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DECEMBER 2018
SSUUNNDDAAYY,, DDEECCEEMMBBEERR 3300 –– 1100 AAMM AACCTTIIVVEE WWOORRSSHHIIPP
Join in assembling Relief Kits for distribution by MCC.
Supplies need to be purchased; anyone interested in contributing
to the costs of this project can note “RELIEF KITS” on their offering envelope
and place in the regular offering bags.
REMINDER: BEGIN CREATING for the 6633RRDD AANNNNUUAALL PPAA RREELLIIEEFF SSAALLEE
Friday-Saturday, April 5-6, 2019, at the Farm Show Building in Harrisburg, PA.
We are seeking crafts made from fabric, yarn, thread, wood, paper or your specialty medium to make and donate new quality crafts. We welcome soaps, candles, handmade jewelry. The sale is still several months away, but, as you know, well-made crafts take time to create. Drop offs: Anytime at Ephrata MCC Material Resources Center. Or bring to the Craft Stand during the sale. Or contact Janet for other arrangements.
Please call or email us your questions or comments. Remember: all proceeds benefit MCC.
Janet Runion Patton: 717-926-4008, [email protected]; Ruth Runion Slear: 717-533-9423, [email protected]
Why Advent?
As Christians we hold this word in high regard, because it is the arrival of Jesus to this Earth that is of great importance.
And the Angel said, “You are to name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 So Joseph was told in a dream what the name of Mary’s child would be, and its meaning. “Joshua” was a common enough Hebrew name, but given to the Son of God it had special force, for it declares, “His deliverance is The Lord”.
In worship we call upon the name of Jesus, for “there is no other name in all heaven or Earth for men to call upon by which to be saved”. Acts 4:12 Nothing is nebulous or vague about the salvation Jesus brings, for the Biblical word simply means deliverance. Are we held back by a wrong self-image, destructive behavior, an incorrect perspective on life or some other enemy? By His life, death and resurrection Jesus has freed us from all of these and above all, from the sin of self-worship that limits our fellowship with God now and in eternity.
All of this is made possible by that first Advent, where Jesus came to Earth and made a clear path for us to heaven. Thanks be to God!!!
~Pastor Mark
Nov 25 Thanks Dec 2 HOPE - Pastor Keith Dec 9 LOVE - Pastor Mark Dec 16 PEACE - Pastor Mark Dec 23 JOY - Ryan Long Dec 24 Special Christmas Eve Service LIGHT Dec 30
Advent - ad·vent /ˈadˌvent/ The arrival of a notable person, thing, or event.
Jesus, the Greek name is a form of the Hebrew, Yeshua
orJoshua.
The Mennonite Children’s Choir of Lancaster (MCCL) invites you to ring in Christmas with them & guest artist Philadelphia Bronze handbell ensemble: TH, Nov 29 7 pm Neffsville Mennonite Church, Lancaster SA, Dec 1 3 pm First Presbyterian Church, Lancaster SU, Dec 2 4 pm Highland Presbyterian Church, Lancaster The mission of MCCL is “training children & youth to glorify Jesus Christ through excellent choral singing”. This program of Lancaster Mennonite School is open to the community. See www.mennonitechildrenschoir.org
“We don’t know what to do but our eyes are on you.”
(II Chronicles 20:12b)
King Jehosophat was outnumbered by his enemies. He set himself to seek the Lord and proclaimed a fast. The men of Judah stood before the Lord to seek his help. God told them not to be afraid because the battle was not theirs, but God’s. God offers us rest in the midst of distress, an inner rest that comes when we entrust whatever is troubling or overwhelming us to him. In his book, Prayers of a God Chaser, Tommy Tenney says, “God often seems to meet us at the point of our desperation, our passion and our hunger.” As we enter the Advent Season, let’s remember that Jesus came to this earth to rescue us from our sins and to show us the way to live a victorious life. May our eyes be on Him and may we hunger for a deeper relationship with our Heavenly Father.
