Monday, November 30, 2015

Fwd: Advent 1: There is Hope in the Church


---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: César García <Kitchener@mwc-cmm.org>
Date: Mon, Nov 30, 2015 at 6:45 PM
Subject: Advent 1: There is Hope in the Church
To: Phil & Kelly Horning <philandkelly@gmail.com>


 

 

Dear Phil & Kelly,

"It is easy to lose hope in the church when I look at specific conflicts in my church or compare us with a version of the church in the past or somewhere else." Rianna's experience is shared by too many people in our churches and in our families, whether they are 25 or 60 years old.
 
 
In contrast, it is encouraging to hear over and over again how the Mennonite World Conference Assembly in July helped us all to experience a church that is thriving. I hear from adults all around the world that the Assembly renewed their hope in the church. I am asking you to continue to support Mennonite World Conference as we empower member churches to be an effective witness for Christ in today's world.
 

Rianna Isaak was a Global Youth Summit delegate from the Mennonite Brethren church in Canada. At GYS, "my faith was transformed because my perspective of the church shifted," she says. Rianna learned to celebrate Anabaptist theology over and above any cultural or ethnic specifics that could exclude others. She treasured worship with others who are passionate about faith in Jesus. Her experience shattered her stereotypes of what it means to be Mennonite, and reminded her that we are the Body of Christ not despite but through our different gifts. She left with rekindled hope in the church today.

I am writing to ask you to continue to support this global Anabaptist church community as we continue to bear witness to the hope of the gospel in between Assemblies. Please consider a year-end gift, or commit to a monthly gift in 2016. You can make a donation or a monthly commitment on our website at www.mwc-cmm.org/donate, or by mailing a check/cheque to one of the addresses below.

Between Assemblies, MWC nurtures the spaces for church relationships across the barriers of language, conference, and culture that too often divide us. Worshipping together in person provides hope, but it is in these ongoing relationships that hope is strengthened and sustained. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, may we share our hope in the Kingdom of God.
 

With hope in Christ,                                                        

César Garcia, MWC General Secretary


www.mwc-cmm.org
 
 
 
General Secretariat:
Calle 28A No. 16-41 Piso 2
Bogotá, Colombia
 
Canadian Address:
50 Kent Avenue, Suite 206
Kitchener, ON N2G 3R1
T: (519) 571-0060
U.S. Address:
PO Box 5364
Lancaster, PA 17606-5364
 
 

Click here to unsubscribe from this mailing list.

 


Thursday, November 26, 2015

Fwd: Bulletin


---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Joselyn Santiago <jsantiago@lancasterconference.org>
Date: Wed, Nov 11, 2015 at 3:42 PM
Subject: Bulletin
To: Joselyn Santiago <jsantiago@lancasterconference.org>


Good afternoon,

Please include the attached ad in your church bulletin. 

Blessings,
---
Joselyn Santiago
Administrative Assistant
Lancaster Mennonite Conference


Fwd: Voices of Hope - New this Year!


---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: gina@voicesofhopeopera.org <gina@voicesofhopeopera.org>
Date: Wed, Nov 18, 2015 at 9:42 PM
Subject: Voices of Hope - New this Year!
To: info@gehmanmennonitechurch.org


Would you be willing to help us spread the word to your members by printing this information in your church bulletin beginning this Sunday, and, including it in any email blasts? 

 

New this year!  Voices of Hope – will be held in the historic, downtown, Lancaster Trust Building on Sunday, December 6, 2015 at 7pm. Light refreshments at 6:30 pm.

 

The Holiday Music Festival will include Voices of Hope co-founders, Madeline Bender and Timothy Long, joined by friends from the opera world, Amy Owens and Philip Cutlip – all performing popular holiday favorites! Voices of Hope concerts raise money for Mennonite Central Committee's Global Family Program which provides life-changing education to children and young adults worldwide.

 

Limited tickets available – visit www.VoicesOfHopeOpera.org. Unable to attend this year? Consider a donation at www.VoicesOfHopeOpera.org.

