Man came not to be. For even the Son of. served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:45. July 2015.

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1 July 2015 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:45 In This Issue: Serving in the Every Day Here and Now God at Work Among Us Upcoming Events

2 Serving in the Every Day Here and Now When you hear the word service, what is the first thought that pops into your mind? For most people it is an image of being in a broken area, reaching out to those who are less fortunate. While this certainly is an act of service and a very important act as well, too often this is a narrow definition of service. While it is good to serve the poor, travel to foreign lands for missions, and give money to relief organizations, service is so much more. The service I would love to highlight is the service in the here and now. What exactly does that mean? Simply put, it means service in the every day. When is the last time you approached your daily routine with an attitude of service? I will be the first to admit as I am going through the hustle and bustle motions of the day; service isn t always in the forefront of my mind. However, I wonder what our lives would look like if we began to approach each day as a service opportunity. Each day we come into contact with numerous people. Each day we are presented with hundreds of opportunities to serve. Not only are these opportunities readily available, but some don t even take much thought or preplanning. For instance, what if you served others by holding the door for the person walking behind you, or parked a little further away so someone else can get the closer parking spot. What if you packed an extra treat from home for a co-worker, or gave your sibling the last helping of dessert. The options are endless. It all comes down to preference. Preference is defined as the selecting of someone or something over another or others. As Christians we are called to prefer others; to select someone or somethings needs over our own. The root of service is the act of preferring others. In a world driven by self-motivation and a society that tells us to look out for number one, Jesus dares us to be different. We are called to say no to selfish desires and ambitions and look to our neighbor s needs instead. Whether you re serving in a soup kitchen, giving money to the poor, smiling at a stranger, or putting someone s shopping cart away for them, if you are actively preferring other s needs, you are living out the call of service. Mark 10:45 states for even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve. Jesus set an incredible example of service in the everyday. He emptied himself, and laid himself down as a servant to all. May this attitude Jesus displayed be an example and constant reminder to us. Let us face each day with preference for others and with excitement and willingness to be servants in the here and now. ~ Pastor Kim Nichols page 2 Connections A Grantham Church Publication July 2015

3 Summer Office Hours Grantham Church will have new office hours beginning on Monday, July 6. The church office will be open from 9:00 a.m. 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday Ministry Team Representatives to Church Board At their meeting after Congregational Council, the Ministry Team nominated Sally Young, Ken Sechrist, and Coleen Johnson as their representatives to the church board for the upcoming ministry year from September 1, 2015 to December 31, PASTORAL STAFF John Yeatts Senior Pastor, Ext Kimberly Nichols Pastor of Children & Youth Ministry Ext Otto Monroy Director of Worship Arts Ext Ron & Barb Burwell Ministers of Pastoral Care Letters from Our Missionaries If you would like to read updates from our missionaries all over the world, please visit the Missions Bulletin Board in the lobby near the main entrance of the church. They kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all. He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me. - Mark 9:34-37 MINISTERS All members of the Grantham Church PRAYER CHAIN CONTACT , ext (during office hours 8:00 am 3:00 pm Mon. Fri.) Wayne Cassel, (after office hours & weekends) OFFICE STAFF Melanie Schubert Office Assistant, Ext Ray Dourte Facility Coordinator CONNECTIONS Sherri Long Layout & Design GRANTHAM CHURCH 421 Grantham Road Mechanicsburg, PA Phone: (717) office@granthamchurch.org Grantham Church Connections A Grantham Church Publication July 2015 page 3