Carol Zimmerman
Prayer Coordinator
NOV 28 – JR HIGH YOUTH GROUP (7 PM) SR HIGH YOUTH GROUP (7 PM) PRAYER GATHERING (7 PM) DEC 1 – ESL IN YOUR CHURCH 101 (8AM-5 PM) AT STUMPTOWN; INCLUDES LUNCH DEC 2 – FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT DEC 3 – CHRISTMAS CHOIR PRACTICE (7 PM) DEC 5 - SR HIGH YOUTH GROUP (7 PM) DEC 7 - CHRISTMAS CAROLING DOWNTOWN LANCASTER (SIGN-UP IN LOBBY) DEC 10 - CHRISTMAS CHOIR PRACTICE (7 PM) DEC 11 - SEWING CIRCLE DEC 12 - JR HIGH YOUTH GROUP (7 PM) SR HIGH YOUTH GROUP (7 PM) PRAYER GATHERING (7 PM) DEC 14 - CHURCH-WIDE CHRISTMAS CAROLING DEC 17 - CHRISTMAS CHOIR PRACTICE (7 PM) DEC 18 - MEETING OF CHURCH COUNCIL (7 PM) DEC 19 - SR HIGH YOUTH GROUP (7 PM) DEC 23 - CHRISTMAS CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST (9-9:45 AM) CHRISTMAS WORSHIP SERVICE (10 AM) DEC 24 - CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE (7 PM) DEC 26 - JR HIGH YOUTH GROUP (7 PM) SR HIGH YOUTH GROUP (7 PM) PRAYER GATHERING (7 PM) DEC 30 - ACTIVE WORSHIP - ASSEMBLING RELIEF KITS COMMUNITY HYMN SING (7 PM)
CURRENTLY-DEC 29 – PA GERMAN FOLK ART SALE (8:30 am-4:30 pm) – Traditional Ceramics, fiber arts, wood work, ornaments,
fraktur, scherenschnitte, etc. at Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society, 2215 Millstream Rd, Lancaster. Contact: 717-393-9745. OPENING RECEPTION: Fri, Nov 16 – 6:30-8 pm.
NOV 24, DEC 1, 8, 15 – LION, WITCH & WARDROBE at Lancaster Bible College – see lbc.edu/events. NOV 29 – BOOK LAUNCH “THE BIRD-IN-HAND STORY” (7 pm) at Smucker Room, Bird-in-Hand Restaurant. Enter at the stage entrance.
Book launch attendees will receive free access to the dessert bar & beverages beginning at 6:30 pm. Complimentary pie given for each book purchased during the event.
NOV 30 (7 PM), DEC 1 (2 PM, 7 PM) – ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CONCERT: REFLECTIONS ON MESSIAH at Lancaster Bible College – see lbc.edu/events.
DEC 1 - SINGING LIGHT: A WALKING ROOTS BAND CHRISTMAS BENEFIT CONCERT (7 pm) at Clemens Theater (Dock Mennonite Academy, 1000 Forty Foot Rd, Lansdale PA) Refreshments to follow. This Christmas music benefit concert will support MCC’s development efforts around the world. For example, in Bangladesh, MCC partner Pobitra is helping hundreds of women move out of the sex industry by offering a safe haven to learn job skills—truly singing light into darkness. Seats will be reserved first for those who wish to participate as concert sponsors. Remaining seats will be assigned via “bids” (gift offers) through the silent auction. Reserve your seats by November 12!
DEC 2 – FRANKLIN & MARSHALL COLLEGE JAZZ BAND (4 pm) at Trinity Lutheran Church (31 S Duke St, Lancaster). DEC 6-8 - CHRISTMAS CANDLELIGHT TOURS—Experience the holiday season at the 1719 Herr House & Museum this fall. Candlelight
Tours Dec 6-7 (6-8 pm), and Dec 8 (5-8:40 pm). This year focuses on the history of printing. For registration, and to learn more, go to hansherr.org, or call (717) 464-4438.
DEC 7-8, 14-15 – JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM – Experience the Christmas story as you travel the trails of Woodcrest. (Fri 6-8:30 pm, Sat 5-8 pm) “Taxes Due:” $10/adult, $5 children 4-16, Free under 4 ($40 immediate family maximum). Remember: dress warmly as all activities are out-of-doors. There is moderate amount of walking on uneven terrain & water resistant shoes are suggested. Cannot accommodate baby strollers or persons needing walking assistance.
DEC 9 – CHRISTMAS HYMN SING in Black Rock Retreat’s Maranatha Retreat Center lobby. Refreshments at 3 pm, Hymn Sing at 3:15-4:45 pm. Song Leader: Bob Meck. Featuring Crescendo Community Choir. No reservations; free-will offering taken. DINNER OPTION at 5 pm - $17/person (reservations required at 800-858-9299.
DEC 9 – 11TH ANNUAL VOICES OF HOPE 2018 HOLIDAY FESTIVAL (refreshments at 6 pm; concert at 7 pm) at The Trust Performing Arts Center (37 N. Market St., Lancaster, PA) - In this final performance, Madeline Bender will be joined by Timothy Long, co-founder, emcee and pianist, as well as a few friends from around the opera world. Together we'll celebrate the season with some of your holiday favorites. The Voices of Hope concert has raised over $250K since its inception. Tickets sell out fast, so get yours today! Your attendance will improve the lives of children around the world through MCC's education programs!
DEC 20 – CHRISTMAS HYMN SING (7 pm) in Woodcrest Retreat’s newly-renovated Indian Rock Center. Hot drinks provided; bring some cookies to share. Freewill offering will benefit purchase of summer camp Bible curriculum.
