Worship this Sunday, May 13, 2018
Worship Leader: Larry Miller
Song Leader: Matt Hunsberger
Prelude/Offertory: Danny King
Scripture Reader: Lynn Roth
Preacher: Jennifer Davis Sensenig
Children’s Time: Kelly McDonald
Pastoral Prayer: Jason Gerlach
Scripture: John 17:6-19
Bulletin: 051318-Bulletin
Upcoming CMC Events
Sat, May 12 Open Circle Small Group, 6 pm, Fellowship Hall
Tue, May 15 Monthly Gathering, 6 pm Taco Supper, 7 pm “Oriented to Love” dialogue
led by Matthew Hunsberger
Wed, May 16 Women’s Bible Study, 9-10:15 am, Room 109
Wed, May 16 Kids’ Club, 6-7 pm, basement
CMC Events and Announcements
The Mennonite Education Task Force welcomes anyone to meet face-to-face with us for a Listening Session during the Sunday school hour on Sunday, May 13. We'll gather at 10:30 am in the balcony. Please take this opportunity to share your comments about the value of Mennonite education at all levels with us. Thanks so much to everyone who recently completed the electronic survey. Your comments were greatly appreciated. — Tiffany Showalter, Eli Nafziger, Angie Clemens, Matt Ruth, and Jason Gerlach.
Looking for an Adult Ed class? This Sunday the class in Room 109 on biblical interpretation and homosexuality continues our study of Romans 1:24-27. We will discuss five strong Greek words Paul uses to describe Roman sexuality. Read about this here: https://eewc.com/inflammatory-words-romans-124-27/ In addition, we'll also have a special speaker, Matt Hunsberger, giving his take on our larger topic. –Reta Finger
Bird Walk During CMC Adult Ed/Sunday School Hour. This Sunday, May 13 Matt Gingerich will be leading a bird walk during the adult education/Sunday school hour. All ages welcome (children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent). Wear walking shoes and bring binoculars if you have them. Meet at the ramp entrance after the worship service to car pool. If you have questions contact Matt Gingerich at msgingerich@gmail.com or 540-908-9204.
Church Mailboxes Rearranged. The church mailboxes have been rearranged and include new attenders. If you can’t find your mailbox, or if you don’t have a mailbox and you would like one, please contact the church office.
Monthly Gathering. All are welcome to attend CMC’s Monthly Gathering on Tuesday, May 15. The taco bar begins at 6 pm, followed by an “Oriented to Love” dialogue led by Matthew Hunsberger at 7 pm. This dialogue workshop will be based on Matthew’s January participation in the OTL dialogue, and the OTL Dialogue Facilitation Training he attended in March. "Oriented to Love" is a program of Evangelicals for Social Action, and it brings together groups of 12 people of diverse genders, sexual identities, and theological perspectives for three days of dialogue. The workshop at monthly gathering will be participatory, and will include some sharing from Matthew’s experiences with OTL, as well as some reflections on dialogue in general, and some practical tips on asking good dialogue questions.
CMC Women's Bible Study–Spring Series. Bring your Bible and bring a friend to CMC’s women's Bible study, Wednesdays in May from 9-10:15 am in Room 109. Pastor Jennifer will lead this series following the scriptures that were in focus the previous Sunday–so a few passages from the Gospel of John, the Pentecost story from Acts, and additional scriptures relevant for the church today. Bring you little ones! Childcare provided.
Compassion Fund Offering on May 20. We will be collecting funds on Sunday, May 20, to replenish the CMC Compassion Fund. Compassion Funds are available to CMC members and regular attenders for unexpected or urgent financial needs. For more information, contact Pastor Jennifer (Jennifer.Davis.Sensenig@cmcva.org).
Update on Ezra Lee Reiff-Swartz: Grandson Ezra's surgery went well on May 1, and he went back for a check-up May 7. The surgeon is pleased at how his face is healing. He is eating (ready for soft food in addition to bottles) and sleeping for his parents and is back to giggling. The restraints on his arms will stay for one more week to allow more healing for the mouth. Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers. Sue and Ted Swartz
Small Group Evaluations. The Small Group Committee encourages each small group to annually have a time of evaluation. They are asking each small group to respond to return the evaluation form (extras are in the back of the sanctuary), so that the Small Group Committee can assess small group needs. Forms can be returned to Heather Harris's church mailbox, or you can email Heather at heatherjill_81@hotmail.com.
