Worship this Sunday, December 10
Worship Series: Let it be so
Music Sunday
Worship Leader: Louise Hostetter
Song Leader: Angie Clemens
Children’s Story: Duane Miller
Pastoral Prayer: Dayna Olson-Getty
Prelude/Offertory: Angie and Jim Clemens
Musicians: Katie Derstine, Luisa Miller
Scripture: Isaiah 40:1-11; Mark 1:1-8
Bulletin: 121017-Bulletin.docx1
Upcoming CMC Events
Sun, Dec 10 Congregational Meeting, 12 noon, meal provided
Thurs, Dec. 14 CMC Seniors Christmas Potluck, 6 pm, Fellowship Hall
Tues, Dec. 19 Monthly Gathering, Intergenerational Hymn Sing
Sun, Dec. 24 Worship, 10 am, No Sunday School
Sun, Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Service, 6 pm
CMC Events and Announcements
New Adult Education Class. A new adult education class titled Old Testament Imagination is being offered this quarter. We will reflect together on how the Old Testament illumines Christian life. In December and early January, we will focus on passages associated with Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany and consider the logic of Christ-centered readings of these OT passages. In late-January and February, reflection on OT texts will include watching video recordings of related Ted and Co. shows. On a few Sundays, Ted Swartz will join us to discuss interpreting the text through theatre. This class, led by Andrea Saner, will meet in Room 109.
CMC Congregational Meeting. Our annual congregational meeting will be on Sunday, December 10 following Sunday school. Lunch and childcare will be provided.
Interested in Being an Usher? Four new people are needed starting in late January. Ushers are on once a month and head usher once a quarter. Be in touch with Jennifer North Bauman if you are interested or need more information. baumanj@emu.edu or 540-801-9304
Looking for a Small Group? The CMC Small Group Committee has created a small group opportunity called the Open Circle. It will meet monthly on Second Saturdays at 6 PM in room 109 of the church. This group invites folks who are looking for a way to connect with others in the church through fellowship, discussion and mutual support. So if you are new to the congregation, new to the idea of small groups, or are not currently in a small group and are looking for a way to connect, you are invited. The circle is always open! Children are welcome and there will be snacks. Contact Adam Yoder for more information at yodera@yahoo.com or 540-810-3376. The next open circle will gather on January 13, 2018.
Ride Needed. We are looking for some help for Izzy. She will be taking a trip to Chicago and returning on Friday, Dec 22. She arrives in Dulles at 1:30pm. If anyone is at the airport around this time and could give her a ride home, we would be glad to contribute for gas.
CMC Seniors: A reminder of our annual Christmas potluck and Christmas hymn singing. The potluck is Thursday, December 14 at 6:00 PM in the church fellowship hall. Meat, bread, coffee and table service will be provided. If your last name ends in A through N bring a vegetable or salad. If your name ends in O through Z bring a dessert.
Advent Devotionals. Please take a look at the selection of advent devotionals on the shelf in the back of the sanctuary. You are welcome to take these to use with your family during this advent season.
Sunday School Connection. Below is a weekly note for families of children (age 4 and up) who use the Shine curriculum. Each Sunday you will find faith nurture ideas that coordinate with the weekly Sunday school session plans. Note that these stories will not necessarily coincide with the CMC worship series during this quarter.
Faith Talk. Mark 1:1–8: “John the Baptist shows the way” Here are some ways to nurture faith at home based on this week’s story. (1) Read Mark 1:1–3. What is a prophet’s job? (2) Tell about a time when you have been on a winding path or road. (3) John the Baptist ate wilderness foods: locusts and wild honey. Eat a meal or snack using local foods.
Did you know? What East African bird leads humans to wild beehives? (the honey guide)
Prayer for the week: God, help us to remember that sharing your love is more important than getting perfect presents. Amen.
Children’s Bible Memory Passages This Quarter: Early Childhood: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace.” Luke 2:14a; Primary and Middler: And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. Luke 2:13–16
Pastoral Support. CMC has a network of small groups and other friendships that provide a great deal of mutual care for persons in our congregation. For some protracted or acute situations that households are facing we also have Care Teams. These teams, led by a pastor, are usually 4-5 persons discerned by those seeking support and the pastor. Households who might benefit from a Care Team include: persons facing serious physical or mental illness and caregivers, challenging parenting circumstances, discernment in job transition or other major life events. To assess whether a Care Team might be helpful, contact a member of Pastoral Team.
