GATHERING

Gathering Hymns   Morning has broken HWB 648
This is the day the Lord has made HWB 642

Welcome          
(Visitors are invited to fill out a welcome card and place it in the offering basket.)


Call to Worship          
Leader: Wait for God, who deals gently with us.
Watch for God's appearance among us.
People: Out of the depths we cry out to God.
Will God hear the voice of our supplications?
Leader: In all times and places, we can rely on God.
We can know steadfast love, here and now.
People: We keep our morning watch together.
We will support one another as we seek to know God.
Leader: Find hope in God's power to redeem us.
Give thanks for the new day God promises to us.
People: Life's battles cannot destroy us.
The losses we suffer are not the last word.

Opening Prayer
        
         PRAISING

Hymn               In Christ there is no East or West HWB 306


Scripture Psalm 130

Moment for Stewardship
Offering Prayer

Offering                 
        
         HEARING

Scripture Ephesians 4:25-5:2

Children's Story        

         Hymn Open my eyes, that I may see HWB 517
        
Sermon `` For we are members of one another''                  
         RESPONDING

Hymn      Will you let me be your servant         HWB 307
        


Sharing Joys, Concerns and Reflections
and Introduction of Visitors

Prayers of the Community

         SENDING  

Hymn Help us to help each other HWB 362


Benediction

A supervised nursery, located next to the main entrance, for newborns through age 3
·         Children's Circle, which meets in the basement during the second half of the worship service, for children ages 3 through 7

Sunday, August 9 Second Sunday Potluck, all are welcome

Tuesday, August 11 Community Meal (5pm)
Tuesday, August 11 HCATF meeting (7pm)
Wednesday, August 12 Worship Committee (7pm)

Sunday, August 16 Coney Island/Sunlite Pool fitness group activity
(see NOTES)

Sunday, August 23 CE Workday and training
Sunday, August 23 Book Club (12:30pmsee NOTES)
Sunday, August 23 Council to host meal with New City Presbyterian
(5:30pm) with Council meeting to follow (6:30pm)
Saturday, August 29HCAFT Find-A-Way Barbecue (5:30-8pm)
Saturday, August 29 CMF Youth Group planning meeting
(Location and time to be announced)

During the month of August, we will have the worship theme "Being the Church." Sermon topics draw from the lectionary readings from the second half of the letter to the Ephesians, a letter that speaks to the nature and calling of church.
Oakley Food Pantry Update: After being out for a number of weeks, I had the chance this past week to take CMF food donations to the pantry. Thanks to all who continue to give. I was told it has been a busy summer at the pantry and all food is welcome and will be used - especially canned fruit, jelly, peanut butter, beans, and canned meat.
Pastor Joel

A message from MCC:
Thank you for participating in the Return to the Earth project through Central District Conference! ...We appreciate your participation in this important effort, particularly for your generous donations of burial boxes and burial cloths. ...As your local regional office, MCC Great Lakes invites your continued participation and support in Return to the Earth and other projects. Be sure to visit our websitegreatlakes.mcc.organd check out what's been happening. ... We look forward to connecting MCC with your congregation in the future.
Blessings in the name of Christ,
Jorge Vielman (Regional Associate for northwest Ohio and Michigan)
Nadine Zook Miller (Material Resources Coordinator)
(Full letter and their summer newsletter by greeter's table.)

Sunday, August 16, the HCAFT fitness group is planning an outing of fun and recreation at Sunlite Pool. Those of you who have signed up to participate will be contacted by Jerry S. with further information. Let's hope that the weather stays clear!


Camp Luz will host two family friendly events on Saturday, August 15, 2009: A Bike-a-thon for all ages and skill levels ; $25/person,
$35/family. Luz Fest, a music festival celebrating great Christian music that is developing all around us. This will be a day full of fun activities and awesome worship! Tickets are $10/person.
**For more information on both of these events, and for a printable
registration form for the Bike-a-thon, please visit , email campluzzoominternet.net , or call 330-683-1246. All proceeds will benefit the Camper and Staff Scholarships of Camp Luz.

Sunday School begins September 13! There will be a workday for Sunday School teachers on August 23, after church. This will include time to prepare classrooms and also a brief presentation on Safe Sanctuary practices. Bring a brown bag lunch.

Book Club will meet on Sunday, August 23 at 12:30pm at Diane & Craig M.'s home. The book to be discussed is "The Patron Saint of Liars" by Ann Patchett. Lunch will be served.

Come join us for a barbecue with our neighbors from the Find-A-Way community on Minot! We will grill hamburgers and hotdogs on Sat. Aug. 29, from 5:30 - 8 p.m . We will play games, share homemade ice cream, and have lively conversation. Please save the date. Let Beth B. or Jean S. know if you can attend, and what side item you can bring to share. Hope to see many of you then!

Camp Friedenswald to offer Adult Retreats! In the literature racks you will find dates and details on their Women's Retreat, Fall Scrapbook Retreat, Over Fifty Retreat, and Men's Retreat to be offered
during this Autumn. Please check it out!

From Mid-States Conferences:

Plans for a Worship Festival 2010 gathering of the four mid-states Mennonite Church USA conferences have been postponed. Conflicts with the chosen date, the current economic climate, scheduling conflicts, and personnel changes on the Planning Group figured into the decision to defer the plans. Mid-states Area Conference leaders had commissioned a group to plan the Festival. Planning Group chair, Kathy Smith, in consultation with Brent Eash, liaison to the group from the Mid-states Conference Leaders, made the difficult decision to end plans for a 2010 gathering. On behalf of the Mid-states Area Conference leaders, Eash thanked Kathy Smith and the Planning Group,
noting, "Though we were unable to see the Worship Festival happen in 2010, learning about the challenges will help future groups who might take on a similar project."






From Christian Peacemakers Teams
Greetings to Mennonite congregations:
Christian Peacemaker Teams has recently purchased a foreclosure 3 flat, 2649 W 21St, Chicago, 1 mile from their current location. The building is structurally sound but much work needs to be done for this building to be useable by CPT. The building will be used as office space, and for trainings and peace and justice events.
We are hoping to use as much volunteer help as possible. We invite individuals, small groups to come help us with this "barn raising" project in the middle of Chicago. Yes, we need people with building expertise and yes, we need people who are eager to work. We need immediate help but work will continue into August, September, October. It is helpful that we know the skills of the people coming. So look at your calendars and schedule a time to come. Come for a day, a weekend, a week.
Contact volunteer coordinator, Joyce Cassel, at jjc636gmail.com or 708.445.1998 (home) or 630.606.5670 (cell). We very much look forward to you working on this project.



Prayers for Faith and Learning:
Pray for a smooth transition for Dr. Conrad Swartzentruber, the new Christopher Dock Mennonite High School principal and for students, faculty and staff as they begin the 2009-2010 school year. Pray also for Elaine Moyer, the former principal, as she continues to transition into her new role as associate director for MEA.

Prayers for the Mennonite Mission Network:
Mennonite Mission Network staff members in North America have increased workloads due to current economic constraints. Pray for energy and faith to continue God's work with joy.

Have you visited the FOOD EXCHANGE? Every week a Sunday School room is available off of the foyer for any CMF grower to share/sell your produce. You are welcome to set up tables and mark your items. Please clean up before you leave the building. Participation and visitation has been increasing; let's keep up the trend!
If you have questions, please see members of the healthcare access task force (HCATF).

Did you know?
The way our country delivers assistance is driven by the 1961 Foreign Assistance Act? Bread for the World wants to change this and make it more effective in reducing poverty.

         GATHERING

Gathering Hymns   Come, let us all unite to sing          HWB 12
                  Holy Spirit, come with power HWB 26

Welcome       
(Visitors are invited to fill out a welcome card and place it in the offering basket.)


Call to Worship          
Leader: As we sit within this community of faith, so we are fed.
People: Praise and prayer feed our minds and spirits.
Leader: We are wonderfully fed.
People: The teachings of Jesus bring us to the faithful way.
Leader: We are graciously fed.
People: The cross of Jesus calls us to the selfless, practical way.
Leader: We are graciously fed.
People: The rising of Jesus from death fills us with a timeless,
unbounded hope.



Opening Prayer
        
         PRAISING

Hymn               I sing the mighty power of God HWB 46


Scripture Mark 6: 30-44


Offering Prayer

Offering                 
         HEARING

Scripture Ephesians 3: 14 21 Elaine Liechty
p p. 1065-1066

Children's Story                 


Hymn     This is my Father's world HWB 154
        
Sermon Experiences in Columbus
                                 
         RESPONDING

Hymn      Be thou my vision HWB 545
        

Sharing Joys, Concerns and Reflections
and Introduction of Visitors

Prayers of the Community

         SENDING  

Hymn Move in our midst HWB 418


Benediction

A supervised nursery, located next to the main entrance, for newborns through age 3
·         Children's Circle, which meets in the basement during the second half of the worship service, for children ages 3 through 7

Tuesday, July 28 Community Meal (5pm)
Tuesday, July 28 PJOS (7pm)

Sunday, August 2 Social Committee Summer Picnic at Otterbein (2pm)
Wednesday, August 5 City Gospel Mission

Sunday, August 9 Second Sunday Potluck
Sunday, August 16 Coney Island/Sunlite Pool fitness group activity
(time to be determined)

July 21st issue of The Mennonite magazine is a special edition focused on Convention 2009 in Columbus. We ordered 10 extra copies and have placed them on the welcome table next to the
bulletins. If you are not a regular subscriber to The Mennonite please take a copy to have at home with you, especially if you were unable to attend Convention.

