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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. January 2005 Please note that calendar information and the Worship Schedule are located on the Calendar page.
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Volume 10 |
Number 2
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January/February 2005
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Music in Worship--Compiled and submitted by Matthew Hunsberger. "Worship is not an occasional burst of emotion that sneaks up on us unawares. Worship is not an experience that any person—preacher, music director, or worship leader—can “lead us into.” Worship is the conscious, demanding work of the believer, led and enabled by the Holy Spirit alone." -Donald P. Hustad "What we sing indeed shapes what we believe. Singing is not a neutral exercise. It should carry a government health warning that it can affect minds." -John Bell "Generally, the most vital congregations do not draw vertical lines, but horizontal ones. Above the line is excellence, below the line is inferior music, and vital congregations seek excellence across a broad range of musical idioms." –Hal H. Hopson "If we were only to sing hymns translated from the Ausbund, which is the 400-year-old hymnal of the Amish church, or if on the other hand we selected only songs written by mainline charismatic Christians, our understanding of God would become one-sided. Though both genres are in themselves appropriate for worship, either one used exclusively would lose its effectiveness." -Mennonite Historical Society of Canada |
Congregational Leadership Team --Elwood Yoder The very first duty for the Congregational Leadership Team, as outlined in Zion’s Bylaws, is to formulate and articulate vision for the congregation. At the beginning of 2005, just what is Zion’s vision? In brief, Zion seeks to empower God’s people to experience and share Christ’s love, healing, and hope. Through the ministries that flow through our congregational life, we want to provide a place that welcomes all people, that invites everyone into Spirit-led worship, and that nurtures passionate spirituality. Further, Zion’s vision seeks to call individuals to a life of discipleship and servant hood, to build Christian community through fellowship, prayer, and play, and finally, we want to encourage personal involvement in local and global ministry. This is the common vision towards which we work in 2005. The desire to experience and share Christ’s love, healing, and hope spurs us on in many dimensions of congregational life and ministry. At the December leadership retreat twenty-two members of commissions and the CLT gathered to assess Zion’s ministries in 2004 and to plan for the new year ahead. It is my hope that Zion can build on the strengths established over the past 120 years of ministry in northern Rockingham County, and seek to find fresh ways to experience God’s love and grace in the new year. Too many people and not enough folks --J. P. Alger Martha Berry was born to privilege on a Georgia Plantation. On a vacation trip into the nearby mountains, she discovered many families that had little or no education. Rural schools were often ten miles apart during the 1920’s -30’s. Some just did not believe that school mattered while others were eager to learn. Martha was inspired to bring a few bright and eager students ages 6-17 to the plantation. They worked three days a week to pay their expenses and had classes for three days. One of these student, Inez—age 16, became very proficient at typing and shorthand. On a fund raising trip to New York City, Martha took Inez along as her secretary. After being in New York a few days, seeing streams of people rushing along the sidewalks and pouring out of subways, someone asked how she liked New York. Her answer was simple and pointed. She said, “Too many people and not enough folks.” She had experienced life as have many of us who are older. We knew almost everyone in at least a five mile radius. The closer neighbors helped each other with big jobs such as harvesting, threshing, silo filling and hog butchering. We worked and cared for each other. They were our “folks.” I am glad to have lived through such a time. It brings back many fond memories. Now machinery does most of the heavy work, and some of our farms are covered with dwellings and other building projects. Change is inevitable. It takes a while to cope. We who are older seem to lag behind the “cutting edge.” However, if we take seriously the second greatest commandment, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” then we need to know those neighbors. It is a beginning point for sharing both love and the gospel. |
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Khazikstan --Stephanie Resto As most of you know, Becky Gant (oldest daughter of Ed and Lori Gant) is serving on a YES Team in Khazikstan. As the church communicator for Becky's care team, I'd like to update the Zion congregation on her and the team's experiences thus far. The following excerpts, prayers and praises are in Becky's own words. "Last Saturday, of course, was Christmas. What a different experience that was! We all decided to hang out and just enjoy being together. My host family made WAY too much food and all of us were WAY too full!! We experienced some foods that were...um let's just say new for us! It was good times though that we will never forget. We were reminded of how lucky we are to be able to share our traditions and our light to the people here. We are blessed to have fantastic host families and the chance to live with them. It was definitely a Christmas we won't forget but at the same time it made us remember all the good times with our families back in America." "I believe the greatest occurrence for all of us was actually going to the orphanages for the Winter Camps. We all had been looking forward to those two days and to see where the children live. The first day we went to Yaisan Orphanage, it was all very new to us. The kids were excited to see us and we all had a blast