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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. Please note that calendar information and the Worship Schedule are located on the Calendar page.
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Volume 10 |
Number 5
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July/August 2005
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Trustees Update--Michele Baker A walk-through the church by the trustees this past winter revealed dirty carpets and walls, out-dated fire extinguishers, emergency exit lights that did not light and ceiling tiles that needed to be replaced. This spring, all fire extinguishers have been upgraded, the cracked window pane in the sanctuary has been repaired and the carpets in the lobby, hallways and classrooms have been cleaned. The cost to upgrade the emergency lighting and exit signs is being evaluated. Thanks to Dwayne Hartman, nine classrooms and the nursery have a fresh coat of paint (and the nursery has a really cute new border—you should go take a look!). Dwayne even threw in a bonus by painting the awful-looking gas tank outside. Thank you, Dwayne! On Saturday, April 23, we coordinated a Spring Work Day. About 40 people from the congregation, young and old, showed up to help spruce-up the church. Windows were washed, weeds were pulled, trees were trimmed, light bulbs were replaced, benches were wiped clean and shined, and the gutters were cleaned out. We were very pleased with all the work that got done. It turned out to be a really fun day! Thanks to everyone who helped! Virginia Well Drilling has been hired to install a new well for the Parsonage. This should add value to the property that can be recovered at the time of the sale of the property. I’m sure everyone has noticed the two beautiful large container gardens outside the main doors. Thanks to Amy Shrock for putting those together. There is more to be done, but with the new fellowship hall project still being determined, some things have been set aside for now. If you have comments or suggestions, or just see something in the church that needs to be fixed, please let us know! Joel Lehman, Jimmy Shrock, Jeremy Beach & Michele Baker |
Meet the Nyce family --Doug and Dawn Nyce Doug, Dawn, Travis, Krista, and Daniel Nyce moved to the Shenandoah Valley at the end of July, 2004. For all of them except Daniel, it was a return to the Valley. They had lived in Waynesboro, Augusta County from 1987-1994, where Travis and Krista had both been born. While living there, Doug held a position as Youth Pastor and Associate Pastor at Springdale Mennonite Church. Dawn spent the latter years of that time period employed at the Staunton Public Library, creating and carrying out programs for children. While they thoroughly enjoyed living there, they decided to take advantage of an opportunity to move to Lancaster, PA, where Doug became director of the historic Hans Herr House located near the town of Willow Street. It is a small historic house museum, the house itself having been built in 1719 by the first Europeans to settle in what later became Lancaster County. While living in Lancaster, Daniel, now 9 years old, was born. Dawn was employed by the Lancaster County Library, first as a shelver and then as an assistant librarian in the children’s department, where she once again worked primarily in programming for youngsters. Travis, Krista, and Daniel each attended Smoketown Elementary School, with Travis having moved on to Conestoga Valley Middle School for his last two years before the move to Virginia occurred. The family attended James Street Mennonite Church in Lancaster. Just over a year ago, Doug and Dawn, both alumni of EMU, were quite pleased to have the opportunity for the family to move back to Rockingham County. Doug began the role of Director of Alumni and Parent Relations at EMU. Dawn worked last year as a literacy assistant at Pleasant Valley Elementary School, and for the coming year has been offered the position of computer lab assistant at the same school. Travis will be a sophomore at EMHS. He plays on the basketball and baseball teams. Krista, entering 8th grade at J. Frank Hillyard Middle School in Broadway, loves writing and reading, as well as competing in basketball and track and field. Daniel tries just about every sport and activity that he can, but like his older brother seems to enjoy basketball and baseball the most. Dawn and Doug both enjoy yard work and gardening, as well as hiking and being in the mountains. Dawn enjoys reading a range of books, while Doug likes bike riding, sports, and history, particularly of the 18th and 19th century periods. Dawn and Doug did attend Zion during the 1980's when they were in college at EMU. The family has been back in the area for almost