Montezuma Today. Our Graduates, Disaster Ministries Auction was a success! June Church Events June

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1 Montezuma Today June 2015 Our Graduates, 2015 We will recognize our graduates on Sunday, June 7th during our morning worship service. Harrisonburg High School: Laurie Anne Serrell will be graduating on Saturday, June 6th. She will be attending Eastern Mennonite University in the fall to study Nursing. Turner Ashby High School: Rachel Coffman will be graduating on Saturday, June 6th. Blue Ridge Community College: Ethan Dakin graduated with an Associate s Degree of Applied Science in Business Management. He is currently working at Valley MicroComputers as a Computer Technician. James Madison University: Morgan Dakin received a Child Development Associate Credential by taking classes through JMU and through the CDA National Credentialing Program. She is currently working at Harrisonburg Rockingham Child Day Care Center as a Pre-K teacher. Massanutten Technical Center: Jenifer Hiner graduated from the LPN program. She is currently working at Bridgewater Home and has plans to attend Blue Ridge Community College in the fall to begin pursuing her R.N. Church Events June 2: Golden Lunch Bunch 11:30am Jail Ministries 7pm 3: Adult Choir 7pm 9: Church Board 7pm 11: Salvation Army Meal 13: Youth Yard Hall 16: Jail Ministries 7pm 23: Dorcas Circle 1pm 26: McNett/Burke Rehearsal 5pm 27: McNett/Burke Wedding 4pm What s Inside: 2 Worship Topics Peace of my mind 3 News Articles 4-5 Mission & Ministry 6 Financial 7 News Articles 8 Birthdays/Anniversaries Disaster Ministries Auction was a success! The 23 rd annual Shenandoah District Disaster Ministries Auction was a great success! The preliminary reports show receipts for Friday and Saturday totaling $177,052 plus $32,050 from the livestock sale. This does not include miscellaneous income such as golf tournament fees, oyster purchases, etc. And of course, all bills are not yet paid either. In total, approximately 1,050 oyster/ham dinners were consumed (up from 1,023 in 2014); 445 breakfasts were sold (up from 432 in 2014); and 170 plate lunches were purchased (down from 198 in 2014). Staff Notes: *Katelyn Will is going to be on vacation June 2-5. *Pastor David will be at Brethren Woods June Thank you to everyone for your donations throughout the month of May and for your volunteer work and support of this great event year after year.

2 WORSHIP June 2015 Sunday mornings 9:10 a.m. Gathering Time, 9:30 a.m. Worship Hour, 10:40 a.m. Classes 7: Graduation Sunday Who is Jesus? Hebrews 1:1-9; John 1:15-18 The letter of Hebrews sets out to describe who Jesus is more specifically than any other New Testament writer. It s important because in Jesus Christ, we see what God is like. *Adult Choir International S.S. Lesson: Judgment on Israel and Judah 14: A House Built by Jesus Hebrews 3:1-6; Matthew 7:24-29 The word house is used six times in the short Hebrews reading. It s the main in the Gospel reading as well. Hebrews declares that Jesus is the builder of this house and that we followers of Jesus are the house. How do we respond to this image of being a home built by Jesus? How does he continue to build us? International S.S. Lesson: God is Not Fooled 21: Tested and True Hebrews 4:14-5:10 It is said that superstars can make the worst coaches because they fail to understand the struggles more ordinary players face in mastering skills. Jesus is portrayed by Hebrews in superstar terms the greatest of all stars and yet he does understand because of his suffering. The New Testament insists that Jesus love for us brings him into solidarity with us. International S.S. Lesson: Rebuked for Selfishness 28: A Better Priest Hebrews 7:1-3, 19b-28 Hebrews argues that Jesus was not a better victim because he was divine; rather, he is a better priest because he gives not something else, but himself. If Melchizedek is the first priest named in the Bible, Hebrews is saying that Jesus is effectively the last. He has completed and fulfilled that role. International S.S. Lesson: God Will Never Forget Peace of my mind: I ve mentioned Dietrich Bonhoeffer in sermons. He was killed by the Nazis seventy years ago April 9, Bonhoeffer is well-known for his struggle to lead a dissenting group of German Christians away from Nazism and for his passionate commitment to Christ, the church, and scripture. He wrote books but we also have letters and papers he wrote during the last two years of his life from prison. During this time Bonhoeffer coined the phrase religionless Christianity, a term that astonished and captivated many. What is religionless Christianity? Is this life without the church? Life without observing holy days or religious rules? Today we hear people say, I m spiritual, not religious. Is this what Bonhoeffer meant? Hard to think so from his location in a Nazi prison 70 years ago, but he was clearly thinking new thoughts. No one was more observant of the church calendar, regular Bible reading, meditation and prayer, and the conviction of Christ s call to obedience than the young Dietrich