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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. June / July 2004 Please note that calendar information and the Worship Schedule are located on the Calendar page.
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| Volume 9 |
Number 8 & 9
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June/July 2004
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Hello, Zion Family! --Phil & Wanda Harder You have perhaps noticed that we have been absent for the past year from Zion. We have been attending Mt. Clinton Mennonite Church and have decided to transfer our membership there. At this stage in our family life we have found it helpful to attend a church closer to home, but we do miss all of you at Zion. You have been an important part of our lives for over twelve years. We hope to visit from time to time to try to keep in touch. Blessings to all of you. Thank You! The VBS committee (Jim and Amy Shrock, Doug and Kathy Alderfer, Tony and Stephanie Resto) would like to thank the following people who helped to make SonHarvest County Fair a success! Dale Hess Eric Brubaker Peggy Brubaker Daryl Myers Tonya Parker Bethany Landgraff Mandi Stoltzfus Marci Myers Carlene Lantz Ed Gant Sarah Bixler Amy Rush David Brenneman Jordan Lehman Jon Kratz Zach Emswiler Jonathan Bryant Valerie Helbert Lauren Yutzy Rebecca Hess Diann Beach Joanna Goins Emily Miller Maria Yoder Aaron Yutzy Susan Stoltzfus Hannah Stoltzfus Jen Showalter Linda Snader Krissy Snader Todd Stoltzfus Clay Showalter Aaron Kauffman Laura Kauffman Ryan Landgraff Daryl Brubaker Clyde Kratz Eunice Kratz Vince Throngard Jeremy Beach Mark Mast Dawn Mast Becky Crider Tim Schmoyer Bob Buckwalter Betty Lou Buckwalter Rachel Nafziger |
A 21-year Salute --Ben and Kathy Risser It hardly seems possible that the seminary journey I embarked upon two years ago is now at its end. It has been wonderful, strange, challenging and satisfying. I have seen growth in my life, met academic challenges, forged new friendships and developed confidence and competence in pastoral and preaching skills. I am grateful to the Zion congregation for the support, both emotional and financial, that you have generously provided. I also received scholarship monies from the Emma F. Showalter Fund that was an added blessing. I appreciate more than I can adequately express, the experience, over 21 years of being planted and cultivated in the Zion family. I was nurtured, encouraged, given a place to test and develop leadership skills, and affirmed to pursue a calling to the pastoral ministry. So now Kathy and I stand at the brink of another adventure as I have accepted the invitation to be the lead pastor at Ridgeway Mennonite Church in Harrisonburg. I will begin serving there on July1. Now comes the difficult part of saying goodbye and "unhooking" ourselves from the Zion congregation. We have valued very highly our experience of being part of the Zion congregation. It has been a safe place to risk trying out gifts, of learning to serve and be ministered to, of great grace and mercy in times of turmoil, of walking with others through difficult times and being walked with and cared for in our times of need. It is at Zion that our children were instructed and encouraged in the ways of God. They were baptized, supported in the educational experiences, had opportunities to participate in larger church assemblies, mission projects and given the gift of community. As a part of the community we always had a sense of not being alone in our challenges of parenting, in our marriage and in our walk with Christ. We have very much encountered God through our years at Zion Mennonite Church. It has been here that the call to pastoral ministry has been heard, affirmed and encouraged. Zion has been the crucible of testing, trying, developing, discerning, and calling forth and affirming pastoral gifts. In the midst of difficult conflict, challenges to set vision and mission, providing pastoral care during times of transition, God enabled and provided for each challenge. God's grace has been sufficient and we have grown to love and cherish this congregation in a way that we have not experienced anywhere else. There is anxiety associated with leaving a place where we have experienced acceptance, support, great affirmation and strong friendships-to head into another situation where support and relationships will need to be developed. There is sadness and pain associated with being uprooted and moved to another congregation. There is also hope and anticipation that our experience and learning here at Zion will produce fruit that will strengthen and build the kingdom of God in another setting. May you find joy and be blessed as a congregation for the way you have partnered with God in equipping and sending laborers for the work of God's kingdom. Chaplains Retire --Gladys and Herman Ropp On June 15th, at 6:00 pm we attended the annual Rockingham Memorial Hospital's Chaplains Appreciation Banquet as our last involvement. It all started like this. During our years in the VMRC Spiritual Ministry---Chaplaincy, we