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/

I will bless the LORD who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. Psalm 16:7

Somnambulism and somniloquy, ooooh, scary right?  Well, actually they can be a bit creepy and sometimes pretty funny.  You may know these by their common names, sleepwalking and sleep talking.  Linguists, break it down and you'll figure it out. :)  If you've ever worked as a camp counselor you're probably familiar with these conditions.  From dreaming of  diving class and a take-off from the bunk bed, (OUCH! and a very fortunate mild concussion; no broken neck) to hilarious comments in the dark of the night, campers keep the night entertaining.  

Here is one of my favorite incidents as a counselor, way back when, at Camp Menno Haven http://mennohaven.com/ in Tiskilwa IL.

I had my bunk positioned next to the window by the door of our single room log cabin so I could readily see and hear problems and pranksters.  A light sleeper, I heard everything! At some point in the night, one of my girls leaped from the top bunk and ran out on the little porch where she paused. 

"Laura, Laura!" she called for an imagined rendezvous. Then she ran down the steps and headed for the depths of the woods. 

Instantly awake although not knowing which camper was escaping, my synapses began firing.  "Wait for me!" I hollered through the window. 
She stopped. "OK," she responded in a happy, lilting tone.
About the time I got to her, she awakened, standing in the woods, totally confused.  Gently explaining she was sleepwalking, we went back to the cabin for the duration of the night.

This story doesn't relate at all to the sermon on Sunday, other than we'll be hearing about Jacob who had some interesting night time incidents.

 Jacqueline will be bringing a message she has entitled, "Redemption of the Less-Loved Son."  I look forward to hearing from Jacqueline's wealth of wisdom and experience as she shares from Genesis 29 and 30. I'm never sure whether I should be distressed or relieved when I read the Old Testament stories of dysfunctional families!

Etta will be in the Upper Room this week to facilitate discussion. 
Please be in prayer for Anthony Eldridge and his family as he deals with serious health issues. 
Wednesday there will be a fellowship meal at 6:15pm with Mark and Kay Weidner sharing about Celtic Spirituality and their trip to Scotland at 7pm.

My prayer for you today: Divine God, in your creativity, you form us; in your love you give us breath;   in your mercy, you give us life.  Many are stressed over exams, health, relationships, resources, and fear. Grant us courage to name them and lay them at your feet. Grant us courage to act when it will make a difference.  Grant us courage to help one another along the journey. Let your healing and hope flow through us to our neighbors, here and far away.  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. "  jdhttp://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/

"What is that?" one of the girls asked.   Back in the days when I was still a taxi driver, I was taking Taylor to a birthday party, and Korinne was riding along for something to do.  The windows were down on our red subaru, for the day was sunny and bright.  We had just pulled out of our lane and were driving west on Wallace Road where the name changes to Hill Road when one of the girls asked, "What is that?"  We drove another 50 yards until we got close enough for a good look. Flames were shooting out of  a load of hay on the back of a truck!   I quickly pulled to the side of the country road and called 911. Two men and a small boy were standing next to the truck looking at it helplessly.  Suddenly one of the men jumped back into the truck and began driving it straight toward us.

"What is he doing? What is that idiot doing?"  I began to yell. The extra oxygen from the moving truck caused an incredible flare, and flaming bales began to tumble off of the truck as it sped down the road, lighting the dry grass on both sides of the road. Our car was almost hit!   Now we were surrounded by flames in front of us, next to us, and behind us.  Were we in a disaster movie? This had all the qualifications of one! I couldn't drive either direction to get away, so I pulled into one of the driveways next to the road as far from the flames as I could.  The man drove only about 1/4 mile and stopped so that the tree he now parked under also caught flame. Seeing an outside hose and buckets at the house at which we were parked, we began to fight the fire alongside several other home owners who were present.  The biggest danger seemed to be the area where the fire was creeping into the woods, and two young men appeared with shirts tied around their faces as masks, equipped with shovels and buckets which we helped them to fill with water.  Finally the fire fighters arrived and realized they needed trucks for a quarter mile stretch of road. 

Taylor eventually made it to the birthday party, late and smelling heavily of smoke convincing her friends she wasn't making up this bizarre story.  In an instant, a simple trip turned upside down into an adventure.  I must also confess-- my daughters handled this incident much more calmly than I!

I was so impressed with the way those young men and my daughters assessed the needs and got to work at a solution.  This was one of those times I was reminded that life can change in an instant; that ultimate control for us humans is like sewing with water.
Brother Nelson's message this week is "Encouragement as the World Turns Upside Down." Paul writes in I Thessalonians 1:1-10 a letter to encourage the believers when they were facing tough times.  God is present; God is active; God is the Lord of heavens and earth.  


