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

Some of you have heard this story before, so I hope you don't mind that I'm sharing it again. 

"You're nuts!" is what I heard, and I got "the look" from others when friends and family discovered I  was going to drive to Illinois from my Lancaster County, PA home with our 3 little girls; Alana almost 6, Korinne almost 3, and Taylor, 14 months.  Cliff wasn't able to get away from work, but I had not been to visit my family since well before Taylor was born, and I was going to take the minivan and go, just me and 3 little girls. Yeah, I had the usual questions bouncing around my brain, afterall the journey was a minimum of 13 hours drive time not counting stopage.  What if we had car trouble or an accident?  What if I got sleepy? How am I going to entertain the girls?   How am I going to go to the bathroom?  What if one of the kids gets sick?  But I was determined.

As I finalized my plans, I began really praying about the trip.  A guest speaker had challenged us to not pray for travelling safety, but rather to pray for an interesting trip that allows us to see Jesus as we go-- or something like that.  I decided a solo trip with 3 little girls would be interesting enough, but I definitely wanted to see Jesus along the way!

Anyway-- it was Sunday morning, the day before my departure, and I brought my plans to my women's Sunday school class.  They prayed for me and committed to be in prayer  for the next 10 days.

A few hours later we were home eating lunch when the phone rang. 
"Carol, this is Joy.  I felt the Spirits's prompting, and I'd like to ride along with you to Illiniois.  I would come back to PA on the bus or train or something once we got there."

And people think I'm crazy? I told her I'd talk it over with Cliff and call her back.  I hung up the phone and started to cry. Now, you need to know I am  fiercely independent person with an  "I can do it myself" attitude. (I once attempted to change a flat tire by myself in the heart of an Indiana winter with 2 feet of snow on the ground; I failed.) I was deeply touched by Joy's offer but thought, I will do this myself-- afterall, won't Jesus be along too? 

Then the quiet voice in my head spoke. I've been praying about this trip, others are praying about this trip, and Joy Lapp, queenmother of small children, has offered to go with me.  God has provided Jesus to travel with me in the human form of Joy! "Why, Carol, are you refusing?"   So I called Joy back and said, "Yes, please!"

The trip took us 18 long hours; one of the girls threw up before we even got to Harrisburg, less than an hour down the road. But we made it. My pride (or was it feelings of unworthiness?) almost prevented me from receiving this amazing gift.  When I got home (which God provided help for too) I found a note in my church mailbox from one of the older saints who knew nothing about the trip dated the day we left for IL.  "Carol, our Sunday school class was encouraged to pray for a young mother this week, and I wanted you to know, I'm praying for you."   Joy and I have since had many amazing adventures together, and she continues to bless my life and the lives of others over and over again by her openess to hearing and obeying the voice of the Spirit.   Love ya, Joy!

This week Brother Mick will be sharing a message he has titled, "No Bootstraps Here" expounding on the unity of our fellowship together and the way we struggle with allowing others to share our burdens.  Philippians 3:4-14 is the sermon text and supporting passages are Isaiah 5:1-7 and Matthew 21:33-46.  We, together with Believers around the globe, will be sharing the bread and cup symbolizing Christ's presence among us and the "One Body" we are through Jesus. 

     In the Upper Room on Sunday, we will watch a video of Shane Hipps speaking at the Mennonite Convention in July.  If you've not heard him before, I think you will be challenged and inspired!
     Congratulations to Eric Yoder who passed all 4 parts of the CPA exam! :)
     Let's keep Craig Stoltzfus in our prayers as he begins a 2 week stint in Alabama with MDS working on repairs from tornado damage.

Brother Mick has knee replacement surgery on Monday. Think he will follow his own advice as he recovers and allow us to be a part of the healing? ;)

My prayer for you today:  Creator God, you are present in the stuff of our lives and invite us to be present with one another as a body, your body; laughing and crying together, helping one another with living and dying.  Open us, Lord, to your Spirit's guidance in our relationships.  Remove our fears, pride, and sense of unworthiness to receive the gifts you offer through your people.  Bless Craig as he serves you with MDS and builds new relationships in Birmingham. Thank you, Lord, for Eric's gift of a sharp mind.  Thank you, Lord, for Joy who embodies your love and service to so many and especially me.  Your word tells us that when we have love for one another, others will know whose we are.  Come Kingdom of God. Be done, will of God, here on earth as it is in heaven.  In Jesus name.  AMEN

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

We have peace because of Christ. He has made the Jews and those who are not Jews one people. He broke down the wall that divided them. Ephesians 2:14
      There was more than one adjustment to make my freshman year at Goshen College http://www.goshen.edu/.  My roommate Julie who was from Salt Lake City and I tiptoed around each other with exaggerated politeness the first few weeks; I struggled to find the balance between studies and fun; and Alice, the girl whose room was next to mine played LOUD reggae music ALL THE TIME!

Boomachicka, Boomachicka, Boomachicka.

     The music was probably the most aggravating adaptation for me, and it certainly affected my feelings toward Alice, a sophomore from Belize. Rather than talk to Alice about the music, I was just all annoyed and prickly about it.  


Alice and Miss Ruth

      Shock of shocks when during my sophomore year of study/service in Belize, my host family turned out to be Alice and her mom.  As I settled into my room with Nelda the very first hot, humid evening in Belize City, guess what I heard?  You got it! Boomachicka, Boomachicka, Boomachicka!  On the street next to their home was "Music World" which played loud music all the time.
    Hmmm... had I taken time to talk with and get to know Alice my freshman year and learn about her home


Alice Enjoying a Backrub :)



and her culture and asked about her home in Central America,  I might have discovered that this music was a way for Alice to feel at home and help alleviate homesickness.  I might have discovered that she and I actually had a lot in common;  I might have realized I had a wonderful neighbor and friend in Alice.

