Newsweekly for Sunday, October 14, 2018

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Worship this Sunday, October 14, 2018

 Theme: Lessons from Jesus: First or Last?

Worship Leader: Greg Yoder

Song Leader: Matt Carlson

Preacher: Jennifer Davis Sensenig

Pastoral Prayer: Dayna Olson-Getty

Scripture: Mark 10:17-31; Hebrews 4:12-16; Amos 5:6-7, 10-15; Psalm 90:12-17

Bulletin: 101418-Bulletin       

 

Upcoming CMC Events

Sat, Oct 13           Open Circle Small Group, 6 pm, Room 109. Everyone welcome!

Tue, Oct 16         Monthly Gathering, 6 pm, Fellowship Hall. All are welcome!

Wed, Oct 17       Kids’ Club, 6 pm, basement

 

CMC Events and Announcements

Wellbeing for Minds and Hearts. Personally, and as supportive friends and family, many of us make our life journey navigating various mental health concerns.  This 8-week adult education series (Sundays in Oct and Nov) will include a variety of presenters–CMCers who are mental health professionals as well as other guests–who will share about their work, local services, and ways that congregations can reduce stigma and respond as the caring community Christ calls us to be.  Join us for a diverse series and a concluding session about next steps for our congregation. Facilitated by Pastoral Team.

Faith Allies. CMC is a part of a local advocacy group called "Faith Allies" which supports our immigrant neighbors. There are two opportunities to offer your support to this cause. First, there is an informational meeting Sunday, October 14 at 2:00 pm at Trinity Presbyterian for those interested in a transportation assistance network for local immigrants to get to immigration appointments. Come to learn more about being a volunteer driver or lending some financial support for this initiative.

Second, on November 4, a TPS bus will arrive here at CMC.  These folks are from countries at risk of losing their temporary protective status (TPS). They have been traveling the country educating communities about TPS, and we are the last stop before they head to Washington D.C.  We are looking for host homes for 15-20 bus riders.  All that's needed is a bed, breakfast and a warm welcome for the nights of November 4 and 5. Please contact Tina Beachy (tbeachy530@gmail.com) if you are willing to host one or more folks from this bus.

Monthly Gathering. CMC’s next monthly gathering is on Tuesday, October 16. Taco supper at 6 pm, suggested donation: $3.00 per person. At 7 pm Matthew Hunsberger will lead a discussion. This interactive discussion will continue on the themes examined in the May 2018 Monthly Gathering, based on Matthew’s participation in the "Oriented to Love" program which brings together groups of 12 people of diverse sexual orientations and theological convictions for meaningful dialogue. This discussion will be participatory, and will include some reflection and examination of dialogue in general, and specifically examining some of our own stereotypes and working towards building empathy towards those with whom we disagree. Childcare provided for ages 2-2nd grade. All are welcome to attend!

CMC Seniors. On Thursday, October 25, at 7:00 pm, CMC Seniors will meet in the fellowship hall to hear Ervin Stutzman, author and former Executive Director of Mennonite Church USA. Ervin will talk about his three-novel series called Return to Northkill. The historical novels are based on the story of 18th century Amish family of Jacob Hochstetler which were attacked by Native American warriors in 1757. Please bring finger foods to share.

Food for Kids’ Club. Thank you so much to all of the small groups who have signed up to bring food to Kids’ Club so far! We are still in need of more Wednesday meals (a simple meal for 12-15 children). If it works for your small group or your family to do this, below are some of the dates needed. Please email Hannah Hall, hannahdmhall@gmail.com if there’s a date that works for you. Dates needed are: October 17, October 31, November 14, and December 12.

October is Pastor Appreciation Month! Please find a way to celebrate and encourage our pastors as they continue to work and pray for our congregation.  –Aili Huber, Council Chair

Ride to Dulles Needed. We are in need of someone to drive the VS participants (Taylor Hodges and Ali Zuercher) to Dulles airport for their departure to Chicago on Sunday, October 28 for a 1:45 pm flight time. The driver will need to leave Dean House at around 9:45 am (or an agreed upon time). We will also need someone to pick them up from Dulles airport on Thursday, November 1 at 7 pm.  If you would be willing to drive, please contact Pastor Jason (Jason.gerlach@cmcva.org). Thank you!

