Howard-Miami Mennonite

  Church Newsletter

 

February 2010                                                                                                       Vol. 28   Issue 8

 Everything I ever wanted to learn about curling…

 During the first week of the Winter Olympics, I found myself lying on the couch, sick with the flu. The television was often on in the background, turned to a channel that was showing the Olympics.

In the evening hours, many Olympic events were shown for our viewing pleasure. In the afternoon and in the middle of the night, there wasn’t much variety. The main event was curling.

After four days of watching this Olympic event, I found curling to be fascinating. I learned the terminology, the stories of the members of the U.S. curling team, and most importantly, how curling is similar to our faith. Let me explain…

There are essentially three types of shots made during a curling game: the takeout, the draw, and the guard. These different types of throws are made in order be the closest to the center of the “house,” the circle that the players are aiming at. Whichever team has the closest stones to the center wins the point.

·         The first type of shot is the takeout. The takeout is thrown at rocks that are in the way. Basically, it “takes out” the other team’s stone.

·         The second type of shot is called the draw. The draw is thrown in a way that it ends up close to the center.

·         The third type of shot is called the guard. Guards are used to protect a stone that is close to the center. They are also used to set up the possibility of a draw, so the guard protects a future attempt at getting closest to the center of the house.

Our faith is a lot like curling. We are trying to get as close to being like Christ as possible. This is kind of like a player’s attempt to get close to the center of the house. We are striving to be as close to the Center – Jesus Christ – as we can.

In order to do this, we sometimes need to takeout things in our lives that prevent this. Maybe we need to change the way we use our time or our money. Maybe we need to change the things that occupy our thoughts. Maybe there are people in our lives who discourage us from growing in our faith. What is it that needs a takeout in your life?

Sometimes we need to simply draw close to Jesus. Spending time in God’s word, praying, listening to worship music, or participating in a group study are all ways that we draw close to Jesus. What helps you draw close to the Center, close to Jesus?

Guards are also needed in our lives to protect us. Maybe there are people or spiritual disciplines that help keep you from giving into temptations that take you away from the center. When I get afraid, I find that reciting Bible verses and praying bring me peace, and remind me that I have no reason to be fearful. What are the things that guard you?

It is very important for each curling team member to make the right kind of shot. However, the person making the shot is not the only one who matters. Curling takes teamwork. In every turn, someone throws the stone, someone stands at the house pointing out where to aim, and two others sweep the ice to help make the stone go where it needs to be. Much of the time, and especially in difficult situations, the team works together to decide what type of shot needs to be made.

A curling team is kind of like the church. As a church, we are all working together to become like Christ. We each take turns throwing the stone, trying to get as close to the center as possible. We need to help point out to each other where we are going, reminding people of our ultimate goal – to get as close to being like Christ as possible. We also need to help each other “sweep the ice” so that our attempts at becoming like Christ go farther with the help of others than on our own.

We need to stand up with each other in difficult situations, and help each other know when we need to guard against something in our lives, takeout negative things that prevent us from becoming like Christ, and draw close to the Center.

I don’t know about you, but I’m thankful to be part of a body of believers who are my “curling” team. We need to continue to work together as a team, so that we can all get as close to the Center – Jesus Christ – as possible. This will make us victorious!

Thanks for being on my “curling” team!

                                                          Always, Pastor Sarah

 

Mennonite Women

         February 4, 2010

 

Hilda greeted us with this thought:  “If you can’t sleep, don’t count sheep, talk to the Shepherd.”

Hilda read a “Thank you” message from the “Buddy Bag” program of Kokomo Urban Outreach and a message from the prison ministry.  The cookies were well received.  Some women (inmates) asked if it was okay to trade cookies.

Elsie Horner gave a report of a group of 16 medical hospital personnel from Noblesville who are in Haiti.  The conditions seem very bleak.  There are no phones and travel is mostly by foot.  They took supplies to treat 2000 persons and the first day 5000 showed up for treatment.  After supplies were exhausted, the medical group left at 3 a.m. for the Dominican Republic where they are waiting for a flight back to the U.S.  No flight schedules are being maintained. 

Prayer Shawl Ministry: 

1.  Fran Gingerich showed pictures of her great granddaughter before and after surgery, including one picture with the shawl we had sent her before her surgery.

