No Fig Leaves but Plenty of Hope

Many of us feel stripped and vulnerable this week; like we are struggling to hold ourselves and our families afloat in the depths of deep ocean waters teeming with unknown, horrible monsters. We live most of our lives trying to create the illusion of control and order, protection and provision for ourselves and our families. As we grieve and wail with our neighbors of Sandy Hook, as we face chronic and terminal illnesses, devastating car crashes, destructive hurricanes, drought, blizzard, war, famine, loss, ridicule, pain, and suffering, the reality of the deceptiveness of command and power overwhelm. We realize we can't make aprons of fig leaves to hide our bare selves and cover our children. What then is left? 

When all is gone, when we've been totally exposed and realize our helplessness, the Lord God will make for us garments of skins and clothe us. The Lord God whose love for us never ceases joined our human estate in the form of a helpless, vulnerable infant who grew to teach, heal, and guide us in our living; to protect us from the leviathan in the deep waters and keep us from drowning; to remove our fear in dying.

My soul is bereft of peace, I have forgotten what happiness is; so I say, "Gone is my glory, and my expectation from the Lord." Remember my affliction and my bitterness, the wormwood and the gall!  My soul continually thinks of it and is bowed down within me. But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness. "The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him."  Lamentations 3:17-24

On this fourth Sunday of Advent, Mick will be sharing a message "Seeking Security" which is certainly apropos for our time. The scripture passage will be Micah 5:2-5a with supportive texts from Luke 1:39-55 and Psalm 80:1-7.  From where do we find our security? If  you are unable to join us at 10:15am at Ridgeview, I encourage you to listen on-line as the sermon will be posted shortly after the service. http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/sermons/index.php

The Upper Room will be open this Sunday at 9, and I will join you after 15 minutes of singing in the Rec room. You are most welcome to join us for the singing too! I'm looking forward to catching up with those of you who are home for the Christmas season. :)

If you'd like to get together to talk, let me know! :)

Prayer for today:  How precious is your steadfast love, O God! For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light. Ps 36   Loving God, in you we rest and depend on for hope, joy, peace, and purpose.  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

In the Darkness

c 1973 The pathway through the woods was dark--more than dark--it was black--pitch black. No moon,under the cover of the tall, arching trees; it was deep cave kind of dark.  As young campers we felt the path with our feet, holding onto the person in front of us.  Flashlights?  Not allowed. Our camp counselors had assured us that our night vision would adjust to the darkness, and the torches would play havoc with our night sight.
They had not accounted for the blackness; that lack of any light at all leaving us blind in the middle of the woods.

As we stumbled along in the darkness, we came to that log across the stream which in the daylight had been fun and exciting to traverse.  Now it was terrifying. Did I mention it was dark?  That 'can't see your hand in front of your face' darkness? Yet we kept going--onto the log--all sixty-three 11 and 12 year olds tentatively began to cross single-file, creeping, blindly feeling each step.  I thought I was going to make it; I really did, but the girl behind me took a misstep and with a scream and a yank on my arm, we both tumbled off the log into the abyss.

This week Mick is preaching from Luke 3 where John the Baptist called to the people to repent and change. I think we often here the word "repent" with our narrow understanding of the word and don't read the rest of the passage. When the people ask John, "What shall we do?" Do you remember how he answered? 
"And the crowds asked him, 'What then should we do?' In reply he said to them, 'Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.' Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, 'Teacher, what should we do?' He said to them, 'Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.' Soldiers also asked him, 'And we, what should we do? He said to them, 'Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusations, and be satisfied with your wages.' Luke 3:10-14
Mick will expound on this theme of a Kingdom way of doing things.  'He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.'  Hmmmm... can you name the fruit of the Spirit?  What would our world be like if those of us who claim Jesus as our king would manifest this produce?

Oh, you're wondering if I broke any bones or stumbled in the wooded darkness of Tiskilwa, Illinois until morning? When our leader realized what had happened, he left the others and came to our rescue.  :)

The Upper Room will be open, and I hope some of you college students will be joining us!  I think Merv will be there, and I will come up for a hello albeit a bit late.

A Service of Rembrance and Hope will be held at Ridgeview on Monday, Dec. 17 7pm.  This is a time to bring the grief, loss, and pain we are carrying. If you have a photo of a loved one for whom you are grieving, there will be a table on which to place it.

Safe travels, young friends!

You can listen to sermons online at http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/

Prayer for today: Rejoice! God comes in mercy and light to turn us to the Kingdom way!
 Lord, fill us with your Holy Spirit that your fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control will be manifest in us.  Let your peace, O God, which transcends all understanding guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. 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

  

 

My Tooth Ith Bothehing Me

I may have told this tale before, but in this busy season of preparation it popped into my brain this morning. 

A number of years ago I was working as  the health room nurse at my daughters' elementary school, and a 5th grade student walked in.  Actually, "walked in" doesn't quite capture it.  This boy was more like tigger and bounced in, every muscle in perpetual motion. I suspect he twitched in his sleep. Going directly to the mirror he said to me with his finger in his mouth, "Mithuth Wengeh, I have a looth tooth.  It'th bothehing me."