Book Club will meet on Sunday, July 26 at 12:30pm in Ault Park for a potluck picnic. The book to be discussed is "Water For Elephants" by Sara Gruen.

The PJOS Committee will meet on Tuesday, July 28 at 7:00pm in the Peace House.

Free first visit for chiropractic care! Owen's Chiropractic in Silverton is offering free care this month only to any individual who donates 10 canned goods or gives $10 to help support their food drive to benefit the Oakley Community Food Pantry . If interested in this offer, their address is 7319 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236. Their phone number is 513.784.0084.

Come celebrate the end of summer picnic! Sunday, August 2 at 2:00 pm at Otterbein Lebanon Retirement Living Community Pavilion , 585 N. State Route 741, Lebanon, Ohio, 45036. For directions, visit http://www.otterbein.org/leb/map.htm . Bring your fishing poles, golf clubs and balls (driving range). There's a playground for the children. Also, there will be a free tour if you're interested in the history of Otterbein and its community. There will be a sign-up sheet in the back of the church.

Sunday, August 16, the HCAFT fitness group is planning an outing of fun and recreation at Sunlite Pool. We are currently looking into a group discount for the pool. There is also an option that includes a group discount for Coney Island as well. We need at least 15 people to receive this discount as per their group sales requirements. Information on pricing (as a group) will be on the interest sheet by the mailboxes. Please sign up if you are planning to attend, so we may take advantage of the price reduction.



Attention all CMF growers : If you would like to share/sell some of your produce, there is a Sunday School room available off the foyer. You can set up tables and mark your items and clean up before you leave the building.Sign on the door will read FOOD EXCHANGE.

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, PLEASE SEE MEMBERS OF THE HEALTHCARE ACCESS TASK FORCE.


Camp Luz will host two family friendly events on Saturday, August 15, 2009: A Bike-a-thon for all ages and skill levels ; $25/person,$35/family. Luz Fest, a music festival celebrating great Christian music
that is developing all around us. This will be a day full of fun activities and awesome worship! Tickets are $10/person.
**For more information on both of these events, and for a printable registration form for the Bike-a-thon, please visit , email campluzzoominternet.net , or call 330-683-1246. All proceeds will benefit the Camper and Staff Scholarships of Camp Luz.


Come join us for a barbecue with our neighbors from the Find-A-Way community on Minot! We will grill hamburgers and hotdogs on Sat. Aug. 29, from 5:30 - 8 p.m . We will play games, share homemade ice cream, and have lively conversation. Please save the date. Let Beth B. or Jean S. know if you can attend, and what side item you can bring to share. Hope to see many of you then!


Save the date! Thursday, September 24, will be the Leukemia and Lymphoma Light The Night Walk at Sawyer Point. To join Team Jared Hess, visit http://pages.lightthenight.org/soh/Cinci09/TeamJaredHess . The walk starts at 7 pm (activities begin at 5 pm).
``You are welcome to set a fundraising goal; please know, however, that as Jared's family, our goal is to maintain connections with Jared's
communities.'' Any questions? You may contact Alison Schumacher via email at alison_schumacher @ hotmail.com.



Prayers for Faith and Learning:
Invite God's Spirit to guide the thinking, feeling and discerning of Eastern Mennonite University students who are exploring ministry and Christian mission, service and outreach in various positions in the U.S. and around the world this summer, so that they will grow as disciples of Jesus.

Prayers for the Mennonite Mission Network:
Pray that God will prepare interns to come to Irene's Place in Canberra, Australia, to participate in a peace and discipleship program. Mennonite Mission Network worker Moriah Hurst is currently recruiting interns.

         GATHERING

Gathering Hymns   Santo, santo, santo     HWB 400
                  Jesus, we want to meet         HWB 10

Welcome          
(Visitors are invited to fill out a welcome card and place it in the offering basket.)


Call to Worship          
Leader: Christ is our peace;
People: we come together to praise and to pray in his name.
Leader: Christ is our peace;
People: We find his calm in the midst of our struggles.
Leader: Christ is our peace;
People: We are joined by him in a caring faith community.
Leader: Christ is our peace;
People: We are challenged by him to oppose fear-making forces.
Leader: Christ is our peace;
People: God's peace, which passes all understanding.


Opening Prayer
        
         PRAISING

Hymn               I will stand in the congregation        STS 113


Scripture Psalm 89: 20 37     


Offering Prayer

Offering      
         HEARING

Scripture Ephesians 2: 11 22        


Children's Story        

        
Hymn     Jesus, help us live in peace     STJ 52         



Sermon Rook high or Rook low. . .
And other tough choices in Ephesians
                                 
         RESPONDING

Hymn      One is the body STJ 72       

Sharing Joys, Concerns and Reflections
and Introduction of Visitors

Prayers of the Community

         SENDING  

Hymn Bwana awabariki HWB 422


Benediction

A supervised nursery, located next to the main entrance, for newborns through age 3
·         Children's Circle, which meets in the basement during the second half of the worship service, for children ages 3 through 7

After church HCATF fitness group activity ; picnicking at Fort Ancient followed by canoeing on the Little Miami River. We will carpool after church to the Ft. Ancient area (Exit 32 off the I-71) to picnic together, then canoe 1 1/2 - 3 hrs. (6 miles)Morgan's Canoe at Ft. Ancient to Morrow. (Please note that reservations were made in advance with Morgan's Canoe to take advantage of the listed group price.)

Sunday, July 26 Book Club
Sunday, July 26 Council (6pm)
Tuesday, July 28 Community Meal (5pm)
Tuesday, July 28 PJOS (7pm)

Wednesday, August 5 City Gospel Mission

A MESSAGE FROM CMF HEALTHCARE ACCESS TASK FORCE:

Attention all CMF growers : If you would like to share/sell some of your produce, there is a Sunday School room available off the foyer.You can set up tables and mark your items and clean up before you leave the building.Sign on the door will read FOOD EXCHANGE.

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, PLEASE SEE MEMBERS OF THE HEALTHCARE ACCESS TASK FORCE.

Book Club will meet on Sunday, July 26 at 12:30pm in Ault Park for a potluck picnic.The book to be discussed is "Water For Elephants" by Sara Gruen.

The PJOS Committee will meet on Tuesday, July 28 at 7:00pm in the Peace House.

Free first visit for chiropractic care! Owen's Chiropractic in Silverton is offering free care this month only to any individual who donates 10 canned goods or gives $10 to help support their food drive to benefit the Oakley Community Food Pantry . If interested in this offer, their address is 7319 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236. Their phone number is 513.784.0084.

Camp Luz will host two family friendly events on Saturday, August 15, 2009: A Bike-a-thon for all ages and skill levels ; $25/person, $35/family. Luz Fest, a music festival celebrating great Christian music that is developing all around us. This will be a day full of fun activities and awesome worship! Tickets are $10/person.
**For more information on both of these events, and for a printable
registration form for the Bike-a-thon, please visit www.campluz.com,
email campluzzoominternet.net , or call 330-683-1246. All proceeds will benefit the Camper and Staff Scholarships of Camp Luz.

Come join us for a barbecue with our neighbors from the Find-A-Way community on Minot! We will grill hamburgers and hotdogs on Sat. Aug. 29, from 5:30 - 8 p.m . We will play games, share homemade ice cream, and have lively conversation. Please save the date. Let Beth B. or Jean S. know if you can attend, and what side item you can bring to share. Hope to see many of you then!


Save the date! Thursday, September 24, will be the Leukemia and Lymphoma Light The Night Walk at Sawyer Point. Christine Schumacher and Hal Hess will provide more information as it becomes available.


Prayers for Faith and Learning:
Pray for Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary
students and for youth and pastors in the !Explore program as they visit churches and experience mission
and ministry in South America before and after Mennonite World Conference.


Prayers for the Mennonite Mission Network:
The Service Adventure leaders' orientation convenes July 25-29 in Johnston, Pa. Pray for a time of learning as the leaders plan for the upcoming year and how best to mentor young adults participating in this Mennonite Mission Network program.

         GATHERING

Gathering Hymns   Jesus calls us here to meet him       STJ 3
                  There is a place of quiet rest          HWB 5

Welcome          
(Visitors are invited to fill out a welcome card and place it in the offering basket.)


Call to Worship          
Leader:   Come, follow Jesus to the sacred place where God is,
a place of intimate prayer, of open heart.
People:  We come, seeking God's face,
pierced by the power of Love's presence,
silent before the glory of divine beauty.
Leader:  Come, follow Jesus to a place of community,
to the place where sons and daughters join as one,
sharing in the bountiful grace of our Provider
People:  We come, seeking God's face
in our brothers and our sisters,
we worship, work and play,
sharing our lives together.
All :     Jesus, lead us to the Holy One
that we might see God's face. Amen.
        

Opening Prayer
        
         PRAISING

Hymn      O sing to the Lord              STJ 12



Scripture Psalm 24      



Offering Prayer

Offering
         HEARING

Scripture Mark 6:6b-13, 30-32         

Children's Story                 
        
Hymn     Breathe on me, breath of God    HWB 356


Sermon   Action/Reflection               
         RESP ONDING

Hymn      I want to walk as a child of the light  STJ 95 

Special Presentation from CDC

Sh aring Joys, Concerns and Reflections
and Introduction of Visitors

Prayers of the Community

         SENDING  

Hymn     The Peace of the earth be with you     STJ 77


Benediction

A supervised nursery, located next to the main entrance, for newborns through age 3
·         Children's Circle, which meets in the basement during the second half of the worship service, for children ages 3 through 7

Second Sunday Potluck.  All are welcome to attend.

