NEWS & NOTES DECEMBER/JANUARY GLENNON HEIGHTS MENNONITE CHURCH 2016/2017

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NEWS & NOTES DECEMBER/JANUARY GLENNON HEIGHTS MENNONITE CHURCH 2016/2017 December 4 Hanging of the Greens, 6:30 p.m. December 25 Christmas worship service of lessons and carols, 10:00 a.m. January 1 New Year s worship service and potluck, 11:00 a.

another year and anticipate the new year to come, I want to take this opportunity to reflect on what happened here at Glennon Heights in 2016. Think of this as our annual Christmas/New Year s letter.

This has been and continues to be the cornerstone of our community. In addition, we found ways to nurture friendships and support each other.

1 NEWS & NOTES DECEMBER/JANUARY GLENNON HEIGHTS MENNONITE CHURCH 2016/2017 December 4 Hanging of the Greens, 6:30 p.m. December 25 Christmas worship service of lessons and carols, 10:00 a.m. January 1 New Year s worship service and potluck, 11:00 a.m. January 8-15 Family Promise rotation January 29 Brunch and congregational business meeting February 19 MYF pie auction and meal, noon March 19 Campership meal, noon As we come to the end of another year and anticipate the new year to come, I want to take this opportunity to reflect on what happened here at Glennon Heights in Think of this as our annual Christmas/New Year s letter. Many good things continued this year. We met regularly on Sunday mornings for worship, fellowship, learning and the occasional potluck meal. This has been and continues to be the cornerstone of our community. In addition, we found ways to nurture friendships and support each other. Daytime Mennonite Women gathered once a month to quilt and knot comforters and, perhaps most importantly, to talk, laugh and eat together. The Bipolar/Depression Support Group met twice a month to help each other stay on an even keel. Four Friendship Groups convened periodically to eat, share and build relationships. We instituted intentional friendships as well, offering another way to get to know each other. A monthly Sister Care series helped women know how to care well for each other. We raised a substantial sum of money to help Corrine Priebe buy a portable oxygen concentrator. Many, many notes of encouragement and appreciation were written and received. Many visits were made to those who were sick or home-bound. Many comforting words were said. We worked together to respond to the needs of the world. We staffed four rotations for Family Promise. This is no small feat. Many of us are involved in this opportunity to provide care for homeless families. We filled backpacks for men coming out of prison 81 this year! We broke our record. We also provided support for The Second Chance Center and through personal involvement and financial 1

ANNIVERSARIES: 19 - Audrey & Don Ruth 19 - Jason & Rachel Stutzman 23 - Bob & Jody Bertsche 31 - Ellen & Nathan Graber-McCrae BIRTHDAYS: 2 - Linda Welty 5 - Margo Wiebe 5 - John Franz 6 - Don Ruth 7

Kennell 10 - Jan Hussey 13 Eva Freeman 14 - Dave Yoder 14 - Jody Bertsche 15 - Claire Wiebe Franz 16 - Rhoda Blough 20 - Doris Hjelmstad 20 - Cindy Yoder 23 Joel Freeman 24 - Luke Fox Rasquinha 29 -

We began providing financial support for a young woman, Yazmin, who is struggling to support her family and get her feet solidly on the ground.

2 ANNIVERSARIES: 19 - Audrey & Don Ruth 19 - Jason & Rachel Stutzman 23 - Bob & Jody Bertsche 31 - Ellen & Nathan Graber-McCrae BIRTHDAYS: 2 - Linda Welty 5 - Margo Wiebe 5 - John Franz 6 - Don Ruth 7 - Jeff Bontrager 12- Nina Hoffert 13 - Karen Penner 17 - Peggy Owen 22 - Larry Rudnicki 25 - Shanna Rocovits 29 - Tim Hoffert BIRTHDAYS: 3 - Andy Yoder-Horst 5 - Shane Blough Simpson 7 - Larry Kennell 10 - Jan Hussey 13 Eva Freeman 14 - Dave Yoder 14 - Jody Bertsche 15 - Claire Wiebe Franz 16 - Rhoda Blough 20 - Doris Hjelmstad 20 - Cindy Yoder 23 Joel Freeman 24 - Luke Fox Rasquinha 29 - Virginia Stone 31 - Frank Bontrager From the Pastor, continued gifts. We collected food for The Action Center and provided financial support for the Center as well. We began providing financial support for a young woman, Yazmin, who is struggling to support her family and get her feet solidly on the ground. As a congregation and as individuals we remain involved in many good causes. We grew as a congregation. This year we received five persons into membership and welcomed others who have come to regularly be part of our worship and activities. We also had two babies Joel and Samuel! Our growing children are very important to us; we spent time this year thinking about how we can best provide our kids with care and learning. Sadly, three of our cherished members passed from this life to the next. We celebrated the lives of Olive Landes, Grace Smith and Charmaine Burbank and grieved their passing. You welcomed Melissa Roth as pastor during my sabbatical and stepped up as a community to keep things going strong. Then you welcomed me back with open arms when my sabbatical came to an end. I was happy for that, and grateful for your care for me. With the creative help of Jeff Bontrager, our congregational chairperson, we took stock of where we are and where we would like to be as a congregation. Jacob Landis-Eigsti produced a church video which captures well the spirit of who we are. Church Family Forums helped us think creatively together about what our future may hold. That process continues. As this year draws to a close and a new one begins we give thanks for all the ways we have been and will continue being church together. May we be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Your pastor, 2

