"Circle of Peace" by Gary Price 

What if....

• every Tasmanian Devil born would survive? 
• we could wrinkle in time?
• elevators gave conversation prompts rather than progression lights? 
• Christians, Muslims, Atheists, Deists, Communists, Marxists, and all the other "-ists, "-ians," and "-ims" would be kind to one another? 
• we could truly communicate with elephants, dolphins, and whales? 
• all tummies were satisfied when the time for sleep arrived?
  
• all heads had beds?
• all churches truly meant it when they state, "Everyone Welcome"? 
• we could fly?
• we could remember all our dreams?   
• none of us abused our power?
• people shared smiles rather than bullets? 
• we could walk streets without worry of robbery, rape, or suspicion? 
• we all realized and lived our created role in the Kingdom? 

What if...What if....What if....

The earth is the Lord's and everything in it; the world and all who dwell in it; for God has founded it on the seas and established it on the rivers.  Psalm 24:1_2

This Sunday the youth will be filling elements of the worship service with energy, ideas, and convention sharing.  The doors will open for the service at 10:15 am so you can rush in and get a front seat.  There will be portions of the service that will be without sound enhancement aka no microphone so the foremost pews are advantageous. :)  

During the Christian Education hour from 9-10 am the convention delegates will be sharing their experiences and learnings in the fellowship hall. Please join us!  

During the month of August until after Labor Day, Ridgeview will have fellowship time from 9-9:25 am with the worship service beginning at 9:30am. This is our yearly sabbatical for Sunday school teachers. :) 

Prayer for today:

  "It is God who made the earth through power, who established the world by wisdom, and by God's understanding stretched out the heavens. When God speaks, there is a tumult of waters in the heavens; God makes the mist rise from the ends of the earth. God makes lightnings for the rain, and brings forth the wind from storehouses. Jeremiah.51:15-16

 Creator God, help us to focus our minds and hearts on You. Let us realize that when we know who and whose we are; when we realize your incredible love as evidenced through Jesus; when we realize we are designed for a purpose in Your Kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven, all the pieces of our lives will fall into place. Though the mountains tremble and the oceans roar, still your love for us will not fail.  Come Kingdom of God. Be done will of God, here, now, 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

Preaching in the car to myself yesterday as we are all wont to do, (yes?) I was trying to think of something particularly odious to make a point.  The subsequent story fills my family with laughter, nose crinkling, and head shaking as we recollect this particular evening.

A middle school soccer game was being played with the hubby coaching and the middle daughter playing on a soccer pitch that was surrounded on 3 sides by farmland.  Unfortunately, game time corresponded exactly with the farmer's spreading of the foulest, awfullest, most fetid, liquid putrescence imaginable. The "bog of eternal stench" has nothing on Lancaster county spreadables!  A nice little wind was blowing directly across the field resulting in the complete infiltration of every pore, pocket, and shinguard. Oh yeah. I am not exaggerating. Ask anyone who was present that day.

Those of us watching did so with our hands over our mouths and noses. Cliff said as he sat on the bench that a damp vile spray tickled his neck. Uh huh. Gulp. You know how usually you stop smelling something after you've been immersed in the odor for a time?  That didn't happen. Ever.
Each minute seemed equivalent to an hour.
Following the foulfield game, the girls were taken to Wendy's for supper where the friendly cashier wondered, "What's that awful smell?"
As we got home and showered, washed clothing and hair, I came upstairs from the basement and my olfactory system shouted warning. Yep, in a corner was a sweatshirt silently screaming malodorous intent. Having come directly from the office to the game, our friend Abe had to discard, throw-away, trash the nicely tailored suit he was wearing that day. We often describe memories as "sweet;" this one I'll call "noxious" yet equally notable!

An odious story to make a point. That's the story. Now, what was the point?  Nevermind. I'll save it for another day.

