Epiphany

The Epiphany-- the recognition of the Christ by the Magi, those 3 kings of the Orient of whom we sing; a most amazing understanding of truth.

An epiphany-- an "Ahh Ha!" moment; a sudden understanding of the meaning of something or insight of perception.

I love those moments of "Oh, Yeah! I get it!" Or "Ohhhhh, I wonder if it's because of...." I'll bet one's brain would light up if one would have such a moment during an MRI of the noggin. 

 I had such a moment this week as I thought about my family and our Christmas celebration.  Even though our daughters are now young adults (AND we even have a son-in-law in the mix) our enjoyment, laughter, and fun is more wonderful than ever.  We still hang stockings on bedroom doorknobs to be opened at whatever time the girls and boy awaken, and the gifts are placed under the tree when they go to bed.  Awakening early, we share our love and gifts for one another as we celebrate Immanuel, God With US!

My "Ohhhh, I wonder if...." epiphany came as I thought about Santa Claus.  Santa has always been "a fun pretend" with our daughters. They knew that some children really believed, but they understood that Santa wasn't real. As a child I was one of the true believers of this jolly elf and was thoroughly devastated to learn the truth about Santa from my friend Bunny on the school bus, although I admit to being relieved Santa couldn't see me in the bathtub! Bunny told me there wasn't really a toothfairy which led me to put 2 and 2 together (I was a bright child), and I came to the realization that Santa, the toothfairy, and yes, even the Easter Bunny was all trickery!  

(Please know I'm not trying to bash your traditions at all! I'm merely wanting to share a bit of my story and thoughts of my own journey.)  My epiphany came as the thought flew into my head, "Oh, maybe our family never lost the "magic" of Christmas, because we never embraced the Santa fairytale."  Our Christmas celebration has always been based on the Jesus story.  Our girls would play Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus all the time during Advent. Perhaps the "magic" of Christmas remains alive and well because it was never lost when the truth about Santa was discovered.

 Whatever your family traditions are, hold to the truth about Christmas.  The mystery and magic of the nativity story and life of our Christ is alive and well!

Brother Mick will be preaching from Matthew 2:1-12 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%202&version=NLT which tells the story about the visit of the wise men to Jesus and the subsequent change in their lives. His message is entitled, "It Starts Here," and we will be challenged to face the New Year with transformation through our relationship with the Christ.

There is no Sunday school this week.  The service will begin at 10:15am.  There will be coffee available preservice. :)

Congratulations to Kevin and Rachel on the announcement of a baby arriving this summer!

It's been great to see many of you home from afar.  Any of you up for coffee or lunch next week? 

Thanks to Laura for joining the senior high youth on the cold, wet, and rainy trip to Central Market in Lancaster. No, we did not spot Lady Gaga.

My prayer for you today: God of mystery and light, touch our lives today that we might experience you in new and transforming ways.  Our journeys are all different, yet you travel with us.  Open our eyes to recognize you. Peace, Hope, Love, Grace, Joy, Light-- envelop us in your Presence--Immanuel-- with us, never to leave us nor forsake us.  Come Kingdom of God. Be done will of God, on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus name. AMEN

Without question or doubt, you are loved by God, and I love you too. 
love and light,
carol
http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/

"Always remember who you are, whose you are, where you are going, and what you believe because it does make a difference! Oh, and don't forget to attend a church of your choice this weekend!" JD  

Gloria in Excelsis Deo

 

Photo credit- Jim Lapp


 I wish you could have seen her face.  Joy and light emanated from this dear friend as she lay against the bed, oxygen prongs in place, and although was struggling with the "timeline" of reality and her very breath, she sang wholeheartedly the  "Glooooooooooooooooooooooria" in Angels We Have Heard On High with those of us who were caroling to her Wednesday night. I was reminded of the power and blessing of music, the power and blessing of this tradition, and the power and blessing of a relationship with our Lord. 