Tuesday, July 14 Community Meal (5pm)
Tuesday, July 14 TTV ( 7pm @ Peace House)

Sunday July 19 HCATF fitness group activity ; picnicking at Fort Ancient followed by canoeing on the Little Miami River. See NOTES for details on cost and travel options.

Sunday, July 26 Book Club
Sunday, July 26 Council (6pm)
Tuesday, July 28 PJOS (7pm)

A MESSAGE FROM CMF HEALTHCARE ACCESS TASK FORCE:

Attention all CMF growers : If you would like to share/sell some of your produce, there is a Sunday School room available off the foyer.You can set up tables and mark your items and clean up before you leave the building.Sign on the door will read FOOD EXCHANGE.

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, PLEASE SEE MEMBERS OF THE HEALTHCARE ACCESS TASK FORCE .

Book Club will meet on Sunday, July 26 at 12:30pm in Ault Park for a potluck picnic. The book to be discussed is "Water For Elephants" by Sara Gruen.

The PJOS Committee will meet on Tuesday, July 28 at 7:00pm in the Peace House.

Free first visit for chiropractic care! Owen's Chiropractic in Silverton is offering free care this month only to any individual who donates 10 canned goods or gives $10 to help support their food drive to benefit the Oakley Community Food Pantry . If interested in this offer, their address is 7319 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236. Their phone number is 513.784.0084.

Join the CMF Fitness group for an afternoon of canoeing on the Little Miami River Sunday July 19! We will carpool after church to the Ft. Ancient area (Exit 32 off the I-71) to picnic together, then canoe 1 1/2 - 3 hrs. (6 miles)Morgan's Canoe at Ft. Ancient in Morrow. Cost will be approximately $33 for a 2-4 person canoe (dependent on the age/size of the people). Please RSVP to Beth B . or Jean S . by Friday, July 17 if you are planning to attend as we need to reserve one day in advance to get the listed price.

Camp Luz will host two family friendly events on Saturday, August 15, 2009: A Bike-a-thon for all ages and skill levels ; $25/person,
$35/family. Luz Fest, a music festival celebrating great Christian music that is developing all around us. This will be a day full of fun activities and awesome worship! Tickets are $10/person.
**For more information on both of these events, and for a printable
registration form for the Bike-a-thon, please visit www.campluz.com,
email campluzzoominternet.net , or call 330-683-1246. All proceeds will benefit the Camper and Staff Scholarships of Camp Luz.


Prayers for Faith and Learning:
Give thanks for all those who planned and participated in the
Mennonite Church USA gathering two weeks ago. Pray for renewed energy after a hectic week, and for a sense of continuing vision, commitment and worship to flow through participants as they have
returned to daily routines. Pray for Dave Linscheid, Diana Graber and Cassidy McFadden in
Bethel College's alumni office as they do the bulk of the planning and logistics work for the annual Fall Festival in October.



Prayers for the Mennonite Mission Network:
As churches and individuals use the new Mennonite Media DVD version of ``Beyond the News: Sexual Abuse'' with Carolyn H. Heggen, pray they will become sensitive to people in the church and community who need healing. Pray for the gathering of people from Native Mennonite Ministries in the U.S. and Canada and from indigenous Mennonite World Conference member churches in Central and South America to be held July 19-27 following MWC assembly. Remember the indigenous churches of Paraguay and the Mennonite Team in the Argentine Chaco as they host the visitors.

         GATHERING

Gathering Hymns   Miren qué bueno   STJ 37
                           I will call upon the Lord   STJ 19
Welcome          
(Visitors are invited to fill out a welcome card and place it in the offering basket.)


Call to Worship          
Leader: God is gracious and merciful and trustworthy.
Let us join our voices in giving thanks.
People: The works of God are all around us.
Those who share in God's work lack for nothing.
Leader: We are call to faithfulness, as God is faithful.
We are people of the covenant, gathered to please God.
People: Holy and awesome is God's name.
The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.
Leader: Come, then, as wise and faithful people.
Come as a beloved community of the redeemed.
People: We are amazed that God remembers us.
We reach out to the God who cares for us.


Opening Prayer
        
         PRAISING

Hymn               Praise to the Lord, the Almighty   HWB 37



Scripture   Psalm 111    

Offering Prayer

Offering          Quartet, This little light of mine   HWB 401
        
        

Scripture   Ephesians 5:15-21


Children's Story                

Hymn Awake, awake, fling off the night    HWB 448
        
Sermon                                      

Hymn     New earth, heavens new   HWB 299

Sharing Joys, Concerns and Reflections
and Introduction of Visitors

Prayers of the Community

Hymn Now go in peace    STJ 74

Benediction

A supervised nursery, located next to the main entrance, for newborns through age 3
·         Children's Circle, which meets in the basement during the second half of the worship service, for children ages 3 through 7

Sunday, August 16 Coney Island/Sunlite Pool fitness group activity
(see NOTES)

Thursday, August 20 SLT (7-9pm)

Sunday, August 23 CE Workday and training
Sunday, August 23 Book Club (12:30pmsee NOTES)
Sunday, August 23 Council to host meal with New City Presbyterian
(5:00pm) with Council meeting to follow (6:30pm)
Tuesday, August 25 Community Meal (5pm)
Saturday, August 29 Find-A-Way Barbecue (5:30-8pm)
Saturday, August 29 CMF Youth Group planning meeting (4pm, see
NOTES)

Wednesday, September 2 City Gospel Mission

During the month of August, we will have the worship theme "Being the Church." Sermon topics draw from the lectionary readings from the second half of the letter to the Ephesians, a letter thatspeaks to the nature and calling of the church.

Sunday, August 16, the HCAFT fitness group is planning an outing of fun and recreation at Sunlite Pool. We will meet at 2pm at the Guest Relations booth by the ferris wheel, so we may enter as a group.

Sunday School begins September 13! There will be a workday for Sunday School teachers on August 23, after church. This will include time to prepare classrooms and also a brief presentation on Safe Sanctuary practices. Bring a brown bag lunch.

Book Club will meet on Sunday, August 23 at 12:30pm at Diane & Craig M.s home.  The book to be discussed is "The Patron Saint of Liars" by Ann Patchett.  Lunch will be served.

Come join us for a barbecue with our neighbors from the Find-A-Way community on Minot! We will grill hamburgers and hot dogs on Sat. Aug. 29, from 5:30 - 8 p.m . We will play games, share homemade ice cream, and have lively conversation. Please save the date. Let Beth B. or Jean S. know if you can attend, and what side item you can bring to share. Hope to see many of you then!

The Finance Committee and Council are finalizing the 2009-2010 Budget . Pledging is a useful tool for preparing our budget, and a helpful personal tool for practicing regular first fruits giving.Pledges provide an indication of the amount of income the church can expect to receive in the fiscal year.If you wish to pledge, please fill out the pledge form sent to you on email (also available next to the mail folders) and return the form to Steve H. The pledge forms need to be returned by Sunday, August 23, 2009 . We want to hear from everyone!Knowing that you do not want to pledge is just as important as knowing the amount of your pledge.

Just Help: Elkhart County Legal Advocacy Center invites
applicants for Executive Director and for Lead Attorney. new nonprofit will open in Goshen, IN in early 2010 to fill the gaps in
availability of affordable legal services for low income and Spanish speaking residents of Elkhart County. resumes or inquiries to info.justhelpgmail.com .
*If you would like to know more about this new organization you may email Michelle Shelly at info.justhelpgmail.com . or call 574.329.3469 .

Journey Group Signup
Beginning in September, there will be several Journey Groups for CMFers to join.There is a signup sheet near the mail folders.  Each group will decide on their own meeting time and frequency.  The following are the groups to choose from:
1.Men's Group facilitated by Jim M.
2. Art and Spirituality facilitated by Connie B. This group will explore the relationship between the arts and spirituality with a discussion of a series of articles leading to personal reflection.
3. "Open" Group with time for sharing, prayer, study and worship.Needs a facilitator.
4. Book study and discussion: "An Altar in the World" by Barbara Brown Taylor. This group does not anticipate beginning until January.It will be facilitated by Judy H. and Abbie M.
Please prayerfully consider participation in one of these groups.

The Oakley Food Pantry is trying to build up a pool of volunteers who may be available to work.A particular need at this time is the second Tuesday of each month. Volunteers would need to be at the pantry from approximately 9:45-11:15, Tuesday mornings.  Primary work would be filling bags with groceries.If you have interest, talk to Pastor Joel .

Donations needed at Oakley Food Pantry include brown paper bags and any food items are welcome and will be used - especially canned fruit, jelly, peanut butter, beans, and canned meat.

Camp Friedenswald to offer Adult Retreats! In the literature racks you will find dates and details on their Women's Retreat, Fall
Scrapbook Retreat, Over Fifty Retreat, and Men's Retreat to be offered
during this Autumn. Please check it out!


The 40th Annual Ohio Mennonite Women (OMW) Women's
Retreat is set for September 18-20, 2009 at Camp Luz. Details on schedules, housing needs, registration, etc., are provided in the literature racks.