(Do you remember what that's like, that tooth that your tongue can't stop poking; that tooth that seems to have taken over your entire oral cavity and is screaming "I want to go live with the tooth fairy, NOW!"?)

"Do you want me to check it, Skippy?" (not his real name) :)
"Yeth!"
I slipped on a glove and wiggled the tooth. "Skippy, it's not ready to come out quite yet."
He grunted and returned to the mirror, wiggling and trying to yank out the tooth. His thumb and index finger of his right hand gripped the tooth, and his left hand grasped the right wrist in an attempt at manipulating physics. As I watched him, I realized he was not going to return to his class until that tooth was extracted.
"Do you want me to try?" I asked him. (Here we go! "What WAS I thinking?")

"YETH! I can't get anything done ath long ath thith tooth ith bothehing me!" He hadn't paused once in his attempts at dentistry.

Skippy sat in a chair with his foot tapping the floor like a drum roll, and I began.
"If it hurts too much, Skippy, let me know."
"JUST get it out!"
 My gloved fingers grasped that tooth and pulled. I twisted. I yanked. I wrenched. I twisted some more. I jerked. Finally, that little ivory was out! I shoved some gauze into the bleeding cavern, and Skippy popped out of the chair and over to the mirror.  I put the tooth in a little bag and handed it to him. 
"Thank you, Mrs. Wenger! Thank you! Now I can do my work." And with that he went back to class.

Are decorations, exams, cookie baking, Christmas shopping, papers, travel arrangements, gift wrapping, programs, and Dominic the donkey like loose teeth distracting you from the truth of the season?  Pull that tooth! Take at least10 minutes of "time out" today (and everyday!) and sit in a quiet spot. Listen to the voice of the Spirit. Think about the lives of a couple named Mary and Joseph as they journeyed without the luxury of a fine coach. Think about what God was about to do. Think about why God was going to do it. Ponder all God has done and is doing.  Believe and Rest. For God so loved...

"Believe it or Not" is Brother Mick's message title this week. His sermon text is Philippians 1:3-11 with additional scriptures from Malachi 3:1-4 and Luke 1:68-79.  Perhaps in your quiet time today you could look up these passages. http://bible.oremus.org/  In his presermon notes, Mick says, "Spiritual life and religion, [Paul] is saying, begin with God, are carried out by God, and are completed by God.  The ultimate question we face, then, is whether we can actually believe that to be true and rest in that knowledge."  If you are unable to join us, I encourage you to check the website and listen to the sermon which will be posted follwing the service. http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/

Students, know that you are being remembered in prayer and with love during this time of coffee, little sleep, studies, and paper writing.  Those moments of quiet and rest are especially important for you!

I'm not sure who will join you in the Upper Room this Sunday. You might be on your own.  :)

Sunday afternoon at 4pm you have the opportunity to go caroling with your church family after which there will be refreshments and fellowship at the church.

A service of remembrance and hope will be held at Ridgeview on Monday, Dec. 17 at 7pm. For many of us this time between Thanksgiving and New Year's is dark and difficult as our losses and life struggles seem to stare us in the face. Know that you are not alone. Please join us for this meaningful time of sharing together.  There will be a place to set photos of loved ones for whom you are grieving.

Prayer for today: O give thanks to the Lord, call on his name, make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him, tell of all his wonderful works! Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice! Ps 105

Loving God, we thank you. We praise you. We rest in you.  For You are our provider, our comforter, our teacher, our savior, our center. We pause and recognize your presence within and all around.  Let us not be distracted by our "to do" list but rather put you first and center. Then, Lord, we know that we can face the challenges of our "list" for we'll have our priorities in the right place. That said, Lord, I ask that you would grant our students clarity, energy, and focus as they take exams and complete papers and projects. You are our strength, our hope, our living water.  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






  

One Small Act

What was I thinking? (Here I go again!)  In January of 1989 I decided to fly from our Lancaster, PA home to Illinois with my less than 2 year old little girl.  Cliff wasn't able to take off work, but I wanted to see my family. Alana and I kissed Cliff good-bye and boarded a plane.  Central Illinois  in January. Yeah.
BRRRR SHIVER SHIVER BRRRR! 

Anyway, I tend to be confident, sometimes overly so, and positive, so I was ready for the challenges of traveling 790 miles with my little daughter. I love adventures, right?  The first leg of the journey went smoothly; Alana cooperated beautifully on the 9am flight which was smooth and without incident.  I visualized the hand of God holding the plane while lovely little butterflies flew alongside. I was smiling and serene, enjoying the chitchat with my fellow journeymen about my beautiful, big-eyed, well-behaved daughter. We landed in St. Louis, disembarked, and quickly found our connector to Peoria.  So far, so good.  Settling into our seat, I smiled while visions of Mom's BBQ danced in my wee little brain.The timing of this trip was working out perfectly! We should arrive at Grandpa and Grandma's in time for a late lunch and naps.
But we sat. We waited.  Alana squirmed. We sat some more. She squirmed even more.  (It is a known fact that Moser-Wenger children do not sleep anywhere but beds. Even a teeny provocation keeps them awake regardless of how exhausted they might be.) Sigh or rather, S I G H!