Advent Reflections and Prayers. The special seasons of the Christian calendar (Advent, Lent) provide a specific time frame for us to resolve — once again — to prioritize spiritual practices that enable us to live God’s love in the world. Instead of offering a weekly time of centering prayer here at CMC as we did during Lent, all are invited to join brothers and sisters in our community:
Emmanuel Episcopal @ 660 S. Main Street, Harrisonburg, welcomes us to a time of centering prayer on Wednesday evenings from about 6:00 – 6:45 p.m. and Friday mornings from 8:00 – 8:45 a.m.
Trinity Presbyterian @ 725 S. High Street, Harrisonburg, welcomes us to a 2-hour time of lectio divina (reflective reading of scripture) on the third Thursday morning of each month from 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
If you have questions, contact Jane Hoober Peifer, Keaton Shenk, or Kathy Hochstedler.
'FIRST FAMILIES' AT CMC – For a quick review of November worship services focusing on characters and relationships from the book of Genesis, check out the newest photo collage on display on the bulletin board on the west wall of the fellowship hall. The display includes several photos from the Community Preschool Thanksgiving program. Next to it, a photo flashback to EMU's Homecoming and Centennial Weekend, Oct. 13-15, where Community folks were deeply involved in the myriad activities that contributed to the success of this celebrative and historic event. In addition, you can enter cautiously into Advent with a plethora of pundemoanium courtesy of a 12/6/08 Daily News-Record "Bishop's Mantle" column (reader beware).
SPEAKING OF ADVENT . . . return to those thrilling days of yesteryear by gazing eastward to two photo collages full of people and events from Advent 2011, shining brightly on the east wall of the fellowship hall. Do you see what I see . . .? Jim Bishop
Events and Announcements from the Broader Community
Christmas Coffeehouse Concert. Shekinah and Cantore (women’s and men’s vocal groups) warmly invite you to their annual Christmas coffeehouse concert with refreshments and festive music at 7 pm on Friday and Saturday, December 8 and 9, at Park View Mennonite Church. Admission is by donation (suggested $8), and proceeds will benefit Our Community Place.
Christmas at CrossRoads. Christmas is a busy season, so mark your calendars now and come out to Christmas at CrossRoads on Dec. 9 from 2 pm to 6 pm. This is a wonderful event for children, families, and people of all ages. Enjoy breath-taking views of the Shenandoah Valley and lots of fun activities on the beautiful 24-acre hilltop campus. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students age 6 – college, and FREE for children 5 and under. Proceeds benefit the Valley Brethren-Mennonite Heritage Center.
Hark! A Walking Roots Band Christmas. Mark your calendars for the Walking Roots Band's Christmas CD release show on Dec. 10 at 6 PM here at CMC. Last year's Christmas show at CMC was the first ever for TWRB, and it was so much fun they turned it into an album! Hark! A Walking Roots Band Christmas features classic Christmas hymns, new arrangements of old Christmas texts, and brand-new original TWRB Christmas songs. Doors open at 5:30 PM for snacks and CD sales, but don't wait to claim your copy of the new album. Pre-orders are going fast via Kickstarter: http://kck.st/2hCZt6Z. A portion of sales of this album go to MCC; check out the Kickstarter page for details. Can't get the link to work? Just visit thewalkingrootsband.com and follow the links there. Admission to the release show is free; a free-will offering will be received to support the music of the Walking Roots Band. Donations for snacks/drinks will go to VMMissions' local Kids Club efforts and The Center for Faith and Leadership in Fredericksburg, VA. –Greg Yoder
DoveTale. Fun for the whole family, DoveTale will be performed at EMU's Lehman Auditorium Sunday, Dec. 10, 7:30 p.m. Written 20 years ago by CMCs Ted Swartz and Lee Eshleman, together with Ingrid DeSanctis, this warm, moving and hilarious account of the Christmas story will create a lasting memory. The show — in honor of EMU's centennial celebrations and Lee Eshleman — is a benefit for EMU's student financial aid through its University Fund. As CMCers, you know and love Ted Swartz and many have cherished memories of Lee. In addition, newer CMC member Braydon Hoover will be playing the part of the Angel Gabriel. Please join the celebration, reflection and special memories! Entry of $15 at the door per adult is suggested with freewill offering also taking place. Questions? Contact dev-events@emu.edu. Doors open at 6:45. No pre-ticket sales available.
Christmas Lessons and Carols. Eastern Mennonite University invites you to Christmas Lessons and Carols, December 11 at 7 p.m. in Lehman Auditorium. This classic service features Christian scriptures, university choirs, congregational singing and the premier of a choral piece from composer, Gwyneth Walker. A free-will offering for the EMU compassion fund will be received. Everyone is welcome.
