Newsweekly: 7/5/15

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July 5 Newsweekly

Local Events and Opportunities

An Interfaith Vigil will be held on Thursday July 16th on the Court House Steps – Harrisonburg, VA at 6:30 PM to stand in solidarity with all those who have suffered from the impact of gun violence and give public witness for the prevention of gun violence.  Please join with us….in person or in prayer. Thank you.

Celebrating 10 years of tranSend: At Conference Assembly, we celebrated a decade of tranSend with a video highlighting the program and the significant impacts it has had. You can watch the full video called "tranSend celebration" at vmmissions.org/media/transend-alumni-stories/

VMMissions outgoing workers:  VMMissions has a number of long-term workers whose new or reappointed terms of service cannot begin until adequate funding is in place.  Your immediate gifts or pledges will enable these workers to begin or resume ministry.   Will you consider helping one or more of these workers:  Seth and Theresa Crissman (local Kids Club ministry), Raleigh and Opal* (North Africa), Michael and Ruth* (South Asia), Steve and Bethany Horst (Thailand), Nancy Marshall (Belize), Norma Teles (Albania) and Dini Shahini (Albania)?   Thank you for the many gifts and pledges to date!  *Pseudonyms or incomplete names for security purposes.

Ken and Laura Litwiller, MCC's Area Directors for East Africa programs, will be sharing stories from MCC's country programs in Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda on Thursday, July 9 at NOON at the Gathering Place.  This venue is located behind Everence offices at the Common Good Marketplace on Mt Clinton Pike.  They are based in Nairobi, Kenya.  Please bring lunch and a friend to learn about MCC's work in East Africa. If you would like to request time to meet with Ken and Laura on Monday, July 6 or Thursday, July 9, please email Luke Schrock-Hurst at lsh@mcc.org or call (540) 746-8844.

You are invited to hear three leaders from the Life Enrichment Church in Det Udom, Thailand, where Mark & Sarah Schoenhals serve under joint appointment with EMM and VMMissions. These fellow believers will share at Weavers Mennonite Church on Sunday July 12, at 9:30am during the Sunday School hour. They will also share briefly in the 10:30am worship service. Praise the Lord that these three persons are able to attend Mennonite World Conference!

Celebrate the sending of new VMMissions’ workers at the tranSend Commissioning, Thursday, July 16. Join us for a meaningful time of worship and blessing, followed by Taste of Missions at the Hershberger Barn (5647 Wengers Mill Rd., Harrisonburg) starting at 7 p.m. Contact Martin Rhodes with questions at martin.rhodes@vmmissions.org or (540) 434-9727.

Join us for an evening fruit/dessert bar with Norma Teles and the children of the Joshua Center. It will be held on Friday, July 17 at Dayton Mennonite Church, from 7-8pm. All are welcome. At the fundraiser, Norma (VMMissions worker in Lezhe, Albania) will share about her ministry with Roma children and their families.

Fiddle Workshop with The Steel Wheels will be held at EMU in partnership with the Suzuki Strings Camp, June 29 – July 2. Don't miss this great opportunity to learn from and play with a great band like The Steel Wheels! Pre-college students of all levels are welcome. For more information and registration visit emu.edu/musiclessons or call (540) 432-4277.

Eastern Mennonite School Year-end Update: Help us "fill the house" as we are just days away from our fiscal year-end on June 30 with $140,000 needed to reach our Annual Fund goal. Thank you to all who've given generously this year. To those considering, there's still time. You can mail or drop donations by the EMS office or give today online at easternmennoniteschool.org/support. Check out our fun time-lapse video clip at facebook.com/EasternMennoniteSchool. Our "house" is filling up because of YOUR generosity. Not only are your donations tax-deductible, they also go a very long way in sustaining the life of our school, no matter the amount! With every dollar you contribute, the more programming and more financial aid we can offer our students.

