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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. May 2004 Please note that calendar information and the Worship Schedule are located on the Calendar page.
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| Volume 9 |
Number 7
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May 2004
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Blossoms in Springtime --Kay Long So barren and bleak through the winter. The victims of freezing and storm; frail branches reach prayerfully upward And wait for new buds to take form. Each tenuous shoot pushes boldly Destroying the walls of its tomb. New life shall explode from its prison And suddenly burst into bloom. The born-again blossoms in springtime- Wild seeds sprouting up through the sod Will display through magnificent beauty The splendid creation of God. Submitted by Judy Nafziger |
Eight things I've learned about being a mommy --Dawn Mast Before I had children I envisioned a mother as a woman with spit up on her clothes, hair that had been apparently brushed with an eggbeater and several crying children in tow. While some of that image may be true there is something deeper about being called "mom" that I have discovered now that I have journeyed into motherhood myself. Even though there are days when I can't remember my name (my real name. Not the Mommy one) or the last time I brushed my teeth, the majority of the time I feel I'm exactly where God wants me and that motherhood is not just a job, but truly is an adventure. Even though I am still on this motherhood journey I have made some observations about my title of "Mommy" and I'll share what I've gleaned so far: 1) I am amazed by what I can do physically. Just the other day I found myself drying my hair (not with an electric dryer either but the "Amish" kind where you run your hands through your damp hair and fling your hand up and down and side to side until you've achieved the "egg beater" style), emptying the dishwasher and holding a baby while he nursed. I figure if the circus is ever in need of a new act I might be able to help them out. 2) Being a mom has definitely increased my prayer life. There's a little boy in our house (who shall remain nameless) who decided to play in the desk drawer when he was two-years old. When I discovered him and inquired about what he was doing he clenched his jaw tightly and cast his eyes downward. When I asked if he had something in his mouth he gave me an affirmative headshake as he slowly pointed to a tray of thumbtacks! Ah yes...my prayer life grows by leaps and bounds during those moments! 3) All of God's creatures are important. I really can't imagine what natural wonders I'd miss if I didn't have children. I probably wouldn't stop to look at a worm or admire fireflies on a warm summer evening if my boys didn't point these sights out to me on a regular basis. And more than once during meal times we've been reminded to pray for the dead ladybug, the spiders on the porch or the family dog. 4) Forgiveness is critical. Forgiving and forgetting is not my forte. Still, Jesus calls us to do just that when dealing with those who have hurt us. I'm so amazed when I hear my boys say that they forgive me when I make a mistake or treat them unfairly. It shows me that forgiveness is necessary for healing and possible for me to give as well as receive 5) Whining and dining are an important part of life. Before we had children, Mark and I did not have set mealtimes and really no menu. We'd sometimes eat cereal or even sandwiches for dinner at 9:00 in the evening. I envied people with children because it seemed like they had a nice little schedule and exciting meals each night. Sure enough, once we had children we found ourselves falling into that same pattern and liking the stability it brought to our mealtimes. 6) Sleep is optional. I'm baffled by the fact that in college I could sometimes only get 4-5 hours of sleep and still function the next day, but now that doesn't work for me. Being a mom on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week means that I may need to sacrifice sleep, but it's for a cause even better than term papers or exams. I'm also finding a lot of value in the afternoon nap or at least a strong cup of coffee! 7) Cleanliness is not necessarily next to godliness. Having children around means the house may not always look picture perfect. I'm suspicious of advertisements that show a family of five complete with a dog and a cat (who get along perfectly by the way) and the house is spotless. Quite honestly I hate messes! But I'm learning to let go of some of my perfectionist tendencies and focus on my children and the joy they give me. I figure most days the house is going to look like Toys-backwards R-Us exploded anyway so I should just get used to it. When the children have all moved out I'll have plenty of time to clean, and work on their scrapbooks, and trim the front bushes and... 8) Jesus meant it when He said, "Let the little children come to me". Most importantly I believe God has shown Himself to me through my children. As I watch these little people grow I'm reminded that no matter how tired and frazzled I may feel at times, I am to model love, patience, peace, forgiveness, a light heart and selflessness so they will see Christ in me. That is truly the blessing, and challenge, of being called "mom". About Moms... The following are different answers given by school-age children to the following questions: Why did God make mothers?
How did God make mothers?
What ingredients are mothers made of?
What kind of little girl was your mom?
How did your mom meet your dad?
