC’s SALT Program is for you!  We have upwards of 120 diverse assignments in over 35 countries waiting for the perfect applicants to fill them.  Deadline to apply is Feb 15.  Make 2016 the year you will step out in faith and do it.  Apply today at mcc.org/salt! 

▪ Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request:  Today, a delegation of 13 North Americans are worshipping with a congregation in Benin, the Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim.  Thank God for partnerships developed through MMN.  Pray for Christ’s body to be strengthened through relationships deepened on this two-week fellowship visit.

Area Announcements

▪ You are invited to a Valentine coffee house and chocolate buffet at Kalona Mennonite Church on Sunday, Feb 14^th, 5pm-7:30pm.  Come join us for a night of java, lots of chocolate, personal stories and performances by various local musicians.  Come alone or bring your family and friends.  Everyone is welcome!  Proceeds will benefit KMC’s International Student Aid Fund.  Our current project is Rudi Mucaj who is currently attending Goshen College.

▪ Diana Butler Bass, leading commentator on religion, politics, and culture, argues that what appears to be a religious decline in America today, actually signals a major transformation in how people understand and experience God.  On Monday, February 15, from 6-8pm at Dave and Anna Geyer’s, Dr Joy Lapp, Pastor Luann Benge, and Anna Geyer will introduce Butler Bass’s book, Grounded, and explore what she describes as a spiritual revolution based on the experience of God with us.  Registration for the event is $10 per person and includes supper around the indoor pizza oven.  Registration is limited to 20 people.  To register, please call Anna at 319.325.6609.

▪ Kalona Mops Fundraiser Meal, Sunday, February 28, 11:30am-1:30pm at Kalona Mennonite Church.  Free will donation.  Serving pork loin, cheesy potatoes, green beans, rolls, fluff and dessert.

▪ Save the Date: Parkview Home Benefit at Bethel Mennonite Church on Saturday, March 19, 2016.