Worship this Sunday, October 29
First Families – Leaving Home
Worship Leader: Lisa King
Song Leader: Matt Hunsberger
Preacher: Jennifer Davis Sensenig
Pastoral Prayer: Dayna Olson-Getty
Prelude/Offertory: Monica and Mara Carlson
Scripture: Genesis 12-13
Bulletin: 102917-bulletin.docx
Upcoming CMC Events
Sunday, Oct 29 New Attenders’ Brunch at 10:30 in Dean House (across Water Street)
Sunday, Oct 29 Kids’ Club Block Party, 3-5 pm
Sunday, Nov 5 Speakeasy and Monthly Potluck, noon
Sunday, Nov 5 CMC Harmonia Sacra Sing, 7 pm
Sunday, Nov 21 Congregational Meeting
CMC Events and Announcements
New Attenders' Brunch. New attenders are invited to join pastors for a New Attenders' Brunch in the Dean House (across Water Street ) this Sunday, October 29 during the Sunday school hour following worship.
CMC Kids’ Club Fall Block Party. The launch of the CMC Kids' Club is quickly approaching! Prior to the launch, there will be a Fall Block Party on Sunday, October 29 from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. Currently we're inviting people to attend the Fall Block Party, as well as signing up children for Kids' Club. Please know that you are invited to the Fall Block Party and that your children are welcome to attend Kids' Club on Wednesday evenings, beginning November 8th. Please also stop by the table in the Fellowship Hall to consider how you'd like to help with the Fall Block Party or with the leadership of Kids' Club. –Hannah Hall and Jason Gerlach
MYF Volunteering at Booksavers. The MYF will be volunteering at Booksavers this Wednesday, Nov. 1 from 7 to 8:30 pm. They will be sorting books and preparing books for recycling.
CMC Harmonica Sacra Sing. Come to the 8th annual Community Mennonite Church Harmonia Sacra sing, November 5 at 7 p.m. Bring your own book, or borrow one at the sing. Come with a song to request or lead, and a heart to join in the singing from the Valley’s own shaped-note book, with us since 1832. Everyone is welcome.
Potluck Dishwashers Needed. Hospitality committee is planning to use the Correll plates along with silverware for potlucks. While this reduces the amount of paper and plastic we consume it also means more time spent on clean up as everything will need washed. We need two persons each potluck Sunday to commit to washing the dishes. Someone from the committee will be available to help with getting you started and with putting things away. This might be a good mentor / mentee activity. Potluck Sundays are the first Sunday of each month. Contact Jennifer Ulrich, ulrichjm@comcast.net or 540-383-9050, if you can help with dishwashing at potlucks.
Bake Sale! The 7th and 8th grade Sunday school girls are having their annual bake/craft sale on Sunday, Nov. 12 after the worship service in the Fellowship Hall. The money raised will be shared with Honduras projects and Jay and Sheri Hartzler’s programs in Romania.
Sunday School Connection. Below is a weekly note for families of children (age 4 and up) who use the Shine curriculum. Each Sunday you will find faith nurture ideas that coordinate with the weekly session plans.
Faith Talk This Week: Genesis 12–13: “Abram, Sarai, and Lot”
Here are some ways to nurture faith at home based on this week’s story. (1) Read Genesis 12:1–2. Like Abram, how can we be a blessing to others? (2) Take turns today giving each other first choice or first turn. (3) Make an altar with small stones as each person tells the best blessing of the day.
Did you know? God changed their names! Abram (“exalted father”) became Abraham (“father of a multitude). Sarai (“my princess”) became Sarah (“mother of nations”).
Prayer for the week: Thank you, God that you journey with us wherever we go. Amen.
