Sunday, September 3
- 9:30am NSMC Hybrid Worship (contact Anne for details on how to join Zoom)
- Peacemakers Share the Bounty of the Earth
- Communion
- 11:00am Potluck
Tuesday, September 5
- 7:00pm Zoom ARCC (Action/Reflection Creation Care) meeting (contact Anne for details on how to join Zoom)
- We will discuss home repair and improvement decisions that help the environment
Thursday, September 7
- 7:00pm Zoom Bible Study with Shane (contact Anne for details on how to join Zoom)
- Join us for a study of the gospel of John
Sunday, September 10
- 9:30am Outdoor Worship at Heron Creek Forest Preserve, Shelter A, in Long Grove, IL
- Peacemakers Rejoice with Creation
- Picnic to follow
Anne and Shane will be in Michigan from September 8 through Sunday, September 10 for the Journey Program, a leadership training program that is offered through the Church Leadership Center, along with AMBS, the Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary. It is a three-year program that Shane began at the start of 2023.
On September 10, we will join with CCMC at the Heron Creek Forest Preserve, Shelter A, Long Grove, Illinois for an outdoor worship service followed by a picnic.
Anne will be recovering from hip replacement surgery the following two or more Sundays, September 17 and 24.
On Sunday, September 17, the fall series using the Narrative Lectionary will begin. The theme will be “Who is God; Who are We?” We look forward to exploring the biblical story through the Narrative Lectionary, a 4-year cycle that moves through the Bible.
Mennonite Church USA Executive Board staff has named 2023 Goshen (Indiana) College graduate Olivia Krall as archives coordinator for the MC USA Archives in Elkhart. Krall holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Goshen College, with minors in political studies and sociology. Read more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/news/olivia-krall/
Peaceful Options for Training and Careers (POTC) — formerly known as Alternatives to Military Enlistment Network (AMEN) — has formed a steering committee, recruited volunteers and began its work to counter the recruitment of youth by the U.S. military. POTC is an independent initiative that began as an outgrowth of a collaboration between Mennonite Central Committee and Mennonite Church USA. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/potc
MC USA is inviting young people to actively care for the planet through the Generation Z Energy and Spirit Challenge, which runs through April 2024. The challenge is “a friendly competition to embrace our Anabaptist calling as earth keepers, reduce our carbon footprints, nurture environmental leadership, and utilize and bless the gifts of youth and young adults.” Read more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/news/energy-challenge/ Register for the MC USA Generation Z Energy and Spirit Challenge by October 15, 2023: https://www.mennocreationcare.org/energy-and-spirit-challenge/ View the PowerPoint slide here: mennoniteusa.org/slide-energy-youth
Anicka Fast, who ministers through Mennonite Central Committee, Mennonite Mission Network and Mennonite World Conference, finds joy, sheds tears and dreams of intercontinental, interchurch research in the Mennonite Church USA Archives. Read more about her work here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/archives/
–from Creation Justice Ministries 52 Ways to Care for Creation
Season of Creation
September begins the “Season of Creation!” Celebrate in your church community. Find theological reflections and liturgical resources at creationjustice.org/blog.
–from Creation Justice Tips | United Methodist Church
Walk the Talk
Be sure to walk the talk. What are children and youth learning from the church’s practices? Are recycling bins visible? Are meals served on washable dinnerware—not plastic or Styrofoam? Is food waste composted? Is there a bike rack providing an alternative to driving? Young ones are watching.
Invite Young People to Garden
Does the church have a vegetable garden? Invite young people to help with the planting, tending, and harvesting. Point out the wonders of growing things, as well as the justice of sharing with those in need. Check out Harmony Creation Care Curriculum, by United Methodist EarthKeepers, Rev. Crystal Paul-Watson and her mom, Lavanda Paul.
–from the Sierra Club
100 Things You Can Do to Save the Planet
- Fire-harden your home. Rebuilding a house is involves enormous carbon emissions.
- Upgrade your home to current building standards or better to achieve maximum energy efficiency.
–from Ecocation
50 Ways to Save the Planet
- Work from home.
- Recycle your engine oil.