 Music is a gift that permeates our hearts and souls unlike any mere spoken word. Forgotten memories awaken as familiar melodies are rendered taking us to other times and places. Although we may no longer be able to create beautiful sound, music can incite our very souls to sing. Joy. Praise. Hope. Love. Peace.

I used to make caroling a priority during the Advent season, singing with various groups several times each season. Busyness has distracted me. I'm not a great singer, but I can hold a tune, and I certainly know Christmas songs. If you think of it next year, keep me accountable.  Ask me, "Carol, how many times are you caroling this year?" or better yet, ask if you can join me! This tradition is one that certainly blesses all the participants and truly is worship. I hope when I am 90 years old someone comes to sing for me!

My dear sister Frances has lived her life in relationship with her Lord even spending time in the convent as a teen considering if her call was to dedicate her life as a nun to her Jesus (I use the possessive pronoun "her" Lord, "her" Jesus as that is how she discusses her relationship with God.) She is very human and like all of us has struggled with living out this relationship in ways that honor God. Yet the depth of joy that radiated from her on Wednesday was more than the music; her very soul was praising the Lord  with all her being and the glory of God radiated from her face.

"Rejoice in the Lord!The fullness of time has come.  As the earth brings forth its shoots, so God sent the Son, born into the human condition, to set us free to live as beloved children.  The unexpected has happened. We belong to God."

Brother Mick will be sharing the message, "This Is Real Life" from Luke 2:1-7 reminding us of the harsh reality to which Jesus was born, yet with him the glimmer of light and hope of all.  There will be no Sunday school classes, so the service will begin at 10:15am with coffee, cookies, and fellowship time beginning at 9:30am.  

Christmas Eve service will begin at 7pm here at Ridgeview Mennonite Church, 3723 Ridge Road, Gordonville PA. http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/ 

My prayer for today:  Creator of the stars and sun, you are the one true light. You are the one hope. You are the living joy, the heart's home, the breathing love. You call each of us by name to dwell with you. O God, powerful and mighty, you became one of us that we could gaze into your eyes and know life and true love. Thank you. Bless each reader with a reminder of your loving presence today and always.  Peace. Love. Life. Joy. Come Kingdom of God. Be done will of God, on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus name. Amen.

Without question or doubt, you are loved by God, and I love you too. 
Love and Light,
Carol

   "Always remember who you are, whose you are, where you are going, and what you believe because it does make a difference! Oh, and don't forget to attend a church of your choice this weekend!" JD
    

"Haves" and "Have Nots"

 Have you seen the photo image that has been making its rounds on facebook depicting a split picture with half showing emaciated children reaching upward as if for food and the second part displaying women with overflowing shopping carts filled with games and stuff? None of the photo subjects appears happy.  The caption reads, "Define Necessity."

I must confess, as one of the "haves," these images cause me to feel really uncomfortable which I would guess is the intention of the post. I enjoy the overflow of gifts we have under the tree. I have a lovely home with a bit of land. I have warmth and clothing. I have clean water, hot water, and running water. I have cars (plural) to drive, an education, books, bikes, electricity, a piano, toys, phones, computers, and a few extra pounds.   Many of us glance at the images of these dear children and quickly skip to the next post because we don't want to be reminded of the want and need in the world. Many of us look at the images and say, "Wow, this is a good reminder of how blesssed we are," and yes, that is true but is that where we stop?  I am more and more convinced  as I mature (aka get older) that for those of us who are followers of Jesus, it is worship when we feed and clothe the hungry.  God's way is not our comfortable way. Afterall, God came to the earth as a "have not"  and was even an "alien" for a while in Egypt. Is not the best way to honor and praise our Lord to model the sacrificial love exemplified by our Jesus?

Mother Teresa's statement of "We cannot do great things on this earth, only small things with great love" helps me when I feel overwhelmed with the enormity of the pain and despair in the world. 

Small things--Great Love.