Children’s Bible Memory passage this quarter: Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your judgements are like the great deep; you save humans and animals alike, O Lord. Psalm 36:5–6
Exploring the Book of Revelation. When was the last time you read the book of Revelation or heard a sermon on it? Some people think it’s too scary. But it’s beautiful and not scary if we know how to read a visionary apocalypse. Reta Finger is writing biweekly lesson on Revelation at https://eewc.com/tag/studies-revelation/ Take a peek sometime. Related to that, on November 5 in the Sunday school class on Israel-Palestine, Reta will be showing us how Christian Zionism’s misuse of Revelation contributes to political tensions in that part of the world.
Supporting Hartzlers in Romania. Jay and Sheri Hartzler left on Tuesday, Oct. 24 to serve eight more months in Romania. If you’d like to support their work, CMC is handling tax-deductible donations. Make checks payable to CMC and put “Hartzler-Romania” in the subject line. If you’d like to contribute specifically to the work of the woodshop, you can put “Romania-Woodshop” in the memo line. Jay and Sheri are grateful for your prayers and support.
Response to “Great Day of Singing.” Last week CMC participated in the “Great Day of Singing,” joining other Mennonite churches in using songs and worship resources being considered for the new hymnal collection. The hymnal editors would appreciate feedback about the hymns used last Sunday here at CMC, which were included on the insert. Please consider filling out a survey at: http://www.heraldpress.com/MennoniteWorshipAndSongCollection/Survey/
The Irony of Power Available. Dorothy Jean Weaver's newly published book, The Irony of Power: The Politics of God within Matthew's Narrative (Pickwick Publications, 2017), is available at author's discount ($23.25) directly from Dorothy Jean. Please contact her at (540) 432-4276 (o) or (540) 433-3336 (h) if you wish to acquire a signed copy. First come, first served, as long as they last.
Getting Engaged? CMC pastors are all trained to guide couples in a series of premarital counseling sessions using Prepare-Enrich, an excellent resource for couples. There is a $35 fee for the materials, but the counseling sessions are free for regular attenders and members of CMC. As a congregation we are part of a city-wide effort to encourage premarital counseling, so our pastors officiate at weddings only when couples have taken the preparatory step of premarital counseling. We recommend premarital counseling for about 6 sessions, beginning 4-5 months before the wedding. Thinking of getting engaged? Talk to one of your pastors. –Pastoral Team
YOU AND ME AND COMMUNITY. Wonder how involved CMC people are in worthy causes and endeavors beyond themselves? For one answer, check the most recent photo collages on display on the bulletin board on the west wall of the fellowship hall. The latest – a photo flashback to EMU's Homecoming and Centennial Weekend, Oct. 13-15, where Community folks were deeply involved in both behind-the-scenes planning and the myriad activities that contributed to the success of this celebrative and historic event. Next to it, a display that shows the many ways CMC persons served as volunteers at the 51st annual Virginia Mennonite Relief Sale Sept. 29-30, then joined in worship the following morning for World Communion Sunday, Oct. 1. In addition, a report on the record-breaking sale from the Oct. 9 issue of Mennonite World Review has also been posted. Dough raise me, CMC! Jim Bishop
SO WHAT ELSE IS OLD? If after checking out the latest pictorial displays on the bulletin board on the west side of the fellowship hall you haven't gotten your photo fill, then do an about face to the east side bulletin board and embark on a visual voyage down the cobwebbed corridors of time. This display space will now be devoted to photo blasts from the past, remembering glory days and Menno nights of the way we were. The posters, many of them tying in to the church calendar and special programs, will change about once a month. The more we remember from whence we came, the better we'll be at discerning where God would have us go (and after all, two-third of God is "go"). –Jim Bishop
We are in need of two beds, one single and one double or queen, for Jose Hernandez and Maria Carrera & their kids (Boris Ozuna's brother who is studying at IEP at EMU). They are moving into an apartment this week and are in need of beds! They already have one single for their son, but at least need a double/queen if anyone has any leads on something that may be available. –Rebeca Barge
Missing Car Seat Base. Rebeca Barge is looking for a lost car seat base that was left at CMC. Someone dropped a car seat off for her, and she accidentally picked up the wrong one. They are now looking for the small car seat base (where you click in a car seat) that was originally left for them! Has anyone seen this base? –Rebeca Barge
Looking for Apartment. A young woman who will be graduating from JMU and entering grad school there, is looking to rent a room beginning this coming summer for the next academic year. She is a teaching assistant to one of the philosophy professors at JMU. She said that living near JMU is a preference, but would be open to living in the Park View area (near EMU). If you have an apartment that will be available this summer, or know of someone who does, please contact Mike Brislen (mdbrislen@yahoo.com).