running around playing games and making music with them. Sometimes we got frustrated because of the language barrier, but then it was good to just hug them and see them smile. It's hard to think of what they have gone through, but we hope to just be able to lighten their day and spread the Father's love to them. The second orphanage, Tumdee, was even different than the first. The children look, act, and think differently. It was more of a challenge to keep them in order and even to handle them sometimes. It was an amazing time with them as they ran around, laughed and attached themselves to us. At the end of each group during the day, for each orphanage, we handed out toothbrushes, toothpaste, and Orbit chewing gum to each child. Kristi presented an educational lesson about how to take care of their teeth and what is good and not good to eat. We all helped by acting as good and bad teeth and Grant even acted as a toothbrush to show how to brush correctly. They loved it all and it was such a heart-warming experience to see their faces light up to spend the day with us. Each day at the orphanages were times of growth and learning for us all. We can't wait to see the children again and to continue building relationships with them. I truly believe that our Father has brought us all together to work with these children as a group and we are all so excited to be here for this reason." Prayer Requests: -Grant and his host family situation (relocation issue) -Battle against sickness -Continual work in the orphanages -Team unity and bonding with the host families -Growth in our relationship with our amazing Father Praises: -We are alive and well -The ability to work with the children -Continual merging into this culture -Our Father's protection -Wonderful people to work with |
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Musings - Way up and over the top --Katherine Donnelly Goins Well, folks, it’s finally happened: I’ve turned fifty. For those of you who haven’t gotten there yet, let me tell you. Thirty was…no big deal; forty, anh, I can handle it; but fifty, now that’s been huge. And for those who have already achieved this milestone, tell me: are the birthdays ahead this big? I’d like to prepare. My fifteen year-old niece Abigail made me an oversized construction paper birthday card showing a large mountain with the number fifty at the base. Outlining the mountain are the words, “Way up and over the top.” I suppose she sees me as over the hill. In a way she’s right. There is so much that I can’t do anymore. But as I reflect on the things I am no longer able to do, I remind myself that all I can no longer do makes way for what I can do. Or in the wise words of JP Alger, “Stop looking at the doors closing behind you so you can see the doors opening in front of you.” Unlike Lot’s wife who kept looking back over her shoulder and pining for her former home, can I look for new possibilities ahead instead of mourning for that which can no longer be? Do I really want to be frozen in a pillar of salt, petrified of the new, because I can’t let go of the old and move forward? No, I have to choose every day to face the new direction, as scary as that can be. I choose to look ahead, not behind, even when the way is unclear. So, Abigail, Aunt Katherine may be way up and over the top and going downhill fast, but she’s gonna enjoy every minute of the ride. Home with Amy --Amy Shrock The fall and holiday season was busy for our family. On Thanksgiving weekend, my parents moved out of the old farmhouse that had been home for 25 years, and into a new ranch-style home. It was an emotional, but good time for my family. We talked of memories growing up on the farm, and sorted through things that were no longer used. Mom and Dad are now settled in the new house, and love it! Jimmy's parents came down for a week in early December. Jimmy and his dad, John, went deer hunting. I took Martha (Betz), Jimmy's mom, to the Book Fair, where she "had never seen anything like it!" We also baked cookies and had some good quality time together. They also enjoyed spending time with the children. For Christmas, we traveled to Ohio for a couple of days. My mother, sister Claudia, and I spent a day breaking in my mom's new kitchen. I love our times together in the kitchen. Jimmy's parents were affected by the big snow/ice storm that came through. They were out of electricity for six days, right over Christmas. They ran 2 generators, which kept the house warm and lights working. But, no running water gets old after a while! Their Amish neighbors were not affected by the power outage, and joked about it. I am ready for the long days and quietness of winter. I want to get caught up on my scrap booking, and enjoy Abbi, who will be going to kindergarten next fall. I also have some new recipes to try, but here are some old favorites. Oreo Pudding 2 small packages instant vanilla pudding 3 c. milk 8 oz. cream cheese, softened 12 oz. Cool Whip 1 pack Oreos, crumbled Mix pudding and milk together, let set. Beat together cream cheese and Cool Whip. Add pudding mixture. Spread half of crumbled Oreos in bottom of 9 x13 pan, Pour in pudding mixture, top with remaining Oreos. Chill for an hour. This dessert is only good for about 2 days. Pumpkin Cheesecake Tarts 8 oz. cream cheese, softened 1 c. Libby's canned pumpkin ¾ c. sugar 1 tsp. vanilla 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice 1 tsp. cinnamon 2 eggs gingersnap cookies Line muffin tin with paper liners, place gingersnap cookie in bottom. Beat together cream cheese, eggs and pumpkin until smooth. Add sugar, spices and vanilla. Fill muffin tin 2/3 full, makes 12. Bake at 325 for 25 minutes. Oatmeal Raisin Cookies 6 eggs 2 c. raisins 2 tsp. vanilla Beat eggs, add vanilla and raisins. Cover with plastic wrap and let set for one hour. Cream together; 2 c. margarine 2 c. brown sugar 2 c. white sugar Add: 5 c. flour 2 tsp. salt 2 tsp. cinnamon 4 tsp. baking soda 4 c. minute oatmeal 1 c. chopped nuts Stir in oatmeal, nuts and raisin mixture last. Roll cookie in white sugar. Bake at 350. |
Congratulations!
