Creekside Church of the Brethren Connection Impossible Stories April 2017 And when they returned from the tomb, they told all these things to the eleven and to everyone else. Now it was Miriam from Magdala, Joanna, the Miriam of Jacob and others together with them who were telling these things to the emissaries. But these words appeared to them as nonsense, and they would not believe them. Luke 24:9-11 We at Creekside are part of a biblical narrative, a historical tradition and a faith community which is founded on an impossible story. No one, not even the disciples who were closest to him, expected Jesus to be raised from the dead. The disciples wouldn t believe the story of the women coming from the tomb until they had run and seen the empty tomb for themselves. There have always been folks who are skeptical about the story of the resurrection perhaps you are or have been one of those people and yet the Church keeps stubbornly proclaiming that Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! It may seem unbelievable to some, but our identity as Christians and our claim of eternal life in Christ is firmly rooted in this impossible story. Along with several other folks from Creekside, I attended a conference titled, The Art of the Flourishing Congregation. As part of a small group session, one of the presenters encouraged us to share stories of abundance: times when capital campaigns or programs in our congregations flourished beyond our expectations. I was amazed at how many of these occasions I could think of from the past few years, and how many aspects of our congregational life they touch. It was a reminder to me that the stories we remember and the stories we tell are the stories which shape our identity and our character. This is true, of course, of the biblical stories which we hold in common with Christians everywhere, but it is also true of our personal and congregational stories. The narratives which shape us most profoundly are those where God exceeded our imagination and expectations. When Jesus disciples are amazed at his teaching about salvation in Matthew 19:26, Jesus tells them, For mortals it is impossible, but for God all things are possible. In the season following Easter and our celebration of the resurrection on April 16, I am going to be inviting members and leaders and ministers at Creekside that is, all of us to speak the language of possibility. Or maybe even the language of impossibility: what vision for our church would be impossible without leading and inspiration from God? How can we seek that leading and inspiration together? How can we make these possibilities become realities for our community of faith and for our neighbors? These are exciting questions, and I believe that it is our willingness to ask these questions which shapes us as much as any specific answers. I pray that you will join me in speaking possibility in this season of promise. In Christ, Pastor Rosanna
TEAM SPIRIT REPORT Someone asked me why we are using spirituals and gospel songs during Lent. One way I would explain it is that spirituals and gospel songs are real life, down to earth lyrics. The forty days of Lent have long been a time for spiritual renewal, considering how we relate to God in our everyday spiritual journey. Spirituals were an honest expression of faith to encourage and comfort a people in pain. That is why the music and Christian practices each week emphasize our relationship with God. Rosanna and I hope your spiritual life is enriched by trying out each of the practices. Since the last Team Spirit report, you have received my letter of transition to retirement at the end of May. Shalom Team and Church Board will propose an interim plan for your consideration at the April congregational business meeting. Rosanna would prefer not to have a full-time assignment. She is willing to work 7/8 th time while the congregation is considering future direction and leadership possibilities. To allow for less than full time pastoral leadership, Worship Team will to arrange for outside speakers one Sunday per month to allow Rosanna some weekends away. Rosanna will be meeting with Shalom Team to revise her job description to reflect these changes, and to be sure that all the pastoral work at Creekside is covered. Shalom Team will include this in their report to the Congregational Business Meeting on Sunday, April 23. Rosanna and I have been visiting shut-ins and others members. I hope to make farewell visits to as many of you as I can. If you specifically want a visit, please feel free to let me know. Several special events are being planned by Christian Education team. A district-wide women s retreat will be held at Agape Church of the Brethren on April 22. See Judy DePue if you need more information. Registrations are due no later than April 9. The second event is Vacation Bible School. We need lots of volunteers for a variety of tasks. If you can help, please fill out the orange volunteer sheet on the usher s table. Thanks for your PB&J notes of appreciation and encouragement to each other at Creekside Marita, the pastors, those who clean the building, and for all the things you do. As the song says, All God s children got a place in the choir! Pastor Elizabeth for Team Spirit General Fund 2017 INCOME EXPENSES If you would like more information, you may contact Finance Team chair Roger Griffith or Treasurer Ted Noffsinger. 2017 BUDGET ~$189,240 total January $14,848.84 $14,095.86 $15,770.00 February $13,067.25 $12,411.65 $15,770.00 YTD total $27,916.09 $26,507.51 $31,540.00 UPPER ROOM REMINDER There are envelopes available in the magazine rack in the cloak room for your Upper Room payments. Envelopes can be put in the offering. Contact Jan Weaver if you have questions.
