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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 11 |
Number 4
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May/June 2006
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What do you know about poverty?-Kathy Alderfer "If you close your ear to the cry of the poor, you will cry out and not be heard." Proverbs 21:13 In our seemingly never-ending quest for stimulating and thought-provoking materials for Sunday school discussion, our class (Good Grounds) stumbled upon just that when we decided to study a book about poverty. Rev. Bill Ehlig and Dr. Ruby Payne co-authored What Every Church Member Should Know about Poverty. Congregations tend to make themselves inhospitable to underprivileged persons, without even realizing it. The authors expertly guide the reader through understanding hidden rules and language patterns among classes, interpreting the scripture that relates to this topic, and integrating persons from all backgrounds into the church. This book was extremely thought-provoking and forced us to confront some significant issues and perspectives. Many class members even described the book as "life-changing." It certainly brought some difficult questions to the forefront. Is Zion hospitable to ALL persons? Are we accepting and non-judgmental in the way that we welcome visitors? How does God desire for us to respond to persons whom we perceive to be different from us? While our class would definitely recommend this book to other Sunday school classes, you must know that it may not be an easy or always pleasant study. The discussion inevitably led to an in-depth look at ourselves, and at times it was hard to make some personal realizations. However, the revelations that came out of our discussions were very positive and hopefully will have a lasting impact. (If your class is interested in studying this book, you may contact me about borrowing our copies.) |
Spiritual renewal weekend -Elwood Yoder Joe and Cheryl Hollinger brought missionary stories to our congregation on April 22-23 and challenged us to find faithfulness in our Christian lives. I experienced the weekend as a genuine time of renewal and a challenge to search for new ways of making the gospel meaningful in my own work and ministries. On Saturday night, when Joe and Cheryl talked about their eleven year missionary experience in Wales, I was pleased to see so many of our youth in attendance, most of whom had never known the Hollingers when they attended Zion, 1985-1994. During the early 1990s, Joy and I participated in a small group with the Hollingers and they often talked about their call to missions and expressed a desire to serve in an oversees location. In 1994, at least five young families left Zion, including the Hollingers, all for mission or church related assignments elsewhere. In Sunday School on April 23, Joe and Cheryl reviewed the post Christian culture they discovered in Wales. Active Christian churches are dwindling in Britain, Christianity is not viewed with the favor it once was, and evangelical pastors often experience burnout in their uphill battle to establish strong congregations. Cheryl commented that in a post Christian environment we are increasingly "pilgrims," not "settlers," and that we find our unity in Christ. During the worship service on Sunday Joe and Cheryl asked what kind of language we speak. After reviewing the vast difference in meanings of various words from the USA to Wales, they went on to challenge us to speak the language of Christian mission. We are called to live in a redemptive way, Cheryl said, neither remaining insular nor becoming assimilated. I would like to thank Susan Stoltzfus and the Worship Commission for planning these renewal meetings. The weekend helped to bring closure to an 11-15 year journey of mission with Joe and Cheryl and their boys. My hope is that the youth in our congregation who listened intently on Saturday evening will catch the spark of sharing the gospel that Joe and Cheryl so clearly expressed. News from Lithuania -Steve and Betsy Dintaman Greetings from Klaipeda, where spring has finally reached us. Our back yard is on the verge of bursting into forsythia, apple, cherry, plum, and pear blossoms. We have forgiven our house the miserable winter it gave us and are once again thrilled to be living here. We've already had several groups around our picnic table, albeit with coats on. The last month has been a whirlwind of events culminating in the commencement of 106 grads last Saturday. In the middle of all that we had to bid farewell to quite a few faculty and staff, but are also welcoming back and hosting some former faculty back for a