There will be an Anabaptist Renewal Circles (ARC) Gathering on July 21, just prior to the opening of Mennonite World Conference, at Slate Hill Mennonite Church, 8:30 – 1:30.  Our theme is "God's Heart for the Nations," based on John 3:16. The program goal is to celebrate God's love from different national contexts. We have speakers from North America, Latin America, Asia, and Africa. There will be mission agency representatives from North America: Mennonite Mission Network, VMMissions, EMM and Rosedale Mennonite Missions. Rather than lecture inputs, it will be more about sharing stories of God's work among the nations. We will integrate songs, stories, and prayers throughout the Gathering.

Perspectives on the World Christian Movement has helped thousands of Christians to align their lives with God’s global purposes.  A rich menu of readings and fifteen interactive class sessions, with input from presenters sharing their particular expertise, combine to provide students with an understanding of four distinct dimensions of the missional challenge: Biblical, Historical, Cultural and Strategic. The course will be offered here in Harrisonburg again this fall – Tuesday evenings, from Sept 1- Dec 8, at Grace Covenant Church.  For more information, check out the Perspectives website at www.perspectives.org or contact Carol Tobin at carol.tobin@vmmissions.org.

You are welcome to join in a transformative healing retreat. Tilda Norberg will be guiding another Opening to Grace Retreat at the Highland Retreat Center in Bergton, Va., on October  8-10.  If you know of people who may be interested in attending please forward the brochure; or if you are interested yourself, please fill out the registration form and send it, along with your deposit, to me at the address in the brochure.  Pat Hostetter Martin, for the Shenandoah Gestalt Pastoral Care Community of Practice. Attached is the brochure with registration information.

Lanterns of Hope, a support group for those who have lost a loved one to suicide, meets at 7:00 PM on the first Monday of every month at Grace Mennonite Fellowship in Lacey Spring, Va. This informal group was created by a mom, Suzy LaBonte, who lost her sixteen-year-old son to suicide in 2009. The group warmly welcomes newcomers to participate in sharing and support. For more information, contact Suzy at (540) 833-4185.

Music lessons are available through EMU's Preparatory Music Program for students of all levels, ages 3 and up. Lessons are offered for violin, viola, cello, double bass, guitar, flute and piano with Suzuki options for most instruments. Visit emu.edu/musiclessons or call (540) 432-4277 for registration information.

Employment and volunteer announcements:

Virginia Mennonite Missions seeks a full-time Director of Advancement. Qualified candidates should demonstrate a passion for the gospel, an active commitment to the church, strong skills in leadership, communications, and interpersonal relationships, and the ability to organize and motivate a team. Experience in the areas of fundraising and public relations preferred. Interested persons, please contact Dianna Lehman: dianna.lehman@vmmissions.org. More details at http://vmmissions.org/u/bk6

MennoMedia is seeking a volunteer to post books inherited from the Mennonite Publishing House library online for sale.  Many of these books are family genealogies and books of Anabaptist historical significance.  The volunteer would need to have experience researching book values, knowledge of selling on Ebay and AbeBooks, and a camera or phone camera.  If you are interested, please contact Angela Burkholder at 908-3934 or angelab@mennomedia.org

Do you know a young man or woman, ages 18+ who would make a good camp counselor, has a passion for mentoring kids, loves the Lord and is energetic?  If so, please send them our away.  Highland Retreat Summer Camp still has salaried positions available for male and female camp counselors. Those interested can apply at www.highlandretreat.org or call 540-705-0512 for more information.

VMMissions is looking for volunteers to spend the summer (June 1-late August) teaching English in Egypt through Partners in Mission.  As a way of building trust and relationships, the Coptic Orthodox church in Egypt offers English classes for both Muslims and Christians. Volunteers are needed for a summer children’s and youth English program for children ages 6-15.  Both couples and singles are encouraged to apply.  To apply or learn more, contact Martin Rhodes at martin.rhodes@vmmissions.org or (540) 434-9727.