Mennonite Central Committee  http://www.mcc.org/ has urgent needs for hygiene and school kits. There are cloth bags on the MCC table which you can pick up, fill, and return to the table.

http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/missions.htm  We are helping to feed the hungry children in our community. If you live locally and would like to help pack or deliver the food packs, sign up in the lobby.

http://freerice.com/#/english-vocabulary/1528  If you spend time on the computer, why not play "freerice" and feed the hungry at the same time?

Small things-- great love-- Doable--Today--Tomorrow-- At home--At shopping centers--In cars--With family--With friends--With strangers--With adults--With children--At church--At school--At work--At play. Small things--Great Love--NOW!

Whoo! Got a little preachy there!

Brother Mick, with his knee securely in a brace, will be preaching a message he's calling, "Let It Be." In Luke 1 Mary responds to the angel with "let it be with me according to your word." Do we trust God to be in control of our lives? Additional scriptures are 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 and Romans 16:25-27.

College students, I hope to see you in the Upper Room this Sunday at 9am! I've been praying for you as you've completed papers and taken exams!

Blessings to Craig who is back in Minnesota after having blessed us with his presence this fall. Craig, you added much thought and wisdom to our discussions. Thank you!  Keep us posted on life!

On Wednesday, Dec. 21 I plan to take a group Christmas caroling to Manor Care Health Center on the west side of Lancaster where Frances and Albert, and Amanda reside.  Would you like to join me? :)

My prayer for you today: Creator God, you are present in this new day.  In fact, you have a plan for this day and for each of us.  Help us to pay attention to your schedule. Help us to see people as you see them. Help us to enter your plan even if it messes up our own activities. Grant us courage to act. Let us do small things with great love so that others will see YOU in us. Come Kingdom of God. Be done will of God, here, on earth as it is in heaven.  In Jesus' name. AMEN.

Without question or doubt, you are loved by God, and I love you too.
Love and Light,
Carol
"Always remember who you are, whose you are, where you are going, and what you believe because it does make a difference! Oh, and don't forget to attend a church of your choice this weekend!" JD

We're waiting...we're waiting...we're waiting....

 As we are now in the season of Advent, the time of waiting for the coming of the Christ, I've been thinking about all the waiting we engage in on a daily basis. I think of that dial-up sound we came to know so well and quickly a few years back as we waited to connect to the internet-- oh, and the sound of the coffee maker as it drips; and the sound of the running water as the tub fills; and the sound of a hungry infant.  My dad had an old single-slice toaster that had been his Aunt Nettie's which said, "tickatickatickatick ...." as the bread browned. Even as I write this, I am waiting for the wood stove to reach a high enough temperature to close the damper, and I hear the flames nibbling the wood.   

 

Hurry Up, Brooke!

Here's a "waiting" list:                                                    

• for baby to be born
• to stand in line to purchase Christmas gifts   
• to be seated at a restaurant
• for the electric power to return after a snowstorm
• for there to be an open gate for the airplane to park
• for the turkey to finish roasting
• for the professor to grade exams
• for the game to begin
• for the website to load
• for the book you've ordered from the library 
• for the bus 
• for the store to open
  

  

  Coming home after school

• for your photos to upload
• to see the doctor
• for the children to come home from school
• for the school bus to pick up the kids
• for your ride to pick you up to go swimming
• for the biopsy report
• for the morning to dawn
• for traffic to move on a Saturday afternoon driving 340 in peak tourist season
• for the job interview

--And I could go on, and on, and on! What kind of attitude do you "wear" as you abide? On what are you waiting?

Waiting, Waiting, Waiting....

Brother Mick will be sharing from Psalm 85 which as many psalms has verses that recount history of God's faithfulness, question God, and yet return to God's love and faithfulness.  Verses 10-11 have beautiful imagery:  "Love and faithfulness meet together, righteousness and peace kiss each other. Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven."  Hmmm.... what can it all mean? Ahhh, this God of Grace who awaits us with open arms like the Prodigal son's father, forgiving and transforming. The message title is "What are you waiting for?"  Hmmm... reads two different ways, doesn't it?

