May 2016 - Middlebury Church of the Brethren

The MCOB Jour ney
Middlebury
Church of the Brethren
507 W. Bristol Ave.
Middlebury, IN 46540
Worship Service
9:00 a.m.
Sunday School
10:30 a.m.
Phone: (574) 825-2955
E-mail: mcob@mcob.org
Web: www.mcob.org
Our Staff
Janet Shaver
Pastor
middleburypastor@yahoo.com
Sharon Davidson,
Office Manager,
Office @mcob.org
Nancy Swinehart, Custodian
Our Mission
Believe God’s word
Live Christ’s teaching
Grow spiritually, and
Share God’s love, peace,
hope and joy
Life on Bristol Avenue MAY 2016
Read Acts 2:1-12
A Sunday school teacher was telling her class the story
of the Good Samaritan, in which a man was beaten, robbed and
left for dead. She described the situation in vivid detail so her
students could visualize the drama. Then she asked the class, "If
you saw a person lying on the roadside all wounded and
bleeding, what would you do?" A thoughtful little girl broke the
hushed silence, "I think I'd throw up!"
Jesus teaches us how to respond.
Do you all remember the story about the Good Samaritan?
The story of the man lying by the roadside and two good Jewish
men passed him by but the Samaritan, the one they saw as enemy
not only helped him but took him somewhere to heal and paid to
have someone care for him. Then he followed up ensuring his
readiness to travel.
Did you know that we are students of Christ? We are
disciples which is another word for learners or students? In the
Garden on Easter morning, Mary called him “Rabboni” meaning
teacher. How do we live out the teachings of Jesus?
This is the Season of Pentecost that means it is the season
where we celebrate our lives in Jesus and the gift of the Holy
Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit who guides us and shows us what we
are to do? In John 14-17, Jesus’ words are powerful words to
remember. Jesus tells us what it means to live in relationship
with God, with each other and with the world around us and it is
the Holy Spirit who comes alongside us to help.
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If we begin to live in the teachings of Jesus, I can’t imagine a better beginning than with the
Beatitudes. I was thinking Matthew and in Luke we find words that turn our way of understanding
upside down. They are difficult words to believe in. Let’s look at them.
These are from Matthew 5:1-12
When Jesus[a] saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to
him. 2 Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
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“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
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“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
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“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
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“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
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“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
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“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
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“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
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“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
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“Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you
falsely[b] on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way
they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
When we let these ruminate in our Spirit, we find they are opposite of the rhetoric we hear in the
media and on Facebook. In fact Jesus is blessing our lives in our living these out. We are blessed and
will inherit the kingdom of heaven. That means that when we live these out as Jesus calls us to, we will
experience a presence of the divine right now. He said we will have his peace. The kingdom of heaven
is at hand.
During this time of our Season of Pentecost, let’s talk about what it means to live as Christ calls
us to. Where there is polarization? Let us be the bridge that brings us closer. Let’s talk about
compassion and understanding in a world full of anger and hate. Let’s talk about being peacemakers
and lovers of goodness and kindness. Let’s talk about it in our small groups and at the breakfast table.
Let’s talk about it and move in a direction that changes the world around us. Let’s continually learn
from Jesus who loves life and shows us how to live in that love.
We are challenged with Jesus’ words but we have the Holy Spirit that strengthens us in so many
ways. I bet after the little girl threw up she began to help the person in need. May the Lord bless us in
our desire to be as Jesus calls us to and that we will experience the peace that he promised.
In God, we move and live and have our being,
Pastor Janet
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OFFICE HOURS
Pastor Janet will be in the church office or on call Tuesday through Fridays; generally from the hours of
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m... If you wish to speak to the pastor outside of those office hours, she will be
glad to make appointments for other times as well. Pastor Janet’s cell phone number is 574-214-6741.
Sharon Davidson (office manager) is in the office Wednesday, Thursday & Friday from 8:00 a.m. to
1:00 p.m. and Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
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MIDDLEBURY CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN ‘PROMISE’
We promise to walk in the way of Jesus’ love by:
- Looking for the God seed in all people while practicing
healthy processes of inclusiveness, showing grace and
honesty.
***********************************************************************************************************
OFFICE HOURS
- Building-up community by showing Hospitality, Equality
Pastor Janet will be in the church office or on call Tuesday through Fridays; generally from the hours of
and Respect, and speaking truth in love.
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m... If you wish to speak to the pastor outside of those office hours, she will be
glad to make appointments for other times as well. Pastor Janet’s cell phone number is 574-214-6741.
Sharon
Davidson (office
manager)
is into
the the
office Tuesday
through
8:00 a.m.
to 1:00 p.m.
- Willing
to be
open
leading
ofFriday
thefrom
Holy
Spirit
with
our heart, mind, soul, and strength as we grow
***********************************************************************************************************
spiritually and are transformed in God’s love, grace and
peace.
- Study, Practice, and Commitment to Forbearance* as we
search for common ground.
- Joyously Celebrating Life.
**Forbearance:
Forbearance is a biblical concept.