I've enjoyed having the intergenerational mix in the Upper Room this summer.  On Sunday in the fellowship hall at 9 am, all adults will have the opportunity to receive an update from Anne Marie Smoker who is here from Japan.  I'm also looking forward to hearing from our friend and former interim pastor Ray Yoder who will be sharing the morning message he is calling "Influence."  Scripture passages are John 7:37-39 and Acts 9:36-42. The power of the Holy Spirit is at work in us and through us in our everyday lives.

New jobs, moving, travel, babies
Job loss, new schools, break ups, marriage
Sickness, sadness, laughter, health
Studies, training, loss, wondering
Hopeless, joy, fighting, faith
Laughter, tears, death, being...
Stop! God is present. Be filled! 

Prayer for today:  God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea. Ps46:1-2  We rest and hope in you, loving God. Come Kingdom of God. Be done will of God on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus name. Amen. 


Time to go inhale the sweet scent of my roses. 

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

Good morning!  Truly, most of my "hopes" from my last post were realized, although I should have added, "I hope my post-convention recovery time will be short and sweet." I'm still dragging, and sneezing too....

This week I've been cogitating on what holds me back from totally following the way of Christ. One of the seminars I attended shared about the life of Dan Terry as told in the book Making Friends Among the Taliban by Jonathan P. Larson as well as in the EMU documentary Weaving Life. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iXFUk68tBU . I'm inspired, and yes, Dan Terry eventually lost his life following this path. 

I've determined that the number one thing that holds me back from total immersion in the way of Jesus is FEAR.

-Fear of safety. (Do I dare engage the homeless man in conversation?) 

-Fear of change. (Do I dare alter the pattern? What if "things" go badly? This has worked for sooooo long. ) 

-Fear for my family. (Do I dare have dinner with those neighbors whose religion, sexuality, skin color, (fill in the blank), is different than mine? ?)

-Fear of insecurity. (Do I dare live with "less"? Will I have enough? What if it's uncomfortable?)

-Fear of not fitting in. (Do I dare sit with the "odd" person at lunch?)

-Fear of messing up my schedule. (Do I dare stop to help that woman change her tire, and risk being late for my appointment?) 

- and on and on.....

Jesus calls us to a way of life that is outside of our comfort zones; outside of our known boundaries; outside of our families, yet we continue to rationalize often using the Bible as a crutch to remain in unChrist-like behaviors and patterns. (Think on the parables Jesus told, the sermon on the mount, his meals with the outsiders, the death on the cross....)  I feel like instead of Jesus trying to herd us all into God's house, Jesus tore down the walls and said, God's house is everywhere!  

I've faced some of my fears and realized they are unfounded. Jesus called us to a new way of life, "You have heard it said, but I say..." But it truly does seem to be a constant struggle; I've miles to go before I sleep.

(Oh, one more fear: Fear that people will think I'm a heretic. Look where that got Jesus!) 

I also realize that Jesus said that in truly following him we may literally lose our lives. But, if I truly believe, of what am I afraid? Has not death lost its sting? Help me, Lord, to live life as you have called me to live! 

I'd love to discuss these things with you.... :) 

This week Brother Nelson will share a message he is calling, "Knowing God, a Joint Venture."  Scripture passages include Luke 10:25-37; Colossians 1:1-14; Psalm 25:1-10; and Deuteronomy 30:9-14. Nelson says, "We will be thinking about our efforts to know and experience God, some of the things we do that interfere with knowing God, and ways we can keep growing in 'the knowledge of God's will and all and all spiritual wisdom and understanding.'" 

 Our worship service begins at 10:15 am, and you are also welcome to joy in conversation in the Upper Room at 9 am. Perhaps our topic will be "fear." 

Tonight the VBS final hurrah is a carnival at the church from 6-8:30 pm.  Come out and join the fun! (If you'd like to help, we could use a few more people. Let me know!) 

Kiersie, we're waiting with you! Many blessings! 

Nate is somewhere near Okinawa. We're praying for you. 

Some of you are job hunting, house hunting, test taking, bill paying, marriage prepping, baby caring, vacation taking, relationship struggling, etc. modes-- If you specific prayer needs or need to talk, don't hesitate to contact me. 