visit. Last Sunday we were given the kind of job we especially enjoy - hosting a campus visitor, complete with college car. Dean Peachey, dean at Canadian Mennonite University in Winnipeg, was here to explore the possibilities of a cooperative arrangement for a Conflict Transformation program at LCC. Dean is a birdwatcher, and was interested in visiting the delta wetlands about an hour south of us where the Nemunas River flows into the Baltic near the Kaliningrad (Russian) border. This area is important for many species of migratory birds and there is a bird banding station and museum. Driving around the Lithuanian countryside is always a treat for us, but on the sort of day in which the grass deepens in color and buds unfurl as you watch, it really was heavenly. We saw dozens of stork pairs proudly making themselves at home in their huge nests, and lots of old style agriculture, with horses pulling the manure wagon and people out planting by hand in the fields. Dean, armed with a big volume of the Birds of Europe, saw four species new to him and almost succeeded in turning Betsy into a "twitcher." We plan to stay in Klaipeda for the summer, which seems to be filling up rapidly. We're so excited that both Abram and Anna will be here for LCC's Summer Language Institute in July, with Anna teaching and Abram helping with recreation and other things. About 325 students of all ages from many countries, and 45 North American teachers come for Summer Language Institute, so it will be an interesting time for them to be involved here. And of course we're excited about being a family for a month! A regular newsletter from us with more stories from the classroom will be out shortly, but we wanted to let you know that we survived the winter and are doing well. We always enjoy hearing the news from Zion, so keep in touch! |
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Bible School time! -Dawn Mast Grab your VISA (No, not the credit card…the one that gets you into other countries, then back into this one.) and come to this year’s vacation Bible school June 12-16. There are going to be amazing journeys, fantastic food, exciting Bible stories and “can’t get that tune outta my head” music. Why in the world would you want to miss that?! Speaking of the world, the theme this year is Trading Places and the children ages 4 through grade 5 will be “traveling” to wonderful lands such as China, Kenya and Mexico. They’ll experience what it would be like to be a child from another country by seeing some of the sights and tasting food from foreign lands. Does that make you want to be seven again? Not to worry! There’s plenty for an adult to do to help the children as they travel, taste, explore and learn the Bible in an exciting way. We still have openings for teachers, drama helpers, decorators, recreation leaders, set-up/clean up helpers for the grand final night and a snack coordinator and servers. If you are interested in helping please see one of the VBS staff…Dawn Mast, Jenni Piper, Daryl & Rebekah Brubaker or Jennifer Showalter. Finally, we are trying something new this year so we can effectively and efficiently plan for Bible school. There will be a pre-registration form on the bulletin board at the back of the church if you’d like to sign up your children before June 12th. Also- please have your children invite their friends for a truly unforgettable time! We hope you’ll join us either by providing hands-on help or even more importantly, praying for Bible school to be not only fun, but an effective evangelistic tool for the precious children who attend. |
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The challenge of motherhood -Barbara Risser Once I lay in labor, breathing deeply and working hard in rhythm hoping it would soon be over. When the fog cleared, a small form lay in my arms and it was Mother’s Day. Many times I’d run to the little, white crib and touch your warm body just to make sure you were breathing. You were the embodiment of a great love between your father and I. Hours were spent watching your stretching, wriggling and growing with each day. In your growing years you reached for things like sunbeams and bubbles that broke at your touch. I wept a mother’s tears when you were sick or hurt. I gave you back to God many times over. I sat in the emergency room stroking your head and holding your hand and praying…that too was Mother’s Day. We sat in auditoriums where a hundred children were performing, but only you stood out. I watched and sometimes took part in endless baseball games when your muscles had to stretch in play. I watched you lead a charge on the haymow with neighborhood children in pursuit. I have inspected snow caves, tree