JAN 26 - EXPERIENCE A MORROCCAN MEAL (5 pm) at SMC fellowship hall. This fundraising meal benefits Andres Prins, EMM Christian-Muslim Relations Team. RSVP at 717-283-4147.
APRIL 5-6, 2019 – 63RD ANNUAL MCC PA RELIEF SALE at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, PA.
THE NEWEST SMC COOKBOOK IS AVAILABLE IN THE CHURCH LOBBY FOR $15.
MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO STUMPTOWN MENNONITE WITH “COOKBOOK”
IN MEMO LINE. BENEFITS RESETTLEMENT FUND.
SEWING CIRCLE
Report for: November 13, 2018
Attendance: 21
Finished articles: 9 Small comforters 2 Large Comforters 38 Layette Bundles 61 diapers
~Submitted by Audrey Eby
Forest Hills Mennonite Church (an MCUSA congregation, Leola, PA) seeks an Administrator. Responsibilities include office management, congregational and community communications, assisting pastoral staff, light bookkeeping, facilities oversight, and acting as office receptionist. Successful candidates will be internally motivated and possess strong organization, communication, hospitality, and interpersonal skills and a faith commitment consistent with the Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective. Interested candidates should submit cover letter and résumé to [email protected]. Start date January 2019. 30 – 40 hours per week; compensation commensurate with experience.
OPPORTUNITIES WITH CVCCS CONESTOGA VALLEY CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY SERVICES:
Donate Gently Used Christmas Decorations Consider CVCCS for gently-used Christmas lights/decorations/ornaments/etc no longer use. Contact Angela 717-208-3711, ext. 102.
Food Bank – Canned vegetables: diced tomatoes, peas, corn, potatoes Canned soup (not vegetable) Canned fruits (peaches & mixed) Stuffing Mix Egg Noodles Hamburger Helper Pancake mix and syrup Casserole Ministry – Enjoy cooking? Help make casseroles, soups, cookies, et for our foodbank clients. Individuals and groups welcome! Contact: Deb at 717-208-3711, ext. 103. Craft Supplies Needed -- Do you have Christmas craft supplies laying around your house? Red, white, green, gold, silver yarn/ribbon, popsicle sticks, cinnamon sticks, pompoms, etc. will be used to make festive Christmas ornaments. Monetary donations also accepted.
FIVE FRIENDSHIP COMMUNITY RESIDENTS experienced loss from a fire.
Thankfully, all are safe. Your prayers are appreciated! Donations can be made at
www.friendshipcommunity.net.
FROM THE WARFELS:
Dear friends at Stumptown,
Thank you once again for your partnership in our ministry with Wycliffe. We are thankful to the Lord for the opportunities he has given us to be involved in word-collection workshops and the publishing of dictionaries for the support of Bible translation and literacy in languages around the world.
Just recently we heard from the Djimini team in Côte D’Ivoire, where Kevin led a workshop in July 2017, that the work on the dictionary has benefited speakers of a different dialect of Djimini in reading the Scriptures in the Djimini dialect that was chosen for translation. This was an encouraging piece of news!
In our recent newsletter we mentioned several transitions for our family. On a recent trip to Illinois we saw how well Anita’s mom is adjusting to living with Anita’s brother, John. We are thankful for the availability of caregivers who help her with challenging parts of her daily routine.
Evan struggled through his final year in pursuit of his Computer Engineering degree, but he succeeded in the end. He moved back home from college but has not yet found work in the IT field. Entry-level jobs seem to be in short supply, at least in this area, so he is currently working part-time as a cook at Moe’s Original BBQ in Waxhaw. He is also building a web-based database for Kevin, under the guidance of an IT professional from our church, in order to gain more experience.
Rachelle has moved all her belongings to our home from Texas but still has a connection with the hospital in Longview where she continues to hold a position as an ER nurse. She was granted an extended leave from work the end of August, which enabled her to take a 6-week mission trip to Thailand for medical work. She returned on October 12th and has many good stories regarding the beauty of the region, the friendliness of the people, and the challenges of hiking to a remote clinic and serving there.
Angela is working full-time at a boarding school for middle-school-aged boys in South Carolina where she is using knowledge gained from her studies in Counseling Psychology. She is doing well, in spite of the inevitable challenges that come her way.
The Lord has been enabling us to help teams in various countries with software tools. The linguistic analysis done by the teams helps them to do more accurate Scripture translation. The dictionaries serve as references for translation and education in the local communities, for both children and adults.
There are no specific dates set for the next dictionary workshop. Only one was held this year—for the Crow nation in Montana in July. Pray for the scheduling and planning for those teams who have expressed interest in these workshops.
Thank the Lord that neither of the hurricanes—Florence (September 14-16) and Michael (October 11)—damaged our house. There was wind and rain both times, but we never lost power.
Serving others, with the love of Jesus,
Kevin & Anita Warfel