Then came "the voice."  No, not that of musical entertainers, but rather the calm, bass tones of the pilot.
"This is your captain speaking. There will be what we hope is a short delay. There seems to be an electrical issue with the plane."

OK, then. Part of my prayer had been for safety, so the fact that this problem was discovered before we were at a cruising altitude of 30,000 feet was a good thing, right?  I attempted to keep the positive speech circulating through my neurons as the challenge to cajole and distract an active toddler became more difficult. After an hour of 1000 years, the voice returned, "I'm sorry to tell you, folks, that we have to cancel this flight. See our friendly customer representatives at the desk to help you make a different connection. Have a nice day."

Have a nice day? Really? I gathered up my daughter and the kitchen sink. Following the advice of the voice, we waited in line for the next available customer representative who said, "Oh, you're in luck! There is a small plane leaving in 20 minutes for Peoria."   YES! We zipped across the airport (Ok, it was more like tripped, struggled, and slogged) to where the puddle jumpers were lodged and plopped ourselves in the ugly over sized seats to wait. Within a short time, boarding began. As Alana and I approached the impassive attendant she said, "It looks like this flight is overbooked. You'll have to catch a different flight. Sorry."

Do you know how in the second paragraph I said I tend to be overly confident and positive; that I was ready to handle the challenges of travel? Well, with Ms.Indifferent's utterance, any confidence and positivity I had remaining vanished into the stark reality of being a young mom who was feeling vulnerable, a little scared, and was travelling alone with a tired and hungry toddler. Bravado lasts only so long.  (Oh, in case you've forgotten, there is no such thing as a cell phone yet.) 

Alana with 2 of her Illinois Cousins

With a trembling voice and eyes welling with tears, I said, "But, I HAVE to go on this plane."
And that's when it happened. 
A business man in front of me turned around and said, "She can have my seat." He and his briefcase quickly scooted out of line, and I barely got out the magic words before he disappeared.

Wow.There was so much power and grace in those words and sacrifice, and yet that stranger had no idea of the beautiful gift he had just presented to us. Our life journeys have many challenges and difficulties, and I recognize this experience was very minor in the big scheme of life. For me, though, it serves as a reminder of the difference one small act, one caring sentence, one merciful moment, one kind word, one bowl of rice, one cup of clean water, one shared blanket, one open door, one umbrella, one sweet smile, one, yes, One! can do to bring healing to the world. 

As we enter this time of Advent, I challenge you to be alert, expectant, and active as God provides opportunities for us to share light and salt with those around us. Perhaps someday a woman or man will be writing about the action YOU took in offering one small act.

This week Mick will be sharing a message he is calling, "Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign" with his exegesis from Luke 21:25-36. "Jesus is the seed of hope in a bright future, a future in which God is made manifest...."  Our formal time of worship starts at 10:15am, and I'll be joining you in the Upper Room after singing in the Rec Room from 9-9:15am.

Here is the link for the bulletin index. http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/bulletins/index.php There are so many goings on!  Check them out!



Photo Decoupage Art donated by the Senior High Youth

There is a fellowship meal following the service on Sunday which will give you opportunity to peruse the items for Monday night's church auction.  :) 

 

 

Prayer for today:  He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, who abides in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust." Ps 91   

Loving God, you are ever present, ever open, ever inviting, ever caring.  Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.  As we journey on this earth, Lord, show us your presence through one another that your Kingdom will be made known. 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."



Tribute to the Turkey

It's that time of year again when those of us preparing for our Thanksgiving feasts visit the grocery store to pick a plump, tender turkey to roast for our guests.  Ahh yes, the turkey. Most of us think of this bird simply as that partially frozen lump with which you have a kitchen wrestling match each November in attempt to get the bird to hand over its giblets. But how many creatures do you know that have both a snood and a wattle?



Dad at the Tremont Turkey Festival, c. 1970's
 

Growing up in the heart of turkey land where our school mascot was a muscular tom, (Lookout, Fisher Bunnies!) I could look out the window of our second story farmhouse and see the ripples of white meat sandwiched between hearty slices of cornfield. Daytime airwaves were filled with descending tones of corporate "blululululus" while nights contained the "BOOMS!" of the gas cannon set to scare off the yipyipyippicoyotes. On occasion there would be a poultry revolt, and we would find the white meat seeking refuge in our front yard, back yard, barn yard, garden, and pasture. Did I mention there were zillions of these birds? (Do you have any idea  the assault on the olfaction such a multitude of uncooked birds provide?)

Each November shortly before the feast, our kind turkey farmer neighbor would bring a megalicious gobbler in the coveted box (To this day, my mom thinks turkey boxes are the best containers ever constructed.) along with a bottle of Mogen David.