What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?
Why did your mom marry your dad?
Who's the boss at your house?
What's the difference between moms and dads?
What does your mom do in her spare time?
What's the difference between moms and grandmas?
Describe the world's greatest mom.
Is anything about your mom perfect?
What would it take to make your mom perfect?
If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?
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Update from the facilities committee --Carlene Lantz The Facilities Committee would like to report the results from the February 29th congregational vote on the latest overall building concept. There was a 90% approval vote for the proposal of the new fellowship hall being built next to the East side of the church. Comments that were written on the ballots were appreciated and discussed among the committee. It was decided by the committee to seek advice from the CLT as to how to respond to the comments. Clyde Kratz met briefly with the committee in March to offer some advice on organization. It was decided that minutes will be recorded by a secretary after each meeting and forwarded on to the CLT. The current new facility plan is designed with a patio space between the existing sanctuary and the new building. Conversations are still ongoing as to whether it would be better to build against the current structure or to leave the space open. There are many pro and cons to both options such as lighting, ventilation, additional inside space, and maintenance and upkeep. This issue will be pursued further with the architect for more factual information. Members of the facilities committee will continue to meet with other committees within the church who are potentially affected by the new facility to discuss its effects on their programs. A Kitchen Committee has been formed by the CLT to help plan a kitchen facility for the new fellowship hall. The committee members are Eunice Kratz, Sharon Showalter, Caroline Detwiler, Marv Nisly, and Carlene Lantz. They began meeting in April and are working at discerning the kitchen needs of the new fellowship hall. MYF news --Rachel Nafziger On Saturday, March 13, some of the Zion youth got to go to a peace conference held at EMU. It was an all day affair, going from 1 in the afternoon to 1 in the morning! To start out, we had a talk by the speaker, John Roth. He explained how God was a loving God and how war is not the answer to problems. After that we went to two sessions that we had signed up for beforehand, and finished up the afternoon with a final meeting with Mr. Roth. It was very interesting, and I know I learned many things from the talks! Basically, the underlying issue that many people do not know about peace is that there is always a way around war, always a "third option"- also, being a pacifist doesn't mean just watching as bad things happen in the world. Mr. Roth used an example showing this; he told a true story where he walked into a restaurant, and saw three teenagers beating up a mentally handicapped man. His reaction was what most of us would do in this scenario; fight or flight. "Flight", or fleeing, was such an easy solution. He'd never have to get involved, and hey, this'd make a good story at some time! Fighting is what those hero's in the movies always seem to do, and has made America think that anyone who doesn't fight for rights is a coward; however wasn't there an alternative option? He explained how preventing war is really all in using your imagination. In this case, led by God it seems, Mr. Roth went up to the abused man, acted like he knew him, and started asking him how his day was, the whole time pulling him away from the teenagers. It actually worked!! This is a very prime example of alternative action. Though the sessions were very thoughtful, we did not only discuss the issues; we also had a very fun night doing recreation. After eating at EMU we played games in the game room and many of us climbed the rock wall and some of us played two hours of soccer with other church groups who were there. At 10 PM we headed to the bowling alley, finally ending our full day at 1 AM. The peace conference was a great time to spend with MYF, meeting new people, and learning new things about being a conscientious objector. I'm glad I went, and I'd definitely recommend it! Bolivia news --Radell Schrock Is spring in full swing in the Shenandoah Valley? Life and work are going fine here, although I just got over a short bout with dengue. It's a disease you get from mosquitoes. It gives you a bad fever, headache, sore muscles and joints, and a rash for four or five days and then it's over. I feel perfectly fine now. Everyday continues to be an adventure and learning experience. The weather is turning colder. I have been working mainly with the local beekeepers lately. They are in the middle of harvesting their honey, and it looks like it was a good year for the bees. There has been a lot of local interest in buying the honey, and the added income will help the families. I'm planning to teach science at EMHS again this fall. I'm really looking forward to returning to the Shenandoah Valley, Zion and EMHS. I should be back in Harrisonburg the beginning of August. Continue to pray for wisdom for me in understanding the local farmers and serving them, and also pray for my health and safety. Romans 15:13 |
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Congratulations to our graduates! Blue Ridge Community College
Eastern Mennonite University
Eastern Mennonite Seminary
Hesston College
Messiah College