a year now, and they are enjoying getting acquainted with the people of Zion Mennonite Church. Through Nell’s window --Nell Alger It’s 1995, just after day break. Whose black angus calf is that standing down by the spring? How did it get here? It's NOT a calf, it's a BEAR!! (first sighting ever on our land) Uh oh, a stray dog is messing around up at the edge of the woods. Wait a minute. That's not a dog--that's a coyote!! I see the slanty yellow eyes. Quick, get the rifle sights on him! Shucks, too late. He's gone. Just breaking daylight, I see a movement out in the woods---something low to the ground. It's a possum, a mama with a pouch full of not-so-small babies. Her belly swings back and forth as she moves, looking very comical. It’s 1996 after putting out feed. Some deer come in, the doe first, then a nice eight-point buck and then a second buck. They feed side by side. Oh wow! Here come some wild turkeys. They calmly feed in among the deer and squirrels. A squirrel jumps up on the side of a tree, which startles a deer that bumps into a turkey! Now they all settle back to feeding again. Sights like these are priceless! In 2003 a bear cub comes waddling by the cabin, and then a second one. Where is mama? Oh here she comes from down below the cabin. She walks up to the porch where my truck is parked and stands up at the truck bed and looks into it. I thought for a second that she was going to climb in! She then moves on up to the tree stumps and begins eating corn, while her "kids" play close by. Nature is so wonderful and orderly. There is always something new to observe! Celebrate the Psalms --Dawn Mast Once again vacation Bible school was a hit at Zion Mennonite Church. From June 19-23 the church was filled with the happy laughter, quiet prayer and busyness of children. There were about 23 children in attendance each evening including Zion members, friends of Zion and children from the Daphna community. Our theme for the week was “Celebrate the Psalms” providing the necessary backdrop for learning Bible verses, crafts, snacks and activities to help the children learn about this book of the Bible. The teachers and their helpers guided the children through their lessons, while the Celebration leaders provided a fun craft activity for the kids. The kitchen was a flurry of activity each evening as the snack coordinators prepared to feed 23 hungry children and about 40 Bible school staff. Music is always a highlight at Bible school and this year was no exception. Dave Yutzy had all the Bible school participants on their feet singing, making motions and praising God. Our eyes and ears were blessed! Even during bedtime routines at our house we heard sweet voices singing songs from Bible school. God is pleased when He hears the praises of His people no matter how small they are. John Jacobs had the task of being the Orienteering leader for the week. Each evening he took the children through a course of finding their way through the wilderness, walking through the valley of the shadow of death (the cemetery) and sitting beside still waters (a wading pool). The children enjoyed experiencing these tangible lessons from the 23rd Psalm. Each year we designate our nightly offering for a specific ministry need. This year we collected money for the MCC penny power jar. The children took great pride in bringing in loose change from home and dumping it into the jug each evening. It made quite a commotion, but it was worth it. These generous children and their families help raise about $100 for MCC ministry around the world. Praise God for cheerful givers! The grand finale was Thursday evening as the children, Bible school staff, parents and friends from the community gathered for a pot luck picnic. Although the food was great, the main attraction was an inflatable bouncy contraption called Bubba’s Castle. Certainly it was meant for the children, but a few adults were seen sneaking in a bounce or 2 (or 50) for themselves! All that bouncing in 80 degree heat can take its toll, but there was a slurpee machine to help keep everyone cool. After all the fun of Bible school is over there is often a time of reflection. Amidst all the fanfare, decorations, work, clean up and lessons the main idea is still to reach children for Jesus. There is such excitement in activities, crafts, food and carnival games, but the real thrill is knowing we were part of planting seeds in the heart of a child. Many, many thanks to everyone, no matter what your task, for being part of this gardening for God, for making Bible school happen, and for making a difference in the lives of the children. Certainly God is pleased with this form of outreach, service and ministry. |
