Creekside Church of the Brethren Connection March 2017 Christian Practices Beloved, we are God’ s children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when Christ is revealed we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. 1 John 3:2 Wednesday, March 1, is the first day of the season of Lent. Lent is the 40 days before Easter (not counting Sundays) when the church remembers the gospel stories of Jesus’ life and ministry and our own call to be shaped as Jesus’ followers. [You can read more about the Ash Wednesday service and Lenten series at Creekside in this Connection]. Traditionally, Lent has been a time for the faith community to join in confession, prayer, tithing, and acts of service. Sometimes Lent is characterized as a time to give things up: some small sacrifice (such as eating chocolate, or singing “Alleluia” in worship) to remind us of the immeasurable sacrifice which Christ made. Another way to look at Lent is to consider adding a practice to strengthen our faith and our faith community. Team Spirit will be suggesting a different Christian practice for each week of Lent. Some are intended to be done alone, but many could be done as a family or small group. Christian practice may mean some solitude or quiet, but the intent is to prepare us for engagement with the world—God’s world. Consider what practices come most naturally to you, and which will stretch you in your spiritual growth: if it’s easy for you to withdraw in prayer, think about signing up to help with an outreach event; if you’re someone who likes to plan and organize projects, see if you can spend some time with God which isn’t agenda-driven. Here are some convictions about Christian practices which will inform Team Spirit ’s leadership as we walk the journey of Lent together: 1. God wants to be in relationship with us. We were created to be in relationship with God. Christian practices are not about being told what to do as they are being reminded who we are called to be. 2. Relationship takes effort. God is always reaching out to us, but like human relationships, there needs to be effort on both sides for relationships to grow deeper and stronger. Relationships take attention, patience, and persistence. “I do not call you servants any longer . . . but I have called you friends.” John 15:15 3. Relationships are supported in community. We do not come to Christ by ourselves, and we cannot remain faithful to Christ by ourselves. Our individual gifts, practice, and growth strengthen the body of Christ. “The gifts he gave were . . . to equip the saints for ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” Ephesians 4:11-12 4. Christian practice is not an end in itself. We are not shaped as people of faith for our own sake, or even for the sake of the Church. We are shaped to be aligned with the Holy Spirit ’s vision and call to work for wholeness in a broken world. “All this is from God, who reconciled himself to us through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 5. Christian practice is for all of us. It is for all ages, and anyone at anyplace on a spiritual journey. It is never too early to begin, and Christian practice is a life-long process. It is for our whole being. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind and with all your strength.” Mark 12:30 Come walk with us! Pastor Rosanna for Team Spirit
Transcript
Creekside Church of the Brethren
Connection
March 2017
Christian Practices Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed.
What we do know is this: when Christ is revealed we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. 1 John 3:2
Wednesday, March 1, is the first day of the season of Lent. Lent is the 40 days before Easter (not counting Sundays) when the church remembers the gospel stories of Jesus’ life and ministry and our own call to be shaped as Jesus’ followers. [You can read more about the Ash Wednesday service and Lenten series at Creekside in this Connection]. Traditionally, Lent has been a time for the faith community to join in confession, prayer, tithing, and acts of service.
Sometimes Lent is characterized as a time to give things up: some small sacrifice (such as eating chocolate, or singing “Alleluia” in worship) to remind us of the immeasurable sacrifice which Christ made. Another way to look at Lent is to consider adding a practice to strengthen our faith and our faith community. Team Spirit will be suggesting a different Christian practice for each week of Lent. Some are intended to be done alone, but many could be done as a family or small group. Christian practice may mean some solitude or quiet, but the intent is to prepare us for engagement with the world—God’s world. Consider what practices come most naturally to you, and which will stretch you in your spiritual growth: if it’s easy for you to withdraw in prayer, think about signing up to help with an outreach event; if you’re someone who likes to plan and organize projects, see if you can spend some time with God which isn’t agenda-driven.
Here are some convictions about Christian practices which will inform Team Spirit’s leadership as we walk the journey of Lent together: 1. God wants to be in relationship with us. We were created to be in relationship with God.
Christian practices are not about being told what to do as they are being reminded who we are called to be.
2. Relationship takes effort. God is always reaching out to us, but like human relationships, there needs to be effort on both sides for relationships to grow deeper and stronger. Relationships take attention, patience, and persistence. “I do not call you servants any longer . . . but I have called you friends.” John 15:15
3. Relationships are supported in community. We do not come to Christ by ourselves, and we cannot remain faithful to Christ by ourselves. Our individual gifts, practice, and growth strengthen the body of Christ. “The gifts he gave were . . . to equip the saints for ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” Ephesians 4:11-12
4. Christian practice is not an end in itself. We are not shaped as people of faith for our own sake, or even for the sake of the Church. We are shaped to be aligned with the Holy Spirit’s vision and call to work for wholeness in a broken world. “All this is from God, who reconciled himself to us through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
5. Christian practice is for all of us. It is for all ages, and anyone at anyplace on a spiritual journey. It is never too early to begin, and Christian practice is a life-long process. It is for our whole being. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind and with all your strength.” Mark 12:30
Come walk with us! Pastor Rosanna for Team Spirit
If you would like more information, you may contact
Finance Team chair Roger Griffith or
Treasurer Ted Noffsinger.
