Advent Devotionals

You can find daily advent devotionals from Goshen College at http://blog.goshen.edu/devotions/.

Help our adopted family this Christmas!

The Peace and Justice Committee is coordinating a collection of items for our Ballard Center adopted family.  Items and monetary donations are needed by December 11.  There is a sign up sheet at church. Contact Joey Sprague or Gary Brunk for more information.

Christmas card-making and craft party

We will have a Christmas card-making and craft party on Sat., Dec. 17, from 2-5 in the afternoon at Joanna’s house.  Joanna will provide supplies for cards and one or two simple crafts.  You can bring a snack to share if you like.  Come and go as you wish.  Contact Joanna if you need directions.

Fall Family Fun Weekend

Join us on October 14 & 15 for food, fellowship, and fun!
(These events are in place of our annual retreat this year.)

~Whenever you come, remember to bring food for the food pantry.~

Friday, October 14

6 p.m.  Dinner at the church
Meat and veggie lasagna provided; you bring bread, salad, or dessert to share

7 p.m.   Game night at the church
Bring your favorite board game(s) and a snack to share; instruments are also welcome

 

Saturday, October 15

9 a.m. Church work day begins
There are indoor and outdoor jobs to be done.  Come whenever you can. Bring gloves, rakes, yard waste bags, rags . . .

12 noon  Church picnic at Lyons Park
Bring your own picnic lunch and join the fun.  For those participating in the work day, take a break!

1 p.m.  Church work day continues

1:30 p.m.  Card-Making for the kids (and interested adults)
The children are invited to make some cards to send to our friends who have moved and to our friends who are sick.  Parents are welcome to help make cards, or to participate in the work day events while the kids are busy.

3:30 p.m.  Ice Cream Social
Everything is provided!  Just come and enjoy.

 

E-News for August 25

Sunday’s Scripture: Matthew 16:21-28

For Meditation: “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” (v. 24)

Please plan to attend our potluck lunch and congregational meeting this Sunday, August 28, immediately following worship. Key agenda items include discussions and decisions regarding: hiring an administrative assistant, implementing a benevolence fund policy, and moving forward in addressing space issues. Childcare will be provided.

 

Remember to bring your “bucket money” and other contributions for Mennonite Central Committee’s drought relief efforts to church this Sunday.

Sunday School will start back up again on September 4 at 9:30 a.m. All children and youth are welcome. If you would like to help, please be in touch with Jenny Buller.

 

The PMC library collection, including books for adults, youth, and children, is now fully cataloged.  You will find two book catalogs filed just to the right of the check-out box at the main library location.  Much thanks to Ken Lohrentz for the many hours he gave to this project! For more details about the library, see the letter from Ken at the bottom of the E-News.

The Landscaping Group continues to collect funds for a garden bench and some trees. You can contribute on Sunday! For more information, please contact Anne Bailey.

 

From the Worship Team:

–Want to be part of the exciting worship planning action at PMC? The Worship Committee began the year with six members and is now down to four. Please contact Joanna if you are interested in joining this group.

–On September 11 we will have a special service of lament and remembrance as we observe the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. We invite you to send an e-mail or note to Joanna sharing your experiences of and/or reflections on that day.

–You probably know many of the stories in the Bible, but do you know the larger story of scripture? On October 9, we will begin with Genesis 1 and eventually work our way through to the early Christian church. (Don’t worry, we’ll take our time and we’ll take a break or two.)

Let Joanna know if you would like to preach on any of these stories: Abraham and Sarah, Joseph in Egypt, Exodus, Law (Deut. 5), Ruth, or Solomon building the Temple.

Volunteer Opportunities (Please let Joanna know if you would like to help with any of these.)

• Child care during worship
• Children’s Sunday School helpers
• Serve and/or make casseroles for LINK–first Sunday of each month
• Help with Ballard Center food distribution (next date, September 14)

Peace Mennonite Calendar:

• August 28: Congregational Meeting and Potluck
• August 29: Immigration film screening; Liberty Hall; 7 p.m. (free)
• September 4: Serve at LINK
• September 8: Class on Aramaic Lord’s Prayer; contact Susan
• September 12: North Lawrence Improvement Association picnic, 6:30 p.m.
• September 13: Programs related to the case of Darryl Hunt (see below)
• September 17: MCC Flatlander Bicycle Ride

 

Serving in Worship this Week:
Worship Leader: Joe Casad; Song Leader: Thomas Heilke; Accompanist: Twila Schmidt; Prelude & Offertory: Bridget Casad; Children’s Time: Jim Russo; Scripture Reader: Marta Schwartz; Preacher: Joanna Harader; Table: Andrea Zuercher; Childcare: Jasmine Harader-Ellett and Jenny Buller

 

Beyond the Local Church

The Mennonite Central Committee Flatlander Bicycle Ride will be held Saturday, September 17, in Newton. The ride is held to benefit MCC. For more information, contact the church office or see the brochure in the hallway.