Monday, Dec. 5 is the annual Time Out auction with food available to purchase at 5pm benefitting missions, and the auction starting at 6:30pm.  Even if you don't bid on anything, this is always great fun!  Cliff and I've made some wonderful purchases over the years, from a pink playhouse to delicious chocolate cake.

Wednesday, Dec. 7 is the Service of Rembrance and Hope at 7pm.  The holidays are really difficult for some of us due to loss, loneliness, and brokenness.  We want to acknowledge our pain and invite the Light of the Divine to be present in new ways.  Feel free to bring photos of loved ones who have died.

As you may recall, Brother Mick had a knee replacement several weeks ago.  He experienced a "pop" during therapy afterwards, and although at first the medical staff thought  all was just the normal "waiting for healing," it is determined that there was a muscle tear at that time. Mick has reparation surgery scheduled for this Monday.  He will need to wear an immobilizer for 6 weeks. I think I need to add
"as we heal" to the waiting list above...Please be in prayer for him and Julie.

By thy rivers gently flowing, Illinois! Illinois!

Next week I will be in Illinois on Friday so I am not planning to post a communique. Be sure to check out the bulletin for details of events! http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/bulletin.htm 

My prayer for you today:  Creator God, you are wrapped in light as a garment and ride on the wings of the wind. Fill us with your Spirit so that her fruit; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-contol, is exemplified in our actions. For Anthony, Mim, Mick,  and others who are experiencing pain and brokenness, cover them with your blanket of light that they will experience peace, healing, and wholeness. Come Kingdom of God. Be done will of God, here on earth as it is in heaven.  In Jesus name. AMEN.


Without question or doubt, you are love by God, and I love you too!
Love and Light,
Carol

"Always remember who you are, whose you are, where you are going, and what you believe because it does make a difference! Oh, and don't forget to attend a church of your choice this weekend!" JD



  



                             

Happy Thanksgiving

I hope everyone had a day of gratitude and fellowship in some way or another yesterday, and I hope you continue to live life in thankfulness.  I'm revamping a post from July relating to Thanksgiving for this week.  I hope you don't mind!

The gravel road a few miles from my Illinois home led down to the Mackinaw River and the old bridge. It was one of those structures that we describe as rustic and rickety... could we really drive across it?  Would I fall through if I walked across it? The road and the bridge were scenic and beautiful in the way of postcards, but across the river spanned by the creaky bridge, the scalp prickled and tales of legend were told.  You see, on the other side of the river was a sad, rundown house which, although appeared uninhabited, was the home of a recluse.  A man who was notorious in our small community with stories of pulling out the shotgun to pepper folks who entered his property, drinking and bathing in the muddy river water, squirrelling away a fortune.... Of course, this made him the subject of pranks and dares by the area's fearless and foolish.

This changed for me one Thanksgiving; my mom began building a new bridge.  You see, she was driving to our rural home which wasn't far from the scary man's shack, and she saw him walking along the road.  Well, the next thing we knew, there was going to be an additional guest for our Thanksgiving feast!   I don't recall many of the details of that dinner other than he was very scruffy, ate lots of bread and drank tons of water which perhaps prepared him for his stint in prison for tax evasion a year or so later.  But he was also very polite, very grateful, and treated my mother like a queen. My mom bridged a gap between us and our neighbor as I realized that at our table was a broken, old man. and one of God's own.  Fear: it keeps us from stepping on that seemingly rickety bridge, doesn't it. 

In reflecting on my childhood Thanksgiving feasts, we often seemed to have a few extra guests, residents from the local nursing home, college friends, or the local recluse who may not have liked the traditional rutabagas cooked in bacon grease but was thankful none the less.  Hmmm... Have I forgotten my Midwest hospitality? 