 

 

For any additional information, please contact me at (717) 926-3107. Click here for Press Kit.

Blessings,

 

Gina

 

Gina Breslin

(c) 717.926.3107

www.VoicesOfHopeOpera.org  

 

 

 


Fwd: News from Lancaster Mennonite Conference


---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Lancaster Mennonite Conference <jsantiago@lancasterconference.org>
Date: Wed, Nov 18, 2015 at 10:04 AM
Subject: News from Lancaster Mennonite Conference
To: info@gehmanmennonitechurch.org


LMC LOGO - regular

Lancast
er Mennonite Conference
U P D A T E S
Information for leaders and congregations
November 18, 2015

These bi-weekly UPDATES are shared so that leaders and congregations are aware of events and information taking place in LMC, agencies, fraternal organizations, congregations, and the broader church. These announcements are for your information and to share with others in your congregation through email, weekly bulletin, monthly newsletter, Sunday morning announcements, church website, or Facebook. Use your discretion and share what your congregation will find helpful.

LMC Office Events & Information
Orientation for Newly (or Recently) Credentialed Leaders 
Tuesday, April 19, 2016, 7:00-9:30 p.m.
Lancaster Conference Office
2160 Lincoln Highway E., Lancaster, PA 17602
Please RSVP by April 11: 717-293-5246 ext. 100 or jsantiago@lancasterconference.org 
LMC Agency Events & Information
Eastern Mennonite Missions 

Extraordinary Give: November 20
This year EMM is participating in the Extraordinary Give, Lancaster County's largest day of giving. During the 24 hours that make up November 20, 2015, visit www.emm.org/extragive to make a charitable gift of at least $25 designated for EMM; then, the Lancaster County Community Foundation and their sponsors will stretch your charitable gift. The Extraordinary Give is a special way to both show support to our local community and also to give a little extra to those who need it most. Charitable gifts are tax deductible, and you'll receive a receipt via email immediately following your charitable gift. Learn more at www.emm.org/extragive.

Extraordinary Give: 20 de noviembre
Este año EMM está participando en el Extraordinary Give, el día más largo para dar de Lancaster County. Durante las 24 horas que componen el 20 de noviembre del 2015, visite www.emm.org/extragive para hacer una donación caritativa de por menos $25 designados para EMM; luego, el Lancaster County Community Foundation y sus patrocinadores estirarán su donación caritativa. Extraordinary Give es una manera especial para mostrar su apoyo tanto a nuestra comunidad local como para dar también un poco más a quienes más lo necesitan. Las donaciones caritativas son deducibles de los impuestos, y usted recibirá un recibo por correo electrónico inmediatamente después de su donación. Obtenga más información en www.emm.org/extragive.

Just sayin' event near you!
Short-term mission trips can do long-term harm. Can they do long-term good? We are beyond asking if we should participate in short-term mission; we must keep asking how we can participate in ways that lead to transformation. Join the conversation on Saturday, December 5, from 9 a.m. to noon at Marion Mennonite Church Fellowship Center, 4365 Molly Pitcher Hwy, Chambersburg, Pa. Register by November 25. For more information, visit emm.org/events, or contact Jessica Fellenger at 717 898-2251, ext 235.

¡Un evento "Just sayin'" en su área!
Los viajes de misiones a corto plazo pueden hacer daño a largo plazo. ¿Pueden tener igualmente beneficios a largo plazo? Estamos más allá de preguntarnos si debiéramos participar en misiones a corto plazo. Tenemos que seguir preguntándonos cómo podemos participar en formas que lleven a la transformación. Únase a la conversación el sábado 5 de diciembre de las 9 a.m. hasta el mediodía en el Fellowship Center de la Iglesia Menonita Marion, 4365 Molly Pitcher Hwy, Chambersburg, Pa.  La inscripción finaliza el 25 de noviembre. Para mayor información, visite emm.org/events, o póngase en contacto con Jessica Fellenger en el 898-2251, ext. 235.