To Allison Fletcher on her outstanding bassoon senior recital at JMU on November 5. Blood pressure screening --Judy Nafziger and Monica Compagnari Q. Interested in knowing what your blood pressure is? A. Monica Compagnari and Judy Nafziger will help you find out. They will be coordinating blood pressure screening on Sundays when we have fellowship meals. Keep posted for upcoming dates, times and place. Q. Do you have temporary health care needs? A. Remember to check the church directory for health care needs you may need to borrow, or ask Monica or Judy. Mark your calendar Zion women reserve March 18-19, 2005 for the annual Women's Retreat, to be held at the Wingate Inn in Winchester. The theme will be "The Love of God" and the speakers will be Barb Risser and Amy Schrock. Look for more details in your mailbox in early February. Contact Marci Myers or Susan Stoltzfus for more information. New books in the library --Jennifer Showalter Below is a partial listing of the many new books placed in Zion's library since October 2004. Additional titles will appear in the next issue of Windows or look for the complete list in the library. Children’s books A Christmas ABC by Gaby Goldsack A delicate balance: Touched by an Angel by Monica Hall Animals of the Bible by Mary Hoffman Annie Ant, don’t cry! by Sigmund Brouwer Baby ant has stinky pants by Sigmund Brouwer Daddy Ant, you never listen! by Sigmund Brouwer Big Billy’s great adventure by Sheila Walsh God made you nose to toes by Leslie Parrott Guess how much I love you by Sam McBratney Have you seen me?: Touched by an Angel by Monica Hall Hermie and the big bully croaker by Max Lucado Hermie, a common caterpillar by Max Lucado I believe in Jesus: leading your child to Christ by John MacArthur I believe in Jesus by John MacArthur I love you as much by Laura Krauss Melmed I love you this much by Lynn Hodges Jacob’s gift by Max Lucado Jonah’s Bible opposites by James Leininger For adults A love worth giving by Max Lucado A man called Daddy by Hugh O’Neill A mother’s garden of prayer: cultivating a lifestyle of praying for your children by Sarah Maddox Alternative service for peace in Canada during World War II, 1941-1946 by A. J. Klassen Desecration by Tim LaHaye Armageddon by Tim LaHaye Chicken soup for the couple’s soul by Jack Canfield Chicken soup for the soul by Jack Canfield Eyes at the window by Evie Yoder Miller Face to face: praying the scriptures for intimate worship by Kenneth Boa |
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Coming Up January 9 Fellowship Meal 17 Women’s Night Out 7:00 p.m. 30 Congregational Business Meeting 6:30 p.m. February 2 Congregational Supper 5:30 p.m. 3 ZMWM meeting, 8:30 a.m. 5 Men’s Breakfast Fellowship 7:15 a.m. 5 Va Conference Assembly at Calvary Community, Hampton, Va. 6 MYF Superbowl Fundraiser Meal 9 Ash Wednesday service with Lindale and Trissels at Zion 10 CLT meeting, 6:30 p.m. 13 Sons of the Day will sing during the 10:30 a.m. worship service and at 7:00 p.m. 13 MYF Carnation handout after worship service 19 Men’s Breakfast 7:15 a.m. 21 Women’s Night Out 7:00 p.m. March 12 Ice Skating in Charlottesville 18-19 Women's Retreat in Winchester |
"Goodbye" --Bob and Betty Lou Buckwalter After a couple of weeks of feeling like we were on a conveyer belt with minimal control over events, Betty Lou and I are ready to step back into some sort of normality. We stepped off the plane in Anchorage Christmas evening just before midnight and were met by son Jesse. After a day and night or two at Joe and Sera's home to readjust our biological clocks and become acquainted with our 5-day old grandson Noah, we look forward to moving into the Service Adventure house. Our new address will be: 1310 West 47th Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99503. Telephone number 907-770-7743. We will always remember Zion as a warm and welcoming congregation and already look forward to a visit next Christmas. ZMWM news --Gladys Ropp The November care packages sent to college students and service workers by ZMWM brought joy to the recipients. A big thank you to each of you who helped provide items to make an interesting care packages. Following are some thank you notes: Thanks so much for the care package! My roommates and I enjoyed it a ton! It is always special when I get letters from people back home. I’m blessed to have a home church that supports me in every way. Thanks again. Laura Lehman Thank you for all the wonderful care package items you sent! It’s so much fun to get packages and it is nice to be reminded that my church family is thinking about me in the midst of my busyness. Sara Brenneman Thank you for being so thoughtful. Thank you so much for the care package! It means a lot!—Tiffany Williams Your kindness is appreciated very much. Thank you!—Anonymous Thank you so much for the box of goodies. I appreciate the support you all have given to me. Being away from home is not always easy, but knowing that you all care always helps. Thanks again! Take care and God bless.—Heather and Alisha Risser Thank you for the packages you sent so long ago. I really appreciated them--and so did the rest of the people in my mod. So sorry that it took so long, but really thank you very much! It feels great to know that your home church is still thinking about and remembering you.—Jesse Morris December emphasis Ten fruit baskets were given to:
Christmas cards were given to each person in missions, VS or YES. Health Kit Drive Watch the church bulletin for instructions concerning the Health Kit Drive in February. Join in this ministry of giving assistance to health needs around the globe. |
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January Birthdays February Birthdays |
Please put news items for March/April in the Windows mailbox by February 27, 2005 or email: 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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