When my daughter Kori was in high school and there was "down" time with the youth group, she'd inevitably start a round of what we dubbed "Kori questions."

 Would you rather eat  cookies or cake? Would you rather be attacked by a shark or mauled by a grizzly bear?  Would you rather have an extra nose on the back of your head or a a third eye on your forehead?  Would you rather awaken with a tarantula on your chest (Brady Bunch, anyone? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kh9dRcga8YE ) or trip over a yellow jacket nest?
You get the idea.

As I read Brother Mick's presermon notes for his message, "What are you chasing?" on Paul's words in I Timothy 6:6-19 for this Sunday, I thought about "Kori questions."
Would you rather....? 

• have oodles of cash or tons of friends? 
• be known as part of the popular, cool crowd or the kind, thoughtful individual?  
• be the one everyone turns to for the latest gossip or the one people turn to for an empathetic listener? 
• be the one known for outrageous pranks or generous good deeds? 
• be known for your quick wit and intelligence or your wise, gentle actions? 
• be known as hard-working and driven or playful and a rose aficionado?

In and of themselves some of these things aren't bad.  Brother Mick says, "I want to spend some time inviting us to reflect on our personal pursuits during the message time particularly as we prepare ourselves for sharing in the world communion event the following Sunday." 

Questions I pondered this week (and other weeks!) 

When life is so very difficult/hellish for someone, (e.g. child suffering the deaths of both parents, rape, war-torn lives, abuse, school shootings, earthquakes, hunger...), how does one best communicate God's love?  Does my saying, "You are loved by God" sometimes result in anger/hurt/frustration? There are times words sure don't seem like they have much meaning.  "For the Bible tells me so..." seems awfully flat to me in these situations. 

What do you think? Hmmmmm...... 

The senior high class will join the young adults for the second lesson in the Judah Smith study "Jesus Is____."  Brother John will be teaching. :) The Christian formation hour begins at 9 a.m., and the worship service is at 10:15 a.m. Everyone is welcome! 

Marcie will be joining a team from The Factory (http://thefactoryministries.com/wordpress/) at a national conference in Oklahoma City addressing poverty next week.  Sharing part of her story, Marcie will no doubt inspire hope and action.  I'm not sure I've ever met anyone so determined to get up again and keep trying after being "kicked in the teeth" time and time again. Those of us who are the "haves" could learn much from our "have not" sisters and brothers.  Those of us who are the "haves" should shut up (ok, I know I have to wash the dishes for saying, "shut up," but I'll take my medicine) and listen to the stories of the "have nots." Those of us who are the "haves" should have to walk in the shoes of the "have nots" for a month and gain understandings of the challenges. Ok, I'll get off my soapbox now.   

A "Walk for Hunger" is being held on Sunday, October 20 at the Salisbury Park. Monies will help support the food pac program for Pequea Valley School District.  Contact Char if you're interested. 

Thoughts of love and caring are going out to Tynea and Travis in the death of their grandpa this week.

Prayer for today:   For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is God's constant love toward humankind. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. Thank you! In you, Gentle God, is our hope and healing. Let us be aware of your Presence and Grace. Grant us wisdom in sharing your 

love be it in action or word.  As the Horst family grieves the loss of grandfather/father wrap them in your comforting light.  Thank you that Your grace and mercy are living water for our souls. 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

(PS For a closer look at the photos, click on them!) 

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 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