General Fund 2017
INCOME EXPENSES 2017 BUDGET ~$189,240 total
January $14,848.84 $14,095.86 $15,770.00
YTD total $14,848.84 $14,095.86 $15,770.00
TEAM SPIRIT REPORT
This seems to be all-season weather, although Lent is just around the corner. Information about Lenten activities appears elsewhere in this Connection. From confession and ashes to the resurrection, it is a time for spiritual reflection and growth. May it be so.
You should have received a letter from me this week announcing my retirement. While it is a transition that I have anticipated, it will mean some adjustment for all of us. Some of you told me early on that it was hard for you to make the adjustment to calling me Pastor Elizabeth. Now in several months we must all recognize my transition from pastor back to member. Thanks for your support and friendship past, present and future.
It is important that Cary and I spend some time away from Creekside in order to mentally make this transition real for you and for us. How long that will be depends on a number of factors, but we will be back. Creekside has been “home” since 1984!
Meanwhile, Shalom Team will meet with Rosanna to hear her thoughts for ongoing ministry. The team will make a recommendation to church board. If you have any comments to share, Cary or Cal would be glad to hear from you.
Blessings to you during these 40 days of Lent. “Alleluia” is coming soon!
Pastor Elizabeth for Team Spirit
General Fund 2016
INCOME EXPENSES 2016 BUDGET ~$203,640 total
January $16,229.50 $13,048.95 $16,970.00
February $17,539.00 $16,562.82 $16,970.00
March $12,703.29 $18,796.21 $16,970.00
April $16,366.81 $15,769.50 $16,970.00
May $19,488.85 $16,044.81 $16,970.00
June $12,248.00 $16,028.37 $16,970.00
July $11,754.25 $16,009.56 $16,970.00
August $18,063.25 $17,020.84 $16,970.00
September $14,994.41 $14,773.89 $16,970.00
October $17,598.32 $17,058.37 $16,970.00
November $11,408.95 $14,668.08 $16,970.00
December $21,343.06 $14,705.48 $16,970.00
YTD total $189,737.69 $190,486.87 $203,640.00
Note: 2016 expenses exceeded 2016 income by $749.18.
PANCAKE SUPPER AND ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE
March 1 is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Creekside and our neighbor congregation, Elkhart Valley, will be sharing a meal and worship that evening. Pancakes were a traditional way of cleaning out the butter and sugar in the kitchen in preparation for the fasting of Lent. Pancakes and sausage will be served in the Creekside Gathering Area between 5:30 and 6:30pm on March 1. Join us for food and fellowship! You may make a donation to cover costs, if you wish. Thanks to our friends from Elkhart Valley for sharing in the preparation of the meal.
At 6:45, we will move into the Worship Center for worship. This service will include singing, scripture, a time of confession, and the imposition of ashes for those who wish to participate. It will be led by Pastor Mike Martin from Elkhart Valley, and Pastors Elizabeth and Rosanna. The service will last about 40 minutes. The choir will rehearse in the Worship Center following the service.
Blessings as we begin the journey of Lent. Pastor Rosanna for Worship and Fellowship Teams
GOSPEL MATTERS, LENT 2017
Our themes for Lent will draw on the musical tradition of American spirituals. Spirituals (called “sperichils”) were spontaneously composed by African American slaves in the field or slave quarters or camp meetings. Slaves used them as work songs to coordinate a rhythm to get a task done. Christian spirituals
helped slaves express personal feelings and cheer each other on. Eventually spirituals became “code words” for runaway slaves. “Swing low, sweet chariot” referred to the Underground Railroad. “Home” could refer to heaven or to a haven for slaves. During the Civil Rights era, songs like “We shall overcome” became a mantra for freedom.
We will use a different gospel song as a theme for each Sunday, and suggest a Christian practice for that service or during the coming week. We’ll print these suggestions in each week’s bulletin.
Blessings for the journey! Team Spirit and Worship Team
Wednesday, March 1 Ash Wednesday 6:45pm service “Standin’ in the Need of Prayer” Psalm 51, Matthew 6:1-6 CONFESSION Confession is good for the soul, they say, and Lent is one of the times we acknowledge that we are sinners. The gospel confronts us with that truth, but it says much more. God wants us back. God takes us as we are. God helps us change. This spiritual practice invites us to repent and return to God.
