Many of you from the Lancaster county area no doubt remember the notorious and vicious murder of a young woman by Lisa M. Lambert.  During one of the many debacles of her post trial and incarceration when she was in the news, my then 8 year old daughter was reading an article about her in the newspaper.  She looked up at me and said, "Mommy, doesn't everyone deserve a second chance?" http://www.nytimes.com/1998/08/25/us/national-news-briefs-conviction-is-upheld-for-killer-of-love-rival.html?ref=lisamichellelambert





Whoa-- how do you explain this to an 8 year old? This was a vicious and violent crime! We talked about justice and consequences being an important part of life. Even so, she was adamant that Jesus said to forgive and give more chances. As I think about our Creator's love and open-armed chances for us, I am  relieved, (and sometimes irritated!) that we are loved and forgiven so undeservedly and completely. If God stopped in his love at justice, we would all be condemned!  Forgiveness and Grace.  Grace and Forgiveness-- not because of who we are or what we do but because of who God is and what God is about.  Thank you, Jesus.  Now the hard part.  Becoming more like Jesus.  What would that mean for me if I would come face to face with this vicious murderer?  I wonder how Jesus approaches her.

This week Brother Mick will be challenging us to think about Jesus' words in Matthew 18 about forgiveness, even more that that I suspect we'll be challenged to live forgiveness and grace.  Ours is a world that embraces the myth of redemptive violence but is longing for, yes, yearning for healing and hope. We can say, "That's too hard; Jesus didn't really mean for us to live that way."   Ahhh... the foolishness of God!  All over the world innocent lives are lost by the violence of human kind.  This weekend we are especially remembering the attacks on that day in September 10 years ago when so many innocent people died.  Yet, I am not convinced that retaliation is the answer.  In fact, I would say violence begets violence begets violence begets violence....  I know we don't all agree on this, and I'd be glad to listen to your perspective if you want to talk about it.

As a reader of fiction, I am often touched by the truth found on the pages. For those of us who are JRR Tolkien geeks, you may remember the conversation between Gandalf and Frodo with regards to Gollum and Bilbo, "He deserves death." (Frodo about Gollum)   "Deserves it!  I daresay he does.  Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life.  Can you give it to them?  Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement.  For even the very wise cannot see all ends."  (Gandalf) p. 60  Fellowship of the Ring   And yes, these books contain many elements of the myth of redemptive violence, yet there is an underlying message of  self-sacrifice and servant hood. OK.... I could go on and on.  Perhaps some of us should get together for a book discussion of these classics! The movie quotes it almost exactly. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTlwkg25rsE

I hope you've not had too much damage from flooding.  Be safe!

Ice cream and games at Rick and Gwen's tonight around 6:30! :)

We will be back in Sunday school this week starting at 9am.  Etta will be joining the young adults in the Upper Room which the last I checked is almost enclosed; it may even be finished by now!  I plan to be at the daughters' soccer tournament at Mary Washington this weekend, so I won't be there to see you.

The church picnic is at 5pm at the Intercourse park on Sunday.  "Minute to Win It"  games will be the fun of the night, and of course delicious food.  BBQ chicken will be provided, and you should bring a covered dish to share:  A-L  dessert; M-Z  side dish or salad.  Yummy!

My prayer for you today:

Creator God, you are our lifegiver, our hope, our peace, our light-- As you are to us, let us be to others. Mercy, grace, and peace rest upon the readers today, Lord.  Come Kingdom of God, be done will of God, on earth as it is in heaven.  In the name of Jesus. AMEN

Without doubt or question, you are loved by God, and I love you too.  Coffee anyone? :)

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

Our 16 hour power outage this week plus communicating with my sister reminded me of this little event from our childhood in Central Illinois.

"Someone's coming!  What should we do?"

My younger sister and I were playing with the kitties in the big old white barn. Earlier, we'd awakened to our mom telling us the power was off; we'd all overslept and she was late for work, so we were to stay home since we'd missed the school bus, and she didn't have time to wait for my 3 sisters and me to get ready.

Now someone was coming and would find out we weren't in school.  Mary Jo and I were both the kind of people who could be made to feel guilty with a single hairy eyeball, and if someone would think we were playing hooky, well.... without even a whisper to one another, we intuitively knew we needed to take cover.

"Quick! Let's hide in the tack room." 

