BUHLER MENNONITE CHURCH  “NEWS”

JANUARY, 2008, Vol. 22  No. 1

 

“Peace on earth will come to stay, when we live as Christians every day

--Helen Steiner Rice.”

Come and worship every Sunday! 

9:30 am Sunday School classes

10:30 am Worship Service

 

Christmas Eve Prayer:

Give us, O God, the vision which can see your love in the world in spite of human failure.

Give us the faith to trust your goodness in spite of our ignorance and weakness.

Give us the knowledge that we may continue to pray with understanding hearts.

And show us what each one of us can do to set forward the coming of the day of universal peace.

             --Frank Borman, Apollo 8 Commander

 

If you have faith as small as a mustard seed...”  Matthew 17:20

The smallest things can change your lives...

One hand reaching out to another...

One prayer whispered in faith...

One baby born to save the world.

Blessings to you this Christmas season as you celebrate the birth of Jesus.

 

God bless!

 

From Pastor Bob -

Dear Church family,

            We hope you had an excellent, joyful, love-filled Christmas.  We appreciate so much the love you have shared with us through another year.  We thank God for you and keep you continually in our thoughts and prayers.  We pray God continues to bless you, us, our church, and our community in this new year of 2008!  Love, Pastor Bob and Flauretta

 

From Church Council -

            Last year the Church Council began a process of intense questioning, direction and goals of our church for the years to come.

            The Council would like to include all of our church family in this discussion and dreaming.

            We are suggesting that in the month of February all our adult Sunday School classes look at and discuss our future.

            To aid this process we have asked Dorothy Nickel Friesen of Western District Conference (WDC) to provide some leadership and materials.

            Please plan on taking part in this opportunity to dream great dreams for being the church “The body of Christ” for years to come.  --Pastor Bob for the Church Council

 

TWAS THE REAL FIRST NIGHT OF CHRISTMAS

‘Twas the first night of Christmas a long time ago

The hillside was peaceful, the moon was aglow.

The world couldn’t know from what happened before

That men would remember this night ever more.

 

The sheep on the hillside--their day’s journey over

Were dreaming sweet dreams of a field full of clover.

The shepherds were watchful while guarding their flock

The earth was their pillow, the stars were their clock.

 

Then all of a sudden, they jumped at the sight

Of the sky all ablaze with a heavenly light.

They huddled in fear, then they started to rise

As the lightening-like flash tore open the skies.

 

The heavens were split by the silvery ray

The dark disappeared and the night became day.

And lo, at the end of the rainbow of light

Appeared then an angel to banish their fright.

 

The angel brought news of a birth in a manger

And bade them to hasten to welcome the stranger.

For Mary had just given birth to a boy

Whose coming would bring so much comfort and joy.

 

A choir of angels looked down from the sky

And heavenly voices were heard from on high:

Peace be on earth and good will to all men.

The savior has come on this night, Amen.

 

The heavenly angels then faded from sight.

The sky once again turned from day to night.

The shepherds all quietly rose from the ground

And hurried to go where the child would be found.

 

As they reached Bethlehem and the inn was in sight

From the barn came a trickle of half-hidden light.

It led like a path to a soft little bed

And shone very tenderly on a child’s head.

 

The child in the manger was sleeping so sound

His eyes were still closed, as the shepherds stood round.

From that instant of grace on that night long ago

Thousands of years would be warmed by the glow.

 

Guided by light from a bright shining star

Came a pilgrimage led of three kings from afar.

They were dressed in the finest of satins and lace.

Their complexions were that of an Orient race.

 

The three wealthy kings were wise men and proud

But they went to the Christ child and solemnly bowed.

They came bearing treasures of incense and gold

To that sweet little child, still not very old.

 

The stars in the sky twinkled down from above

The world was awakened to kindness and love.

The past was forgotten, the future was bright

And the spirit of Christmas was born on that night.

            --Author unknown

            Contributed via email

 

Buhler Mennonite Church’s annual business meeting will be held on Sunday, January 20, 2008, in the church basement following the noon meal.

 

Looking back at December -

            The highlights were the Christmas Eve program and the Christmas Music programs.  Wednesday evenings were spent practicing for the Christmas Eve program except for the 12th when we had to cancel due to icy roads.  The services for the 9th also had to be canceled due to icy roads.

            The deacon ballot resulted in Bruce Regier being selected for the deacon ballot for annual meeting on January 20, 2008.

            On Wednesday, January 2, we resumed regular Wednesday evening activities with the meal at 6:15 pm, followed by Bible Study for 2 years through Grade 8, Adult Bible Study, and Chancel Choir practices.  Junior Singers did not meet this Wednesday but will start meeting again on January 9.  Everyone is welcome to be a part of these activities.

 

 

Picture Directory -

The Church Council has decided that it is time for our church to make a new church picture directory.  Letters will be sent out to everyone who attends and to all members giving more details.

 

If anyone is willing to work on this Picture Directory committee, or be chairperson of this committee, please talk to Marilyn Bontrager.  If you have certain areas that you are willing to help with, that will work.  You don’t need to be involved with all areas of the work unless you would like to be involved with the entire project.

 

Picture Directory Dates to remember -

February 10, 17 & 24 - Sign up dates for picture taking appointments (following the worship service).

Friday, March 14, and Saturday, March 15 – picture taking days at church.

 

 

 

PLEASE NOTE:

HOPI MISSION SCHOOL  in Kykotsmovi, Arizona, is asking for our help in collecting the UPC AND icon from Campbell’s product labels

            Please bring your upc and icon codes to the collection box in the Library.

            They also still collect the General Mills Boxtops for Education.

 

 

 

BMC January, 2008 calendar – next page

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BMC CALENDAR – JANUARY, 2008

 

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2 –

             6:15 pm – Meal

            7:00 pm – Classes for kids 2 yrs old – Grade 8

            7:00 pm – Adult Bible Study classes

            8:00 pm – Chancel Choir

            No Junior Singers this week

SUNDAY, JANUARY 6 – “Good News – Great Joy!” – Pastor Bob – Luke 2:10, Mark 1:1, 14-15

            Hymns – 210, 522, SL 84

            7:00 pm – Youth

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9 -  

            6:15 pm – Meal

            7:00 pm – Classes for kids 2 yrs old – Grade 8

            7:00 pm – Adult Bible Study classes

            8:00 pm – Junior Singers

            8:00 pm – Chancel Choir

SUNDAY, JANUARY 13 – “Good News – It’s Near!” – Pastor Bob – Matthew 4:12-25

            Hymns – 41, SL 1, 327

            7:00 pm – Parents of Senior & Junior High Youth meeting at HMC

MONDAY, JANUARY 14 – 7:00 pm – Women’s Bible Study at SMRC

TUESDAY, JANUARY 15 – 1:30 pm – Friendly Circle

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16 – see January 9 schedule

SUNDAY, JANUARY 20 – “Good News – It’s Now!” – Pastor Bob – Luke 4:14-21

            Hymns – 25, SL 9, 332

            Noon Meal – served by Youth

            Following Meal – BMC Annual business meeting

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23 – see January 9 schedule

            9:00 pm – Deacons

SUNDAY, JANUARY 27 – “Good News – It’s for Everyone!” – Pastor Bob – Luke 4:43-5:11

            Hymns – 8, SL 2, 338

            7:00 pm – Youth

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30 – see January 9 schedule

THURSDAY, JANUARY 31 – 7:30 pm – Church Council

 

BUHLER MENNONITE CHURCH  “NEWS”

FEBRUARY, 2008, Vol. 22  No. 2

 

“Though our feelings come and go, God’s love for us does not.”  --C.S. Lewis

Come and worship every Sunday! 

9:30 am Sunday School classes

10:30 am Worship Service

 

 

CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP SUPPER

5 TO 7 PM

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13,

BUHLER MENNONIE CHURCH, 220 WEST AVENUE B

MISSION PROJECTS:  Handicapped paved parking at BMC

Pleasant View Home of Inman

WDC’s Vision 2012 Project

 

 

Beloved Lyrics

            At a women’s retreat in Arizona, the leader discussed the subject of passing faith to the next generation.  She divided the women into groups of five and asked each group to choose and then sing a cherished hymn.  The women were surprised to hear an overwhelming favorite:  the Sunday School standard “Jesus Loves Me.”

            Most of us probably can sing the first and last verses of that beloved song.  But do you know the other verses?  Here are the lyrics:

 

Jesus loves me!  This I know,

As He loved so long ago,

Taking children on His knee,

Saying, “Let them come to Me.”

(Refrain)

 

Jesus loves me still today,

Walking with me on my way,

Wanting as a friend to give

Light and love to all who live.

(Refrain)

 

 

 

Thoughts for Valentine’s Day

            Valentine’s Day, a time when thoughts turn to love.  But what is love?  Is it a box of chocolates, or a pretty valentine?  Is it a red rose, or maybe a dozen?  Is it a peck on the cheek, a fond embrace, or a big bear hug?

            Well, sometimes love is known in those ways.  But love, real love, is how we relate to God and to one another if life is what it ought to be -- beautiful!  --Author Unknown

 

IT’S PICTURE DIRECTORY TIME at Buhler Mennonite Church, on Friday and Saturday, March 14 & 15.  Together we make it special!

 

Everyone who attends Buhler Mennonite Church and everyone who is a member of Buhler Mennonite Church is invited to come here to take your picture on March 14 or 15.

 

Taking your picture will give you a spot in the new picture directory plus you will receive a free copy of the directory and a free 8 x 10 picture.

 

There is NO obligation to purchase any pictures but Olan Mills will offer you various choices of pictures to purchase and let you choose your pose for your free 8 x 10.  Again, there is no obligation to purchase any pictures.

 

We would like you to participate in our picture directory.  You may sign up for your picture taking appointment after the worship service on Sunday, February 10, 17, 24 and March 3.  You will also have an opportunity to sign up on Wednesday evenings.  You may also call the church office at 620-543-2733 and make an appointment or leave a message.

 

 

A look back at January starts off with the Midweek meal, Bible study classes, and choirs resuming their regular meetings.  The Youth are meeting with Pastor Matt usually on Sunday evenings.  They were also busy serving the noon meal at Buhler Mennonite and Hoffnungsau’s annual meetings.  The Youth served these meals as a fundraiser for their activities.