learned to know Dale Wright, RMH chaplain. When we became nearer to retirement, he began to sow seeds in our minds, "When you retire from VMRC come and be a part of the volunteer RMH Chaplain Associate Program." We thoroughly enjoyed the ministry at VMRC living with 500 persons on the campus. We retired from VMRC in April 1990. That fall we joined the RMH Chaplain Associate program. Today Chaplain Robin Martin directs the program with approximately 25 persons involved. Usually six persons are given floor assignments and the others cover weekends or are on call. We were assigned to the floor for diabetes, dialysis and kidney problem patients primarily. This floor is considered one of the more difficult because of the chronic nature of the health problems. However, because there are many hospital repeats for those patients, relationships could be developed. Herman says, "I found several things involved in this work to be a blessing. For one thing, as a chaplain on the floor we did not take the place of the church pastor. Rather, it was an opportunity to provide patients the freedom to share personal concerns that busy pastors may not have time to give. Also, on a given day we did not visit all the patients on the floor, but it afforded those not strongly connected to a congregation to share about religious and spiritual concerns. A voluntary chaplaincy program afforded another avenue of ministry for which I was grateful, even in my retirement years. I will miss the interaction with other chaplains, the floor staff, as well as the cross section of the community as patients." Gladys says, "As I entered those double doors into 3-E my body and spirit seemed to be lifted, strengthened and inspired. I was ready. I never knew what was waiting. Was there a patient near death? Were there families already grieving? How many stories of pain and suffering will be told? How many deep emotional scars from life's experiences will someone want to share in the midst of their physical suffering? If it were not for confidentially, I could write a book from years of listening. And yes, there were many testimonies like, 'I could never have lived without God in my life.' I can never be grateful enough for the gift given to me--the gift from the patients in accepting me into their rooms, into their lives, into their suffering and be a presence of God's love. My life has been much fuller, much richer because of the hours spent on RMH 3-E. I will miss the patients, family members, nursing staff, cleaning and food service persons, other chaplains and Robin Martin, our supervisor. They have all become a part of my life!" Teacher of the Year --Kathy Alderfer Every year, each one of the Rockingham county schools presents an award of "Teacher of the Year" to one teacher. All of the teachers in each school vote for one colleague whom they believe deserves the distinction of this award. At Lacey Spring Elementary School, Carlene Lantz was chosen to receive this award for the 2003-2004 school year. Along with the other recipients from other schools, she was honored at a special banquet this spring. Carlene has taught for a total of six years at Lacey Spring Elementary School. During her first year there, she was a Title I teacher. For the remaining five years, she has taught first grade. Anne Juarez, a teacher at Lacey Spring and member of Zion, voted for Carlene. When asked what sets Carlene apart from other teachers, Anne explained that Carlene "goes beyond the regular curriculum." Anne describes her as "extremely hardworking and dedicated, amazingly creative, and gentle and encouraging when dealing with students." These characteristics, respect from her colleagues, and a passion for teaching most certainly contributed to Carlene's quiet acceptance of this significant honor. Congratulations to Carlene Lantz for being honored as Teacher of the Year! |
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Guatemala Reflections --Sara Brenneman In awe, I sat in my window seat and watched a volcano erupt into the night sky as our plane began its descent into Guatemala City. This was it. My 3.5 months of adventure in Guatemala, "the land of eternal spring" had begun. Everyone in our group lived in Spanish-speaking host families by ourselves for the first seven weeks. We were kept busy with Spanish classes every morning; speakers, field trips, and homework in afternoons; and some weekend trips. During this time, I saw and experienced poverty. I came to understand that I was richer than one lady I spent time with could even imagine. I knew what it felt like to have absolutely nothing or no one else to turn to except God. I felt confused and violated when I realized three guys had tried to steal from me at a bus stop. I felt much fear. I experienced immense joy. During our week of free travel, I was able to meet many people from around the world--a highlight for me. I successfully attempted a border crossing without my passport. I was able to experience a day many people would consider perfect. My biggest fear and challenge was our 2.5 week-service/learning time. Our group was split up all over the