4 MINISTRY Youth Grantham Youth just finished helping with VBS 2015 and are gearing up for the next big adventure, JAMAICA. A group of 23 Grantham youth and chaperones will be headed to Jamaica on July 19 and returning July 25. We will be staying at the Salvation Army facilities in Kingston, Jamaica. While we are there we will have three areas of Ministry: 1. Senior Care Homes A lot of seniors in these homes have been abandoned by family leaving them feeling very lonely. We will be spending time with them, singing songs, telling stories, listening to their stories and just showing someone cares about them. 2. Service Projects We will be helping the school at the base. The work will range from painting, sweeping, and raking a yard to doing repairs and installations. 3. Children s Ministry We will be working with children in the area providing games, songs, Bible stories, etc. We will be hosting a 4 day VBS. In order to make this trip possible, we need drivers! We will be flying in/out of the Washington D.C. area. If you would be interested in helping to drop off/ pick up our group from the airport on the morning of Sunday July 19th or afternoon of Saturday July 25th please contact Pastor Kim at knichols@granthamchurch.org or by calling the church office (717) ext Thank you so much! YOUTH SUMMER ACTIVITY DATES: July 19-25: Mission Trip to Jamaica August 15: Softball Night August 28: Picnic at Pinchot YOUTH IMPACT PROJECT 2015 Youth Impact Project, formerly known as Project Big Love, is providing an opportunity for local businesses, churches and organization to serve the South Central PA region like never before. We are going together to help prepare children and families in our area for the upcoming school year. In ,500 were served at the Northern York School District grounds. We gave away new sneakers, backpacks with schools supplies, groceries, haircuts, family portraits and refreshments throughout the day. There was also a kids fun zone, several police and fire companies, and many community agencies in attendance. Every family that was in attendance was able to leave with resources to help them in the upcoming school year along with the knowledge that a community cares about them. Together, we made a difference. This year Grantham Church via the Discipleship Commission has committed to provide two items for the grocery bags. So it is time to bring in jars/cans of spaghetti sauce and spaghetti noodles. There will be boxes in the main library and at the entrance by the library for donations. The goal is have 1,200 jars/cans of sauce and 1,200 packets of spaghetti noodles. These items will be distributed on Saturday, August 1 to families in the York area who are in need. If you have any questions, please contact Denise Fogelsanger at fogelsanger@messiah.edu or page 4 Connections A Grantham Church Publication July 2015

5 UPDATES Children VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2015 Vacation Bible School 2015 was a great success! This year s theme was Everest where kids learned about conquering challenges with Gods mighty power. Each day emphasized a new Bible point including: God has the power to provide, God has the power to comfort, God has the power to heal, God has the power to forgive, and God has the power to love us forever. We had around 90 kids each day from Grantham and the community. Each day kids rotated through Bible time, games, snack, craft, and KidsCinema. The week was filled with fun, laugher, learning, and many God sightings. During our week we also had a special offering each day. Because our theme was Everest, we thought it was fitting to donate to the Nepal Earthquake Relief. We donated through Mennonite Central Committee who is giving aid in Nepal. We were able to donate $ to MCC. What an amazing outreach! Thank you to all who donated! This past week would not have been possible without the many adult and youth volunteers. Thank you so much to everyone who donated supplies, time, and energy. I am truly grateful to all those who came together to provide this wonderful outreach program! This was a life changing week, thank you again for making a difference in the lives of many this past week! VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!! We are currently looking for volunteers to fill in our summer 2015 Kids Own Worship Schedule as well as the Nursery Schedule. If you would be interested in volunteering in the 3-5 year old room or nursery this summer, please contact Pastor Kim at knichols@granthamchurch.org Connections A Grantham Church Publication July 2015 page 5

6 UPCOMING EVENTS Roxbury Holiness Camp July 31 August 9 The theme of this year s Camp Meeting at Roxbury Holiness Camp will be Transformed. Services and activities for all ages will be held from Friday evening, July 31 until Sunday evening, August 9. Evening speakers are John Oswalt, Professor of Old Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary and Aaron Duvall, Chaplain at Ohio Christian University. New this year is a golf outing on Thursday, August 6 and a hymn sing at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 9. For more details, go to or contact Edie Asbury at or easbury6@gmail.com. Meals in the dining hall are available on a free will offering basis, with churches and individuals helping to serve each day. Grantham Church, along with Harrisburg BIC and other churches, is helping on Thursday, August 6. Please contact Dan or Edie Asbury if you are willing to help for one or more meals that day. Roxbury s Camp Meeting provides a wonderful time for spiritual renewal and fellowshipping with persons from other Brethren in Christ churches. Tours of the campground are offered each day at 4:00 p.m. Grantham Church friends are also welcome to spend time at Dan and Edie s air conditioned cabin during free times any day that week (#5 on the front row next to the Main Tabernacle). Heritage Rising Reunion Concert Saturday, August 15 6:30 p.m. The Arts Hub and Mission Peace and Service Commission are proud to jointly present A Heritage Rising Reunion Concert on August 15, at 6:30 p.m. at Grantham Church. Bringing together past singers from the men s a cappella ensemble, the concert will feature a variety of musical styles ranging from Thomas Tallis to American spirituals. The event will be used to raise awareness and support for former member Jonathan Owen and his family who are serving with Brethren In Christ World Missions in Malawi, Africa. The concert will be followed by a reception. Please join us as we raise our voices in song! Grandmothers in Prayer Thursday, August 27 There will be NO scheduled Grandmothers in Prayer meetings in July. The next scheduled meeting will be August 27 at 9:30 a.m. in the Parlor (Room A4) and we will be discussing chapter 13 in the book, Extreme Grandparenting by Dr. Tim & Darcy Himmel. All grandmothers of the Grantham church are invited. Come join us as we trust God to show His love and guidance to our grandchildren. Velma Yoder at velyoder@aol.com or page 6 Connections A Grantham Church Publication July 2015