Getting Engaged? CMC pastors are all trained to guide couples in a series of premarital counseling sessions using Prepare-Enrich, an excellent resource for couples.  There is a $35 fee for the materials, but the counseling sessions are free for regular attenders and members of CMC.  As a congregation we are part of a city-wide effort to encourage premarital counseling, so our pastors officiate at weddings only when couples have taken the preparatory step of premarital counseling.  We recommend premarital counseling for about 6 sessions, beginning 4-5 months before the wedding.  Thinking of getting engaged?  Talk to one of your pastors.  –Pastoral Team

Mindful Eating. Is your relationship with food/body holding you back from living life to its fullest?  You are invited to join a Mindful Eating support group that will be meeting this fall on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month from 5:30-6:30pm at CMC in Room 203.  Come journey with us as we explore what freedom with food can look like.  Contacts: Adrienne Griggs and Heather Harris

Interested in dog-sitting for a couple of weeks? A friend of mine is in need of short-term housing for her dogs. The dogs are older (11 and 12 years) and are pretty mellow, but they don't get along very well, so individual placements are preferred. If interested, please let me know. Thank you!  –Matt Carlson matt31275@gmail.com

MOVING EXPERIENCE? – While you were sleeping or wasting time on Facebook, a bulletin board "switch" took place this week in CMC's fellowship hall. The "CMC Today" photo collage board now occupies the space on the south wall formerly used by the "small groups" committee. That display now rests comfortably on the fellowship hall west wall. Check out the double-poster collage of CMC's annual retreat held Sept. 14-16 at Brethren Woods on the theme, "Sabbath Soul Tending." Next to it, some action shots of a few of the many hard-workin' CMC volunteers at last weekend's Virginia Mennonite Relief Sale (oh, what a relief (sale) it was!     — Jim Bishop

Learning Tour: Mountain Valley Pipeline. Saturday, Nov. 10 from 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Join this all-day trip to Franklin County, Virginia (south of Roanoke) to see construction of this natural gas pipeline on its path through farms, wetlands, streams, rural neighborhoods, and mountain terrain. Meet landowners and pipeline resisters to learn from them. Facilitated by Mary Jo Bowman, Franklin County native and Mountain Valley Watch volunteer. Sponsored by the CMC Green Congregation Committee. Vans to borrow are needed for this trip. If you would like to participate or for more info, contact Mary Jo Bowman, 540-383-7792, bowbro@juno.com or Brian Martin Burkholder, 540-746-6419, brian.burkholder@emu.edu .

 

Announcements from Virginia Mennonite Conference, Harrisonburg area and beyond

 Make Your Voice Heard. Join the congregations of Faith in Action, the Northeast Neighborhood Association, and the Valley Justice Coalition for a walk and meeting for local criminal justice reform on Monday, October 15. At 6 pm, walk from the corner of High and Market Street (parking available at Otterbein and CMC); 7 pm, meeting with the Community Criminal Justice Board at Memorial Hall to hear about how other communities are changing their local justice system and to ask our local elected leaders to support the Faith in Action campaign. For more information visit www.harrisonburgfaithinaction.org.

Starting the Conversation: End of Life Planning, October 19-20 at Massanetta Springs. It is widely recognized that in life preparation is key, but how do we prepare ourselves and family members to face major life decisions surrounding the aging process, serious illness, and end-of-life care? Too often persons or families are labeled as resistant or lacking in faith when legitimate concerns, barriers, questions, and doubts are present that may impact decision-making and the quality of care they receive. This important seminar, “Starting the Conversation,” will provide tools and resources to empower participants as they explore their faith and show how to have these important and often difficult conversations with family and friends to ensure the best possible outcomes. The more we understand the unique needs and wishes of one another, the better we can respond and the more effective we can be. Please visit event website for more information.

“This is My Story” Series. Eastern Mennonite University President-Emeritus Loren Swartzendruber and Linda Waggy, local archaelogist and member of the Montezuma Church of the Brethren, will share short personal stories and reflections on the themes of peace, covenant community and neighborliness in the "This Is My Story" series sponsored by the Valley Brethren-Mennonite Heritage Center (VBMHC). The event will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21, at Garbers Church of the Brethren (1275 Garbers Church Road, Harrisonburg). Admission is free; an offering will support the mission and vision of VBMHC.

John Ruth’s new 90 minute film, “Is there a Lesson? 45 years on the Anabaptist Story trail in Europe” will be shown on Sunday, October 21 at 7 pm at Harrisonburg Mennonite Church. All are welcome. For More Information, click on: http://www.emu.edu/acrs/events/  You are encouraged to view the ACRS website for all updates.

Everence Week of Generosity.  Everence members: You’re invited to volunteer at your favorite charity any day during the week of Oct. 22-27, and Everence will donate to your charity.  It is limited to the first 60 volunteers.  Get the details and register at everence.com/harrisonburg.