EASTER FLOWERS orders due April 9 As in previous years, Easter Flowers will be available for purchase by the congregation and placed on the chancel Easter morning. Order forms are located on the Ushers Table in the Gathering Space. Make your choices and return the order form to the green box also located on the Ushers Table along with your check or cash attached. If you wish to make your flowers in honor of or in memory of, indicate that on the form also. PLEASE return your forms no later than Sunday, April 9. REMEMBER flowers need to be picked up after Worship on Easter. Thank you for your contribution! Worship Team HOLY WEEK ACTIVITIES April 10-15 Christian practices During holy week there will be a daily schedule of readings from the gospels, telling the events proceeding Easter morning. You will be encouraged to spend some meditative time in the Creekside prayer garden during the week to reflect on Jesus final journey. Maundy Thursday The traditional Love Feast of feetwashing and a common meal will be held on Thursday evening, April 13, beginning at 6:00 pm. After the meal, we will remember the Passion of Christ through readings and spirituals/gospel songs. EASTER EGG HUNT April 15 Creekside s Easter Egg Hunt is Saturday, April 15 at 11:00am. We anticipate about 100 children and their families will gather that morning. Here are some ways you can help: Bring donations of small individually wrapped candy (which will fit in a plastic egg Twix will NOT!) no later than Sunday, April 9 th. Sunday School classes will help fill eggs on that day. Sign up to help on the 15 th. There will be sign-up sheets for hiding eggs, serving cookies, and handing out prizes afterward. Hope you can join us for this fun event! Pastor Rosanna for Outreach Team EASTER SUNDAY April 16 Easter is Sunday, April 16 th. This is the celebration of resurrection and new life that we ve been pointing toward throughout the season of Lent. Please note the following schedule for that day: Sonrise Service 8:00am We will begin in the Gathering Area and move to the Worship Center. Easter Breakfast 8:30am Gathering Area. The Fellowship Team will be preparing and serving egg casseroles, muffins, hard-boiled eggs, fruit and hot and cold beverages. Morning Worship 10:00am Invite your neighbors and friends. There will be NO Sunday School this day. We ll return to our regular 9:30am worship time the following Sunday, April 23. Blessings to you and your loved ones! Enjoy this special day. Pastor Rosanna for Worship and Fellowship Teams
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL Christian Education Team would like to hear from you about dates for Vacation Bible School at Creekside; it will be Monday through Thursday in the evening. Please turn in the orange survey form to let us know how you can help and which dates work best for you. See Jessica Prahl or Jan Weaver if you have questions. Thank you! Pastor Rosanna for Christian Education Team DISTRICT WOMEN S RETREAT The retreat for district women and guests is Saturday, April 22 at Agape Church of the Brethren in Fort Wayne from 9:00am to 3:00pm. Leadership will be provided by Holly Parks. The $13 registration fee includes continental breakfast and lunch. Registration forms are available from the Creekside office. You may make checks out to Creekside Church or include the registration in your offering envelope. Be sure to note Women s Retreat on a memo line. We ll organize carpooling to Fort Wayne; please turn registration in by Sunday, April 9 to help with planning. If you have questions, check with Jan Weaver or Judy De Pue. It should be a great day! Pastor Rosanna, for Christian Education Team EVERENCE ADVOCATE UPDATE Our congregation had the opportunity to help individuals in need seven different times in 2016 with financial assistance in the amount of $1,140.00. Everence matching grants provided almost $900,000 nationally to help people in need last year. We are privileged to be able to partner with Everence in this program. Everence is recommending the book Your new money mindset, to challenge attitudes about money and how they impact an open-hearted approach to life. This book looks at how our use of money reflects what it means to follow Jesus. It is well-designed for