Brother Mick's message this week is, "O God, Where Are You?"  I suspect we've all thought or uttered those words at various stages of our lives.  I know I have.  The scripture passage is Isaiah 64:1-9 with its powerful words and images of a people frustrated and impatient when their reality wasn't the lovely home picture they envisioned. As this is the first Sunday of Advent with its waiting, longing, and preparation for the Messiah, the message is appropriate.  http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+64%3A1-9&version=NIV;NLT 

I hope to see some of you college students in the Upper Room on Sunday at 9a.  You'll be surprised at the changes in the room!  We'll soon be ready to decorate.  :)

Please continue to be in prayer for Anthony and his family as he begins chemo on Monday. 

On Wednesday, Dec. 7- 7pm there will be a service of Hope and Remembrance at Ridgeview to bring our hurts, losses, and loneliness to lay at the feet or our Lord.  For some of us these holiday times are painful and difficult, and it is important to acknowledge this and journey together.

My prayer for  today:  Creator God, we praise you!  Though at times our journeys are difficult and lonely, you never leave us nor forsake us.  Give us pause to recognize your presence.  Surround Anthony, his family, and others who are in pain or struggling with your light, hope, and healing. Restore us, Lord, make your face shine on us. Let your healing and hope flow through us to a despairing world.  Come Kingdom of God.  Be done will of God, on earth as it is in heaven.  In Jesus name.  AMEN

Without question or doubt, you are loved by God, and I love you too!
love and light,
carol

"Always remember who you are, whose you are, where you are going, and what you believe, because it does make a difference!  Oh, and don't forget to attend a church of your choice this weekend. "  JD

Things that make me smile......

 Last week I challenged you to write down things that make you smile with the number of items matching your age. In these darker days of November, I find it helpful to think on these things! Here is my list.

 -Seeing my girls laugh and love together

 -Spotting a hawk sitting in a tree along I-81

  -The scent of the woods after a rain

  -Hearing a song on the radio that takes me back to a different time and place

 -Birthday greetings on facebook

 -That glob of hot fudge at the bottom of a sundae

  -When I'm reading a book so good that I can't put it down

  -The trees dancing wildly in the wind

  -Lying in bed and watching the changes of the sky from crimson to pink as the sun rises 

-The way the tree looks on Christmas eve after the gifts have been placed 

-Watching the family beast at soccer

-The warmth and scent of the wood stove

-Crawling into our bed after a few nights away from home

-The feeling of power as a plane takes off from the runway

-Finding out one of my PA friends knows where Tremont is

-When the girls were young, finding chicken corn soup, milk, and cookies waiting for us from my mom-in-law on our return from a vacation

-Fun snail mail

-Moon shadows

-Friends

-The scent of curry which takes my memory back to Belize

-Going  to museums

-The way my mom's voice can twinkle

-Sisters

-Moser popcorn

-The way my dad shrugs his shoulders

-Seeing my girls happy with their boys

-The light saber sound of hummingbird wings   

-Saturday morning coffee on the deck with my hubby                     

-Curly sliding boards

-Blue jeans and comfy sneakers

-Waking up in the middle of the night with moonlight on my face

-Entering Tremont

-Obie's "nosy" thank you when fed 

-Stimulating conversation

-Katydids

-Cloud art

-Having someone tell me I don't look old enough to have a married daughter

-Having Kitty Pennie settle in my lap

-Family game night

-Hymn sing at Menno Convention

    -The hoot owl choir

-The first crunch of the stones on the lane when I get home

-The girls singing along to the radio in the backseat of the car after supping out

-Rocking a baby

-My hubby's deep set eyes and strong jaw

-Standing on the bank of the Mackinaw

-The first oriole in the spring

-Birds at the feeders

-Fawns in the springtime

-Imagination

I would love to read your "smilers" so feel free to leave them in comments, fb, or email me. :) 

This week Brother Mick's message title causes me to smile, "Praise the Lord and Pass the Potatoes."  As he delves into Psalm 95:1-7 and Ezekiel 34:11-16, our brother will take us beyond the trite to the "unfettered praise to God because of God's character and being."

For thus says the Lord God: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep, and will seek them out.....I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I will make them lie down, says the Lord God.  I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the crippled, and I will strengthen the weak, and the fat and the strong I will watch over; I will feed them in justice."