The Greek words in the New Testament translated as carry meanings of patience,
self-control, restraint, mercy, long-suffering and the refusal to threaten(EPH.
4:2; COL 3:13; EPH 6:9; IICOR 12:6)
Forbearance does not jeopardize or denigrate individual conviction, but it does
place boundaries on the quality and character of individual responses.
Forbearance does not require one to accept what another believes, but it does
require one to listen and try to understand what another believes without
demeaning, personal attacks, or acting to disenfranchise the other person.
**Quoted from the Church of the Brethren General Board “A Resolution Urging Forbearance:
Jan 31, 2008
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May 2016
DEACON WELCOMERS
MAY 1 Don & Beth Muhlnickel
MAY 8 Jerry & Julie Bontrager
MAY 15 Bev Short & Bev Mauck
MAY 22 Gary & Renee Black
MAY 29 Mike & Linda Byrd
GREETERS
MAY 1 Dick and Becky Miller
MAY 8 Ken & JoAnn Abbott
MAY 15 Mark & Sherry Bickel
MAY 22 Mike & Jill Sommer
MAY 29 Jerry & Betty Hydorn
CHILDREN’S WORSHIP LEADERS
MAY 1 Roger Copeland
MAY 8 John DeWilde
MAY 15 Julie Bontrager
MAY 22 Keri Anderson
MAY 29 Children’s bell choir
WORSHIP LEADERS
MAY 1 Mike Sommer
MAY 8 Mike Sommer
MAY 15 Jill Weaver
MAY 22 Jill Weaver
MAY 29 Janet Shaver
BIRTHDAYS
May 6 Jacob Cripe
May 8 Edgar Weldy
May 12 Elianna Tenley
May 15 Virginia Mock
May 16 Lorie Copeland
May 20 Beverly Short
May 20 Gretchen Showalter
ANNIVERSARIES
May 7 Ron & Nancy Swinehart
May 7 Joe & Stephanie Saddison
May 8 Ed & Irene Mercer
USHERS
May 1 Beth Muhlnickel, Wayne Andrews, Ramsey Smith
May 8 Don Muhlnickel, Ken Abbott, Beth Snider
May 15 Dalis Andrews, Don Anderson, JoAnn Abbott
May 22 Tom & Marj Miller, DonMuhlnickel
May 29 Wayne Andrews, Ramsey Smith, Don Muhlnickel
Who would like to lead a
healthier lifestyle?
Who would like to eat healthier?
Do you need support from others who desire
the same thing?
There are a group of us who would like to
start a Healthy Lifestyle Group.
We don't mean diet but we do desire weight
loss. There are no scales and weigh-ins.
But there is helpful tips, healthy recipes,
nutrition and exercise conversation. We
would decide as a group what we needed to
live a healthier life.
If you are interested, talk to Pastor Janet.
We want to decide when to meet and how
often.
Remember we are a group that encourages
each step we take towards a healthier way of
living.
May 5th Lunch gathering at
“CRYSTAL VALLEY MANOR” in
Middlebury beginning at 11:30 a.m..
serving casseroles, salads and deserts.
This is open to both men and women.
May 10th – “OLD TIMERS MEETING”
At the Essen Haus Conference Center
starting at 1:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Our apologies if we have missed someone’s birthday or
anniversary for the month of MAY. Please let Sharon
Davidson know in the church office so this can be
corrected.
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WITNESS WALKINGS
FOOD PANTRY
Please remember to bring in your donations for the Food Pantry.
It’s
May and lets bring in Kids Snacks. Individual servings like pudding cups, cookies, chips,
granola bars, canned pasta, snack cheese and crackers. Thank you for your continuing
generosity!
FREE COMMUNITY MEAL
“Take a Break Thursday”
Every Thursday we serve a FREE Community Meal, Dinner from 5:30-6:30 p.m.. The meal is
open to everyone in the community. We are partnering with the Faith Mission in this
endeavor. They are providing the food; we are providing the location and happy, smiling,
welcoming workers! Please mark your calendars to attend these meals. We need you to
come and enjoy dinner and mingle with our guests from the community. We will also be
needing helpers to serve dinner and clean up afterward. Please see Lorie Copeland or Beth
Muhlnickel to sign up to help. Please help spread the word in the community about these
meals.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COMMISSION
Our first group meeting was April 3rd and we discussed how to better serve the
children’s Sunday school with its’ fluctuating size and numbers that attend from week to
week. Mark and Catherine Roebuck have graciously agreed to try teaching kids ages
10 up through high school in one class. We want this time to be enjoyable and one
that the children look forward to attending. Children ages 9 and younger will need to
be gaged and classed as we receive them from week to week. John and Carolyn
DeWilde have agreed to facilitate the “Agape” class for families with children who face
daily struggles trying to work and provide for growing children.
Sunday school will start at 10:45 a.m. and will only last 45 minutes. You will hear
music announcing that it is time to head to your classes. Fellowship commission will
begin cleaning up and pouring out the coffee; so if you aren’t finished we encourage
you to take a cup and snack with you to your class.