Did you know that there are four ways to give to CMC?
By cash or check: Either place your contribution in the offering basket or mail checks to the church. Use the memo line to indicate a particular fund ("Everyone Welcome," "General Fund," etc.).
By text message: Text the amount you wish to donate (e.g. "$25") to 540-779-1276. The first time, you'll receive a link to register your information. Undesignated funds will go to CMC's general fund. To contribute to the Everyone Welcome, add "Welcome" after the amount (e.g. "$100 Welcome"). To donate to the Fifth Sunday offering, add "Fifth".
On our website: Click the teal "Give" button on the top right corner of our website at cmcva.org
On your smartphone: Search for "GivePlus Church" in the Android or iPhone app store, once you've installed it, just search for "Community Mennonite Church."
Events and Announcements from the Broader Community
Support for Refugee Families in our Community. Linking Communities collaborates with the CWS Refugee Resettlement office to partner local individuals, families or groups with newly arriving refugee families. The local families offer friendship to the refugees and help the refugees navigate their new culture and community. Learn about the world, see your city through new eyes, welcome a stranger and meet many new people who help make Harrisonburg and Rockingham County the wonderful area it is. To partner with a refugee family, at least one person from your group or family must attend a training led by the Linking Communities Committee. The next training is Saturday, October 28, 9:00am – 12:30 pm at Parkview Mennonite Church, Fireside Room, 1600 College Ave., Harrisonburg VA. RSVP at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PRRDQTW. If you have questions, email: linkingharrisonburg@cwsglobal.org.
SheLeads Missio Alliance Summit. SheLeads is a Missio Alliance Summit in Harrisonburg, Va., via live stream. Join us Saturday, October 28, 11:30am-5pm. It’s time for women and men together to rediscover God’s vision for shared leadership in the Church and Christian ministry. Virginia Mennonite Missions and Eastern Mennonite University are partnering to host this satellite site for the Summit at 1056 Smith Avenue, Harrisonburg (an in-home theater space). The venue is limited to 25 persons who can be present for the full event, so RSVP to MaryBeth Heatwole Moore, congregational pastor and Eastern Mennonite Seminary student, at heatwolemoore@comcast.net. We will participate via live stream and also have opportunities for small and large group conversations with our local gathering. A late lunch will be provided at 2pm. Summit participants are welcome to make a donation to the Heatwole family for use of their home. For more information about the Summit, visit: missioalliance.org/sheleads/
A Children's Orchestra Concert featuring the Shenandoah Valley Youth Symphony will be presented on Sunday, October 29 at 3:30pm in EMU's Lehman Auditorium. During this short concert members of the Symphony will demonstrate their instruments, and then the entire orchestra will perform Grieg's exciting "In the Hall of the Mountain King". Children will be invited to observe the orchestra up-close and talk with members of the Symphony. All ages are welcome, and the concert is free.