Community Events

 

There will be an Immigration film screening and discussion on Monday, August 29, 7 p.m. at Liberty Hall. The event is free and open to the public. Childcare will be provided.

 

Learn to recite and sing the Lord’s Prayer in Aramaic, the original language spoken by Jesus. A 10-week course. The first class will be Thursday, September 8^th at 7 p.m. at Peace Mennonite Church, 614 Lincoln Street. Call Susan at (785)542-1300 for details.

A program about the incarceration and exoneration of Darryl Hunt will be held Tuesday, September 13, from 4-7 p.m. at the ECM building. Earlier that same day, you are invited to a conversation with a Muslim chaplain who was involved in Hunt’s case. That conversation will be at noon in the upper level of Genovese restaurant, downtown.

 

Note from Ken Lohrentz:

 

The PMC library collection, including books for adults, youth, and children, is now fully cataloged.  You will find two book catalogs filed just to the right of the check-out box at the main library location.  The catalog for adult and youth books (black cover) has entries by author, title, subject, and series.  The children’s catalog (red cover) has entries for author, title, and subject.  All children’s books are located in the children’s room and books on Worship are located in Joanna’s office (due to shortage of space!).  You will probably want to check these out from Joanna so she knows who has them in case they are needed by members of the Worship Committee.

 

I particularly want to draw attention to the subject guide to children’s books.  For Bible stories based on a specific biblical text, the chapter and verse of the text are included in the subject heading.  For example, a book on Jonah has an entry under Bible Stories. O. T. Jonah I-III.  It is also listed under Jonah (Biblical Character)–Children’s Literature.  I had various children’s sunday school teachers and folks doing the children’s story for worship in mind when I set up these headings, so I hope you will find them useful.  I could send a copy of the subject list to anyone who might find it useful for these purposes.  For that matter, I can send RTF files of any and all the files entered in either catalog, if anyone would like to have them.  A new copy, with the same file name, could be sent out for updates whenever needed so that you could just over-write the outdated copy.  Just let me know if you are interested in receiving any of the catalog files, and I will put you on a list to receive them.

 

I also want to point out that all children’s books may be checked out, but they should be checked out at the main check-out location with the card (signed and dated) placed in the check-out box at the main entrance.  The book should also be returned there for checking it back in so that the check-out file remains up to date.

 

I also want to extend a special thanks to the three individuals who provided supplementary funding for the purchase of the Mennonite Encyclopedia, vol. 5.  Our set of the encyclopedia is now complete.  The copy we got, by the way, was the last copy in print and there are no plans to reprint it with the availability of the Global Anabaptist-Mennonite Encyclopedia Online (GAMEO).

 

And finally, my inventory of the collection, taken about a month ago, confirmed that there were five books missing from the shelves at that time that were not checked out.  I encourage all of you, of course, to use the collection, and there is no limit on the time you have an item checked out.  But particularly for that reason, we do want to know who has each book that is checked out.  If you happened to borrow a book from the collection without signing and dating the check-out card and placing it in the check-out box, please bring the card back and place it in the check-out file.  You may keep the book for as long as you like.

 

Thanks to all for your patience on this all-too-lengthy endeavor! What I thought would be a six-month project has turned out to be 11 months.

 

Ken Lohrentz 

 

August 11 News

Peace Mennonite Church

E-Mail News

August 11, 2011

Sunday’s Scripture: Matthew 15:21-28
For Meditation: “Have mercy on me Lord, Son of David.” (v. 22)

Joanna will be on vacation from August 15-21.  For pastoral care needs, please contact a member of the ministry team.  For other church-related concerns, please contact our moderator, Jim Russo.

International Student Ministries is looking for help as they welcome KU students for the new school year.  They are collecting household items to pass along to students.  On August 20 they will need drivers for tours of Lawrence and truck drivers to help haul furniture.  Througout the year they need friendship families and conversation partners for these students who are so far from home.  Please contact Len at revlen@ku.edu if you would like to help.

 

Get ready for Sunday School! There will not be a planning meeting this coming Sunday–but there will be one soon. Please be in touch with Jenny Buller if you would like to help with children/youth Sunday School this semester.

Landscaping News from Anne Bailey:

Save your quarters, dimes, and dollars! We are trying to raise money to put a garden bench near the gardens! We plan to order an 8 foot long bench made of recycled materials. It will cost $299!  (See http://www.champlintirerecycling.com/contact_us.html for more details!) Collection of this money will begin this Sunday!

–Also, we would like to plant 4 “baby” trees under the large trees on the west side of the parking lot.  Anyone interested in contributing to the tree fund ($35-$40 per tree) can add money to the landscape fund as well!

–No money but have time and strong muscles? No problem!!! Any time you can lean over and pull a clump of grass out of our parking lot, that simple action will prolong its life. Some of the clumps of grass have grown to over a foot tall.  Start pulling….even one clump a week will help! (Just dump your clump near the rose bushes, and I’ll pick them up later!)

–Reported in our garden: Hummingbirds and Monarch butterflies have been seen this past week!  Lots of Monarch caterpillars have been seen on the dying dill plant!