Our tack room was a small room joining the center area of the barn where we kept our saddles and other equine equipment.  Lassie, (Clever, I know), our golden/collie mix was with us, so

we pulled her into the dirty, dark room next to the metal box mouse trap, and laid low.  My Uncle Charles was here to work on the tractor which was parked right outside the tack room door. We held onto Lassie and listened to my Uncle talk to himself.
After an eternity my older sister called us from the house, "Carol, Mary Jo!  Come here!" 
What to do? What to do?   Lassie decided for us, scrambling to her feet and pushing open the door.  We got up and followed her.  "Hey, I didn't know you girls were in there, " my uncle said in surprise. 
"Yep, we're here. Bye!"  and we dashed for the big old farm house.


When my sister and I were talking about power this week, she also mentioned what comes to her mind is the hymn "I Sing The Mighty Power Of God." Ahhh... now that is power that doesn't go out!

This week Brother Mick is preaching a message he is titling "I.O.U." in which we will be encouraged to "consciously be aware that we always 'owe' one another love." What an impact this gospel good news would have if wewould all live it.  Passages are Romans 13:8-14; Ezekiel 33: 7-11; Matthew 18:15-20.
Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:8

You are invited to bring a symbol of your work this Sunday for Labor Day. 

The last I heard, the affordable housing discussion was rescheduled forTuesday, Sept. 6 @ 7pm.  If you are planning to attend, you may want to check with the church, Tony Gehman, or me to make sure it is happening!

Have you had a chance to schedule your photo for the directory?  The dates for pictures are Sept 19-21 at the church.  If you are not going to be able to come for a photo, please send a jpeg photo to me or to the church office asap!  Thanks!


Plans are developing for a baptism preparation class this fall.  If you have interest in joining, I'd be glad to talk to you about it.
OH, ask me about the guy from National Geographic who stopped at the church Thursday! :)


My prayer for you today: Creator God, you tell us that love if the fullfillment of the law.  You tell us to put aside the deeds of darkness and be adorned with light. When we walk in love and light, we step into the unfolding your Kingdom which continues to unfold. Grant us courage and faith to follow.  May it be so.  Come Kingdom of God. Be done will of God, on earth as it is in heaven. AMEN


Without question or doubt, you are loved by God, and I love you too! Feel free to contact 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

“If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it."

Children's Hospital National Medical Center, Washington DC  
  (Hospital stories 2 weeks in a row....)

0730 couldn't come soon enough.  I had worked a double shift as a "child care technician," a position created for nursing students in a baccalaureate program, and I was exhausted.  It was now 0720, that's 7:20am for those of you who don't follow 24 hour clock time; I'd recorded my report for the next shift and was counting the minutes to head down to the bus stop. 

"Maybe I should check my kiddos one more time before I leave," I muttered to myself.  Some of my little ones were awake and playing and some still sleeping. 18 month old James was the last of my little patients to check.  I peaked into his room, and there he was standing in his crib, smiling broadly, and covered with blood from his IV which he had apparently ripped out, and coated in what must have been incredibly explosive diarrhea. Seriously, how could such a little guy have excrement covering every inch of himself and the crib and the floor???? and he was so happy....  SIGH.   I  could sneak out of his room and no one would know I saw this spectacle; James couldn't tell anyone. I really, really needed to sleep. Surely no one would blame me if they knew what kind of night I'd had and how pooped (bad pun intended) I was.  Choices to make; character in question. I took a deep breath of hallway air and entered the room.  "Oh, James!" 


This week's message is entitled "Wax On, Wax Off," and Brother Mick will be sharing from the passage in Matthew 16:21-28 where Peter wants to prevent Jesus from facing death, and like we often try to do, keep Jesus clean and pure where all is happy and sweet rather than understanding Jesus is going to step into the muck where most of us are wallowing. Jesus certainly had loving arms around a sweet albeit stinky little boy named James, and Jesus invites us to join him  in entering the stuff of life.


As I was sitting in my office this week and the walls began to tremble and my desk to vibrate, once I realized I was not having some sort of "spell," the verse came to mind from Isaiah 54:10 "Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you"  Now many are facing the effects of Hurricane Irene; let's remember God is our refuge and strength even as we fill buckets to flush toilets and boil potatoes to eat.


A fellowship meal follows the service on Sunday allowing us to spend some time in appreciation for Jeff and Cindy, as Jeff concludes his time as minister of music at Ridgeview.   God continues to use his servant Jeff in creative and amazing ways with his acting and musical gifts.  I am very hopeful that Jeff's words to us might be, "You've not seen the last of me!"  For those of you who enjoy piano music check out Jeff's website for his "In The Midst"  cd as well as his engagements.  I'm not sure if he has the cd available in digital format or not, but get a cup of tea, close your eyes, and be blessed as joy and peace flow from the dulcet sounds of the piano. We love you, Jeffrey!  http://jeffraught.com/

Monday  7pm at Ridgeview there is an affordable housing meeting with Robert Thomas, president of Tabor Community Services, to continue the discussion about housing issues in our area.  All are welcome to attend.