The Women’s Bible Study, Friendly Circle, Trustees, Deacons and other committees were among those who held meetings last month. 

Church Council was to be held on the 31st but was postponed one week.

 

 

A look ahead into February indicates a busy month.  Checking the calendar will show the planned activities.   Dorothy Nickel Friesen, WDC Conference Minister, was here on the 3rd to start us thinking about our church’s goals and vision of the years ahead.  Sunday School classes will discuss that for the next three Sundays.  Then Dorothy Nickel Friesen will come back for a wrap up of this in Sunday School and the worship service on March 2.

Communion will be observed next Sunday, 10th, along with installation of newly and reelected offices for committees and boards.

 

The Soup Supper will take place on the 13th, serving from 5 to 7 pm.  Come enjoy the chicken noodle soup, bread and pie and make a donation to three mission projects -- Pleasant View Home in Inman, WDC Project 2012, and our church’s handicapped paved parking.

 

 

We offer our congratulations to Pastor Matt Simon who recently received his credential of License for Specific Ministry by the Western District Conference of Mennonite Church USA.  This credential is valid as long as he is in his current position as Associate/Youth Pastor serving Buhler Mennonite and Hoffnungsau Mennonite Church.  May God’s Spirit bless him with peace and joy as he serves our churches.

 

 

 

 

 

 

BMC February 2008 Calendar – see next page

 

BMC CALENDAR – FEBRUARY, 2008

 

 

SUNDAY – Feb 2 – Dorothy Nickel Friesen will speak to Sunday School classes and preach in the     worship service.

            “God is in our Neighborhood!” – John 1:1-16 

            Hymns:  151, 359, 306

            5:00 pm - That Youth Thing at Pastor Matt’s house

TUESDAY – Feb 5 – 8:30 am – Make noodles for Soup Supper

            7:00 pm – Devotions at SMRC

WEDNESDAY – Feb 6 –

            6:15 Meal

            7:00 pm – Classes for 2 years old through grade 8

            7:00 pm - Adults,

            8:00 pm - Junior Singers

            8 pm – Chancel Choir

THURSDAY – Feb 7 – 7:30 pm – Church Council

SUNDAY – 10^th – Sunday School classes meet in groups to discuss Church goals and vision

            Communion service and installation of new offices and boards

            “Good News – It’s Harvest Time!” – Pastor Bob - Matthew 9:35-38,

            Hymns: 42, SL 25, 323

            Picture directory sign up starts

MONDAY – 11^th – 7 pm – Women’s Bible Study at SMRC

WEDNESDAY – 5 to 7 pm  - NOODLE SOUP SUPPER – Mission project for Pleasant View Home of        Inman, WDC Vision 2012, and BMC handicapped paved parking

SUNDAY, 17^th – Sunday School classes meet in groups to continue discussion of church goals & visions

            Picture directory sign up continues

            “Good News – Maybe/Maybe Not…” - Pastor Bob - Luke 2:18-23

            Hymns:  51, SL 20, 337

TUESDAY, 19^th – 1:30 pm – Friendly Circle

            7:00 pm – Trustees

WEDNESDAY, 20^th -

            6:15 pm - See Wednesday, February 6, for schedule

            9 pm – Deacons

SUNDAY – 24^th – Sunday School Classes continue to meet in groups

            Picture directory sign up continues

            “Good News – But Sin Is Still Sin!” -  Pastor Bob - Luke 16:16-17,

            Hymns:  54, SL 19, 331

            7:00 pm – Youth meeting

WEDNESDAY, 27^th – 6:15 pm – see Wednesday, 6^th schedule

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BUHLER MENNONITE CHURCH  “NEWS”

MARCH, 2008, Vol. 22  No. 3

 

“Prepare the child for the road, not the road for the child.”  --Unknown

“It’s God way or the highway.”

Come and worship every Sunday! 

9:30 am Sunday School classes

10:30 am Worship Service

 

 

WHY A FISH?

One of the most significant statements the early Christians used was “Jesus Christ, God’s Son, Savior.”

Because Greek was the universal language then (the New Testament books were written in Greek),

Christians often said and wrote, “Jesus Christ, God’s Son, Savior” in Greek.  That phrase, if printed as an acrostic (using the first letter of each word), looks like this:

I = Jesus

CH = Christ (anointed)

TH = God

U = Son

S = Savior

The acrostic forms the word ICHTHUS, which is Greek for fish.  If Christians needed to know where to gather for worship, they could look for a fish and perhaps an arrow pointing in the right direction.  Persecuted Christians, seeing a fish on the door of a home or business, knew it was a safe place occupied by fellow Christians.

 

 

We may have run this once years ago.  It is worth repeating.  --Pastor Bob

A FAX from God

To:  YOU

Date:  TODAY

From:  GOD

Subject:  YOURSELF

Reference:  LIFE

 

            This is God.  Today I will be handling all of your problems for you.  I do not need your help.  So have a nice day.  I love you.

            P.S.  And, remember... If life happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, do Not attempt to resolve it yourself!!  Kindly put it in the SFGTD (something for God to do) box.  I will get to it in MY TIME.  All situations will be resolved, but in My time, not yours.

            Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold onto it by worrying about it.  Instead, focus on all the wonderful things that are present in your life now.

            Should you despair over a relationship gone badly, think of the person who has never known what it’s like to love and be loved in return.

            Should your car break down leaving you miles away from assistance, think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk.

            Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering what is life all about, asking what is my purpose?  Be thankful.  There are those who didn’t live long enough to get the opportunity.

            Should you find yourself the victim of other people’s bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities, Remember, things could be worse.  You could be one of them!

            Should you decide to send this to a friend; Thank you, you may have touched their life in ways you will never know!

            Now, you have a nice day.

            --God

 

A look back at February ...

Shows the month was very busy.  Many people and lots of work along with lots of good fellowship made the mission soup supper go smoothly.  (Prayers and decent weather conditions helped too.)  We served 526 people and earned $4,247.80, which was divided equally between Pleasant View Home, Western District Conference and our church’s paved parking for handicap accessible use.

 

The Youth have been meeting and having several extra activities -- Super Bowl party, Thunder Hockey, Wichita Winter Jam, Snow Camp, assisting with Hoffnungsau’s preschool carnival and another new project, “Pick up your cross!”  Pastor Matt is gearing up to carry our big old wooden cross from Hoffnungsau to Buhler Mennonite on Saturday, March 22.  He and the Youth are accepting your donations to raise money for “Acting on AIDS,” so join in the spirit of the adventure and make your donation to Pastor Matt or talk to a member of the Youth Group.  Pastor Matt says the cross weighs 84 pounds! And the youth may have to give him an assist before the journey’s end.   Pastor Matt would also welcome anyone who would like to walk with him on his journey.

 

Our church had devotions at Sunshine Meadows this month.  The Women’s Bible Study continues to meet at Sunshine Meadows and is led by Renetta and Jo.  All ladies are welcome to attend.  The sewing circle met again and also invites others to join them.  Church Council had their reorganization meeting.  Other regular monthly meetings were also held.

 

On the 10th, we held an installation service for all the people newly elected or reelected to positions and offices in the church.  Along with that, we held a Communion service.

 

We express our sympathy to the family and friends of Alvin Siemens who passed away on February 15 at the age of 102! 

 

As we look toward the month of March we will have Dorothy Nickel Friesen coming back on the second to wrap up the work we have been doing on analyzing our church, what we do and what we can do better.  She will again speak to the youth and adults during the Sunday School hour and then preach in the worship service.

 

“Reputation is what people think you are...  Character is what you are when you’re alone with God.” 

            --Contributed

 

            A Prayer for those Growing Older

Lord, thou knowest that I am growing older.

Keep me from becoming talkative and possessed with the idea that I must express myself on                  every subject.

Release me from the craving to straighten out everyone’s affairs.

Keep me from the recital of endless detail.  Give me wings to get to the point.

Seal my lips when I am inclined to tell of my aches and pains; they are increasing with the years              and my love to speak of them grows sweeter as time goes by.

Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally I may be wrong.

Make me thoughtful but not nosey, helpful but not bossy.

With my vast store of wisdom and experience it does seem a pity not to use it all.  But thou knowest Lord,         that I want a few friends at the end.  --Author Unknown  --Contributed

Some upcoming events you might want to participate in--

*Spring Sunset Supper - an evening of fellowship and inspiration for ladies on Thursday, March 13, at Eden Mennonite Church.  Reservations are required by March 3.  A sign up sheet is on the bulletin board or speak to Eileen Stucky.

 

*Life Enrichment Series at Bethel College.

 

*Mothers of young children meet together for prayer and fellowship at Hoffnungsau on the first Friday of the month.  For more info call Becky Patterson at 345-7682.

 

*Comforter Blitz  at Yoder Mennonite Church on Monday, March 3, noon to 9 pm and on Tuesday, March 4, 9 am to 5 pm.  If you can tie a knot... come and help!  This is sponsored by Kansas Friends of MCC Comforter Blitz.  Baby sitting is available.  Donations accepted to defer the cost of batting.

 

*WDC Children’s Choir Festival, March 9, 4 pm at Bethel College Memorial Hall, directed by Mark W. Bartel.

 

*Bethel Mennonite, Inman, invites our congregation to come hear their Easter Cantata, “The Day He Wore My Crown” on Easter evening at 7 pm.

