Christmas Eve 2013-- Standing at the stove, I had just folded the parsley into the spicy sausage rice finishing the dish when the lights flickered, the smoke alarms gave an eyeblink shriek, and we were pitched into darkness. Everyone scrambled for flashlights, phones, and candles, and after a few minutes we were eating by the gentle glow of leftover wedding candles. Laughter, great conversation, and a savory meal commenced followed by a time of playing with light and photography creating what seemed like magical illusions thanks to our photographer friend Cody who was with us. :)

Light. As a person who admits to being afraid of the dark, I find great comfort in light and appreciate the image of God as light.

c 2004 "Korinne/Korinne" by Alana

The magi followed the light of the star to find the Divine Light, the hope and comfort of all. "Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising." Is.60:3 I wish I knew the stories of how the lives of the magi were changed after having come face to face with the Divine. How much they comprehended of the holiness of their encounter, I have no idea, but they certainly had knowledge that perhaps was transformed into understanding with this sacred meeting.

Brother Nelson's message this week is "Drawn by Light; Sent as Light" using texts from Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12; Isaiah 60:1-6; and Psalm 72:1-7. Nelson says in his pre-sermon notes, "We are drawn to God's light and sent as God's light showing the mystery of God working far beyond the boundaries we create and impose within ourselves and between each other." I look forward to hearing our brother's exegesis. I hope you'll join me. Worship begins at 10:15 AM with Sunday school at 9 AM.

Everyone is invited to corporate singing in the Rec room from 9-9:15 AM before they go to their classes.  Oh, and the new class for younger married couples/singles will be meeting in a 1960 hall classroom. Childcare is available.   If you can make the party on Saturday evening at Todd and Cindy's home, let me know! :)

Our ingathering for January: items for Bridge of Hope. http://lancasterchester.bridgeofhopeinc.org/ We're collecting canned veggies, cleaning supplies, dish soap, laundry detergent, paper towels, sponges, toilep paper, trash bags, and umbrellas.  You'll find a box in the lobby to place any items you bring.

Be sure to read the bulletin for additional notes and activities. http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/bulletins/

As brutal temperatures cover much of the nation, keep safe and warm, dear friends! Listen to the voice of your mother in your head. (Wear your hat. Cover your nose and mouth with a scarf. Do you have a blanket in your car in case of an emergency? Don't go outside unless you need to. Take breaks if you're shoveling snow.....) :)
I'm certainly thinking of our refugee family from Myanmar this morning.  I hope they don't have to go anywhere today. They must think they've landed in freezerland!

My prayer for today: You are wrapped in light as a garment, O Lord, and ride on the wings of the wind.  As we are drawn to your light, Divine, fill us with hope and awe as you illumine our paths. Lord, I ask that you would especially bless those organizations that are bringing warmth and housing to the homeless on this frigid morning. Grant us, dear Lord, the power to understand the breadth, height, length, and width of the love of Christ that is greater than knowledge, so that we would be filled with the fullness of your Divine Being. 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

 Healing and Hope is Born! 

There is a song we sang in high school chorus for Christmas with the line, "Memories fill my mind, as Christmas comes each year. Dreaming for today, brings yesterday so near." 

• Hearing stories about how my dad stayed up all night to assemble a play kitchen for his four little girls 
• My three sisters and I receiving West Family action figures and the corral (Anyone remember?) 
• Lying in bed with my sister listening to crackly Christmas music on the radio and whispering with anticipation of morning
• Grandpa Moser dying on December 23
• Being in Florida with my Weinberger grandparents over Christmas
• Lying on the floor beside my 5 month old infant on Christmas eve as she vomited throughout night
• Hearing our daughters giggle and scurry around as they opened the stockings which were hung outside their bedroom doors 
• Waiting with anticipation for those little girls to come bursting into our bedroom 

Whether my memories of Christmas are positive or negative,and I've had some of both and know some of you have had really difficult life journeys, the truth of Christmas remains the same: Healing and Hope for a hurting and discordant world was born that day in the City of David.

My desire and  prayer for you this Christmas and coming year is that you will experience our loving and gracious God in your life as revealed through Jesus, God in the flesh, finding hope and healing in your own life to then share with others. 

This week Brother Mick's message is called, "When Hope is Present," and he states, "In the midst of our messy, complicated, troublesome, pain-filled lives, we must decide whether we will embrace the hope walking there beside us or the fear waiting to pull us back, down, away from God." The sermon text is Matthew 1:18-25 and supporting passages Isaiah 7:10-16; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19.  Please join us for this last advent message before our Sunday Christmas celebration on December 29!

Service of Remembrance and Hope is tonight 7 PM at Ridgeview. This is an opportunity to share our grief, loneliness, and challenges that come with this season. Although I'm unable to attend this year, in the past I have found this to be a very meaningful service.

Christmas Eve service is at 7 PM.

I look forward to conversation and "catch up" with you!