ACRS Gathering. We welcome Myrrl Byler to Monday morning's ACRS regular gathering, December 11th from 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. in the West Dining Room, Northlawn, EMU. Myrrl’s theme is "Christian Forum for Reconciliation in North East Asia". Myrrl Byler is EMU's Cross Cultural leader to China. To learn more, check out this web site https://emu.edu/now/news/tag/myrrl-byler/
Good Company invites you to their annual Christmas concert on Friday, December 15 at 7:00 p.m. at Park View Mennonite Church. This festive family-friendly event will feature arrangements of favorite carols, old and new, and a reception will follow. Good Company is a 6-member a cappella group based in the Shenandoah Valley, and will be joined for portions of this concert by local harpist and organist, Virginia Bethune. Admission by donation. For more information, visit goodcompanyacappella.com.
Shenandoah Valley Choral Society Concert. The Shenandoah Valley Choral Society, led by Curtis Nolley, presents its annual Christmas concert on Friday, December 15, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, December 17 at 3:00 p.m. at Bridgewater Church of the Brethren. The concert will feature G. F. Handel's “Messiah” accompanied by the SVCS Chamber orchestra, and guest soloists. The second half of the concert includes a variety of new and traditional carol settings, and will feature the premier of a new carol by local composer John G. Barr. Tickets are available at the door, locally from Choral Society members, Red Front Supermarket(Harrisonburg), Bridgewater Foods (Bridgewater), and on-line at www.singshenandoah.org. Admission is $15 for adults/$12 for seniors and students.
Longest Night Service. Trinity Presbyterian Church will hold a Longest Night service on Dec. 21 at 7pm. This is a service designed to offer space to name and hold in prayer our losses and struggles during the Advent and Christmas season, and to share the deep peace of Christ in the midst of the busyness.
An Invitation for Young Adults: Shenandoah Valley Faith & Light would like to invite young adults into friendship with persons with intellectual disabilities. Join us once a month on a Friday evening for an informal, get-to-know-you supper, followed by worship. In June, we will celebrate new friendships with a weekend worship retreat at Camp Overlook. There is no cost to you for these activities, other than your time. For more information, contact Dave Gullman (pastor at Pleasant View, dgullman@pleasantviewinc.org) or Derek Yoder (student at Eastern Mennonite Seminary, derek.yoder@emu.edu).
Shenandoah Valley Men's Chorus 2018: Our first practice is on January 7th at EMHS; practice from 2:30-4:15 p.m. Practices are scheduled for subsequent Sunday afternoons in January and February with final concerts scheduled on February 25, 2018. You are invited to join our group and participate. (Come early for registration and to pay for your music: $20 or $10 for students). For more information, contact Roman Miller at romanjaymiller@gmail.com
Studying for a healthcare profession? Is service part of your studies? Consider a 4-week or more term of study in an underserved mission location in a cross-cultural setting. This program is for medical students, dental students, Masters in Nursing students, physical therapy students, Masters in Social Work students and other students in healthcare-related fields at the masters or doctoral level. Educational grants available for Anabaptist students! The Student Elective Term (SET) program's application deadline for 2018-19 academic year is May 15, 2018. For more information and application form, see http://mennohealth.org/SET/ or contact MHF by phone or email: 888-406-3643 or info@mennohealth.org
Volunteer Opportunities
Gift and Thrift, Inc. is looking for volunteers interested in supporting the mission of Mennonite Central Committee. Volunteers are a vital part of our mission. Many volunteer opportunities are available including donation receiving, electronic and furniture cleaning and repair, pricing and tagging of household items, sorting, hanging and tagging clothing, sorting and scanning books for retail and online sales, customer services and more! Individuals or groups with any level of time commitment (3-4 hours daily, once a week, monthly, etc.) are welcome. To volunteer, or for more information contact Gift and Thrift at 540 433-8844 or email volunteer.here.first@gmail.com. We would love to have you be a part of our volunteer community! Our goal is finding the right fit for you.
Volunteer Opportunity in Washington DC at the International Guest House: The practice of hospitality to those who come to us as strangers and leave as friends is at the basis of our faith as Mennonites and Anabaptists. We are in particular need of twelve-month host volunteers beginning April 2018. (Those serving a full year receive a monthly stipend and health insurance while all other volunteers receive full room and board.) Rotating duties include cleaning, maintenance, baking, gardening, and interacting with guests at breakfast & the evening tea. The three-pronged focus for volunteers is on hospitality to guests, being in community with one another, and your own personal time exploring our historic city. We are located in a friendly, established neighborhood with easy access to public transportation. Former volunteers at the International Guest House in Washington have found it to be a life-changing experience. This 50 year-old Christian ministry is under the auspices of the Allegheny Conference. For information or application, please contact Sara at sarafretzgoering@gmail.com or igh.dc.us@gmail.com