Prayer for today: Creator God, you loved us first and best. You are Love, perfect and complete.  Help us,  Lord, to recognize Your Love in each other and in the world today. Help us, Lord, to live out that Love as we relate to each other knowing that in You there is no fear.  Challenges face us each day at work, school, and play; in our relationships, churches, and neighborhoods.  Open our eyes and hearts to see each other through Your eyes. Open our ears and our minds to listen to one another with 'Love God  and love neighbor; as the precept that guides our lives. 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

.

As I sit here at my computer feeling a bit blah with the dark heavy clouds outside my window, my thoughts turn to the Mennonite Convention http://convention.mennoniteusa.org/ which is next week. There the clouds will be few and the temperatures will soar. Phoenix, here we come! (Perhaps Val or Heidi should send eggs with us to fry on the sidewalks.) :) 

Beyond the usual hopes for safety, smooth travels, and wise choices for the youth, these are the thoughts that have been flooding my grey matter this week. 

• I hope I can keep up. 
• I hope I've not forgotten anything important. 
• I hope we are stretched but not broken. 
• I hope we are challenged but not defiant. 
• I hope we sing HWB #118 more than once. 
• I hope we see beyond differences to beauty and understanding.
• I hope we strengthen and expand our definition of community. 
• I hope my big toe cooperates. 
• I hope the hotel staff finds the presence of a zillion teens praiseworthy rather than annoying.
• I hope our eyes are open to see Jesus in unusual places and people. 
• I hope to see old friends and make new ones. 
• I hope God speaks, and we listen. 
• I hope I get at least 5 hours of sleep each night. 
• I hope the city of Phoenix smiles and is blessed by our presence.
• I hope our teens come home awakened, inspired, and prepared to act by the Presence of the Divine. 
• I hope, I hope, I hope.....

Regardless of what transpires next week, God will be present. The choice will be ours to hear, see, and honor. Please pray for us! 

2011 Convention

Thank you, Church Family, for the incredible support you've provided so that your young people (and at least one not so young person) has this opportunity!  

This week Brother Mick's message is "No Law Against It" based on Paul's word to the Galatians in Chapter 5:1,13-25. Everyday, I try to meditate on the Spirit fruit by singing the 9 (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control), while doing yoga, when I'm praying, when I can't sleep, when I'm stressing about leading a group of 22 to Arizona.....This is a life-giving practice for me in Kingdom Living. Try it!  The worship service begins at 10:15 am. 
The Upper Room will be open to all ages at 9 am for colloquy (I heard this word used on NPR this week meaning "conversation") on an article or topic which is still being determined. Please join us! 

Prayer for today:  Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the Lord, "You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you." Ps 16:1 Gracious God, you are good. In you we find life for today and hope for tomorrow.  There are so many challenges in our lives, and we struggle to trust in your goodness and preservation.  Thank you for never leaving us nor forsaking us. Come Kingdom of God. Be done will of God, here on earth as it is in heaven.  In Jesus name. Amen. 

2009 Convention

I will not blogging next week. 

Without question or doubt, you are loved by God, and I love you too! 
Love and Light,
Carol
http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/   (Take time to listen to some of Brother Mick's challenging/inspiring messages!)

"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 Target

I just returned from breakfast with a good friend; she's the kind of friend with whom I can be real. We talk about our lives, church, and the kitchen sink, and I know she's not going to judge me as a heretic, weirdo, or ignoramus. Okay-- perhaps she occasionally THINKS I'm a heretic, weird, or ignorant, but she doesn't JUDGE me for it! She advises me on comfortable shoes, matters of faith, and relationships. I hope all of you have a friend like her.