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Youth news --Kristen Myers In middle school you start to believe that you’re old enough for anything. You think you’re mature and wise and that you can handle anything that the world will throw at you. It’s a time where you’re just beginning to realize who you are and who you are becoming. But, as old as you may think you are, every once in a while you slip up a let people see the kid in you. I definitely saw the kid in every one of us at Kings Dominion this weekend…especially in our crazy sponsors, Dan Baker, Jenni Piper, Jesse Morris, and Joy Yoder. Whether it was riding the carousel, or dropping 272 feet at 72 miles per hour on the Drop Zone we got to enjoy being kids and goofing off with our friends, getting closer to them throughout the whole weekend and also getting closer to our sponsors who made the weekend a lot of fun. Riding roller coasters over and over, screaming until we lost our voices, laughing, riding the Tomb Raider ‘till we were sick, taking pictures, getting wet, goofing off, eating, racing each other on the merry-go-round, walking around ‘till our feet hurt, getting up the nerve to go on Hypersonic, looking at the breathtaking view on the “Eiffel Tower”, and all the new inside jokes we made…it’s all something I will remember forever. It was just the first day of our weekend away and we already had an awesome time. Even us junior highers ran out of energy eventually…almost. Pillow fights and card games followed the crazy day but eventually died down as we fell asleep. Awaking to the blaring Relient K music (thanks to Jenni Piper) and Dan Baker jumping on Dan Nafziger and Zack Emswiler we got ready for a day full of service and work. We ate breakfast and then arrived at YWAM (Youth With A Mission) after a little exploring around Richmond…?? Actually, our van got lost…but it was an adventure and it helped a lot of us catch up on our sleep. Hah! But, we finally arrived there and were put to work. Some of us did painting, others spread wood chips, and some of us picked up trash. It was hard work and it was a hot day but we were glad to have helped YWAM out. After lunch we headed over to do a ropes course at YWAM which was in the process of being finished. The two teams, the Hot Light Country Mauve Chimpanzees and the Bloated Taupe Aardvarks, faced each other in a challenging competition. It also included Dan Baker attempting to dive through a hanging tire without touching the sides…definitely something you wouldn’t want to miss. But then the day finally ended and we packed up and drove home. Speaking of which, our van definitely beat everyone home, thanks to Jesse! Hah! The trip was a lot of fun and, for us 8th graders, it was a great way to end our Junior MYF experience. We look forward to growing more with our peers and sponsors and of course, we’re looking forward to the many other trips we will experience. Thanks to our cool sponsors, and to everyone who helped with the weekend! Celebrating the Chapters of a Woman’s Life --Dawn Mast “Sugar and spice and all things nice, that’s what little girls are made of.” Certainly “all things nice” would include laughter, wonderful stories and fantastic food all of which were in abundance at the Zion Ladies’ Banquet held at Lindale Mennonite church on May 7, 2005. There were about 80 women of various denominations and ages in attendance and the variety added to the fun of the evening. A pot luck meal was served providing plenty of nourishing, delicious food that we enjoyed as we visited with those at our table. Jessica Hess was especially adorable as she ate strawberry after strawberry after strawberry and she enjoyed every bite. I just hope her mother has lots of stain remover! One of the evenings’ highlights was listening to several women from Zion share stories. There were stories of faith, struggles, humor, motherhood, singleness, empty nest syndrome, newlywed life, and grand parenting. Such variety was a blessing and brought laugher, tears and personal reflection to our evening. Finally, as the evening came to a close the Girl’s Club serenaded us with lovely music and sweet smiles. Many thanks to the Girl’s Club and their sponsors for a lovely evening. It was a wonderful, gentle reminder that the women in our lives are placed before us by God to love, nurture and bless. Child of My Child --Anonymous Oh, child of my child, Hope of my hopes, Dream of my dreams You are born of my past En route to my future Even though You will learn What I only imagined; Experience What I only supposed' Grow wise In things I only guessed. Let me share this Space and place With you. Only then and with God can I trust the future I will not live to see. For no matter what riches I amass in the world, You---the child of my child Are my truest legacy. Gladys Ropp shared this poem as part of her presentation. |