Now when I look out our second story window, if I'm lucky, I might see one of the wild turkeys that call our little plot home.   The turkey, more than just a bird, it's a sweet, sweet memory.

PS Although I did not reign as queen at the Tremont Turkey Festival, some of my friends told me I'd always be Queen Turkey to them.  I say that with pride. :) http://www.turkeyfestival.com/

This Sunday we will be sharing our thanks and praise acknowledging the many blessings we share. Brother Mick's message will be based on Hebrews 10:11-25. In his presermon notes Mick says, "...the writer to the Hebrews suggests we are to rather be about the tasking of provoking one another to good deeds and love and fellowship and encouragement." The title is "Practicing Provocation," not something we typically think as a positive thing! http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/

Merv will be joining you in the Upper Room at 9am, and the worship service begins at 10:15am.

This past Wednesday evening we had a wonderful time of fellowship and worship with our neighbors from New Holland Spanish Mennonite Church.  I've really got to learn more Spanish!

Tony is coordinating a group to do Sandy clean up on the coast either Dec. 1 or 8th.  If you are 18 or older and would be interested in assisting this work with Mennonite Disaster Service, let me know as soon as possible. http://mds.mennonite.net/

Last week's poverty simulation was very meaningful.  Many of us were stretched out of our comfort zones as we faced not only challenging tasks for that hour and a half, but also the confrontation of our own preconceived notions. Keep working in us and through us, Jesus!

Prayer for today: Make a joyful noise to the Lord. Serve the Lord with gladness. Come into God's presence with singing.  Loving God, we thank you for your amazing grace and mercy.  Let us bring our thanks and praise to you today and always. Would we still be thankful, Lord, if we didn't have so much? I hope so, Lord!  Come and fill us with your Spirit that we might respond to others with your light and love.  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."

Marshmallows on a String

I was recently preparing  for a game which required securing marshmallows onto a long thread. The game players then place the string in the mouth, and when "go" is shouted, each tries to get the marshmallow into the mouth without the use of hands.  Needless to say, it's pretty funny to watch and absolutely amazing what people can do!  Anyway, as I was preparing the gamepieces, I was finding it really time consuming to get the strings with the marshmallows exactly the same length. (If  I had done a little thinking first or had asked Nathan to do it, it wouldn't have been that difficult.) HOWEVER, I didn't think first, so here I am with a time crunch when BAM! The thought hit me. (This happens quite a bit when you work with young people, but it isn't quite as painful as when you're clotheslined playing flying Dutchman.)

Here's the thought, "Life is like marshmallows on uneven strings." 
 

"HUH?" you say.

Allow me to explain. Life starts with our strings of different length making the acquisition of the "marshmallow" more attainable for some than others. Our strings have things like stable family life or lack thereof, health or lack thereof, education or lack thereof, wealth or lack thereof, access to clean water or lack thereof.... Are you getting the picture?  Thinking we all have the exact same potentiality to get the marshmallow to the mouth is just not reasonable. So should we simply work for our own marshmallow and not worry about those whose marshmallows are dragging on the floor? (or even those whose marshmallow falls off before we even start? Sorry, Adam!)

The scriptures say lots and lots about how we should relate to the poor, the sick, the hungry, the widow,  the thirsty, and the stranger; those whose strings are looooong.  This week our focus at Ridgeview will be on poverty as Saturday afternoon 1-5pm we work together to fill MCC kits,http://www.mcc.org/ and on Sunday morning beginning with a continental breakfast at 8:30am we will all engage in a poverty simulation in the 1990 hall. As far as I know there will not be any marshmallows on strings involved.

Mick's message during formal worship will be based on Jesus' parable about sheep and goats in Matthew 25:31-46.  http://bible.oremus.org/ In his presermon notes Mick says this, "Ultimately, it's not a matter of purity or theological correctness that Jesus points to when judgment happens. Rather it is our willingness or unwillingness to act when confronted with the needs around us...."

Squirming yet?  Lord, open our ears to hear, our hearts to receive, and ourselves to act!

Rather than meet in the Upper Room, we'll be in the 1990 hall at 8:30am for coffee and donuts so that we can then be given our roles for the simulation.  All are welcome! This should prove to be a fun way to learn important truths.

Today's prayer: Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time on and for evermore. From the rising of the sun to its setting the name of the Lord is to be praised.Ps 113 And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with our God. Micah 6:8

Creator God, you tell us to care for the stranger, feed the hungry, provide for the sick and needy. Boy, do we fail miserably much of the time!  Forgive us, Lord. Grant us courage and strength, and wisdom and mercy as we relate one to another and learn to truly see each other offering ourselves to you as living sacrifices. There are times we are the ones in need; help us to accept graciously. We criticize and judge rather than see each other as your creations. Let us live as transformed mortals created in Christ Jesus for the good works you intended to be our way of life, stepping into your Kingdom way.  Come Kingdom of God. Be done will of God, on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus name. Amen.

http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/
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." 

c 1970's "Hey, batter, batter, batter, batter!"