houses, leaf piles and forts. I came running at your call to see an unusual sunset and rainbow. I learned the magic of rediscovered joy in little things through your eyes. That was Mother’s Day. I have scolded, chastised and paddled. I have criticized, laughed, applauded and advised. I have untangled fish lines, tied tails for kites, made nets for catching butterflies, sewed bags for marbles, laced ice skates, made milkshakes, made cookies by the hundreds and prepared picnics. These were small joys done for you that enrich Mother’s Day. I screamed at you in impatience over unimportant things and had to ask your forgiveness. You forgave with “I’m sorry too”, it was Mother’s Day. There were times you were drawn away from me to share special times for Father’s days and I couldn’t go along. Your Father and I enjoyed sharing you. Sometimes I needed to explain you to each other! I have given you over to other teachers, ministers, 4-H leaders, coaches and friends. I was grateful for what they gave you of themselves and proud to share my Mother’s Days. Sometimes I was jealous when you showed your best face away from home and bared your other face at home. This is as it should be! A special “thank you, Mom, for clean sport socks” put a halo on my day. I knelt by your bed when you were asleep and prayed that God would keep you from evil paths. That was the night you went to bed too mad about something to pray for yourself. When you felt the call of God to give your heart to Jesus, I was there to give my approval. That was the greatest Mother’s Day of all. Times when I felt a need to be right, you forced me to consider whether that attitude was like Christ. That stretched a mother, and I thank you for that. Many times I was a learner…not always the teacher. We welcomed your friends by the carload when you came home from college. You lifted me off my feet in a big hug for the joy of being home and I experienced Mother’s Day all over again. Now others in the world claim more of your time. I go to bed not knowing where you are, but still loving you. Letting go is hardest of all. Now I need to trust you to another love. One that is closer and dearer. My flexibility has to expand like a rubber band. This too is Mother’s Day. Now my role changes…no longer the central figure in your life but a new relationship as good friends. I value that relationship. I will always hold you in my heart as part of your Father and me. You bring me a plant for Mother’s Day or a handmade card which I cherish; or you bring me nothing more than you have already given and certainly that is enough. I gave you life and every fulfilling day since, you have given me something wonderful of yourself. That makes a succession of endless Mother’s Days. I would challenge you to be the kind of mother and father that will allow God to change you into the person He wants you to be. It may be painful, but we found that the rewards exceed the sacrifice! A wonderful waste of time Learning from Mary & Martha -Marci Myers As we motored our way around windy roads to Blessings Lodge at Camp Overlook, I had to wonder to myself if each lady at the annual women’s retreat would indeed receive a blessing as the name of the lodge indicates. Would we return home feeling blessed and affirmed or would we instead feel some guilt in falling short of our desires to live like Mary in a Martha world? On Friday evening a total of twenty-one women arrived at the lodge and perhaps had similar questions rolling around in their minds. After settling into our rooms in this deluxe camp facility we relaxed around a cozy fire in the main meeting room while receiving a welcome and instructions for the weekend from Diane Emswiler and Mary Leaman. Mandi Stoltzfus so nicely led us through a devotional time that helped each of us think about how little or how much we are living a Martha lifestyle. We also spent time affirming each other and listing positive qualities about each other. Peggy Brubaker then encouraged us to focus on God by worshiping with her through songs of praise. Jesus’ words to Martha about being anxious about many things were the focus of our devotional time with Penny Driediger. Time was spent recognizing our fears by listing them on a board and then looking up scripture verses about fear. Comforting is the fact that even though we all have fears, God is greater! After some free time of games, talking and snacking, some women headed home to the comforts of their own beds while most women settled into the inviting rooms that Blessings Lodge offered. The smell of coffee awakened us the next morning and drew us into the meeting room for a delicious breakfast prepared by camp employees. What a treat to not have to