Newsletter for September 6, 2020

 The Bearing Fruit

September 6, 2020

Upcoming Events:

Sept 9 –   WMC Sharing & Prayer, 6:30pm

Sept 16 – Fall Business Meeting, 7pm

Washington Mennonite

 

▪ Join us for worship on Zoom at 10 a.m. (you will receive an invitation to the meeting by email, just click and join.) Any questions? Email the church or contact Roger Farmer.

 

▪ Offering for 8/30/2020:  Regular Offering: $3,001.00;  HACAP: $400.00;  Tribulation & Trust Ministries: $400.00

 

▪ Even though we are unable to meet as a congregation right now, expenses of the church continue. Please send your donations directly to Mary Lou Farmer, 1208 N 7th Ave, Washington, IA 52353. Thanks for your support.

 

▪ WMC's Fall Business Meeting 7pm Wednesday, September 16: We plan to hold our annual fall meeting with two attendance options. You can choose from either: 1) in-person at the church building or 2) Zoom access from home using the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84340345605 . The live in-person meeting will take place with appropriately distanced seating marked out around the sanctuary. All attending are asked to wear masks. If you prefer to attned virtually from home, use the Zoom link above. This link will be sent out again next week closer to the date. Meeting materials will also be provided electronically.

 

▪ WMC Sharing & Prayer Gathering 6:30pm this Wednesday, September 9. This fall we hope to host weekly Wednesday evening gatherings for adult Christian Formation (using mostly Zoom, but also trying out some small in-person outdoor groups while the weather is still mild). The first gathering will be an in-person group focused on sharing and praying for our church, community and world. Come at 6:30pm this Wednesday 9/9. We will be seated at a distance outside on the lawn under the trees by the east entrance. You are asked to bring a mask and a lawn chair. Later gatherings (TBD) may focus on Bible Study and other faith topics, etc.

 

Crooked Creek Christian Camp

 

▪ You're invited to: "I Sing for Ice Cream" (previously known as "Sing and S'mores") September 13 at 4pm. Bring your lawn chairs and singing voices. Face masks/coverings will be required. Instead of standing around a fire close together to make s'mores, we will be enjoying homemade ice cream sandwiches while keeping our distance. We really look forward to connecting with you all in this way! Contact the camp office with any questions!

 

▪ During this time of uncertainty, we have had many cancellations of guest groups and this has resulted in a substantial income loss for the camp, over $104,000. To offset these losses we received many donations and had a breakfast casserole bake sale. We have seen the generosity of many and we are grateful. 
Even after these fundraisers, the camp still feels the impact from the loss of funds. We are very excited to announce for the first time, the camp will be hosting an online auction. Do you have something you would be interested in donating? We would be thrilled to receive it! The auction will go live in December in a virtual event. Send an email to Saralyn at saralyn@crookedcreekcamp.org or Heather at heather@ crookedcreekcamp.org with any questions or to let us know of items or services you would like to donate! We look forward to you joining us for this exciting new event.  

 

Hillcrest Academy

 

▪ Shuttle Drivers Needed | Hillcrest Academy is in need of shuttle drivers for the 2020-21 school year. We are still looking for someone to drive our Iowa City route PM Mon-Fri. This shuttle is essential in providing transportation for students to and from school. Please prayerfully consider if you are able to help in this mission. Contact Rebecca Beachy Miller at rbeachymiller@hillcrestravens.org or (319) 656-2073 x20 with questions or if interested. 

 

Central Plains Conference

▪ Central Plains Prayer Request:  Pray for your sister churches in Montana: Ashland Christian Fellowship, Lame Deer, White Chapel and White River Cheyenne Mennonite Churches. 

Mennonite Agencies

 

▪ Everence is hiring! We are looking for an energetic, customer service-oriented person to join the Kalona office as a Client Services Representative, as we seek to help people integrate their faith with their finances.This position provides administrative assistance and marketing support for Financial/Stewardship Consultants, giving excellent service to clients and staff. It includes a particular focus on education and support for senior adult and those approaching retirement. For more information or to apply, visithttps://www.everence.com/about-everence/careers/current-positions or call 656-4242.

 

▪ Everence Fall Webinar Wednesdays series – We are excited to present another Webinar Wednesday series. This series will offer a range of topics from Medicare and retirement income planning to socially responsible investing. To view the full schedule of webinars and to register, please visit our event webpage. https://www.everence.com/locations-and-atms/national-consultants  For any questions, please contact Melissa Short at 800-348-7468 x 3392, 574-533-9515 x 3392 or melissa.short@everence.com. 

 

▪ Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request:  Mennonite Mission Network’s Service Adventure participants began their assignments in the Jackson, Mississippi, unit this week. Pray that God will provide wisdom for Debbie and Rick Lee, new unit leaders, and for all as they transition into community living and learning.

 

▪ MC USA Announcement:  #BringThePeace   In an open letter to the denomination, Michael Danner, Mennonite Church USA’s associate executive director of Church Vitality, invites fellow white Christians to “engage in proactive, deliberate efforts to oppose and dismantle racism in all of its forms.” Read more:

 https://www.mennoniteusa.org/letter-danner

 

Area Announcements

 

▪ Crowded Closet Thrift Shop serves the community and supports Mennonite Central Committee. We need you! Join as a volunteer, shopper, or donor. Now scheduling small groups for safe service events together. Volunteer openings for Cashier, Retail Assistant, Fabric & Craft, Donation Receiving, and Adult Clothing teams. Come for a visit to experience how we are staying safe at the Closet. Contact Christine at crowdedcloset.volunteer@gmail.com to schedule your visit.