2.  Gladys Mungai and Anna from Muncie’s Morning Star Church spent the day with us.  Gladys’ message to us was “Be prepared in and out of season” and “Be a Friend.”  She stated that her ministry is dependent on her church friends.  (No assistance from government agencies.  She had a request from Kenny, a young man who is very ill and constantly cold.  He asked for a warm comforter to be anointed before it was presented to him.  Together, we selected a wool comforter for Ken and spent time in prayer for him.  We also sent him a shawl from our Prayer Shawl Ministry.

In memory of Mildred Birkey, Lyl Beachey read from Ephesians 3 & 4.  We bring Holy Hands to Jesus in worship.  Working with our hands is another dimension of our love for God.  Working together with our hands helps us to bond together in love.  Mildred always helped us to work and bond together.  We miss her eager ways. 

The work of our hands today:

·         Two quilts are in frame being quilted. 

·         One comfort was knotted.

·         The packing committee packed two Haiti kits and 270 for future kits.  Bath towels and tooth brushes were in largest supply.

Hostesses Elsie Horner, Karen Kendall and Beulah Cobb served lunch to 19 women.

                        --Secretary, Beulah Cobb

 

Amigo

CENTRE

Sturgis, MI

 Mar. 19-21              Scrapbook Retreat

May 7-8                   Mother/Daughter Scrapbook Retreat

June 5                 Golf Scramble Fundraiser

June & July           Youth Summer Camps

September 17-19  MCC Bike Michiana

September 24-26  Scrapbook Retreat

October 15-17        Celebrate Amigo

November 5-7        Pastoral Leadership Team

For more information about any of these programs, you can visit their website at www.amigocentre.org or

contact Amigo at: info@amigocentre.org or call 269-651-2811.

Amigo Centre offers a variety of housing options.  Choosing between the hotel-style Retreat Center, West Shore Lodge or more rustic Cabins.  Amigo Centre also operates Amigo Park family campground and Mirror Valley Retreat.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Amigo Centre needs wax for crafts, including plain wax, old candles, crayons, etc.  You can place your items in the container in the Mennonite Women’s sewing room at the north end of the Fellowship Hall. 

Please save Campbell’s soup labels and Box Tops for Education labels.  Containers for soup labels and boxtops are located at the Information Center in the Fellowship Hall. 

 

From Amigo Centre:

 

Generous folks at Howard-Miami J!

 Sure have appreciated the way in which you folks have responded to the request for old candles and old crayons for candlemaking!

 It is a blessing that you folks have continued to collect and send us these items!  Your support has enabled us at Amigo to offer lots of candlemaking without needing to invest much money.  In December, I worked with a family group who thoroughly enjoyed being creative with their candlemaking.  Thanks for your part in the ministry at Amigo Centre!

            Shalom, 

            Cheryl K. Mast

            Coordinator of Outdoor Ed

 

 

Treasurers’ Update

  Income for February     

  Regular Offerings (through Feb. 21)    $12,659.55

     Total Receipts to date          $109,072.25

    Total Expenses to date         $106,416.14

    Budget to date                    $113,357.25

 Donations to Haiti Well project:  $4,776.45

Outstanding Roof and Window Balance   $3,415.55

Outstanding Furnace Repair Cost:        $1,590.78

 

 

MENNONITE MUTUAL AID ASSOCIATION

 “Going Green” Home Equity Loan

 Thinking of making energy-efficient improvements to your home?  Mennonite Financial Federal Credit Union has a home equity loan that can save you money if a portion of the loan is used for “green” improvements.  Visit www.mennonitefinancial.com to learn more.

                         --Linda Miller, MMA Advocate

 

 

MEN’S

BREAKFAST

 Saturday,

March 27  7 a.m.

Come and enjoy a good meal, a good message

and good fellowship!

  

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Vine

 March 7

Recruiting teachers for LCC International University, a four-year Christian liberal arts college in Lithuania, is becoming increasingly difficult due to the global recession and new migration laws. Pray for Robin Gingerich, director of LCC’s English language programs, and for a complete staff for the coming academic year.

March 14

Many college groups participate in DOOR (Discovering Opportunities for Outreach and Reflection) over spring break. Pray for growth through their experiences – both in the lives of the students and those they serve – and the application of this new understanding in their lives.

March 21

Mey Aruan and Nora Iwarat minister to Indonesian and Filipino domestic workers at Cheung Chau Christian Center in Hong Kong. Pray that these women may find strength and abundant life in God’s word.

March 28

Pray that God would open the minds and hearts of Mennonite Mission Network personnel in their commitment to become an anti-racist agency.