7 Mennonite World Conference What s Happening When at PA 2015: Daily Themes and Continental Focus Tuesday, July 21: Opening ceremony at 4:00 p.m.; evening focus Latin America Wednesday, July 22: Walking in Doubt and Conviction; evening focus Asia Thursday, July 23: Walking in Conflict and Reconciliation: evening focus Africa Friday, July 24: Walking in Autonomy and Community: evening focus Europe Saturday, July 25: Walking in Receiving and Giving: evening focus North America Sunday, July 26: Walking with God: Stepping Forward; Assembly guests worship in area churches Planning to attend the Mennonite World Conference Assembly July but haven t registered yet? These registration options are available: Full-time: Allows participation in morning sessions, children s program (ages 4-11), youth program (ages 12-17), Global Church Village and Stage, art displays, sports activities, workshops, service projects, evening worship, Sunday July 26 visits to area churches, meal plan options. Cost for adults is $465 ($480 after June 21) with no meal plan, $520 ($535 after June 21) with one meal, $575 ($590 after June 21) with two meals. Cost for children and youth (ages 4-17) is $150 with one meal, $200 with two meals. Additional $20 transportation fee is required. Starting July 1 only basic registration will be available online. Additional opportunities (service projects, tours, etc.) will be available for purchase on-site starting July 22. Part time/daily attendance: Allows participation in all worship and plenary sessions, friendship groups, workshops, art displays, Global Church Village and Stage, on-site sports activities, and free parking. Cost per day is $120 to be used by one adult at a time; cost for children and youth (ages 4-17) is $50. Meals can be purchased ala carte. Shared registration: This is an excellent option for those who cannot attend every day, but who have a friend, family member, small group, or church member with whom they can share a registration. Several people may use the registration, but only one person per day can attend. The cost of a shared registration is the same as that for full-time registration, and gives access to the same activity options. Only one event bag and one ID badge will be issued per shared registration. Evening attendance: Pre-registration is not required to attend evening worship services. Tickets can only be purchased at the door and are based on available seating, for a cost of $35 per adult, $15 per child (ages 4-17) for the first two children (additional children are admitted for free). Register online for full-time or daily attendance at Registration prices for North Americans helps Anabaptist brothers and sisters from the global South attend for a reasonable cost. Thank you for your support. For those not able to attend, all of the Assembly Gathered plenary sessions will be available by live streaming on the Internet, from Tuesday 21 July to Saturday 25 July. Go to pa2015.mwc-cmm.org to participate in these sessions from wherever you are via live streaming. Connections A Grantham Church Publication July 2015 page 7

