Wabash Church of the Brethren

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Ralf Ryan
5 years ago
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645 Bond St., Wabash, IN 46992 260-563-5291 wabashcob@

Over and over again, this small community has risen to the challenge of responding to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of those in our congregation and beyond.

1 645 Bond St., Wabash, IN Here is what I m thinking I have written before about my concern for how we as a church have suffered a lot of illness and loss in the last year. Over and over again, this small community has risen to the challenge of responding to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of those in our congregation and beyond. Just recently, as a group was gathering to help respond to someone s needs after surgery, a young member paused, looked around and then at me and said, So this is why it is important to be part of a church. I responded, Ding, ding, ding!! Among other things, YES! Churches at their best are communities of Christ s active care and healing for each other and the larger communities of which they are a part. October 2015 As I pondered that moment for a while, I realized that many of us, myself included, are primary caregivers in other areas of our personal lives as well. The needs of caregivers are usually not the kind of crisis needs that get our attention and immediate response. They are situations that become the new normal even as they are often quietly draining caregivers of energy, compassion and joy. Compassion fatigue and caregiver burnout are real things and can be prevalent among good church people. This happens in caring for people in our personal lives, but it can also happen in caring for the church building, church programs, church business, and even worship when there are not a lot of people to whom we can pass on the responsibilities. So here s what I m thinking How can we do good caregiving for ourselves and other caregivers even as we continue to do good caregiving for our community? In response to that question I included in this newsletter an article titled Caring for the Caregivers from, The Parish Paper, that was printed in the June 2014 District Newsletter (see pages 8 9). I think it is a good place to start the conversation. I encourage us all to read the article and then do some self-reflection on your needs and the needs of others. Perhaps insight you have from your own experience of giving and receiving will help guide us to new healthy patterns for our addressing needs in our life together. My prayer for you and for me is that our work together and for each other may continue to give us life and joy. Blessings,

2 Worship Schedule October 4 World Communion Sunday Scripture Isaiah 9:1 Message Pastor Kay Gaier Pope Francis s visit is said to have had a lot of impact on those that were part of that experience here in our country. But his message was also for all people everywhere as he called us to be faithful to God s vision for a peaceful and compassionate world. We will celebrate this vision as we participate in communion with the whole world. October 11 Lessons from teaching Message Laura Helm and Liz Hobbs. Laura is Director of the Alternative School for Wabash Schools which is located in The Access Youth Center. Liz is the Executive Director of The Access which impacts the lives of many kids in our community and hosts a variety of programs for kids October 18 Thou Shalt Not Covet #10 Scripture Exodus 17 Message Pastor Kay Gaier This is the last of God s top ten and they don t get any easier as we go along, do they? Has wanting what someone else has ever gotten you in trouble? Has it ever caused you to feel ways or do things you regret. Has it caused you to make a change for the better? October 25 God s Top Ten Scripture Exodus 20:1-17 Message Pastor Kay Gaier Let s review. As we talked with each other and listened to scripture, did you hear anything that you never thought about or noticed before? What insights did you get about how these words from God apply to our world to your life today? Was the participation helpful to you? Special Offering South/Central District Offering day is Sunday, October 11. It is in support of the district as they adapt to a reduced budget as well as a reduction in office staff hours. Our offering will help sustain the important work of the district in their support of local congregations. Page 2

Prayers for: Stan Miller had an MRI on Monday which showed a benign tumor on his C2 vertebra. He will be seeing a neurologist to determine treatment. Your prayers and cards have been appreciated.

3 Prayers for: Stan Miller had an MRI on Monday which showed a benign tumor on his C2 vertebra. He will be seeing a neurologist to determine treatment. Your prayers and cards have been appreciated. Solomi Titus is our girl from the group that was abducted from school in Nigeria. Please keep her and her family in your hearts and prayers. Roy and Martha Shepler are settling in back at home and Roy is having physical therapy to strengthen his legs. Barb Miller had surgery on her eyelids to improve her vision. She has bruising but is healing well. Dr. Jim Haughn is continuing his recovery at home under Bonnie s diligent care. They want to thank all those who helped with adaptations to make their home a safe and comfortable place for him. Pam Elzroth and family as they mourn the loss of her father. Join us for Holy Communion on Sunday October 4 at 10:30. Growing Grounds Monthly Meal When: October 21, 6 pm Where: Meet at the church Activity: Nicholas Striker, son of Leroy and Marti, is a conservation officer at Salamonie, will take us on a guided hike through the park. After the hike we will have a campfire to roast hot dogs and make s mores. Bring something to share, if you wish; all are welcome to come join the fun. Page 3

News from the Pew District Conference 414 total school kits were sent out Wabash CoB sent 28 We had funds left over so the Witness Commission is looking for additional missions to give to.

