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The Ridgeway Newsletter Vol. 12 Issue 2 • September 2013 http://ridgewaymennonite.org • [email protected] Ridgeway Mennonite Church 546 E. Franklin Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-434-3476
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Ridgeway Mennonite Church
Photos by Paul Groff.
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Family and friends gathered as Collin Longenecker, Karissa Sauder, Joe Seitz,
Lauren Whetzel, Sue Webster, and Tyree Webster were baptized.
What a glorious time!
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The Joys of Reunion Paul Swarr
So did you get to attend any sizeable
family reunions during these summer
holiday months? Bertha and I had that
privilege the weekend of 26-29 July by
attending a Wenger Family Reunion at
the Windermere Baptist Retreat Center
on the Lake of the Ozarks in central
Missouri. According to our family
traditional history, some Wengers moved
from this fertile Shenandoah Valley in
Patriarch Paul and Matriarch Bertha the 1860's to escape conscription by
moving westward. In that Civil War era, Missouri was one of four or five
"border States" not aligned with either the South or the North. So Bertha's
Wenger relatives have lived in central Missouri for about 150 years.
You see Bertha was one of eight children. For at least three decades the
descendants of her parents have held a Wenger reunion every four
years. So this was again the reunion year. We used to travel the 12-hour,
thousand-mile journey from Virginia to Missouri in our Toyota
Corolla. Not anymore. To safely attend this year we needed some signs
from the Lord. As always, He came through!
The signs? We were able to get air tickets at a reduced rate and direct
from Dulles Airport, D.C., to Kansas City, round trip, no layovers. United
Airlines provided use of a wheelchair four times, at each of the airports,
plus we had the use of a wheelchair the whole time at the reunion at
Windermere. We secured a portable oxygen unit to take with us for the
three nights away from home. Most basic of all, our daughter Evelyn
Hostetter agreed to travel with us so she was at our side the whole
time. She had not seen many of her Wenger cousins in 16 years. Evie
pre-booked a Hertz rental car for the whole time from Kansas City on the
Friday afternoon until we returned to Kansas City on Monday
afternoon. Did we need any more confirmation from God?
What a joy to meet with 80 others at that
reunion. They had gathered from Missouri,
Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Indiana, Virginia,
North Dakota, and likely some other states I was
not aware of. Of these 80, only five of us were
from the "second generation." Of Bertha's
siblings, only one brother and three in-laws are
yet living. These are Paul & Lela (Bentch)
Wenger from Hesston, KS, and Mary (Driver)
Wenger from Versailles, MO. Mary is the
mother of Joyce (Mrs. Lowell, deceased) Ulrich,
originally from Mole Hill and now living here in
Harrisonburg. Mary is a member originally of a large Driver family here
in the Valley. So we five, all in our 80's, were dubbed the two Patriarchs
and three Matriarchs!!
The bulk of attendees were our nephews and nieces and their children
and grandchildren, thus the third, fourth, and fifth generations. The
schedule included a get-
acquainted time, picture taking,
games, a business session, and a
worship hour on Sunday
morning, all interspersed with
the pleasure of leisurely
mealtimes together. The
planning committee had chosen
the theme: "We are seed of
Grandpa Jesse and Grandma Ella
Wenger." I was requested to
share two devotional meditations
on that theme. What a privilege
to both look back at a
significantly godly heritage but
also to anticipate the future
challenges of sowing Christ-
centered seed into the hearts and
lives of the rising generations.
On our flights Bertha and I
were seatmates. Meanwhile, on
the way to Kansas City, Evie
was chatting with a gentleman
seatmate with a troubled
marriage. On the return to
Dulles, her seatmate was a
mixed-race lady (with a 2 year
old child) who greatly
appreciated the lunch and
encouragement Evie shared with
her. I think Evie was sowing
quality seed. Yes, Jesus invited
us to this reunion. All glory and
praise and gratitude to our
Heavenly Abba!!
James 1:17: "Every desirable
and beneficial gift comes out of
Heaven. The gifts are rivers of
light cascading down from the
Father of Light." (The
MESSAGE).
Directory Update...
Austin Showalter
1035 Shenandoah Street
Harrisonburg, VA 22802
540-383-4824
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Motorcycle for Missions 2013 Jim Maust
On Wednesday July 24 Phil Helmuth and I left
Harrisonburg at 9:00 A.M. Our goal was to be in
Powhatan by 2 PM. That meant we had extra time
since it doesn’t take five hours to get to Powhatan on
a motorcycle. We headed north. That’s the wrong
direction for Powhatan, but we had time on our
hands. Who but motorcyclists leave early so they can
double the distance to their destination? Well, that’s
what we did. We had some slight sprinkles of rain,
but we didn’t get soaked, and arrived safely and on
time at Powhatan Mennonite church to meet the other
riders for the Motorcycle for Missions ride.