 

An activity to participate in--

*Collect the UPC and icon on Campbell’s products and General Mills Box tops for Education.  There’s a box in the church library

 

 

BMC CALENDAR – MARCH 2008

SATURDAY, MARCH 1 – 3:30 – Youth meet at HMC for Wichita Winter Jam

SUNDAY, MARCH 2 – 9:30 am – Dorothy Nickel Friesen will speak to Adult & Youth classes in      sanctuary

            10:30 am – Dorothy NF will bring the message – “God’s Life in Us” – John 1:1-16 (verse 4)

            Hymns:  SL 52, 413, 143 (verses 1-3, 6)

MONDAY, MARCH 3 – noon to 9 pm – Comforter Blitz at Yoder Mennonite Church

TUESDAY, MARCH 4 – 9 am-5 pm – Comforter Blitz at Yoder

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5 –

            6:15 pm – Meal

            7:00 pm – Classes for 2 years old – grade 8

            7:00 pm – Adult Bible Study classes

            8:00 pm – Junior Singers

            8:00 pm – Chancel Choir

SUNDAY, MARCH 9 – “Awful! – But still good news” – Pastor Bob – Acts 8:26-39

            Hymns:  SL 14, 338, “There is power in the Blood”

MONDAY, MARCH 10 – 7:00 pm – Women’s Bible Study at SMRC

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12 – Spring break – no meal – no classes

            7:30 pm – Junior Singers

            8:00 pm – Chancel Choir

THURSDAY, MARCH 13 – 7:00 pm – Devotions at Pleasant View Home

FRIDAY, MARCH 14 – 3:00 – 9:30 pm – Pictures taken for Picture Directory

SATURDAY, MARCH 15 – 10 am – 5 pm – Pictures taken for Picture Directory

            Youth – Snow Camp weekend

SUNDAY, MARCH 16 – “Triumph & Good News” – Pastor Bob - Luke 19:28-40               

            Hymns:  238, 491, SL 53

TUESDAY, MARCH 18 – 1:30 PM – Friendly Circle

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19 – see March 5 schedule

SATURDAY, MARCH 22 – 8:00 am – “Pick up Your Cross” with Pastor Matt & Youth – start at HMC

SUNDAY, MARCH 23 – 7:20 am – Sunrise service at Wheatland Park – finger food breakfast

            10:30 am – Worship service with cantata “Here is Love” sung by Chancel Choir

            Hymns – 285, SL 70, SL 49

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26 – see March 5 schedule

THURSDAY, MARCH 27 – MCC Sale planning meeting here

FRIDAY, MARCH 28 – Gala at Sunshine Meadows

SATURDAY, MARCH 29 – 4 to 6 pm – Youth help at HMC pre-school carnival

SUNDAY, MARCH 30 – “Following Christ:  One Foot after the Other” – Pastor Matt –

            Philippians 3:12-19

            Hymns – SL 80, “Just a little talk,” 544

            7:00 pm - Youth

 

BUHLER MENNONITE CHURCH  “NEWS”

APRIL, 2008, Vol. 22  No. 4

 

“Rejoice!  Jesus has risen!

“Kind words make good echoes.”

Come and worship every Sunday! 

9:30 am Sunday School classes

10:30 am Worship Service

 

The Greatest Man in History Jesus had no servants, yet they called Him Master. Had no

Degree, yet they called Him Teacher. Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer. He had no army, yet kings feared Him. He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.

He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.  He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.  It is an honor to serve such a Leader who loves us!

 

 

Random Thoughts to Ponder....

Grace

Grace is like getting two more days to complete an assignment even though you’ve goofed off for six weeks and missed the deadline.

Grace is getting another chance even though you haven’t earned it.

Grace is God’s unmerited favor, mercy and love, by which we are justified freely. 

            --Fritz Ridenour, The Newsletter Newsletter, April, 2008        

 

Short and sweet

            Nineteenth-century pastor Charles Haddon (C.H.) Spurgeon was known as the “prince of preachers.” He founded a seminary in London, now named Spurgeon's College, and taught young pastors-in-training how to prepare sermons.

            Spurgeon often gave students a Scripture text and then had them deliver extemporaneous sermons. One afternoon, he assigned Luke 19:1-10 to the shortest class member.

            The student immediately stood up and said, “Mr. President and brethren, my subject is Zacchaeus, and it is therefore most appropriate to me. First, Zacchaeus was little of stature, as am I. Second, Zacchaeus was up a tree; so am I. Third, Zacchaeus made haste to come down; so will I.”

            When the young man sat down, his classmates urged him to continue. But Spurgeon loved the sermon, saying, “No, he could not add anything to such a perfect little speech without spoiling it.”

            --The Newsletter Newsletter, April, 2008

 

 

"If you're on a journey away from God, you might as well surrender.  God does not give up.  Quitting 'aint' an option."  Nehemiah says, "The joy of the Lord is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10).

 

 

Amidst all the troubles in the world, God knows when each sparrow falls. He cares about our smallest problem, our biggest hurt, and our every joy. But we need to see our lives and ourselves in perspective. WE aren't the center of the universe. God is. We don't own our next breath. God does. Humbling isn't it?

 

 

Building a church

            Computer programmer Amy Hughes found a unique way to express her faith. The Lego enthusiast built a church out of 75,000 Lego pieces.

            The church is about 7' by 5 1⁄2' and seats 1,372 little Lego people. The building has almost 4,000 windows, mosaics, an altar and crucifix, a pulpit, a detailed pipe organ, a narthex, bathrooms, stairs and a balcony that seats an 80-member choir. Photos are posted at www.amyhughes.org/lego/church

            Hughes, who once dreamed of being an architect, spent a year and a half on her project, dubbed the Abston Church of Christ. (“Abston” is a fictional name derived from ABS, the type of plastic used to make Legos.)

            She also used the Lego church as an exercise in sermon writing. Pondering why people seek refuge in a house of God, Hughes writes, “The Lord is here because we are here, not because we built a beautiful building.”

            “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them” (Matthew 18:20, NRSV).  --The Newsletter Newsletter, April, 2008

 

 

A look back at March... started with Dorothy Nickel-Friesen coming back a second time to wrap up the first part of our church’s inquiry about where we are now and where we want to be a few years down the road.  She spoke to Sunday School classes and in the worship service.

            Some people attended the Comforter Blitz to prepare items for sale at the MCC Relief Sale.

            Pastor Matt, the Youth and some others made the trek from Hoffnungsau to Buhler Mennonite carrying an 84-pound wooden cross.  The seven last words of Christ were a part of this activity as they earned money for Aids.  The Youth have been busy in March with a variety of activities.

            The Chancel Choir gave a wonderful presentation of the cantata, “Here Is Love” on Easter morning.  Earlier in the morning some folks braved the cold and met at Wheatland Park for a sunrise service and breakfast.

            The men met at Daisy’s Deli on the 29th and heard a guest speaker.

            The MCC Relief Sale held a planning meeting at our church.  Many people helped out by baking dozens of cookies.

 

 

Prayer requests from Mennonite Mission Network (MMN):

April 6 - Pray that the staff of Korea Anabaptist Center may be able to respond to requests for new Anabaptist materials and that publishing through Korea Anabaptist Press will grow as a self-sustaining ministry. Mennonite Mission Network partners in this work.

April 13 - Mennonite Mission Network workers, Pat and Rad Houmphan, Thailand, request prayer that a suitable center will be found to expand ministry to Kosum Phisai, a new location where a local pastoral couple, Samarn and Somlid will give leadership.

April 20 - International Mennonite Voluntary Service participants Katherine Harnish and Matthew Yoder minister in Bradford, England, in an urban community with diversity and religious conflict. Pray for encouragement, love and safety for them and the community they serve.

April 27 - Pray that God will call new mission workers who will respond and be willing to serve with Mennonite Mission Network in the Mennonite church and school in La Mesa, Colombia. There are opportunities to assist with an English program and facilitate cross-cultural relationships.

 

 

“Life is like an onion:  You peel it off one layer at a time, and sometimes you weep.”  --Carl Sandburg

 

 

“To have grown wise and kind is real success.”  --Anonymous

 

 

“It is important that people know what you stand for.  It’s equally important that they know what you don’t stand for.”  --Mary Waldrop

BMC CALENDAR – APRIL, 2008

Sermon series – “When I grow up…”

 

TUESDAY, APRIL 1 – 6:30 pm – Ladies Salad Supper at church

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2 –

            6;15 pm – Midweek meal

            7:00 pm – Classes for kids 2 years old – Grade 8

            7:00 pm – Adult Bible Study classes

            7:15 pm – Sing 4 Joy practice

            8:00 pm – Junior Singers (grades 1-6)

            8:00 pm – Chancel Choir

THURSDAY, APRIL 3 –

            6:00 pm – Make noodles for MCC Sale

            7:30 pm – Church Council

SUNDAY, APRIL 6 – “When I was a child…” – Pastor Bob – Matthew 18:2-4, 1 Corinthians 13:11

            Hymns – 118, 336, 413

MONDAY, APRIL 7 – 7:00 pm – Education Committee

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9 – see schedule for April 2

FRIDAY, APRIL 11 – 7:00 pm – Kansas Mennonite Men Choir (KMMC) concert at MCC Sale.

FRIDAY & SATURDAY - APRIL 11 & 12 – MCC Relief Sale at fairgrounds in Hutchinson

SUNDAY, APRIL 13 – “Fill My Cup, Lord” – Pastor Bob – Ephesians 5:15-20

            Hymns – 5, SL 68, 536

            7:00 pm – Kansas Mennonite Men choir concert – Memorial Hall – Bethel College

MONDAY, APRIL 14 – 7:00 pm – Women’s Bible Study at SMRC – Luke 9:18-27

TUESDAY, APRIL 15 – 1:30 pm – Friendly Circle

            6:00 pm – Trustees

            7:30 pm – Praise Team

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16 – see April 2 schedule

            9:00 pm – Deacons

SATURDAY & SUNDAY – Women’s Retreat in Wichita

SUNDAY, APRIL 20 – “The Hypocritic Oath” – Pastor Bob – Acts 5:18-24

            Hymns: 66, SL 50, “Victory in Jesus”

            11:45 am – Catechism class (membership class) begins  - bring a lunch

            7:00 pm – Mark Wiens, from Hospice, will be our guest speaker this evening.  This will be an                            informative meeting.  Any interested people are welcome to attend.       

TUESDAY, APRIL 22 -  7:30 pm – Praise Team practice

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23 – see April 2 schedule

FRIDAY – SUNDAY, APRIL 25-27 – Mennonite Men of the Plains Men and Boys’ Retreat at Camp            Mennoscah

SUNDAY, APRIL 27 – “The Great I AM” – Pastor Bob – Isaiah 14:12-14, Ephesians 2:18-19

            Hymns – 46, SL 34, 444

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30 – see April 2 schedule

 

Buhler Mennonite Church “News”

May, 2008, Vol. 22, no. 5

 

A MOTHER’S PRAYER

Dear Lord, thank you for the blessings

of my children.  Help me rely on you for

guidance , patience and even-temperedness

throughout my days.