Some of you are teachers and back at school or going soon.  May you be filled with Spirit fruit; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, as you touch young hearts and minds.


College students, I am praying for you as you transition with roommates, classes, sports, food, professors, environment, schedules.....

My prayer for you today:  

God of Hope, in a world that is ever changing and at times hurtful, you are present and enter the muck with us providing healing and hope.  You've revealed your true love for us through Jesus, claiming us as your children! Fill each reader with an awareness of your love; be it on a cognitive level or an emotional one; be it through a coworker today or a roommate; be it in the reading of this prayer or the perusal of the newspaper.  You are omnificent and omnipotent, Creator and Almighty, yet made yourself a servant of love and have shown us a new way and a new hope.  Come Kingdom of God.  Be done, will of God.  Here on earth, as it is in heaven.  AMEN

Without question or doubt, you are loved by God, and I love you too.  Never 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

With thee is the fountain of life; in thy light do we see light. Psalms 36:9

"Carol, I need you to go help out on Station 2," the nursing supervisor said. 
I had just sent my only patient, 7 year old Sally sufficiently recovered from her asthma attack, home. 
Station 2 was a general medical/surgical unit with big people rather than my usual infants, children, and teens.  I didn't mind going to help, although I was hoping I would not have an assignment of patients.
"Whew! Glad you're here!" Chris, the evening charge nurse exclaimed.  "207 is driving us all nuts.  He's confused, belligerent, and destined to fall."
"OK, " I said and did a quick perusal of his chart--Samuel Roberts, 87 years old, Congestive Heart Failure.
"You have to stay in bed; you're in the hospital, " the nursing assistant was saying sternly to the old man when I entered the room. 
"Hi, Ellen, I can stay with him now."
"Thanks, I haven't taken any of my 8pm vitals yet.  Have fun!"  she said with a wry smile, hastening off to complete her many tasks.
The old man was stretched out in the hospital bed with one of his long legs trying to find the spaces in the side rails, attempting to escape.
 "Hey, there!  Where are you going?" I asked our captive. 
"I've got to get home to Elsie," he replied in a surprisingly clear and strong voice.  
 Realizing the continued attempts of reorientation had failed, and that I was set to be here for awhile, I tried a new tactic; distraction.  
"Mr. Roberts, what happened to your toes?"  With his big, puffy feet battling with the rails it was easy to see he was missing several toes on each foot.  I pulled up a chair beside him and took hold of his hand, partly to keep him from picking at his IV line and partly to provide a human touch.
"Frostbite in the war," he said without missing a beat. And just that quickly the history lesson began.  Prompted by questions, Mr. Roberts began to tell me about his life. His parents died in the influenza pandemic of 1918; he was raised by an aunt and uncle.  He ate pigs' brains and other animal parts during the Great Depression that certainly have never crossed my palate. He had been drafted in WWII. He and Elsie never had children...The evening passed quickly, and I wish I had taken notes because the details are now fuzzy.  
When I entered room 207, Mr. Roberts was a number and a label. When I left at 11pm that night, a transformation had occurred within me as divine light enveloped that room.   In my world of nursing, it was really easy to be conformed by expectations in the "to do" list and not truly see people even though it is the caring of humankind that draws many of us to nursing in the first place.  Today in your encounters, take a second look at people and see them as the masterpieces of the Creator.
"Do not be conformed to this world,^* but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.^*   Romans 12:2 
At times it seems transformation is something too lofty to attain; perhaps it is as simple as truly seeing.


View From the Grove

 This week Brother Mick will be sharing from Romans 12 albeit a different direction than I took you.  This is a passage with much to chew on-- certainly not baby food! The title of the message is "Reasonable Worship," and we'll be contemplating how our powers of reason tie in with worship.  Worship will be down in the grove beginning at 9:30am;  ahh, I love the outside service, but, alas!,  I won't be there!  We'll be heading to Harrisonburg where the daughters will check into their college dorms and begin soccer preseason training. 
Sarah and Laura have also headed to their colleges, and Travis, Dustin, and Brandon will be close behind.