 

 Something to DWELL on

in March

 D.W.E.L.L. is

Dining on Wednesday Evenings for Long Life”

We continue to meet in the Fellowship Hall on Wednesday evenings at 6 p.m. through March 24 for an evening meal together with time for fellowship and visiting. 

After our meal, we share a time of “Dwelling in the Word;” a way to listen to God’s Word and let it soak into our beings. 

  

VOLUNTEERS IN ACTION

Thanks to all who volunteer their time and resources to help when needed.  Here are just a few of many ways in which we have helped each other and others in God’s family.

CSAC Pizza’s: (Feb. 7): Thanks to all who ordered pizzas for the Super Bowl.  The Student Aid Fund received $460 towards its program.

MYF Valentine Dinner (Feb. 14):  Fifty-three (53) diners enjoyed great entertainment and a good meal at this fundraising event.    

Knitting & Crocheting class  (Feb. 18):  Twelve people came for instruction and enjoyed it so much, they scheduled another class!

CATT’s tutoring:  Five students from Maconaquah School are being tutored each Tuesday afternoon by Diana Mishler, Edna Mast, John Simpson, Elizabeth Jones & Carolyn Williams.

Kokomo Urban Outreach:  The MYF helps monthly at Kokomo Urban Outreach by packing Buddy Bags. 

The Cattle Project:  MYF youth continue to help raise cattle to be donated to Kokomo Urban Outreach.  Others are helping by making donations and helping with fundraisers.  

College Care Boxes (Feb. 7)  Eleven boxes were filled with goodies and sent to college students.  Thanks to all who shared!  

Furnace Repairs: Many thanks to those who generously shared their time and labor to repair the furnace – especially Melvin Wagler and Don Horner.  

Snow Helpers:  Thanks to those who shoveled snow or used their snow plows to clean the church’s sidewalks and parking lot – several times!

Funeral Committee:  Family and friends appreciate the delicious meals the Funeral Committee prepares following funeral services.

DWELL:  Wednesday evenings you will find 30-40 people dwelling in the Word and sharing a meal.  

 

 RECIPE

The following dessert was shared at a recent carry-in meal much to the delight of all who enjoyed eating it!   Thanks to Pauline Rhine and Alma Bontrager for sharing the recipe with us!

 Pudding Delight

1 cup pecans                1 cup flour       1 stick butter

1 cup flaked coconut   1/3 cup brown sugar

Mix together and crumble mixture.  Put on cookie sheet and bake at 300 degrees for 35 minutes.  Stir occasionally while baking.  Cool.  Mix together two (2) packages instant vanilla pudding and three (3) cups milk (use 2% milk).  Fold in one (1) large container of Cool Whip.  Layer pudding and crumb mixture, ending with crumb mixture. 

 

 

 

The Greentown Community Choir Invites You to Sing

The Greentown Community Choir will be performing at the Community Good Friday Service on Friday, April 2,

at 7 p.m. 

 Visit www.greentowncommunitychoir.org  for more information or to register.

The Greentown Community Choir is a ministry of the Greentown Ministerial Association.

 

 

DAYLIGHT

SAVINGS TIME

changes on

Sunday, March 14

 Don’t forget to change your clocks!! J

Spring ahead!

 

MYF March Events

March 3, 6:45 p.m.Buddy Bags

March 7, 6-8 p.m. MYF Bible Study

March 14, 6-8 p.m. MYF Bible Study

March 21, 6-8 p.m. MYF Bible Study

March 28, 6-8 p.m.  Sunday Night Worship with JYF

Mark your calendars!

  March 26-27  Musical at EHS… Go and support our youth who are involved!

 

   April 30-May 1  MYF Lock-in/Service Event at First Mennonite, Indy with special guest, Jeremy Kempf, Mennonite Mission Network

 

 Junior Youth March Events

Beat the Winter Blues Night

Friday, March 12, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

We will enjoy some “summer” activities, a movie, and banana splits! Please bring a topping to share with everyone for the banana splits!

Sunday Night Worship

Sunday, March 28, 6-8 p.m.

Come for a joint worship service with the high school youth. We will have a time of worship, a lesson, group games, and a snack. Bring your friends!

 

 SUNDAY LUNCH

Here’s an opportunity you might want to take advantage of: 

 The owners and operators of Whiskey Creek Restaurant in Kokomo offer an opportunity for all area churches.

