May 2016 - Middlebury Church of the Brethren
Transcription
The MCOB Jour ney Middlebury Church of the Brethren 507 W. Bristol Ave. Middlebury, IN 46540 Worship Service 9:00 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Phone: (574) 825-2955 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.mcob.org Our Staff Janet Shaver Pastor [email protected] Sharon Davidson, Office Manager, Office @mcob.org Nancy Swinehart, Custodian Our Mission Believe God’s word Live Christ’s teaching Grow spiritually, and Share God’s love, peace, hope and joy Life on Bristol Avenue MAY 2016 Read Acts 2:1-12 A Sunday school teacher was telling her class the story of the Good Samaritan, in which a man was beaten, robbed and left for dead. She described the situation in vivid detail so her students could visualize the drama. Then she asked the class, "If you saw a person lying on the roadside all wounded and bleeding, what would you do?" A thoughtful little girl broke the hushed silence, "I think I'd throw up!" Jesus teaches us how to respond. Do you all remember the story about the Good Samaritan? The story of the man lying by the roadside and two good Jewish men passed him by but the Samaritan, the one they saw as enemy not only helped him but took him somewhere to heal and paid to have someone care for him. Then he followed up ensuring his readiness to travel. Did you know that we are students of Christ? We are disciples which is another word for learners or students? In the Garden on Easter morning, Mary called him “Rabboni” meaning teacher. How do we live out the teachings of Jesus? This is the Season of Pentecost that means it is the season where we celebrate our lives in Jesus and the gift of the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit who guides us and shows us what we are to do? In John 14-17, Jesus’ words are powerful words to remember. Jesus tells us what it means to live in relationship with God, with each other and with the world around us and it is the Holy Spirit who comes alongside us to help. 1 If we begin to live in the teachings of Jesus, I can’t imagine a better beginning than with the Beatitudes. I was thinking Matthew and in Luke we find words that turn our way of understanding upside down. They are difficult words to believe in. Let’s look at them. These are from Matthew 5:1-12 When Jesus[a] saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. 8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely[b] on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. When we let these ruminate in our Spirit, we find they are opposite of the rhetoric we hear in the media and on Facebook. In fact Jesus is blessing our lives in our living these out. We are blessed and will inherit the kingdom of heaven. That means that when we live these out as Jesus calls us to, we will experience a presence of the divine right now. He said we will have his peace. The kingdom of heaven is at hand. During this time of our Season of Pentecost, let’s talk about what it means to live as Christ calls us to. Where there is polarization? Let us be the bridge that brings us closer. Let’s talk about compassion and understanding in a world full of anger and hate. Let’s talk about being peacemakers and lovers of goodness and kindness. Let’s talk about it in our small groups and at the breakfast table. Let’s talk about it and move in a direction that changes the world around us. Let’s continually learn from Jesus who loves life and shows us how to live in that love. We are challenged with Jesus’ words but we have the Holy Spirit that strengthens us in so many ways. I bet after the little girl threw up she began to help the person in need. May the Lord bless us in our desire to be as Jesus calls us to and that we will experience the peace that he promised. In God, we move and live and have our being, Pastor Janet *********************************************************************************************************** OFFICE HOURS Pastor Janet will be in the church office or on call Tuesday through Fridays; generally from the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m... If you wish to speak to the pastor outside of those office hours, she will be glad to make appointments for other times as well. Pastor Janet’s cell phone number is 574-214-6741. Sharon Davidson (office manager) is in the office Wednesday, Thursday & Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. *********************************************************************************************************** 2 MIDDLEBURY CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN ‘PROMISE’ We promise to walk in the way of Jesus’ love by: - Looking for the God seed in all people while practicing healthy processes of inclusiveness, showing grace and honesty. *********************************************************************************************************** OFFICE HOURS - Building-up community by showing Hospitality, Equality Pastor Janet will be in the church office or on call Tuesday through Fridays; generally from the hours of and Respect, and speaking truth in love. 