Adult Sunday School series beginning in January The Bible Story - Salvation History, led by Bruce McCrae The Bible contains many, many stories, but it also tells a single story: the story of God's

3 Adult Sunday School series beginning in January The Bible Story - Salvation History, led by Bruce McCrae The Bible contains many, many stories, but it also tells a single story: the story of God's relentless efforts to redeem humankind, or salvation history. Using the newly published book, The Bible As Story by Michelle Hershberger, Marion Bontrager and John Sharp of Hesston College, we will walk through the entire Bible as the story unfolds. And we will discover that salvation history has continued long after the Bible was written. Join us! December 4: December 11: December 18: December 25: January 1: January 8: January 15: January 22: January 29: Adult Sunday School schedule December 2016 and January 2017 Intergenerational gathering Back to the future: Studying prophets and prophecy, led by Nathan Graber-McCrae Christmas carol singing Christmas holiday, no Sunday School New Year s holiday, no Sunday School Intergenerational gathering Back to the future: Studying prophets and prophecy, led by Nathan Graber-McCrae The Bible Story - Salvation History, led by Bruce McCrae Annual business meeting, no Sunday School Christmas and New Year s Day This year both Christmas and New Year s Day fall on a Sunday, one right after the other. We will have worship services on those Sundays, though things will be a little different. On Christmas Sunday we will have a service of lessons and carols. We will read the Christmas stories from the Bible and sing the special and familiar songs that go along with these stories. Special starting time: 10:00 a.m. On New Year s Day we ll have an informal service, led by Barry and Brenda Bartel, followed by a potluck meal. Bring your holiday leftovers or make something that is traditional New Year s food for you. We ll start the new year off together. Special starting time: 11:00 a.m. 3

Eight little words Posted on November 15, 2016 Glen Guyton is chief operating officer and director of Convention Planning for Mennonite Church USA.

4 Eight little words Posted on November 15, 2016 Glen Guyton is chief operating officer and director of Convention Planning for Mennonite Church USA. Over the past few days I have been reading my Facebook feed and watching the various reactions about the election. Most, but not all of my friends are in shock, saddened, confused and fearful. Some of my friends are asking for Jesus to come back. Some are sharing horrifying posts of hate crimes. Others are lamenting Gary Johnson s loss. A few are holding out hope the Electoral College is going to go rogue and make a different choice. For me, one post stood out from the rest. It said: Today was the day I prayed for the nation. Only God knows the plans He has for us and I trust in His judgment and it alone. Today is a day that I will remember for as long as I live. A day where fear drove an election. A day I have to explain to those who come after me. A day where we must band together instead of tearing each other apart. Today is a day just like the rest. Today is a day just like the rest. Wow, there is so much wisdom in those eight little words. If I am honest, I was not too surprised with the outcome of our national election. Our nation did not become any more or any less racist, sexist or any kind of ist on Nov. 8. Nothing really changed on Election Day other than a few people got woke* to the deep divides in our nation. Most importantly the mission of the church did not change. Just because a large number of white evangelicals voted overwhelmingly for one candidate, that doesn t change the fact that as men and women of God that Our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places, (Ephesians 6:12). My hope is not built on Trump s border wall or Hillary s pantsuits. Today is a day just like the rest when I sing in my heart, My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus name. On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand, all other ground is sinking sand. While some proudly proclaimed I m with her, we as the people of God first and foremost must proclaim that we are with Elohim. If we as Christians want to make America great, then we Christians should follow the example of Christ, casting our nets to touch the lives of men and women, rather than being distraught over the votes cast for politicians. Today is a day just like the rest, when we have the opportunity to be the church that God has called us to be. Today is a day just like the rest when we can choose to love our neighbor. Today is a day just like the rest when we can live in fear or we can spread healing and hope to the world. Today is a day for our church to demonstrate what love is. To show that love is a verb, that love is a conscious act that bridges the divide and reconciles the world to Christ. When the rest of the world is hopeless, confused and desperately looking for answers, that is the time the church needs to be the church serving, loving and generously giving of itself. 4