I’d Like to Buy an Enemy. Ted Swartz and Tim Ruebke will be performing I’d Like to Buy an Enemy on May 17 @ 7:00 pm at CMC. After the show, Ted & Co will facilitate feedback around potential new scenes, and changed scenes, to specifically address racism and religious intolerance. These feedback shows will help with the creative process for a new Enemy show in 2019. Admission is free. Here’s a link to the event on Facebook – please share! Look forward to seeing you there.
Become an Approved Adult. An Approved Adult training is scheduled for Saturday, May 19 from 9 am-noon at Park View Mennonite Church. Contact Marsha Thomas (marsha.thomas8417@gmail.com) or Pastor Jason Gerlach to sign up or for more information.
CMC Small Groups. Would you like to be part of a small group? Anabaptists believe that the Christian life should be lived alongside others, not in isolation. CMC small groups provide settings for deeper relationships, and a community to share fellowship, study, personal encouragement, counsel, practical support, outreach, and fun. Small groups are made up of 6-12 adults, plus children, who meet weekly or bi-weekly. CMC encourages all regular attenders to participate in small-group life. If you are interested in joining a small group, please contact Heather Harris at heatherjill_81@hotmail.com. –Pastoral Team.
Need help with yard work? Daniel (Monti) Montgomery, who has recently begun attending CMC, is interested in lining up a few odd jobs for the summertime. If you'd be interested in his help mowing your lawn or other yard work please contact him at (540) 705-8271. If you don't know Monti, feel free to contact Pastor Jason.
RESURRECTION LIFE FLOWS ON – Easter may be over, but the Easter season has just begun. Want some proof? Look no further than the "CMC Today" bulletin board on the west wall of the fellowship hall for the latest photo collage featuring April worship services, children's time, Sunday school and other activities. To its right, a photo display from Maundy Thursday and Easter Sunday, a reflection on "How to Build Community," several Bishop blatherings and a 'congregational report' for Jan.-Feb. 2018 from Mennonite World Review. — Jim Bishop
MAY EYE? Sorry, bad pun from the Punsylvania pundit, but hoping it helps call your attention to the visual feast awaiting you with a double poster of photographs and memories from May 2015 on the "CMC Yesterday" bulletin board on the east wall of the fellowship hall — Jim Bishop
Greening CMC : Speaking Out. Looking for a way to be a public witness on the Atlantic Coast and Mountain Valley Pipelines? The Virginia State Water Control Board has reopened a public comment period on the water permits for these controversial pipelines. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has instructions on submitting comments before May 30.
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.
2 Kings 6:8–23: “Elisha turns back the soldiers”
Here are some ways to nurture faith at home based on this week’s story. (1) Read 2 Kings 6:20–23. What word would you use to describe Elisha? (2) We sometimes need to calm down before we can use peaceful words. Where do you go when you need to get away? (3) Read Enemy Pie by Derek Munson or watch it on YouTube. How is this story like Elisha’s story?
Did you know? Elisha’s actions are in keeping with the Latin phrase prinum non nocere. What does it mean? First, do no harm.
Prayer for the week: Loving God, open our eyes to new possibilities for peace. Amen.
Host an IVEP Worker.
Everence will have an IVEP worker beginning August of this year. We are looking for a host family. It is a young woman from Zimbabwe, her English language is very good and she is described as well-grounded, mature, dependable musical and trustworthy. I believe she also really enjoys being around children. Please contact Teresa Boshart Yoder @ Everence if you may be interested and I can give you more information. Everence office 540-437-7422.