8 GOD AT WORK A M O N G U S God At Work Among Us Every month we will share a testimony, a story, or a snippet of how God is working within the body of Christ at Grantham Church. We encourage you to read them and join us in praising God for the work He continues to do in and among us. Below is July s story. What do you think of when you hear VBS is next week? Do you have flash backs of your own memories filled with great songs and the best crafts ever? Do you get excited because that means you will have a sitter for 3 hours every single day for an entire week? Do you get excited because you participated in the set up or are going to be a leader or helper? Most of the above applies to me. I LOVE VBS! Getting the kiddos together to sing praises, make crafts and learn Bible stories makes for a great week. But, this year VBS took on a whole new meaning for us. I d like to share with you how VBS at Grantham Church touched the hearts of so many, just a few short weeks ago. The days leading up to VBS were pretty typical. We were excited for it to start and we knew it would be enjoyable. When my two oldest daughters said they wanted to volunteer as leaders, I got a little more excited as I would get to see them both for at least 3 hours every day. With their busy schedules, this in itself was a blessing to me. This was also the week we were to have Preston with us. It was an opportunity for him to get involved as well. This was just the beginning of many wonderful ways God would move throughout the week. By Tuesday, we had my three nephews join us. They have been to our church before and know Jesus, but do not attend church on a regular basis. My heart was so grateful to see them sitting in the pews, laughing and sharing stories with new friends. My nephew, Landon, stole the hearts of everyone that week. Landon is the boy we have been praying for. He had brain surgery a few months ago and is now going through chemo treatments. He has gone blind in one eye and is legally blind in the other. His excitement and JOY every time he came into VBS was contagious. He would shout out I m here to learn about Jesus. He loves me, Aunt Jules, huh? It was hard to fight back the tears many times and sometimes we just couldn t. I remember someone telling him, they were so happy he was there and she told him she had been praying for him. His eyes lit up and he said You have? Oh, thank you. He immediately turned to me, pointed to the stage area and said Remember he (Pastor John) said my name, Aunt Jules? He prays for me too. Our hearts melted as we knew how much our prayers meant to this young boy. He quickly remembered the names of the snack ladies too. He told me those were the Bestest snacks ever. In Bible class the children were asked if they all had a Bible at home and Landon said, No. He was given one of his very own. He carried that Bible around with him and cherished it. His grandmother called me and told me he wouldn t put it down that evening. He told her, that his friends from church gave it to him because they love him. She told me he sat with her that evening and shared every bit of his day with her and even showed her his new dance moves he learned while singing. Landon was a blessing to everyone he came into contact with. Knowing his battle, yet seeing the pure God given Joy that little guy has, was very humbling. By day 3 we added another little girl to our VBS crew and also my son Andrew. To see all of our children, my nephews and Payton s friend worship, along with the other wonderful children, leaders and volunteers, was a great reminder to me. Our God NEVER leaves us. When he is center of our lives, no situation, no distance and no person can keep us from His will for us. My nephews had settled in quite well and were so welcomed by everyone. They couldn t wait to hit the stage and dance and sing in praise. Watching Andrew sing and dance with the younger ones, brought such joy to my heart. As a parent we hurt for our children as they struggle on their own journeys. But, we find peace, knowing that through the foundation that has been laid in Christ, HE WILL NEVER LEAVE THEM. page 8 Connections A Grantham Church Publication July 2015

9 The drive to pick up the boys and Payton s friend was approximately one hour each way. I d be lying if I didn t say, I wasn t exactly looking forward to that drive, twice a day. But, oh how God filled that time with the most amazing conversations and time of fellowship. The kids talked about their previous day at VBS. They asked questions about the Bible stories and shared their thoughts and experiences. That drive quickly became something I looked forward to every single day. I learned so much about God s love and how important it is to invest in our children. We got junk food for breakfast every morning (this quickly became a highlight of their day) and made memories that will last a life time. I will never forget those drives to and from VBS. The last day of VBS, I hated to take the boys home. I knew I wouldn t be picking them up the following morning. I was going to miss that drive. I dropped them of at their Grandma s house and she came to tell me how excited she was to hear the stories of VBS. She told me the boys couldn t wait to share with her and how much they enjoyed their time with all of us. They spoke of Pastor Kim and how much they loved her, how the snack ladies took time to feed them, how they had real actors in Bible. Miss Mel would show them videos and give them their Bible verse tags to add to their very own key chain and making bubbles at imagination station was a hit. She then told me she was had been praying about finding a church. She shared with me that she had been struggling and knew she needed to get actively involved again. The tears began to fall from her eyes as she thanked me again, for taking the boys to VBS. I took her hand and we prayed. I didn t know what I was praying for, but I knew she was seeking Him. That evening she contacted me and asked if she could join us for church the following Sunday. My heart was so full when I looked up, and there she was. God uses VBS to touch so many lives. It goes beyond what we may see right in front of us. These children take the good news with them. They are excited and not afraid to share it. I m grateful for every year at VBS. But, this year blessed my socks off! Thank you to Pastor Kim for your love and desire to serve these children. Thank you to those who helped with set up and volunteered as leaders and helpers. Through Christ, you are helping to change lives and spread the Love of Jesus! ~ Julia Johnson For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; Romans 12:4-7 Connections A Grantham Church Publication July 2015 page 9

