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The Joyful Noiz is published monthly by Zion Mennonite Church. The editor is Jennifer Moyer. Contributors this month included: Yvonne Detweiler, Nancy Fridey, Lori Groff, Tim Groff, Sonya Stauffer Kurtz, Mike Landis, Laura Martin, Judy McVaugh, Eric Musselman. Stories and information for the newsletter can be submitted to Jennifer via email <jenn@zionmennonite.org> or left in the mailbox marked “Joyful Noiz” in the church office.

Next Deadline: November 12, 2017

What’s Happening?

Table of Plenty will be hosting a Thanksgiving Meal on November 23. If you would like to volunteer to help prepare or serve, contact the church office.

We were able to collect 20 units of blood. Thank you to all

who donated blood! Next blood drive will be April 25.

Save the Date!! The Children’s Christmas program will be held on December 17.

We are now collecting 2018 calendars, so we hope you can

continue this ministry. While it might seem men with long sentences would have little need for a day-by-day calendar, their lives--like ours--are measured by each new day. The calendars and devotional booklets are wonderful spiritual food for their difficult journey.

Interested in receiving “The Mennonite” magazine delivered

to your home? Contact the church office to get on the group subscription list.

Joyful Noiz November 2017

Pastor’s Page

Zion Mennonite Church ° www.zionmennonite.org 149 Cherry Lane ° Souderton, PA 18964 215-723-3592 ° Fax: 215-723-0573

Saying Thanks to the Saints Not long ago our family moved from one church home to another. As part of that move, our Rochester church family made us a lovely photo album which included notes and commentary that told us things they appreciated about us, commenting on meaningful ways our lives connected over the past twenty years. Roger and I joked that it is almost worth leaving in order to hear what you mean to people. Sometimes we wait to say “thank you” to people until we are asked to speak at their funeral service. As we celebrate All Saints Day and remember the saints of the church and those people who’ve gone on in the past year, why not take a minute to say “thank you” to a still-living saint while we have a chance? Here are some of the saints who blessed me over the years, in no particular order. Pastor Vernon Gerig, who preached each Sunday when I was a young child, whose sermons I do not remember. I do remember his soothing voice which went up and down in a gentle rhythm, and I still cherish a handmade shelf he and his wife gave us for a wedding gift, long after I’d left home and barely thought of him from day to day. I was blessed by Leola White, who packed me a special bagged lunch when I joined the women’s sewing circle on an interim pastor job. I have been blessed by my parents, who organized their lives around the church, discussed church and church events with vigor just about every Sunday of their lives and who prayed for us every day. When we went to plan for my dad’s funeral, the first thing

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...Pastor’s Page, continued from front cover.

I had to do was give the pastor the check my dad had already written out for the church the next Sunday. My family will probably not find me that organized! I have been blessed by friends who worship in different ways than me who challenge me to be open to new ways of seeing God. If you can think of any still-living saints in your life who’ve been a blessing, take a minute to say thanks for their encouragement. They quite possibly have no idea how they’ve blessed you. Encouragement spreads. Pass it forward!

Pastor Sonya Stauffer Kurtz

Save the Date Sunday, December 3 @ 6:00 p.m.

Zion's Christmas Celebration w ill kick off the holiday season this year! A night of music, crafts, food and fellowship for the whole family to ring in the Christmas season!

Volunteers are needed to make the night a success. If you can help with food, kid’s activities or the live nativity, contact Sam Brannon.

Singers wanted!! Always wanted to sing in the choir but don’t want

to make a full year commitment? Consider joining the choir for the Christmas Season. Rehearsals for Christmas material begins

November 1 at 7:15 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

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The nursery school families and teachers will again be taking part in the Souderton Holiday Parade on Saturday, December 2. We are asking for donations of Mini Candy Canes to hand out. They can be dropped off in the church office. Thank you for supporting our school, so we can do such great things.