Movie Time When: Sunday 18 after service Movie: The Help Summary: An aspiring author during the civil rights movement of the 1960s decides to write a book detailing the African- American maids' point

4 News from the Pew District Conference 414 total school kits were sent out Wabash CoB sent 28 We had funds left over so the Witness Commission is looking for additional missions to give to. Pie Auction raised $1565 A very special THANK YOU to our own Norma Schneider for a very delicious cherry pie that went for $55! Movie Time When: Sunday 18 after service Movie: The Help Summary: An aspiring author during the civil rights movement of the 1960s decides to write a book detailing the African- American maids' point of view on the white families for which they work, and the hardships they go through on a daily basis. Who: All are welcome to stay. A light meal will be served and breakout discussion groups to follow. 10/4/15 5PM Power Hour: Immigrants/Refugees: Help Them or Help Ourselves? In the Intercultural Center Bethany Seminary s seventh Presidential Forum weekend, scheduled for October 29-31, 2015, will feature internationally known speakers, Bethany leadership, and presenters from the peace church traditions on the theme A Pilgrimage of Just Peace. Registration and complete information on the event are available at 10/5/15 7PM VIA Torture, Human Rights and Making a Difference in the Switzer Center 10/6/15 President s Cabinet Meeting, Rm /8/15 7PM VIA, Unleash the Champion within! Cordier Auditorium 10/8/15 7:30 Cantabile Concert in the Wine Recital Hall 10/14/15 2PM American Red Cross Blood Drive, Fort Wayne Campus 10/18/15 3PM MSO Concert in Cordier Auditorium 10/18/15 3:30PM VIA: Living in a field of Drams in Cordier Auditorium 10/23/15 7:30PM Homecoming Bands/Choir Concert in Cordier Auditorium 10/27/15 7PM VIA The Power of Storytelling in Cordier Auditorium 10/29/15 3:30PM VIA :Finding your Path Why Good People do Bad Things in Cordier Auditorium Page 4

C A M P M A C K O R N E R P.O. Box 158, Milford, IN 46542 Phone: 574-658-4831 Fax 574-658- 4765 Email: info@campmack.

Saturday, November 7 th. Registration and hors d oeuvres begin at 4:15 p.m. with the dinner served at 5:00 p.m. Entertainment will follow the dinner. Call camp to make your reservation.

5 C A M P M A C K O R N E R P.O. Box 158, Milford, IN Phone: Fax info@campmack.org Volunteer Banquet: Everyone who served as a 2015 summer camp leader or volunteer since last year s November recognition is invited to be camp s guest at a recognition dinner at Camp Mack on Saturday, November 7 th. Registration and hors d oeuvres begin at 4:15 p.m. with the dinner served at 5:00 p.m. Entertainment will follow the dinner. Call camp to make your reservation. Father Son Retreat: Fathers, sons and grandpas are invited to a Father-Son Weekend at Camp Mack on October The theme is Sticks and Stones. In this digital age, there is still a place for skipping stones, building forts, and learning stories of incredible faith and courage. Experience the fun things all boys ages 5 to 85 should know, based on the story of David and Goliath. Camp Mack s Fall Seasoned Citizen s Retreat is October It s full of fun, laughter, fellowship, and inspiration. Go to camp s website or call Camp today for registration forms. Fee: $160 per person or $108 if not staying overnight. Fall Scrapbooking Retreat: Oct. 29, 6:00 p.m. Nov. 1, 3:00 p.m. Come Crop til you drop with a weekend of scrapbooking therapy. Bring scrapbooks you need to finish and spread out your supplies and swap your extras at the swap table. Fee: $110. Fall Quilting Retreat is October Quilters gather to quilt, build wonderful friendships, and enjoy the peace and tranquility of Camp Mack. Go to camp s website or call camp today for registration forms. Build a Drum Workshop at Camp Mack is November 6-8. Choose from many sizes and styles of drums. Register now so that materials will be available for your drum. Sign up the kids for the kids day drum building session from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday where kids and parents build, decorate, and assemble a youth Ashiko drum. UPCOMING EVENTS: Pastors Sabbath November 3-4,Jeff Carter, guest leader October 17: Knitting and Crocheting Day, Wooden Pen Turing, Beginning Quilting October 18 Fall Nut and Tree Identification Walk PRAYER REQUESTS: Camp Staff and Volunteers Page 5

