|
Windows Into Zion is the monthly newsletter of Zion Mennonite Church. The publishers are Dorothy Hartman, Julie Hottinger, Fern Nisly, and Myrna Piper. Return to the Newsletter Archives. January / February 2004 Please note that calendar information and the Worship Schedule are located on the Calendar page.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Volume 9 |
Number 3 & 4
|
January/February 2004
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Peanut's philosophy A little quiz from Charles Schultz that makes an important point!
How did you do? Most of us realize that we soon forget the headliners of yesterday. The applause dies, the awards tarnish. Even the best in their fields can be easily forgotten. Here is another quiz:
The lesson is simple and clear: The people who make a difference in our lives are not the ones with the most credentials, fame, or money. They are the ones who care. Be that someone for others! |
Pathfinders' findings
--Joann Henderson The Pathfinders' Sunday School class has been studying the book Reinventing Aging by Shirley Yoder Brubaker with contributors that include Ann Bender, Pam Reese Comer, Melodie Davis, Evelyn Driver, Ken Hawkley, Suzanne Kennedy, Pearl Lantz, Barbara K. Reber, and Lonnie Yoder. The class has looked at the way we see and respond to aging in our families, society, and churches. Issues covered have included physical, mental, and emotional changes; financial decisions; discovering purpose in life; spiritual growth; wisdom; retirement; and death. Different class members have shared teaching. Several elders from our congregation were invited to share their experiences and wisdom with the class. Herman and Gladys Ropp shared the following:
J.P. and Retha Alger shared the following from Moments in Life by Susan Troyer:
Daffy definition: An expert is just a little spurt who has lost his job. In addition, the class members were invited to share what wisdom they have gained over the years. Here is some of their wisdom!
The 23rd Psalm-explained --submitted by Maude Lantz The Lord is my Shepherd . that's Relationship! I shall not want . that's supply! He maketh me to lie down in green pastures . that's rest! He leadeth me beside the still waters . that's refreshment! He restoreth my soul . that's healing! He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness . that's guidance! For His name sake . that's purpose! Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death . that's testing! I will fear no evil . that's protection! For thou art with me . that's faithfulness! Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me . that's discipline! Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies . that's hope! Thou annointest my head with oil . that's consecration! My cup runneth over . that's abundance! Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life . that's blessing! And I will dwell in the house of the Lord . that's security! Forever . that's eternity! |
|
New books in our church library |
CounterCulture --Valerie Showalter During my time in Albuquerque last year, I was a part of young adult Bible study that met regularly to worship and socialize. In the fall of my year there, Jenni Piper came out for a short visit and was fortunate enough to attend one of our services. Upon her return, and then later upon my return, we started chatting about starting something similar here in Harrisonburg. Following the theme from Albuquerque, we named our group CounterCulture and we meet each Tuesday night at Jenni's for supper and a Bible study/discussion. At the beginning of our time, we decided to read through A Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. We are almost finished with the readings, and have been discussing the future of our group. The first step that we made was to add another day where we meet over lunch in the cafeteria to pray over the EMU campus. Also, we are planning a game night on January 30 to invite a larger number of students. We encourage you to pray for our group as we try to sense what our calling is and as we continue to grow as a community. Please feel free to check out our website at www.countercultureburg.com to see our schedule. Worship and Music Forum! Date: Saturday, February 28, 2004 Time: 8:15 - 10:30 a.m. *Breakfast will be served from 8:15 -9:00 a.m. The forum will begin at 9:00 a.m. Location: Zion Mennonite Church Fellowship Hall For Whom: Music leaders, worship leaders, & anyone interested in the overall worship at Zion Mennonite Church! Purpose: To receive input, get feedback, and discuss music and worship at Zion Topics of Discussion and Presentations: Worship and Hospitality with Sara Neuenschwander and Susan Stoltzfus How do we create worship which speaks to the deepest needs of people and builds up the church as a body of Christ? Just Music - Just Words with Matt Hunsberger, Aaron & Laura Kauffman, and Katie Derstine In worship, language is neither unimportant, nor is it all-important. When selecting songs, litanies, and other texts for worship, choose texts according to the following criteria: Is it beautiful? Is it true? Does it move other worshippers to the same experience? Sing, listen to, and discuss this year's Laurelville experience. Worship and Music Survey Results Handouts will include guidelines for worship leaders and music leaders RSVP: Please plan to come join us to discuss worship and music at Zion! We welcome your input! You may RSVP by filling out the form in your church mailbox and placing it in the secretary's mailbox, emailing office@zionmennonitechurch.org, or calling the church (896-7577) to reserve a spot. We hope to see you there! Helping children in Vietnam --Susan Stoltzfus & Marci Myers This quarter in the Junior Sunday School Department we have chosen to collect money to help children in Vietnam through Ten Thousand Villages. Young