Prayer for today: Lord God, as we experience shifts and changes in our lives, help us to recognize the constancy of your love.  As we experience the storms and clouds of life, bless us with the light that is you. As we face doubts and indecision, guide us with your Spirit and keep us from fear.  As we recognize your presence in all aspects of our lives, help us to respond in humbleness and joy. Hope! Hope! Hope!  Lord, fill us with your healing and hope that your mercy and grace will overflow, and the Good News that is You will sate a hungry world 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

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

Seriously? Either the traffic lights aren't coordinated correctly, or they aren't designed for this many cars! Grrrr. As I left Park City Mall yesterday along with a million other people, I sat at the light. I sat at the light. I sat at the light.  I averted my eyes so as not to see the woman holding the sign telling me she was cold and hungry. I sat at the light.  Finally the light turned green, and about three cars passed through the intersection. Though the light was still green, I couldn't go unless I wanted to be parked in the middle of the road.  sigh. Another light exchange. Now I am first in line to turn into the lane to hop on 30 E. AHHHG! The car in front of me has left a cushion between it and the car in front of it for a megabus. Move up! Grrrrr.

I blew it, didn't I? I had no kids in my car.I had no meetings to go to. I had a few dollars in my purse.
Yeah, I can blame the traffic. The cars were gridlocked. That's what I'll do. . That's what I usually do. I can usually find an excuse. There is always an excuse. Always a rationalization....That woman.

"But Carol," I tell myself,  "It wouldn't have been practical. It would have been tough with all that traffic. Besides, who knows what kind of deranged person she might be? She may have robbed you, stabbed you, kidnapped you!" That woman in the median strip.

Oh yes, "Blessed are the practical, for theirs is the kingdom of mediocrity. Blessed are the fearful, for theirs is the kingdom of darkness... " Aren't those the tenets I often choose to live by though my words say otherwise?

I can't get that woman out of my brain. It is cold, really cold out. I could have rolled down my window and invited her to hop in and gone to a restaurant for a meal or taken her to Water Street Ministries.  http://wsm.org/ I could have gone around the block and gotten a hot chocolate, parked and walked to her, giving her the warm drink and engaged in conversation. At the bare minimum, I could have rolled down my window, handed her a few dollars, and said, "Merry Christmas!"  sigh. The cynic in me says, "Oh, but I'm sure she would have used the money for drugs."

Maybe. Maybe not.

Truly, if I claim this Jesus who has taught me and redeemed me, then shouldn't I be living like I believe it?  Shouldn't my words and actions be demonstrative of the love, grace, and mercy that has been lavished freely on me? Shouldn't I release the cynic and regimented "me" to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit where the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are evidenced? Shouldn't I live like I could, might actually, literally lose my life.... only to find it?  
Merry Christmas?

Come Kingdom of God. Here on earth as it is in heaven!

Brother Mick's presermon notes say this, " The passages for today paint for us beautiful visions of the redeemed world. The Psalm (146) tells us of a place where God's presence is unmistakable and wrong is set to right. And Isaiah (35:1-10) calls forth images of a desert blooming with abundant flowers, where free flowing waters abound."  The sermon text is Matthew 11:2-11, and Mick has titled his message "Tethered to the Tangible." If you are unable to join us, the sermons are later uploaded to the website, so you can listen there. Worship begins at 10:15 AM and Sunday school at 9 AM.

College students, I've been praying for you as you have finished or are still finishing exams, papers, and projects!  I look forward to seeing you during your break.

Please read the bulletin for the many opportunities to worship and serve!

Prayer for today: Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are of a fearful heart, "Be strong, fear not!"  (Is.35:3-4) 
We celebrate your Presence, Lord. During these festive days there are many all over the world who are cold, hungry, lonely, and despairing. Grant those of us who claim you as our Lord to live in love, mercy, and grace like we believe it, being your hands and feet. Remind us to seek your kingdom rather than our own.  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

The Illinois heartland was my home. Cliff hailed from eastern Pennsylvania. We met at Goshen College http://www.goshen.edu/ in northern Indiana introduced by our mutual friend, Kristal. :)  Travel and week long stays with each other and, by default, our families was required in order to spend time together outside of school.

My first Christmas with Cliff's family was as his girlfriend not yet fiance'. Yep, awkward, intrusive, embarrassed-- you can imagine it. I was not looking forward to the family gift giving time; I was prepared to fade into the background as much as possible after receiving the presumed token gift.  What a shock when gift after gift was pulled from under the tree for me including a tan, solar pocket calculator from older brother Gerald which he chose himself! (OK, I've just dated this story!) The generous abundance and hospitality shared with me by the Wenger family that Christmas and many hence, created an atmosphere of acceptance, delight, and joy! 



Photo credit: Korinne Wenger-- Honduras

 This Sunday Brother Mick's message is "Twelve Baskets Full" recounting the overabundance of food after Jesus provided for the hungry people with loaves and fish in John 6:1-21. http://bible.oremus.org/. Although we don't know what happened to the overflowing baskets of pan y pescado, Mick will guide us in exploring some of the options.  http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/

Boston get ready! Alana and Michael are en route to their new apartment as they will be attending grad school at Emerson this fall.


Items for our August and September ingathering include 6 oz. toothpaste, bath towels, bar soap, and gently or new t-shirts (ladies medium or large; men's large) of any color which will be made into bags-- the food pac program will utilize these items when school resumes.  There are baskets in the foyer for which to place these things.

Prayer for today: Lord God, as we experience shifts and changes in our lives, help us to recognize the constancy of your love.  As we experience the storms and clouds of life, bless us with the light that is you. As we face doubts and indecision, guide us with your Spirit.  As we recognize your presence in all aspects of our life, help us to respond in humbleness and joy. Lord, fill us with your healing and hope that your mercy and grace will overflow, and the Good News that is you will cover a hungry world 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