The ride itself was 305 miles, from the Powhatan
church to Roanoke the first day, then from Roanoke
north on the Blue Ridge Parkway to Afton Mountain,
and up Route 340 and over on Route 33 to
Harrisonburg the second day. We had dinner together
at Golden Corral and arrived sharply at 6 PM at EMS
for the opening night of Conference Assembly, where
we had our pictures taken, received tee shirts and
participated in the evening service.
Why would someone do such a thing as this? We
love to ride our motorcycles. But the greatest part
was gaining a greater insight into Virginia Mennonite
Missions through the perspective of riding together
and getting to know fellow Virginia Conference
motorcyclists. And, of course, the benefit of raising
awareness for VMM and raising some funds for
missions. Altogether we raised over $4,700 with over
$600 being contributed by you folks from Ridgeway.
Thank you for contributing!
There were seven motorcycles and nine riders on
this year’s ride, plus a “chase” vehicle driven by Ed
and Doris Rank which carried drinks and snacks and
anything we didn’t want to carry on our bikes. LD&B
and EMU were sponsors for the event, so they helped
with the cost of the tee shirts, snacks, and even
covered some of the cost of our overnight stay in
Roanoke. All of the funds raised went to VMM. We
hope to ride again next year and have more
participants, greater fellowship, and raise even more
funds for VMM.
Photo courtesy of Virginia Mennonite Missions. Photo courtesy of Jim Maust.
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August 2013 Trinidad Prayer Letter Richard and Margaret Keeler (August 16, 2013)
Praise:
1. Thank the Lord that Navin and Sunita Benny, the pastoral couple at Hope Mennonite Church, had a safe
and meaningful trip to Virginia to attend the Virginia Conference Assembly in late July, as delegates from
the Mennonite Church of Trinidad and Tobago (MCTT).
2. Thank the Lord that we (MCTT) had a good Annual General Meeting (AGM) earlier this month.
3. We are grateful to have a new treasurer for our General Church Council, Nathanael Benny. Thank the Lord
that our former excellent treasurer, Deolal Ramdial, is willing to work with Nathanael until he is
comfortable in his new role.
4. Praise the Lord for the good Vacation
Bible Schools at Chaguanas and
Sangre Grande.
5. We were so happy to have Galen and
Gloria Lehman with us again for this
year’s AGM and for the presence of
Valda Salmon and Natalie Paisley-
Kerr as delegates from the Jamaica
Mennonite Conference. We always
appreciate delegates coming from
VMM and JMC each year for our
Annual General Meeting.
6. The van purchased for use by the
Mennonite Church of Chaguanas Galen & Gloria Lehman, Valda Salmon, Natalie Paisley-Kerr, Margret & Richard Keeler
(MCCh) has seen a lot of good use and has served the congregation very well since its purchase nearly a
year ago, used mostly to bring interested folks from Carlsen Field for Sunday services and youth meetings.
Petition:
1. Pray for Wade Seukeran, who has accepted the role of chairman of the Leadership Team in the Diego
Martin Church. He welcomes our prayers as he has a challenging year ahead of him.
2. Pray for David Williams. At 85 I believe he is our oldest member in MCTT. He is taking treatment for
cancer and has been unable to attend church services for a few months. Ramon, acting pastor, and his wife
keep in regular contact with him.
3. Pray also for Jean Beddoe, a member in the Hope Mennonite Church (HMC). She had a brain tumor
removed about two months ago. There were complications, and she remains in the hospital barely able to
speak, problems with one eye. We have been told she will have to be fed through a stomach tube the rest of
her life. Apparently a nerve that facilitates swallowing was damaged during surgery, and she cannot
swallow. We are so saddened by this. She is a sweet Christian lady, who has had a difficult life and whose
husband is not a believer. She was at the top of the Life of Christ class that I taught in her church last fall.
4. One of our church leaders has gotten involved in local politics, which is a major concern to the church here.
Politics has its own morality, as one of our recent prime ministers said, and politics and the Christian life do
not mix well. Pray as we relate to and encourage this one to work and live wholeheartedly for the Lord and
His kingdom.
5. Pray for the Friendship Bible Coffee classes as they resume in early September.
Thanks for your faithfulness in praying!
Commissioning Service
All are invited to a service commissioning Clyde G. Kratz as VMC's Executive Conference Minister on Sunday,
September 15 at 4:00 p.m. The service will be held in the sanctuary at Weavers Mennonite Church.
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Shucking
Corn
Alisha Risser
and Sharri
Kurtz had the
fun job of
shucking
corn on
August 7 for
our last
evening of
2013
Community
Connections.
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Peace Sunday 2013—September 22, 2013
Romans 12:1-2, 9-21
Wars and rumors of wars, drone attacks, mass shootings – the headlines of
the day confirm that violence continues to be our culture’s favored
reaction to conflict. But the tragic headlines don’t tell the whole story.
Violence is written into our entertainment, our recreation, our politics.
Violence isn’t an act or action – it’s a worldview that gains adherents
through fear and propaganda.