I want my children to love you, worship

you and serve you as best they can.  Grant

me wisdom to know how to influence them

to live godly lives.  Prevent me from provoking

my children to anger and from manipulating or

nagging them.

Fill our household with abiding love and respect,

and help us all be united in purpose to do your

will .  In the name of Christ our Lord.   Amen.

 

* * *

THE “M” WORD

During a science lesson, a second-grade teacher

demonstrated how a magnet can pick up metal

objects such as nails and screws.  Afterward,

she said, “My name begins with the letter ‘m’.

I pick up things with my power.  What am I?”

A boy quickly answered, “You’re a mother!”

 

* * *

“Prayer is the way we cooperate with God.”

“God loves you whether you like it or not.”

“See you in Church!”

 

* * *

Coming Events

Women and girls:

            We would like to have a ‘Girls weekend’ as we used to in years past.  This would be for little girls, big girls, middle age girls and mature girls.  The only requirement is that you are a ‘GIRL’!! We are in the beginning planning stage and would welcome anyone to help us out with your great ideas, talents, etc.

            We are looking at having this at Cross Wind in Hesston on Friday and Saturday, October 31 & November 1 of 2008.  (only dates available) 

Approximate cost for lodging and 3 meals would be $65 for mature girls, $35 girls 5-12, $15 for girls 5 & under. (The 3 meals would include supper Friday evening, breakfast & lunch on Saturday.)

If you have an interest in this, PLEASE, let us know before May 7 by using the sign up sheet in the hallway, calling or e-mailing the Church office at 543-2733 or bmcofficebuhlerks.net

            --Candi Sawatzky, Bonnie Danner, Pam Fast

 

Bible School:

VBS (Vacation Bible School) 2008 - “Power Lab” theme -

Monday June 9 - Friday June 13

4 year olds - Kindergarten - meet at South Church

1st - 6th grades - meet at Middle church     

If you’d like to help or have any questions, contact Lisa Goodwin at 543-2681.

 

Church Campers:

Camp Mennoscah Summer Camps — Our summer staffers are packing their bags and the camp registrations are flying in!  We have 9 exciting camps this summer based on “The Bible: Digging for Treasure,” and we’d love to see you there.  Camps are for grades 3-12 (fall of 2008)—make new friends or bring a friend with you!  Confirmation cards should be arriving for those campers who have already registered.  Please check the cards for any inaccurate information.  Questions?  Contact us at 620-297-3290 or campmnomennowdc.org

 

Camp Staff workers needed:

Camp Mennoscah Support Staff —We still have openings for nurses and kitchen staff for our summer camps!  Fun-loving nurses are needed for the weeks of June 1-5, June 5-7, June 8-14, June 22-28, and July 27-August 1.  Delightful and mischievous kitchen staff is needed for the weeks of June 1-5, June 8-14, June 15-19, July 6-12, July 20-16, and July 27-August 1.  Nurses are paid or receive a discount for a camper. Parent volunteers receive a discount for a camper, and surely you haven’t forgotten the free camp tee shirt!  Contact Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290 or campmnomennowdc.org

 

“My mother had a great deal of trouble with me, but I think she enjoyed it.”

            --Mark Twain

 

 

MCC Sale    -  The quilts sold at this year’s sale are listed on the sale website (www.kansas.mccsale.org) along with their bid.

            A picture perfect weekend equaled a picture perfect 40th Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale with early sale totals equaling $406,500.

            “This weekend marked the 40th birthday of the Sale,” said Rod Chrystie, Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale chair. “After what has seemed like a long winter, folks came out in droves to join in the festivities. 

            “Friday night, we were blessed to have the Kansas Mennonite Men’s Chorus present a wonderful music program.  And Saturday, the calm winds and bright sun welcomed every one back for a full day of eating, working, bidding and maybe a little more eating. Many thanks to all for helping us raise much needed funds that will make a difference in lives all across the world.”

            The quilt auction total was estimated at $113,000. There were 24 of the 200 plus quilts that sold for over $1,000. The top selling quilts were “Thelma’s October Garden” by the Piece Makers, Pleasant Valley Mennonite Church, Harper, for $5,400 and “Lily Garden” by Whitestone Mennonite Church, Hesston, for $5,700.

            The general auction raised $4,600 Friday night and $49,000 on Saturday with the two antique tractors raising $4,700 for the Minneapolis Moline Model U and $4,000 for the Cockshutt Series 30.

            Other notable totals include:

            Silent Auction $3,000 (approx.)

            Quilters’ Corner $13,700

            Ten Thousand Villages $12,500

            Penny Power Collection $19,252

            11th Run for Relief $18,700

            Feeding the Multitude (German Buffet)                          $32,000

            The 41st annual KMRS is scheduled April 17 & 18, 2009 at the Kansas State Fairgrounds, Hutchinson. For more information about this year’s sale and updates on next year’s sale, log on to www.kansas.mccsale.org.

 

Looking back at April... we found that we had many special opportunities to be involved in church related activities.  The month started with the Ladies Salad Supper where they enjoyed hearing Carolyn Stucky speak about aprons.  A group of people made lots of noodles to sell at the MCC Sale.  Then we had the MCC Relief Sale, the Kansas Mennonite Men’s Choir concerts, Women’s Retreat in Wichita, and Men and Boys Retreat at Camp Mennoscah.                                     Student Services asked Dustin Galyon, Men’s basketball coach from Hesston College, to speak to the Youth in Sunday School and to share in worship.

            The Peace and Social Concerns committee

held an informative meeting for anyone interested in learning more about  the work of Hospice of Reno County and about volunteering at Hospice.

            Thank you to Chancel Choir and Junior Singers for their participation in our worship services.  They will take a break for the summer.

            Midweek activities held their last meeting for this spring.  They will resume meeting again in fall.  Thank you to all the people involved in these missions of our church

 

Ascension  Day - Forty days after each Easter, many Christians around the world celebrate the Ascension.  It’s the day when the resurrected Jesus was raised up from the earth into heaven.  The Ascension is the prelude to Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came upon a gathering of people, including the apostles, in Jerusalem.

            The Ascension is more important than many Christians realize.  In His human body, Christ could be in only one place at a time.  The risen Christ, however, can be spiritually present in any place at any time.

 

In honor of Mother’s Day here are some momisms.  For the complete list you can go to

http://www.corsinet.com/braincandy/mom.html --

A little “birdie” told me!

Am I talking to a brick wall?

Beds are NOT made for jumping on.

Call me when you get there, just so I know you’re okay.

Did you comb your hair?  brush your teeth?

Don’t eat that, you’ll get worms!

Don’t pick that scab, it’ll get infected.

Don't run in the house.

Enough is enough!

Go play outside!  It’s a beautiful day!

Going to a party?  Leave a phone number in case I need to call.  Who’s going to be there? 

            Will the parents be home?

How do you know you don’t like it if you haven’t tasted it?

I don’t care what “everyone” is doing.  I care what  YOU are doing!

I don’t have to explain myself.  I said no.

I just want what’s best for you.

I’m doing this for your own good.

I’m not going to ask you again.

Put that down!  You don’t know where its been!

What did I say the FIRST time?

When I was your age....

You’ll understand when you’re older.

Go ask your father.

You just ate an hour ago!

 

BUHLER MENNONITE “NEWS”

May 2008, Vol. 22  no. 5

 

Sunday, May 4 – “X-rated Prayer!” – Pastor Bob – Acts 4:24-31

            Hymns:  521, 11, SL 6

            11:45 am – Catechism

            2:30 pm – Inman Bac . At HMC

            7:00 pm - That Youth Thing at HMC

Wednesday, May 7 – 7:00 pm – Nominating Committee

            8:00 pm – Music Committee

Saturday, May 10 – 3:00 pm – Inman High Graduation

Sunday, May 11 – “You are my People” – Pastor Bob – Hebrews 8:8-12; 10:16-25

            Hymns: 502, 356, SL 32

            11:45 am – Catechism

            BHS Bac .

            Pentecost

Monday, May 12 – 7:00 pm – Women’s Bible Study

Wednesday, May 14 – 6:30 pm – Chancel Choir Fish Fry at Wheatland Park

            7:30 pm – Junior Sunday School Teachers meeting

Saturday, May 17 – Church Council retreat at Kansas Sampler

            10:00 am – BHS Grad

Sunday, May 18 – Pastor Matt preaches

            11:45 am – Catechism

            7:00 pm – That Youth Thing at HMC

Tuesday, May 20 – 1:30 pm – Friendly Circle

Wednesday, May 21 – 9:00 pm – Deacons

Sunday, May 25 – “A Chronicle of Faithfulness” – Pastor Bob – Acts 26

            Hymns:  SL 16, 528, “Stand up, Stand Up for Jesus” (words on the wall)

            11:45 am - Catechism

 

Buhler Mennonite Church “News”

June, 2008, Vol. 22, no. 6

 

Come to Bible School! 

All children are invited to attend Bible School on June 9 – 13.

Children ages 4 - Kindergarten (completed) will attend here at Buhler Mennonite Church.

Children in grades 1 – 6 (completed) will attend at Mennonite Brethren (middle) Church.

 

“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.

If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”

--Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama

 

Through the eyes of a child -- Children's Bible in a Nutshell

In the beginning, which occurred near the start, there was nothing but God, darkness, and some gas. The Bible says, 'The Lord Thy God is one, but I think He must be a lot older than that. Anyway, God said, 'Give me a light!' and someone did. Then God made the world.

 

He split the Adam and made Eve. Adam and Eve were naked, but they weren't embarrassed because mirrors hadn't been invented yet. Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating one bad apple, so they were driven from the Garden of Eden.  Not sure what they were driven in though, because they didn't have cars.

 

Adam and Eve had a son, Cain, who hated his brother as long as he was Abel.  Pretty soon all of the early people died off, except for Methuselah, who lived to be like a million or something.

 

One of the next important people was Noah, who was a good guy, but one of his kids was kind of a Ham. Noah built a large boat and put his family and some animals on it. He asked some other people to join him, but they said they would have to take a rain check.