Sunday, March 5 Lent 1 “Jesus Walked this Lonesome Valley” Matthew 4:1-11 Temptation of Jesus FASTING Fasting is a practice of being mindful about what we eat. Whether this means skipping a meal, or changing your habits by preparing something simple, fasting is a way of acknowledging that our bodies and our appetites are part of what we bring to our Christian practices.
Sunday, March 12 Lent 2 “As I Went Down to the River to Pray” Matthew 3:1-6, 13-17, 17:1-9 Baptism and Transfiguration BELOVED BY GOD We hear so many voices telling us who we are or should be. The voice we need to hear says, “This is my beloved child in whom I am well pleased.” Why is it so hard for many of us to believe that? And if we really believe it, how would it change our lives?
Continued on next page...
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Christian Ed Team at Creekside is pleased to welcome 3 new members to our team: Lodema Hoke, Jan Nicodemus, and Betty Snyder. We are so pleased to have them join us!
Our team co-chairs for 2017 will be Kathy Royer and Jan Weaver. Rosemary Pletcher will continue as secretary. Judy De Pue will be the Children’s Sunday School Coordinator. Jan Nicodemus and Lodema Hoke will work together on the Nursery Coordinator’s position. Betty Snyder will assume the Religious Materials Coordinator position.
At our next CE meeting on March 15th, we will be planning for summer Vacation Bible School.
We will need people to partner with us in the following duties: class lesson leaders, crafts leader, game leader, advertising coordinator, snack providers, etc.
Please let one of us know how you see yourself helping prior to our March meeting. (Some of you have already expressed interest.)
Anyone is welcome to come to our planning meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, the 15th of March at Creekside.
Judy De Pue, Christian Education chair
GOSPEL MATTERS, LENT 2017 Continued from previous page
Sunday, March 19 Lent 3 “Just a Closer Walk with Thee” John 3:1-17 Jesus and Nicodemus PRAYER Prayer may be the most familiar Christian practice, and it can take many forms. The daily examen is a specific prayer practice which begins each morning with a blessing for the coming day, and a request for God’s guidance. Each evening prayer is a review of the events of the day and a request for forgiveness and peace.
Sunday, March 26 Lent 4 “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen” John 4:5-42 The Woman at the Well SPIRITUAL FRIENDSHIP Anam Cara is a Celtic term meaning “soul friend” or “spiritual friend.” In everyone’s life, there is a great need for an Anam Cara. We become for each other a place to be understood for who we are without mask or pretention. When we are understood, we are at “home.”
Sunday, April 2 Lent 5 “There is a Balm in Gilead” John 9:1-41 Jesus heals a man born blind PRAYING IN COLOR For some people, words are difficult and get in the way of praying. This is a way of praying visually. On paper, circle the names of people you are concerned for. What do you admire about them? How would you like God to help them? Use colors or markers to make a visual prayer.
Sunday, April 9 Lent 6 “When the Saints Go Marching In” “Were You There?” Matthew 21:1-1, Matthew 26 and 27 FEETWASHING/SCRIPTURE READING Everyone is invited to our Maundy Thursday service on April 12. We will have feetwashing as a sign of service and friendship. In the act of washing his disciples’ feet, Jesus turned an ordinary practice of hospitality into a practice of servanthood and love. They were shocked—this person they expected to someday be a Deliverer was doing a servant’s job! But this humble act was an expression of Jesus’ love, and a lesson to be servants to all. Following our Love Feast service, we will journey to the cross by singing spirituals and reading scripture.
Sunday, April 16 EASTER “Go, Tell it on the Mountain!” Matthew 28 Resurrection Join your church family for Easter Sonrise at 8:00am followed by breakfast, and morning worship at 10:00am. There will be no Sunday School this day. Share the good news!
EVERENCE
Everence encourages each of us to connect our faith with our charitable giving plan. 1 Timothy 6:18-19 speaks to this: “They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life.” We are called to live in such a manner that generosity becomes part of our lifestyle as well as part of our identity in Christ. This requires intentionality, an openness to God’s leading and a real desire to help others.
Everence has a number of charitable tools that can help each of us maximize our giving. For more information, check out the Charitable Services section of the Everence website at everence.com/everence-charitable-services.
Jan Nicodemus, Creekside Everence Advocate
CREEKSIDE USHERS
Creekside Ushers had their annual meeting and Leonard Snyder was officially named Head Usher with Lodema Hoke our Asst. Head Usher as well as Usher Funeral Coordinator. The following will be our regular ushers: Steve De Pue, Ted and Lynne Foland, Karen Lewallen, Jan Weaver and Ellen Wilson. Asst. Ushers will be Ron Green, David Hoke, Myron Miller, Ted Noffsinger and John Zerbe. They are officially our DREAM TEAM USHERS. Thank you to all for the spectacular job you do!!!