One of the things we often discuss is how we "do" church worship.  What would happen if we started from scratch, discarding the known elements of music, liturgy, and silence? What would happen if we didn't have a bulletin stating the order of service and announcements for the week?  Does our worship truly honor God, or does it simply fulfill a need within us for order, tradition, community, and safety?  When is worship performance? Is that okay?  What if singing is "vainglory" of our lovely four part harmony?  What if I participate in the readings without any feeling?
What would happen if we removed all the trimmings, bows, and whistles and simply listened  for the Divine?

Hmmmmm.....heretic, weirdo, and ignorant?  Maybe..... Care to join me in the discussion? :)

Sunday will be an opportunity for a different type of worship service as we join the Heritage Days Celebration at the Intercourse Community Park at 10am.  http://intercourseheritagedays.com/   (Readers from other areas of the world, there is no need for consternation.  Intercourse, most likely meaning Cross Keys,  is the name of the community.) The Horst Brothers will be sharing foot-tapping, knee-slapping gospel bluegrass music.  Ridgeview is blessed to have band members Elton and Nathan as part of our congregation.http://www.thehorstbrothers.com/ Bring your lawn chairs and come join us!

Congratulations to Korinne and Ian on their beautiful wedding last Saturday!  I am so very grateful for the community of family and friends who worked with us providing decorations, ideas, music, cupcakes, delicious cuisine, gorgeous flowers, clean-up, housing, specialty popcorn, instructions, encouragement, support, and more to make this weekend so very special. :)  We are blessed!  (We still do not know where the bride and groom are honeymooning...) :)

A prayer for today:  Gracious God, you ARE. Help us to see. You ARE.  Help us to listen. You ARE.  Help us to encounter.  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/   (Take time to listen to some of Brother Mick's challenging/inspiring messages!)

"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 let her be the "moat monster." Wasn't that benevolent of me? 

  "Moat Monster" was one of the odd little games my friends and I played at 6th grade recess (not to be confused with "Sea Monster" which was played on our front porch with our neighbors.) At a corner of the school building, an imaginary line was drawn. If we crossed into the moat, we risked being captured by the creature where we were trapped until rescued.  

Yep, she was the new girl and didn't fit in. Her clothes looked like they may have belonged to her mother, her personality was nothing like Marcia Brady (or even Jan for that matter), and she didn't have a shape like Barbie's little sister, Skipper. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBJ2zO-tl58.

Would I be inviting her to a slumber party? No way! However, since it was the "right" thing to do, I encouraged her inclusion into our game as the infamous beast living in the water surrounding the castle. Did I mention no one else wanted to play the behemoth? She seemed glad to be included. I know I was a child and that I had my own wounds and insecurities, but I am ashamed as I recall this story.  More than anyone else present, this little girl needed to be the beautiful princess; the one valued and worth rescuing. sigh. For whatever reason, I don't think this family stayed very long in my hometown.  I am sorry, Dena.  

Thank you, Jesus, for valuing and rescuing each and every one of us as your little princesses and princes out of the moat. No more moat monsters! 

Brother Mick's message this week is "No Visible Wounds" with his sermon text from Ephesians 4:25-32. "We desire to follow after Jesus the Christ and his example. To live as he has instructed us to live; loving one another, caring for each other. And yet in the midst of these desires and best intentions sometimes the people of God can still wound one another."  Our brother continues to challenge us with meaningful and inspiring messages; this is likely to be yet another such word. Take a listen to some of the past sermons at:

http://ridgeviewmennonite.net/sermons/index.php

During Sunday school in the Upper Room, we'll finish up any discussion on last week's conversation, and then begin a discussion on this post about missions from The Mennonite.  I look forward to a full room and a lively discussion!  All ages are welcome.
http://www.themennonite.org/public_press_releases/A_moratorium_on_missions

c 1970's --My Dad, who has helped roast birds
 every year since the beginning of the festival.

Hometown readers, have fun at the Tremont Turkey Festival. I wish I could be there! :) http://www.turkeyfestival.com/  

The countdown is on for Korinne and Ian!  As the MOB (mother of the bride!), I will not be posting the communique next week. :) 

A prayer for today:  Creator God, we find meaning in You. Help us to truly know and understand that Your love is greater than our fears. You are our light and our salvation. You rescue us from the depths and monsters of the moats.  Grant us courage to truly live 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! 