 

After Noah came Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jacob was more famous than his brother Esau, because Esau sold Jacob his birthmark in exchange for some pot roast.  Jacob had a son named Joseph who wore a really loud sports coat.

 

Another important Bible guy is Moses, whose real name was Charlton Heston.  Moses led the Israel Lights out of Egypt and away from the evil Pharaoh after God sent ten plagues on Pharaoh's people. These plagues included frogs, mice, lice, bowels, and no cable. God fed the Israel Lights every day with manicotti.

 

Then he gave them his Top Ten Commandments.  These include don't lie, cheat, smoke, dance, or covet your neighbor's stuff. Oh, yeah, I just thought of one more: Humor Thy father and Thy mother.

 

One of Moses' best helpers was Joshua who was the first Bible guy to use spies. Joshua fought the battle of Geritol and the fence fell over on the town.

 

After Joshua came David. He got to be king by killing a giant with a slingshot. He had a son named Solomon who had about 300 wives and 500 porcupines. My teacher says he was wise, but that doesn't sound very wise to me.

 

After Solomon there were a bunch of major league prophets. One of these was Jonah, who was swallowed by a big whale and then barfed upon the shore.  There were also some minor league prophets, but I guess we don't have to worry about them.

 

After the Old Testament came the New Testament. Jesus is the star of The New Testament.  He was born in Bethlehem in a barn. (I wish I had been born in a barn, too, because my mom is always saying to me, 'Close the door! Were you born in a barn?' It would be nice to say,  'As a matter of fact, I was.')

 

During His life, Jesus had many arguments with sinners like the Pharisees and the Republicans. Jesus also had twelve opossums. The worst one was Judas Asparagus. Judas was so evil that they named a terrible vegetable after him.

 

Jesus was a great man. He healed many leopards and even preached to Some Germans on the Mount. But the Republicans and all those guys put Jesus on trial before Pontius the Pilot.  Pilot didn't stick up for Jesus. He just washed his hands instead.

 

Anyways, Jesus died for our sins, then came back to life again. He went up to Heaven but will be back at the end of the Aluminum.  His return is foretold in the book of Revolution.  -- Author unknown

                        (contributed via email)

 

 

The greatest goal to pattern after!

          An eye witness account from New York City, on a cold day in December, some years ago: A little boy, about 10-years-old, was standing before a shoe store on the roadway, barefooted, peering through the window, and shivering with cold.

            A lady approached the young boy and said, 'My, but you're in such deep thought staring in that window!'

            'I was asking God to give me a pair of shoes,' was the boy's reply.

            The lady took him by the hand, went into the store, and asked the clerk to get half a dozen pairs of socks for the boy. She then asked if he could give her a basin of water and a towel. He quickly brought them to her.

            She took the little fellow to the back part of the store and, removing her gloves, knelt down, washed his little feet, and dried them with the towel.

            By this time, the clerk had returned with the socks. Placing a pair upon the boy's feet, she purchased him a pair of shoes.   She tied up the remaining pairs of socks and gave them to him. She patted him on the head and said, 'No doubt, you will be more comfortable now.'

            As she turned to go, the astonished kid caught her by the hand, and looking up into her face, with tears in his eyes, asked her.

            'Are you God's wife?'

 

 

Looking back at May included Catechism classes, graduations, a shower, Bible Study, teachers meeting, council retreat, youth meetings, circle, and many committee meetings.

            John and Janice Albertson requested that their church membership be transferred to Kansas City. 

 

 

A Father’s influence...  Studies show that if the mother of a family attends worship, there’s a 16 percent chance that the rest of the family will also attend.

            Yet when a father attends worship, there’s a 93 percent chance that other family members will be present too.

            Just think, Dad, of the clout you have.  Hope to see you in church this weekend!

 

Fun in Sunday School...   A Sunday school teacher was explaining how God created Eve out of Adam’s rib.  Suddenly, a student who enjoyed showing off started groaning and grabbing his side.

            When the teacher asked what the boy’s problem was, he said with a smile, “I have a pain in my side.  I think I’m going to have a wife.”

 

Dad’s Incredible...

Author Jim Wallis tells how his young son ends telephone conversations with him.

            “Daddy,” the boy says, “I love you, I like you and you’re incredible.”

            What makes an “incredible” father?  It isn’t as difficult as it might seem.  Children, of course, aren’t awed by the size of your paycheck, office or retirement account.  Instead, it’s the simple, everyday gestures that make you a No. 1 dad.

            In Stories for the Family’s Heart, Steve Stephens offers some surefire ways to be incredible in your kids’ eyes:

            *play tic-tac-toe and hide-and-seek

            *be consistent

            *buy ice cream cones

            *don’t discipline in anger

            *count stars together

            *pray with (and for) your children

            *hug and say “I love you” often

 

Happy Father’s Day!

Fathers - Have a nice day! 

God bless!

BUHLER MENNONITE  CALENDAR

June 2008

 

Sermon theme for June – Christian Maturity

 

Sunday, June 1 – “Is it enough to wait?...”

            Matthew 25:14-30

            Hymns – 16, 384, SL 24

           

Tuesday, June 3 – 7 pm – Devotions at Pleasant View Home

Wednesday, June 4 – 7:30 pm – Education Committee

Thursday, June 5 – 7 pm – Devotions at Sunshine Meadows

Saturday, June 7 – 3 pm – Men’s meeting at Goessel

 

Sunday, June 8 – “I’m getting Cs”

            Hebrews 10:1-14

            Hymns – 19, 340, SL 25

 

Monday – Friday, June 9 – 13 – Community Bible School

            4 years old – Kindergarten (completed) – here at Buhler Mennonite

            Grades 1 – 6 (completed) – meet at Mennonite Brethren (middle) Church

Thursday – June 12 – 7:30 pm – Church Council

 

Sunday, June 15 – “A desire for greatness…”

            Philippians 2:1-11

            Hymns – 12, 366, SL 27

            Election – Confirmation of Education & MCC Committees

 

Wednesday, June 18 – 9 pm – Deacons

Saturday & Sunday, June 21 & 22 – Church at Camp Mennoscah

 

Sunday, June 22 – 10:30 am – Worship service at Camp Mennoscah

            Baptism following worship service

            Fellowship meal following baptism

 

Friday & Saturday, June 27 & 28 – Western District Conference at Hesston College

 

Sunday, June 29 – “A story to tell the nations”

            Romans 10:9-17

            Hymns – 17, 311, SL 31

 

 

 

Buhler Mennonite Church “News”

July, 2008, Vol. 22, no. 7

 

How would you feel…

If God gave us the same amount of time and attention that we devote to Him?

If God put as many things ahead of us as we put ahead of Him?

If God offered as many excuses as we do and if the excuses were not more justifiable than ours?

If God’s promises were no more certain than ours?

If God withheld His blessings from us as we withhold our offerings to Him?

 

“Continue to have faith and do what you know is right. 

Some people have rejected this, and their faith has been shipwrecked.”

1 Timothy 1:19

 

From Pastor Bob:  In the midst of all that has been going on in our church family -- funerals, weddings, baptisms, surgeries and illnesses, and regular things -- I have been continuing to think about the visioning process we began.

            The Church Council had a Saturday retreat to begin to focus a little more clearly on the areas we as a church said were most important:  Youth program, existing programs, and attracting new members, community involvement.

            We continue to want to make sure we are communicating, hearing from you and sharing with you.  We focused our attention and thoughts on the last 3 (mentioned above) thinking that we’re working diligently at the Youth program already.  If you have some specific ideas about these other areas we would appreciate your comments.

            The Thursday, July 10 Council meeting will again be working with the vision for our church.  We ask for your prayers, support, patience and ideas.

 

Friends of Buhler Mennonite Church... Your help is needed to raise the necessary funds to pave the church parking lot.  It started out as a project to pave an area for handicapped parking and recently the congregation voted to pave the entire parking lot.  Since this is a major undertaking, we are asking everyone reading this newsletter to consider making a contribution to the “Paved Parking Lot” project.  As of yet we are not equipped to accept donations via credit card so if you are willing to help with this project, please make your checks payable to Buhler Mennonite Church, designate the paved parking project, and mail your donation to P. O. Box 188, Buhler, KS 67522.  Thank you and God bless!

 

Question:  What is big enough for the whole church and satisfying for just one person?

Answer:  The Steps Toward Peace Traveling Peace Trunk. This incredible selection of Peace materials is coming here to our church soon!

 

Would you like to rent the facilities at Camp Mennoscah for your family or other group of people?  Camp Mennoscah has a few weekends that are open, and we’d love to have your group or family visit.  Both Main Camp and the Retreat Center are available July 19-20.  The Retreat Center (only) is available August 29-31.  Main Camp (only) is available July 26-27.  Contact Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290 or campmnomennowdc.org for more information.

 

The month of June had several big events -- Bible School and Camp Mennoscah weekend that included baptism, a ventriloquist, a fellowship meal, etc.  The Men had an enjoyable time visiting and viewing the antique machinery at Jerry Toews farm at Goessel.  Many committees also met during the month.

 

Please remember Monte and Andrea Wilson in your prayers as they continue to struggle with adequate finances, their visas and the legal process in Nicole's adoption.

 

The Hopi Mission School in Kykotsmovi, Ariz., is in need of certified teachers for the coming school year.  If you or someone you know is a Christian educator willing to serve with MVS in this unique location, apply immediately at Service.MennoniteMission.net.