Check out the progress on enclosing the Upstairs Room! :) 
Mennonite Disaster Service will soon be announcing the project locations for this fall.  Stay tuned to find out the where and when.  Perhaps you can be a part of a team rebuilding homes and hope. http://mds.mennonite.net/
The "Ingathering" for August is paper supplies for The Factory Ministries.


My prayer for you today:  Creator God, you are the fountain of life; in your light do we see light.  Thank you for your presence with us; never do you leave us or forsake us.  Transform us to your likeness that your will would be done, here on earth as it is in heaven.  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/

 *Names and identifying details have been changed.

"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

Let me hear what God the Lord will speak,
   for he will speak peace to his people,
   to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts. Psalm 85:8

Cliff stood up abruptly and said, "I'm going to go check on the kids." 
We had a "house church" meal at Ridgeview, and the kids ages 3-11 were outside playing while the adults were conversing and laughing around the table.  We all kind of shrugged, I said, "OK," and the rest of us returned to our chatter.
A few minutes later my hubby returned looking unsettled and a bit shaky. 
"That was close, really close," he muttered.
"What's wrong?" someone asked.
"As I walked out the back door of the church, I looked up to see Alyssa flying down the hill on her bike, feet off the pedals,  toward the bank behind the church.  I just barely got to her before she went over," he replied emotionally.

Those of you who know Cliff, know he is a soccer player(10) with speed, agility, and an inherent knowledge of angles.  Had any of the rest of us gone out to check on the kids, I suspect we would have stood there and cried, "OH, NO!" as this sweet little girl flipped over the steep bank at the back of the church.  I am convinced that Cliff heard an unspoken whisper which he obeyed. 
I just heard that our little bike rider is now engaged to be married, and it is this good news that sparked the remembrance. :) Congratulations, Alyssa and Weston!

This week Brother Mick's message is "A.D.D. Disciples" with the scripture  being Matthew 14:22-33.  With so many distractions in our lives, how can we stay focused on Jesus? 
As the first Sunday of August, we being a month's sabbatical from Sunday school with fellowship beginning at 9am and worship starting at 9:30.

Bob and Rick, church workers extraordinaire, began the Upper Room enclosure.
Whoo Hoo!


I may not have internet access next week while I'm at the beach, :) so there may or may not be a Communique. 


Those of you in college are finishing up your summer jobs and activities and beginning to order your books, buy items for your dorms, make plans with roomies, and get into shape for your sports' seasons.  Is it really August? I hope to meet with some of you before you leave! 

My prayer for you today:  The mighty one, God the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.  It is you, Creator God, to whom we lift our hearts with thanks.  You are visible all around; open our eyes to see.  You are speaking; open our ears to listen.  You are instructing; grant us courage to be obedient. You are present; open our hearts to greater awareness. Lord, I pray that each person reading this would have increased consciousness of your love and comforting presence today.  There is so much that draws us away from you, yet you keep calling us back; back to love you and love our neighbors.  Come Kingdom of God. Be done,  will of God-- on earth as it is in heaven. In the name of Jesus. 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

I'm Dancing as Fast as I Can!

Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters;
and you that have no money, come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk, without money and without price.

Heritage Days, Vacation Bible School, writing, teaching, convention prep, family time, house guests, Pittsburgh convention, home visits, breakfast meetings, lunch meetings, youth Sunday, documents to prep,meals to prepare, laundry and ironing, memos to send, letters to write, groceries to buy, plants to water, birds to feed,  pets.... STOP! 
Yesterday was one of those times after I hugged and kissed my parents good-bye sending them on their way back to the Prairie State after a delightful week's visit, I realized I needed to pause and drink from the fountain. Although every single thing I've done this past month, with the exception of cleaning up the cat puke, was wonderful, worthwhile, and I wouldn't change, I need to take a deep breath and have a moment to "come to the water."  That meant I made a difficult decision to cancel a fun, youth event scheduled for Saturday night....sigh... That was hard for me to do, because I love these kids and don't want to let them down; I really, really don't.  But if I am a dry and grumpy youth minister, not to mention wife, mom, and friend who thinks thinks that the art to being good at something is to go, go, go, and do, do, do, well, then I am in the wrong business. There is refreshment available, free and delicious, but I must make the time to go to the Creator's stand.


This week Brother Mick is back and preaching "Too Good to be True?" sharing from Isaiah 55:1-5 reminding all of us that it is in God we find nourishment in our times of need. (Apropos for me) Another significant part of our service will be the commissioning of Dick Thomas for his role as moderator of the Mennonite Church USA for the next two years.  We will welcome a number of special guests as Dick receives this charge.