Mark Thiessen Nation, Professor Emeritus at Eastern Mennonite Seminary and author of the book, Bonhoeffer the Assassin?, will present a lecture series on "Discipleship in a World Full of Nazis: Reclaiming Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Christ-centered Life & Theology for Today" at Eastern Mennonite Seminary's Martin Chapel. Each lecture is 45-60 min., followed by discussion. This lecture series is co-sponsored by Eastern Mennonite Seminary and Anabaptist Center for Religion and Society.  The first lecture is on Tuesday, October 23 (6:30-8:45PM): Toward Retrieving the True Legacy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Executed for Being “a Pacifist & Enemy of the State.”

Self-Care for Women Workshop by Soulence. These times require deep listening and attention. At this workshop/retreat, spend four intentional hours exploring deep practices of self-care that can be applied to everyday life. The day will include yoga, art for daily ritual, a fire ritual, silent time to reflect, and optional one-on-one spiritual direction. Friday, November 2 from 10 am-2 pm; $25/person. More information at www.soulence.space.

The annual Locavore Fundraiser tradition continues this year as a dinner. Join us on November 3, 2018, 5:30 p.m. at Muhlenberg Lutheran Church to support and celebrate the work of Bridge of Hope Harrisonburg-Rockingham. The dinner theme this year is Neighborhood “The Word became flesh and moved into the neighborhood.” (John 1:14, the Message) This year’s featured speaker is Melody M. Pannell, local board member and social work professor at Eastern Mennonite University. The event will include locally-sourced food, deliciously prepared by A Bowl of Good, both a silent and live auction, and hearing from a Bridge of Hope recent program participant. Ticket price is $40/person or $300 per table of eight. For tickets and/or Facebook event info please visit the website at: https://hr.bridgeofhopeinc.org/get-involved/events/annual-locavore-fundraising-event/

Renowned New Testament scholar N. T. Wright will present at a variety of venues in Harrisonburg on November 13 and 14. A listing of these events is available at http://virginiaconference.org/news/nt-wright-fall-event/ or see the poster on the bulletin board in the CMC coat room.

Equipping Seminars at MennoCon19. Do you have a great idea for an Equipping Seminar at MennoCon19 (MC USA convention, July 2019)? Convention planners are eager to hear it! Find the selection criteria and submit your proposal by November 5 at mennoniteusa.org/seminars.

Prayers are requested for New York Mennonite Conference as they gather for their annual gathering in Auburn, New York on Oct. 20 and for Atlantic Coast Conference's Annual Assembly in Akron, Pennsylvania on Oct. 26-27.

EMU Alumni and Friends trip to Cuba. Cuba is a country like no other –  World Heritage sites, beautiful beaches, old cars, intriguing politics and resilient, friendly people.   Yet, many U.S. citizens have not had the chance to visit Cuba due to the 56-year embargo. During this trip you will have the opportunity to experience lectures by Cuban experts, visits to health and education programs, a home stay and yes, a few group reflection times.  Most of all, you will experience Cuba’s rich heritage of music, dance and art and warm hospitality. Dates: March 21-30, 2019 Leaders: Nathan and Elaine Zook Barge, veteran Guatemala/Cuba cross-cultural leaders (540) 421-4526

MDS Volunteers Needed.  Groups and individuals who want to volunteer should sign up on the MDS website at https://mds.mennonite.net/hurricane-response-volunteer-registration-form/ , or go to the MDS homepage www.mds.mennonite.net and click the blue volunteer button. You may also call 1-800-241-8111 and choose option ‘1’ for weekly volunteers. This phone line is being monitored 24/7. Questions? Contact CMCers Joe Yoder (540-820-1973) or Sam Miller (540-432-9262).

MennoMedia needs your help to make the new Voices Together hymnal a reality by Fall 2020. Before any copies of Voices Together are sold, MennoMedia will invest more than $700,000. Everence and Mennonite Central Committee U.S. have issued a matching grant challenge of up to $100,000 to help MennoMedia in this final fund-raising effort. Help ensure that Voices Together will be affordably priced for congregations. Make a gift today and have it doubled! Give at VoicesTogetherHymnal.org. Every voice matters. Every dollar counts.

A century ago, war fever swept the United States. Mennonites and other people of peace were unprepared and paid the price. What if war fever swept the United States today? Are we again prepared? How would we live out our non-resistance or pacifism?  How would we witness for peace? The Voices of Conscience exhibit will be open on the main (2nd) floor Eastern Mennonite University’s Hartzler Library during regular library hours from October 1 – November 17. This traveling exhibit, created by the Kaufmann Museum in Newton, Kansas, remembers the witness of peace-minded people against the First World War 1914-1918.

 

 

 

 

Community Mennonite Church
70 South High Street Harrisonburg, VA
office@cmcva.org
540-433-2148