PV Baseball: Dustin Yoder, 2010

With fingers already disgustingly orange from dipping into the colossal bag of corn curls and a can of Mountain Dew on the bench beside me, I was ready for the game.  My dad played fast pitch softball, and I loved going to his games. As the pitcher, he was the star or the fall guy depending on how the game developed. (Mostly the star! Just ask him how many times he was awarded the mvp on his teams.)  Sitting directly behind the catcher, I could see my dad's intense focus, leaning forward slightly, glove and ball huddled in prayerful conference in front of him as he would stare down the batter. Potential energy became kinetic as Dad whirlwinded his arm and released an amazingly accurate fast moving pitch into the glove of the catcher.
"STRIKE THREE! YOU'RE OUT!" barked the hefty, animated umpire.



My Dad

Focused. Disciplined. Practiced. Excellent. Yep, that was my dad, the pitcher.

I often get annoyed when preachers use sport stories to make points, because I am not particularly into athletics unless someone I know is playing.  (Do we really have to keep score?  Can't we just play for fun?) :) I guess the focus, discipline, and events of games do present many life lessons!

This week Brother Mick's sermon is "Staying On Message" reminding us to stay focused on the central message of Jesus; keeping Jesus the center of our lives.  The text is Mark 12:28-34 where Jesus says, "Love God. Love your neighbor." (and we remember who our neighbor is, right?)
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2012:28-34&version=NLT
A few years ago many of us sported the seemingly trite WWJD? (what would Jesus do?) bracelets and T-shirts. I wonder what the world would be like if those of us claiming Jesus as the center of our lives truly engaged that question in our decisions and relationships?

Please join us for worship at Ridgeview Mennonite Church at 10:15am.  Christian Formation classes are at 9:00am. I'll be joining you in the Upper Room at 9.  http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/

Most of us in the Lancaster area came through the superstorm relatively unscathed, but many brothers and sisters in other areas are hurting as a result of Hurricane Sandy.
Mennonite Disaster Service is monitoring the effects of the storm and will no doubt be putting together teams in the near future.  http://mds.mennonite.net/ 

December 3 is the church auction.  Be thinking about what you can donate or saving pennies to bid!

For the month of November we will be gathering paper items for The Factory: plates, napkins, bowls, cups, eating utensils, and paper towels.  http://thefactoryministries.com/wordpress/

Saturday Bridge of Hope will be holding their annual kaleidoscope at Ridgeview. http://www.bridgeofhopelcc.org/2012/09/nov-3-kaleidoscope-2012-a-luau-of-hope/

Prayer for today: I lift up my eyes to the hills, From whence does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.Psalm 121:1-2  Creator God, as many in our country and world face devastation today from natural and manmade disasters, we know your light and hope is present.  As your people, let us pour forth from the hills to offer healing and hope, love and respect, peace and kindness to a discordant and hurting world. As votes are cast, regardless of who is elected to the top spot, remind us that You are God and King. Grant us courage to walk your Kingdom way. 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

"OH, this looks so soft," I said to my younger sister.

"And it's such a pretty pink too, "she replied. 

As children of 5 and 6 years old we were with my parents and sisters at the old Central Illinois farmhouse that they were restoring. Almost everyday when my mom and dad finished work, we would head to the country for my skilled father and my energetic mother to build, repair, paint, and install.  As young children we had a wonderful time exploring the creaky attic, big old barn, and "helping," but we would grow weary as the evenings would stretch into the night. Now we found the perfect place for a nap on long rolls of salmon-colored cushions in the area that would soon be our living room.



My 3 sisters and I playing Twister



At this moment some of you are saying, probably with a chuckle, "They did not!"  and I'll respond, "Yes, we did!"  Mary Jo and I lay down on the fiberglass insulation which, of course, resulted in itchy irritations and rashes! I vaguely recall my dad's head shaking and alarm when my parents discovered our napping place. 

Before the restoration began on that old house, I'm sure there were many who would have simply advised my folks to demolish it and start over.  However, my dad was skilled in such matters and my mom was a visionary, and both saw the potential of what turned out to be a wonderful home for my family.

Brother Mick's message title this week is "Restoration," and he'll be sharing from the text in Mark 10:46-52 in which Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, is healed. http://bible.oremus.org/  Unlike Baritmaeus whose healing and restoration is complete and immediate, the restoration in our own lives is often a difficult process and perhaps even painful. In his presermon notes Brother Mick says, " The restorations of our own lives, like old furniture or fine paintings, may take loads of time, elbow grease, and patience, but I believe God is at work on us if we will respond to the call."  I hope you will join us at 10:15am. If you can't, you can listen on-line at: http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/sermons/index.php

Etta will be joining you in the Upper Room this Sunday at 9am.

