Newsweekly for Sunday, August 13, 2017

Upcoming CMC Events at a Glance (details below)

Aug 13:         CMC Green Congregation Initiative meeting
Aug 20:         Backpack Blessing during worship (note date change)
Aug 20:         New Attenders Brunch
Sept 22-24:  CMC Retreat at Camp Brethren Woods

CMC Events and Announcements

CMC Annual Retreat.  CMC's annual retreat will be held September 22-24 at Camp Brethren Woods. Our keynote speaker will be Isaac Villegas.

CMC Green Congregation Initiative. Everyone who has interest and time is invited to meet each Sunday in August for the hour following the worship service for planning toward the CMC Green Congregation Initiative from the CMC vision and discernment process. Come once or every week. Meet in room 109. If you need a ride home after the meeting (because the rest of the family has to get home), rides will be provided. Let me know if you want copies of the notes ahead of time. — Brian Martin Burkholder

Short-term Housing Needed. A friend of mine is looking for housing during a time of transition, hoping to move as soon as possible. She is in her thirties and has a son who is almost two years old. She said she is in need of housing for 2-3 months while she takes care of some logistical things here in Harrisonburg before moving in with family in Manassas. She is able to pay some for rent, but not much, and was wondering if anyone might have a single room available.  — Aliese Gingerich, aliese.gingerich@gmail.com or 319-530-3161

Anne Waltner and Rolf Olson recently became parents to triplets– Alice, Lydia and Greta. The babies are doing well, but Anne and Rolf are finding this season of parenting to be taxing. If you'd like to send a note of encouragement or a small treat, you can reach them at:

Anne Waltner and Rolf Olson
44931 280th Street
Parker, South Dakota, 57053

Exchange Student Host Family. If anyone is interested in hosting a 16 year old exchange student from Bogota, Colombia from mid-August 2017 through June 2018, please contact David Shenk at davehshenk@gmail.com. The student's name is Juan Esteban Herrera and he's from a Mennonite family in Colombia. Juan is thoughtful, diligent, on the quiet side and enjoys playing violin.  He has plans to study at EMS during the 2017-2018 school year, but is still in search of a host family that can host him starting in August 2017.  Thank you. –David Shenk

Jubilee Debt Reduction Initiative. Thanks to the Jubilee Debt Reduction Initiative, a total of $9,300 has been distributed equally to ten individuals/families to pay down consumer debts. Thanks to all who have given and received.  –Larry Miller

Peace in the Valley. A cross-section of activities on the June-July CMC worship theme, "Living Peacefully," is the subject of the latest photo collage up and running on the bulletin board on the west wall of the fellowship hall. Also, turn back the clock to Aug. 5, 2012 and see the congregation in worship and interaction on the theme, "Jesus said, 'I Am.'"  Bonus: A 5/26/07 "Bishop's Mantle" column that will either keep you awake or put you to sleep, "Night Sounds Provide Somnambulistic Serenade."  Good Menno Night! –Jim Bishop

Free large Dark Cornish rooster, about one year old. This is a heritage meat breed not to be confused with the industry Cornish X. The males are able protectors: both sexes are strong foragers. Brown eggs from females, which are excellent mothers and can go broody as early as six months old. Contact Michael Courtney by email: mac1572@gmail.com or cell: 540-209-3768.

Events and Announcements from the Broader Community

Community Preschool. Community Preschool (which is located in the CMC building) has openings for fall classes for children turning 3 or 4 years old by September 30th.  Please call the preschool at 540-433-7974 for more information.

Singers for the Singers Glen Music and Heritage Festival. The Singers Glen Music and Heritage Festival will feature three performances of Alice Parker's opera Singers Glen on September 23 and 24. The opera features lots of great choral hymn singing, and you're invited to join the choir—all ages welcome, no audition needed.  Rehearsals will be held at Donovan United Methodist Church in Singers Glen on Sunday afternoons from 3-5 pm beginning August 13. For more information or to sign up for the choir or a solo audition, contact Jeremy Nafziger at JFNafziger@gmail.com or (540) 209-3767.

Faith in Action Book Study. As we move toward the October seminar, Faith in Action invites Covenant Congregations to read the book Waking Up White, and Finding Myself in the Story of Race by Debby Irving. The final session for readers to share their reactions to Waking Up White will take place Monday, August 14 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm in the sanctuary of Trinity Presbyterian Church, 725 S. High Street, Harrisonburg, to discuss parts 7-9 of the book:  “Inner Work,” “Outer Work,” and “Reclaiming my Humanity.”

Sing Me High Music Festival. Come experience an incredible day of music, food, games, fun, family, and faith at the Sing Me High Music Festival on Aug. 25-26! Featuring the Walking Roots Band, Bittersweet Gospel Band, Southern Grace, and more. Special events include: Harvest Day; games for children, corn-hole tournaments, quilt raffle, arts/crafts vendors, and a raffle for a guitar made by local luthier Showalter Guitars. Celebrate music and faith with us Aug. 25-26. Proceeds from the event benefit CrossRoads Valley Brethren-Mennonite Heritage Center. More information and tickets are available at singmehigh.com/tickets or by calling 540-438-1275. Email info@vbmhc.org with questions.

Volunteers Needed for Sing Me High. Want free tickets to Sing Me High Music Festival? We still need to add about 20 members to the Smurf Squad, our incredible volunteer brigade. See full list of perks and sign up at: singmehigh.com/volunteer. Help us make this event a successful celebration of music and faith!

Cornhole Tournament. Attention Youth, Sponsors, & Cornhole Lovers! Come celebrate youth groups, service, and community with the CrossRoads Cornhole Tournament at Sing Me High Music Festival on Saturday, August 26. Teams of two compete for a prize of $500 to be paid to the winning team's youth group. Entrance fees include admission to the music festival. Proceeds benefit the Valley Brethren-Mennonite Heritage Center. For more information and to register, visit: singmehigh.com/cornhole. Call 540-438-1275 or email info@vbmhc.org with questions.

New Hymnal Hymn Sing. Let your voice resonate! Join a regional hymn sing at 6:30 pm, Sunday, September 17, at Harrisonburg Mennonite Church, for a glimpse into the work of the Mennonite Worship and Song Committee. Come add your voice in sharing hopes and dreams for a new hymnal as we sing praise to God!  Thanks! –Benjamin Bergey, Music Editor, Mennonite Worship and Song Committee

Mennonite Central Committee Relief Sale News: The MCC Relief Sale will be held at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds Sept. 29-30. You can help the Relief Sale efforts now! We need donations of craft supplies, small treasures, books and kids toys for the Kiddie Corner. This is a sort of yard sale for kids. Donations can be dropped off at the Virginia Mennonite Conference office to a big bin inside the front door. Contact Greta Kreider at 540-432-9107 for more information.