VMRC is looking for a host family for Zilian, a young female adult volunteer from China. Zilian has been chosen through the International Volunteer Exchange Program (IVEP) to work with the Wellness and Life Enrichment teams at VMRC August 2018-July 2019. Zilian is a college graduate with social work experience. She is very active in her church, loves to be around children and is eager to work with older adults. Host families are very important to IVEP. A host family must be: Able to provide a private bedroom in their house, are able to host for full or half of the IVEP year, are active in their church, willing to learn from others, intentional about follow-up with the IVEP participant as a member of your family, benefit from a cross cultural experience in their home and receive a monthly stipend of $350. Curious? Learn more by contacting VMRC’s, Emily Young at 540-564-3524 or eyoung@vmrc.org.
Events and Announcements from the Broader Community
The 2nd annual Mississippi Catfish Fry will be held at Shady Oak (Weavers Mennonite Church) on Friday, May 11. The serving time will be from 4:30 to 7:00 pm. The fundraiser will benefit the operations of Lezha Academic Center (LAC) in Albania. Bring your family and friends for an evening of great food and desserts. LAC is supported by VMMissions and sponsored by the board of Albania Christian Education Foundation (ACEF), and depends on generous partners.
Join VMMissions for the third annual Auction for Missions, Friday, May 11, at Eastern Mennonite School (801 Parkwood Drive, Harrisonburg). Starting at 5:00 p.m., there will be a silent auction and a Mennonite Hispanic Initiative benefit meal, followed at 6 p.m. by a live auction. Items are coming in, and include new Husqvarna lawn mower, trimmer and leaf blower, local art, themed meals, and more! Learn more and browse auction items by visiting vmmissions.org/auction-for-missions/
Highland Retreat Serve and Play, May 11-13, is a special family-friendly service weekend where participants serve 6-8 hours on Saturday and enjoy a quiet spring weekend at Highland Retreat. Saturday lunch is provided. Families, groups, and day volunteers are welcome! Camping and A-frame cabins are free to participants; cottages are available for just $25-35 for the whole weekend. For more information, or to let us know you are coming, visit highlandretreat.org or call 540-705-0554.
ACRS Gathering. The next ACRS gathering will be Monday, May 14, at 7:30 am in Eastern Mennonite University’s West Dining Room (Northlawn). Bach Festival founder Ken J. Nafziger will be speaking.
Eastern Mennonite School will host a Centennial Quilting Day on the EMS main campus, Thursday, May 17, 8 am to 3 pm. You are invited to join us in the EMS Library for an opportunity to join other quilters as we complete the centennial quilt. Being an expert quilter is not required! It is an ideal time to learn. We can accommodate six quilters at a time. Either sign up online HERE or email Diana Berkshire at berkshired@emhs.net with your requested time. There is no cost and we will treat you to lunch and snacks.
Parents of Missionaries Event. A Parents of Missionaries event will be Thursday, May 17. Resourced by Ann Hershberger, our meal and fellowship will center on the topic “How to be Present when Absent.” Join us from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the VMMissions office, 601 Parkwood Drive, Harrisonburg, Va. RSVP by emailing melanie.sherer@vmmissions.org
Mark your calendars for the Family Life Resource Center’s Open House, Friday, May 18, 5-7 PM. This open house fundraiser will feature a Power Parenting Presentation and a Self Care/Relaxation Technique Seminar taught by one of our trained counselors, meet and greet with a certified therapy dog, face painting in our children’s therapy room and live music by Lisa Meadows. This is a great time to meet our staff and tour the building. We will also sell raffle tickets before and at the event for a men’s gift basket, a women’s gift basket, and a child’s gift basket. (All baskets will be raffled separately.) Please help us plan accordingly by letting us know you will be stopping by: RSVP to marie@flrc.org or 540-434-8450 by Wednesday, May 9.
The Bike Shenandoah Spring Metric Century Ride is Saturday, May 19. Bicycle enthusiasts are invited to participate in this 62 mile route through the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. This is the second annual spring ride (separate from the regular Bike Shenandoah September rides.) Mole Hill Bikes will provide two rest stops. Proceeds will benefit VMMissions and other agencies. The cost of registration is $50. Register at bikeshenandoah.org
Kelbessa Muleta Demena, Vice President of the Meserete Kristos Church, and Kiros Teka Haddis, President of Meserete Kristos College are coming to Harrisonburg. Enjoy dessert and an evening of sharing with these amazing brothers and hear their stories. Learn what amazing things God is doing in their land. Mark your calendars and plan to join us on Wednesday evening, May 23rd at 7:30 at Harrisonburg, Mennonite Church.
