From the Pastor’s Desk
In the latter years of King Hussein of Jordan, a terrible tragedy occurred. Two Israeli schoolgirls were playing in a park called “The Island of Peace,” located in the middle of the Jordan River, right on the border between the two countries. While the girls were playing, a Jordanian soldier shot them dead for no apparent reason. The news media flashed the news around the world with lightning speed.
For a short while it seemed the fragile peace between Israel and Jordan could be broken. But then it became clear that the soldier was suffering from an undiagnosed mental illness and he’d acted with no authorization from anyone. Apologies were made and accepted in diplomatic circles, and the world breathed easier.
The story could well have ended there, were it not for King Hussein. Hearing what one of his soldiers had done, the king left his palace, left even his own country and traveled to the humble homes of the families of the two slain Israeli girls. Entering each house in turn, King Hussein – who was used to having people bow before him – fell down on his knees. He bowed before the grieving parents. Then he looked up into their eyes and said, “I beg you, forgive me, forgive me. Your daughter is like my daughter; your loss is my loss. May God help you bear your pain.” Nothing in the annals of diplomatic protocol suggested that a king needed to humble himself like that. Ironically, a Muslim king gave the world, that day, a glimpse of how a truly Christlike king might behave. Homiletics 2010,Vol.22
In this season of joy may we truly remember how our God humbled Himself before us to call us into His family. Perhaps it’s time for us to “humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord” and in the presence of someone else from whom we’ve become estranged.
In spite of the fact of a very real economic recession, most of us are quite “well off’ with this world’s goods. I want to encourage all of us to consider alternative gift-giving as a normal Christmas tradition. Please consider giving a gift in honor of or in the name of a loved one to any or several of the following suggested organizations: Brethren Disaster Relief, Heifer Project, Habitat for Humanity, The Lehman Center, Camp Eder, Red Cross, Salvation Army, or a local family in need.
75th Anniversary Celebration!
2011 will be the 75th year of the congregation at Madison Avenue Church of the Brethren. This milestone will be celebrated one Sunday a month for the entire year with special speakers, events and meals. Please join in marking the occasion.
The first heritage Sunday will be January 9th. Our guest speaker will be Rev. Warren Esbach, and we will honor Rev. Elmer Q. Gleim who has served as pastor multiple terms over the years. Rev. Gleim’s health may not allow him to attend, but it is hoped that his family might be able to represent him. He has prepared a printed booklet outlining the history of our congregation that will be distributed. A display of historical documents and other memorabilia is planned. If you have anything to add to our display, please bring it in during December. The meal tentatively planned for January will be pork and sauerkraut. If any class or other group in the church would like to help with that meal, please contact Becky Rishel or Ed Lentz. Likewise, if your class or group would like to reserve a different month’s meal, let one of the above know.
A picnic and softball game are being planned for July (pun alert–because it’s our “diamond” anniversary). Other speakers who have agreed to participate are as follows: Rev. Joe Detrick, Rev. Dallas Lehman, Peg and Randy Yoder (women in the church in May), Joyce Spangler, Rev. Richard Hall, and Rev. Brandon Grady.
Some of our more senior members will be asked to share their recollections of how we “did church” in earlier years. The love feast in April will recall for us the way it was done in early years, and we’d like to reinstate “Rally Day” in September. At the end of the anniversary year the program for December will focus on looking to the future of our congregation with youth participation. Please see Becky Rishel or Carol Kauffman if you have any further suggestions.
Bible Challenge Questions
1. What Old Testament prophet wrote “the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son and will call him “Immanuel”?
2. What New Testament writer predicted the birth of Jesus this way: “the true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world”?
3. Who said, “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the child you will bear”? Who was the child that was being referred to?
Nurture News
December begins the new winter quarter of Sunday school classes. Be sure to join one for growth and challenging faith discussions. The International Lesson class will be studying a series called “Assuring Hope.” The lessons focus on the promise of hope we have in Jesus as prophesied by Isaiah and fulfilled in Mark’s gospel account of Jesus. The Discussion Class is studying a book concerning Peace and Justice issues of our faith. The Young Adults meet in the library under the leadership of Ralph Miller and there are classes for children and Youth of all ages.
Sunday school provides one of the best opportunities for fellowship and learning in a relaxed, casual environment for all ages that is open and inviting. It’s a great way to cultivate new friendships and learn about our faith at the same time. It’s one of the best small group studies to be a part of. Check us out.
Stewards Update
As we head into the winter months we want to ask everyone to be conscious of saving heat as much as possible. Keep doors closed as much as possible and use common sense in heating situations. Please do not adjust the thermostats unless you are familiar with their operation. Many are preset to come on and go off at predetermined hours. Ask one of the stewards (BJ Sparrow, Dick Rishel) to help you if you are going to need heat for a special meeting or function. If you notice any part of the facility that needs repair or replacing, contact the stewards to take care of the needed work.
TACO TUESDAY: DECEMBER 28, 5 TO 7 PM
The Discussion Sunday School Class will be hosting Taco Tuesday on Tuesday, December 28. The inspiration behind the day was experienced by Barb, Kim, Sandy and Dave on their mission trip to Chalmette, Louisiana. During the Sunday evening orientation at the Brethren Disaster Ministries (BDM) volunteer house, the group was told we would have 50 to 60 dinner guests on Tuesday night. The guests would be Americorps volunteers working for the Saint Bernard Project. However, the meal is self-supported by donations.
Just as in Chalmette, our tacos are free, but we will accept donations to be sent to Mary & John Mueller to further support the BDM Taco Tuesdays.