country and even into Honduras to do work for different organizations. During this time, my previous interest in working with Ten Thousand Villages turned into a passion and sense of call. I helped out at a Ten Thousand Villages supplier organization and got to see first hand how much help this organization provides for the people involved. I also saw Christ-like hospitality. I got a clearer sense of what it means to be a child of God as I bowed my head to bless my meal in English while an older indigenous woman across the table bowed her head to give thanks in her native tongue. Though we had no way of communicating with each other, we were speaking to the same God at the same time. And He understood and loved us both. We spent our next 11 days in Cuba. Our time there was so full. We visited so many places: the National School of Music, a community doctor, small groups that were part of the local Baptist church, the Latin American School of Medicine (an amazing mission-ask me about it), traditional dance and music performances, Havana, and a major tourist area. While here, I was able to begin learning the truth about Cuba. There was a time where I experienced emotions of extreme anger and frustration towards the United States to the point of feeling physically sick. I spent my 21st birthday on the most beautiful beach imaginable! Most important though, I saw more energy, passion, drive, perseverance, and life in the people I met here than I have seen anywhere else. After Cuba, we returned to Guatemala where we experienced part of Holy Week in Antigua-a big deal with elaborate and large processions, people everywhere and much more. We hiked an active volcano, and shopped in some markets, among other things. My time in Guatemala was such a shaping experience. It took me much longer to transition back into the United States than I expected. My worldview has changed so much. I have learned that along with my privileges of being a US citizen comes responsibilities. I've been given clarity as to ways I can help my neighbors around the world. I learned while there are absolutes, fewer issues are important or as black and white as I used to think they were. Best of all, I was reminded over and over that God exists and cares so much for me. He answers prayers. I hope I'm never the same as I was before this trip ever again. I tried very hard to summarize my overall experience and point out some highlights. I saw and learned so much that I don't know how I'll ever be able to share it all, but I would love to try. If you have any questions or just want to know more about Guatemala or Cuba, please let me know because I really want to share my experience with people. Not only do I want to share my trip with others, I feel I need to do so for my own sake and for the sake of the people whose lives I encountered. SWAP with the MYF --Sarah Bixler In response to various groups asking S.W.A.P. what items are needed for the Program, we have developed the following 'Wish List'. These items would enhance the S.W.A.P. Program in southeast Kentucky:
In addition to these materials that could be utilized within the S.W.A.P Program, this area of Appalachia also has a specific need for the following (used or new):
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Building news: The selection of a general contractor --Marv Nisly There are significant advantages to having a general contractor involved in the planning process in terms of providing cost implications of different designs, helping coordinate the process, and helping in the actual design of the building. For those and other reasons we decided to involve a builder now rather then waiting until construction drawings were completed. Committee members had preliminary conversations with several contractors and decided to have a more in depth interview with David Crumley, owner of Community Builders. David was general contractor for the Lindale project and was highly recommended by them. The Committee agreed to recommend to CLT that we work with David Crumley to develop and finalize building plans with the expectation that he will be the general contractor for Zion's project. On June 22 the Building Committee met with the contractor and the architect, John Sease, to work on more details of a final building proposal. The two are working together on a cost estimate for the project. Kitchen Committee Report --Carlene Lantz Members: Caroline Detwiler, Eunice Kratz, Carlene Lantz, Marv Nisly, Sharon Showalter The Kitchen committee for the new fellowship hall has been busy working on plans for the kitchen layout and equipment. We began meeting in April and talking about what we perceive would be the needs of a well-equipped and organized kitchen for the Zion fellowship hall. We reviewed how the kitchen had been used over the past year for various functions from fellowship meals; youth group activities, to outside rentals. This helped us focus on what type of equipment would probably be needed. Some ideas were to use washable as opposed to disposable dishes, a dishwasher, and have a warming cabinet to hold prepared foods for fellowship