Is God calling you to learn more about missions in Asia and/or ministry in the slums?  Consider participating in a 6 week Re-Imagine Internship in Jakarta, Indonesia, this summer through a partnership with VMMissions’ Partners in Mission program and Servants to Asia’s Urban Poor.  The internship would include 1 week of orientation, a 4 week home-stay with an east Asian slum family, and 1 week of debriefing, running July 20-August 30.  Both singles and couples are encouraged to consider. Application deadline is May 20th.  Contact Martin Rhodes for more information at martin.rhodes@vmmissions.org and check out servantsasia.org/jump-jesus-undercover-majority-places/

Grace Mennonite Fellowship in Lacey Spring, VA, a non-traditional congregation with their core values rooted in the Anabaptist Mennonite faith tradition, is seeking a half-time Youth Pastor.  Grace Mennonite Fellowship, a growing congregation of approximately 250 with an active youth population of approximately 40, is community-oriented church that strives to be mission-focused both locally and globally.  For more information and application instructions please visit the announcements page at www.gracemennonite.net.

Springdale Mennonite Church (Waynesboro, VA) is seeking a half-time Associate Pastor to work in cooperation with the Lead Pastor in a variety of ways.  To a large degree, this position will focus on:  1) Equipping people within the church for ministry; and 2) giving direction to Springdale’s ministry with youth.  The ideal candidate will approach faith from an Anabaptist perspective and will have training and/or experience in Christian ministry.  Contact Krista Powell (Chair of the Search Committee) at kristap@ntelos.net for more information or to submit a letter of inquiry.

Roberta Webb Child Care Center has an opening for a Director. This is a 30-40 hour administrative position. Bachelors degree required and experience in early childhood necessary. Please send resume to robertawebbcc@gmail.com or call (540) 434-8699.

Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community seeks a Residential Living Chaplain who is responsible for providing pastoral care and counseling to residential living residents and assisting with crisis spiritual needs of supportive living residents.  Oversees the planning of and participates in the leadership of worship services on Sunday mornings, vesper services on Sunday evenings, and special seasonal services.  See http://www.vmrc.org/About/Employment.aspx or email recruiter@vmrc.org for more information about the position and to obtain an application for employment.

Would you like to support the Residence Directors (RDs) at Eastern Mennonite University and have a space (cabin, extra bedroom, small apartment, etc.) that you could loan out for a weekend?  EMU's RDs live on campus in the dorms all year long, and it is difficult to be able to spend a lot of money to get away for a weekend.  We all know how important it is to take a break and care for ourselves, so let's help the RD's do just that!  If you would like to be put on a "getaway" list for the 9 RDs and their families to contact when they need some time away, just email Hannah Hall at hannah.hall@emu.edu.  Thank you in advance for supporting the people who support EMU's college students!

Eastern Mennonite University seeks qualified applicants for the Director of the Master of Arts in Biomedicine program. The Director is responsible for on-going program development and growth, recruiting, advising incoming MA candidates, planning and evaluating curriculum, and formulating and managing budget within the program. The Director also teaches in both graduate and undergraduate courses and serves on the Graduate Council of the university. An earned doctoral degree in a Biology-related discipline and teaching expertise in comparative vertebrate anatomy, bioinformatics, human physiology, and/or developmental biology is highly desirable. Experience as an educator, innovative administrator, program developer, researcher, and a strong fit with EMU’s core values is required.  Send letter of application, curriculum vitae, transcripts (unofficial acceptable), and three letters of reference to: Dr. Jim Smucker, Vice President Graduate Dean Eastern Mennonite University Harrisonburg, VA 22802 or email graduate@emu.edu.  For more information:  http://www.emu.edu/hr/openings/  Eastern Mennonite University is an equal opportunity employer, committed to enhancing diversity across the institution.

Eastern Mennonite University seeks qualified applicants for a full-time Academic Support Center Assistant. The Academic Support Center Assistant is responsible for delegated receptionist/secretarial work for the programs of the ASC, including Student Disability Support Services. Responsibilities include responding to requests of students, faculty, staff, and visitors; setting up and maintaining tutor schedules on electronic scheduler; filing and data entry; ordering of supplies; supervising work study students; and proctoring exams. Associates degree or equivalent experience preferred. Successful candidate must possess previous office experience, and strong organizational and computer skills. Submit application, resume, and contact information for three references to: hr@emu.edu. For more information visit our website at www.emu.edu/humanresources. Persons who bring diversity are encouraged to apply. EOE.