cook! More women joined in on the Saturday’s activities, bringing the total numbers to 28. After breakfast, Peggy helped us change our focus from earthly food to spiritual food as we again sang songs of praise to God. Mandi followed with a conclusion to her devotional from the evening before. Her time ended with a focus on “blessing” someone through prayer: The story of Mary and Martha was brought to a new light as Celah Pence walked us through the rest of the morning. We were saddened that Celah’s co-leader, Brenda Fairweather, couldn’t be with us due to illness but were very thankful that Celah was willing to proceed without her. Four different versions of the Mary/Martha story were read and it was interesting to hear what stood out to different women as they heard each version. Most of us could relate to Martha and her task-oriented focus. But, was Jesus really saying that we should ignore the daily tasks that need to be done around us or was he speaking more to the condition of our hearts? If our focus in life is on Jesus, will he not take care of the other details in our lives that we tend to worry about? During the next part of the morning, each of us spent time in solitude either curled up by the fire, outside enjoying the breathtaking beauty or in a candle-lit room. Celah provided tools for us to find ways to “sit at Jesus’ feet” through such ways as journaling or through a walking and/or sitting meditation. Spending time alone with Jesus is something that most of us women crave but find difficult to fit into our busy lives. Our morning session ended with a time of reflection, prayer, anointing, and symbolizing the giving up of our burdens by putting stones in a bowl of water. Before we headed home, we were again supplied with a wonderful meal by the camp and even more wonderful fellowship with the other women. Even though I did have moments during the retreat of feeling guilty for my Martha lifestyle, I was very blessed and encouraged by what I came away with. Spending time with Jesus and keeping my focus on Him need to be my life goals and I was encouraged and led in that direction this weekend. |
I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:24 -Judy Nafziger Tests 101 Ever wondered why your doctor orders certain tests? This is a crash course in a few. Everyone knows that an X-ray is used to detect fractures, but did you ever wonder what else you’re seeing on the film? Some trivia: air appears black on film, muscle, fat or fluid appear gray, and dense structures (such as bone) appear white. A CT (computed tomography) or CAT scan uses a thin X-ray beam that rotates. Using a computer, detailed cross-sectional images can be reconstructed into three-dimensional models for evaluation. Usually the brain, chest and abdomen are evaluated. An ultrasound involves the use of high-frequency waves to create images of organs within the body. Another name for this is sonogram. Unlike an x-ray, there is no radiation exposure with this test. This test is often used in pregnancy as many of our mothers well know. There are two kinds of bone scans. One tests bone density (the DEXA scan) and is used to diagnose osteoporosis, a condition in which the bones become weak and brittle. The other is used to detect hidden bone fractures, bone infections, arthritis cancer or the cause of unexplained bone pain. MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, is based on the magnetic properties of atoms. A powerful magnet and radio waves are used in this test to produce very clear imaging information. This test can be noisy and may produce a claustrophobic feeling from being in the scanner. An echo or echocardiogram is a test that uses sound waves to create a moving picture of the heart. Heart disease can be evaluated in this way. The picture is much more detailed than an X-ray and involves no radiation exposure. These are just a few of the many tests we have now days to help us to keep as healthy as we can. Season’s Bounty What: a fresh produce service available by subscription Who: Radell Schrock When: 1 box weekly, June – October Where: pick up in the Park View area Cost: $300; feeds a family of 2-4 See Radell for more details. |
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Fathers: -Harmon Killebrew -Anonymous -Bill Cosby -Anonymous -David M Gottesman -Gabriel Garcia Marquez -Tim Russert -Charles Wadsworth |