meals. We decided to visit several other sites in the area and talk with their church representatives about their facilities. Park View Mennonite, Shady Oaks at Weaver's and Muhlenberg Lutheran were three good resources of information and inspiration. From these visits we were able to compile a list of equipment we felt would benefit our church kitchen, making it a practical but well equipped area to work in. We also discussed the possibility of hiring a kitchen planner to design the layout for us. Our architect, John Sease, expressed interest in doing the initial layout of the kitchen. The building Committee agreed to let Mr. Sease do this planning and he will be in contact with the kitchen committee to review his proposal. On August 8th a congregational meeting is being planned to review more detailed building plans and will be open to discussion about the process so far. |
???Did you know??? Jason Lantz, David Brenneman, and Anna Henderson are members of the Broadway High School band program, which has been designated as a Virginia State Honor Band this year as a result of "Superior" ratings by both the Marching Band and Wind Ensemble in the Virginia Band and Orchestra Director Association competitions. Only 18% of high school bands in the state earned the Honor Band designation this year and BHS was one of eight recognized in Class IA statewide. This was a first in BHS history. In addition the BHS Wind Ensemble and Honors Choir were invited to participate in the National Adjudicators Invitational in DC and both groups received "Superior" ratings, which qualify them for the Grand Nationals in Chattanooga, TN next year. Congratulations! They look forward to welcoming Heather Vaccarro to their excellent band program next year! |
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I have only just a minute Only sixty seconds in it. Forced upon me-can't refuse it. But it's up to me to use it. I must suffer if I lose it. Give account if I abuse it. Just a tiny little minute, But eternity is in it. --Selected and submitted by Barbara Risser |
Home with Amy Thank you to Lori Gant for writing this week's article. Summer is a favorite time of the year for me. I love hot weather and lots of sunshine! My sister, Marci, and I laugh about how we are going to move to a tropical climate someday. We both start getting comfortable at around 85 degrees! I remember a special summer day in Iowa City about 16 years ago. I spent the day in Mercy Hospital delivering Sarah Katherine Gant! She came crying into this world at 7:21 p.m. weighing 8 lbs. 13 oz. That was the first day of summer, June 21, and it was 105 degrees that day! I was delighted to be in an air-conditioned hospital delivering this two-week over-due baby! God was sending a lot of sunshine our way that day. I thought I would share some of Sarah's favorite summertime treats. One thing that Sarah has done lately is to diligently pick mulberries from our three mulberry trees. What a job! But the Gant family has really benefited from her efforts! I just made a cheesecake and topped it with mulberries that I made into a sauce for the top. Yummy! I thought I would include that cheesecake recipe, too. Sarah loves the strawberry pie I make. It's a recipe from a Wellman, Iowa friend. And the peanut buster parfait dessert is a real hit! It is a treat that will help you to cool off this summer. I hope you have a wonderful summer. I am looking forward to my time off from work and family reunions and trips. Strawberry Pie Boil: 1-cup water 1-cup sugar 3 T. cornstarch 2 T. corn syrup Add red food coloring, if desired. Remove from heat. Add 1small box of strawberry Jell-O. Mix well. Let cool. Add to 1 qt. strawberries. Pour into baked pie shell. Peanut Buster Parfait Dessert 1 package Oreos, crushed (keep ½ cup for the top) ½ cup melted margarine Mix to make crust. Put in 13" x 9" pan. On top of crust, add ½ gallon vanilla ice cream. Freeze for ½ hour. Remove from freezer and add 1 pint of hot fudge sauce. Layer with 2 c. lightly salted cocktail peanuts. Top with 8 oz. cool whip. Finally, add the ½ cup reserved Oreo crumbs. Freeze until ready to serve. Plain Cheesecake 1 ¾ cups graham cracker crumbs ½ cup butter, melted ¼ cup sugar Mix and press in bottom and sides of 8" spring form pan. Beat: 3 8 oz. cream cheese (24ounces) 1-cup sugar 2 tsp. vanilla Add 3 eggs, one at a time Blend in 1 cup sour cream Pour in pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 60-70 minutes until set. Turn off leaving door ajar. Leave cheesecake in oven for 1 hour. Remove. Cool. Chill four hours. |
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July Birthdays
June Anniversaries
Worship schedule
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Coming Up July 8-11 Virginia Mennonite Conference Assembly July 31-August 1 Highland Retreat Weekend August 8 Congregational Business Meeting 6:30 p.m. August 15 Follow-up to Business Meeting during Sunday School Please place news items for the August issue in the Windows mailbox by July 25. 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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