Linda Miller, wife of Jim Miller the Goshen College professor who was killed last weekend during a home invasion, provided this statement:  "Last Sunday I lost my best friend and partner in parenting. Whenever I think of Jim I see him in heaven, standing without pain and smiling, his pain is over. I am so glad that he is in heaven with our Saviour. The kids and I will miss him terribly, but we know that God is with us and will see us through whatever tough times lie ahead. We will stand together with God trusting His promises. We want to continue to live our lives to reflect God's love and mercy to everyone.

"My life verses apply in this situation as much as they did years ago.

"Romans 12:9-16: Don't just pretend to love others Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble and keep on praying. When God's people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Don't curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don't be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don't think you know it all." 

This is what it's about. I'm  praying, praying, praying the light of the Divine wraps the Miller family and Goshen community in  peace and grace. 

MCC grocery bags are to be filled and returned to the church by Wednesday, October 19.  If you weren't able to pick up a bag but would like to drop some items off at the church, you can do that too.  Here is the list: vegetable oil-32 oz; pasta-2 lbs; raisins-1 lb; white rice-32 oz; 2 cans of meat-tuna, Spam, etc;
1 can tomato sauce-15oz; 2 cans fruit-14-20oz; 2 cans veggies-14-16 oz; 2 cans kidney beans-15.5 oz; 1 box of cereal-15oz; peanut butter-28oz. 


-Jonathan Kreiser had an appendectomy this week. Feel better quickly, Jonathan!
-A special thanks to Tynea and Stephen who inspired me to get up early and sit outside for the sunrise on Monday morning. :)
-Craig is still in Alabama with MDS building homes and relationships.
-Brother Mick is recovering from his knee replacement surgery supposedly at home, but I saw someone who looked a lot like him at the church for a few minutes this week.


The Upper Room will be open this Sunday at 9am.  Conversation and input from a convention speaker video is on the agenda.


My prayer for you today:
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God.  Nations are in an uproar, kingdoms fall; you lift your voice and the earth melts.  Lord Almighty, You are with us. You are our fortress.  Let us be still.  Let us wait.  Let us watch.  Let us listen.  You are God.  Reveal yourself, Creator God, to the readers today.  Grant us each an awareness of your love and mercy.  Fill and cover us with your healing light and love. Let us be part of the healing of the world through You.  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!  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. "  jd

This week one of our scriptures is the familiar "Rejoice in the Lord" passage from Philippians 4. Sometimes I use verses 4-9  as a prayer guide which I thought I'd share with you today.

Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again:  Rejoice!

Express your current feelings to God.  Lay them at the Divine's feet and ask for the Spirit fruit of Joy to fill you in spite of your circumstances.  Be "real" with God.  If you don't feel like rejoicing, tell God.

Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near.

Acknowledge God’s presence and consider what it means to be gentle.  Invite the Spirit fruit of gentleness to flow from you.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 

Take 7 deep breaths breathing in through your nose and out through pursed lips consciously thanking God for being God, for being present, for love and grace—whatever is in your mind and heart for which to give thanks.Spend a few minutes sharing your concerns and life stressors with God—write them down if that helps you to release them to God’ s loving care.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.  AMEN        

Dick Thomas will be sharing the message on Sunday.  Our Brother's message is entitled, "Rooted in Shalom," and he will be drawing on Philippians 4:1-9 which begins with the acknowledgement of disagreement between two Kingdom workers, as well as Psalm 23, Matthew 22:1-14, and Isaiah 25:1-9. If you've ever received correspondance from Brother Dick, you know that his closing salutation is "Shalom" and is a word to which he gives great consideration and significance.

Brother Mick returned home yesterday after a total knee replacement on Monday.  Julie told me she kissed (literally) the knee she married good bye before he went to surgery! :)

Today you will have opportunity to pick up an MCC grocery bag in the lobby.  These need to be filled and brought back to the church by Oct. 19.  As you can imagine, there is a tremendous need for them this year. 

Wednesday family night activities have begun and start with a wonderful meal at 6:15pm.  On October 12 and 19 from 7-8:15p Linda Witmer will be sharing about the church and poverty. Two books that are background reading for these sessions are Bridges Out of Poverty: Strategies for Professionals and Communities by Payne, DeVol, and Smith; and What Every Church Member Should Know About Poverty by Ehlig and Payne.   Please come!

In the Upper Room on Sunday, we will watch the second session from the Mennonite Convention 2011 featuring Shane Hipps.  You will be challenged and inspired. :)

I am aware some of you have tough stuff going on in your lives-- know that God cares and so do I.  Don't hesitate to contact me!

My prayer for you today:  Creator God, we rejoice in you always!  I'll say it again, we rejoice!  I confess that with all those grey and rainy days in a row, I was feeling rather like the weather.  Today while the sun is bright, it is easier to be glad.  Forgive my shallowness.  You are always present with us; in the rain or sun; in illness or health; in the fun times or drudgery; in our sorrow or joy-- not to take away the tough stuff, but to help us carry it and provide church for one another.  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