 

Hi Friends!  If you had a chance to read our last update, you may have noticed that we're going through some hard times and are also feeling spiritually attacked.  We are getting a little discouraged.  I'd mentioned that Sabrina was sick and that we all had colds, well praise the Lord; Sabrina has gotten better (she had a fever of 103).  But Kayla got a lot worse and in fact, we thought we might have to intern her, but on Friday, she took a turn for the better, again praises the Lord!  Needless to say, it's been a long week... Friday night we received a message letting us know there are more financial difficulties to come.  Last month we had tried to get $300 out of the ATM machine and it didn't give us the cash, but debited our account.  You may remember this happened a year or two ago w/ $600!  In that case, we were able to get the problem resolved.  This time we thought it was resolved.  The bank had credited back the money the following week, with an impending investigation to come.  Well this time unfortunately, according to their "investigation," we did receive the money (which we're sure we didn't).  So they removed the money from our account today.  That means that we will be overdrawn this month!!!!  The bank here confirms that no cash was distributed but apparently our bank in the US didn't receive the fax.  The man who attended me before is on a month-long vacation and his assistant was unable to help me today but will keep trying.  Also, our bank in the US said there's no way to appeal the decision.  At any rate, we're still trying.  Please pray that the issue will get resolved and the $300 will be returned to us and that we will not be overdrawn this month!!!!  Also, please pray for our funding in general- Nicole starts school again next month and we have no money to pay for it!!!  We are so discouraged!   We are looking at our possessions and trying to decide what we can afford to sell.  We can't sell our home unfortunately, because we need it for the adoption.  Afterwards we can of course, but that doesn't help with our current situation.  Please pray!!!!   We feel like we can't go home (the US), but we can't afford to stay in our current situation as things are.  This is so hard!  Thanks for lifting us up!

             By the way, we do know God's in control and has perfect timing and we don't doubt that for a minute, but we do definitely need prayer!!  We will be spending Fridays in prayer and fasting over the visas, adoption, and finances.  If anyone would like to join me in prayer and fasting that day, it would be much appreciated.  Thanks again!

            In His Hands, Andrea Wilson

 

A Great Way to Live... and be happy!...

Make up your mind to be happy. 

Learn to find pleasure in simple things.

Make the best of your circumstances. 

Don’t take yourself too seriously.

You can’t please everybody.  Don’t let criticism worry you.

Don’t let your neighbor set your standards.  Be yourself.

Do the things you enjoy doing but stay out of debt.

Never borrow trouble.

Since hate poisons the soul, do not cherish jealousy.  Avoid people who make you unhappy.

Have many interests.  If you can’t travel, read about new places.

Don’t hold postmortems.

Don’t spend your time brooding over sorrows or mistakes. 

Don’t be one who never gets over things.

Do what you can for those less fortunate than yourself.

Keep busy at something.  A busy person never has time to be unhappy.

And don’t forget to be thankful!  Have a nice day!

                        --contributed via email

 

More on the subject...

The most useless thing to do - worry

The greatest joy - giving

The greatest loss - loss of self-respect

The most satisfying work - helping others

The ugliest personality trait - selfishness

The most endangered species - dedicated leaders

The greatest “shot in the arm" - encouragement

The greatest problem to overcome - fear

The most effective sleeping pill - peace of mind

The most crippling failure disease - excuses

The most powerful force in life - love

The most dangerous pariah - a gossiper

The world’s most incredible computer - the brain

The worst thing to be without - hope

The deadliest weapon - tongue

The two most power-filled words - I can

The greatest asset - faith

The most worthless emotion - self pity

The most prized possession - integrity

The most beautiful attire - a smile

The most powerful channel of communication -

            prayer

The most contagious spirit - enthusiasm

The most important thing in life - GOD

Have a great day!  Everyone needs this list to live by...  Pass it along!  

            --contributed via email   --author unknown

           

 

 

 

BUHLER MENNONITE  CALENDAR

July 2008

 

Sunday, July  6 – Communion service

            “The is Not a Yoke!”

            Mark 8:34-38, Matthew 11L29-30

            Hymns:  16, SL 13, 59

           

Monday, July 7 – 7:30 pm – Ministerial Committee

Thursday, July 10 – 7:30 pm – Church Council meeting

Sunday, July 13 – Hymns: 14, SL 24, 154

            7 pm – That Youth Thing at HMC

Monday, July 14 – 7 pm – Women’s Bible Study at SMRC

Sunday, July 20 – Hymns: 48 vs 1,3,7, SL 28, 102

Saturday, July 26 – Youth service day

Sunday, July 27 – Hymns: 37, SL 26, 68

            Contemporary Worship Service

            7 pm – That Youth Thing at HMC

Buhler Mennonite Church “News”

August, 2008, Vol. 22, no. 8

 

“The proof of the validity of any religious

Doctrine is to be found, not in the description

Someone gives us of the event, but in the

Transformation of the lives of the believers.

            --Author unknown

 

The small boy was reciting his bedtime prayer:

“Lord, if you can’t make me a better boy than

I am, don’t worry about it.  I’m having a great

Time as it is.”  --Author unknown

 

“For I AM with you to RESCUE and SAVE you,” declares the LORD.  Jeremiah 15:20 NIV

 

Thinking with Renetta...

           

            Renetta writes:   First of all, thanks to Pam at Buhler Library for obtaining a book that was so accurately described in Mennonite Weekly by Katie Funk Wiebe.  The book came from Bluffton University library.

            Secondly, thanks to Tena for allowing me to read it.  We always hear how our Mennonite forefathers suffered “for their faith.”  Starting with the Protestant Revolution, 16th century Europe, discrimination, migration and disruption was a way of life for the anti-baptists.  The ruling Roman Catholic Church was intolerant to religious diversity.

            Menno Simons (1496-1561), a Catholic priest from the Netherlands shared teachings - thus sect of Mennonites.  The shared culture, unique language, specific belief system created unification among groups.

            Fleeing to Prussia to escape imprisonment and live their religious creed, the Mennonites established churches, schools, and farmed rich land along the Vistuala River near Danzig.

            Then in 1780 the military resistance and practices posed a threat until Catherine the Great invited these Mennonites to establish homes in fertile Russia, living this golden age of prosperous farming and living for 140 years.  But these prosperous times came to the attention of  Lenin - 1920 - resulting in Bolshevik Revolution and plans to force these prosperous farmers into Siberian slave labor camps.  Some of these families had been deported from Ukraine, Prussia, Russia and some managed to go to Canada.  But those left to be hauled to Siberian camps suffered robbery, famine, starvation, forced labor.  But the story relates they still had hope that release would come.

            It is not an easy book to read when thinking of all of our “needs and wants.”

 

            Katie Funk Wiebe reviews the book in her column, “On My Desk,”  in The Mennonite Weekly.  She writes, “On my desk is Remember Us:  Letters from Stalin’s Gulag (1930-37), Vol. 1:  The Regehr Family compiled by Ruth Derksen Siemens, published by Pandora Press, 2007, 391 pages, $39.  In her review she relates experiences of Jasch and Maria Regehr and their family and their years of anguish in the Soviet gulags.  The writer refers to this time as “the other Holocaust” the forgotten one.  The Regehrs missed leaving the Soviet Union by 12 hours.  Other relatives escaped to Canada.  The column is posted on the bulletin board in the east hallway for those who would like to read the whole review.

 

            Tena writes:  It was my privilege recently to read the book “Remember Us:  Letters from Stalin’s Gulag (193-37), vol. 1:  The Regehr family” compiled by Ruth Derksen Siemens.  It was a hard read because it showed in shockingly endless detail the plight of Russian people in their daily struggle to find food to eat and to work in bitter cold felling trees and stumps and infinite suffering.  This family had relatives in Canada and they wrote continuously to beg for food and money just to stay alive.  It made me feel guilty about my vast supply of food and living necessities and I feel I should never ever complain about little problems when they had so little.  Even the children had to go out to work in the bitter cold with poor worn out shoes and never enough food - one piece of bread daily for the worker and sometimes even that was denied.  Mothers could not give their children anything.  Once in a while the mother could scrounge around and make a thin soup, but never could they satisfy their hunger completely.  Every day was the same routine, no Sunday worship or rest.  Our forefathers were no sissies.  They have much to teach us about being grateful for the abundance we enjoy daily and about sharing with fellow pilgrims around us.

 

            Renetta writes:  What peaked my interest in this book was in removing walls in our “fixer-upper” home we found German papers of 1932 - 1940.  Through Tena’s expert help reading the Lionshate, Vowarts, Der Wahrheitsfreund, the translated lists of donors and what was sent to Russia and Siberia to various families.  The Bargen and Regehr families mentioned in the book were not listed, but since the Bargen family went to Canada, their support was sent from there.  They also corresponded to reports of receiving money or a package since most of the time packages and letters were censored before giving to recipients.

            Of interest to Elmer in Der Wahrheitsfreund of July 30, 1941, Tena found his grandmother’s obituary, Aganetha Doerksen (8-26-79 - 6-19-41).

            What a gift Tena has in translating!

 

(Thanks to Renetta and Tena for sharing about a very interesting book.)

 

Please remember to make your donations to the Paved Parking fund by placing your check in the offering or mailing your check to P. O. Box 188, Buhler, KS 67522 and designating “Parking lot.”

 

School supplies are now on sale so this would be a good time to begin gathering school supplies to donate to MCC.  School kit contents for MCC:  4 spiral or perforated notebooks (about 21.5 cm x 2 cm/8.5 in x 10.5 in and 70-80 sheets, 4 unsharpened pencils, 1 ruler (flat, flexible plastic; indicating both 3 cm and 12 in), 12 colored pencils (in packaging), 1 large pencil eraser

 

The 13th annual Agri-Urban Day on the Farm will be held Saturday, 16th, at the Maynard Knepp and Carol Duerksen farm (3 miles north, 4 miles east and 3/4 mile north of Goessel).  This family event runs from 10 am to 3 pm and includes animals, activities and food.  Agri-Urban was developed to bring farmers and urban dwellers together to support Western District Conference, Bethel College and Mennonite Church USA.  The success of Agri-Urban is dependent on contributions made by both farmers (who raise the animals) and urban dwellers (who contribute toward feed costs).  To contribute send checks payable to Mennonite Agri-Urban, c/o Ben Schrag, Treasurer, 406 Wedgewood Ct, Hesston, KS 67062 or bring them to Day on the Farm and enjoy all the great activities.

 

From MCC:  Over the past five years, 2.8 million people have fled their homes for safer locations within Iraq. In response to requests from three long-term partner organizations, MCC is undertaking a $2 million humanitarian crisis response. MCC is sending 20,000 relief kits, 62,000 blankets, 62,000 school kits, 12,000 newborn kits and 5,500 sewing kits to be distributed in 11 of the 18 governates in Iraq. Relief kits are urgently needed. Other items such as heavy blankets, newborn kits and sewing kits also are required.  To help cover the cost of shipping these items to Iraq, MCC is asking for a cash donation of $10 with each kit.  Please check the MCC website mcc.org/iraqrelief for a detailed list of Relief Kit contents.  Please contact MCC Central States with any questions at 316.283.2720.