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m... If you wish to speak to the pastor outside of those office hours, she will be glad to make appointments for other times as well. Pastor Janet’s cell phone number is 574-214-6741. Sharon Davidson (office manager) is into the the office Tuesday through 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Willing to be open leading ofFriday thefrom Holy Spirit with our heart, mind, soul, and strength as we grow *********************************************************************************************************** spiritually and are transformed in God’s love, grace and peace. - Study, Practice, and Commitment to Forbearance* as we search for common ground. - Joyously Celebrating Life. **Forbearance: Forbearance is a biblical concept. The Greek words in the New Testament translated as carry meanings of patience, self-control, restraint, mercy, long-suffering and the refusal to threaten(EPH. 4:2; COL 3:13; EPH 6:9; IICOR 12:6) Forbearance does not jeopardize or denigrate individual conviction, but it does place boundaries on the quality and character of individual responses. Forbearance does not require one to accept what another believes, but it does require one to listen and try to understand what another believes without demeaning, personal attacks, or acting to disenfranchise the other person. **Quoted from the Church of the Brethren General Board “A Resolution Urging Forbearance: Jan 31, 2008 3 May 2016 DEACON WELCOMERS MAY 1 Don & Beth Muhlnickel MAY 8 Jerry & Julie Bontrager MAY 15 Bev Short & Bev Mauck MAY 22 Gary & Renee Black MAY 29 Mike & Linda Byrd GREETERS MAY 1 Dick and Becky Miller MAY 8 Ken & JoAnn Abbott MAY 15 Mark & Sherry Bickel MAY 22 Mike & Jill Sommer MAY 29 Jerry & Betty Hydorn CHILDREN’S WORSHIP LEADERS MAY 1 Roger Copeland MAY 8 John DeWilde MAY 15 Julie Bontrager MAY 22 Keri Anderson MAY 29 Children’s bell choir WORSHIP LEADERS MAY 1 Mike Sommer MAY 8 Mike Sommer MAY 15 Jill Weaver MAY 22 Jill Weaver MAY 29 Janet Shaver BIRTHDAYS May 6 Jacob Cripe May 8 Edgar Weldy May 12 Elianna Tenley May 15 Virginia Mock May 16 Lorie Copeland May 20 Beverly Short May 20 Gretchen Showalter ANNIVERSARIES May 7 Ron & Nancy Swinehart May 7 Joe & Stephanie Saddison May 8 Ed & Irene Mercer USHERS May 1 Beth Muhlnickel, Wayne Andrews, Ramsey Smith May 8 Don Muhlnickel, Ken Abbott, Beth Snider May 15 Dalis Andrews, Don Anderson, JoAnn Abbott May 22 Tom & Marj Miller, DonMuhlnickel May 29 Wayne Andrews, Ramsey Smith, Don Muhlnickel Who would like to lead a healthier lifestyle? Who would like to eat healthier? Do you need support from others who desire the same thing? There are a group of us who would like to start a Healthy Lifestyle Group. We don't mean diet but we do desire weight loss. There are no scales and weigh-ins. But there is helpful tips, healthy recipes, nutrition and exercise conversation. We would decide as a group what we needed to live a healthier life. If you are interested, talk to Pastor Janet. We want to decide when to meet and how often. Remember we are a group that encourages each step we take towards a healthier way of living. May 5th Lunch gathering at “CRYSTAL VALLEY MANOR” in Middlebury beginning at 11:30 a.m.. serving casseroles, salads and deserts. This is open to both men and women. May 10th – “OLD TIMERS MEETING” At the Essen Haus Conference Center starting at 1:30 – 4:00 p.m. Our apologies if we have missed someone’s birthday or anniversary for the month of MAY. Please let Sharon Davidson know in the church office so this can be corrected. 4 WITNESS WALKINGS FOOD PANTRY Please remember to bring in your donations for the Food Pantry. It’s May and lets bring in Kids Snacks. Individual servings like pudding cups, cookies, chips, granola bars, canned pasta, snack cheese and crackers. Thank you for your continuing generosity! FREE COMMUNITY MEAL “Take a Break Thursday” Every Thursday we serve a FREE Community Meal, Dinner from 5:30-6:30 p.m.. The meal is open to everyone in the community. We are partnering with the Faith Mission in this endeavor. They are providing the food; we are providing the location and happy, smiling, welcoming workers! Please mark your calendars to attend these meals. We need you to come and enjoy dinner and mingle with our guests from the community. We will also be needing helpers to serve dinner and clean up afterward. Please see Lorie Copeland or Beth Muhlnickel to sign up to help. Please help spread the word in the community about these meals. CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COMMISSION Our first group meeting was April 3rd and we discussed how to better serve the children’s Sunday school with its’ fluctuating size and numbers that attend from week to week. Mark and Catherine Roebuck have graciously agreed to try teaching kids ages 10 up through high school in one class. We want this time to be enjoyable and one that the children look forward to attending. Children ages 9 and younger will need to be gaged and classed as we receive them from week to week. John and Carolyn DeWilde have agreed to facilitate the “Agape” class for families with children who face daily