Zion's high school graduates: My summer plans are to mainly work as much as I can and try to save some money, and do a lot of camping and fishing. Then next fall I plan to return to Massanutten Technical Center and finish my second year of Criminal Justice. Then go to Blue Ridge Community College and take that as my major for two more years. Then hopefully I'll be hired as a Virginia Game Warden. I'd also like to thank the congregation for helping out with my freshman year at EMHS and standing behind me and the rest of the youth as we grew up in the church. Stuart Fairweather In June, I will be traveling with the EMHS Touring Choir to China. The day I return I will be headed out to Highland Retreat for my fourth summer of service there. This year I will be a Wilderness Counselor. In the Fall I will be attending Wisconsin Wilderness Campus. This branch off of Philadelphia Biblical University is located in Cable, Northern Wisconsin. Among about 35 other students I will be studying the Bible, Environmental Science, Cross Country Skiing, and oh so fortunately going on my second trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. I want to thank the Zion congregation for funding my EMHS tuition. Going to EMHS has shaped me into who I am today, taught me about my heritage, and has nurtured my spirituality. I am looking forward to attending WWC next year and hopefully being the only Mennonite. I will enjoy sharing my views of pacifism, and my growing need to serve others, both of which came from attending EMHS. Without the congregation's help I would not be where I am today. I thank you over and over again. Please feel free to shower me with emails, letters, and presents to remind me of the beautiful Shenandoah Valley while I freeze to death in the snow. Peace. Robin Fletcher Senior year is coming to an end, finally! It has been a long time of waiting. After Broadway Graduation at the JMU Convocation Center on June 12th at 2:30 (everyone come!), I plan on relaxing and sleeping in! I'll continue working part-time at Mystic Video in Broadway and will be doing some odd jobs around the house to earn some money for college. As far as trips are concerned, a group of friends and I are planning on traveling to the Outer Banks for a week, I will be attending the MYF trips to Kentucky and Washington D.C., and whatever else comes my way. In the fall, I'll be attending James Madison University. I'd just like to express my appreciation to the whole Zion congregation. I have been so lucky to grow up in a church family as loving and caring as Zion. I ask for your support and prayers in the years to come. A thank you also goes especially to the youth group and sponsors. Sarah, Jenni, Amy, you all have been wonderful. Your care and concern have not been unrecognized. Anna Henderson In case you don't know me, I have been attending Zion for a while with Anna Henderson. I'm a senior at Broadway High School and played on the football team. I also live near Singers Glen. This summer, right after graduation, I will be heading out West with my family. We will be going through Ohio to see my brother, out to Washington to see my sister while stopping on the way to see all the sites, and come home through the Midwest through Nebraska and Oklahoma. We'll get back around the 8th of July. On the 10th of July, I'll be going to the Outer Banks for a week. Later in July, I'll participate in going to Kentucky with the MYF. I also plan on going to Bristol, Tennessee with Anna and my grandparents. I'll also be going to D.C. with the youth group. This fall I will attend James Madison University where I plan to major in business or finance. I would like to thank the Zion congregation for welcoming me into your church. It's been nice getting to meet and know all of you. Joe Jones I want to work full-time at Fairfield Language Technologies this year to save up money for college and work on music. Then I plan to go to college, hopefully, the next year. Jason Lantz After graduation I am looking forward to traveling with Touring Choir to China during the month of June. MYF trips, a family reunion, and family vacations are a few of the things I have planned for the month of July. Beginning in August, I will be serving with Service Adventure located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. My assignment includes working with elementary aged students in a primarily Hispanic neighborhood. In reflecting upon my high school years, I recognize more and more what an important, positive influence the Zion members have had on me. Thank you for the many opportunities you have provided for me, encouraging me in my walk of faith. I'm really looking forward to the future and would like to thank you, as a congregation for your continued support. A special thanks to Sarah Bixler and Katie Goins for everything you've done for me. Laura Lehman First off next year I plan on going to Hesston College in Hesston, Kansas, taking classes to be an English, literature and writing major, with plans on becoming a novelist. In my years at Zion I've had some pretty good times. Mostly with regard to the youth group, the service trips, to Baltimore and general work that we've done in the community. The fun had at Nashville and Atlanta, getting to know other MYFers better. Keeping the Jr MYF's Blue chair in the sound booth for nearly seven months. There are lots of people I'd like to thank but I'm afraid that I might leave someone out, the list is that long, for making my experience a positive one. Jesse Morris After graduation from TA I'll be working in construction this summer, earning money for fall enrollment at JMU. Thank you Zion for supporting me in your prayers and being my church family these last 18 years. As I begin this next step, I'd appreciate your continued prayers and support and friendship. Michael Snader My senior year at EMHS has been a blur of activity and mixed feelings. I will leave Zion, EMHS, and my family to move on. Zion continues to be a meaningful place of worship and home to many friends as well as a supportive catalyst. This summer I look forward to traveling to China with Touring Choir for the month of June. After returning I will head off to our family vacation and a few other short trips are planned as well but I will be working until mid August when I travel to Hesston College. Nathaniel Yoder |
Congratulations!