5 I challenge us to keep above the fray and the political rhetoric. I challenge us not to gloat if our side won or to lash out if our side lost, because ultimately, in spite of political ideology, we should be on the same side the side of the cross. This election is an opportunity for us the show the world what it means to be followers of Jesus Christ. How you might ask? Show love to those who are fearful, in need or emotionally distraught at this time. Feed the hungry, give shelter to the homeless and clothe those who are naked. That is what I plan to do to celebrate the Lordship of Christ which did not change on Nov. 8. I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another, (John 13:34-35). In the midst of a storm of negative and disconcerting Facebook posts that one post stood out to me. The author was someone very near and dear to me it was my daughter. I could not be more proud of her. Over the last 19 years, I did my best to share the gospel message of hope with her. I think she got it. I hope the rest of us get it too, because today is a day just like the rest. *Keenly aware The Holy Way Walking in the way of God s heart Advent 2016 This year during Advent we celebrate the arrival of Jesus Christ, the embodiment of God s heart. We will be invited to walk in the way of God s heart. The way of God has a double meaning walking the way someone else walks, and walking the way as in journey or pilgrimage. Either way, the energy which creates the Kingdom of God comes from the heart of God. When we walk in the way of God s heart, we are cocreating the reign of God here on earth. Our Advent theme song is Come, walk in the light, STS #10. We will sing this each Sunday as the Advent candle is lit. Second Sunday of Advent, December 4: Focus statement: God s harmony is at hand. Come, walk in the way of God s heart. Scripture passages: Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 72:1-7; Matthew 3:1-12, Romans 15:4-13 Third Sunday of Advent, December 11: Focus statement: God s healing is at hand. Come, walk in the way of God s heart. Scripture passages: Isaiah 35:1-10; Psalm 146:5-10; Matthew 11:2-11; James 5:7-10 Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 18: Focus statement: God s restoration is at hand. Come, walk in the way of God s heart. Scripture passages: Isaiah 7:10-16; Psalm 80:1-7; Matthew 1:18-25; Romans 1:1-7 5

6 The Blue Sky Music Project Benefit Concert November 19,

7 Dedication and blessing for Samuel Peter Graber-McCrae November 20,

December 2016 January 2017 Calendar Friday, December 2 Hanging of the Greens Decorating and Pizza Party, 5:30 pm Saturday, December 3 Hanging of the Greens Choir Practice, 10 am Sunday, December 4

8 December 2016 January 2017 Calendar Friday, December 2 Hanging of the Greens Decorating and Pizza Party, 5:30 pm Saturday, December 3 Hanging of the Greens Choir Practice, 10 am Sunday, December 4 Hanging of the Greens Choir Practice, 3 pm Hanging of the Greens Service, 6:30 pm Monday, December 5 Outreach Team meeting at Doris, 7 pm Tuesday, December 6 Bipolar/Depression support group, 7 pm Monday, December 12 Elders meeting, 7 pm Tuesday, December 13 Sister Care Session, 7 pm Saturday, December 17 Men s Breakfast, 9 am Tuesday, December 20 Daytime Mennonite Women, 9:30 am Bipolar/Depression support group, 7 pm Sunday, December 25 Christmas Worship service, 10 am Sunday, January 1 New Year s Worship service & potluck, 11 am Tuesday, January 3 Bipolar/Depression support group, 7 pm Wednesday, January 4 Church Council meeting, 7 pm January 8-15 Family Promise Rotation Tuesday, January 10 Sister Care Session, 7 pm Tuesday, January 17 Daytime Mennonite Women, 9:30 am Bipolar/Depression support group, 7 pm Wednesday, January 18 Elders meeting, 7 pm Saturday, January 21 Men s breakfast, 9 am Monday, January 23 Worship Team meeting at Bontragers, 7 pm Sunday, January 29 Brunch, 10:45 am Congregational Business meeting, noon GLENNON HEIGHTS MENNONITE CHURCH ghmc@comcast.net W. Virginia Ave. Lakewood, CO Pastor Betsy Headrick McCrae ghmc.betsy@comcast.net ; Cell Hours: Tuesday Friday 8:00 am 4:00 pm Kate Rempel Administrative Assistant Office Hours: Tuesday, 8 am 2 pm Friday, 8 am 2 pm Our Mission To be a faithful community of Jesus Christ Our Vision Empowered by the Holy Spirit, We envision growth; building a community of faith which practices constructive responses to conflict; and, in a world driven by fear, promoting a Christian voice of love and nonviolence. NEWS & NOTES Compiled by Betsy Headrick McCrae and Kate Rempel Layout by Kate Rempel 8

MAY GLENNON HEIGHTS MENNONITE CHURCH 2016

NEWS & NOTES MAY GLENNON HEIGHTS MENNONITE CHURCH 2016 May 1 Sabbatical blessing potluck May 2 July 31 Pastor Betsy on sabbatical. Melissa Roth serving as pastor on a part-time basis. May 29 Campership