 

From the Worship Team:

–Want to be part of the exciting worship planning action at PMC? The Worship Committee began the year with six members and is now down to four. Please contact Joanna if you are interested in joining this group.

–On September 11 we will have a special service of lament and remembrance as we observe the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. We invite you to send an e-mail or note to Joanna sharing your experiences of and/or reflections on that day.

–You probably know many of the stories in the Bible, but do you know the larger story of scripture? On October 9, we will begin with Genesis 1 and eventually work our way through to the early Christian church. (Don’t worry, we’ll take our time and we’ll take a break or two.)

Let Joanna know if you would like to preach on any of these stories: Abraham and Sarah, Joseph in Egypt, Exodus, Law (Deut. 5), Ruth, or Solomon building the Temple.

News from Mennonite Disaster Service:

At Reading (KS) there is a one story house with a roofing job to complete. Next Saturday, August 6, some people will be coming from Hesston with MDS equipment and plan to arrive at 7:00 AM. If you can help, please let us know by e-mail or by phone at 785-286-0905.

Minot, ND MDS is requesting help in flood cleanup.  There were 4,000 homes flooded and 11,000 people evacuated.  At this time there are places to stay, but they request each group supply their own cooks.  Some homes will be flooded until mid-August, so the project will be working until winter and then possible inside repair during the winter.  Consider this for a group vacation project or something.  If you are interested contact the Kansas Coordinators at 620-747-0835.

 

 

The church received a thank you note from Adam and Rhea. The note is posted in the hall and reads in part: “Just a note to say a big thank you for the care package . . . Thanks also to those of you who helped with cleaning and maintenance on our house. . . . We miss you all. There’s no other church like Peace.”

 

The Peace and Justice Support Network of Mennonite Church USA has counter-recruitment material available to loan out. Do you know of places in town where military recruiters aggressively recruit teens and young adults? Would you like to help present the truth about military involvement and share alternative possibilities for an exciting, service-oriented life? Check out the Peace and Justice Support Network’s information and get in touch with Joanna.

 

Mennonite Central Committee is currently collecting money for relief efforts in East Africa, where a critical drought is affecting about 11 million people. You can contribute through the church, or directly to MCC online or through the mail.

***Remember to bring your “bucket money” to church this week!

 

We now have a “Community Sharing List”list for folks within the Peace Mennonite community.  This list contains items that people are willing to loan to others within the church; everything from Pokemon cake pans to power washers to wheelbarrows to sewing machines. You can view the list on our blog (peacepreacher.wordpress.com). If you have items to add, please e-mail the church office.

Joanna’s “Open Letter” in response to the discussion at Western District Conference assemblycan be found on her blog. (spaciousfaith.wordpress.com)

Volunteer Opportunities (Please let Joanna know if you would like to help with any of these.)

• Child care during worship
• Children’s Sunday School helpers
• Help with International Student Ministries
• Organize the reading rack and bulletin board in the hallway
• Edit, print, and copy the bulletin
• Edit, send, and post the E-News (We’re working on an exciting new format!)
• Serve and/or make casseroles for LINK–first Sunday of each month
• Help with Ballard Center food distribution (next date, August 24)

Peace Mennonite Calendar:

• August 13: Summer Thresher Golf Classic & Barbecue
• August 15-21: Joanna on vacation
• August 20: Welcome activities for international students
• August 21: Prayer gathering following worship
• August 24, 9-12: Ballard food distribution @ fairgrounds
• August 28: Congregational Meeting
• August 29: Immigration film screening; Liberty Hall; 7 p.m. (free)
• September 4: Serve at LINK
• September 8: Class on Aramaic Lord’s Prayer; contact Susan
• September 12: North Lawrence Improvement Association picnic, 6:30 p.m.
• September 17: MCC Flatlander Bicycle Ride

 

Serving in Worship this Week:
Worship Leader: Thomas Heilke; Song Leader & Prelude: Joe Casad; Accompanist & Offertory: Whitney Baker; Children’s Time: Sonja Kaufman; Scripture Reader: Joni Fornelli; Preacher: Joanna Harader; Table: Gwen Weins; Childcare: Doug Koch; Snacks: Barbara Preheim; Bread: Kirsten Bosnak

Beyond the Local Church

The Bethel College Summer Thresher Golf Classic & Barbecue will be held Saturday, August 13. See the flyer in the hallway for more information.

 

The Mennonite Central Committee Flatlander Bicycle Ride will be held Saturday, September 17, in Newton. The ride is held to benefit MCC. For more information, contact the church office or see the brochure in the hallway.

Fall Classes are open for Enrollment at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary! See the AMBS website or the information posted in the church hallway for more details. To waive the registration fee, you must register by August 8th.

Community Events

 

There will be an Immigration film screening and discussion on Monday, August 29, 7 p.m. at Liberty Hall. The event is free and open to the public.

