Connections. Beautiful Summer Day on Sunday, June 25, after our Fellowship Meal

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1 Connections CONESTOGA s July 2017 Vol. XXVIII No. 7 Beautiful Summer Day on Sunday, June 25, after our Fellowship Meal There goes that volleyball up in the beautiful blue clouded sky as children splashed in the water sprinklers and still others were playing softball!

2 June 25 Fellowship Meal Conestoga Mennonite Church 2779 Main Street, Morgantown, PA Monthly newsletter for Conestoga Mennonite Church, published since Deadline for articles and photos is the 20 th of the preceding month of publication. Editor: Lois Ann Mast Assistant Editor: Elizabeth Petersheim Contributing Editors: Anna Martin and Jill Waters 2 Conestoga Connections

3 Ladies BOOK CLUB Interested in participating in a book club? Contact Liz Petersheim to get group updates. We meet about every other month to discuss the current book and pick the next one. Attendance is optional! Sewing Circle met on June 7, There were 20 ladies present. Donated items included 11 comforter tops and 2 finished comforters. Completed were 3 comforters. Three relief kits and three hygiene kits were purchased. We sang This is My Father s World led by Fern Kraybill. The theme of the devotional was Our Heavenly Father. Fern used selected Scriptures from thoughout the Bible to illustrate God as a good and caring father for His people. The special offering was $ We sang How Great Thou Art before adjourning. ~ Betty Cannell, Secretary CURRENT BOOK: HIDING IN THE LIGHT by Rifqa Bary Why she risked everything to leave Islam and follow Jesus. Left to right: Joann Hunsberger & Matt Kanagy with children; David Heineman; Robert & Nancy Martin; Jim & Carol Spicher; Chrissy Kreider; and Chet Yoder & Jonas Da (both of Garden Spot Village). About 100 clinicians from various Mennonite Church USA conferences gathered on June 23-25, 2017, for education, reflection, edification, worship, and fellowship. The picture above was taken of some persons connected with Atlantic Coast Conference. The theme for the weekend was Creating Healing Environments. The annual gathering this year took place at the Laurelville Mennonite Church Center in Mt. Pleasant, Pa. There were 11 presenters for the plenary sessions and workshops. I appreciated both the input and the fellowship. ~ David Heineman Conestoga Connections 3

4 The Healing Touch of Still Waters Ministries Things are strongest where they are broken. We are all scarred and imperfect. We make mistakes. But there is always a new path, if we have the courage to look for it and take it. I m sorry. I was wrong. I don t know. I need help. These are the signposts of taking the new path in the direction of hope and healing. God says that where we are weak, He is strong. The staff of Still Waters Counseling Ministries includes counselors Sam and Jill Waters and Andrea Brown. Unlike most Christian counseling ministries, we continue to provide no-cost counseling services to those who cannot afford that which would offer hope and healing in their difficult situations. Clients come in with an array of concerns: domestic violence; physical, emotional and sexual abuse; depression; anxiety; and family conflicts. The ages range from 8-80 years old. Often their lives need direction for peace and stability. Still Waters embraces what Jesus said He came to give: THE ABUNDANT LIFE. Not the perfect life, but abundance.god s best for every person. Still Waters observes the dirtiest, darkest side of life. We see what people inflict on each other and it can be brutal. But, as we reside in this world, we are not to live in bubbles and ignore what is going on, right in our own community. When clients come in, their lives are often in bad shape, but that is not the obvious problem. The problem is, they think it will always be that way. They cannot see anything new or different down the road. And that is their pain. As counselors, we speak a future of hope into these precious ones and offer a glimpse of a new path. As we enter our sixth year in ministry, we continue to see lives being changed, and even saved. We embrace people in very hopeless circumstances and provide security Biscuits One Sunday morning at a small southern church, the new pastor called on one of the older elders to lead in the opening prayer. He stood up, bowed his head, and said, Lord, I hate buttermilk. The pastor opened one eye and wondered where this was going. The elder continued, Lord, I hate lard. Now the pastor was totally perplexed. The elder continued, Lord, I ain t too crazy about plain flour. But after you mix em all together and bake em in a hot oven, I just love biscuits. Lord, help us to realize when life gets hard, when things come up that we don t like, whenever we don t understand what You are doing, that we need to wait and see what you are making. After you get through mixing and baking, it ll probably be something even better than biscuits. Amen. Romans 8:28 ~ submitted by Jill Waters and help. People can feel abandoned and ignored during hard times, especially when they do not have the necessary financial resources to pay for the help they need. Their circumstances can deteriorate quickly, and even become dangerous. The Lilies of the Valley program, sponsored by Still Waters, also continues to offer safety and love for abused women. Through a network of host families, women who are living in fear and danger with an abusive spouse are sheltered and protected. The ministry is able to offer refuge, on the very same day, to a woman needing to flee from her fearful situation. The most recent woman in the Lilies program stayed in the home of a host family for four months, until she was able to gain her independence and get back on her feet, move into her own apartment, and continue her employment. During these months of protection, she received counseling, financial assistance, prayer, mentoring, and love from those who embraced her. The Conestoga members who helped her move and supported her were true blessings in this woman s life. The kindnesses will never be forgotten. Still Waters has expanded into other services, as well. Classes and counseling are offered at the Early Learning Center located at New Holland Mennonite Church. One- half of the children we teach are below the poverty level, many in very difficult living situations. We are blessed to be able to join the teachers at this school to walk beside them and lighten their load. Your prayers are appreciated. Still Waters website offers ministry information and updates. Three conferences have been held at Conestoga Mennonite Church this past year, and a new You Tube channel provides speaker and music presentations. You may view the web site at: Of course, this ministry could not exist without the prayers, encouragement, and financial support of those who continually lift us up. Still Waters Ministries is blessed by the faithful ones (individuals and businesses) who believe in this compassionate outreach. The mission field is right in our backyard (literally) and we are passionate and committed to fulfill the great commission of Jesus love to our community and church. ~ Jill Waters 4 Conestoga Connections