Welcome to our new members Dale and Rebecca Hess. Thanks! to the Bible School committee Jim (chair) and Amy Shrock, Tony and Steph Resto, Doug and Kathy Alderfer and Clyde Kratz! Your enthusiasm is contagious! |
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Math Trick Here is a math trick so unbelievable that it will stump you! 1. Grab a calculator. 2. Key in the first three digits of your phone number (not the area code) 3. Multiply by 80 4. Add 1 5. Multiply by 250 6. Add the last 4 digits of your phone number 7. Add the last 4 digits of your phone number again 8. Subtract 250 9. Divide the number by 2 Do you recognize the answer? |
Home with Amy Amy Shrock Take time out of your busy schedule to enjoy spring in full swing! The other morning, Abbi and I were watching a fat robin pulling a worm out of the ground. We were in awe of her ability to do so. As we were enjoying the robin, a large brown rabbit hopped into sight, and began snipping off the dandelions in the yard, chewing and enjoying her breakfast. It was one of those God-given moments to explain his creation. The next two months are going to be very busy! Planting flowers, edging and mulching flowerbeds, planting a garden at the Algers, and getting ready for VBS. On the weekend of the 16th, we will travel to Ohio for the weekend. My parents are building a house, and Jimmy will be shingling their roof. We also have a birthday party planned for my mom, who is turning 60. My brother Jonnie and his team will be in town, giving three concerts, so we will enjoy one of them. He is touring with Carpenters Tools, an organization based in Wilmar, Minnesota. He has been traveling all over the USA for a year, sharing about Jesus in song and testimony, encouraging others to sign up for summer teams to spread God's Love to others. May is full of birthdays, including Chloe, Abigail, my mom, and sister Claudia. We celebrate the birthdays in our family with the birthday person choosing what restaurant they want to eat in. An ice cream cake from Dairy Queen is also a must for the children. Chloe has outgrown her bicycle, so she will be getting a new one. Abbi will be receiving her first, with training wheels. The following recipes are from two of my aunts, both very good cooks. Potato Salad 12 c. cooked, diced or shredded potatoes 1 ½ c. chopped celery 12 boiled eggs, diced 1 small onion, chopped finely Dressing: 3 c. Miracle Whip 2 c. sugar ½ c. milk 3 tsp. salt 3 Tbsp. mustard 3 Tbsp. vinegar Mix dressing ingredients, pour over potatoes, celery, eggs and onion. Refrigerate overnight over best flavor. Yield: 4 quarts (1 gallon) Monster Cookies 6 eggs 2 c. brown sugar 2 c. white sugar 1 c. margarine 1 Tbsp Light Karo syrup 3 c. peanut butter 4 tsp. baking soda 1 Tbsp. vanilla 9 c. minute oatmeal 12 oz. chocolate chips 1 lb. M&Ms Mix together margarine, sugars, and eggs. Add vanilla, Karo and peanut butter, beat until smooth. Mix in baking soda. Stir in oatmeal, chocolate chips and M&Ms. Makes a nicer cookie if you chill for a few hours or overnight. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes. Do not overbake. Makes 8-9 dozen. |
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May Birthdays May Anniversaries Worship schedule
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 April 25. Family members of the mystery person are not eligible. April's Who am I?? Mary Leaman
Congratulations to Diane Emswiler and Jewel Yutzy for correctly identifying Mary. Jewel's name was drawn as the winner. She will receive a gift certificate to Dairy Queen. |
Coming Up
May 5 Cooking in a Large Pot 5:30-6:30pm May 6 Zion Mennonite Women's Ministry May 16 EMHS Touring Choir May 30 Broadway High School choir June 6 High School Senior Recognition July 8-11 Virginia Mennonite Conference Assembly Please place news items for the June issue in the Windows mailbox by May 30. 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. |
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