Would you like a sneak peak at this week's bulletin? :)http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/bulletins/current.pdf

Our dear Brother John has resigned his postion from Laurelville Mennonite Church Center. Peace and blessing, Brother. http://www.laurelville.org/lets-connect/news-and-stories/bid/137256/Executive-Director-Tenders-Resignation

It was great to hear from some of you this week! :)

A prayer for today:  O sing to the Lord a new song, for God has done marvelous things! Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises! 

Lord God, we bring our fractured lives to you and seek healing and hope. Some of us are experiencing unspeakable pain, and we lay this at your feet.  Some of us are experiencing incredible doubt right now, and we lay this at your feet. Some of us are experiencing outrage right now, and we lay this at your feet.  Some of us are experiencing fear and uncertainty, and we lay this at your feet.  Restore us, O Lord, that your joy, love, and peace will fill us and overflow to all 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! 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

Petal Connections

As we sat on the T (subway) in Boston, Jan and I studied the metro map above the doors. "I think Bryan said we could either get off at Downtown Crossing and walk or take the green line one stop, or was it...."   The young man sitting next to me on the swaying metro looked up from his Ipad, smiled, and asked "Where are you going?" 
"Faneuil Hall." 

This kindly person shared the route with us, giving us tips and suggestions for our day.  Throughout our short excursion to Boston, petals of kindness were shared with us by strangers and loved ones as we explored the city and travelled by train, bus, subway, and auto. Oh, and our feet also logged many miles!

 The last two weeks as Jan and I have updated one another on our lives, I've had the opportunity to introduce her to some of my friends. I've thought about how connections are like flowers and trees, some fleeting yet fragrant like scattered petals preceding a bride, and some relationships thorny and even toxic at times, yet others with roots, deep, faithful, beautiful, and abiding. There is beauty in the single petal, yet for me, it is the eclectic bouquet of connections that has truly enriched my life.  Each time you relate to another person whether in conversation on the bus, as spouse, best friend, teacher, student, or coworker, your life bouquet is filled with more color and diversity.  That's such a good thing! (Don't forget to water!)

This week at Ridgeview we are honored to have guests from Argentina who will be sharing with us in the worship service. Won't you join us at 10:15 am at Ridgeview http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/and add to your bouquet of connections?  Merv Stoltzfus will be joining you in the Upper Room at 9am.  :)

In this contentious time of the election process, don't forget in whom our trust and hope really belongs!

A prayer for today:  He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, who abides in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust. Psalm 91:1-2   
Creator God, thank you for being our shelter, never leaving us nor forsaking us.  There are times we don't "feel" you, but you are the clean water and nourishing sunshine of our lives, always present to bring healing and hope even when we are in thorny relationships and painful situations. Grant us courage to trust and not be afraid for Love (and that is you!)is greater than fear.  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 if you need prayer or a chat! 

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

A cold, crisp autumn day in 1992 brought my little girls down the stairs with excitement.  "OOOH!  It snowed! Let's go outside!" the eldest exclaimed.

"That is frost, not snow," I told her.
"Kori, let's go out and play in the frost!"

The exuberance of children is something from which we could learn.  As the days of autumn are filled with that ethereal glow that causes our hearts to sing, I think of the many facets of this season which delight the soul.  I'll begin the list, you finish it! 

-jolly, orange pumpkins and goose-shaped, colorful gourds
-leaves, leaves, falling leaves, red, orange, brown, and yellow leaves
-campfires, s'mores, hotdogs, and cocoa
-flying V's above us calling encouragements and directions to one another whilst their wings ceaselessly toil

-the Great Horned Owl chorus                           

-skies of red, orange, purple, pink, and yellow with pillow-top clouds stretching and yawning

-broccoli cheese soup, potato soup, chili, lentil stew, tomato soup with grilled cheese

-mules and draft horses doing that difficult work for which they were created

-hard working farmers gathering and storing

-little tweeties gobbling seeds from the "finished" flowers

-that distinctive potpourri in the air like sweet apples, earth, and sky

-smiling scarecrows and scary black cats  

-visits from friends who live in a land far, far away

-apple crisp, apple cider, apple pie, apple dumplings; red apples, yellow apples, green apples, gold apples; bobbing for apples

-comfy sweatshirts, blue jeans, and boots

Ahhhh... I could go on all day. Take a few moments and consider what would be on your list.  I'd love to hear your responses!

Last night I attended a meaningful time of visitation and memorial for Craig Stoltzfus.  His life made a difference and impression on so many of us.  His life inspires me to live secure in knowing that without question or doubt, God loves me; therefore, I need not be afraid.

Mick's message this week has an interesting title "Hanging on to the Camel's Tail" with the challenging scripture from Mark 10:17-31 in which Jesus instructs the rich young man to give up his riches. http://bible.oremus.org/  I  hope you will join us as we grapple with this text. 

The Upper Room will be open, and I hope to join you for at least part of the morning. I  know some of you will be home from college (YAY!), and I look forward to seeing you!

