Creekside Church of the Brethren Connection March 2016 3.16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 KJV I was delighted to remember when I wrote the numbers for this month and year, that it is also the reference for one of the best-known and best-loved verses in the Bible. Many of us learned this verse from the gospel of John in the King James Version. It has been called the gospel in a nutshell because it summarizes some of the most important tenents of our faith. John 3:16 can be seen on jewelry, billboards, and placards at sporting events. It got me to thinking about the same chapter and verse in other books of the Bible. Ezra, Esther, Psalm 3, Song of Solomon, Hosea, Amos, Jonah, Micah, Zechariah and Titus each have a chapter 3 with fewer than 16 verses; Obadiah, Haggai, 1 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, Philemon, 2 John, 3 John and Jude each have fewer than three chapters. That narrows the field from 66 to 48 books. See if you can identify the books of the Bible which are the source of these other 3:16s (Hint: they re not in biblical order): We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. He made encircling chains and put them on the tops of the pillars; and he made one hundred pomegranates, and put them on the chains. And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. Moreover I saw under the sun that in the place of justice, wickedness was there, and in the place of righteousness, wickedness was there as well. I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit. The Lord roars from Zion, and utters his voice from Jerusalem, and the heavens and the earth shake. But the Lord is a refuge for his people, a stronghold for the people of Israel. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I am about to spit you out of my mouth. All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. This last verse is a fine reminder that all scripture is inspired by God: but it all makes more sense when we read it in the context of the other chapters and verses around it. If you want to find the references for the verses above, look in your Bible; everything there is useful for training in righteousness. In Christ Pastor Rosanna (ask me about the 3.16 Challenge in the month of March!)
TEAM SPIRIT REPORT It s March, when the last push of winter gives way to the first push of spring bulbs through the softening earth. It is such a vivid depiction of the journey from Lent to Easter, repentance to joy, death to life. Lenten Bible studies are well underway, based on the lectionary scriptures used for worship. Having shared time with several groups, I see people engaged with the questions emerging from the texts. Following the Maundy Thursday meal, we will make our own journey with Jesus during the last week before his death. You will receive a list of biblical texts to read daily during Holy Week. All of this will bring us to the joy of resurrection on Easter Sunday. We encourage you to immerse your minds and senses in this journey. I m always grateful for what the choir adds to the season. During the last few months, we have lived through the joys and struggles of our congregational members and their friends. We thank God for improving health for some and continue to hold others in our thoughts and prayers. God gives us each other to be supportive and offer blessing. I hear often, What do people do when they don t have a church community? We are here for each other! As the weather warms and shows signs of growth, may this season bring you a sense of wellbeing in Christ as well. Pastor Elizabeth for Team Spirit Ellen Wilson Jesus: What song or Bible verse brings praise to mind for you? How Great Thou Art, Amazing Grace What do you love about Creekside Church? I felt at home the first time I came; the friendliness of everyone they care about each other. What is one prayer you have for Creekside? That we continue to grow and share Christ with others. Others: What ministry do you do for others? I volunteer at Elkhart General Hospital and Feed the Children. What connects you to other people at Creekside? We re all sharing through music, worship, and fellowship. What words of blessing or encouragement do you have to share with others? To know that God is always with us, no matter where we are or what we are doing. Yourself: What would you like to share about yourself? I belong to a Senior Y group that goes to lunch together. I like to read and do Sudoku. What gives you joy? Being with family; going out with friends and socializing, and my volunteering.