“Now what is this Pastoral Counseling Thing you’re doing again?” -Joann Henderson As I develop my identity as a pastoral counselor I am often asked, “what is that exactly?” Some think I must be a pastor to do it, others think I must be counseling pastors, and still others think, as my supervisor said, I will do my counseling “out in the pasture!” There is some truth to each of these. Pastors certainly do counseling but are often not licensed counselors, plenty of pastors do receive counseling, and yes, I do counsel “in the field,” but not necessarily in “the pasture.” Pastoral counselors are trained in psychotherapy and become licensed counselors. They view people as whole beings and integrate faith and religious values into their work. They help people achieve health in all areas of their lives including the spiritual. Often issues such as forgiveness, hope, guilt, shame, healing, and sin come into the therapeutic process. Even when a person has not been raised in a religious community, these words have meaning and define how they experience or value themselves and others. The work of the pastoral counselor is to honor the present experience of the client, helping them make meaning of their stories and purpose in life, without imposing their own beliefs. There are times when pastors discover people need more intensive or long term counseling than what they are able to provide and refer them to a licensed counselor. A pastoral counselor is a helpful option. I was not allowed to discuss religious or spiritual issues with my clients in my years as a social worker in public settings, and appropriately so. The risk of crossing ethical boundaries and imposing personal beliefs on a person was a risk most agencies stayed away from. However, as a person of faith, I came to realize those beliefs were often a powerful resource from which to draw upon. I am sad to say I also witnessed times when they were the source of much pain. It became clear to me that not addressing these issues often left out major parts of a person’s identity and experience. Pastoral counselors believe it is important to respect the spiritual commitments and religious traditions of those who seek their assistance not placing a value upon one faith, or lack of faith, over another. Religious stories, symbols, or metaphors are often part of their work along with prayer and scripture, always at the direction of the client’s needs. Even when a client does not use spiritual or religious language pastoral counselors hold the sense of hope, forgiveness, and trust for them. They believe counseling is a sacred experience between the counselor, clients, and God, where much can happen – for good or ill. Being a part of the AAPC (American Association of Pastoral Counselors) provides education, on-going supervision, and ethical accountability. As a pastoral counselor in training I seek to join people where they are hurting, travel the road of life with them, minister to them on their journey, and celebrate the place of faith in healing. I am currently involved in an internship as a student in EMU’s Master of Arts in counseling program and provide counseling in an office that Linville Creek Church of the Brethren has graciously offered me. I appreciate and benefit from the supervision Karla Souder provides me so generously. I also receive supervision from Dr. BonnaSue, Ph.D., LPC, and an AAPC Diplomate, whose words are included in this description. I currently provide counseling to all ages including couples, families, children, adolescents, and adults. Issues I address include sadness, grief, guilt, anxiety, conflict, transitions, personal growth, spiritual concerns, and women’s issues. If you are aware of anyone that may desire or benefit from counseling at no charge (donations accepted to offset costs), please have them call me at 476-1482 for further information and/or appointments. I covet your prayers as I continue this endeavor I view as a calling and my form of ministry within the world. |
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Musings The prayer of eating -Katherine Donnelly With a glorious Shenandoah spring bursting forth, many of us look forward to enjoying the fresh fruits and vegetables on the way. Three books have come to my attention recently that are not only changing the way I eat, but also helping me develop what I call the prayer of eating. I’m sure many of you have seen the new Mennonite Central Committee cookbook, Simply in Season, with its mouth-watering cover photos of asparagus, raspberries, pumpkins, and turnips. This gorgeous book by Mary Beth Lind and Cathleen Hockman-Wert is much more than a cookbook. Rather, it is a call to prayerful stewardship through thoughtful gardening. In the stories and quotes that accompany the recipes Lind and Hockman-Wert share how their spirituality has deepened through changes in their gardening, shopping, and cooking. They remind us that eating locally grown foods is not only important for our own health but also for the health of the environment and