10 Sermon Series Living The Dream: The Joseph Stories Over the summer months, Pastor John will continue his current sermon series called Living the Dream about Joseph. The patriarch Joseph was one of the most admired persons in the Bible and for good reason. The story of Joseph begins with his childhood dream that he will be a powerful ruler, and the rest is the fulfillment of that dream. Joseph s story is a rich resource for living a godly life and will help us to fulfill our dreams in a manner that is pleasing to God. July 12 Charles Nsemenee Mennonite World Conference July 19 Genesis 46:28-47:12 I Can Die Now July 26 Genesis 48 Blessing Backwards Zimbabwean Choir August 2 Genesis 47:13-31 What Is the World Coming To? August 9 Pastor Kim and the Youth Service Trip August 16 Genesis 49 A Father s Blessing August 23 Genesis 50:1-22 God Intended It for Good International Students August 30 Genesis 50:22-26 Children on His Knees First Year Students The commandments, Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet, and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: Love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law Romans 13:8-10 page 10 Connections A Grantham Church Publication July 2015

11 How Can I Help? Grantham BIC Church believes it is important to give back to our community. Therefore, the Missions, Peace, and Service Commission provides a number of on-going ways that you can be involved with supporting our local community through material resources. 1. New Hope Ministries is a Christian social service agency that shows the love and hope of Christ by serving our neighbors in times of need and supporting their efforts towards stability. The first two months of 2015 have provided New Hope with the opportunity to serve 314 different households, up 6.8% from first two months in Volunteers are needed to serve at the front desk, help in the food pantry, serve as a financial literacy instructor, and serve as a cooking/ nutrition instructor. New Hope Ministries is currently in need of the following items for their food bank: Ketchup, Mustard, Mayonnaise, Canned Fruit, Canned Vegetables, Mac & Cheese, Soup, Peanut Butter, Canned Tuna, Canned Vegetables, and Instant Potatoes. 2. Harrisburg BIC Church Food Pantry: Harrisburg BIC Church has a food pantry which it opens to the community twice a month. Food is always appreciated and warm clothing is welcomed during the winter months. 3. Mennonite Central Committee (MCC): We are also now collecting items for health, newborn care and school kits for Mennonite Central Committee. These kits are distributed to people in need in many parts of the world. As you think about it while you re shopping for school and health supplies for your family or for a new baby in the community, consider adding a few items to contribute to someone in need. A list of requested items can be found on top of the donation bin. Donations for all projects can be dropped off anytime in the marked bins under the coat rack by the library. Connections A Grantham Church Publication July 2015 page 11

12 Weekend of Service at Paxton Ministries Thank you to all of the volunteers at the Weekend of Service on June 20 and 21. There were 13 working onsite and 4 who donated items for the snack. The staff and residents expressed great appreciation for Grantham s presence. On behalf of the Lois Thomas Family, I would like to thank Grantham Brethren in Christ Church for the use of their facility following her funeral. We appreciate the availability of the church and the help of the staff and pastor during the planning and actual fellowship time. Thanks so much for your willingness to help us during this time. Sincerely, Marilyn Wingert Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves - Romans 12:9-10 page 12 Connections A Grantham Church Publication July 2015 LIBRARY NEWS Well known missionary and author Elisabeth Elliot finished her life here on earth in June. You may be familiar with the story of her first husband Jim Elliot, who was killed in 1956 as a missionary among the Auca of eastern Ecuador, as described in her book Shadow of the Almighty: The Life and Testament of Jim Elliot (M ELL in our church library). Several other books she authored are also available to be borrowed from the library: A Chance to Die: the Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael (M ELL) Keep a Quiet Heart (CL ELL) Let Me Be a Woman: Notes on Womanhood for Valerie (W ELL) The Liberty of Obedience: Some Thoughts on Christian Conduct and Service (CL ELL) Loneliness: It Can Be a Wilderness, It Can Be a Pathway to God (IP ELL) Passion and Purity: Learning to Bring Your Love Life Under Christ s Control (SG ELL) The Path of Loneliness (CL ELL) Quest for Love (SG ELL) The Shaping of a Christian Family (Z ELL) A Slow and Certain Light; Some Thoughts on the Guidance of God (DD ELL) These Strange Ashes (M ELL) Trusting God in a Twisted World: and Other Reflections on Asking God Why (CL ELL) Twelve Baskets of Crumbs (CL ELL) Thanks, Elisabeth, for sharing your life and thoughts with us! ~ Edie Asbury