Please ask Barb, Kim, Sandy or Dave about their experience, the Saint Bernard Project and the Americorp Volunteers. They’d love to share their experiences with you!
All Church Christmas Party
Be sure to attend our annual Church Christmas get together. The date this year is Sunday, December 12th. That’s right – Sunday. Something different this year!! We will begin at 5PM with a covered dish meal in the Fellowship Hall. Then at 6:30, Out of the Darkness – Brandon Grady and company (anybody ever heard of him?) – will be in concert in the Sanctuary for our listening enjoyment. So be sure to mark the date on your calendar: Sunday, December 12 beginning at 5 PM.
Church Council Report
The Church body met in Council following Worship and a light lunch on Sunday, October 31, 2010, at about 12:15 PM. Following devotions and financial reports, the slate of leaders for offices for the new year was presented. The names of those persons presented by the Gifts Discernment Team were all affirmed as presented. (See results in another article in this newsletter). (continued)
The budget was presented and amended by reintroducing the line items relevant to a Youth Director. The budget, reflecting a very slight decrease from last year, was then accepted. Total budget is $155,658. A copy of the budget and its breakdown is available on the information table in the Fellowship Hall. Extensive discussion followed concerning the organ and its deteriorating condition. No action was taken, but a decision will need to be made on either replacing, repairing, or discontinuing the use of the organ. Discussion also followed concerning the possible renovation of the entire Chancel area (the Worship center area) in the front of the Sanctuary. Other items of interest included our agreement with the House of Restoration Ministries congregation, a projection system for the sanctuary, the installation of a security system (following the recent break-in and burglary in the Church), and the purchase of a new computer to replace the one stolen. Council adjourned at 2:15. Minutes of the meeting are available for everyone on the info table in the Fellowship Hall.
Results of Council Slate of Leaders
Following is a list of persons affirmed to leadership positions for 2011:
Leadership Team chair: Dave Wolfe Leadership Team for 2011
LT vice chair: Ralph Miller Chair – Dave Wolfe
Small Groups chair: Donna Malone VC – Ralph Miller
Church Clerk: Lisa Petrosky Ministry chair – Sue Sparrow
Stewards chair – BJ Sparrow
Also affirmed: Nurture chair – Brenda Laughman
Annual Conference Delegate: Barb Strawbridge Small groups chair – Donna Malone
AC Delegate in training: Ed Lentz Deacon chair - Carol Kauffman
District Conf. delegate: Donna Malone
From Donna Hash
I loved my vacation. Our ship was called “Enchantment of the Sea.” I think I needed this vacation. It was great to get away. The people were good to us. I went swimming in hot tub and had good time with Leah. I had strawberry fruit drink. I love to watch the shows – they are good. My favorite part of the vacation was being out in the water. We are back from vacation. Donna Hash
PS My new phone # 717- 764- 1054
Answers to Bible Challenge
1. Isaiah (Isa. 7:14) 2. John (John 1:9) 3. Elizabeth, Jesus (Luke 1:42)
Women’s Fellowship News
Dec. 7 Christmas lunch at Old Country Buffet 11:15 AM
Dec. 7 Bermudian Christmas Party 6:30 PM
Dec 19 Christmas Tea after Church service
Dec. 27 Brethren Home Volunteer Day 9:00 AM
Bermudian Women’s Party is scheduled for Tuesday, December 7th at 6:30 pm in The Gathering Place, their new building. Please bring canned goods for the food bank.
Our annual Christmas Tea is on December 19th following Church service. We welcome your donation of goodies to share.
December Missions Outreach
Our special Mission outreach offerings for December are for Tools of Hope. In addition, we will be accepting our Christmas Achievement Offering (for denominational outreach) on Sunday, December 12th. In this season of giving, let us remember especially those who have not been so blessed with this world’s goods. You are encouraged to give to these worthwhile causes, over and above your regular tithes.
Sincere Prayer
When I think of the future - There must be an answer -
Reminisce of the past; May God help us to see;
Can this Church go on– How to strengthen our faith -
Is it within our grasp? In our 75th year soon to be
I recall all those days – “Sincere prayer” is the answer -
Many faces we’d see; We must fall on our knees;
Filled up all the pews – God wants our full attention -
Great joy there would be. Only He can set us free
Written 10/22/10 by the Lord and Angel
Have we lost our vision – in concern for the future of His Church
Is my prayer in the night;
How can God truly bless us –
To fulfill His plan so divine.
Church Calendar and Schedule for December 2010
12/2 6:00 PM Bell Choir practice (every Thurs.)
7:00 PM Adult Choir practice (every Thurs)
8:00 PM Praise Team practice (every Thurs)
12/5 9:00 AM Sunday School
10:15 AM Celebration Worship “The story of stuff” Luke 1:46 – 55
12/12 9:00 AM Sunday School
10:15 AM Celebration Worship “Taking offense” Matthew 11:2 – 11
5:00 PM Christmas party (carry-in meal)
6:30 PM Out of the Darkness concert
12/18 7:30 AM Men’s Prayer breakfast
12/19 Christmas Sunday Worship
9:00 AM Sunday School
10:15 AM Celebration Worship “Life interrupted” Matthew 1:18 – 25
11:30 AM Women’s Fellowship Christmas Tea
Articles due for January Lamplighter
12/24 7:00 PM Christmas Eve Worship “Good News” Luke 2:1 – 14
Candlelight / Communion
12/26 9:00 AM Sunday School
10:15 AM Celebration Worship Congregational Hymn Sing
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