At the end of the worship service, we will have a dedication of the Peace Pole.  http://www.peacepoles.com/

The Upper Room continues to evolve as Bob and others transform it with their carpentry skills.  This week Etta will be joining you for discussion and prayer during the 9am hour. 

Check the bulletin for other details of the morning and week. http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/documents/bulletin%2011_20_2011.pdf

-A few other upcoming events to note:  Persons interested in the health care of the congregation are invited to attend a meeting on Nov. 30 at 7pm at Ridgeview.

-The holidays can be a dark and difficult time for many people for many reasons; loneliness, loss, etc.  We will be having a service on Dec. 7 at 7pm to invite God's light to be present to us in new ways.

I finally saw the last Harry Potter film.  I would love to have a book/movie discussion talking about the gospel parallels.  Interested? 

My prayer for today: Lord, you are God--Creator of the depths of the earth, the heights of the mountains, the deeps of the sea. Power. Might. Majesty.  Yet you come to us as a gentle shepherd, guiding, leading, feeding, protecting, loving, giving. In you and through you we are covered with grace, filled with peace, and bathed in joy so that the healing and hope that is You can pour out of us to a hurting and broken world.  Come Kingdom of God. Be done will of God, on earth as it is in heaven.  In Jesus Name.  AMEN

Without question or doubt, you are loved by God, and I love you too!

Love and Light!
carol   

"Always remember who you are, whose you are, where you are going, and what you believe, because it does make a difference!  Oh, and don't forget to attend a church of your choice this weekend. "  JD

I saw a former neighbor at the grocery store this week which got me thinking of our shared stories.  This tale (or is it tail) got a lot of mileage.  :)

Having all converged at a soccer game to watch our eldest play, Cliff, Alana, and I were now driving home at the same time, one behind the other.  There was a bald eagle perched in a tall tree watching our caravan!  Cliff parked his vehicle outside; Alana pulled into the garage, and I followed.  As we got out of our vehicles we were greeted by a big, shaggy, golden dog whose tag read "Jake" and looked similar to our "Obie."  We called the number on the tag and the owner from a couple of miles away came and collected this friendly lug.

After sending the dog on its way, I hit the play button on the answering machine and heard this message, "Hi, Carol. This is Chris..."  Meanwhile, Cliff released Obie from his crate and went into the garage to find the dogfood spilled across the floor.  Curious..... Chris's message continued, "Obie is over here and keeps bothering our dog. Would you come get him?" 

Hmmmmmmm.....The next message on the machine was Chris's mom, Abby, with perhaps a slight irritation in her voice. "Carol, Obie just keeps bothering our dog, so I put him in your garage." Well, the giggles at our house began as we realized what had happened. 
I picked up the phone and called our friends. The eldest son answered the phone, "Hey, Nic! Would you give your mom a message?" I said laughingly. "That dog she put in our garage? It wasn't Obie!" 
Chortles turned guffaws by all the players, as a new and fun memory was created that day. Good times!

This week Brother Mick will be sharing a message he has titile, "Here, Hold This" based on the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30.  Monetary gifts, natural resources, talents--what kind of stewards are we? The response song for the morning, "Take My Life" in which the first verse reads, "Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to thee. Take my moments and my days; let them flow in ceaseless praise, let them flow in ceaseless praise." Seems like a great prayer for everyday.
A guest from SEND International will also be sharing about this mission in which the Smoker family participates.

As a wholistic people, we care about our physical selves too. Join in the "Maintain Don't Gain" challenge as the holidays approach.  Check the bulletin for more info. http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/bulletin.htm

I plan to join you in the Upper Room on Sunday, although I might be a few minutes late arriving as I finish last minute details for leading worship. 