 

Learn to recite and sing the Lord’s Prayer in Aramaic, the original language spoken by Jesus. A 10-week course. The first class will be Thursday, September 8^th at 7 p.m. at Peace Mennonite Church, 614 Lincoln Street. Call Susan at (785)542-1300 for details.

-The Lawrence Farmers’ Market is up and running for Summer!  They operate on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, as follows:

Tuesday: Parking Lot between 10th and 11th on the East Side of Vermont St.  4-6 PM

Thursday: Parking Lot on the SW corner of 6th and Wakarusa.  4-6 PM

Saturday: Parking Lot between 8th and 9th St, and New Hampshire and
         Rhode Island.  7-11 AM

If the weather looks threatening, the coordinator may open 30 minutes early to accommodate shoppers.  The Tuesday and Thursday Markets will run through the end of October, and the Saturday market will run until Thanksgiving.   

E-News for August 4, 2011

Scripture: Luke 14: 15-24

For Meditation: “Blessed is anyone who will eat bread in the Kingdom of God.” (v. 15)

The temperatures have cooled and the camping trip is on! Join us tomorrow night, August 5, at Clinton Lake, campground #3. We’ll try to get campsite #101; if that spot is taken, we will be somewhere close. The Harader-Ellett family will be there setting up camp around mid-afternoon, and we’ll have a fire going for supper about 5:30 and s’mores after that. You are welcome for the whole night, or just for the food. (On the off chance of rain, we’ll have dessert and games at Joanna’s house.)

News from Mennonite Disaster Service:

At Reading (KS) there is a one story house with a roofing job to complete. Next Saturday, August 6, some people will be coming from Hesston with MDS equipment and plan to arrive at 7:00 AM. If you can help, please let us know by e-mail or by phone at 785-286-0905.

Minot, ND MDS is requesting help in flood cleanup.  There were 4,000 homes flooded and 11,000 people evacuated.  At this time there are places to stay, but they request each group supply their own cooks.  Some homes will be flooded until mid-August, so the project will be working until winter and then possible inside repair during the winter.  Consider this for a group vacation project or something.  If you are interested contact the Kansas Coordinators at 620-747-0835.

If you are interested in the work of L.A.N.D (Lawrence Action Network for Diversity) for just immigration policies, please join Joanna and a representative from LAND for lunch next Wednesday, August 10, noon at the Mirth.

The church received a thank you note from Adam and Rhea. The note is posted in the hall and reads in part: “Just a note to say a big thank you for the care package . . . Thanks also to those of you who helped with cleaning and maintenance on our house. . . . We miss you all. There’s no other church like Peace.”

The Peace and Justice Support Network of Mennonite Church USA has counter-recruitment material available to loan out. Do you know of places in town where military recruiters aggressively recruit teens and young adults? Would you like to help present the truth about military involvement and share alternative possibilities for an exciting, service-oriented life? Check out the Peace and Justice Support Network’s information and get in touch with Joanna.

Mennonite Central Committee is currently collecting money for relief efforts in East Africa, where a critical drought is affecting about 11 million people. You can contribute through the church, or directly to MCC online or through the mail.

***Here’s a giving challenge for you: Between now and August 14, give a quarter (or a nickle or a dollar) toward drought relief for every time you turn on a faucet and get clean water coming out.

Thanks to everyone who helped with the sidewalk sale table for Nuevo Amanecer. Our efforts brought in $723!

Newsworthy!  In honor of the amazing work Gary Brunk has done on behalf of children through his time with Kansas Action for Children, KAC’s board of directors has commissioned a Van Go bench in his honor.  Gary has chosen Ballard Center as the location for the bench.

Children’s Sunday School is gearing up for the fall!  Please contact Jenny Buller if you are interested in helping this year.

We now have a “Community Sharing List”list for folks within the Peace Mennonite community.  This list contains items that people are willing to loan to others within the church; everything from Pokemon cake pans to power washers to wheelbarrows to sewing machines. You can view the list on our blog (peacepreacher.wordpress.com). If you have items to add, please e-mail the church office.

Material Pick-update for the Crop Hunger Walkis Thursday, August 11th,2011 at 7 PM at Immanuel Lutheran Church. If you would like to coordinate a group from our church for Crop Walk, please contact the church office. Crop Walk will be Sunday, October 2, 2011.  There is a postcard posted in the church hallway with more information.

Joanna’s “Open Letter” in response to the discussion at Western District Conference assemblycan be found on her blog.

Volunteer Opportunities (Please let Joanna know if you would like to help with any of these.)

