"Would you two grow up?"
You are probably thinking that once upon a time in my exasperation as a mom to young children, this was something I spouted off to them  followed by the directive to "sit on the step until you can get along." You would be wrong.  This is a question (more like an order!) that one of our daughters directs to Cliff and me (still!) on those occasions of childish bickering between husband and wife.  Properly chastised, we kiss and make up. Well.... sometimes not that quickly! ;)

This week's scripture passage is John 2:1-11 where Mary and Jesus interact during the wedding at Cana, and we get a miniscule glimpse of the human relationship between mother and son.  Brother Mick's message is called, "A Sign of What's to Come," and he'll examine not only the family interactions, but also ask the question, "How do we embody Jesus' example of boundless grace and extravagent generosity in our lives?" The worship service begins at 10:15am. Brother Nelson will be joining you in the Upper Room at 9am. I hope you can join us!
Ridgeview details at http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/

I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge Dr. Martin Luther King's life and influence as we commemorate his vision next week. Here is a quote from Dr. King's "Loving Your Enemies" sermon delivered on Nov. 7, 1957. Was MLK a Mennonite? :)
"Men must see that force begets force, hate begets hate, toughness begets toughness. And it is all a descending spiral,ultimately ending in destruction for all and everybody. Somebody must have sense enough and morality enough to cut off the chain of hate and the chain of evil in the universe. And you do that by love."  And to that I shout out "AMEN!"

Quizzing kicks off on Sunday evening at Lancaster Mennonite School. http://lancastermennonite.org/
The scripture material this year is drawn from the life of David. 

Couples, there is a Valentine Banquet on Feb. 9, 6pm at church. Yummy food and fun entertainment is the agenda for the evening! Let me know if you plan to attend so that I can sign you up. :)

Those of you who look forward to the delicious Amish turkey dinner (Tynea!)  fundraising event provided by the senior high youth, mark your calendars for Feb. 3!  This year's funds will help to carry the youth to Phoenix for the Mennonite Convention.

A prayer for today: Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.With you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light. Ps 36:5/9   Loving God, we rest and receive your light and love today. Open our eyes to see each other as your beautiful creation. Open our ears today to hear your whisper. Open our hearts today to love each other as brothers and sisters. Open our hands today to serve one another with grace and mercy. 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