On my last birthday, my son-in-law challenged me to write 50 (yes, my age) things that make me smile which I did easily.  I would encourage you to take your age and do the same! Just creating the list made me grin. :)

My prayer for you today:  "Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God." Ps 90   Creator God, fill us with a renewed awareness of your presence;  Jesus, Jesus, draw us to you as we face the tough times and heartbreaks in life, assuring us that you are along for the journey.  Spirit of the living God, guide us with wisdom and equip us with the needed tools to do the work of reconciliation of which we are called as your people. Thanks and praise to you, God, for the beauty of your creation. Come Kingdom of God. Be done will of God, on earth as it is in heaven.  In Jesus name.AMEN 

Without question or doubt, you are loved by God, and I love you too! 

love and light,

Carol

"Always remember who you are, whose you are, where you are going, and what you believe, because it does make a difference!  Oh, and don't forget to attend a church of your choice this weekend. "  JD

     The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims God's handiwork.  Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge.  There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard; yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.  Psalm 19:1-4

The proclamation of our Creator through nature was beautiful and clear last Sunday morning after the rare October snow. We were inconvenienced by the loss of power for 48 hours, but already I'm smiling at the images of Cliff and I sitting in the dark and listening to the cracking and falling of branches on Saturday night and reaching for the peanut butter jar for yet another meal.  What is now at the forefront of my mind is the speech that poured out without a voice on Sunday morning.  Yes-- a holy moment and vision of God's glory.                                                                       

This weekend is missions emphasis weekend at Ridgeview. There is opportunity to serve at Mennonite Central Committee's Material Resource Center in Ephrata on Saturday morning with a meal served Saturday evening with cuisine of Venezuela.  If you are interested in joining the workers, contact me, and I'll see what I can do!  

Sunday school at 9am will be in the sanctuary with our guest speakers Willis and Brydalene Horst.  They will also be sharing during the worship service with a message, "Celebrate God's Faithfulness."  For a look at Sunday's bulletin, check out the link below. :)

http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/documents/bulletin%2011_06_2011.pdf

Craig is back from his work with Mennonite Disaster Service.  I'm looking forward to hearing about his experience.  Ask him about it when you see him!

Please keep praying for Anthony, Mim and their families as treatments are determined and implemented.  

Ridgeview is going to be implementing the Food Pac program to send food home on weekends to school children in need, a service to which we've historically been involved but not given leadership. Talk to Marie K.  or Charlotte L. for ways you can help.

My prayer for you today: Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.  How precious is your love!  Despite the many uncertainties of our lives, God, you are our constant presence.  So often we pray, "God, be with us," and you already are here.  Let us be still, and aware. Love, joy, peace-- these are your fruit. We ask that your healing will cover Anthony, Mim, their families as well as others who are hurting today. Come Kingdom of God. Be done will of God, on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus Name. AMEN.

Without question or doubt, you are loved by God, and I love you too!  Contact me anytime. 

Love and Light,

Carol

         

"Always remember who you are, whose you are, where you are going, and what you believe, because it does make a difference!  Oh, and don't forget to attend a church of your choice this weekend. " 

                                                  

And he will be their peace. Micah 5:5

     Hopedale Mennonite Church http://www.hopedalemennonitechurch.com/index.php became my home congregation when I was around 8 years old, and I began a journey with a community of people for whom Jesus was the center of life; a people (and I'm speaking collectively now of Mennonite Church USA http://www.mennoniteusa.org/) who take seriously the work of the Kingdom of God on earth even as it is in heaven.  Imperfect?  Yes!  Striving to be faithful?  Yes!  In need of ongoing repentence and transformation?  Certainly! 

     My first Sunday school teacher at Hopedale was an older, single woman who was known to be eccentric, yet a caring and wonderful individual.

     One year when I was in high school, our youth group went Christmas caroling at Stella's home.  She was ecstatic to see us.  After that my sister Jo and I began to visit Stella at her country home, sometimes together, sometimes individually.