Eastern Mennonite University seeks qualified applicants for a full-time Associate Director of Development. The Associate Director of Development is a major gift officer who is responsible for soliciting funds from individuals, businesses and congregations for the annual fund, endowment and capital projects of the university. Bachelor’s degree required. Experience in a Christian academic community; fundraising; experience in business or organizational structures; banking; estate planning; finance and/or insurance experience; or related fields would be helpful. Able to take initiative, set goals, relate well to people; cooperative team player; creative and industrious; possesses administrative, planning, writing, and appropriate computer skills; able to counsel donors on issues related to philanthropy; possesses knowledge and understanding of the Mennonite Church and its structures; a passion for making contacts; and available to travel. Submit application, resume, and contact information for three references to: hr@emu.edu. For more information visit our website at www.emu.edu/humanresources. Persons who bring diversity are encouraged to apply. EOE.

Eastern Mennonite University is seeking applicants for an Assistant Cross Country and Track and Field Coach position. Responsibilities include assisting the head coach in all aspects of daily operations of the intercollegiate cross country and track and field program, with specific emphasis on recruiting student athletes, practice and meet planning for distance runners.  As a member of the athletic department, additional duties may be assigned by the Director of Athletics. He/she must be committed to the values and mission of the university and operate the program in adherence to the rules and regulations of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference and Division III of the NCAA. Bachelor’s degree required. Full-time for 9 months. Submit application, cover letter, resume and three references to: hr@emu.edu. For more information visit our website at www.emu.edu/humanresources. Persons who bring diversity are encouraged to apply. EOE.

Eastern Mennonite University is seeking applicants for a full-time Multitradesman – Plumber in the Physical Plant department. Responsible to perform journey level plumbing maintenance, trouble-shooting, repair and/or renovation of buildings, facilities and equipment in one or more of the following areas: underground piping systems, building piping, fixtures, building equipment and controls. Inspects buildings, facilities and equipment to ascertain needed repairs and make recommendations/follow up to supervision. High School graduate and minimum of two years of technical or trade school required. Submit application, resume and three references to: hr@emu.edu. For more information visit our website at www.emu.edu/humanresources. Persons who bring diversity are encouraged to apply. EOE.

Eastern Mennonite University is seeking applicants for a Nurse Practitioner. Responsibilities include provides direct patient care to students, faculty and staff for acute episodic care, wellness physicals, and co-managing chronic health care conditions with student primary care providers. Nurse practitioner works in collaboration with contract medical director. Provides preventative and wellness programming on campus. Part-time. Master’s degree in nursing. Submit letter of application, resume and the contact information for three references to: Human Resources, 1200 Park Road, Harrisonburg, VA 22802, hr@emu.edu. For more information visit our website at www.emu.edu/humanresources. Persons who bring diversity are encouraged to apply. EOE.

Zion Mennonite Church in Broadway VA, is seeking an Associate Pastor employed at ¾ time. Candidates should have a strong Anabaptist theology with a Masters of Divinity degree preferred.  Passion for faith formation among all ages and experience in working directly with children, youth and families is important.  In addition this person will demonstrate effective leadership with strong communication and organizational skills.  For further information, please contact Search Committee Chair, Rebekah Brubaker  dr_brubaker@msn.com. Additional details about Zion Mennonite Church can be found at www.zmcva.org.

Virginia Mennonite Missions Prayer Request:

July 5

Give thanks for the connections Grace Prasetyo is making with expectant mothers in her community and for the opportunities she has to teach about maternal and baby health.

 

 

 

Community Mennonite Church
70 South High Street Harrisonburg, VA
office@cmcva.org
540-433-2148