Prayers for Faith and Learning:
Pray for teachers, professors, staff and
administrators of Mennonite educational institutions who begin a new academic year this month.
Pray that they can ignite the excitement of learning in students.

Prayers for the Mennonite Mission Network:
Betsy and Steve Dintaman are in the United States this month
before returning to their ministries at LCC International University in
Lithuania. Steve has added new responsibilities for promoting LCC to his teaching assignments.

A message from MCC:
Thank you for participating in the Return to the Earth project through Central District Conference! ...We appreciate your participation in this important effort, particularly for your generous donations of burial boxes and burial cloths. ...As your local regional office, MCC Great Lakes invites your continued participation and support in Return to the Earth and other projects. Be sure to visit our websitegreatlakes.mcc.organd check out what's been happening. ... We look forward to connecting MCC with your congregation in the future.
Blessings in the name of Christ,
Jorge Vielman (Regional Associate for northwest Ohio and Michigan)
Nadine Zook Miller (Material Resources Coordinator)
(Full letter and their summer newsletter by greeter's table.)

        
Have you visited the FOOD EXCHANGE? Every week a Sunday School room is available off of the foyer for any CMF grower to share/sell your produce. You are welcome to set up tables and mark your items. Please clean up before you leave the building.
Participation and visitation has been increasing; let's keep up the trend!
If you have questions, please see members of the healthcare access task force (HCATF).

Did you know?
Our government's global development policies and programs are scattered across 12 departments, 25 different agencies, and nearly 60 government offices.

         GATHERING

Gathering Hymns   You are holy STS 34
                           Lord, You have come to the lakeshore HWB 229

Welcome         
(Visitors are invited to fill out a welcome card and place it in the offering basket.)


Call to Worship          
Leader: Doors open. Hearts ready, God beckons.
People: Looking for a center point to life,
for a union of all the scattered and torn edges.
Leader: May your soul find communion here.
People: Searching for honesty, for a truth spoken in love.
Leader: May your faith be challenged here.
People: Looking for a place to offer your time and talents.
Leader: May your spirit enrich this community.
People: Searching for joy to blossom and hope to grow.
Leader: May our songs reach the heavens,
touch our hearts and spread love into the world.

Opening Prayer

         PRAISING

Hymn          Jesus, be the center STS 31

Scripture      Psalm 84            

Offering Prayer

Offering         

Scripture     Ephesians 6:10-20

Children's Story         

     
Hymn      One is the body   STJ 72

Hymn     God of grace and God of glory   HWB 366

Congregational Blessing for Ed and Karen D.
             Joel: Brothers and sisters of Cincinnati Mennonite Fellowship,
                     God calls each of us to service in the reconciling work of Christ.
                     Today we bless Ed and Karen Diller for their call to give of their
                     time and gifts to Mennonite Church USA, for Ed's work as Moderator.
Congregation: Together we bless you in this calling.When the work
                     becomes demanding, may God grant you patience.When the
                            work involves conflict, may God grant you peace.In all of the
                            work, may God grant you wisdom and joy as you help lead
                            Mennonite Church USA.
        Ron Byler: Brothers and sisters in Christ, God calls each congregation
                     to be follows of Jesus Christ, and, by the power of the Holy Spirit,
                     to grow as communities of grace, joy, and peace, so that God's healing
                     and hope flow through us to the world.As Ed and Karen's faith
                     community, continue to bless them with your prayers and support.
Congregation: We give thanks for your many gifts to us, and pledge
                     ourselves to hold you in our prayers, to encourage you in your work,
                            to continue to give and receive counsel with you in Christian
                            communion.
Joel and Ron : God's blessing be with you.
               All: Our blessing be with you.

Hymn of Blessing Praise, I will praise you, Lord   HWB 76

Sharing Joys, Concerns and Reflections
and Introduction of Visitors

Prayers of the Community

Hymn The Lord lift you up   STJ 73

Benediction

A supervised nursery, located next to the main entrance, for newborns through age 3 

  Children's Circle, which meets in the basement during the second half of the worship service, for children ages 3 through 7

Sunday, August 23 CE Workday and training
Sunday, August 23 Book Club (12:30pmsee NOTES)
Sunday, August 23 Council to host meal with New City Presbyterian
(5:00pm) with Council meeting to follow (6:30pm)

Tuesday, August 25 Community Meal (5pm)
Saturday, August 29 Find-A-Way Barbecue (5:30-8pm)
Saturday, August 29 CMF Youth Group planning meeting (4pm, see
NOTES)

Wednesday, September 2 City Gospel Mission

Tuesday, September 8 Community Meal (5pm)
Tuesday, September 8 TTV (7pm)
Sunday, September 13 First day of Sunday School

During the month of August, we will have the worship theme "Being the Church." Sermon topics draw from the lectionary readings from the second half of the letter to the Ephesians, a letter that speaks to the nature and calling of the church.

Today after church is a work time and organizational meeting for all children and youth Sunday School teachers. We are still short of teachers, and would welcome anyone who would even slightly consider helping out in any capacity for even one quarter to join us for a conversation at the beginning of the work time to see how we might best organize our teacher resources to cover all of the classes. We can order in pizza if we are short on food! The organizational meeting will start shortly after church while folks are eating. Contact a CE member with any questions: Keith L., Jane P., or Sheryl NN. 

The Finance Committee and Council are finalizing the 2009-2010 Budget . Pledging is a useful tool for preparing our budget, and a helpful personal tool for practicing regular first fruits giving. Pledges provide an indication of the amount of income the church can expect to receive in the fiscal year. If you wish to pledge, please fill out the pledge form sent to you on email (also available next to the mail folders) and return the form to Steve H.. The pledge forms need to be returned by Sunday, August 23, 2009 . We want to hear from everyone! Knowing that you do not want to pledge is just as important as knowing the amount of your pledge.

Book Club will meet on Sunday, August 23 at 12:30pm at Diane & Craig M.'s home. The book to be discussed is "The Patron Saint of Liars" by Ann Patchett. Lunch will be served.


Come join us for a barbecue with our neighbors from the Find-A-Way community on Minot! We will grill hamburgers and hotdogs on Sat. Aug. 29, from 5:30 - 8 p.m . We will play games, share homemade ice cream, and have lively conversation. Please save the date. Let Beth B. or Jean S. know if you can attend, and what side item you can bring to share. Hope to see many of you then!


If you're still trying to sort out your positions on immigrants and immigration reform, now is a great time to learn about this topic first-hand from immigrants living right here in Cincinnati. ``Breaking Bread and Barriers,'' sponsored by the Cincinnati Interfaith Worker Justice and Clifton United Methodist Church, is part of The Month of Action , a nationwide effort led by people of faith calling on their elected officials to enact comprehensive immigration reform this year. Join fellow CMF'er, John D., at Clifton United Methodist Church, Sunday, August 30th from 12 to 2pm for food, fellowship, and information.

Journey Group Signup
Beginning in September, there will be several Journey Groups for CMFers to join. There is a signup sheet near the mail folders. Each group will decide on their own meeting time and frequency. The
following are the groups to choose from:
1.Men's Group facilitated by Jim M..
2. Art and Spirituality facilitated by Connie B.. This group will explore the relationship between the arts and spirituality with a discussion of a series of articles leading to personal reflection.
3. "Open" Group with time for sharing, prayer, study and worship. Needs a facilitator.
4. Book study and discussion: "An Altar in the World" by Barbara Brown Taylor. This group does not anticipate beginning until January. It will be facilitated by Judy H. and Abbie M..
Please prayerfully consider participation in one of these groups.

The Oakley Food Pantry is trying to build up a pool of volunteers who may be available to work. A particular need at this time is the second Tuesday of each month. Volunteers would need to be at the pantry from approximately 9:45-11:15 Tuesday mornings. Primary work would be filling bags with groceries. If you have interest, talk to Pastor Joel.

Camp Friedenswald to offer Adult Retreats! In the literature racks you will find dates and details on their Women's Retreat, Fall
Scrapbook Retreat, Over Fifty Retreat, and Men's Retreat to be offered
during this Autumn. Please check it out!



The 40th Annual Ohio Mennonite Women (OMW) Women's
Retreat is set for September 18-20, 2009 at Camp Luz. Details on schedules, housing needs, registration, etc., are provided in the literature racks.

Just Help: Elkhart County Legal Advocacy Center invites applicants for Executive Director and for Lead Attorney. new nonprofit will open in Goshen, IN in early 2010 to fill the gaps in availability of affordable legal services for low income and Spanish speaking residents of Elkhart County. resumes or inquiries to info.justhelpgmail.com . *If you would like to know more about this new organization you may email Michelle Shelly at info.justhelpgmail.com . or call 574-329-3469 .

Prayers for Faith and Learning:
Pray for new and returning students to Mennonite elementary and
secondary schools, colleges, universities and seminaries. Pray that they may experience God's nudge during the learning process and grow in their understanding of and commitment to Christ.

Prayers for the Mennonite Mission Network:
Phil Lindell Detweiler is working with Way of Life Church in Cape
Town, South Africa, to organize a series of peace-building seminars. Pray that the Prince of Peace may be glorified as Christians pursue peace in radical ways.

A message from MCC:
Thank you for participating in the Return to the Earth project through Central District Conference! ...We appreciate your participation in this important effort, particularly for your generous donations of burial boxes and burial cloths. ...As your local regional office, MCC Great Lakes invites your continued participation and support in Return to the Earth and other projects. Be sure to visit our websitegreatlakes.mcc.organd check out what's been happening. ... We look forward to connecting MCC with your congregation in the future.
Blessings in the name of Christ,
Jorge Vielman (Regional Associate for northwest Ohio and Michigan)
Nadine Zook Miller (Material Resources Coordinator)
(Full letter and their summer newsletter by greeter's table.)