Bonhoeffer. He was a man of deep religious and spiritual practice. But he was also a man watching and sharing in the world around him being stripped of all familiarity. From April 1933, Bonhoeffer spoke openly and courageously in defense of Jews who were already being targeted by Hitler. He watched the country he loved descend into a brutal war-machine and prayed passionately for its defeat. As a result Bonhoeffer became worldlier, more actively invested in politics, more committed to action. Following Christ did not separate him from the struggles of the world or from moral ambiguity. He chose a side and committed himself to it. Today, it s easy for us to use Bonhoeffer as a mascot for our own causes. We invoke his name in every crusade against evil. Bonhoeffer wouldn t go for that. He always asked his students: Who is Christ for us today? How does Christ take form among us today and here? Bonhoeffer actually looked for Christ in his midst. In that way he Caption describing picture or graphic. expected him to be alive and active with us. As we face challenging and frustrating moral debates today it is important to read scripture and study our tradition. And, like Bonhoeffer, we must have the courage to ask: Who is Christ for us today? Peace to you and to our world, Pastor David

3 Disaster Ministries Work Week Disaster Ministries Work Week will be August 9th- 15th to Spotswood, N.J. Four people representing Montezuma will be going. There is room for one more; if interested contact Marsha Shank. Also, anyone interested in putting disaster kits together can contact Karen Meyerhoffer at the district office. Bridgewater Retirement Community Adopt-A-Household Project Local churches are being invited to adopt one of the new households in the Huffman Health Center at Bridgewater Retirement Community. Six households were opened last November, and a second phase of construction will soon be completed. An information session to outline the range of volunteer opportunities will be held on Monday, June 8th, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at the Houff Community Center at BRC. Summer Music Anyone who would like to provide special music for worship during the summer months, June to August, please contact Jen Hiner at jenifer.hiner@gmail.com or call/text Thank you. Mowing Church Yard & Hall It s that time of year again. It s great to see the weather change but it brings some additional outside chores with it and for the church that mostly means keeping up with the church s grass, both around the church itself and at the hall. The Steward s Commission is placing a calendar for mowing in the entry way of the church. The church provides a zero-turn mower and gas for this job. Training on the mower will be provided. Please consider signing up to help. If you have questions, please contact Vince Rhodes at Youth Yard & Bake Sale The Youth yard and bake sale is coming up on June 13th from 7:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at the Montezuma Hall. We are looking for donations of baked goods and yard sale items, and there will be yard sale spaces available for $20.00 each. Items for the yard and bake sale may be dropped off at the hall on Friday, June 12th from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Please contact Craig Payne or Sara Atkins if you would like to reserve a space, need donations picked up or have any questions. Annual Conference July Annual Conference will be held July 11th-15th in Tampa, FL. This year s theme is Abide in My Love and Bear Fruit. If you would like to participate in conference events, Webcasts are available and this year there is a newly created app that can be downloaded on your smart phone. More information about this app can be found on the district website. The Annual Conference briefing for Shenandoah District delegates will be held on Tuesday, June 2nd at Mt. Pleasant Church of the Brethren. A time of prayer will begin at 5 p.m., registration will be at 5:30 p.m., dinner will be at 6 p.m. and the program will begin at 6:45 p.m. This year, Montezuma s delegates are Bob & Kathleen Michael. Nursery Schedule If you are interested in helping with nursery care during worship September 2015 through August 2016 or you would like your name deleted from the current list, please contact Frances Shenk at by August 1st. If your name is already on the list, it will remain there unless notified otherwise. Mother s Day 5K for Peace was a success! Montezuma Today is a monthly publication of Montezuma Church of the Brethren. Articles and information for publication are appreciated by the 20th of each month. krwill.cob@gmail.com or mail to: 4937 Ottobine Road Dayton, VA The Mother s Day 5K for Peace to raise money for the Nigeria Crisis Fund was successful. The race attracted 66 runners and walkers and raised approximately $4,600 with donations still coming in. Colorful ribbons, each with the name of one of the kidnapped Chibok girls were available for participants. Pictures of the event can be seen on the event s Facebook page. Thank you to everyone who made donations, volunteered and participated in this event.