5 Jr. Youth Retreat! God richly blessed our Jr. Youth Retreat this year. Five Jr. Youth along with Greg Petersheim, Bryce Petersheim, Rachel Mast, Sonya Petersheim, and Madison Parris had a wonderful time at Lucky 13 cabin. We had a lot of fun playing capture the flag (with shaving cream), jumping into freezing cold water, going to rattle snake roundup, and hanging out around the bonfire roasting (way too many) marshmallows. We were able to worship the Lord together and talked about our insecurities and identities and who/what we let define us. It was a weekend of encouragement to hold fast to who we are in Christ and to fight against what the world might try to label us. We are adopted, loved and cared for by our Heavenly Father and there is nothing greater. It truly was a blessed weekend. ~ Madison Parris, Jr. Youth Leader Conestoga Connections 5

6 Conestoga Happenings Wandering Shepherds Bible Study met with Sylvia Haas last month and enjoyed singing, prayer, and a Bible Study on the Fruits of the Spirit with nine different fruits on a kabob signifying each fruit of the Spirit. Sylvia was not as talkative this time, but smiled the only two words she said were Life Songs because that is what we sing out of. Left: Conestoga s softball team enjoying snacks and drinks after a recent ball game thanks to Becky Yoder who always supplies these scrumptious snacks! Right: Becky Yoder also helps run our church kitchen here she is bringing clean table cloths and high chair covers she took home to wash. Thank you, Becky! Right: Congratulations to Bob and Karen Horning who just became grandparents of twins: Kelsie Jane and Lathan James Smoker born June 9, 2017, children of Caleb and Melissa (Horning) Smoker. Caiden now has a brother and a sister. Bob and Karen now have six grandchildren! Go Grandma and Grandpa!! 6 Conestoga Connections

7 Eighteeen seniors plus Hannah enjoyed the June Sr. Connections excursion to visit Emma s Gourmet Popcorn and Lapp Valley Ice Cream Farm. We enjoyed eating lunch together! Senior Connections* Thursday, July 13 12:00 noon in the church fellowship hall Be the Best You Can Be From the Inside Out At any Age by Eleanor Isaacson *Sr. Connections is for 60+ age persons! Focusing on a positive attitude in all situations, healthy eating habits for maximum energy all day, good posture, and aiming toward a beautiful future with every birthday! Seniors: If you think you have almost reached the last gas station in your life, it is time to refuel and keep moving on! Widowed? A new and interesting and productive life can be yours now that you are one instead of two... just different! Thank you to David and Cheryl Heineman who prepared the communion cups for our last communion! Conestoga Connections 7

8 40 Hours of Wilderness Wanderings Bible School Camp for Conestoga Friday-Saturday, July 7-8, 2017 ~ F R I D A Y S C H E D U L E ~ 9:00 - Arrival and registration 9:15 - Bible story #1 and worship 10:00 - Activity - Hike (scavenger hunt for craft supplies) 11:00 - Craft #1 Noon - lunch provided by Tel Hai - availability of GaGa pit 12:45 - Bible story #2 - worship 1:30 - Craft #2 2:30 - Swimming and other activities 4:00 - Hockey and other activities 5:45 - Supper 7:00 - Children acting out the Bible stories they heard earlier 8:30 - campfire and snacks including quail ~ S A T U R D A Y S C H E D U L E ~ 8:00 - breakfast after collecting manna 8:45 - Devotional reflections from the wilderness 9:15 - Families use of facilities Free to leave whenever no lunch provided. All families will be invited to participate from Friday a.m. - Saturday noon. Adults (over 45 years old) are invited to participate from Friday supper through Saturday noon. Theme: The Children of Israel Wandering in the Wildnerness for 40 years Contact: Susan Johnson Bible Lessons - Austin Unruh Worship - Kristy Unruh or Tel Hai personnel Crafts - Sonya Petersheim Campout logistics and campfire - Austin Unruh Friday campout supper - Tina Essick Saturday breakfast - Liz Petersheim & Carrie Long Watch out for manna, quail, and gummy worms! Have You Signed Up Yet? WANDERING IN THE WILDERNESS is the theme for the Bible School Camp on July 7-8, Mark your calendars now and save the dates. This year we will hold a combined Bible School, family campout and fun event at Tel Hai Camp July 7-8. Students age 5 through Grade 8 (optional for their parents during Friday), arrive by 9:00 a.m. for Bible stories, hikes, crafts, water and camp activities (bring appropriate water clothing and shoes) around the wandering in the wilderness theme. Please sign up by registering on the bulletin board in the lobby or call or the church office. Additional Conestoga adults/participants are welcome for the 5:45 p.m. picnic, evening campfire and campout. If camping out, you will need to supply a tent. A proposed schedule for the Friday 9:00 a.m. - Saturday noon event is posted on the bulletin board and available on our website at conestogamc.com. No cost to participate, but sign-up is essential for preparations. Families with children who sign-up will receive a packet of detailed information including medical release data, emergency numbers, etc. If successful, we will open this event up to additional community persons in the future. However, this year we are encouraging participation by Conestoga participants and their invited friends or family.