 

Mennonite Women’s and Girls’ Retreat , September 5-7 at Camp Mennoscah, “The Woven Threads of Sisterhood,” with featured speakers Raylene Hinz-Penner & Debbie Schmidt.  Registration information is on bulletin board.

 

Read this all the way to the end.

I was testing the children in my Sunday School class to see if they understood the concept of getting to heaven. 

I asked them, ‘If I sold my house and my car, had a big garage sale and gave all my money to the church, would that get me into Heaven?’

‘NO!’ the children answered.  ’If I cleaned the church every day, mowed the yard, and kept everything neat and tidy, would that get me into Heaven?’

Again, the answer was, ‘NO!’ 

By now I was starting to smile.  Hey, this was fun!

‘Well, then, if I was kind to animals and gave candy to all the children, and loved my husband, would that get me into Heaven?’  I asked again.

Again, they all answered, ‘NO!’

I was just bursting with pride for them.

‘Well,’ I continued, ‘then how can I get into Heaven?’

A five year old boy shouted out, ‘YOU GOTTA BE DEAD!'’

Don’t be too busy today...  Share this hilarious message with friends and family!

            --contributed via email 

 

 

 

 

BUHLER MENNONITE  CALENDAR

August 2008

 

 

 

Sunday, August 3 – “He IS the Prince of Peace!”

            Isaiah 9:6-7, Acts 5:29-31, 1 John 2:1-2          

            Hymns:  43, SL 26, 334

 

Sunday, August 10 – “Jesus Would Not Shoot!?

            Romans 12:9-21

            Hymns:  326 vs 1-4, SL 11 vs 1,2,4, SL 40

 

Monday, August 11 – 7 pm – Women’s Bible Study at SMRC

Wednesday, August 13 – 7 pm – Carnival meeting for anyone willing to help

Thursday, August 14 – 7:30 pm – Church Council

Saturday, August 16 – 10 am – 3 pm – Day on the Farm

 

Sunday, August 17 – “On Whose Side Do You Stand?”

            Joshua 24:14-16. Romans 15:5-13

            Hymns: 68, 411, 367

            6 to 8 pm – Pool party and ice cream social

 

Sunday, August 31 – Promotion Sunday

            Hymns: 59, SL 10, 421 vs 1-4

 

Buhler Mennonite Church “News”

September, 2008, Vol. 22, no. 9

 

When there appears to be no way, God makes a way.

 

"If you're on a journey away from God, you might as well surrender. 

God does not give up.  Quitting isn’t an option." 

 

May today there be peace within.

May you trust your highest power that you are exactly where you are meant    to be.

May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.

May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that         has been given to you.

May you be content knowing you are a child of God.

Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to     sing.

It is there for each and every one of you.

 

“No job is boring if we can see God’s purpose in it.”

 

“The dignity of labor depends not on what you do but on how you do it.”

          --E.O.Grover

 

PEACE SYMBOLS and how they remind us to be peacemakers:

HEART - Love everyone, especially those hard to love.

ROAD SIGN - God’s commandments are rules that guide us to respect and live in peace.

PERSON - We are to love God and neighbor with our whole being.

FOOTPRINT - Sometimes the way to peace is to walk away from conflict.

FEATHER - Words float around like feathers.  Kind words bring peace.

ADHESIVE BANDAGE - Saying we’re sorry and kind actions help heal hurts.

OLIVE BRANCH - Planting with hope can bring peace.  Choose to do good.

PUZZLE - Each of us has a place in God’s family.  We can fit together well.

DOVE - We hope for life without violence.

GOLD RING - Everyone should be treated equally, with love and fairness.

WRIST BAND - Peacemakers dress with God’s armor.  God gives peaceful protection.

HEART - Reach out to others with love.   --Author Unknown   (contributed)

 

                                              Are you Aware??

In response to EARTH NEWS “GOOD WILL INDUSTRIES STORE” does a brisk business.

 

Do our Church Members really know what is happening at our own Thrift store here in Hutchinson?  Ten Thousand Villages and Et Cetera Shop, and all MCC Thrift Stores are a significant part of the Green Revolution.

 

“MCC Recycle for Humanitarian Aid Report” from the 2008 Bi National Thrift Shop Conference:  The four ladies that founded the MCC Thrift Shop concept in 1972 were guests of the conference in Winnipeg.  Linie Friesen, one of the four ladies, was asked, “ what did you do about recycling in those days?”   Her answer was “that is what MCC Thrift is all about.”

 

The week of August 11, 2008, Hutchinson Et Cetera Shop sent 24 barrels of clothing, 4 large boxes of shoes, two large boxes of purses and belts, 4 large boxes of stuffed toys to MCC Resource Center in Newton.  This is just a small amount of what the Shop recycles biweekly.  Area Thrift Shops also contribute to this project.  For the first six months of 2008, the Resource Center had an income of $12,438 from sales of these items to brokers.

 

Hutchinson Et Cetera Shop special projects:

            Boxes of personal items are donated to New Beginnings

            Eye Glasses are given to the Lions Club

            T-shirts and towels are cut into rags and sold by the bag

            Rugs are made from jeans, bedspreads and corduroy

            Recycle bins for glass, plastic, aluminum, paper and cardboard

Please shop at Ten Thousand Villages and the Et Cetera Shop --

            “YOUR DOLLAR IS AS GREEN AS THE NEXT PERSON’S!”

            --Ray and Mandy Dick, BMC Representatives to Hutchinson EtCetera

 

Attention:  Church Council is recommending that everyone who has email send their address to the church office bmcofficebuhlerks.net with the idea that starting in 2009 the newsletters and other communication from the church will mostly be sent via email.

 

The Junior Department Sunday School classes with the congregation’s help, is collecting school supplies for MCC now until the end of September.  Please bring your supplies to the box in the east hallway.

 

Supplies for MCC school kits:  4 spiral or perforated notebooks (about 21.5 cm x 2 cm/8.5 in x 10.5 in and 70-80 sheets), 4 unsharpened pencils, 1 ruler (flat, flexible plastic; indicating both 3 cm and 12 in), 12 colored pencils (in packaging), 1 large pencil eraser

 

Urgent need!   MCC is sending Relief Kits, blankets, school kits, newborn kits, sewing kits and heavy blankets to Iraq from now through October.  Check the MCC web site for details or the bulletin board at church.

 

Mark your calendars for Sunday, September 28, for a fun time at the church carnival!!  Bring your children, grandchildren, neighbors, friends and relatives and enjoy the fun and fellowship!  Watch the bulletin for details.

 

Midweek starts on Wednesday, October 1.  You may want to consider making these Wednesday evening activities part of your weekly schedule throughout the school year (October through April).  The evening begins with a meal and then Bible study is offered for all ages as well as opportunities to sing in the Chancel (adult) choir or in the Junior Choir (grades 1-6).

            Consider joining the choir and enjoy excellent reserved seats for the low price of only one evening a week for choir practice.

 

A look back at August...  starts with congratulating Jessie Neufeldt and Rainer Bass on their recent marriage.

            Congratulations to Chris and Haley Ledbetter on the birth of their daughter Madeline Jean.  Grandparents are Bill and Pam Fast and great grandparents are Kenny and Marianne Froese.

            The Women’s Bible Study had their regular meeting at SMRC.  Church Council and the Education Department had meetings.  The Education Department also hosted a pool and ice cream party on the 17th which included over 105 people in attendance.

            We offer our sympathy and prayers to the family and friends of Pauline (Mrs John) Zielke who recently passed away.

            We also offer our sympathy and prayers to Don and Sharon Ratzloff and family on the passing of Sharon’s mother, Velma Dyck.

            Promotion Sunday was held on the 31st which included all the children through the eighth grade.  Each one was recognized and each received a small gift.

 

New Library Books - Beyond Tuesday Morning by Karen Kingsbury - FDNY widow Jamie Bryan volunteers at the Twin Towers memorial chapel. Stunned to meet the brother of Eric Michaels---the man with the uncanny resemblance to Jamie's husband, the man who assumed his identity after 9/11, the man she vowed to never see again---she shuts down. Will reading her dead husband's journal help her move on?

 

118 Days: Christian Peacemaker Teams Held Hostage in Iraq by Tricia Gates Brown - On November 26, 2005 Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) members Tom Fox and Jim Loney along with delegation members Norman Kember and Harmeet Sooden were kidnapped in Iraq. Tom Fox was killed on March 9, 2006. Jim, Norman and Harmeet were freed two weeks later on March 23 after 118 days of captivity. The kidnapping of these four men was like a rock thrown into a pond. This book describes the ripples on the water, the impact and results of that rock. Ripples in the lives of CPT teams and the communities in which they work. Ripples among families and friends of those taken. Ripples across the world in faith communities, prisons, in the media and among their audiences, and in the lives of the four men. Dozens of Muslim leaders who knew CPT's peacemaking work courageously called for the release of the CPT delegation. Christian leaders in turn called for justice for the 14,000 Iraqis held by Multinational Forces in Iraq without charges or access to their families.

 

The M-2 (Match Two) program of Offender / Victim Ministries is offering orientation for new volunteers on several dates in September and October at the Hutchinson Correctional Facility East Unit.  These dates are Sept 16, 18 and October 14 and 16. All trainings are from 6:30 – 9:30 pm.

            M-2 is an in-prison Christian friendship program. Your friendship, love and concern can be the catalyst for lasting inner changes.  Most of the inmates in M-2 receive no other visits than those of their M-2 friend.  More than 50 men are waiting to be matched. A volunteer commits to visit one evening per month.  Contact OVM (316-283-2038) to submit your name and other required information several days prior to the intended training so that clearances may be obtained for admission to training      You may also email .