• Child care during worship
• Children’s Sunday School helpers
• Hospitality for Julia, graduate student coming from Taiwan (serve a meal, give a tour . . .)
• Coordinate Peace Mennonite’s involvement with CROP WALK (see above)
• Organize the reading rack and bulletin board in the hallway
• Edit, print, and copy the bulletin
• Edit, send, and post the E-News
• Serve and/or make casseroles for LINK–first Sunday of each month
• Help with Ballard Center food distribution (next date, August 24)

Peace Mennonite Calendar:

• August 5-6: Church Camp-Out; Clinton Lake (campsite 101, or thereabouts)
• August 6: Interfaith Prayer Vigil; 10 a.m., in front of Plymouth Congregational Church
• August 7: Serve at LINK
• August 8: Worship Committee; 7:30 @ church building,
• August 9: Coordinating Committee, 7:45 @ church building
• August 10: Informal meeting about L.A.N.D.; noon @ Mirth Cafe
• August 13: Summer Thresher Golf Classic & Barbecue
• August 15-21: Joanna on vacation
• August 21: Prayer gathering following worship
• August 24, 9-12: Ballard food distribution @ fairgrounds
• August 28: Congregational Meeting
• September 4: Serve at LINK
• September 12: North Lawrence Improvement Association picnic, 6:30 p.m.
• September 17: MCC Flatlander Bicycle Ride

Serving in Worship this Week:
Worship Leader, Speaker, Children’s Time: Joanna Harader; Song Leader: Andrea Zuercher; Accompanist, Prelude & Offertory: Whitney Baker; Scripture Reader: Stan Moyer; Table: Roberta Hofer; Childcare: Patrice Krause, Ben Chappell;

Beyond the Local Church

The Bethel College Summer Thresher Golf Classic & Barbecue will be held Saturday, August 13. See the flyer in the hallway for more information.

The Mennonite Central Committee Flatlander Bicycle Ride will be held Saturday, September 17, in Newton. The ride is held to benefit MCC. For more information, contact the church office or see the brochure in the hallway.

Camp Mennoscah will be hosting a Young Adult Retreat on August 6-7. This will be a time for you to “retreat” from the world and to spend some time fellowshiping with creation and other young adults.  It’ll be a little bit of everything from music to worship to Borrow the Balls.  Got questions?  Contact us at campmno@mennowdc.org or 620-297-3290.  It’ll be a Whopping Good Time!

Christopher Shaw, organist at Bethel College Mennonite Church, North Newton and active performer and accompanist in the Wichita metro area, will present a recital at the Bethel College Mennonite Church on August 7, 2011 at 3:30 p.m. The recital is the third in a series celebrating the 50th anniversary of its 22 rank Moeller pipe organ. Christopher will perform solo organ worksby J.S. Bach, Couperin, Bruhns, Alain and Vierne.  Bethel College Instructor of Theatre, Megan Upton-Tyner, will join Shaw in performing A Sweet for Mother Goose, a piece for narrator and organ by George Akerley.  A free-will offering will be received to cover expenses and to ensure the future of the organ.  A reception will follow the recital.

Fall Classes are open for Enrollment at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary! See the AMBS website or the information posted in the church hallway for more details. To waive the registration fee, you must register by August 8th.

Community Events

There will be an interfaith prayer vigil this Saturday, August 6, 10 a.m., in front of Plymouth Congregational Church. The vigil is being held to lament the planned closing of the Lawrence SRS office and to lift up the most vulnerable people in our society.

-The Lawrence Farmers’ Market is up and running for Summer!  They operate on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, as follows:

Tuesday: Parking Lot between 10th and 11th on the East Side of Vermont St.  4-6 PM

Thursday: Parking Lot on the SW corner of 6th and Wakarusa.  4-6 PM

Saturday: Parking Lot between 8th and 9th St, and New Hampshire and
         Rhode Island.  7-11 AM

If the weather looks threatening, the coordinator may open 30 minutes early to accommodate shoppers.  The Tuesday and Thursday Markets will run through the end of October, and the Saturday market will run until Thanksgiving.   

Learn to recite and sing the Lord’s Prayer in Aramaic, the original language spoken by Jesus.  A 10-week course.  The first class will be Thursday, September 8^th at 7 p.m. at Peace Mennonite Church, 614 Lincoln Street.  Call Susan at (785)542-1300 for details.

E-NEWS, July 13th, 2011

Peace Mennonite Church

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:16-20

For Meditation: “So we are ambassadors of Christ, be reconciled to God” (v.20)

Beginning this Sunday, July 17th, we will resume our practice of gathering for prayer following worship on the third Sunday of each month.  These times of prayer are open to all; those with particular prayer concerns are especially encouraged to come.

Our list for child care volunteers is dwindling.  In order to assure that volunteers are not scheduled in the child care room during worship more than once every two months, we would love to add at least four more people to the child care rotation.  Please contact the church office if you are willing to spend some time with the delightful children of Peace Mennonite one Sunday morning every 8-weeks.  Those of you who do not have the pleasure of young children in the home are especially encouraged to volunteer!

Joanna’s e-mail address is: peacemennopastor@gmail.com.  Please send any e-mail communication that is for Joanna to this address.

Acts 4:32 tells us that the early followers of Jesus “were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common.”  Unfortunately, it seems unlikely that we will evolve that dramatically, but in an effort to be more faithful and responsible, we are putting together a “Community Sharing List” list for folks within the Peace Mennonite community.  This list will contain items that people are willing to loan to others within the community.  This list can include everything from kitchen and yardwork items to office and art supplies.  Please e-mail the church office and let us know what you own that you would be willing to share with others in our community: peacemennonite@gmail.com.