#GivingTuesday: December 1
After Thanksgiving Day, Black Friday and Cyber Monday (and many advertising messages) emphasize consuming. #GivingTuesday invites us to celebrate generosity and emphasizes community. It's a day when people around the world give to nonprofits. This year #GivingTuesday falls on December 1. You can participate by giving your end-of-year gift to EMM at www.emm.org/give on Tuesday, December 1, or writing a check on Tuesday, December 1, and mailing it to EMM (P.O. Box 458, Salunga, PA 17538). Learn more at www.emm.org/givingtuesday.

#GivingTuesday: 1ro de Diciembre
Después del Día de Acción de Gracias, Black Friday y Cyber Monday (y muchos mensajes publicitarios) enfatizan el consumir. #GivingTuesday nos invita a celebrar la generosidad y enfatiza la comunidad. Es un día durante el cual la gente de todo el mundo da a organizaciones sin fines de lucro. #GivingTuesday cae este año el 1ro de diciembre. Puede participar dando su donación de fin de año a EMM en www.emm.org/give el martes, 1ro. de diciembre, o escribiendo un cheque el martes, 1ro. de diciembre, enviándolo por correo a EMM (P.O. Box 458, Salunga, PA 17538). Obtenga más información en www.emm.org/givingtuesday.
LMS Logo

Mennonite Children's Choir of Lancaster
Christmas Concert Series 2015
The Mennonite Children's Choir of Lancaster kicks off its 2015 Christmas Concert Series at Neffsville Mennonite Church on Thursday, December 3, starting at 7 p.m. The 150-voice choir will also perform concerts 4 p.m.Saturday, December 5 at First Presbyterian Church, Lancaster, and 4 p.m. Sunday, December 6, at Highland Presbyterian Church, Lancaster.
MCCL will be joined by Spark Brass. No tickets required. A freewill offering will be received. For more information, contact mccl@lancastermennonite.org.

Auditions
The Mennonite Children's Choir of Lancaster is now scheduling auditions for spring semester 2016. Children in grades 2 through 12 may contact Artistic Director Darlene Hein (717-333-4202) to schedule an audition. Singers meet Tuesday evenings through May to rehearse for a spring concert series. Link to poster

Pastor and Church Leader Appreciation 
at LMS Basket Ball Games in January
January 15 and January 22 are Pastor and Church Leader Appreciation night at LMS Basket Ball games. Pastors and Church Leaders are free to these events. January 15 is a boys game with Elco and January 22 is a girls game with Columbia. Identify yourself at the door for free admission.
Come and enjoy an evening out!

 
 

Pennsylvania German Folk Art Sale Opening
Come to the Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society for the opening of their annual sale of handcrafted goods. Meet the artists, listen to live music, and enjoy light refreshments while perusing traditional art. The reception takes places from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, November 20 at the Society, 2215 Millstream Rd., Lancaster, Pa.

Apertura de la Venta de Arte Folklórica Alemana de Pensilvania
Ven a la Sociedad Histórica Menonita de Láncaster para la apertura de la venta anual de artesanía.  Saluda a los artistas, escucha música en vivo, y disfruta de aperitivos ligeros mientras miras el arte tradicional.  La recepción se llevará a cabo entre 6 a 8:30 p.m. el viernes 20 de noviembre en la Sociedad, 2215 Millstream Rd., Lancaster, Pa.

Christmas Candlelight Tours
Experience the holiday season at the 1719 Hans Herr House & Museum this fall. Candlelight Tours runs from 6 to 8 p.m. on December 3 and 4 (Thursday and Friday), and from 5 to 8:30 p.m. on December 5 (Saturday). This year the tour explores the role of iron in early communities, both Native and immigrant.