Comforter Knotting Blitz! MCC Resource Center in Ephrata, PA report that they have baled and shipped out all the comforters that had been sent previously to the center. They report that although some comforters are trickling in, they need many more to answer all the requests that have come from overseas especially for refugees. There will be a comforter knotting blitz at Park View Mennonite on Wednesday, November 1. Everyone is encouraged to come help. Please contact MarthaJune Graber (ken.graber@gmail.com) to sign up for a time slot. (This is so there will be enough room for everyone around the comforter frames at any one time.) The times are: 8-10 am, 10 am-12 pm, 1-3 pm, and 3-6 pm. If you can stay for more than one session, that would be great. If you want to stay or come early for a light lunch ($2.00 donation), please indicate that preference. –MarthaJune Graber
Love Thai Food? Join us for an authentic Thai meal on Thursday, November 2, 6:00–7:30 p.m., at Harrisonburg Mennonite Church Fellowship Hall. Steve Horst and Bethany Tobin and their children will join us to share food, fellowship and news of their ministry in Thailand. No charge, but donations towards Steve and Bethany's third term are encouraged. (If you’ve recently made a gift, come enjoy this special evening with no obligation.) An RSVP is appreciated: melanie.sherer@vmmissions.org
Walk for OCP. Walk together with our community by taking part in OCP’s biggest fundraiser of the year! First, sign up as an individual walker, a team leader, or a team member at walk.dojiggy.com. Next, call, email or visit friends and relatives to ask for donations. Finally, celebrate on November 4 by joining OCP for live music, games, two free meals, and a walk. Questions? Email kenna@ourcommunityplace.org.
KreiderArt Open House. You are cordially invited to our 1st Annual Artisan Trail KreiderArt Gallery Fall Open House on Saturday, November 4, from 10 am-4 pm to see David Kreider's home studio, pyrographic arts classroom, and gallery as featured on the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Artisan Trail (#10) and to see his recent work in multiple media pyrographic art and works in progress. Arts enthusiast friends and family are most welcome! Our address is 443 Lee Avenue, Harrisonburg. –David Kreider
Bridge of Hope's Annual Locavore Luncheon is Saturday, November 11, at Park View Mennonite Church. Doors open for silent auction at 11, meal begins at noon. Come and enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by Bowl of Good with all locally sourced ingredients! Tickets are $25 individual or $175 for a table of 8 and are available at the door or by reserving your space by calling 478-2356. Gather your friends & family to eat, laugh, and do some Christmas shopping while supporting homeless and at-risk women and children in this community.
Mennonite Women Retreat. Mennonite Women of Virginia's annual retreat will be held November 10-12 in Natural Bridge, VA. The retreat theme is Gratitude Beyond Thank You and will feature Elaine Maust, a writer, spiritual director, and co-pastor of Jubilee Mennonite Church in Meridian, Mississippi. Scholarship funds are available. More information is available at http://virginiaconference.org/partners/mennonite-women-of-virginia/.
CrossRoads Valley Brethren-Mennonite Heritage Center – Harvest & Thanksgiving Hymn Sing. Join us on the CrossRoads campus for an afternoon of singing hymns of harvest and Thanksgiving on Sunday, Nov. 12 at 4 pm. During this season, join brothers and sisters in faith in coming together to be reminded of God's faithfulness through lifting your voices in songs of thanksgiving. A free-will offering will be received to support the mission and vision of CrossRoads Valley Brethren-Mennonite Heritage Center. 1921 Heritage Center Way, Harrisonburg, VA 22801. www.vbmhc.org/events-calendar
Nazareth/Bethlehem Work Group 2018. Registration is now open for the upcoming Nazareth/Bethlehem Work Group (May 11-28, 2018) sponsored by the Partners in Mission program of Virginia Mennonite Missions. This work group will be co-led by Dorothy Jean Weaver (Community Mennonite Church) and Phil Kanagy (Weavers Mennonite Church) and is open to all interested participants on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information contact Dorothy Jean Weaver at (540) 432-4276 (o) or at (540) 433-3336 (h).
Attention Musicians! During the last decade over 10 different songwriters and musicians from the Early Church community have composed over 50 original songs of worship. From that collection we have chosen around 20 of our favorites that are regularly sung in our community, and are presently recording them to make an album that we can share with others within the church and our community. But, to really make this project helpful to other musicians, we want to produce sheet music that would be made available with the album. This is where you can help! If you are proficient in music notation, would you be interested in partnering with us in our project by writing out the notation of a few of our songs? If so, please contact us at earlychurchva@gmail.com, and we will be glad to share the vision and invite you to partner with us.