PALM SUNDAY AND HOLY WEEK AND EASTER AT CREEKSIDE Worship Team, Team Spirit, Fellowship Team and the Deacons are coordinating observances for the end of Lent and our celebration of Easter. Please note the following dates and times: Sunday, March 20 Palm Sunday Worship 9:30am Holy Week: Lenten Bible study groups should be finished. There will be a sheet of Holy Week readings to use on your own or with the labyrinth. Thursday, March 24 Maundy Thursday/Love Feast 6:00pm Everyone is invited to his traditional Brethren service of scripture, singing, feetwashing, fellowship meal and communion. It will be followed by a scripture walk to take us toward Good Friday. You are welcome to join us as soon as you re able that evening. The meal will not begin before 6:45pm, and communion will be afterward. Sunday, March 27 Easter Sonrise service 8:00am in the Gathering Area. This service lasts about 30 minutes and is followed by breakfast. Resurrection is divine, and breakfast is almost as good. Sunday, March 27, Easter Worship 10:00 Invite your family, friends and neighbors to celebrate the risen Christ through scripture and music and proclamation. There will be no Sunday School this day; we will return to our regular worship schedule on April 3. Join us as God leads us through the wilderness and into the promised land of new life! Pastor Rosanna EASTER FLOWERS Worship Team invites you to help decorate the Worship Center for Easter Sunday by ordering live flowers. Costs are as follows: Easter Lily: $7.00 Daffodil: $7.00 Tulip: $7.00 Mum: $9.00 Boston Fern Basket: $10.00 Azalea: $13.00 Hydrangea: $14.00 Order forms can be found in your mailbox; extras are on the ushers table. Complete your order form and return it to the Church Office with your check (payable to Creekside Church ). After Worship on Easter Sunday, you may take home the flowers you purchased. Flower choices cannot be guaranteed; if necessary, a substitute will be selected according to availability. DEADLINE FOR ORDERING IS PALM SUNDAY, MARCH 20, 2016. PLEASE PLACE THE COMPLETED FORM AND PAYMENT IN THE CHURCH OFFICE.
FROM THE CHURCH BOARD: All members of Creekside, and especially Board members, are encouraged to attend the District event Outrageous and Courageous with Fred Bernhard on Saturday, March 12, 8:30-12:00pm at Elkhart Valley. This event will explore the biblical basis for hospitality and friendship evangelism. Lunch to follow for those who choose to stay (please sign up in the Gathering Area if you plan to stay for lunch; we will RSVP to the district office and Creekside will provide a donation on your behalf). Please plan to attend if you are able. The Board has authorized the Outreach Team to gather representatives from other ministry teams to apply for a matching grant from the Center for Congregations. This grant money would be used for resources for community outreach. Board Chair Cal Graber DIRECTORY UPDATE John & Maryann Zerbe have discontinued their landline. Please reach them via their cell phone numbers listed in the directory. THANK YOU Thanks to everyone for their prayers, cards, and well-wishes! Claudette Emmons CONGRATULATIONS Don & Sharon Mockler have a new greatgrandson, born Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2016 to Libby & Andy Stout. His name is Frank James Stout and will be called Frankie. He weighed 5 lbs, 9.7 oz and is 19.5 long. His grandparents are Cindy & Dan Watson. MEDIA TEAM VOLUNTEERS The Creekside Media Team is looking for volunteers to help with various areas of the Media Team Ministry. Areas of need include: Setting up microphones, passing the hand mike for Joys and Concerns, running the Sound Board, operating the Screens Computer, creating computer screens for Worship, videotaping the Worship sermon, or other areas as needed. You don t need to be proficient in any of these areas. We re looking for people who are dependable and have a willingness to learn. We will train. If you are interested or would like more information, see Gary Arnold AFTER Worship on Sunday mornings, or email Gary at: mediacenter@creeksideconnected.com. Gary Arnold AMAZING ELKHART RACE This year's Amazing Elkhart Race will be held Saturday, April 30th. An exciting way to explore our great city for a great cause! Race through 10+ physical and mental challenges. In the Competitive Class, teams of 4 compete to win cash prizes up to $1000. The Fun Class allows families or groups to play team games at their own pace. Both classes have plenty of prizes for total points, costumes, and team spirit! Teams strategically complete as many legs as they can and cross the finish in Church Community Services parking lot at 907 Oakland Avenue as close to 1:00pm as possible. As awards are tallied, racers, volunteers and friends are invited to lunch before the awards ceremony.