Giras Navideñas a Luz de Velas
Disfruta este otoño de la temporada navideña en la Casa Museo de Hans Herr de 1719.  Las Giras a Luz de Velas se llevarán a cabo de 6 a 8 p.m. el 3 y 4 de diciembre (jueves y viernes), y de 5 a 8:30 p.m. el sábado 5 de diciembre.  Este año la gira explora el papel que el hierro jugaba en comunidades Nativas e inmigrantes en la época colonial.
Landis Communities

LANDIS HOMES
Heritage Watchers 
Heritage Watchers classes are now in session. Classes are designed to help persons explore their personal and community stories. The class meets on the first Thursday afternoon of each month from September to May from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Classes are held in the Harvest Room of Harvest View at Landis Homes, 1001 East Oregon Road, Lititz. The next few classes are October 1:  "Memoir Book Supplies and 5Ws for Photo Captions"; November 5: "Family Genealogy and Inviting Layout Designs for Photographs and Script"; and December 3: "Family Heirlooms...Heavenly Peace with Pieces."  There is no specific registration fee, but a small suggested donation per class to cover the cost of printed materials.  To receive a listing of class themes or for additional information: contact instructor Joanne Hess Siegrist at 717-656-6429 orjhs606@frontiernet.net .  Information is also available online at www.landishomes.org or by calling Landis Homes, 717-569-3271, extension 3067.

Celebrating the Caregiver
There will be a meeting for caregivers of persons with memory loss and other forms of dementia Tuesday, November 24 at Landis Homes. The evening titled "Celebrating the Caregiver" will focus on the stories from caregivers including ways they have learned to manage challenges inherent with the memory loss of a loved one. It will be led by Director of Adult Day Services Faith Hoover and Social Worker Regina Cabezas. The meeting, which will consist of "Discussion and Dessert" will start at 7:00 p.m. in the Warwick Room of The Heritage, the special care center at Landis Homes at 1001 East Oregon Road, Lititz. The group is operating in partnership with the Alzheimer's Association of the Greater Pennsylvania Chapter.  The public is invited.  Respite care is provided on site upon 24-hour prior request.  For more information or to arrange for respite care, call Landis Homes (717) 581-3939.

Volunteering at Landis Homes
Landis Homes is seeking a number of volunteers.  There is no age limit for volunteering - although persons younger than age 14 need to be accompanied by an adult. Ongoing volunteer opportunities include being a Friendly Visitor, escorting residents by wheelchair to programs/activities or physical  therapy appointments, helping with the annual Fellowship Day and more! Contact Volunteer Services at 717-509-5409 or see this Web page Volunteer at Landis Homes.

Landis Communities Video
Following God's call to creatively serve the diverse needs and interests of older adults by developing opportunities and collaborative relationships. Watch video

Christmas Bazaar
All are invited to the Christmas Bazaar, December 4, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. in the West Community Room at Landis Homes. Proceeds Benefit Adult Day Services & the Caring Fund at Landis Homes. Items include Hand-crafted Gifts, Novelties & Ornaments made by ADS Clients, Homemade Cookie Extravaganza, Poinsettias * Baked Goods * Decorations, Ham & Cheese Sandwiches * Plus much more! Questions: Call 717-509-5490 or 717-581-3915. Landis Homes 1001 East Oregon Road Lititz, PA 17543-9205
LMC Fraternal Ministries Events & Information
Garden Spot Village
Holiday Train Room Open House
Starting November 28th - 1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
GSV Train Room (follow the signs)
Each Saturday through December 26th, railroad enthusiasts of all ages can enjoy HO- and O-gauge model train layouts, talking Thomas the Tank Engine, memorabilia sale and more. Donations accepted.
For information, call 717-355-6000 or info@gardenspotvillage.org.

Calendar of upcoming events: GSV Events Calendar
No Longer Alone Ministries
Family Support Group
Sunday, Nov 22, 3pm - 5pm
Rossmere Mennonite Church, 741 Janet Ave, Lancaster
3-4: Educational topic; 4:10 - 5: Care and Share Groups
Topic: Shadow Voices DVD
Presented by: Robert Musser, NLAM Program Director
Please call 717-390-4891 for more information.