If you go Whiskey Creek for Sunday lunch or dinner, take a copy of our church bulletin to them and they will make a 10% donation of the cost of your meal to our church.

 

Summer Bible School

June 7-11

6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

 Bible School's coming, are you ready?!  Believe it or not, it's already time to start planning!

We're excited and looking forward to seeing you there! 

This year’s theme is

Meet God on the Mountain

 Bible stories of mystery, power, and truth will take kids on an exciting journey to the mountaintop, and help them experience God's presence in their lives. Through fun worship, lively music and drama, and creative Bible-focused activities they will learn to know, love, worship, respect, and serve our awesome God.

 This year’s SBS Committee is Mary Birkey, Sarah Schlegel, Jeanne DeAngulo, Kathy Cranor, Tami Buckmaster and Margaret Guest.

 

UPCOMING CALENDAR EVENTS

April 1        Mennonite Women sewing

April 1        Maundy Thursday Service 7 p.m.

April 2        Greentown Good Friday Service

                     7 pm, Eastern Performing Arts Center

April 4        Easter Services

                               7:30 a.m. Sunrise service

                               8:45 a.m. Breakfast

                               10 a.m. Worship Service

April 17      CSAC Breakfast 7-10 a.m.

April 25      Spring Congregational meeting and MYF fundraiser meal

April 25      Peace Scholarship presentation 5 p.m.

April 27      Howard-Miami Heritage Society 2 p.m.

May 10       Mother/Daughter supper 6 p.m.          

May 15       Annual Mission Auction 6 p.m.

June 7-11    Summer Bible School week

                  

 

Text Box:             2010 Worship Attendance                    Jan. 31      150                    Feb. 7       108                    Feb. 14     134                    Feb. 21     111                  2010 Yearly Average:            120

 

 

 

Women’s Ministry 2010

 

Ladies, here are opportunities for you to be involved and build relationships with your sisters in Christ during the year ahead.

 

Prayer Shawl Ministry – Will meet once a month on a Thursday evenings.  Meeting place and time will be announced.  Come join us even if you don’t know how to knit or crochet.

Mennonite Women – Meets on the first Thursday morning of each month.   Again, you don’t need to know how to quilt to attend these meetings.  Come learn how you can be used.

Women’s Bible Study – We will begin a six week series on Wednesdays, April 14 through May 19 and again beginning Weds., September 8 through October 13.  More details to come in March.

Annual Mother/Daughter Supper – Monday,  May 10, at 6:00 p.m.

 

Women of Faith Conference – “Over the Top” Friday, August 20 and Saturday, August 21 at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.  The group rate will be $89 for this full two day event (begins at 10 a.m. on Friday and concludes at 4 p.m. on Saturday), plus one night of hotel costs.  Sign up before April 25th if you are interested in attending.

 

3rd Annual Howard-Miami Ladies Retreat – Friday, November 5 and Saturday, November 6.  Save these dates on your calendar!  Cost will be $15/person.  More details to come.

 

ANNUAL MISSION AUCTION

Saturday, May 15

6 p.m.

 

Think about things you can contribute to sell and plan to come and buy!

 

THANKS

 

Thank you so much for all the goodies you sent in the box for Valentines Day.                        Maria Cranor

~~~~~~~~~~~~

I just wanted to thank everyone for the Valentine's Care Package! I really appreciate all of the delicious goodies and snacks, and especially the thought that went into making them. Thanks again and God bless!

                        Karisa Burkholder

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To my church family,

Thank you very much for the box of goodies.  The cookies are delicious.  I really appreciate it.                  Kendel Stites

 

 Note from Pastor Randy:

  While visiting with Jason Rotman recently at Logansport State Hospital, John Simpson and I were introduced to Larry Knight.  Larry would like to have some people send cards or write notes to him.  I am sure he will be happy to hear from you.

Hi!  I am Larry Knight.  I lived at the State Hospital in Madison, Indiana for 7 years.  I have been at Logansport State Hospital for about 3 ½ years.  I left 2 West about 2 weeks ago and now I am on 1 West.  There are more people here on this floor.  A friend, John Simpson, came to see me with Pastor Randy.  They visited Jason Rotman.  I would like to have some one else write if that is okay with all of you.  I do not have all kinds of people that write me so if you want to -- thanks for replying to my letter.  My address is:

       Larry Knight

       1098 S. St. Rd. 25

       Logansport IN  46947