Zion Fall Clean Up Workday Saturday November 11

8:00 a.m. to NOON Leaf and Flower Bed Cleanup

Rakes and Blowers are Welcome Break Snacks Provided

The Property Line

Nursery School News

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If your birthday or anniversary is incorrect or missing, please notify the office.

Birthdays 2 - Caleb Godshall 2 - Rod Kratz 3 - Debbie Nemec 5 - Murrey Alderfer 5 - Alice Dennison 7 - Wendy Levin 7 – Kyle Lotier 8 - Marie Moyer 10 - Phyllis DiRocco 10 - Joel Moyer 11 - Craig Gerhart 12 - Ruth Ann Moyer 12 - Azaria Reinoso 13 - Dave Moyer

14 - Pat Hagan 18 - Ken Keller 21 - Bekki Dibble 21 - Joshua Landis 25 - Harold Dorn 25 - Katelyn Mikulka 25 - Dick Shoemaker 27 - Bill Ruth 28 - Jim Musselman 28 - Kathleen Rider 29 - Brent Ziegler 30 - Brian Shoemaker

November Birthdays & Anniversaries

Anniversary 4 - Michael & Carrie Dennis

6 - Dennis & Jenny Worman

6 - Brad & Cheri Ziegler

7 - Aaron & Amber Ziegler

10 - Zach & Jacalyn Worman

10 - Glenn & Kathy Moyer

18 - Ted & Robin Landis

24 - Joseph & Martha Deng

25 - Clyde & Linda Moyer

30 - Bradd & Becky Yoder

Church Directory Updates

Debbie Ruth: 215-353-2502 Bill Ruth: 215-859-3270 Home phone has been disconnected.

Please remember to contact the church office with any changes to your address, phone or email address.

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October Church Board Highlights

2017 year to date giving totals through the end of September are $10,022 behind budget.

Associate Pastor Search Committee members Sonya Stauffer

Kurtz and Josh Landis briefed the Board on progress of the committee.

Board reviewed the security needs of the congregation and

nursery school. An ad hoc committee to make further recommendations about security was formed, including representatives from board, nursery school, technology, staff and property committee.

Board discussed the need for Zion EDC delegates to attend the

Fall Conference Assembly on November 3 and 4.

Tim Groff, Church Chair

The Gatherings News

The Gatherings have a different schedule for November.

Kid’s Club will be meeting at the MRC for a night of

service. MRC is located at 737 Hagey Center Drive. Parents bring your children at 6:45 p.m. and plan to stay and

have fun night while working together. Sr and Jr High Youth Group will also be working at the MRC that evening. There will be no fellowship meal or bible study that night

due to Election Day.

The Gatherings will resume on Tuesday, December 5.

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Children’s Books

A Gift for Little Tree by Colleen D.C. Marquez

A parable about adoption, this charming story tells of an apple tree who is unable to bear fruit—no matter how hard she tries—until a wise farmer finds a way. He grafts a bud onto Little Tree's limb, and in time she becomes the most colorful tree in the orchard. I’m Thankful for Each Day by P.K. Hallinan

Every facet of God's world provides a reason for a child to be thankful: from the glorious sunset to the beauty of the seashore, trees, and flowers. Give Please a Chance by Bill O’Reilly and James Patterson

From finding a lovable stray dog to needing a partner on a seesaw, from reading a bedtime story to really, really needing a cookie, Give Please a Chance depicts scenes and situations in which one small word can move mountains.

Adult Nonfiction

The Gospel Next Door: Following Jesus Right Where You Are by Marty Troyer

Learn to see God's work in your neighborhood, city, and the world and learn how to join it. With stories from his own city of Houston, Texas, author Marty Troyer introduces a theology of place that empowers us to truly see the work of God where we live, work, and play.

He Spends, She Spends: Why God Wants You to Live for Free by John Putman

Readers will discover and explore the plans that God has for you and your money and identify the sources, traps and barriers that we each battle in our financial lives. Then, through biblical wisdom and practical steps, you will begin to aim your hearts, your lives, and your resources toward God.

