Sunday, October 8
- 9:30am CCMC Hybrid Worship (contact Anne for details on how to join Zoom)
- Theme: Hear, O Israel
- Scripture: Deuteronomy 5-6
Tuesday, October 10
- 7:00pm Zoom meeting for November Worship Planning
Thursday, October 12
- 6:00pm End Gun Violence: Anabaptism and U.S. Gun Culture webinar on Zoom
- Join us as we explore the issues that drive today’s violent gun culture in the U.S. and examine how our Anabaptist faith informs our response. Host Lorraine Stutzman Amstutz, denominational minister of Peace & Justice, will lead this conversation with theologians Malinda Berry, Ph.D., of Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, and Andrew Suderman, Ph.D., of Eastern Mennonite University. (see full announcement below)
- Registration for this webinar
- 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, October 15
- 9:30am NSMC Hybrid Worship (contact Anne for details on how to join Zoom)
- Speaker: Shane
- 11:00am Christian Formation
- Leader: Linda
Retreat 2024
The next annual retreat will be February 2-4, 2024 at Menno Haven Camp & Retreat Center. Jay Wittmeyer, the director of the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center will deepen our understanding and practice of peacemaking in this next year in which the presidential election will again highlight our national divides.
Please contact Anne in the next week and indicate your interest in attending. We are also considering options for food arrangements depending on how many people attend. One option is to provide our own breakfast foods, cold drinks, plates and utensils (coffee and other hot drinks would be provided.) Another option is to have a brunch and dinner instead of three meals. All of this depends on getting an accurate head count, so your quick reply would be much appreciated. If you have other thoughts about the meal arrangements, please pass your ideas on to Anne. Thank you!
Mennonite Church USA invites all congregations to deepen their understanding about the complex, intersectional issue of gun violence in the U.S. and to explore how our Anabaptist faith can inform our response. Learn more about MC USA’s “Learn, Pray, Join: End Gun Violence” initiative and upcoming webinars here: mennoniteusa.org/lpj-end-gun-violence.
There’s still time to register for the Generation Z Energy and Spirit challenge! Mennonite Church USA is inviting young people to actively care for the planet through the challenge, which runs through April 2024. All high school student participants in graduating classes ’24-’27 are eligible for a $1000 grant toward tuition at one of our Mennonite colleges or universities. Two exceptional group projects will earn a cash prize of $500-$1000 for an outdoor experience. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/energy-challenge/
Talitha Amadea Aho, keynote speaker for the Mennonite Church USA Youth & Young Adult Climate Summit on July 8, 2023, wrote a letter to thank the climate summit attendees and follow up on the question, “What can an introvert do about climate justice?” Read her letter here: mennoniteusa.org/climate-justice-introvert
–from Creation Justice Ministries 52 Ways to Care for Creation
Recycled Halloween
Host a recycled Halloween party. Challenge your kids or adult guests to create a costume solely out of recycled items. Costumes can be eco-themed, too (animals, bugs, recycle-monsters, native plant species, eco heroes)!
–from Creation Justice Tips | United Methodist Church
Two-For
When shopping online, go for a “two-for.” Look for both the product you want and for a provider that cares for creation. Some companies donate a percentage of profits to ocean clean up or planting trees, for example. Some start with sustainable materials and ethical practices. Read the “About” on the website. Support those providers.
Reuse, Repair, Recycle
Commit to reuse, repair, and recycle in the present rather than discard, despoil, and destroy our future. Do it for the children and grandchildren you know and love. Browse online for bumper stickers for recycling or climate change.
–from the Sierra Club
100 Things You Can Do to Save the Planet
- If you are wealthy, put solar panels on public buildings, give energy efficient stoves to third world countries, etc.
- Campaign and vote for green candidates.
–from Ecocation
50 Ways to Save the Planet
- Buy locally grown food and locally made products.
- Don’t buy products made from endangered animals.