the local economy. They show us the intimate connections between the way we eat, the way we care for the earth, and the way we experience the presence of providence. I’ve also been reading the bestseller, French Women Don’t Get Fat, by Mireille Guiliano. She echoes the same principles, and goes on to speak of the French reverence for mealtime. The French treat their meals as ritual, creating a hallowed hour to gather and talk with family and friends. Guiliano asserts that giving thought to how the food is presented, how the table is set, and taking time with our meals enhances the experience of eating. All of this helps us to be grateful for our nourishment. These lessons began to take root for me, though, through the Essential Writings of the Vietnamese Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh. In one essay he speaks of having a tangerine party at his retreats. Each participant was given one tangerine. Appreciating the fruit’s rich color, inhaling the aroma, imagining the tree in blossom, experiencing the tactile satisfaction of peeling, noticing the droplets of nectar, allowing the sections to fall apart in the fingers, and finally savoring the ambrosia of every bite: through this developing awareness Thich Nhat Hanh opens to us the holiness of what we eat. Lind, Hockman-Wert, Guiliano, and Thich Nhat Hanh challenge me to think about where my food is grown, support local farmers, create a sacred space for meals, and delight in small pleasures. This spring I hope to plant mindfulness, cultivate gratitude, and reap generosity. MAY Birthdays 1 - Chloe Shrock 2 - Paul Leaman 4 - Patty Baer, Emily Hahn, Steve Lantz 5 - David Swartzentruber 6 - Tonya Parker, Dillon Souder 7 - Steve Dintaman 9 - Madeline Parker 11 - Barbara Risser, Penny Driediger 12 - Elizabeth Resto, Joy Yoder 14 - Jerry Glanzer 15 - Cora King 16 - Dawn Mast, Abigail Shrock 17 - Linda Thompson 20 - Elizabeth Juarez, Joanne Showalter 22 - Karla Souder 23 - Kaitlin Parker 25 - Renee Warsing 29 - Mike Piper 31 - Simon Sawyer, Ben Yutzy Anniversaries 5 - Gary & Karla Souder (33rd) 10 - Daryl & Rebecca Brubaker (3rd) 18 - Doug & Dawn Nyce (21st) 19 - David & Diane Emswiler (22nd) 20 - Eldon & Rhoda Olinger (18th) 24 - Todd and Mandi Stoltzfus (3rd) 24 - Larry & Linda Snader (32nd) 26 - Ben & Sarah Bixler (5th) JUNE Birthdays 7 - Anthony Hertzler, Ken Nafziger 8 - Jesse Compagnari 10 - Jacob Hollinger, Ron Piper 13 - Susan Stoltzfus 15 - John Jacobs 18 - Ellis Detwiler 20 - Clay Showalter 21 - Sarah Gant, Marilyn Yoder, Carlene Lantz 24 - Daryl Brubaker 25 - Olivia Resto 27 - Clyde Kratz 29 - Rebecca Hess 30 - Katie Derstine Anniversaries 1 - Paul & Mary Leaman (21st) 2 - Ryan & Bethany Landgraff (5th) 2 - Josh & Emily Hahn (5th) 5 - Joe & Dabney Vaccaro (19th) 9 - Wayne & Joanne Showalter (33rd) 14 - Wes & Jennifer Showalter (9th) 14 - Ed & Lori Gant (26th) 15 - Doug & Kathy Alderfer (10th) 16 - Eric and Peggy Brubaker (5th) 18 - Rob & Celah Pence (18th) 18 - Josh & Hanna Reinford (1st) 20 - Mark & Dawn Mast (14th) 20 - Jesse and Monica Compagnari (15th) 22 - Stuart & Helen Shank (38th) 23 - Bobby & Brenda Fairweather (27th) 26 - Ray & Shirley Kuykendall (56th) 26 - Charles & Janet Rhodes (32nd) 27 - Richard & Anne Juarez (29th) |
Upcoming Events May 11, 6:30 p.m. - Congregational Leadership Team meeting May 21 - Fellowship Meal May 21 at 1:00 - Congregational Business Meeting May 23, 4 p.m. - Interim Leadership Team meeting at VMC May 28 - High School Senior Recognition May 31, 7 p.m. - Worship Commission meeting June 1, 8:30 a.m. - Zion Mennonite Women's Ministry meeting (with lunch at 11:30) June 7, 6:30 p.m. - Special Programs Committee meeting at EMU Commons June 11 - Fellowship Meal June 12-16 - Vacation Bible School at Zion ("Trading Places") June 28-30 - Jr MYF summer trip to Creation Music Festival, MCC Material Resources Center, and Hershey Park June 28-July 1 - Creation music festival in Mount Union, Pa (MYF will not be officially attending as a group) Worship Schedule May 7 - EMHS Choir Worship Leader: Matt Hunsberger 14 - Speaker: Penny Driediger Worship Leader & Song Leader: Dave Yutzy 21 - Speaker: Marie Morris Worship Leader: Penny Driediger Fellowship Meal and Congregational Business Meeting 28 - Broadway High School Choir Worship Leader: Matt Hunsberger June 4 - Speaker: Beryl Jantzi Worship Leader: Susan Stoltzfus 11 - Speaker: Sarah Bixler Worship Leader & Music Leader: Elwood Yoder Fellowship Meal 18 - Speaker: Penny Driediger 25 – Speaker: TBA Worship Leader: Penny Driediger Please put news items for July/August in the Windows mailbox by June 25 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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