BOOK SIGNING: THE SEAGOING COWBOY Peggy Reiff Miller, author of the new children s book The Seagoing Cowboy will be available for a book signing at Better World Books in Goshen on April 1, 6:00-8:00 pm. The Seagoing Cowboy tells the story of more than 7,000 men and boys who began in 1945 to travel by ship to help Europe recover from the desolation left by years of war. Illustrated by Claire Ewart, published by Brethren Press. CAMP MACK CORNER Summer Camp early registration deadline: Date is March 20!! Register by 3/20/15 to avoid the late charge of $30 ($15 for Beginners & Samplers). Please give your completed registration forms and your share of the fee to your Camp Rep by Sunday, March 13th. The discounts offered for many camps ends March 20. After March 20 campers will pay the late fee. Campers not requesting financial assistance from camp have the possibility of registering online. If your camper registers online, please let your Camp Rep know. Volunteers are needed to help prepare camp for summer at the Volunteer Work Camps: March 14-16 and April 4-6 and 9 Prairie Restoration Day is scheduled for Saturday, April 9. Call the Camp at 574-658-4831 to volunteer. Camp Mack s Annual Dinner is March 11th. Hors d oeuvres are at 6:15 p.m. Banquet at 7:00 p.m. we will be having a few guest speakers speaking about the impact camp has had on their group and what camp means to them. Dinner music will be provided by Pam Kirkdorffer. Cost is $25/person for undesignated seating; Reserved tables: Table of 6 - $300; Table of 7 - $350; Table of 8 - $400. Watch for your invitation or call the camp office for reservation details. Mothers and daughters, ages 5 and up, are invited to the Mother Daughter Weekend, March 19-20. This year s theme is Seasons of the Heart This is always a popular and fun event. Fee: $163 for mother and daughter pair, $72 for each additional person. Why not spend a day at A Quiet Place during lent? To schedule a personal retreat or spiritual direction, call the Quiet Place Director, Norma Miller, at 574-831-2423 or 574-536-5672. Spring Quilt Retreat: April 21-24. Very popular! Call Camp to see if there are still openings. CTI Training: April 15-17. $50 registration fee Pastors Sabbath: April 5-6. There is not charge for this event; it is our gift to pastors. Leaders are Carl and Roxane Hill. UPCOMING GET-A-WAY DAYS: April 2: Flintknapping, Genealogy and Family History, Container Gardening and Youth Ministry. April 30: Nature Photography, Scrapbooking and Archery Please visit www.campmack.org for more information PRAYER REQUESTS: Please pray for: Children making summer camp decisions, Camp staff, and program and support volunteers.
March 2016 HAPPENING IN MARCH: 2 No Volunteer Fellowship Volunteering at Feed the Children, 9:00-noon Choir practice, 7:00 pm 3 Wired Word, 11:30-1:00, bring a lunch 4 Church reserved for IECE, 6:30-8:00 pm 6 Choir, 8:45 am 8 Men s & Women s lunches, Bent Oak, 11:30 10 Wired Word, 11:30-1:00, bring a lunch Outreach Team, 6:30 pm 11 Game Night, 7:00 pm 12 Church reserved for IECE, 5:45-7:30 pm 13 Camp Mack registrations due to church office 15 Church Board, 6:30 pm 16 Choir practice, 7:00 pm 17 Wired Word, 11:30-1:00, bring a lunch 19 Church reserved for IECE, 5:45-7:30 pm 20 Palm Sunday Choir, 8:45 am 23 Choir practice, 7:00 pm 24 Wired Word, 11:30-1:00, bring a lunch Maundy Thursday/Love Feast, 6:00 pm 26 Easter Egg Hunt, 11:00 am Church reserved for IECE, 5:45-7:30 pm 27 Easter Sonrise Service, 8:00 am Easter Worship, 10:00 am no Sunday School 30 Finance Team, 1:30 pm 31 Wired Word, 11:30-1:00, bring a lunch BIRTHDAYS Arnold, Pauline 1 Martin, Mary Lou 2 Noffsinger, Ted 3 Markley, Lee 4 Vance, Darren 4 Prahl, Kevin 7 Carlson, Katy 8 Kirkdorffer, Marjorie 8 Roell, Dyllon 8 Erbaugh, Miriam Ruth 10 Vance, Joe 13 Billet, Frances 16 Harney, Alex 19 Yoder, Betty 21 Gilliland, Walt 23 Pletcher, Norma 23 Hadley, Kevin 27 Hoke, David 27 King, Laurie 30 ANNIVERSARIES Houser, Eric & Sharon 5 Hoke, Jonathan & Michaela 16 Harney, Scott & Angi 31 Su Mo Tue 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 31
60455 CR 113 Elkhart, IN 46517-9183 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