Have you visited the FOOD EXCHANGE? Every week a Sunday School room is available off of the foyer for any CMF grower to share/sell your produce. You are welcome to set up tables and mark your items. Please clean up before you leave the building.  Participation and visitation has been increasing; let's keep up the trend!
If you have questions, please see members of the healthcare access task force (HCATF).

Did you know?
Foreign aid reform can mean that resources will be better spent with more coordination, greater accountability, and a strategy that directly addresses the key challenges we face today. It can mean less waste and better value.

*Congregation sings with all the songs

Opening Song   Magnificat   STS 12

Welcome

Call to Worship
Leader: We have come to worship you, O God;
People: gather us in.
Leader: Some of us come full of happiness;
People: gather us in.
Leader: Some of us come a little sore from what life brings;
People: gather us in.
Leader: Some of us come indifferent or confused;
People: gather us in.
Leader: We honor you
            who forms us
            and calls us each by name.
            You are our God, known yet unknown,
            present here yet everywhere
            now and forever.
            You have made us distinctly unique
            and yet part of your people world-wide.
All: Gather us in to your fierce love, your tender care,
        your abundant grace.
Leader: We pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.


Song   Come, O Spirit, come   STS 104
         Gloria   HWB 204

Scripture                          Psalm 15                 English and Hebrew
                                                                

Silence


Response
Leader: The tent of the Lord is wide and spacious.
People: We will make our home within its span.
Leader: The Lord is eager to welcome, gracious to forgive.
People: Thanks be to God, for God's great mercy.

Offering

Song    Bless The Lord   (see insert)
          With you, O Lord  (see insert)

Scripture                     James 1:17-27              English and German

Silence

Response
Leader: Every generous gift comes from God, Source of all Being.
People: She has given us birth. He has sustained our lives.
Leader: Hear the word, do the word. This is the command.
People: Through grace, we will care for one another.


Children's Story 

Invitation 

Scripture   Mark 5:21-43                 English and French

Silence

Anointing

Song     Veni Sancte Spiritus   HWB 298
           Dona nobis pacem Domine   HWB 294

Prayers

Sending     Jubilate Deo omnis terra   HWB 103

A supervised nursery, located next to the main entrance, for newborns through age 3
Children's Circle, which meets in the basement during the second half of the worship service, for children ages 3 through 7

Wednesday, September 2 City Gospel Mission

Tuesday, September 8 Community Meal (5pm)
Tuesday, September 8 TTV (7pm)

Sunday, September 13 First day of Sunday School
Sunday, September 13 Second Sunday Potluck
Sunday, September 20 Book Club
Sunday, September 22 PJOS (7pm)

During the month of September our worship theme will be Wisdom. Readings will be taken from what is considered the wisdom literature of the Hebrew Bible. We will consider wisdom in action, wisdom in speech, and wisdom in thought.

If you're still trying to sort out your positions on immigrants and immigration reform, now is a great time to learn about this topic first-hand from immigrants living right here in Cincinnati. ``Breaking Bread and Barriers,'' sponsored by the Cincinnati Interfaith Worker Justice and Clifton United Methodist Church, is part of The Month of Action , a nationwide effort led by people of faith calling on their elected officials to enact comprehensive immigration reform this year. Join fellow CMF'er, John D., at Clifton United Methodist Church, Sunday, August 30th from 12 to 2pm for food, fellowship, and information. If you have any questions, please contact John at 513.503.6185.

Journey Group Signup
Beginning in September, there will be several Journey Groups for CMFers to join.There is a signup sheet near the mail folders.Each group will decide on their own meeting time and frequency.The following are the groups to choose from:
1.Men's Group facilitated by Jim M..
2. Art and Spirituality facilitated by Connie B.. This group will explore the relationship between the arts and spirituality with a discussion of a series of articles leading to personal reflection.
3. "Open" Group with time for sharing, prayer, study and worship.Needs a facilitator.
4. Book study and discussion: "An Altar in the World" by Barbara Brown Taylor. This group does not anticipate beginning until January.It will be facilitated by Judy H. and Abbie M..
Please prayerfully consider participation in one of these groups.


Book Club will meet on Sunday, Sept. 20 after church at Jim & Joy M.'s home. The book to be discussed is "The Omnivore's Dilemma:A Natural History of Four Meals" by Michael Pollan. Lunch will be served.

The PJOS committee will meet on Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 7pm in the Peace House.


Prayers for Faith and Learning:
Pray for the students in this year's parables Worship Team at Goshen CollegeEmily Bowman, Aaron Kaufmann, Molly Kellogg,Jay Mast, Rachel Nafziger, Reuben Sancken, Allen Shenk and Ashley Walkeras they begin leading worship services on campus and around the community. Ask the Spirit to develop their gifts throughout this year, and ask that congregations will be blessed and inspired by what the students offer.

Prayers for the Mennonite Mission Network:
Pray that the newly launched Anabaptist Network in South Africa (ANiSA) may strengthen Christian faith and practice in southern Africa.

Special Notice:

HCATF would like to organize a group meeting for the following important conference call being given on September 8. The group is looking for anyone whose home phone has speakerphone capabilities and who would be willing to invite CMF'ers to meet in his/her home for the conference call. Please contact any member of HCATF if you wish to participate and/or have an appropriate phone as soon as possible. Thank you.

Health care access conference calls

Our Mennonite understanding that God takes special interest in the
marginalized and uncared-for has led many of us into health care
professions. We care so deeply about health care access for all that our
delegates passed a nearly-unanimous resolution at Convention 2009. Because truth-telling is another Christian attribute, join some of the foremost experts in the country to hear what possible congressional bills say and don't say and what they might mean for us as consumers.

Join a one-hour conference call with Mennonite experts giving a Christian viewpoint of the United States health care access debate.

Speakers:
* Tammy Alexander is the Legislative Associate for Domestic Affairs at the MCC Washington Office, focusing on immigration, the environment, and health care.
* David E. Cockley is Associate Professor of Health Services
Administration (James Madison University) and Adjunct Professor (Eastern Mennonite University)
* Keith Harder is leading Mennonite Church USA efforts for a health care plan for congregational church workers.

* Susan Mark Landis is Mennonite Church USA peace advocate.

* Tim Stoltzfus Jost is a professor at the Washington and Lee University School of Law and was the primary author of the national health care resolution passed by the 2009 Mennonite Church USA Delegate Assembly. Tim has been interviewed in the past few days by CNN, ABC News, the New York Times, USA Today, Investor's Daily, Fox News, and some local radio programs.

You might listen with a group so you can discuss further after the call.

You may send questions by email to SusanMLMennoniteUSA.org. Questions must be received by Sept 1. After the call, you may send comments to SusanMLMennoniteUSA.org.

More details and visuals will be available by September 1 on
http://www.MennoniteUSA.org/nationalhealthcare

Sept 3: Thursday, 10 pm Eastern
Sept 8: Tuesday, 8 pm Eastern

Attendee dial-in number: (712) 432-1001
Attendee access code: 477952371#

All attendees will be on mute. There is space for 1000 attendees. You are responsible for any applicable long distance charges that may apply to your phone line. The conference call costs nothing extra.

Have you visited the FOOD EXCHANGE? Every week a Sunday School room is available off of the foyer for any CMF grower to share/sell your produce. You are welcome to set up tables and mark your items. Please clean up before you leave the building. Participation and visitation has been increasing; let's keep up the trend! If you have questions, please see members of the healthcare access task force (HCATF).

Did you know?
Reforming foreign assistance is also in our nation's best interest. Investments in global development increase security and prosperity in the United States.

         GATHERING

Gathering Hymns   I'm pressing on the upward way    STJ 96
                           Take my life    HWB 389
Welcome        
(Visitors are invited to fill out a welcome card and place it in the offering basket.)


Call to Worship          
Leader: Listen! God is welcoming us to this time of worship.
            Young and old, rich and poor, all are welcomed.
People: This is a place where all belong.
               This is a time when all are accountable to God.
Leader: The Maker of all seeks our common good.
           The God of Mercy calls on us to be merciful.
People: We are not judges over our sisters and our brothers.
               We are called to love our neighbors as ourselves.
Leader: Come to sing praises and put your trust in God.
            Come to open yourself to the ways of Wisdom.
People: We bring all our needs to God, our hope.
               We want to share faith and hope with others.

Opening Prayer
        
         PRAISING

Hymn               I long for your commandments    HWB 543



Scripture     Proverbs 9:1-12, 22:1-2

Offering Prayer

Offering         
        
   

Scripture    James 2:1-17

Children's Story               
     
Hymn   Be thou my vision   HWB 545
        
Sermon   The house that Wisdom built

Hymn     Long before my journey's start   STJ 36

Moment for Mission

Sharing Joys, Concerns and Reflections
and Introduction of Visitors

Prayers of the Community

Hymn    Lord, whose love in humble service    HWB 369

Benediction

A supervised nursery, located next to the main entrance, for newborns through age 3
Children's Circle, which meets in the basement during the second half of the worship service, for children ages 3 through 7

Tuesday, September 8 Community Meal (5pm)
Tuesday, September 8 TTV (7pm)
Thursday, September 10 SLT (6:30pm, home of Judy VH)

Sunday, September 13 First Day of Sunday School
Sunday, September 13 Congregational meeting, directly after services
Sunday, September 13 Second Sunday Potluck, all are welcome
Friday, September 18-20 Paster Joel's quarterly weekend off

Sunday, September 20 Book Club (after church, home of Jim/Joy M.)
Monday, September 21 CDC Resource Day (9-4)
Tuesday, September 22 PJOS (7pm)
Thursday, September 24 Light the Night Walk@ Sawyer Point (see NOTES for details)

During the month of September our worship theme will be Wisdom. Readings will be taken from what is considered the wisdom literature of the Hebrew Bible.We will consider wisdom in action, wisdom in speech, and wisdom in thought.