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Musings Katherine Donnelly Goins LOIS It was Monday morning this past April. Feeling overwhelmed by the separation process I had been going through with my husband, I picked up the phone and called my mother, Lois Donnelly. “Mom, I’m feeling really down. Could you come Wednesday and stay with me for a few days?” For the fourth time in recent years Mom dropped everything in her full schedule and came to stay with me. She read and journaled her way through my appointments and usual routine of exercise, healthy eating, naps, and early bedtimes. Rather than expecting me to keep her company, she fit herself into what I needed to do. Previously, during my two hospitalizations for bipolar disorder, she had done the same thing. I stayed with her and Dad for a while after being discharged from the hospital, and then she came and stayed with me. Mom is a whiz at groceries, meals, and menus. She filled my freezer and helped me ease back into life. She was content to sit on the front porch with her knitting, and chat with me about the cows in the pasture across from our house. Mom is most definitely a “Yes, let’s” person. Last fall when my birthday trip to Italy was in the works, I picked up the phone and invited her. Though she knew the pace of the tour would be intense, her “yes” came within a few days. One of the things I value most about Mom is her deep spirituality and theology. She loves reading about the intersection of science and religion. The writings of the eminent Catholic theologian, Karl Rahner, feed her soul. One time Mom excitedly showed me a particularly deep passage from Rahner. I couldn’t make heads or tails of it. That’s when I really became in awe of her abilities. Back in April Mom shared with me the recent direction that her prayers are taking. Now when she prays she always begins, “Mother/Father God…” For me, the face of God has taken on a remarkable resemblance to that of my mother, Lois. Protection from bites, stings and sun damage --Judy Nafziger Ah, the joys of summer...my favorite season on the year. Summer means more time in the great outdoors, and a greater potential for bites, stings and sunburn! Here are some tips you can use to protect yourself. How to choose a repellent: DEET and permethrin insect repellents work best. Products containing DEET should be applied to the skin or clothing before going outdoors. Parents--do you wonder what is safe for your children? Follow the directions on the label to avoid toxicity. There's no evidence that children less than six years of age are at greater risk to develop side effects than older children. Permethrin is unique because it is lethal for ticks and prevents tick attachments. It is the product of choice to use where ticks are likely or known to be. Like DEET, permethrin is considered safe for children if it is used according to the manufacturer's guidelines. For bites and stings, applying ice to the area will reduce itching and swelling. Giving Benadryl, an anti-histamine, or using anti-itch cream can reduce the itching that goes along with insect bites. Protection from the sun: All of us by now are aware of the long-term health problems associated with sun damage such as skin cancer, premature aging and eye damage. Children, in particular, should use a sun block with at least a SPE of 30. Apply the sunscreen 15-30 minutes before going outside. Products labeled "water-resistant" lose their SPE after 40 minutes in the water; those labeled "waterproof" lose their effectiveness after 90 minutes in the water. In the pediatric office where I work, the doctors recommend to parents that infants under six months not wear sunscreen. Instead, cover up your children, keep them in the shade and have them wear a hat. Other tips:
I hope this information has been helpful and that you are enjoying your summer! |
Did you know…
Worship Schedule July 3 Speaker: Clyde Kratz July 10 Speaker: Clyde Kratz, Charlotte 2005 Report July 17 Speaker: Steve and Betsy Dintaman July 24 Speaker: Dan Baker |
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Coming Up July 3 Pancake breakfast for college-age 4-9 MC USA/Canada Convention 6 Care Commission Meal 5:30 pm 7 ZMWM 8:30 am 13 Jr MYF Bible Study and swimming at Anne Juarez 7 pm 18 CLT/Women’s Night Out 19 Worship Commission 7 pm 20 MYF Bible Study 7 pm 21 CEC 6:30 am 22 MYF Late-night bowling and sleepover at Ryan & Bethany’s home 23 Cathy Lantz and Will J Fittry’s wedding 27 Jr MYF at Patchwork Pantry 6:30 pm 28-30 Virginia Mennonite Conference Assembly at Richmond 29-31 Zion weekend at Highland Retreat 31 Worship and baptism at Highland Retreat August 3 MYF Bible Study 7 pm 4 ZMWM 8:30 am 7 Pancake breakfast for college-age 10/11 MYF Swimming/Tubing Event 11 CLT 6:30 pm 13 MYF help Ben and Sarah move 14 Fellowship Meal 15 Women’s Night Out 7 pm 18 CEC 6:30 am 21 Back to school Sunday 24 Jr MYF at Patchwork Pantry 6:30 pm 27 MYF/Jr MYF parent/youth canoe trip 1 pm |