NOTE: Path also meets at The Salvation Army in Lancaster and The Factory Ministries in Paradise. Please call for dates and times, or with any questions 717-390-3891.
Camp Hebron
Complimentary Pastor Retreats
Pastors, need to get away? Come to Camp Hebron for a complimentary Pastoral Retreat. Visit www.camphebron.org/pastorretreats for details 
Call 717-896-3441 or email info@camphebron.org for more information.

Jr. High Retreat
Friday January 1 - Sunday January 3
Weekend winter cabin retreat for Jr. High Youth (Grades 6-8). Perfect for the Youth Leader that is too swamped to plan their own retreat. Registration includes 2 snacks, 5 meals, lodging, tons of games, 3 large group sessions, small group discussions and more fun than you can handle! Featuring speaker Sam Levy & Worship Band Saline.
Call 717-896-3441 or email info@camphebron.org for more information.

Anabaptist Youth Retreat
Friday January 8 - Sunday January 10
Weekend winter cabin retreat for Anabaptist Congregations' Sr. High Youth (Grades 9-12). Perfect for the Youth Leader that is too swamped to plan their own retreat. Registration includes 2 snacks, 5 meals, lodging, tons of games, 3 large group sessions, small group discussions and more fun than you can handle! Featuring Bluffton University's own  Randy Keeler & Worship Band Shining Through.
Call 717-896-3441 or email info@camphebron.org for more information.

Ladies Scrapbooking Retreat
Friday January 22 - Sunday January 24
Take time away from the craziness at home to get those scrapbooking projects calling your name while in the company of other great ladies. Come for the whole weekend, or for Saturday. 
Call 717-896-3441 or email info@camphebron.org for more information.

Women's Retreat
Friday February 19 - Sunday February 21
Theme: Balance in the circus of life- thriving amid the tension. Seek spiritual refreshment this weekend with times of worship and bible messages while enjoying great conversation around delicious food. Bring yourself or your ladies group from church for a great weekend featuring speaker Carol Cool
Call 717-896-3441 or email info@camphebron.org for more information.
KAIROS

Sabbath Space For Clergy, Chaplains and Other Leaders

KAIROS: School of Spiritual Formation is offering monthly weekday retreats in a contemplative context for pastors and ministry leaders to grow spiritually and to enhance their ministries in the practice of spiritual formation. Sabbath Space retreat days, offered September through May, provide rest and reflection away from the work of ministry, encourage personal spiritual growth, and increase awareness and understanding of the art and ministry of spiritual guidance in the church or ministry setting.


Through the study of literature, the experience of group spiritual direction, theological reflection, and presentation of case studies out of the settings in which they provide leadership, participants will enhance their own spiritual journey, as well as more effectively care for the soul of their congregation or ministry community.

  

Continuing Education Units available for this retreat.

For additional information on the days and time, prospectus, application and fees, please visit www.kairosjourney.org/sabbath-space/

Churchwide and Other Events & Information
Church World Service Lancaster  
Are you a pastor, small group leader, or devoted congregant who likes to stay up-to-date on local refugee needs? Please join our new Church Newsletter where Christine Baer, Congregational Resource Developer, will keep you informed of local stories, highlights, and volunteer/donation needs.

Click this link to subscribe to the CWS Lancaster newsletter:
https://confirmsubscription.com/h/j/513D5A180330BF33
or e-mail Christine at cbaer@cwsglobal.org to subscribe.
 
Reasons To Believe 
The Reasons To Believe chapter of Lancaster, PA invites everyone to join them at Stumptown Mennonite Church the third Thursday of every month for documentary films, lectures, and lively discussions about how the latest scientific discoveries are intersecting with Biblical truths.  This month (Nov. 19th) features the RTB film, Evolution Under The Microscope.  Meetings run 7-9 PM. For more information, call Will Charles: 717-330-0901.
Mennonite & Brethren Marriage Encounter
Marriage Encounter Weekend
Do you dream of getting away from it all? When was the last time you actually planned a romantic evening or special getaway, just for the two of you? Look no further than the November 20-22 Marriage Encounter weekend! It's a special weekend for you and your spouse to spend together rekindling your love for each other. For more information, visit marriageencounter.org or call 717-569-5676