In late June, Christine S. and Hal H. spoke about the Central District Conference held in Sugarcreek. They mentioned a budget concern for this fiscal year, July 1, 2009-June 30, 2010.  Congregations are asked to consider giving above their already budgeted amount. The CDC Board, Stewardship and Missional Church committee members have already pledged $6,000 of the $20,000. budget gap between estimated income and expenses. Central District provides an excellent model for the church. Its influence is far reaching, including congregations in Harrisonburg, Atlanta, Milwaukee beyond Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, and Ohio congregations.
While our Council leadership decided not to add this to our newly agreed budget for the coming year, worship committee decided to ask individuals if they are willing to pledge by September 30 and/or give by June 30, 2010. For this reason, we will hold a special offering on September 20. A letter from the Conference explaining detailsbe sent in an email to you. We will have a form available by the mail folders that you can use for the September 20 offering. If you have questions contact Christine S.. We encourage you to consider prayerfully how to respond to this need.

HCATF would like to organize a group meeting for the following important conference call being given on September 8. The group is looking for anyone whose home phone has speakerphone capabilities and who would be willing to invite CMF'ers to meet in his/her home for the conference call. Please contact any member of HCATF if you wish to participate and/or have an appropriate phone as soon as possible. Thank you.

Book Club will meet on Sunday, Sept. 20 after church at Jim & Joy M.'s home. The book to be discussed is "The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals" by Michael Pollan. Lunch will be served.

The PJOS committee will meet on Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 7pm in the Peace House.

On Thursday, September 24 The local Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) will hold their fundraiser at Sawyer Point, 705 East Pete Rose Way, 45202. Check-in begins at 5:00, opening ceremony is6:30, walk start time is 7:30, distance is 2 miles. The webpage for Team Jared Hess is : http://pages.lightthenight.org/soh/Cinci09/TeamJaredHess You are welcome to come whenever it suits you. There are booths serving free food, first come, first served. We will have an area staked with a white banner Team Jared Hess with-shirts for sale for $5. The T-shirts have a picture of Jared playing basketball with his dates on the back.
However you want to participate, gathering with us, walking with us, joining the team online, donating to one of the team members listed on Jared's page, you're welcome for any or. Anne, Caleb and Noah will be with us the Walk as will Alison and Sam. We are meeting afterwards, location tbd. This is a time to remember and celebrate who Jared was, benefit the organization in its goals to further research and help those with Leukemia and Lymphoma. Please know, however, that as Jared's family, our goal is to maintain connections with Jared's communities.

The Healthcare Access Task Force will hold its September fitness activity on Sun. Sept. 27 after church at Spring Grove Cemetery. There will be both biking and walking options through the cemetery, with Steve R.and Jean S. as our leaders. We will carpool over and picnic first. Bring your own picnic lunch or pick up something to eat on the way. Bring your bike if you plan to bike. Contact Jean S. for more information.

Be Our Guest.....Hesston College is celebrating 100 years of "Living The Vision" education during the 2009-10 school year. The anchor event is Centennial Homecoming Weekend, September 25-27. Alumni and friends of the college are invited to attend. Go to the alumni page at www.hesston.edu for more information and/or to register. Please call the alumni relations office toll free at 866-437-7866 for questions.

To help in your planning , please note that there will be no Christian Education hour on the following Sundays : November 29 (Thanksgiving); December 27 and January 3 (Christmas); April 4 (Easter). The last Sunday of the year will be May 23, 2010.

Contribute ideas of resource creation:
Like previous Mennonite Publishing Network books such as More With Less and Simply in Season , Simply Sustainable will also draw on the wisdom of people around the globe. Submissions are requested in the following areas: food, cleaning, energy conservation, fair trade, money and barter, recycling, physical, spiritual and mental health, and more. Read more at: www.mpn.net/news/august09/submissions.html .

Journey Group Signup there's still time to join!
Beginning in September, there will be several Journey Groups for CMFers to join. There is a signup sheet near the mail folders. Each group will decide on their own meeting time and frequency. The following are the groups to choose from:
1. Men's Group facilitated by Jim M..
2. Art and Spirituality facilitated by Connie B.. This group will explore the relationship between the arts and spirituality with a discussion of a series of articles leading to personal reflection.
3. "Open" Group with time for sharing, prayer, study and worship. Needs a facilitator.
4. Book study and discussion: "An Altar in the World" by Barbara Brown Taylor. This group does not anticipate beginning until January. It will be facilitated by Judy H. and Abbie M..
Please prayerfully consider participation in one of these groups.

Have you visited the FOOD EXCHANGE? Every week a Sunday School room is available off of the foyer for any CMF grower to share/sell your produce. You are welcome to set up tables and mark your items. Please clean up before you leave the building.
Participation and visitation has been increasing; let's keep up the trend!
If you have questions, please see members of the healthcare access task force (HCATF).

Did you know?
A big risk in our current economic turmoil is that it will provoke spiritual contraction. We can
become anxious and pull back from generosity. Yet, the antidote to spiritual contraction is to be reminded of the constant goodness and mercy of God. Come to the offering of letters, September 13, at 9:30am during Adult Forum.

Prayers for Faith and Learning:
Pray for new students as they adjust to academic and social life at Hesston College. Ask God to help sophomore resident assistants to be caring, sensitive and firm as they relate to students in their mod (section of a dormitory). May each campus activity be Christ-centered, whether it's chapel or social event.

Prayers for the Mennonite Mission Network:
Radical Journey participants are beginning their year with orientation that focuses on what God is doing in the world and imagining how they may join in. Pray that they would be open to the movement of God's love in and around them.

         GATHERING

Gathering Hymns

Welcome         
(Visitors are invited to fill out a welcome ca rd and place it in the offering basket.)

Call to Worship          
Leader: Come away from dullness and complacency.
             Wake up! God is calling us to listen and learn.
People: The heavens are telling the glory of God.
                 The firmament proclaims God's handiwork.
Leader: How long will we refuse the wisdom God offers?
             How long will we ignore God's counsel and reproof?
People: The law of God is perfect, reviving the soul.
                 The decrees of God are sure, making wise the simple.
Leader: Our waywardness separates us from God.
             Then, when we call on God, we hear no answer.
People: We gather to renew our relationship with God.
                 We seek enlightenment and the revival of our souls.

Opening Prayer

         PRAISING 

Hymn              

Scripture Ecclesiastes 1:1-18

Offering Prayer

Offering         

Scripture James 3:1-12

Children's Story                 

Hymn

Sermon In the classroom with Wisdom and The Teacher

Hymn     Long before my journey's start   STJ 36

Litany for an Offering of Letters
Leader: For the gift of reconciliation through your Son Jesus Christ, who
             for our sake became poor that we might be rich in your grace,
People: We give you thanks, O Lord.
Leader: For the bounty of your creation which sustains our daily lives,
People: We praise you, O God.
Leader: For the abundant blessings you shower on us so that we might
             experience the joy of sharing our resources with others,
People: We ask your guidance and pray for a generous heart, O Lord.
Leader: For the gift of citizenship that enables us to use our votes and our
             voices to influence the policies and practices of our government,
People: We pray for wisdom and persistence as we use this gift, O God.
Leader: That our new president and the new Congress might make our
              country a beacon of compassion and goodwill around the world,
People: Grant them compassion and courage, O Lord.
Leader: That our nation might always work to build partnerships that
             provide dignity and opportunity to those in need, so that people
             everywhere might be able to feed themselves and their families,
People: Grant us your vision, O God.
Leader: That those who live and work in the world's poorest countries
             might continue to improve their governments, provide education
             for their children, and support farmers,
People: May hope and opportunity be theirs, O Lord.
Leader: That our government, with all of its policies and laws, might be an
             instrument to bring change and benefit to the least among us,
People: Give us patience, O God, so that we do not lose heart.
Leader: That through your Spirit we might grow in grace and love, to live
             all of our days in joy and hope.
People: Send us out into your world, O Lord. Amen.

Sharing Joys, Concerns and Reflections
and Introduction of Visitors

Prayers of the Community

Hymn
Benediction

A supervised nursery, located next to the main entrance, for newborns through age 3

Children's Circle, which meets in the basement during the second half of the worship service, for children ages 3 through 7

First Day of Sunday School!
Congregational meeting, directly after services
Second Sunday Potluck, all are welcome

Friday, September 18-20 Pastor Joel's quarterly weekend off

Sunday, September 20 Book Club (after church, home of Jim/Joy Miller)
Monday, September 21 CDC Resource Day (9-4)
Monday, September 21 Safe Sanctuary (6:30pm)
Tuesday, September 22 Community Meal (5pm)
Tuesday, September 22 PJOS (7pm)
Thursday, September 24 Light the Night Walk@ Sawyer Point (see NOTES for details)

September, 27 HCATF fitness activity at Spring Grove Cemetery

During the month of September our worship theme will be Wisdom. Readings will be taken from what is considered the wisdom literature of the Hebrew Bible. We will consider wisdom in action, wisdom in speech, and wisdom in thought.