 

 

BMC CALENDAR – SEPTEMBER, 2008

Wednesday, 3^rd – 7 pm – Music Committee

Friday, 5^th – 2 – 6 pm – Bloodmobile here at BMC

Saturday & Sunday, 6^th – 7^th – Mennonite Women’s & Girls’ Retreat at Camp Mennoscah

Sunday, 7^th – High School Youth

Monday, 8^th – 7 pm – Women’s Bible Study at SMRC

Thursday, 11^th – 7 pm – Devotions at Pleasant View Home

Saturday, 13^th – Jumpstart seminar

Sunday, 14^th – High School Youth

Wednesday, 17^th – 7 pm – Carnival meeting

            “  - 9 pm – Deacons meeting

Sunday, 21^st – High School Youth

Thursday, 25^th – 7:30 pm – Church council meeting

Sunday, 28^th – Church Carnival

 

Buhler Mennonite Church “News”

October, 2008, Vol. 22, no. 10

 

 

"For He will command His angels concerning you

to guard you in all your ways."

Psalms 91:11

 

“He has showed you, O man, what is good;

and what does the Lord require of you but to

do justice, and to love kindness and to walk

humbly with your God.”  Micah 6:8 RSV

 

 

“Only God is in a position to look down on anyone.”

“You never have to explain something you haven’t said.”

“Been taken for granted?  I know how you feel.  –God”

 

 

 

You are invited

Mission Festival with David Greiser from Hesston College

Fellowship Meal

Sunday, October 26

 

 

This Is My Church

It is composed of people like me. 

We make it what it is. 

I want it to be a church that is a lamp to the path of pilgrims, leading them to                  Goodness, Truth, and Beauty.  It will be, if I am.

It will be friendly, if I am friendly.

Its pews will be filled, if I help fill them.

It will do great work, if I work.

It will make generous gifts to many causes, if I am a generous giver.

It will bring other people into its worship and fellowship, if I bring them.

It will be a church of loyalty and love, of fearlessness and faith, and a church                  with a noble spirit -- if I, who make it what it is, am filled with these.

There with the help of God, I shall dedicate myself to the task of being all the things I     want my church to be.  --author unknown

 

 

Advantages of joining the choir...

1.  You have excellent seats and are assured a reserved seat for Christmas and Easter.

2.  From your advantageous seat, you can smile at, gawk at, ignore and otherwise enjoy the rest of the people in the congregation.

3.  The pastor is nearly always looking the other way.

4.  You’re in a wonderful spot to see new members.

5.  The cost for all these benefits?  Just one evening a week.

6.  Oh, yes, one more reason to join the choir:  You’re a leader in the worship experience.

 

Food for thought...  Fringe Benefits

Can faithfully attending worship actually raise your income?  MIT economist Jonathan Gruber thinks so.  In a study, he found that income increases by 10 percent when people double their church attendance.

            Gruber proposes these possible reasons:

*Churchgoers join in fellowship with one another, resulting in social and job networking.

*They support one another during losses and setbacks.  Such encouragement helps people do their best in all of life’s endeavors.

*Churchgoers tend to be less stressed by everyday life, enabling them to work creatively and be more productive.

            Boosting one’s bank account isn’t the reason most people go to church, of course.  But it’s interesting to note that worshipers reap both spiritual and earthly rewards. 

            --Newsletter Newsletter, 9-08

 

Looking back at September included many activities -- a community Bloodmobile, Mennonite Women’s Retreat at Camp Mennoscah, Women’s Bible Study, Devotions at Pleasant View Home, Teachers’ meeting, Church Council, Youth meetings, several church committees, and the Church Carnival! 

            Thank you to B.J. Parsons and Melaney Dick for their leadership of the carnival preparations and for the many people who pitched in and helped in so many ways!  It was a fun event enjoyed by many!

            The parking lot was poured last week Saturday and will soon be ready for use.  Thank you to the many who have donated to this expense.  We still have a long way to go to get this expense paid off so your donations are very much appreciated.  Please send them to P. O. Box 188, Buhler, KS 67522 or you may place your check in the offering plate on Sunday mornings.

 

Urgent need!   MCC is sending Relief Kits, blankets, school kits, newborn kits, sewing kits and heavy blankets to Iraq through October.  You may collect the items for the relief kits and/or make monetary donations to MCC.

Contents (NEW items only) for Relief Kits --

• 4 bars bath soap (110-140g / 4-5 oz, in wrappers)

• 1  plastic bottle shampoo (380-710 ml / 13-24 oz; place bottle in a resealable plastic bag)

• 10 cups powdered laundry detergent (double bag in 4 liter / 1 gallon resealable plastic bags)

• 1 squeeze-tube toothpaste (minimum 130 ml / 6oz; leave in box)

•  4 adult-size toothbrushes (leave in packaging)

•  4 new bath towels (medium weight, dark color)

•  1 hairbrush (remove packaging)

•  1 comb (20 cm / 8")

•  1 fingernail clipper

•  1 box adhesive bandages (minimum 40, assorted)

•  1 package sanitary pads (18-24 thin maxi or ultra thin)

Place contents in a box or bag and bring the kits to the east hallway at church.  The kits will be taken to MCC at North Newton where they will be packed in new 5 gallon plastic pails with lids.

 

The Mission Festival offering will go 3/4 to MEA (Mennonite Education Agency) and 1/4 to Hesston College.   The list is on the table in the east hallway.

 

You will find a variety of pamphlets on the literature table at the back of the sanctuary relating to different concerns, problems, illnesses, etc.  These are for you to take, read and share as you wish.

 

Ladies and girls!  We are bringing back the Buhler Mennonite Girls weekend.  The dates are Oct. 31 & Nov. 1 at the Cross Wind Conf. Center in Hesston.  We are going to have SO much fun!  The theme for the weekend is “Laughter”.  This is for little girls, big girls, middle age girls and mature girls, moms, daughters, granddaughters… you get the picture. The only requirement is that you are a ‘GIRL’!!

            We will have booths set up on Friday evening of lots of different things to play with -- Scents, Exercise, Make-up, Jewelry, Crafts, Art, and more.  Saturday we will be joined by a Christian Comedian.

Please see the signup sheet in the hallway.  Each person will receive a t-shirt designed especially for this occasion.  Cost is:  Child (under 5) $15 ea. (5-12) $35. Ea.  Adults—4 to a room would be $65 ea. or 2 to a room would be $75 ea. These rooms are similar to hotel rooms with several beds and a private bath.  This includes supper Friday, breakfast & lunch Saturday.  --Pam Fast, Bonnie Danner, Candi Sawatzky

 

Greensburg Mennonite Church will hold a dedication ceremony on Sunday, November 2, for their new church building.  This South Central Conference church was destroyed nearly 1 1/2 years ago in the May 4, 2007 tornado.  All are invited to help celebrate this joyous occasion.  Call South Central Conference for details:  316-284-1421.

 

 

WDC invites you for an evening of singing hymns, storytelling, and music featuring Jonathan Larson, longtime Mennonite pastor and speaker about Africa - its beauty and travail.  Everyone is invited to Bethel College Mennonite Church, Sunday, October 26 at 7:00 p.m.

 

From Camp Mennoscah-- Can you believe it?  MennoFolk Family Camp is almost here!  Brochures have been sent and activities have been planned.  Come join us October 10-12 for smores, music, and all sorts of camping fun.  Contact Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290 for more info.

 

Grapevine, a group of Christian educators who share and brainstorm issues, ideas and solutions, will gather at 7 p.m. on Thurs, Oct 9 at the WDC office. All are welcome! Call Marlene Bogard--316-283-6300.

 

 

BMC CALENDAR – OCTOBER, 2008

WEDNESDAY, Oct 1 – 6:15 pm – Meal

            7 pm – Bible Study for 2 years old through Grade 8

            7 pm – Bible Study for Adults

            (NOTE:  No Junior Singers nor Chancel Choir meet this week.)

SATURDAY, Oct 4 – Buhler Frolic

            Bethel College Fall Fest

SUNDAY, Oct 5 – World Wide Communion Sunday

            “Celebrate the Joy” - Pastor Matt – Nehemial 8:1-18

            Hymns: “Here I am to worship” – words on the wall,

            SL 97, no. 119 vs 1, SL 48,  SL 76

            6:30 pm – Youth meet at HMC

TUESDAY, Oct 7 – 7 pm – Devotions at Sunshine Meadows

            7:30 pm – Baby shower for Haley & Madeline in church basement

            7:30 pm – MCC Meat Canner Committee meeting – in Fellowship Hall

WEDNESDAY, Oct 8 - – 6:15 pm – Meal

            7 pm – Bible Study for 2 years old through Grade 8

            7 pm – Bible Study for Adults

            8 pm – Junior Singers (grades 1-6)

            8 pm – Chancel Choir (Adults & Youth)

SUNDAY, Oct 12 – “Offer A Hand!” – Pastor Bob – Nehemiah 5:9-13

            Hymns: 49, 395, SL 67

            6:30 pm – Youth meet at HMC

MONDAY, Oct 13 – 7 pm – Women’s Bible Study meets at SMRC

WEDNESDAY, Oct 15 - 6:15 pm – Meal

            7 pm – Bible Study for 2 years old through Grade 8

            7 pm – Bible Study for Adults

            8 pm – Junior Singers (grades 1-6)

            8 pm – Chancel Choir (Adults & Youth)

SUNDAY, Oct 19 – “Take A Stand!” – Pastor Bob – Nehemial 6:3-13, 15-16

            Hymns: 53, 396, SL 63

            5 pm – Youth – corn maze and hot dog roast

            Elmer & Renetta Kroeker’s 50^th anniversary open house

MONDAY, Oct 20 – 7 pm – Church Council

TUESDAY, Oct 21 – 1:30 pm – Friendly Circle

WEDNESDAY, Oct 22 - 6:15 pm – Meal

            7 pm – Bible Study for 2 years old through Grade 8

            7 pm – Bible Study for Adults

            8 pm – Junior Singers (grades 1-6)

            8 pm – Chancel Choir (Adults & Youth)

SUNDAY, Oct 26 – Mission Festival with David Greiser from Hesston College

            Hymns:  60, 398, SL 71 vs 1-3, 6

            Fellowship Meal

WEDNESDAY, Oct 29 - 6:15 pm – Meal

            7 pm – Bible Study for 2 years old through Grade 8

            7 pm – Bible Study for Adults

            8 pm – Junior Singers (grades 1-6)

            8 pm – Chancel Choir (Adults & Youth)