children in Vietnam's rural mountain areas have little access to education. The few classrooms that exist are 30 years old with rice-straw roofs and few basic supplies. The money that we collect will help buy school supplies and tables for these Vietnamese children. Girls' night out --Audrey Shenk Women of Zion, do you need an evening to get away from it all? Do you have a craft project you never seem to find time for? On Monday, Feb. 16, take a break from your regular routine and come to the church at 7:00 for an evening of fun, food, and fellowship. Bring a project you'd like to work on or come and help someone else with theirs. Questions? Contact Audrey Shenk. Winter fun --Marci Myers On the afternoon of January 24, twenty-eight people from Zion rummaged through their drawers and found their long-lost swimming suits from last summer. After squeezing into their suits (some squeezed a little more than others!) these twenty-eight people headed to Westover Park for an afternoon of fun at the pool. After two hours of vigorous swimming and splashing these Girls'/Boys' Club members, sponsors and friends devoured nine pizzas, veggies, chips, homemade whoopee pies and soda. What a wonderful way to chase away the winter doldrums! A special thank you to each parent who pitched in to help!! The cruise --Emily Myers A couple of weeks ago my family (Daryl, Marci, Jessica, Kristen, and me) went on a cruise (including church members Ed, Lori, Becky, Sarah, and, Anna Gant) to celebrate my grandparent's 50th wedding anniversary. The first time we got on the ship we were so amazed at how wonderful it was, and unfortunately, we got lost because the boat was so big. But we asked one of the workers how to get back, and we did get back (of course). I'm sorry to admit it, but we all took it for granted. I seriously feel like I'm still on the ship. I still keep thinking that I probably am never going to see the Veendam (Our boat) again. It was so amazing. I would definitely pay to go on it again if I had the money because it's worth every penny. The three countries that we went to were The Cayman Islands, Jamaica, and Mexico. I really miss it all: our waiters (Gede and Hal, were Indonesian), the food, both of the pools, the theater, the two hot tubs by the pool, and how fancy the whole ship was. One of my favorite places to go was the netted in area on the top of the ship where you could kick a soccer ball and watch it look like it's going to go in the water, but it never does. It was a once in a life- time vacation, and I have to say that I cannot explain how exciting, amazing, fancy, and wonderful it was. I miss it so much. |
|
Hello from Radell in Bolivia --Radell Schrock How are things in the Shenandoah Valley? Are you knee deep in snow? I'm enjoying life and work here in the Andes Mountains of Moro Moro, Bolivia. Right now my work is primarily focused on land planning with the local families. We survey their land and soil with them and make detailed maps with the information. Then we meet with the families to discuss their dreams for the land and how they might work toward those goals. We help them plan out the first several years with suggestions on methods of reducing erosion, maintaining moisture, improving soil fertility, trying new crops or livestock, etc. It is fascinating work. I'm gradually learning Spanish better and getting accustomed to the way of life here. It's always a challenge of know how to best be an ambassador for Christ, but that's a challenge no matter what continent you're on. And God leads! A few things to keep in prayer:
Alisha in Birmingham --Alisha Risser I hope the New Year has been good for all of you. I can hardly believe that I have been in Birmingham for two months already! Our time here has started off slow, but is finally picking up. We run an after school program for the kids in our community three days a week. We also are involved in the church's youth group program called Kings Kids. I will be leading the teenagers in a Bible study weekly. Part of our ministry here is reaching out to the community that we are living in. We have started up a house church, where we invite our neighbors for some snacks, worship and bible study. We also get a lot of donated food, which we help distribute among homes in our housing project. The families are usually very thankful for any help they can get with food. It never ceases to amaze me how God is continually at work touching peoples lives and changing their hearts. I have learned so much already about the inner city lifestyle and culture here. Many of them have deep accents, but you will find they all have huge hearts. Thanks for keeping me in your prayers. I hope all is going well at Zion. Blessings to you all. From the Artemiev family in Russia Oleg reports that their family just returned from a visit to Irina's native town. He says, "We had a conference with 23 brothers. I taught them preaching class and had sermons in church every evening. It was a hard two weeks for me. Anton and Sasha studied in this class too. Last Sunday we visited the orphanage in Syktyvkar (190 children). We took cookies, oranges, lemonade and other stuff. In the first part we proclaimed the Good News and sang Christmas songs. After that we had a meal together with children and conversations about Christ. The children said they want to study the Bible. The director and staff were very willing to have the meeting. Now we have asked them to meet regularly. Please pray for that. I received the money from Zion Church. Please pass them a thank you and greet them. We remember you all and pray for you. Give to Zion the pictures, this information, and our greeting." Sincerely in Christ, Oleg, Irina, Anton, and Sasha. The pictures are posted on the bulletin board. |
Congratulations