This year for Peace Sunday, we look to Romans 12 for a picture of an
alternative worldview, the worldview of peace and reconciliation that
Jesus proclaimed. Citizens of God’s kingdom seek to love enemies, forego
revenge, and overcome evil with good.
The apostle Paul encourages us in Romans: Do not conform to the
pattern of this world. What does it mean not to conform to the pattern of
violence so prevalent in our culture and national projection of military
power? How can that pattern be overcome by good in our nations, our
communities, our homes?
The cycles of violence that yield destruction are birthed by the powers
and principalities of the world. God’s mission to
bring peace and healing in the world relies on
communities of men and women being faithful to
Jesus and each other, working for peace in countless
ways, large and small. When these communities
come together to seek God’s will, the world can be
transformed.
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Partners in Mission Work Group to Nazareth & Bethlehem
Partners in Mission Work Group to Nazareth & Bethlehem is planned for
May 2-19, 2014. Information with reservation application is on the foyer
table. Hosted by Dorothy Jean Weaver (540-432-4276) and Harold N.
Miller (540-896-7289).
Safe Arrival Anna Engle
I arrived in Korea without any
problems. I feel comfortable and
excited already—my neighbor-
hood and the area around my
office are just great. My
apartment is surrounded by lots
of nature and a hiking trail; and
the office is a 20 minute walk,
and it's surrounded by lots of
convenient shops.
For the first few months, I
will be sharing a room with four
girls; but then we will be moving
to a new apartment, and I'll share
a room with one other girl. The
community here is great, though
I will need to make sure to find
alone time.
I feel a little overwhelmed
but in a normal way. I appreciate
your prayers for me as I adjust,
getting into a new routine at
work, at home, and in my
community, and as I form
relationships.
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Our Community
Place is seeking a
half-time Events
and Volunteer
Coordinator to pioneer an effort
to better coordinate volunteer
staff, OCP members, and other
volunteers to fill needed roles at
the community center and farm
and to implement Our
Community Place’s already
successful and dynamic events
schedule. If interested, please
contact
Blue Ridge Ministries, Inc.’s
offerings for fall 2013 are
posted on the foyer bulletin
board.
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Valley Brethren-
Mennonite
Heritage
Center—Harvest
Day Celebration, Saturday,
September 7 from 9 to 3. Food,
music, tours, and activities of all
kinds for all ages. If you are into
baking and want to either bring
some baked goods or enter the
baked goods contest, there are
instructions and entry forms on
the foyer table.
People Helping People benefit
concert with the Bloom Trio and
Lori Piitz, piano. Sunday,
September 8, 3:00 p.m. at
Asbury United Methodist
Church. See foyer bulletin
board.
Marriage Maintenance, a four-
session seminar for couples that
focuses on “Four Healthy
Habits of Happily Married
Couples,” will be led by Harvey
Yoder and meet Tuesdays from
7-8:30 beginning September 9.
A freewill offering is taken to
benefit the Center in lieu of a fee
for the class. The text, Lasting
Marriage, the Owners’ Manual,
is $10.
Authentic Ethiopian Meal—
Friday, September 13, 5:30 p.m.-
7:00 p.m., Lindale Mennonite
Church. Nurturing and
Encouraging Women. See foyer
bulletin board for more details.
Make reservations by September
11.
First Annual Health and Fun
Festival—The Harrisonburg
Parks and Recreation
Departments will hold this
Festival on Friday, September 20
from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., and you
are invited! The Festival will be
held at the Cecil F. Gilkerson
Community Activities Center
located in Westover Park on
Dogwood Drive. There will be
games, displays, food, and
music, as well as representatives
from various health
organizations available.
Drawings for
prizes will
take place
throughout
the Festival.
There will also be prizes for
game winners. Every attendee
will receive tickets at the door
for the drawings. There is no
admission charge, but
registration is requested by
calling 540-433-9168 or by
emailing
Over two billion people have
never had the opportunity to hear
and respond to the Good News
of Jesus Christ! But we can
change that. Discover how the
hope of Christ is reaching hard
places when you join for dinner
on Monday, September 23 at
Harrisonburg Mennonite
Church. Refreshments begin at
6:00 p.m. followed by dinner at
6:30 p.m. A free-will offering
will be taken. Register online at
GlobalDisciples.org or contact
Laura at (717) 290-7550.
Take an evening or online
course at Eastern Mennonite
Seminary this fall. Eastern
Mennonite Seminary is offering
“Introduction to Spiritual
Guidance” and “Education for
the Whole Body of Christ” on
Tuesday evenings this semester.
On Monday evening EMS is
offering “Marriage and Family
Counseling.” All evening
courses run from 6:30-9:10 p.m.
EMS is also offering “New
Testament: Text in Context,”
“Interpreting the Biblical Text”
and “Leadership and
Administration” online. All
courses begin August 27. To
learn more, contact the
admissions office at
[email protected] or 540-
432-4257.
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Thanks to Paul Groff more photos will be in our October newsletter!