     The wall that I built within myself when Alice didn't conform to my way and my expectations needed to come down.  Sadly, I've had other walls that needed to be demolished, and I expect that there will be others in the future.  Open my eyes, Jesus, to see the walls I've built that keep your peace from filling me so that I can be a vessel of peace and reconciliation.


Brother Nelson will be sharing the message this week, "Shocking Hospitality" expounding on passages from Ephesians 2:11-22 and Mark 9:38-41.  Christ offers an invitation to all people to come to the table, yet we continue to build walls that keep out people instead of building bridges of reconciliation.  Back in the day,
Dr. Martin Luther King said something to the effect that Sunday morning  is the most segregated time in America. Come and be challenged to tear down one of those walls that is keeping you from being filled with the peace of Christ which opens us to extend the shocking hospitality of the Divine to others.

In the Upper Room at 9am we will gather to read the scriptures for the morning and discuss them together. Where are the places you've been welcomed?  Where are the places you've been excluded?  Where does the church fit in this? Please join us! (Ask me about an idea I have for Sunday morning service.)


My prayer for you today: Creator God, your peace transcends all understanding. Show us the walls that we've built that keep us from being vessels of your peace and reconciliation.  Our lives are often so busy with our own stuff and ideas that we fail to open ourselves to the wall-breaking work of your love.  Remind each of us of your gentle presence today; that even though we don't always "feel" you, you promise never to leave us nor forsake us, and that is good news in our journeys.  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! If you have a prayer concern or need someone to listen, don't hesitate to contact me! 


Love and Light,
carol
PS  If I have time, I will add photos later today. 

http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/

cmw4g@aol.com

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


 

 The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.
 The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. Psalm 145:8-9

When I was a little girl, we lived in the green and yellow house right across from the Tremont Elementary School.   I had just learned to ride a two-wheeler starting on the diminutive red bike with training wheels, and then switching to the bigger blue and silver bicycle of my older sisters. I convinced my parents to let me ride alone around the block to the other side of the school; so off I went, a bit wobbly at first but was soon flying like the wind, loving the freedom, and feeling the whoosh of air. I’m sure I had a grin like a big slice of watermelon plastered on my freckled face. 

       When I got to the other side of the grade school, I decided to stop and swing at the empty playground for a few minutes; after all, I was now independent!  I knew where the bike rack was and headed straight for it, not altering my speed, just focusing on the narrow slot on the empty stand.  BAM! I got my parking space and promptly flipped off my bike. I was jarred pretty good, but not really hurt.  I quickly realized I had a problem that was worse, much worse than a few scrapes and bruises.  The bolts on the front tire were wedged between the rungs of the bikerack, and it was stuck.  I couldn’t go for help, my parents may never let me ride alone again! My parents’ permission for me to ride around the block had not included the swings and sliding board. 
     Maybe if I would push on the bike tire with my foot, I’d be able to get it free.  I sat on the ground and put my foot on the wheel and pushed and pulled.  You guessed it! My foot got wedged with the tire between the metal rungs.  Now I was in a pickle. 
Picture this: Kindergartner on the ground- next to the bike that is stuck in the bike rack- foot stuck between the bike tire and the metal bar. I was trapped, and had I been a coyote I would have begun to chew off my foot.

      I began to cry.  A teenage boy was riding past on the street. He could have laughed at my predicament.  He could have ignored me, not wanting to become involved; he could have waved his friends over to laugh at me. He could have scolded me for my stupidity.  But he came over to this silly little girl and got down on his knees beside me.  I don’t remember him saying anything at all to me, but he carefully and gently dislodged my foot and then removed the bike from the rack.  I don’t even know if I said, “Thank You" to my rescuer.

If anyone from Tremont reads this and knows who my savior was, I'd sure love to say thanks!  :) (I'm also not sure if I ever told my family this story!)

Our scripture passages this week are Psalm 145:1-9; Jonah 3:10-4:11; and Matthew 20:1-16.  I am preaching this week, (please pray for me!) and my focus will be on "God is Love" as the starting place for our faith, moving us beyond tolerance to true compassion for each other.  I've been thinking about this quote from Henri Nouwen, “The word “faith” is often understood as accepting something you can’t understand…However, when Jesus talks about faith, he means first of all to trust unreservedly that you are loved (by God) so that you can abandon every false way of obtaining love.”  Show Me the Way, p. 84.  I hope you can join us!

The Upper Room will be hosting Sarah and Jason Rohrer this week. It won't be long and it will be Sarah, Jason, and Baby Rohrer!   I hope to join the group as well.  Is there anyone who can bring a snack?

Brother Mick is heading to Michigan on Saturday for a week of golf and fun (hopefully!) before his upcoming knee replacement surgery. He will be back in PA preaching on World Communion Sunday, Oct. 2 before he goes under the knife on October 3.

My prayer for you this week:  Creator God, you are ever merciful, compassionate, and slow to anger.  We thank you, and we rest in that love today.  As you love us, give us the courage to love others.  Come Kingdom of God. Be done, will of God, here on earth as it is in heaven.  In Jesus' name. Amen.

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

Love and Light,
Carol
http://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

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