Need to talk?  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

It's time for a confession.

  As our summer schedules take us to the mountains, and the beach, and Yellowstone, and Phoenix; to England, Italy, and Japan,  I have a pet peeve that really bugs me, and I realize I have to let it go.  Really, is it a big deal?  Only in my mind. Right? Is it? Help! Perhaps blogging about it will help me to release it and generate some conversation.  I will also confess right up front, that I really, really want you to agree with my perspective! Oh dear! : / Am I writing to release or convince? Hmmmmm.....Let's talk! So what is my big snag?

   For those of you have been to Ridgeview, you know we have a largish sanctuary (comparative term, I know;  maybe capacity around 500) that is only filled to overflowing during special events like the Mennonite Children's Choir http://www.mennonitechildrenschoir.org/ and ACC Bible quizzing http://accquizzing.org/.  We have our little "neighborhoods in the pews" scattered throughout the large room. Persons sometimes sit alone on a bench with no one directly in front, behind, or beside her.  A grandpa may not have anyone to whom he can pass smarties. The junior high girl may not be close enough to hear the alto part she's trying to learn.  (I'm not talking about the occasional sitting in the back because you have to leave early to catch a train or have a fussy baby.) 

  To me this is like those images of 2 persons sitting in an elegant dining room at each end of a looooooong table with the basket of bread in the middle.  To me this is like going to a family reunion with each person sitting at his own picnic table.  To me this is like the couple watching the same program on TV in different rooms.

  Does this matter?  Apparently it does to me! :) Here are a few reasons I value sitting shoulder to shoulder in the front even if the back half of the sanctuary remains empty.

-Creates a meaningful sense of community/family
-Generates hospitality to guests and guest speakers
-Inspires better singing with a fuller sound.  
-Provides a positive example to our children and youth
-Benefits attention
-Bolsters relationships
-Encourages the preacher, worship leader, and musicians
-Shakes us our of our lethargy and habits
-Find candy in the front benches ;)
-Reminds us we are each an important part of One body; together; collectively; en masse = ONE! 

Well, writing about this has NOT helped to release me but rather has further fixed the concept that I'd like us to be shoulder to shoulder. If you have a different perspective, would you attempt to convince me?  :) Perhaps this can be one of our topics for discussion in the Upper Room this summer.

Adults of all ages are welcome to join the young adult class in the Upper Room for discussion each week this summer for discussion on various topics or articles. This week we'll be setting our discussion guidelines and then discussing current church trends. Bring in articles, questions, and ideas that are relevant. From 9-9:15am we will be singing with the children and youth in the rec room and then finding our way to the Upper Room. Suggestions or questions may be directed to me. 

Brother Mick is back in town and will be sharing from Romans 5:1-5 with a message, "What are you standing in?"  "Through a variety of reasons there are times when it feels as if we have evolved into believers who spend more time dancing around on tip toes about our faith and what it means to us, than those who would be so bold as Paul is in his proclamation. I want to explore this theme and encourage us, like Paul, to persevere in boldness and get our feet more firmly planted on the ground." 

It seems like every time we have a work task with the youth, I come away feeling like a proud mama hen.  Having Dylan, Stephen, Brandon, and Nate join with the senior high youth on the "rock project" at Merv and Jan's was a tremendous way to not only bring strong muscle and "know how" but also provide positive example.  Thanks, Guys! 

I've heard from a little birdie that congratulations and best wishes are in order for Rachel Martin! :) I'm looking forward to hearing more details.  

A prayer for today: O come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into God's presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to God with songs of praise! Thank you, Gentle God, for loving us in spite of ourselves.  Grant us courage to be more like Jesus as we interact with others. Help us to trust that you won't leave nor forsake us when we mess up or are struggling with life.  Remind us that we are a body, a community to share our gifts for the furthering of your kingdom 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! 

Need to talk?  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