Annual Interdenominational Clergy Marriage Encounter
Take the chance to invest in your marriage during the annual Interdenominational Clergy Marriage Encounter!  It will be held in Havre de Grace, Maryland from Thursday, January 21 - Saturday, January 23, 2016.  This gives Pastors the chance to be back with their congregations on Sunday morning.  
We are currently accepting applications, but spots are limited. Visit our website or contact us atlove@marriageencounter.org  for more information.  
Truth Matters Apologetics Conference for Youth
2015 Truth Matters Apologetics Conference for Youth is taking place Friday evening, December, 4 and all day Saturday, December 5 at Ephrata Community Church - Ephrata , PA.  Don't miss it!  This year's conference features Dr. Frank Turek (CrossExamined.org) and Brett Kunkle (Stand To Reason Ministry) as well as other top-notch evangelical teachers who will equip you to answer the toughest questions about God, the Bible and the Christian life. TM2015 is perfect for HS and college age but open to everyone!  Special session for youth pastors and parents on how to teach worldview and apologetics.  Register at  www.truthmattersforyouth.com or For more information, call Carey Walton: 717-682-4746.
Flourish
Save the Date! "Taster" Event
Thursday, February 25, 2016 (full day w/Q&A after dinner)
Mount Joy Mennonite Church, 320 Musser Rd, Mount Joy PA 17552

A one-day look at church life with mission and discipleship as the central focus. Church leadership teams & lay persons are welcome to attend.

Jason and Suzi Lantz are passionate about helping leaders launch new initiatives that make disciples of Jesus. They have used discipleship systems within a large church and through planting LoveCanton using missional communities. They love living in Stark County Ohio, where Jesus is clearly up to something bigger than themselves.
Beyond Ourselves Benefit Concert
Lancaster's Beyond Ourselves chamber ensemble is teaming up 
with Lancaster Mennonite School's Campus Chorale and Sopa Sol to present their ninth benefit concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, 
February 28, at James Street Mennonite Church

The entire freewill offering will go toward an education program in Nepal, which is part of Mennonite Central Committee's Global Family program. It will benefit a trade school that helps students develop useful job skills so they can remain in their communities and provide for their families. Link for the project 

The Beyond Ourselves musicians are saxophonist Ryan Kauffman, violist Christy Kauffman, pianist Rosemary Blessing, and clarinetist Doris Hall-Gulati. The LMS Campus Chorale, the high school's select choir, is directed by Marcella Hostetler. Sopa Sol's musicians include Daryl Snider, voice and guitar, and Frances Crowhill Miller, voice, violin and hang (a new instrument that originated in Switzerland).

The three music groups will perform separately and then combine for a piece arranged by composer Neal Harnly, a Juilliard trained pianist who is a physician at Norlanco Family Medicine in Elizabethtown. In addition, the four Beyond Ourselves musicians and Sopa Sol will perform a piece arranged by Jonathan Ragonese, composer, arranger and saxophonist, who lives in New York City. Ragonese attended the Manhattan School of Music and developed an early childhood music program at Explore + Discover Learning Center in Manhattan.

For more information, call 717-291-0514.
Everence
Stew U 2016
Save the date! Saturday, March 12, 2016, Registration 8 a.m.
Lancaster Mennonite School
For more information, contact Kevin Nofziger, Church and Member Relations Representative at kevin.nofziger@everence.com

You can also register online at StewardshipUniversity.com starting Tuesday, December 1. 

Vision 2020 Lobo
 Enjoy God
Encourage Others
Equip Disciples
Engage the World

Quick Links

Lancaster Conference

Lancaster Mennonite Conference
2160 Lincoln Highway East
Lancaster, PA  17602

 
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Lancaster Mennonite Conference | 2160 Lincoln Highway East, #5 | Lancaster | PA | 17602