Mark: Believers Church Bible Commentary by Timothy Geddert

Geddert views Mark as a profound theologian and accomplished writer, not a mere compiler of traditions. Mark's text provokes careful reflection on its subtle and challenging message of hope and its call to faithfully follow Jesus on the way. Mark's Gospel speaks plainly, yet sometimes in riddles, of God as revealed in Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ, the Son of God.

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Library News Joyful Noiz November 2017 Page 13

Zion Youth Spotlight

Age: 6 Parents: Michael & Stephanie Helfr ich Grade/School: 1st grade at Franconia Elementary Activities at Zion: Kids Club, Wednesday Night Races, Vacation Bible School, Cherub Choir and Sunday School Activities outside of Zion: Tae Kwon Do Favorite Subject: recess Likes: playing with Lego's, playing with monster trucks and camping Favorite vacation spot: the Beach

Brayden Helfrich

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Zion Youth Spotlight

Mason Keller

Age: 16 Parents names: Kurt and Andrea Keller Grade/school: 11th grade at Dock Academy Activities you are involved in at Zion: Family and youth minister search committee , youth group usher Activities you are involved in outside of church: Sports: baseball - pitcher , work: landscaping & mowing Things you like to do for fun: classic cars; hunting Favorite vacation spot: mountains.

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Library News, continued from page 4.

Adult Fiction

Like Dandelion Dust by Karen Kingsbury

A powerful new novel about two parents' love for their child and the surprising lengths they will go to keep their family together when a judge rules that their adopted son must be returned to his biological father.

The Undoing of Saint Silvanus by Beth Moore

Only God knew why Jillian Slater agreed to return to New Orleans on the news that her father had finally drunk himself to death. Jillian walks into a web of spiritual and personal danger borne out of her family’s broken history, and only God himself can orchestrate the undoing of all that is going on at Saint Silvanus.

Laura Martin

What does it take for the Bean Bag Food Program to provide Hope and Opportunity

to children in the Souderton Area School District?

$39,000 to purchase food and supplies 4,758 boxes of raisins 1,792 quarts of milk 600+ volunteer hours 336 back packs 6 elementary schools Endless prayers and so much more! Thank you for your generous support of time and money! *based on October 2017 participation of 112 students

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Recipes Worth Sharing

Sara Lee Copy Cat Coffee Cake with a Twist

Ingredients: 1 box yellow cake mix ( I used a white cake mix) 1 small box of vanilla instant pudding 3/4 cup vegetable oil 3/4 cup water 4 eggs 1 tablespoon butter extract (didn't have this, the cake was great without it) 1 tablespoon vanilla 1/2 cup sugar 2 tablespoons cinnamon 4 ounces semi sweet chocolate chips Crumb Topping 1/2 cup butter, room temperature 1 cup granulated sugar 2/3 cup all purpose flour 1 teaspoon cinnamon Cream together the butter and the sugar. Add in the flour and cinnamon and mix until crumbly. Sprinkle over the batter. Directions: Preheat oven to 350*. Butter a 9 x 13 baking pan. Beat cake mix, pudding, water, eggs, and oil for 8 minutes at medium speed. Add butter extract, 4 oz chocolate chips and vanilla. Pour 1/2 of mixture in buttered 9 x 13 pan. Mix sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle 1/2 mixture over batter Spread rest of batter and rest of sugar mixture on top. Swirl knife through. Sprinkle the crumb topping over batter. Bake for about 45 minutes or until tested done.

Yvonne Detweiler

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Creatin Care Tidbits, continued from 10.

There are a couple of products on the market that can help greatly reduce the amount of fibers escaping into the environment. One is called “Guppy Friend” which was developed in Germany and available right now only through Patagonia. It is a special bag to put your synthetic clothing in that captures the fibers. They sell it at cost for $20. The other thing available right now is a permanent washing machine filter. Wexco's Filtrol 160. (septicsafe.com/washing-machine-filter) There is also a microfiber catcher ball from the Rozalia Project, but this is not available yet. Probably the best thing we can do for the environment is to buy fewer clothes but higher quality that will last longer, and wash them less often. Not every piece of clothing needs to be washed after one wearing. Less laundry means less water and power usage, less pollution and more time for you!