Habitat house hotline! Several churches in the Broadway Timberville Ministerial group are sponsoring a Habitat for Humanity house to be built in the Timber Crest subdivision off Spar Mine Road. Ground breaking is scheduled for Sunday, July 24, at 3:00 p.m., at the lot in Timber Crest. If plans go as scheduled and the weather holds, the house should be completed by the end of October. Volunteers are needed for all stages of construction. The first step is to identify those who have specific skills in construction and are willing to donate some time and expertise. Excavation, framing, drywall, plumbing, electrical, vinyl siding, vinyl flooring, carpeting, landscaping and more are needed. Also needed is someone to design and manage a website, and a family who could sponsor the Habitat family through the first year of home ownership. Others are needed to organize and make food for the volunteers on workdays, keep track of volunteer house and be a go-fer! (Children under the age of 16 are not legally allowed on a work site.) If you would like to help, please sign up on a Habitat volunteer form at church. A central station has been arranged that we can notify volunteers when particular stages of construction will be taking place. We will communicate by e-mail, so include that in your sign-up information. For every house built in the United States at the cost of about $35,000, a tenth or tithe amount, $3,500, is pledge to build a house overseas. Enough funds from the Timberville project have been pledge to build a house here and a house overseas. Broadway Baptist, Edom and Linville, United Methodist, Broadway Presbyterian, First United Methodist, Sunset Drive United Methodist, Mt Olivet COB, Trissels and Zion Mennonite, Linville Creek COB, Mayland Christian, Timberville Church of the Nazarene, Bethlehem United Church of Christ, Emmanuel Fellowship, Crossroads and Grace Mennonite are the churches who have pledged funds and are committed to building. The coming together of these congregations will be a true working out of the scriptural message, “to love thy neighbor.” Tomatoes J.P. Alger There are dozens of varieties of tomatoes. One developed in Israel is called “Holy Land.” A lady came to the greenhouse and asked, “Do ya all have any of them there Holy Ghost tomatoes?” Struggling to keep a straight face, the sales person said, “I believe you must mean Holy Land tomatoes.” Well, the lady said, “I knew it was holy something!” After she left, you can imagine we had a good laugh. |
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July Birthdays 4 J P Alger 5 Arnold Driediger, Paul Glanzer 7 Larry Yoder 8 Bobby Fairweather 9 Philip Yoder 14 Nellie Alger 15 Todd Stoltzfus 17 Valerie Showalter, Kaitlin Stauffer 19 Darlene Lehman 22 Jennifer Lantz 24 Travis Nyce 26 Jodie Baker, Rhoda Olinger 28 Eunice Kratz 29 Jennifer Bowman 30 Laura Kauffman, Wayne Showalter 31 Adam Jacobs Anniversaries 11 Dwayne and Dorothy Hartman 35th 13 Shawn and Tonya Parker 9th 14 Paul and Eva Glanzer 15th 17 Tony and Becky Brenneman 29th 17 Jim and Amy Shrock 12th 18 Everette and Julie Hottinger 13th 19 Larry and Marilyn Yoder 7th 27 Grant and Susan Stoltzfus 20th 27 Steve and Carlene Lantz 9th 28 John and Velma Stauffer 32nd August Birthdays 2 Betty Byler, Diana Jacobs 4 Cheryl Lantz 9 June Lantz, Eula Showalter 10 Jim Warsing, Maria Yoder, Chasen Bryant, Jonathan Bryant 11 Betsy Dintaman, Lois Hertzler 12 Brenda Fairweather 14 Jesse Morris 15 Carolyn Heine 16 Becky Brenneman 17 Matthew Nafziger 18 Ryan Landgraff 21 Katrina Alger, Megan Throngard, Shawn Parker, Helen Shank 27 Ida Showalter, Emily Vaccaro 29 Michael Snader 31 Sarah Bixler, Sarah Piper Anniversaries 5 Mike and Sarah Piper 10th 10 Aaron and Laura Kauffman 3rd 11 Herman and Gladys Ropp 56th 12 Steve and Betsy Dintaman 32nd 13 Joel and Darlene Lehman 22nd 16 Jim and Gerry Rush 41st 19 Tony and Stephanie Resto 16th 22 Deward and Phoebe Brenneman 52nd 26 Marv and Fern Nisly 38th 27 John and Diana Jacobs 23rd 29 Tommy and Donnita Williams 35th |
Congratulations to Catherine Lorrain Lantz and Will J Fittry who will be married on July 23, 2005, at Zion. Welcome to Will and Cathy and their family: Jay Fittry-8 years old; Sierra Fittry-7 years old, Alexei Fittry-5 years old; and Nevin Lantz-14 months old. Will and Cathy will be living in Stanley, Virginia, until their new home is built in the “forest” at Dave and Cheryl’s place.
Please put news items for September/October in the Windows mailbox by June 26, or email: pipermr@aol.com. We appreciate all your comments, ideas, and submissions! Dorothy Hartman and Myrna Piper publish Windows Into Zion. |
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