6 Board Minutes September 9, 2015 PRESENT: Laurie Kieffaber Cornett, Kay Gaier, Audrey and Dave Hahn, Carol and Dennis Horn, Larry Jamerson, John and Laurale Kreps, Sharon Larrowe, Deb Mills, Karen Odiorne, and Michelle Roudebush Those mentioned in sharing and prayers were: Stan Miller, Roy Shepler, Pam Elzroth, Kenny Larrowe, Evelyn Zumbrun, and Theresa Hanger. Minutes for August were perused. Laurie/John, unanimous to approve Nurture Commission Carol reported that Nurture is working on pulpit fill. Laura Helm and Liz Hobbs will bring the message on Oct. 11 and Elizabeth Struble will do so on Nov. 1. The start of an occasional Sunday noon meal and movie will be Sunday, October 18 after the church service. Possible movies suggested were: The Help, Linsanity, Spellbound, Stand and Deliver, Freedom Writer, Cesar Chavez, Bullying. Jr High/Youth will be invited to develop a worship on January 10 or 24. Stewards Commission Larry reported that Quality Electric has put two new additional controls on the boiler. They are also working on the office air conditioners and a new breaker. AA Lifts inspected the elevator this year at a cost of $ A 60- quart dehumidifier for the Fellowship Hall was purchased at a cost of $ It runs a lot and needs to be emptied a lot, so the suggestion was made to run it in the kitchen and drain it into the sink. The name of Kay Gaier and Wabash has been repainted on the outdoor sign. Work day is Sat. Sept. 12 starting at 10:00a.m. and will close with a pizza meal being prepared at 4:30p.m. with proceeds going to the Youth Fund. Stewards are already over budget. It may be that money will need to be transferred from other funds at the end of the year. Witness Commission Laurale reported that the International Day for Peace is Sept. 20 and the Commission will meet again to further plan for this emphasis. There are now 23 school bags ready to take to district conference. Karen made the bags and they are displayed at the back of the sanctuary. A donor gave postage money and there could be some of this money used to purchase more school supplies. Norma Schneider will make the pie for district conference. Pastor s Report Kay has made several visits. She would like folks to experience NOAC and so hopes that some will attend in She noted that details need to be completed for the 45 second good news presentation that would highlight our church at district conference. The Sundays of Nov. 8, 15, and 22 will be a stewardship Page 6

7 emphasis culminating in the Council Meeting on Nov. 22. She wants to gather a Christmas worship group to start planning for those events. Kay and Karen are talking about special Sunday evening services which could be a way to minister to folks who have to work on Sunday mornings, along with reaching others in the community. It could be preceded by social time, maybe even sharing while working on a jigsaw puzzle. Larry/Dave unanimous to approve all reports. Old Business New Business Michelle showed the new web pages that she is developing. She is using Go Daddy so that there is a possibility of multiple pages, plus links to other church and denominational websites. Kay gave the example of the Bethany presentation that could be linked to the home page. The calendar may eventually be interactive. It will support audio files. The old will continue. The new address, office@wabashcob.org, is up and running. (Thank you, Michelle!) Larry noted that the church has 11,000 reward points with Beacon. A replacement delegate is needed for district conference and Karen Odiorne has consented to be our delegate. John/Laurie moved that Karen be the replacement delegate. Unanimous Nominating Committee needs more members. Marcy was on this committee. Pam is currently on this committee. The Chair of the Board is ex-officio. Dennis suggested that we might want to have 3-year terms. Technically, these members are not to be someone on the Board. This committee will need to start meeting in October. Linda Barkey s name was suggested. Worldwide Communion Sunday is October 4. Along with the Bread and Cup in the service, a feet-washing option will be set up in the back of the sanctuary for those who choose to participate. Our church has been asked to again pay for the magician at the Oct. 3 Camp Mack Festival. John/Karen to contribute the $300, which will come out of the 2014 Fish Fry Fund, unanimous Carol Horn, Clerk Page 7

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South/Central Indiana District NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2014

South/Central Indiana District NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2014 Every so often I come across a Facebook post or an email suggestion, or even a passing comment from a friend, suggesting a daily list of five things