Nancy Fridey

Looking to Volunteer……

Ten Thousand Villages in Souderton is looking for volunteer help November and December. This is a great opportunity to learn about MCC and Ten Thousand Villages connections around the world, while helping out locally! Interests vary from marketing to pricing products, cleaning, greeting, and sales, maybe even learn a new skill! Email Souderton@tenthousandvillages.com or See Bonnie Moyer, the store manager, for details.

Love volunteering? Zion is in need of volunteers at the Care and

Share on the second Friday of the month. If you can donate some time, contact Karen Freed at 215-723-3838 or Suzanne Gunden at 215-723-0878.

The Bean Bag Project could use some packing volunteers on the 1st

Thursday of each month from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. If you could help, contact Donna Halteman at donnahalteman@gmail.com.

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Creatin Care Tidbits

FLEECE, FRIEND OR FOE ?

As the weather gets colder many of us, myself included, like to wear fleece jackets and clothing. It's warm, lightweight and soft; all good things. It's even advertised as environmentally friendly because it's made from recycled plastics. However, there is a darker side to fleece that you probably haven't heard about. Scientists are finding that every time you wash fleece or any synthetic material, it sheds thousands of microscopic fibers that are too small to be filtered through your washer and eventually end up in the ocean and lakes. Estimates are that 100,000 of these fibers can be released from a single jacket in each wash. These fibers are then eaten by the fish which end up on your dinner plate. Being that the fibers are plastic, they do not break down like more natural fibers would, and also contain harmful chemicals that are used in manufacturing. This is bad for aquatic life and human health alike. Patagonia, a California based company that sells sportswear, has done a lot of research on this subject to look for ways to try to mitigate the problem. There is a lot more research that needs to be done; however, here are their findings so far:

Shedding is less in a front load washer than a top loader.

Older fleece sheds more than newer; however, it is still better to keep your garments as long as possible rather than discarding them and buying new.

Avoid washing your garments any more than absolutely necessary, try spot cleaning first.

Look for more natural fabrics, although it's important to note there is no material that does not come with environmental and social costs—only trade-offs.

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Kid’s Korner

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Bible Mania Children’s Church

November 5 Enjoy Time in Worship Katie & Eric Musselman

November 12 Sherry & Ben Russell Erin & Andy Constanzer

November 19 Enjoy Time in Worship Lori Groff &

Dawn Repsher

November 26 Sherry & Ben Russell Susan & Brad Schanz

November Children’s Ministries

Sunday Morning Child Care

Infant & Toddler Nursery

Worship Service Sunday School

November 5 Sue High &

Terri Musselman Ashlen Godshall &

Eric Musselman

November 12 Laura & Matt Musselman Donna Halteman & Suzanne Gunden

November 19 Stephanie & Mike Helfrich Carrie & Mike Dennis

November 26 Tana & Dan Bencsik Trish & Mark Watkins

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Bible Mania Children’s Church

December 3 Sherry & Ben Russell Laura & Matt Musselman

December 10 Sherry & Ben Russell Erin & Andy Constanzer

December 17 Enjoy Time in Worship No Children’s Church

December 24

Enjoy Time in Worship

No Children’s Church

December 31 Enjoy Time in Worship Katie & Eric Musselman

December Children’s Ministries

Sunday Morning Child Care

Infant & Toddler Nursery

Worship Service Sunday School

December 3 Lori & Tim Groff Amy Cummings –Leight &

Wendy Levin

December 10 Katie & Eric Musselman Judy McVaugh &

Barb Schanz

December 17 Bekki & Nate Dibble No Sunday School

December 24 Betty Bergstresser &

Edie Landis No Sunday School

December 31 Nancy Detwiler &

Judy Francis Ashlen Godshall &

Eric Musselman