Sunday school and small group studies. You can order it for only $5 at new-moneymindset.com using the discount redemption code, Event503. Jan Nicodemus CAMP MACK CORNER Summer Staff and Volunteers Needed: Summer Staff: Persons at least 18 years old who love the Lord and are willing to serve and work hard. Volunteer Counselors, Medical Staff, and Support Staff willing to give of themselves without financial remuneration. To Apply: Go to www.campmack.org and click on the employment tab for employment, counselor, CIT, and support staff applications. Summer Camp registration is still open. Summer campers may now register with an additional late fee applied. Volunteer Work Days are April 3-5: Cleaning, painting, and repairs are needed to prepare camp for summer. Call camp to register. Spring Quilt Retreat: April 19-23. So popular we added a Wed. evening arrival option! Call Camp Mack to register. Limited Space. CIT Training: April 21-23. $50 registration Pastor s Sabbath: April 4-5. Be our guest. Leadership is Mike Overpeck. Register for the 5K Run/Walk and Kids Fun Run, Sunday, May 7. $20 for 5K, $10 for the Kids Fun Run, $75 Family registration (Family only available during early registration). $5 late fee after April 11 th. Upcoming Get-A-Way Days are designed to bring you to camp for a day or part of a day for a mini-retreat. Check the website for a listing of programs, their descriptions, and fees. April 29 Container Gardening April 29 Target Sports May 6 Canoe the St. Joe River May 6 Wildflower Walk May 6 Dutch Oven Cooking LOOKING AHEAD: May 1-4 Seasoned Citizen s Retreat May 4-6 Bird Watching Retreat May 7 5K Run Walk/Kids Fun Run May 12-13 Counselor Training
April 2017 HAPPENING IN APRIL: 5 Volunteer Fellowship, 9:00 am Choir, 7:00 pm Deadline for CBM folders 6 No Wired Word 9 Palm Sunday Easter Flower orders due Choir, 8:45 am 11 Men s/women s Lunches at Bent Oak, 11:30 12 Feed the Children, 9:00-noon Choir, 7:00 pm 13 Wired Word, 11:30-1:00, bring a lunch 14 Game Night, 7:00 pm 16 Easter Sunday Choir, 8:45 am 18 Church Board, 6:30 pm 20 Wired Word, 11:30-1:00, bring a lunch 23 Congregational Business Meeting, after worship 26 Choir, 7:00 pm May Connection deadline 27 Wired Word, 11:30-1:00, bring a lunch 29 Church reserved, 10:00-3:00 30 Choir, 8:45 am Su Mo Tu We Th Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 BIRTHDAYS Lamb, Betty 3 Randall, Tim 4 Arnold, Kaylee 6 Hoke, Elizabeth 11 Stutsman, Doris 12 Zerbe, Maryann 12 Roell, Kristina 15 Neal, Bonnie 16 Harney, Angi 26 Kelsey, Cary 27 Lund, Diane 27 Prahl, Eloise 27 Hostetler, Keith 28 Mockler, Don 28 ANNIVERSARIES Hoke, David & Lodema 4 Stutsman, Roger & Doris 14 Bode, Ray & Deb 30 CONGREGATIONAL MEETING Sunday, April 23 Creekside s spring Congregational Meeting will be on Sunday, April 23, immediately following worship in the Gathering Area. We will have this meeting instead of Sunday School that day. The agenda will include team reports, including a recommendation from the Church Board and Shalom Team about interim pastoral leadership beginning in June. Every team leader should submit a written report to the church office no later than Wednesday, April 5. That packet of written information will be in mailboxes by Sunday, April 9. Please read through this information prior to the meeting and bring your folder on April 23; this will help the meeting go smoothly and allow time for questions that you might have. We will not have elections or be voting on a budget at this meeting, but each person s participation, questions, and ideas are valuable to our family of faith. Pastor Rosanna for Church Board
The Creekside Connection A publication of Creekside Church of the Brethren Address: 60455 CR 113 Elkhart, IN 46517-9183 Phone: 574-875-7800 574-875-7885 fax Website: www.creeksideconnected.com Pastors: Rosanna McFadden: PastorRosanna@CreeksideConnected.com Elizabeth Kelsey: PastorBetty@CreeksideConnected.com Administrative Assistant & Editor: Marita Barsoda: Office@CreeksideConnected.com The Creekside Connection is published monthly to keep members and friends informed of church programs and to report news about the people of Creekside Church. Rooted in God Growing in Jesus Bearing Fruit in the Spirit 60455 CR 113 Elkhart, IN 46517-9183