Did you know? Sarah Bixler, Jenni Piper, and Amy Rush attended the Virginia Mennonite Conference youth workers retreat in Williamsburg January 23-24. Cup of coffee --Hospitality Committee Starting Sunday February 8, 2004, coffee will be available in the kitchen from 9:00 - 9:30. Donations will be accepted to help cover the cost. Cups with lids will be provided. You may bring your own mug, but we suggest one with a lid. If a spill occurs we ask that you let a hospitality member know about it. Eunice Kratz, Ron & Myrna Piper, Bob & Betty Lou Buckwalter, & Tim Schmoyer Women's retreat --Diane Emswiler Be sure and mark your calendar for the weekend of March 26-27. All women at Zion ages 15 and above are invited to come to the Wingate Inn in Winchester to spend time together. For more information, contact Diane Emswiler. |
|
Top ten reasons why Mennonites lack a tradition of football: 10) What good is a pigskin if it's not stuffed with sausage and potatoes? 9) We've had bad experiences with uniformed men running into our territory. 8) Players would keep stealing the coin before the toss. 7) All the kneeling and standing is a little too "high church." 6) Still unclear about our goals. 5) Too much touching on the backside. 4) Did away with the bench a long time ago. 3) Why stand around at halftime when there is work to be done? 2) Chinstraps make us look too much like Beachy Amish. 1) Not enough time in the huddle for everyone to share. Top ten ways the Old Testament would be different if written by Mennonites: 10) More genealogies. 9) Psalms arranged for 4-part harmony. 8) Potluck Passover. 7) Still 12 tribes, but 20 different churches. 6) Book of prophets ends with martyr stories. 5) Sacrificial laws replaced by hearty recipes (provisions made for burnt offerings). 4) No more song of Solomon. 3) Cities of refuge become suburbs. 2) Abraham doesn't plead for Sodom. 1) Pork is OK, but wine isn't! submitted by Velma Stauffer |
Home with Amy --Amy Shrock The busy holidays have come and gone, and a snowy winter has descended upon us in full force! I have been enjoying this calm lull of being indoors before springtime rolls around. Our family spent the week over Christmas in Ohio at my parents. It was the last Christmas we had together on the farm which I grew up on. My time there was very bittersweet for me, due to the fact my childhood memories will no longer be a tangible place I can visit. However, I am excited for my parents to retire, have more time for themselves and visit their out-of-state family members more often. I made a farm memories album for my Dad for a Christmas present; he loved it! I believe it was healing for me to put together the album, it gave me a sense of closure. My parents will be moving into a new house in early fall of this year. My Mom says she is looking forward to having time to put her first quilt together. Dad will now have time to tinker on his antique tractors he loves to restore. Take time to let your Valentines know how special they are to you: Happy Valentine's Day! Caramel Pecan Twists Makes 3-4 dozen Dough: 1 c. milk ½ c. margarine ½ c. sugar 1 tsp. salt Melt margarine in saucepan, add milk, salt and sugar. Scald (heat until hot, don't boil!) mixture, cool until lukewarm.( I speed up the process by throwing in a couple of ice cubes) 1 c. lukewarm water 2 packages yeast Mix together, let dissolve. Add: 2 eggs, beaten 1 Tbs. lemon juice 7 c. flour Let rise until double. Divide into 3 parts; roll out on floured surface. Spread with melted margarine, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Fold bottom up to middle, repeat with the top. Fold top again, bringing all the way down. Cut in strips and twist, lay 7-8 twists in caramel topping in pie pan. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes. Flip out of pan onto wax paper, let cool. Caramel Topping: 2/3 c. margarine ¼ c. light Karo syrup 1 ½ c. brown sugar 1 c. crushed pecans Boil margarine, Karo syrup, and brown sugar. Spoon a couple tablespoons into pie pan, sprinkle with pecans. (I make a double batch of topping) Broccoli Soup 2 stalks fresh broccoli, chopped 6 c. water 2/3 c. chopped onions 2 Tbs. butter 8 chicken bouillon cubes 8 oz. cooked fine noodles ½ tsp. garlic powder ¼ tsp. black pepper 1 lb. Velveeta cheese 6 c. milk 1 can undiluted cream of mushroom soup Cook broccoli in water and bouillon cubes. Saute onions in butter, add to cooked broccoli and water. Add mushroom soup and seasonings, stir in milk. Add cheese, cubed, stir to keep cheese from sticking to the bottom. Do not bring to a boil, soup will curdle. Add cooked noodles last. |
|
Birthdays Anniversaries Worship schedule |
Coming Up February 4 Cooking in a large pot meal at Zion 5:30-6:30 p.m. February 25 Ash Wednesday service with Lindale and Trissels Mennonite Churches - 7pm at Zion. February 28 Worship Forum - 8:15-10:30am at Zion March 13-14 Spiritual Renewal Weekend with Harvey Yoder March 26-27 Women's Retreat in Winchester April 11 Easter sunrise service and breakfast ??December's Who am I?? Monica Compagnari
Diann Beach and Sarah Miller-Piper correctly identified Monica. Sarah's name was drawn from the correct entries. She will receive the gift certificate to Dairy Queen. Congratulations Sarah! ??February's Who am I??
A prize from Dairy Queen will be given to a person who correctly identifies the mystery person. If more than one person is correct, the winner's name will be drawn from the correct entries. Only one prize will be awarded each month. Give your answer to Myrna Piper or email pipermr@aol.com by February 29. Family members of the mystery person are not eligible. Please place news items for the March issue in the Windows mailbox by February 29. You may also send your news by email to: pipermr@aol.com. We appreciate all your comments, ideas, and submissions! Dorothy Hartman, Julie Hottinger, Fern Nisly and Myrna Piper publish Windows Into Zion. |
 |
||||||