The registration deadline for the annual Western District Conference gathering is July 15; the conference is July 29-30, at Bethel College and Bethel College Mennonite church.  There is programming available for children and Jr. High-aged youth.  More information and registration forms are available at the church and at mennowdc.org. Please let Joanna know soon if you plan to attend.

*The Peace & Justice committee will have a table out at the annual sidewalk sale on July 21 to sell fair trade beadwork from El Salvador.  If you are available to help out at the table any time that day, please respond to the e-mail the committee sent or contact Joey Sprague.

Our Weekly newsletter and recent sermons continue to be posted on the blog for review, reference, and meditation.  You can view these and other materials to keep up on congregational life at peacepreacher.wordpress.com  To join the church e-mail list, send an email to: Peace-Mennonite-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Peace Mennonite Calendar:

• July 17: Prayer gathering following worship
• July 21: Sidewalk Sale–PMC table selling beadwork from El Salvador
• July 29-30: Western District Conference gathering, Newton
• August 5-6: Church Camp-Out; details TBA
• August 7: Serve at LINK; Jr. Youth help serve
• August 21: Prayer gathering following worship

Serving in Worship this Week:
Preacher, Children’s time and worship leader: Joanna Harader; Song Leader: Anne Bailey; Scripture Reader, Accompanist, Prelude and Offertory: Twila Schmidt; Child Care: Barb Yoder and Jeff Weber; Communion Bread: Carol Grieb; Snacks: Sonja Kaufman

Beyond the Local Church

This Upcoming Sunday, July 17th, head over to Trinity Lutheran Church after Worship for Corn Fest!  For just 5$ per person or $20 for families, you can enjoy locally grown corn-on-the-cob, sloppy joes, chips and ice cream.  There will be games and music, and for a special donation you can be entered in a drawing to shave off Pastor Gary’s beard!  Proceeds will benefit Health Care Access and the Social Projects of Trinity Lutheran Church.

Material Pick-up date for the Crop Hunger Walk is Thursday, August 11th, 2011 at 7 PM at Immanuel Lutheran Church.  If you would like to coordinate a group from our church for Crop Walk, please contact the church office or email Joanna.  Crop Walk will be Sunday, October 2, 2011.  There is a postcard posted in the church hallway with more information.

Camp Mennoscah will be hosting a Young Adult Retreat on August 6-7. This will be a time for you to “retreat” from the world and to spend some time fellowshiping with creation and other young adults.  It’ll be a little bit of everything from music to worship to Borrow the Balls.  Got questions?  Contact us at campmno@mennowdc.org or 620-297-3290.  It’ll be a Whopping Good Time!

Christopher Shaw, organist at Bethel College Mennonite Church, North Newton and active performer and accompanist in the Wichita metro area, will present a recital at the Bethel College Mennonite Church on August 7, 2011 at 3:30 p.m. The recital is the third in a series celebrating the 50th anniversary of its 22 rank Moeller pipe organ. Christopher will perform solo organ works by J.S. Bach, Couperin, Bruhns, Alain and Vierne.  Bethel College Instructor of Theatre, Megan Upton-Tyner, will join Shaw in performing A Sweet for Mother Goose, a piece for narrator and organ by George Akerley.  A free-will offering will be received to cover expenses and to ensure the future of the organ.  A reception will follow the recital.

Fall Classes are open for Enrollment at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary!  
The classes are as follows:

Christian Theology 1: The first of a two-part Anabaptist class on Christian Faith and Doctrine- Beginning August 30th

Pastoral Ministry and Leadership: the Theology of Ministry from an Anabaptist perspective, and the role of the pastor in the congregation- Beginning Sept. 2

Sermon on the Mount: A study of the various dimensions and relevance of the Sermon on the Mount- Beginning Sept. 12

God’s Church and Mission in Ethiopia: An overseas course to explore the ministry of the Meserete Kristos Church, its interactions with other religions, and its unique sociopolitical setting in Ethiopia. -Begins January 3

To waive the registration fee, you must register by August 8th. A flyer expanding on the content of all the courses will be posted in the hallway.  All who are able are encouraged to attend!

Diamond Celebration gem:  Pre-school children have enjoyed a story hour at the Western District Conference Resource Library since 1977.  Each semester, a group of three- to
five-year -olds is treated to a storyteller, activities and an opportunity to check out as many books as their hands can hold!  The outstanding children’s collection is truly a gem.  Visit the 75-year old Resource Library at 2500 Place, North Newton, KS and find out for yourself!

Friendship Week (July 20-24, 2011 at Laurelville Mennonite Church Center)—Find a safe, supportive environment during this retreat for families, friends and persons with disabilities. You’ll enjoy a well-planned schedule marked by respite care, inclusive worship, games and activities. New families receive 20% off the cost of registration. Register and learn more at Laurelville.org/friendshipweek or by calling 800.839.1021.