Growing Up! A Concert for Kids Club Worker Melody Zimmerman will be Saturday, May 26, 7:00-9:00 pm at The Church of the Incarnation, 292 North Liberty St, Harrisonburg, VA, 22802. Join us for a fantastic evening of music, fellowship, and the chance to be a part of transforming lives. The set list includes original music from Seth Crissman (of the Walking Roots Band) and friends, Nichole Barrows (Ears to the Ground), Sylvia Meyer, Jessamyn Tobin and other talented local musicians. All proceeds will go towards Melody (Tobin) Zimmerman and her work with Kids Club, which aims to mobilize us to better love and serve kids and their families in our neighborhoods. Find out more about Kids Club and Melody’s role at the concert. There will be a suggested donation of $10.
Pastor Duane Beck is the North Carolina Coordinator for Better Angels www.better-angels.org Better Angels does political reconciliation work to talk and break through the stereotypes that build barriers in families, churches, businesses, and friendships. The Better Angels annual convention is on the EMU campus, June 4-6. Some participants, with limited finances, would appreciate lodging Wednesday through Friday. Contact Pastor Duane duaneebeck@gmail.com 919 741-4587.
How Then Shall We Live? A week-long immersion in the wild to bring out the deep wisdom, fierce joy and sacred strength of men. Come wade into the wilds of New Mexico! Highlights include homemade meals in an adobe hacienda, visiting Taos Pueblo, plunging into the waters and canyons of the Rio Grande Gorge, wilderness solos, songs and campfires, morning meditations and biblical analysis in wild places—all designed to open radically new possibilities for men seeking a wilder way of fierce love for God, humanity and our precious earth. Guided by Todd Wynward for adventurous men 18+ in Taos, New Mexico, September 8-15, 2018. For registration information on this Mennonite Men experience, visit www.mennonitemen.org.
Volunteer and Job Opportunities
Highland Retreat is hiring! Highland Retreat is still seeking summer staff, especially those 18 or older. We have our highest to-date enrollment in 20 years, plus excellent counselors and junior staff who are already eager to serve this summer – but we are encountering waitlists because we need more counseling staff (aged 18+). We also still have job openings for several leadership roles, a lifeguard, and two camp nurses for specific weeks in July. Find job descriptions and the online application at highlandretreat.org, or call the Youth Office (540-705-0512) for more info.
Bridge of Hope Harrisonburg Rockingham is hiring for one part-time (20 hours/week) position. Neighborhood Resource Specialist – Responsible to provide case management and support services for 4-6 families who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness and foster relationships with Neighboring Volunteers, engaging both parties throughout their 12-24 month participation in Bridge of Hope’s program. For position summary and qualifications of position, please contact the board chair at: bridgeofhopehr@gmail.com Submit a letter of application, resume and three (3) personal references to the board chair at the email address above. Submission deadline: position open until filled.
Bethany Birches Camp (BBC) seeks a new Program Director (PD). This is a full time, year-round, paid position with housing on site. The PD is responsible for the direction and management of all camp programs. Ideally this person has a passion for the ministry of BBC, has supervisory experience and is an energetic leader who communicates well. Please find more details here http://www.bethanybirches.org/pd and feel free to contact Brandon Bergey with questions – brandon@bethanybirches.org or 802-672-5220.
Announcements from Virginia Mennonite Conference are accessible on the Conference website at http://virginiaconference.org/news/current-bulletin-announcements/.
Mennonite Church USA. Congregations and individuals are invited to engage in a churchwide day of prayer for North and South Korea on Sunday, May 20, 2018, using MCC’s “A prayer for peace in North Korea." Learn more about this “Learn, Pray, Join” initiative at http://mennoniteusa.org/korea/.