     On arrival I would climb the steep and uneven steps, wondering how Stella managed without falling.  A deep and wide "W O O F" came from the basement of the old farmhouse where she would put the giant dog anticipating my entrance.  I never once, ever saw that dog. There would be a scramble at the door by the little yippy critter that was her inside protector.  She warned that he might bite, so I kept my hands to myself and didn't make eye contact with Mr. Yap.  But Stella, oh, when she saw me, she would grab me with hungry arms and dirty fingernails and squeeze till the puddin' was ready to pop out! We would make our way past the kitchen which was covered with dirty dishes and the occasional "pigs brains" containers, past the dining room where she kept her income makers, sweet little orange and yellow canaries she raised and sold which feasted on hard boiled eggs (I struggled to get past the cannibalistic imagery)and tossed their feathers and seeds everywhere,  and into the living room where the giant Boston fern that had been her mother's, was keeping vigil.

     Stella would inevitably pull out the same old photo albums; we'd listen to the same recording of the deep voiced George Beverly Shea; and we would talk.  After brushing the feathers away, dear Stella would seat me at the dining room table and serve me delicious country fare. (No, it wasn't pig brain, at least I don't think it was. She really was an extraordinary cook.)  I did not think about the filth in the kitchen, the scatterings of bird seed, or the dog yipping at my feet but was immersed in the blessing of love and joy shining forth from this lovely woman.  

     When I was going to be married, Stella went into the back room and came back carrying pillow cases with lovely crocheted edges, and bath towels decorated with the lost art of tatting.   She had made these for her own hope chest when she was a teenager, and she cackled saying she guesses that now in her 80's she wouldn't be using them.  She wanted me to have them.  I treasure them.

This week is Mennonite Heritage Sunday, and yes, we can and should go back to the 1500's and review the meaningful and important history/heritage of Anabaptism.  Today, Mennonites are in communities around the globe, speak many languages, and we each have our own story. Whether you're Anabaptist or not, take some time today to reflect on your faith journey, the people who've impacted your life, the stories that are meaningful to you, and the places where Jesus has been exemplified.  

Brother Mick is sharing a message on Sunday he is calling, "Gilding the LIly" from Matthew 23:1-12. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+23%3A1-12&version=NIV  Jesus is talking about the Pharisees in this passage.  What a reminder to look at ourselves!    In a message several weeks ago Mick said, “The purpose of the gospel is to transform us—to make us more and more like Christ as we strive to live out the way that he(Jesus) demonstrates.”   Hmm.... am I more like Jesus or a Pharisee as I live my faith? 

-Congratulations to Jason and Sarah on the birth of Autumn Elise!  I can't wait to have a snuggle. :D

-Sign up to help at the Material Resource Center in Ephrata on Saturday, November 5. I think the time is 8-noon.  If you're interested, let me know, and I'll find out for sure.  Helpers are invited to an Argentinean meal Saturday evening.

-I'd love to have you join me in the Upper Room on Sunday at 9am for conversation and prayer.

-Let's continue to keep Anthony Eldridge and his family and Mim Martin and her family in prayer as Anthony and Mim both begin treatments for cancer.

-Congrats to Nathan as he will be starting a new job in November!

-Congratulations also going out to Julie as a new homeowner!

My prayer for you today:  Transforming God, as the leaves put on their colorful cloaks and the treetops dance in the wind, we see your beauty and presence in creation. Thank you.  As we recognize your Presence in nature, help us to recognize your Presence in each other and ourselves. There is tough stuff, painful situations, hurtful relationships going on in our lives, and we struggle to see you.  Give us pause to see.  Give us pause to remember and reflect.  Grant us courage, wisdom, and peace to face the challenges in our days.  AS our hearts are broken with painful life situations, mend and soften our hearts to become more like you.  Come Kingdom of God.  Be done will of God, on earth as it is in heaven.   In Jesus name. Amen.

Without question or doubt, you are loved by God, and I love you too.  Don't hesitate to contact me!

love and light,

carol

"Always remember who you are, whose you are, where you are going, and what you believe, because it does make a difference!  Oh, and don't forget to attend a church of your choice this weekend. " 

http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/