✟✟✟✟✟✟✟✟✟✟✟✟✟✟✟✟✟✟✟✟✟✟✟✟
The best vitamin for a Christian is B1
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Phone: 574-658-4831
Fax: 574-658-4765
E-Mail: info@campmack.org
Website: http://www.campmack.org
Up-Coming Days
WILDFLOWER WALK
Experience the changes int he wilderness area as spring puts ona beautiful show of wildflowers and blooming shrubs.
Appreciate the Trillium, Blood Root, Spring Beauties, Hepatica and others in bloom.
When: Saturday, May 7, 2p- 4p.
Where: Meet outside Wampler.
Cost: Free (Bring a snack to share)
Leader: Jess Kreider
*Come dressed for the weather.
Family Fishing Day
Enjoy a day of fishing on Lake Waubee. Learn to tie a Palomer knot, cast for Backyard Bass and then enjoy a Camp
Mack style Fishing Derby. Relax as you wet a line and make memories that will last a lifetime.
When: Saturday, June 4, 9a- 4p.
Where: Lakeside Shelter
Cost: $15 (Lunch included)
Leader: Jess Kreider
*Fishing equipment is provided by Go FishIN. This is 1 of 4 free fishing days in Indiana.
Canoe the St. Joe River
Canoe the St Joe River from Mottville, MI to Bristol, IN on this relaxed beginner level canoe trip. Watch
as Blue Herons fly overhead, Smallmouth Bass swim below and keeping with tradition, do a turtle count.
Some trips we have see over 1000!
When: Saturday, May 7, 9a- 4p
Where: Meet at JKWC (Offsite)
Cost: $20 (Sack lunch included)
Leader: Dan Snider
Dutch Oven Cooking
From appetizers to desserts, you'd be amazed at what you can cook in a Dutch Oven. Food cooked over
the coals always tastes better. Explore a variety of recipes and techniques for cooking in a Dutch Oven.
we bet you won't leave here hungry.
When: Saturday, May 7, 3p- 7p
Where: Northwest Shelter
Cost: $15 (Dinner included)
Leader: T
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LECTIONARY CALENDAR FOR JUNE
May 1st
Acts 16:9-15
Psalms 67
May 8th
Acts 16:16-34
May 15th
May 22nd
Acts 2:1-21
Proverbs 8:1-4,
22-31
May 29th
1 Kings 18:20-39
John 14:23-29
Psalms 97
Rev 21:10, 22:5
Rev 22:12-14, 16-17,
20-21
Psalm 104:24-34
Romans 8:14-17
John 14:8-17
Psalm 8
1 Kings 8:22-23,
41-43
Romans 5:1-5
John 16:12-15
Galatians 1:1-12
Luke 7:1-10
John 17:20-26
DISTRICT NEWS
The 3rd Annual 5k Road Run and Walk at Camp Mack will be held on Sunday, May 1 at 2 pm; registration begins at
12:30. The race cost is $25. In addition there is a Kid's Run/Walk, the cost is $15. For questions or to register contact
Lauren Carrick at Camp, 574-658-4831 or lauren@campmack.org.
The Northern Indiana District Board has planned a district-wide worship service to be held at Camp Mack,
John Kline Center, on Sunday May 1, 2016 at 5:00 PM. The theme for the service will be “Make a Joyful Noise Unto the
Lord”, and we invite each congregation to send your talent (music, short dramatic sketches, inspirational readings) to
include in and enhance this worship experience. For fellowship following the service, we invite attendees to bring
snacks to share. For detailed information, and to register your talent contribution, contact the District Board member
named below. The deadline for registering your artistic contribution is Wednesday, April 20 (today!). We eagerly look
forward to your participation in this worship gathering. Contact: Denny McOwen, phone: (574) 970-7850; email:
ddmcowen1973@gmail.com
Sam Good Fish Fry at Bethany Church – with soft serve ice cream & an Amish Bake sale - will be on Saturday, May 7
from 4-8 pm. Adults $9; children 6-12 are $5.50; and under 6 free. Bethany is less than a mile east of State Route 15 on
U. S. 6 south of New Paris. For more information contact the church at 574-831-4993. Proceeds to Bethany’s Good
Samaritan Fund.
Shepherd's Heart Fellowship is hosting a Ladies Day on May 16. The theme for the event is "A Beautiful Woman in
Christ", with special guest speaker, Vincy from WFRN radio. Come to enjoy a time of worship and fellowshipping with
other women. A light snack will follow and a free will offering will be taken. Rsvp to the church at 574-679-4519.
Shepherd's Heart is located at 58362 Beech Road, Osceola.
Please plan to participate in an Annual Conference briefing which will be held at two locations on Sunday, May 22.
While these briefings are especially helpful for Annual Conference delegates, all interested persons are encouraged to
attend. There are a number of significant new items of business coming to Conference this year. Your questions and
comments are encouraged. In addition, information about Annual Conference is available at www.brethren.org/ac.
2:00 - 3:30 p.m. at Nappanee Church of the Brethren, 301 Mack Drive, Nappanee
5:30 - 7:00 p.m. at Blue River Church of the Brethren, 3040 E 700 North, Columbia City
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KIDS CORNER
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