Community Events

-Thursday, July 14, at 7 PM, there will be a presentation at the Public Library, on the theme of:
“HOW VT. ENACTED SINGLE PAYER, UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE”
The Speaker will be Jonathan Kissam of of Vermont.

-The Lawrence Farmers’ Market is up and running for Summer!  They operate on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, as follows:

Tuesday: Parking Lot between 10th and 11th on the East Side of Vermont St.  4-6 PM

Thursday: Parking Lot on the SW corner of 6th and Wakarusa.  4-6 PM

Saturday: Parking Lot between 8th and 9th St, and New Hampshire and
Rhode Island.  7-11 AM

If the weather looks threatening, the coordinator may open 30 minutes early to accommodate shoppers.  The Tuesday and Thursday Markets will run through the end of October, and the Saturday market will run until Thanksgiving.

E-NEWS July 6th, 2011

Peace Mennonite Church

Scripture: Psalm 61:1-8

For Meditation: “Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer.” (v.1)

Joanna and Jasmine are at the MCUSA convention in Pittsburgh this week.  Joanna has  requested prayers for traveling mercies, and prayers for fruitful dialogue with those who hold various opinions on issues within the church.  Thank you for holding both Joanna and Jasmine in your prayers for a productive trip.

*There will be no scheduled child care this upcoming Sunday in order to allow everyone to remain in worship with the Barrett-Foxes on their last day with us.  The child care room will be open and available for parents and those who feel led to lend their services to them.  On that note- please see the announcement below.

Our list for child care volunteers is dwindling.  In order to assure that volunteers are not scheduled in the child care room during worship more than once every two months, we would love to add at least four more people to the child care rotation.  Please contact the church office if you are willing to spend some time with the delightful children of Peace Mennonite one Sunday morning every 8-weeks.  Those of you who do not have the pleasure of young children in the home are especially encouraged to volunteer!

Joanna’s e-mail address is: peacemennopastor@gmail.com.  Please send any e-mail communication that is for Joanna to this address.

Acts 4:32 tells us that the early followers of Jesus “were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common.”  Unfortunately, it seems unlikely that we will evolve that dramatically, but in an effort to be more faithful and responsible, we are putting together a “Community Sharing List” list for folks within the Peace Mennonite community.  This list will contain items that people are willing to loan to others within the community.  This list can include everything from kitchen and yardwork items to office and art supplies.  Please e-mail the church office and let us know what you own that you would be willing to share with others in our community: peacemennonite@gmail.com.

The registration deadline for the annual Western District Conference gathering is July 15; the conference is July 29-30, at Bethel College and Bethel College Mennonite church.  There is programming available for children and Jr. High-aged youth.  More information and registration forms are available at the church and at mennowdc.org. Please let Joanna know soon if you plan to attend.,

*The Peace & Justice committee will have a table out at the annual sidewalk sale on July 21 to sell fair trade beadwork from El Salvador.  If you are available to help out at the table any time that day, please respond to the e-mail the committee sent or contact Joey Sprague.

In July, we will resume our practice of gathering for prayer following worship on the third Sunday of each month.  These times of prayer are open to all; those with particular prayer concerns are especially encouraged to come.

Our Weekly newsletter and recent sermons continue to be posted on the blog for review, reference, and meditation.  You can view these and other materials to keep up on congregational life at peacepreacher.wordpress.com  To join the church e-mail list, send an email to: Peace-Mennonite-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Peace Mennonite Calendar:

• July 4-9: Mennonite Church USA National Convention, Pittsburgh (http://www.mennoniteusa.org/)
• July 17: Prayer gathering following worship
• July 21: Sidewalk Sale–PMC table selling beadwork from El Salvador
• July 29-30: Western District Conference gathering, Newton
• August 5-6: Church Camp-Out; details TBA
• August 7: Serve at LINK; Jr. Youth help serve
• August 21: Prayer gathering following worship

Serving in Worship this Week:
Children’s Time: Marta Schwartz; Worship Leader: Marta Schwartz; Song Leader: Jim Krause; Accompanist, Prelude & Offertory: Twila Schmidt; Scripture Reader: Roger Martin: Child Care: Not Scheduled.

Beyond the Local Church

Diamond Celebration gem:  Pre-school children have enjoyed a story hour at the Western District Conference Resource Library since 1977.  Each semester, a group of three- to five-year olds is treated to a storyteller, activities and an opportunity to check out as many books as their hands can hold!  The outstanding children’s collection is truly a gem.  Visit the 75-year old Resource Library at 2500 Place, North Newton, KS and find out for yourself!

Friendship Week (July 20-24, 2011 at Laurelville Mennonite Church Center)—Find a safe, supportive environment during this retreat for families, friends and persons with disabilities. You’ll enjoy a well-planned schedule marked by respite care, inclusive worship, games and activities. New families receive 20% off the cost of registration. Register and learn more at Laurelville.org/friendshipweek or by calling 800.839.1021.