In late June, Christine S. and Hal H. spoke about the Central District Conference held in Sugarcreek. They mentioned a budget concern for this fiscal year, July 1, 2009-June 30, 2010. Congregations are asked to consider giving above their already budgeted amount. The CDC Board, Stewardship and Missional Church committee members have already pledged $6,000 of the $20,000. budget gap between estimated income and expenses. District provides an excellent model for the church. Its influence is far reaching, including congregations in Harrisonburg, Atlanta, Milwaukee beyond the Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, and Ohio congregations.
While our Council leadership decided not to add this to our newly agreed budget for the coming year, worship committee decided to ask individuals if they are willing to pledge by September 30 and/or give by June 30, 2010. For this reason, we will hold a special offering on September 20. A letter from the Conference explaining details will be sent in an email to you. We will have a form available by the mail folders that you can use for the September 20 offering. If you have questions contact Christine S..
We encourage you to consider prayerfully how to respond to this need.

Adult Forum topic for next week will be `` How to read the Bible '' led by Keith L..

Book Club will meet on Sunday, Sept. 20 after church at Jim & Joy M.'s home. The book to be discussed is "The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals" by Michael Pollan. Lunch will be served.

The PJOS committee will meet on Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 7pm in the Peace House.

To help in your planning , please note that there will be no Christian Education hour on the following Sundays : November 29 (Thanksgiving); December 27 and January 3 (Christmas); April 4 (Easter). The last Sunday of the year will be May 23, 2010.

On Thursday, September 24 The local Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) will hold their fundraiser at Sawyer Point, 705 East Pete Rose Way, 45202. Check-in begins at 5:00, opening ceremony is6:30, walk start time is 7:30, distance is 2 miles. The webpage for Team Jared Hess is: http://pages.lightthenight.org/soh/Cinci09/TeamJaredHess You are welcome to come whenever it suits you. There are booths serving free food, first come, first served. We will have an area staked with a white banner Team Jared Hess with-shirts for sale for $5. The T-shirts have picture of Jared playing basketball with his dates on the back.
However you want to participate, gathering with us, walking with us, joining the team online, donating to one of the team members listed on Jared's page, you're welcome for any or. Anne, Caleb and Noah will be with us the Walk as will Alison and Sam. We are meeting afterwards, location tbd. This is a time to remember and celebrate who Jared was, benefit the organization in its goals to further research and help those with Leukemia and Lymphoma. Please know, however, that as Jared's family, our goal is to maintain connections with Jared's communities.

The Healthcare Access Task Force will hold its September fitness activity on Sun. Sept. 27 after church at Spring Grove Cemetery. There will be both biking and walking options through the cemetery, with Steve R. and Jean S. as our leaders. We will carpool over and picnic first. Bring your own picnic lunch or pick up something to eat on the way. Bring your bike if you plan to bike. Contact Jean S. for more information.

Please take note: Violet's office hours will be changing effective immediately to Tuesday and Saturday during the school year. All final worship leader guides will be issued on Saturday instead of Friday. Joel's office hours are unaffected.

Camp Friedenswald is looking for volunteers who are experienced with interior painting and willing to spend a day, a weekend, or a week! Housing and meals are available as needed. For further information, contact Portia at 269-476-9744 or portiafriedenswald.org

Be Our Guest.....Hesston College is celebrating 100 years of "Living The Vision" education during the 2009-10 school year. The anchor event is Centennial Homecoming Weekend, September 25-27. Alumni and friends of the college are invited to attend. Go to the alumni page at www.hesston.edu for more information and/or to register. Please call the alumni relations office toll free at 866-437-7866 for questions.

Contribute ideas of resource creation:
Like previous Mennonite Publishing Network books such as More With Less and Simply in Season , Simply Sustainable will also draw on the wisdom of people around the globe. Submissions are requested in the following areas: food, cleaning, energy conservation, fair trade, money and barter, recycling, physical, spiritual and mental health, and more. Read more at: www.mpn.net/news/august09/submissions.html .

You are invited to a retreat gathering for artists and anyone interested in connecting to God in visual ways. Beyond Words: Imagining a Visual Spirituality , October 23-25 at Laurelville Mennonite Church Center will include visually focused worship, artist-led workshops, firing of the wood fire kiln, and open time and space for rest, reflection and fellowship. Information at www.laurelville.org/beyond_words.html 800.839.1021. Register today.
Restore your spirit with a program at Laurelville Mennonite Church Center--
Aging with Spirit with Loren Swartzentruber, October 4-6
Beyond Words: Imagining a Visual Spirituality with Liz Nofziger,
October 23-25
Grief, Spirituality and Sexuality: Life After Losing a Spouse with
Rachel Nafziger Hartzler, December 4-6
Information at laurelville.org or 800.839.1021

Prayers for Faith and Learning:
Pray for the new Institutoíblico Anabautista (IBA)centers at Iglesia Manantial de Vida in Camden, N.J. Pray for students starting ``Introduction to Bible Study'' this month and for their tutors: Ivania Garcia, Martina Sierra, Efrain Zayas, and for the IBA Regional
Coordinator, Pastor Hugo Garcia.

Prayers for the Mennonite Mission Network:
In Francistown, Botswana, Melanie Quinn works with young actors and musicians who stage productions dealing with alcoholism, HIV/AIDS and domestic violence. Grant money for the presentations and for
performers' stipends has been wrongfully withheld since February. Pray that God would provide needed funds.

         GATHERING

Gathering Hymns      Make music to the Lord most high    HWB 73
                             I am thine, O Lord    HWB 505

Welco me           
(Visitors are invited to fill out a welcome card and place it in the offering basket.)

Call to Worship           
Leader: The casual, thoughtful word of a good friend
People: can open up a way for us to encourage or to forgive.
Leader: The simple, generous act of a caring neighbor
People: can bring home to us the esteem in which we are held.
Leader: The carefully phrased note from a family member
People: can be a symbol of a love deep and profound.
Leader: And this time in worshipfamiliar, routine, imperfect
People: can be a faithful reminder of God's wonderful love for us.

Opening Prayer 

         PRAISING

Hymn           Oh, beautiful star of Bethlehem     S T S 32
        

Scripture    Psalm 1       
 
Offering Prayer

Offering         

Scripture          James 3:13 - 4:8

Children's Story         

Hymn   Blest are they       S T J 94


Sermon    The Desperate Desire to Keep It Simple

Hymn     I am weak and I need thy strength    HWB 553

Sharing Joys, Concerns and Reflections
and Introduction of Visitors

Prayers of the Community

Hymn     Christian, let your burning light     HWB 402

Benediction

A supervised nursery , located next to the main entrance , for newborns through age 3
Children ' s Circle , which meets in the basement during the second half of the worship service , for children ages 3 through 7

Brief congregational meeting, directly after services (see NOTES for complete details)
Book Club after church, home of Jim and Joy M. Book discussed will be ``the Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals'' by Michael Pollan. Lunch will be served.

Monday, September 21 CDC Resource Day (9 - 4)
Monday, September 21 Safe Sanctuary (6:30pm)
Tuesday, September 22 Community Meal (5pm)
Tuesday, September 22 PJOS (7pm)
Thursday, September 24 Light the Night Walk@ Sawyer Point (see NOTES for details)

Sunday, September 27 HCATF fitness activity at Spring Grove Cemetery
Wednesday, September 30 Council (6:30pm)

Saturday, October 3 Youth Group activity, an overnight at the church
starting Saturday evening and ending Sunday morning

An additional brief Congregational Meeting will be held immediately following churc h September 20th for the Congregation to move to affirm the ministry of Pastor Joel Miller. As discussed at the September 13th meeting Council will also be asking for a Congregational decision on length of term, vacation and sabbatical policies. If you would like clarification, or have questions, comments or concerns regarding the items discussed please contact a member of Council (Beth Brubacher, Rosella Covington, Linda Headings, Steve Hitt, John Kampen, or Jim Miller).

Linda Headings
Council Chair

Violet will be in the office on Monday, September 21, instead of Tuesday, September 22. She will be out of town on Tuesday and requests that all early worship leader guide information and any announcements be sent to the office by Monday morning for distribution.Otherwise, in accordance with her new schedule, nothing new will be distributed until Saturday, September 26.Thank you.

During the month of September our worship theme will be Wisdom. Readings will be taken from what is considered the wisdom literature of the Hebrew Bible.We will consider wisdom in action, wisdom in speech, and wisdom in thought.

In late June, Christine S. and Hal H. spoke about the Central District Conference held in Sugarcreek.  They mentioned a budget concern for this fiscal year, July 1, 2009 - June 30, 2010. Congregations are asked to consider giving above their already budgeted amount. The CDC Board, Stewardship and Missional Church committee members have already pledged $6,000 of the $20,000. budget gap between estimated income and expenses.District provides an excellentmodel for the church. Its influence is far reaching, including congregations in Harrisonburg, Atlanta, Milwaukee beyond the Illinois, Indiana, Iowa,Michigan, and Ohio congregations.
While our Council leadership decided not to add this to our newly agreed budget for the coming year, worship committee decided to ask individuals if they are willing to pledge by September 30 and/or give by June 30, 2010. For this reason, we will hold a special offering on September 20. A letter from the Conference explaining details will be sent in an email to you. We will have a form available by the mail folders that you can use for the September 20 offering. If you have questions contact Christine S..
We encourage you to consider prayerfully how to respond to this need.