Worship Team
Dear Creekside Family and Friends,
Thank you for your prayers, concern, calls, cards and support with the passing of Bryce Wallace, fiancé of Jill Noffsinger Brenneman. We remark often, “What do people do in times like this who don’t have a church family?”
Thank you for your love and kindness. Ted and Sue Noffsinger Jill, Isabella, Zoë, Wesley Brenneman and “Little Bear” Barrett William Wallace
SPREADING PB&J
Thank you for sharing Praise, Blessing, and Joy in the month of February! With cash donations of $83.28 we were able to donate a large jar of peanut butter and a large jar of jelly to Susanna’s Kitchen in Elkhart for their homeless ministry. We also purchased 40 small jars of peanut butter and several large jars of peanut butter and jelly, and you donated a whole table full of PB&J which will go to the food pantry at Church Community Services.
There’s still time to share some calorie-free PB&J with a note of thanks, support or encouragement using the notecards on the ushers’ table in the Gathering Area. Taste and see that the Lord is good!
Pastor Rosanna for Worship Team
YOUTH SPAGHETTI DINNER
We know what’s good for you! Mama Sue’s spaghetti sauce and great desserts made for a terrific youth fund-raiser. After expenses, the Youth Activities Fund cleared nearly $500. THANK YOU for your generous donations!
Special thanks to Anne Griffith, Scott and Angi Harney, and to the Creekside Youth for their hard work to make this dinner a success.
Rosanna and Tim McFadden
CAMP MACK CORNER
Summer Camp early registration deadline: Register with Jan Birr by March 12 to avoid the late charge of $30 ($15 for Beginners & Samplers). Campers not requesting financial assistance from Camp Mack may register online. If you register online, please let your Camp Rep know.
Volunteer Work Camps help prepare Camp Mack for summer. Help on March 13-15 and April 3-5 for a couple hours or for all three days. Call the Camp at 574-658-4831 to volunteer.
Camp Mack’s Annual Dinner is March 17th. Hors d’oeuvres begin at 6:15 p.m. with the banquet starting at 7:00pm. Cost is $25/person for undesignated seating; Reserved tables: Table of 6 - $300; Table of 7 - $350; Table of 8 - $400. Those purchasing a table will be put in a drawing for the Charlwood Quilt, a beautiful quilted king size quilt. Call the camp office for reservation details.
Mothers and daughters, ages 5 and up, are invited to the Mother Daughter Retreat, March 18-19. This year’s theme is “Camping or Glamping” This is always a popular and fun event. Fee: $163 for mother and daughter pair, $72 for each additional person.
Spring Quilt Retreat: April 19-23. Due to its popularity, we have added a Wednesday evening arrival option for this quilt retreat. (April only) Register today.
CIT (Counselor in Training) Training: Counselor in Training is available for those ages 15+ and ready to learn how to be a camp counselor. April 21-23. $50 registration fee. Application required.
Pastors Sabbath: April 4-5, led by Mike Overpeck. Please encourage your pastor(s) to attend. $20.
UPCOMING GET AWAY DAYS: April 1: Primitive Utensils April 29: Target Sports and Container Gardening
PRAYER REQUESTS: Children making summer camp decisions, Camp Mack staff, those applying for Summer Staff, and program and support volunteers.
CONCERT: FRIENDS WITH THE WEATHER
Singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalists Seth Hendricks, Chris Good, and David Hupp are the founders of the new musical project, Friends with the Weather. Many in Northern Indiana know Good & Hendricks as the song-writing team behind Mutual Kumquat. Mutual Kumquat has performed across the country at many Brethren events including Annual Conference, National Youth Conference, and National Older Adult Conference. They have released 6 self-produced albums.
The band will be performing in concert at the Manchester Church of the Brethren on Saturday, March 11 at 7pm in the first concert of the church's new concert series.
Debbie Chinworth, music staff chairperson at Manchester Church of the Brethren says, "We hope to host a concert each year and are delighted that ‘Friends with the Weather’ will kick off the series." A free-will donation will be accepted at the concert.
March 2017
CREEKSIDE WOMEN: SAVE THE DATE
Ladies, mark your calendar on Saturday, April 22nd for another spring retreat for the ladies of the Church of the Brethren congregations in northern Indiana and beyond.
Sponsored by: Agape Church of the Brethren to be held at their church in Ft. Wayne from 9:00am-3:00pm.
Theme: "What's Your Story? - You make an eternal difference"
Speaker: Holly Parks, worship pastor at First Church of God in Columbia City, who has a passion for teaching. She is looking forward to bringing her message of Christ and music as she shares her story and challenges us to share our stories to impact the kingdom.
Invite your friends and family to save the date and go along with you.