Is it really the end of July???
I've heard via the grapevine that the CPA exam has not only mental challenges but also driving obstacles as bears may strike your vehicle post testing!  What's the story, Eric?? :)
Etta will be facilitating in the Upper Room on Sunday.
We will not have Sunday School for the month of August, and church worship will begin at 9:30am. 

My prayer for today:  Creator God, you tell us, 'Ho! Come to the waters everyone who thirsts.' Why don't we listen to you?  Why do we tend to get caught in our busyness and tasks, our "to do" lists, our corporate climbs, even our good deeds, so that before long we feel dry, stressed, and weary?  Thanks for your open arms, your loving heart, your cool and refreshing water.  Remind us that you designed us for Sabbath rest.  When we are refreshed by your living water, then we can go about the kingdom work designed for us to do. 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

Journeys

(1981)I stood by the edge of the dusty road and waved my arm up and down hoping that someone would stop.  I thought the bus was going to come by at 8am, but it was well past that time, and no bus.   After a weekend with the other "Goshens" at Listowel Boys School in Cayo District of Belize, I needed to return to the medical clinic in Benque Viejo del Carmen, a beautiful little village near the Guatemalan border where I would be serving for the next 5 weeks. So, here I stood on the side of this dusty road and waved my arm up and down, and almost immediately a rusty old pick up stopped.  The 5 men already in the back of the truck smiled and nodded hellos, and one of the men gave up his seat on the spare tire for me.  We continued the drive, the free taxi stopping and starting for pick ups and drop offs.  When we arrived in San Ignacio, I hopped out of the truck waving my thanks, and headed up the big hill toward Benque Viejo.

 

Xunantunich

 Hola!  said a young pregnant woman with a big smile.  Ahh, one of the women from the clinic! It's amazing how a smile and a familiar face can warm the soul. We chatted about her pregnancy and her community as we walked  and then bid one another farewell as our ways diverged. I continued my journey receiving greetings and various, ummm, interesting invitations from the men at the Scottish (I think--I'll have to check with my friend Jan!)  army post which I politely refused and continued to walk until a great big road truck driven by a Jamaican man stopped and offered me a lift.  He was not as enamoured with Belize as I was and was planning to return to Jamaica after Christmas.  When his path turned away from the road to Benque, I climbed out of the big truck and continued to hike along this road that basically cut through the rain forest.  Just a few miles away were the incredible Mayan Ruins called Xunantunich http://belizex.com/xunantunich.htm.  This time it was a driver with a jeep full of young boys that stopped to offer me a ride. We chatted, and I told him about Goshen College's Study Service Program which brought me to this beautiful and friendly country.  http://www.goshen.edu/sst/  He dropped me off about a mile from my destination, and I prepared to walk only to have the postman stop to take me the rest of the way.

When I reflect on those 2 short hours of my life, I'm reminded of the beauty and vibrancy in the ordinary journeys of life.  For me, the experience was extraordinary, but had I lived in Belize, it may have been mundane and tedious.  What am I not noticing and appreciating in my everyday tasks and trips today?  George Fox founder of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) said, "Walk joyfully on the earth and respond to that of God in every human being."  I like that.
From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. 2 Cor. 5:16 

I hope you can join us at Ridgeview this Sunday as the senior high youth will be implementing the entire service. Using their experience from the Mennonite Convention in Pittsburgh, the youth will sing and tell about "Bridges to the Cross," sharing scripture, songs, seminar learnings, and photos from this inspiring week. I'm not sure what will be happening in the Upper Room on Sunday.  I know that those who were there last week were blessed by Eric's time with them. Sunday School begins at 9am--Worship Service at 10:15am.   Check out the Ridgeview Mennonite Young Adult fb page for a homemade icecream event next week at Rick and Gwen's!
https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/groups/158265147558908

My prayer for you today:  Creator God, as many of us are sweltering in this intense heat, we know that there are streams of living water in you.  Cool and refresh our hearts and minds even as our bodies labor and sweat.  Guide our feet as we journey in life. Hold our hands as we walk along the road.  Grant us shade as we wilt in the intensity of life.  Open our eyes to see you in the people we meet along the road.  For those suffering loss and experiencing pain, be a healing balm.  For those struggling with anxieties and relationship problems, reveal yourself in new ways. Help us to bridge the gaps between us; to be reconcilers to one another as you have been to 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!  Contact me anytime!
love and light, carol

http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/

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