Prayer for today:  Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. Psalm 90:1-2 Help us to realize your incredible for love for us; that your human presence as Jesus seeks to heal and reconcile our relationship with you and with each other.  Help us not to be afraid, though the mountains tremble and the hills fall into the ocean, your compasioon never fails 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. Call/ text me!

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

Bright materials, gun wielding marionettes, sun-face pottery, and beautiful jewelry; everywhere one looked the eye saw colors, shapes, and enticing items. Scents were so overwhelming, I couldn't distinguish one from another.                                                               
"Pretty lady! Pretty lady! Look, Look!"  Calls in English and Spanish had my head spinning as the friendly Latin vendors tried to grab my attention with promises of the best wares.  I was overwhelmed as we navigated through Nogales, Mexico experiencing so much, but not really seeing anything as sensory overload created mumbojumbo in my brain.  My friend June and I were counting on my sister Jo to guide us and speak for us. 

"Look at this beautiful lapis bracelet to match your blue eyes," the determined flattermonger grabbed my attention. We turned and looked at the jewelry laid out before us.  To purchase or not to purchase?  I turned to my sister for help.

"Jo? Mary Jo?" 

Where was she?!  In a near panic June and I scanned the crowded area as we felt like foreigners in a busy, unknown marketplace-- wait, that's what we were.

Finally we spotted her. She was back in a shadowed corner beside a toothless, wrinkled, ancient woman, who was sitting pretzel style on the ground. How had Jo seen her? There were so many people present, pushing, calling, demanding attention, and this "grandmother" was sitting silently in the shadows.  We watched as Mary Jo squatted down beside her, touched her shoulder, and looked deeply into her eyes. These two women, one young and one old, smiled at one another as Jo purchased chicklets from the little box that was next to her.

When I look to your heavens, the work of your fingers, the sun and the moon that you have established; what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them? Yet you have made them a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor.Psalm 8:3-5

Whenever I think about this experience, I'm touched and blessed by my sister's ability to truly see this poor, old woman. Old, young, rich, poor, fat, thin, smart, dumb, light, dark, strong, weak, hairy, bald, tall, short--all are precious in God's sight.  

Brother Mick's text for Sunday is Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:5-12 with a title called, "Like Gods and Angels?" In his presermon notes he states, "We are called to live lives that reflect such aspects of divinity that are to be found in angels and gods. It's a daunting challenge and one that we more often than not shy away from out of our sense of unworthiness or perhaps because we would rather not do the work of living such a way." 

We'll be sharing communion on Sunday along with people around the globe on this World Communion Sunday.  The sermon texts are appropriate for such a day! A communion of a different sort will follow the service as we share a community meal together--Bob's famous pig roast. :)
From 9-9:15am you are invited to join for a time of intergenerational singing in the Rec Room before Sunday school begins. I'm leading this, so I really hope you'll bring your vocal chords and join us. :)
http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/

Thursday, Oct. 11 from 6-9pm in the 1990 Hall there will be a time of visitation and memorial for Craig Stoltzfus.

Family Night activities begin on Oct. 10 with supper at 6:15pm.  There are classes for all ages. On this first Wednesday, the moderator of MCUSA, our own Dick Thomas, will be sharing with the adults.

Oh, Jan arrived safely from England.  The fun begins! :)

Prayer for today:  O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!  Grant us an awareness of your Spirit in and around us. Grant us your peace, Jesus, in all circumstances. Let us live with eyes that see your creation, your humanity, as precious. Grant us strength for today and hope for tomorrow as we live in your grace and 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

Mopan Clinic, Benque Viejo del Carmen, Belize c1981 (Yes, I know, many of you weren't even born!)

The supper dishes clattered as I washed up cups and plates in the Belizean nurses' quarters after a relaxing Saturday of soaking up some Vitamin D in the bright Central American sunshine and washing clothes in the old agitator washer sans ringer. The local nurses had gone to Belize City for the weekend, and the English nurses were in the adjoining flat, so I was alone for the moment... or was I? 

"Thump! Thump thump!" 




Jan, Jo, and I in Illinois, 1982

Forget the dishes! I skedaddled next door hollering for Nurse Jan who came rapidly to my aid.  We listened carefully, and within moments heard the telltale heart, I mean the thump, thump thumping, thump, thump thumping. 

"It's coming from behind the box of grapefruit next to the frig, " I whispered. Jan began aggressively bashing the box with her foot.  Add kickboxing to the abilities of this woman!

BRRRING! Now I was sure I heard the uncommon ringing of the telephone at the clinic, so I abandoned the valiant Britisher to face the frightening unknown alone. Shrieks and squeaks filled my ears as I returned to find Jan in full battle mode. Armed with a bottle of dettol and a can of roach spray, a hideous dark brown winged creature like a miniature "fell beast" of Tolkien was flopping around on the floor, no doubt feeling as if it'd just met Cobra Woman. A force of energy must have filled the monster, because it suddenly started gaining height. RETREAT!