struggles trying to work and provide for growing children. Sunday school will start at 10:45 a.m. and will only last 45 minutes. You will hear music announcing that it is time to head to your classes. Fellowship commission will begin cleaning up and pouring out the coffee; so if you aren’t finished we encourage you to take a cup and snack with you to your class. ✟✟✟✟✟✟✟✟✟✟✟✟✟✟✟✟✟✟✟✟✟✟✟✟ The best vitamin for a Christian is B1 5 Phone: 574-658-4831 Fax: 574-658-4765 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.campmack.org Up-Coming Days WILDFLOWER WALK Experience the changes int he wilderness area as spring puts ona beautiful show of wildflowers and blooming shrubs. Appreciate the Trillium, Blood Root, Spring Beauties, Hepatica and others in bloom. When: Saturday, May 7, 2p- 4p. Where: Meet outside Wampler. Cost: Free (Bring a snack to share) Leader: Jess Kreider *Come dressed for the weather. Family Fishing Day Enjoy a day of fishing on Lake Waubee. Learn to tie a Palomer knot, cast for Backyard Bass and then enjoy a Camp Mack style Fishing Derby. Relax as you wet a line and make memories that will last a lifetime. When: Saturday, June 4, 9a- 4p. Where: Lakeside Shelter Cost: $15 (Lunch included) Leader: Jess Kreider *Fishing equipment is provided by Go FishIN. This is 1 of 4 free fishing days in Indiana. Canoe the St. Joe River Canoe the St Joe River from Mottville, MI to Bristol, IN on this relaxed beginner level canoe trip. Watch as Blue Herons fly overhead, Smallmouth Bass swim below and keeping with tradition, do a turtle count. Some trips we have see over 1000! When: Saturday, May 7, 9a- 4p Where: Meet at JKWC (Offsite) Cost: $20 (Sack lunch included) Leader: Dan Snider Dutch Oven Cooking From appetizers to desserts, you'd be amazed at what you can cook in a Dutch Oven. Food cooked over the coals always tastes better. Explore a variety of recipes and techniques for cooking in a Dutch Oven. we bet you won't leave here hungry. When: Saturday, May 7, 3p- 7p Where: Northwest Shelter Cost: $15 (Dinner included) Leader: T 6 LECTIONARY CALENDAR FOR JUNE May 1st Acts 16:9-15 Psalms 67 May 8th Acts 16:16-34 May 15th May 22nd Acts 2:1-21 Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31 May 29th 1 Kings 18:20-39 John 14:23-29 Psalms 97 Rev 21:10, 22:5 Rev 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21 Psalm 104:24-34 Romans 8:14-17 John 14:8-17 Psalm 8 1 Kings 8:22-23, 41-43 Romans 5:1-5 John 16:12-15 Galatians 1:1-12 Luke 7:1-10 John 17:20-26 DISTRICT NEWS The 3rd Annual 5k Road Run and Walk at Camp Mack will be held on Sunday, May 1 at 2 pm; registration begins at 12:30. The race cost is $25. In addition there is a Kid's Run/Walk, the cost is $15. For questions or to register contact Lauren Carrick at Camp, 574-658-4831 or [email protected]. The Northern Indiana District Board has planned a district-wide worship service to be held at Camp Mack, John Kline Center, on Sunday May 1, 2016 at 5:00 PM. The theme for the service will be “Make a Joyful Noise Unto the Lord”, and we invite each congregation to send your talent (music, short dramatic sketches, inspirational readings) to include in and enhance this worship experience. For fellowship following the service, we invite attendees to bring snacks to share. For detailed information, and to register your talent contribution, contact the District Board member named below. The deadline for registering your artistic contribution is Wednesday, April 20 (today!). We eagerly look forward to your participation in this worship gathering. Contact: Denny McOwen, phone: (574) 970-7850; email: [email protected] Sam Good Fish Fry at Bethany Church – with soft serve ice cream & an Amish Bake sale - will be on Saturday, May 7 from 4-8 pm. Adults $9; children 6-12 are $5.50; and under 6 free. Bethany is less than a mile east of State Route 15 on U. S. 6 south of New Paris. For more information contact the church at 574-831-4993. Proceeds to Bethany’s Good Samaritan Fund. Shepherd's Heart Fellowship is hosting a Ladies Day on May 16. The theme for the event is "A Beautiful Woman in Christ", with special guest speaker, Vincy from WFRN radio. Come to enjoy a time of worship and fellowshipping with other women. A light snack will follow and a free will offering will be taken. Rsvp to the church at 574-679-4519. Shepherd's Heart is located at 58362 Beech Road, Osceola. Please plan to participate in an Annual Conference briefing which will be held at two locations on Sunday, May 22. While these briefings are especially helpful for Annual Conference delegates, all interested persons are encouraged to attend. There are a number of significant new items of business coming to Conference this year. Your questions and comments are encouraged. In addition, information about Annual Conference is available at www.brethren.org/ac. 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. at Nappanee Church of the Brethren, 301 Mack Drive, Nappanee 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. at Blue River Church of the Brethren, 3040 E 700 North, Columbia City 7 KIDS CORNER 8
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