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6 OUR STEWARDSHIP FOR MAY 2015 Attendance Worship Sunday School For Budget May $5, $4, $5, $2, May average per Sunday $4, Last 12 mos. average per Sunday Special Giving for May (through May 24th) Organ Fund $35 Mother s Day 5K for Peace $3,110 2 Meal Offering $18.40 Brethren Woods $50 Youth Cookbooks $15 Youth Fund $5 BBQ Supplies for Disaster Auction $200 Disaster Fund $150 *Stats for May 31st will be included in the next newsletter. NURSERY FOR JUNE 7 Sara Atkins & Dawn Kiser 14 Becky & Hayley Daubert 21 Rhonda Mandeville & Roma Holloway 28 Amy & John Knott SALVATION ARMY MEAL FOR JUNE 11 Janet Whetzel Ann Click Mary Frances Heishman Libby Kiser Marsha Shank SALVATION ARMY MEAL FOR JULY 9 Brenda Wine Youth & Junior Highs/Parents SALVATION ARMY MEAL FOR AUGUST Janet Whetzel Marty Barlow Karen Fleishman Andrea Mandeville Vicki Richard Doug Tumer Baby Dedication We welcomed, Uriah Robert Smiley, son of Marshall and Krista Smiley, at a service of baby dedication on Sunday, April 26th. WORSHIP CENTER FOR JUNE 7 Dawn Kiser 14 Lisa Shickel 21 Linda Waggy 28 Jill Sease VALET PARKING FOR JUNE 7 Weldon Good 14 Wade Showalter 21 Bob Michael 28 Kenny Miller SOUND SYSTEM FOR JUNE 7 Bill Heishman 14 Ron Shickel 21 Ben Hall 28 Randy Glick USHERS FOR JUNE Roger Moyer, Bob Black, Ben Hall & Jim Rusmisel. Upcoming Summer Events: Youth Yard & Bake Sale June 13th Annual Conference July 11th-15th Vacation Bible School July 20th-23rd Church Picnic at Brethren Woods August 23rd

7 What Makes for Happiness By: Janet Whetzel What is it that people want and seek in life? Yes, it may be different for different people but if we pay attention to the news, the market place, the health environment, recreation and the research, it seems that people want a satisfying, productive, healthy life that results in happiness and in celebrating a number of birthdays! That isn't a bad thing is it? Constantly, we are bombarded with advertisements that suggest if we buy such and such we will have what we seek in life. Somehow, though, it never seems enough. Fulfillment is fleeting and instead dissatisfaction creeps in and becomes the norm. Other aspects of life are affected by negative thoughts and feelings which in turn affect relationships, work, and family. An interesting article published in the March 2015 issue of the Mayo Clinic Health Letter asks an important question. "What if you replaced desire with gratitude?" The article shares that scientists are finding that gratitude, when it becomes a regular part of life, not only helps to explain a high sense of well-being but also can lead to increased happiness and fulfillment. The Bible talks in numerous places in both the Old Testament and the New Testament about thankfulness (or gratitude). Read in 1Ch 16:8, Ps 100:4, 1Co15:57, 2Co 9:15, and my favorite Php4:6. So what is gratitude? Most everyone feels thankful at times; a kindness is done for you, thankful for a loving family/a good job, natural beauty, good report from the doctor. Gratitude as it relates to a higher sense of well-being isn't just an emotion but actually a sense of well-being that focuses on paying attention and truly appreciating the positive aspects of life and being able to acknowledge the sources of goodness which is outside of yourself. How does gratitude look? Being content in the moment even as you pursue and deal with long term plans. This approach helps you be happy despite the imperfections of life in our culture/world today. The research into this concept is early, but benefits that are already noted are: 1. Lower risk of mental health disorders. A disposition towards thankfulness predicts a decreased risk of major depression, anxieties, phobias, nicotine dependence, alcohol and drug abuse, bulimia and helps overcome trauma. 