The PJOS committee will meet on Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 7pm in the Peace House.

On Thursday, September 24 The local Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) will hold their fundraiser at Sawyer Point, 705 East Pete Rose Way, 45202. Check - in begins at 5:00, opening ceremony is 6:30, walk start time is 7:30, distance is 2 miles. The webpage for Team Jared Hess is: http://pages.lightthenight.org/soh/Cinci09/TeamJaredHess You are welcome to come whenever it suits you. There are booths serving free food, first come, first served. We will have an area staked with a white banner Team Jared Hess with - shirts for sale for $5. The T - shirts have a picture of Jared playing basketball with his dates on the back.
However you want to participate, gathering with us, walking with us, joining the team online, donating to one of the team members listed on Jared's page, you're welcome for any or Anne, Caleb and Noah will be with us for the Walk as will Alison and Sam. We are meeting afterwards, location tbd. This is a time to remember and celebrate who Jared was, benefit the organization in its goals to further research and help those with Leukemia and Lymphoma. Please know, however, that as Jared's family, our goal is to maintain connections with Jared's communities.

The Healthcare Access Task Force will hold its September fitness activity on Sun. Sept. 27 after church at Spring Grove Cemetery. T here will be both biking and walking options through the cemetery, with Steve R. and Jean S. as our leaders. We will carpool over and picnic first. Bring your own picnic lunch or pick up something to eat on the way. Bring your bike if you plan to bike. Contac t Jean S. for more information.

Reminder: Violet's office hours have changed to Tuesday and Saturday during the school year. All final worship leader guides will be issued on Saturday instead of Friday. Joel's office hours are unaffected.

Camp Friedenswald is looking for volunteers who are experienced with interior painting and willing to spend a day, a weekend, or a week!Housing and meals are available as needed.For further information, contact Portia at 269 - 476 - 9744 or portiafriedenswald.org

To help in your planning , please note that there will be no Christian Education hour on the following Sundays : November 29 (Thanksgiving); December 27 and January 3 (Christmas); April 4 (Easter). The last Sunday of the year will be May 23, 2010.


Contribute ideas of resource creation:
Like previous Mennonite Publishing Network books such as More With Less and Simply in Season , Simply Sustainable will also draw on the wisdom of people around the globe. Submissions are requested in the following areas: food, cleaning, energy conservation, fair trade, money and barter, recycling, physical, spiritual and mental health, and more. Read more at: www.mpn.net/news/august09/submissions.html .

You are invited to a retreat gathering for artists and anyone interested in connecting to God in visual ways. Beyond Words: Imagining a Visual Spirituality , October 23 - 25 at Laurelville Mennonite Church Center will include visually focused worship, artist - led workshops, firing of the wood fire kiln, and open time and space for rest, reflection and fellowship. Information at www.laurelville.org/beyond_words.html 800.839.1021. Register today.
Restore your spirit with a program at Laurelville Mennonite Church Center --
Aging with Spirit with Loren Swartzentruber, October 4 - 6
Beyond Words: Imagining a Visual Spirituality with Liz Nofziger,
October 23 - 25
Grief, Spirituality and Sexuality: Life After Losing a Spouse with
Rachel Nafziger Hartzler, December 4 - 6
Information at laurelville.org or 800.839.1021

Prayers for Faith and Learning:
Pray for George R. Brunk, III, interim president of AMBS, during this time of transition in leadership. Pray that God's Spirit will guide him and the seminary with wisdom, patience and vision.

Prayers for the Mennonite Mission Network:
Today concludes a three - day consultation, `` And you welcomed me: A consultation of the people of God on immigration'' in Waxahachie, Texas. Pray for church leaders returning to their communities to
implement Bible - based responses to immigration dilemmas.

         GATHERING

Gathering Hymns Come, we that love the Lord HWB 14
                         I sought the Lord HWB 506
Welcome        
(Visitors are invited to fill out a welcome car d and place it in the offering basket.)

Call to Worship                   
Leader: You call us to worship, O God; you call us to prayer.
People: As we express our thanks, as we pray for the troubled,
               as we confess our shortcomings, you hear us.
Leader: You call us to worship, O God; you inspire us to praise.
People: As we sing the hymns, as we respond in the psalms,
               you join with us.
Leader: You call us to worship, O God; you call us to hear the Word.
People: As we listen to the scriptures, as we are touched by the W ord
               proclaimed, you speak to us.
Leader: You call us to worship, O God; you call us to seek wisdom.
People: As we praise, as we listen, as we seek, your love unites us.

Opening Prayer
         PRAISING

Hymn      I sing the mighty power of God HWB 46     

Scripture   Proverbs 3:1-18     

Offering Prayer

Offering         

Scripture   Matthew 11:25-30


Children's Story                 

Hymn     O thou, in whose presence    HWB 559

Sermon   Journey Toward Wisdom

Hymn     Be thou my vision HWB 545

Blessing of the Keys

Sharing Joys, Concerns and Reflections
and Introduction of Visitors

Prayers of the Community
SENDING        

Hymn     Go now in peace    HWB 429


Benediction

We warmly welcome all who are visiting with us today!

A supervised nursery, located next to the main entrance, for newborns through age 3
Children's Circle, which meets in the basement during the second half of the worship service, for children ages 3 through 7

HCATF fitness activity at Spring Grove Cemetery

Art and Spirituality Journey Group at the home of Connie B. (5:30pm). See NOTES for complete details.

Wednesday, September 30 --Council (6:30pm)

Saturday, October 3 Youth Group activity, an overnight at the church
starting Saturday evening and ending Sunday morning

Sunday, October 4 Journey Group facilitated by Abbie M. and Judy H. will meet from 6:30pm-8:30pm in the Peace House.

Wednesday, October 7 City Gospel Mission

During the month of September our worship theme will be Wisdom. Readings will be taken from what is considered the wisdom literature of the Hebrew Bible. We will consider wisdom in action, wisdom in speech, and wisdom in thought.

The first three Sundays in October we will be looking at the story of Job, which carries the theme of suffering.

Next Sunday, October 4th , we will share together in Communion. All who hunger for God are welcome to participate.

The Healthcare Access Task Force will hold its September fitness activity on Sun. Sept. 27 after church at Spring Grove Cemetery. There will be both biking and walking options through the cemetery, with Steve R. and Jean S. as our leaders. We will carpool over and picnic first. Bring your own picnic lunch or pick up something to eat on the way. Bring your bike if you plan to bike. Contact Jean S. for more information.

The `introductory'' first meeting of the Art and Spirituality Journey Group will be this Sunday, September 27, at 5:30pm at the home of Connie B.  A simple supper will be served. All who are interested may attend.

Book Club will meet on Sunday, Nov. 1 after church at Mary & Bob W.'s home. The book to be discussed is "The Zookeeper's Wife" by Diane Ackerman. Lunch will be served.


Camp Luz Sustainable Food and Farming Conference, November 20-22, 2009. This weekend event will provide a place for farmers, home gardeners, and food enthusiasts to gather together to explore how our food choices impact creation as well as our communities. Speaker: Dan Davidson, Eau Claire, WI, will be the keynote speaker. Worship, fellowship and seminars on topics such as organic gardening, cooking, getting started with organic growing and eating, and much more! For more information on prices and a registration form visit www.campluz.com

Contribute ideas of resource creation:
Like previous Mennonite Publishing Network books such as More With Less and Simply in Season , Simply Sustainable will also draw on the wisdom of people around the globe. Submissions are requested in the following areas: food, cleaning, energy conservation, fair trade, money and barter, recycling, physical, spiritual and mental health, and more. Read more at: www.mpn.net/news/august09/submissions.html .


A message from the Literacy Network of Greater Cincinnati

Volunteers needed. Tutor a child or adult with low level literacy skills. Locations and times to fit various schedules. All 513.621.READ (7323) for information on upcoming training sessions. Change a life through literacy!

Literacy Network of Greater Cincinnati
19 Broadcast Plaza, 635 W. 7 ^th Street, Suite 103
Cincinnati, OH 45203. 513.621.7323.
www.LNGC.org

Camp Friedenswald is looking for volunteers who are experienced with interior painting and willing to spend a day, a weekend, or a week! Housing and meals are available as needed. For further information, contact Portia at 269-476-9744 or portiafriedenswald.org


Reminder: Violet's office hours have changed to Tuesday and Saturday during the school year. All final worship leader guides will be issued on Saturday instead of Friday. Joel's office hours are unaffected.

To help in your planning , please note that there will be no Christian Education hour on the following Sundays : November 29 (Thanksgiving); December 27 and January 3 (Christmas); April 4 (Easter). The last Sunday of the year will be May 23, 2010.


Prayers for Faith and Learning:
Pray for the class of 2010 as they move into leadership positions in student organizations at Lancaster Mennonite High School. Pray that they take seriously their influence in the school community.

Prayers for the Mennonite Mission Network:
Akiko Aratani and Ray Epp and their children live and work at Menno Village, an agricultural initiative of the Japanese Mennonite churches that seeks to care for the land, promote just farming practices and grow healthy food. Pray that through their ministry people may grow to understand better the abundant life that Jesus offers .