Community Events

The Lawrence Farmers’ Market is up and running for Summer!  They operate on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, as follows:

Tuesday: Parking Lot between 10th and 11th on the East Side of Vermont St.  4-6 PM

Thursday: Parking Lot on the SW corner of 6th and Wakarusa.  4-6 PM

Saturday: Parking Lot between 8th and 9th St, and New Hampshire and
Rhode Island.  7-11 AM

If the weather looks threatening, the coordinator may open 30 minutes early to accommodate shoppers.  The Tuesday and Thursday Markets will run through the end of October, and the Saturday market will run until Thanksgiving.

E-NEWS, June 29th, 2011

Peace Mennonite Church

Scripture: Luke 18:16-17

For Meditation: “But Jesus called for them and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.” (v.16)

Patrice Krause will be presenting a workshop, open to the public, on the topic “Introduction to Holistic Nutrition.” This will be tonight- June 29, 7:30 pm, at Breathe Holistic Life Center, 1407 Mass. St. If you have any questions, please see Patrice.

Our list for child care volunteers is dwindling. In order to assure that volunteers are not scheduled in the child care room during worship more than once every two months, we would love to add at least four more people to the child care rotation. Please contact the church office if you are willing to spend some time with the delightful children of Peace Mennonite one Sunday morning every 8-weeks. Those of you who do not have the pleasure of young children in the home are especially encouraged to volunteer!

Acts 4:32 tells us that the early followers of Jesus “were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common.” Unfortunately, it seems unlikely that we will evolve that dramatically, but in an effort to be more faithful and responsible, we are putting together a “Community Sharing List” list for folks within the Peace Mennonite community. This list will contain items that people are willing to loan to others within the community. This list can include everything from kitchen and yardwork items to office and art supplies. Please e-mail the church office and let us know what you own what you would be willing to share with others in our community: peacemennonite@gmail.com.

The registration deadline for the annual Western District Conference gathering is July 15; the conference is July 29-30, at Bethel College and Bethel College Mennonite church. There is programming available for children and Jr. High-aged youth. More information and registration forms are available at the church and at mennowdc.org. Please let Joanna know soon if you plan to attend.,

*The Peace & Justice committee will have a table out at the annual sidewalk sale on July 21 to sell fair trade beadwork from El Salvador. If you are available to help out at the table any time that day, please respond to the e-mail the committee sent or contact Joey Sprague.

In July, we will resume our practice of gathering for prayer following worship on the third Sunday of each month. These times of prayer are open to all; those with particular prayer concerns are especially encouraged to come.

Joanna’s e-mail address is: peacemennopastor@gmail.com. Please send any e-mail communication that is for Joanna to this address.

Our Weekly newsletter and recent sermons continue to be posted on the blog for review, reference, and meditation. You can view these and other materials to keep up on congregational life at peacepreacher.wordpress.com To join the church e-mail list, send an email to: Peace-Mennonite-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Peace Mennonite Calendar:

* July 3: Serve at LINK

* July 4-9: Mennonite Church USA National Convention, Pittsburgh (http://www.mennoniteusa.org/)

* July 17: Prayer gathering following worship

* July 21: Sidewalk Sale–PMC table selling beadwork from El Salvador

* July 29-30: Western District Conference gathering, Newton

* August 5-6: Church Camp-Out; details TBA

* August 7: Serve at LINK; Jr. Youth help serve

* August 21: Prayer gathering following worship

Serving in Worship this Week:

Preacher and Children’s Time: Jenny Buller; Worship Leader: Rod Hofer; Song Leader, Prelude & Offertory: Andrea Zuercher; Scripture Reader: Judy Johnson: Accompanist: Whitney Baker; Child Care: Jim Russo & Co.; Snacks: Whitney Baker

Beyond the Local Church

Friendship Week (July 20-24, 2011 at Laurelville Mennonite Church Center)—Find a safe, supportive environment during this retreat for families, friends and persons with disabilities. You’ll enjoy a well-planned schedule marked by respite care, inclusive worship, games and activities. New families receive 20% off the cost of registration. Register and learn more at Laurelville.org/friendshipweek or by calling 800.839.1021.

African Inter-Mennonite Mission (AIMM) invites you to a gathering with Pastor Benjamin Mubenga, leader of one of the three principle Mennonite denominations in Congo, tomorrow June 30, 6:30 p.m., at First Mennonite Church of Newton, KS. This will be an information-sharing event in advance of celebrating 2012 as the centennial year of the Mennonite presence in Congo. Please come and enjoy the opportunity for fellowship and learning.

Community Events

University Forum, held each Wednesday during the academic year in the ECM building at 1204 Oread, is a free forum discussion and open to the Lawrence community. University Forum begins at 12:00 noon, and usually includes a brief question and answer period before concluding at 1:00 p.m. An optional luncheon is served at 11:30 a.m. The cost for lunch is $3.50 (student) and $6.25 (other). Reservations are helpful and can be made before the preceding Tuesday by calling the ECM Office before noon at 843-4933 or ecmku@ku.edu. Brown bags are welcome. Beverages are available.