What to do? We reconnoitered and prepared to advance.  Creeping back into the kitchen armed with an empty box, we captured the vile (and injured) chiroptera and swept it outside. There I slew the beast with a mighty thwack of my trusty staff aka bristle broom. (I think it remains the only mammal I've ever killed, poor little bat!)

Ahhhh sweet memories!
Next week I'll have the opportunity to reminisce in person with my cohort, as Jan will be visiting from England. I would never have guessed that during my time of formal education at Goshen College http://www.goshen.edu/, one of the most enduring, endearing, and edifying gifts of my cross-cultural experience would be a lifelong friendship with this amazing woman. 

We are blessed and honored to have a guest pastor from Germany who will preach on Sunday.  Liesa Unger who is leading the planning for 2015 Mennonite World Conference will be using Acts 3:1-11 for her sermon text and will include some stories as she shares.  Please join us! 

Our friend Craig died on Sept. 25. Craig's mother has chronicled his journey on Caring Bridge http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/craigstoltzfus/journal . I was truly blessed by this wise young man, and I will miss him.  Please pray for his family and friends as we grieve.

This Sunday I hope to be in the Upper Room with you unless I can't find a teacher for junior high! 

You can now listen to sermons. :) http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/

How is married life for all of you newlyweds? :)  Call me if you have any newlywed crises!

Prayer for today:  Great Divine, in your presence we find healing and hope, authenticity and purpose, compassion and grace. "Thank you" seems trite. Grant us courage to truly live our moments as a sacrifice to you, opening ourselves to the flowing breath of your Spirit that love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control exude from our very pores. As you are comfort to Craig's family, let us be your vessels. Some of us are struggling with school and work issues, and we seek your wisdom.  Some of us are struggling in relationships or with loneliness, and we seek your healing and hope. Some of us have physical or mental ailments that need your touch.  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!  Call/Text 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

Chocolate Pudding Love



 My Grandma Moser with Alana

 
 As a little girl I frequently had tonsillitis resulting in treatments of penicillin as well as long cottonswabs dunked in betadine shoved down my throat to coat my tonsils. When Mom had to work, my Grandma Moser was my caregiver,  and she was someone who brought a sense of safety and love to my life.

One time when I was sprawled feverish, lethargic, anorexic, and grumpy in the room with the shelves of books still able to hear the various singing and chirping clocks throughout the house, Grandma entered and said, "I made some homemade chocolate pudding just for you. It will slide right down your throat, and you'll feel better with a little food in your stomach."
"No, I don't want it," I whispered.
 Grandma coaxed me, "Why don't you give it a little try."

I still refused. 

Sigh. If you were to ask me what I regret in my life, I would answer, "Refusing Grandma's homemade pudding that time I was sick."  I really wonder if I was in part just playing the "feel sorry for me, I'm sick" card since I remember so clearly my refusal and the desire for that pudding as Grandma took it away.  (I suspect my sisters might concur!)



Grandma Moser with Great Grandchildren Jenna, Alana, and Nic



Perhaps this story is a bit of a stretch as related to the Sunday morning message, but as I considered how disagreeable and needy I was, I also thought about my grandma's patience, care, and overflowing love in spite of grumpy little me.  My illness was certainly not a case of disagreement, yet, I can't help but wonder what conflicts would be like if both sides of an argument were prepared to offer patience, gentleness, and kindness, while sharing a bowl full of homemade chocolate pudding.  

Brother Mick's message is "That Your Love May Overflow," and his sermon text is Philippians 1:3-11. http://bible.oremus.org/ A question he asks in his presermon notes is, "How do we keep love for the other at the forefront when we disagree?"  Boy, this is apropos as we are in the midst of an election year.  You know, Sisters and Brothers, I have fine Christian friends on both sides of the political spectrum.  Perhaps more would be accomplished and certainly kindness more prevalent if we would let our love overflow and offer each other chocolate pudding as we discuss and hear our differences, agreeing and disagreeing in love which is the MCUSA theme for this Sunday's Peace Sunday.
How good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!  Psalm 133:1

I am looking forward to joining you in the Upper Room this Sunday. :) 

Please keep Craig in your thoughts and prayers. These days are difficult.  http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/craigstoltzfus  His grandparents are back in Lancaster.

The geese are flying, and I've not seen the hummers for a few days.  The cooler nights and crisper days are delightful!

I'm aware that some of you have some serious challenges going on in your lives. Know that I'm praying for you and am here if you would like to get together to chat.  No judgment.

Wednesday evening family nights will begin on Oct. 10 with supper at 6:15 and children/adult programs at 7pm. 

(There must be a scary sound outside because our yellow dog Obie, who is yellow in every way,  is suddenly very anxious!)

Prayer for today:  You alone are the Lord. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens and all their starry hosts, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything , and the multitude of heaven worship you. Neh. 9:6  Lord, the cacophony of our lives swirls and confuses. Let us stop and listen to your voice as you sing to us a song of joy, unity, and love; chords of beauty, goodness, and peace. Grant us courage to join your choir.  Let the healing and hope that comes from you flow through us to our neighbors and enemies 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!

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