2. Greater happiness. A link between being in a good mood and feeling happy and satisfied with life. 3. Increased sense of fulfillment. Self-acceptance, independence from peer pressure, personal growth, sense of purpose and control over circumstances has been related to gratitude. 4. Positive relationships. Gratitude is strongly related to building and maintaining strong relationships through factors such as being able to forgive, empathy, and desire to serve and help and in seeing the good in others. 5. Better sleep. Studies are limited with the physical health but investigators have found that gratitude can improve how well you sleep. Grateful people tend to worry less and tend to focus on positive things. How can you improve your gratitude quotation? Dr. Amit Sood of the Mayo Clinic suggests the following: A. Start day with gratitude. Think of 5 people you are grateful for and think about them. B. Be thankful for simple things that you might take for granted. For example: electricity, running water, open skies, green grass, the mountains, cup of coffee... C. Look for positive in the negative. Have a flexible mind that allows adversity to help you learn and grow. D. Acknowledge your "riches". Count your blessings. There are many people who do not have a warm, safe home, job, family, even a working car. E. Keep a grateful journal - write down things you are grateful for and on a rough day look at the journal. F. Say thank you - express to others your appreciation, to those you live with and work with and the folks you don't know and likely will not see again. A vocal thank you or a hand written note can be very helpful to them and YOU. Research is done today about so many things. Some things seem silly and certainly not too vital to a happy life. As Paul says in Philippians 4:6: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God". The 7th verse sums it up so well, "And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your mind in Christ Jesus." Having a sense of gratitude seems worthy to work for.

8 June Birthdays/Anniversaries June Birthdays: June Anniversaries: 1 Clayton Adams 14 Gary Payne 1 Jonathan & Bobbi Jo Ross Rachel Coffman 15 Marty Barlow 2 Chris & Shannon Airey Drew Shull 16 John Coffman 8 Bruce & Marty Barlow 2 Fay Airey 17 Walter Coceano 12 Ivan & Lillian Howdyshell Mary Alice Womble Skyler Shank John & Marian Layman 3 Brandi Harpine 18 Mike Healy Brian & Janelle Weaver LeAnne Kendall Jonathan Northrop 13 Phil & Ramona Evans 4 Sandra Huffman 20 Troy Knott 15 David & Kathy Lilly Curt Kendall Linda Waggy 16 Melvin & Edith Burger 5 Randy Showalter 21 Liam Harback 17 Aaron & Heather Barnhart 6 Ramona Evans Yvonne Miller Harold & Faye McNett 7 Bradley Glick 22 Tammy Hall 18 Brent & Monica Burkholder Alannah Harback Cory Payne Tom & Ann Miller Bob Jerome 24 Mason Payne 21 Don Poston & Cheryl Martin 8 Ernie Havener Lavonne Rusmisel 24 Bobby & Bonnie Guyer 9 Beth Bazzle 25 Laurie Kile Charles & Bonnie Miller Nicolas Huffman 26 Ann Click 25 Earl & Edith Hartman Matthew Ross 27 Tom Ross Donnie & Mary Jackson 10 Anderson DePoy June Wenger Lynn & Carolyn Mohler 11 Faye McNett 29 Jared Diehl Dean & Holly Wood 12 Mason Black Judy Lokey 28 Randy & Mary Lou Glick John Serrell Kim Showalter 29 John & Amy Knott 13 Robert Black, Jr. 30 Andrea Adams Eric Shank Montezuma Church of the Brethren 4937 Ottobine Rd. Dayton, VA Montezuma library.montezuma.cob@verizon.net David R. Miller, Pastor <drmiller.cob@gmail.com> Janet Whetzel, Min. of Visitation <janet@virginiachapter7.com> Katelyn Will, Office Admin. <krwill.cob@gmail.com> NON PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 33 HARRISONBURG VA ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED