This Week
Monday Drop-in Farewell Gathering for Steve and Bethany Keener, 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Tuesday Elders, 6:00 a.m.
Wednesday MYF, 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday Worship Commission, 7:00 p.m.
Thursday Elders, Christian Education Commission, Stewardship and Finance Commission, and Treasurers, 7:00 p.m.
Saturday Men's Breakfast at Old Mill Inn, 7:00 a.m.
Next Sunday Baby Shower for Andrew and Lydia Martin, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Next Sunday Building/Land Use Committee Listening Session, 6:30 p.m.


From the Building/Land Use Committee and the Elders
On three Sunday evenings in Januarythe 9 ^th , 23 ^rd , and 30 ^th the Building/Land Use Committee and the elders will be sponsoring a series of listening sessions focusing on church size. Each session will begin at 6:30 and end by 8:00. We invite you to attend one of these sessions.
This fall you filled out a survey on our space needs, and later you received the results of that survey. But so far you've not had much opportunity to respond to the survey's results. Coming to one of these listening sessions offers that opportunity. This will be a chance for you to talk with others and hear what they're thinking about the question of size.
If you have questions, see Evie Nafziger or Dan Schrock.

From the Stewardship and Finance
Commission
         Offering envelopes for 2005 were placed in the mailboxes of all who used envelopes in 2004. If you did not get envelopes and would like to use them, let Eleanor Nafziger (office secretary) know. If you received envelopes and don't care to use them this year, please turn them in to Eleanor. Please do not use the 2004 envelopes in 2005. (The exception to this would be if you have plenty of envelopes that could be used an entire other year. If so, speak to Mary or Ora Troyer or to Eleanor.)
         Using envelopes offers several advantages: (1) you receive a quarterly record of your giving to BAMF; (2) you have the receipt in place for tax filing at the end of the year; (3) cash may be used and will be recorded without having a check to substantiate the gift for tax purposes. Thank you.
                  Ora and Mary Troyer, treasurers

Announcements
BAMF News
         The congregation voted last Sunday with 98.2 percent to affirm Cindy Baker and Lois Mast as Youth Coordinators. Keep them in prayer as they begin their work with our youth and youth group sponsors.

         The Keeners are leaving! All of you are invited to give your well-wishes and final farewells to Steve and Bethany at their Going Away Party Drop-in tomorrow, January 3, 5:00-8:00 p.m., at Berkey Avenue. Bethany and Steve are taking off for Guatemala on January 5 and will return March 30. Bring finger foods to share and photos and/or memories to contribute to 12"x12" scrapbook pages (to be provided) but especially bring yourself!

         Jeff Bauman's address while he is in the Dominican Republic is : Goshen College, Apartado 747-2, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, West Indies.

         THANK YOU to Dan Schrock for the wonderful cooking time on Monday! from the JYF

         To the JYF: Remember to fill out and return to Cindy Baker the winter camp forms which are in your mailboxes today.

         Everyone is invited to an open house baby shower for Lydia and Andrew Martin next Sunday, January 9, 4:30-6:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall. The baby is coming soon; let's help them prepare!

         A draft of the 2005 church directory is on tables in the fellowship hall. Please take some time to review the following items:
¨         If you're in the directory and don't want to be, cross out your name. If you're not in the directory and want to be, add your information!
¨         Check and correct your own address and phone number.
¨         Check and correct the information of any family members living away from Goshen who want to be included in the directory.
¨         Add and correct email addresses for all members of your household in the separate section for electronic addresses (following the regular mailing addresses).
¨         Make a checkmark to indicate you've looked at your entry and it is either correct or corrected.

         A newsletter from the Louisville Urban Corps is posted on the bulletin board for you to read. There is a participant profile about Laura Sommers in the newsletter.

         Drop a line to Rebekah Garboden who is studying in India this year, her junior year of high school. Rebekah's address is: Kodaikanal International School, Seven Roads Junction, P.O. Box 25, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, India 624101.

         Saturday, January 22, at 8:00 a.m. will be the next local MEDA Chapter meeting. It will be held at Maple City Chapel. Mel Shetler, pastor of Maple City Chapel, will reflect on his congregation's explosive growth, and on business as a calling. Dale Weaver, president of Rollpak, will give the background of Rollpak and lead a tour of the facility. Reservations for breakfast need to be made through John Hertzler at michanamedaverizon.net.

Our Schools
         Join Mennonite folk duo, Andi and I, on January 14 at 8:00 p.m. for an evening at Goshen College of music, drama, humor, and testimonies to the power of Jesus' love in their program ``Stories from the Streets.'' The program tells of the experiences of men who work in prostitution in the streets of Chicago. Emmaus Ministries outreach workers, Andi and Al Tauber, perform original songs and dramatic monologues to share these stories of despair, transformation and redemption. This event will be held in the new ``Connector,'' a public space between Kratz and Miller residence halls, with parking available at the Music Center. The subject matter of this program is not suitable for children.
        
Community Announcements
         Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) has designated $75,000 as an immediate response to the devastating Asian earthquake and tsunamis that took place last Sunday, December 26 . The funds are being requested by local partners in the area and will be used to purchase clothing, food, water, fuel, and health items. All of the materials will be purchased in the affected countries. Donations can be made to the Asia earthquake fund by calling 534-4133 or 888-563-4676 or by logging onto the MCC Web Site, mcc.org/asiaearthquake.

         A workshop, God's Own Peace: Systems Theory and Spirituality, will be presented on March 15 at Shalom Mennonite Church in Indianapolis. The workshop is designed for clergy, other church leaders, and anyone who desires to ground daily life more intentionally in their relationship with God. God's Own Peace acquaints participants with some basics of Bowen family systems theory and includes meditative prayer as a means through which participants can ground themselves in God in ways that affect their daily functioning. For registration information, call Lombard Mennonite Peace Center at 630-627-0507.      
Our Church                                           
Office Hours :     Tuesday-Friday:
                  8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
                  12:00 noon- 2:00 p.m.

Statistical Report for December 26, 2004
Attendance: 137
                 
Today, January 2
         Greeters:        Genie Kehr
                  Darin and Lisa Short     
         Bulletins:       Joyce Pankratz, Carol Spicher            Nursery:         Infant Tim and Izaete Nafziger        
                  Toddler Greg and Barb Smucker
         Offering Counters:       Galen Graber, Greg Smucker
         Audio/Visual Operators:          Phil Bauman
                                                      Jonathan Williams

Next Sunday, January 9
         Greeters:        Roy Bergey and Barbara Eichorn
                           Darin and Lisa Short
         Bulletins:       Joyce Pankratz, Carol Spicher
         Nursery:         Infant Dan and Evie Nafziger
                           Toddler Dick and Nancy Yoder
         Offering Counters:       Joyce Pankratz, Ron Good
         Audio/Visual Operators:  Phil Bauman
                                             Jonathan Williams
__________________________________________
Pastors: Anita Kehr and Dan Schrock
Elders: Tom Albrecht, Beth Berry, Phil Miller, Trish Shenk, Peter Shetler, Roxanna Sommers

This Week
Today Baby Shower for Andrew and Lydia Martin, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Today Building/Land Use Committee Listening Session, 6:30 p.m.
Monday Fellowship and Caring Commission, 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday Mission Commission, 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday Youth Coordinating Council, 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday Christian Education Commission, 7:00 p.m.

From the Building/Land Use Committee and the Elders
The first of three listening sessions hosted by the elders and the Building/Land Use Committee begins tonight at 6:30 p.m. and ends by 8:00 p.m. All three sessions will focus on church size. The other two take place on January 23 and 30, and we invite you to attend at least one of them.
This fall you filled out a survey on our space needs, and later you received the results of that survey. But so far you've not had much opportunity to respond to the survey's results. Coming to one of these listening sessions offers that opportunity. This will be a chance for you to talk with others and hear what they're thinking about the question of size.
If you have questions, see Evie Nafziger or Dan Schrock.

Announcements
BAMF News
         Cindy Baker and Lois Mast, our youth coordinators, now have email addresses for their work at the church. Their addresses are: and .

         We now have four hearing-assistance devices to use on a trial basis for two weeks . Before we buy them, we'd like you to try them out and give your evaluation of their effectiveness to Phil Miller. They are currently kept on the counter beside the copier in the church office. Help yourself (no sign-out necessary) and return them after the service. We've also ordered a neck loop that will arrive shortly which plugs into most hearing aids. If you want to experiment with that, too, please see Phil.

         Everyone is invited to an open house baby shower for Lydia and Andrew Martin this afternoon, January 9, 4:30-6:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall. The baby is coming soon; let's help them prepare!
         Contact information for Steve and Bethany Keener while in Guatemala is: Spanish School ICA, 19 Avendia, 1-47, Zona 1, Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. Their e-mail addresses are: BethanyKeeneryahoo.com and
SteveKeeneryahoo.com. You can use this address, too, icaxelapages.com, but only if you can't reach them through their regular e-mail address.

         Jeff Bauman's address while he is in the Dominican Republic is : Goshen College, Apartado 747-2, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, West Indies.
        
         To the JYF: Remember to fill out and return to Cindy Baker the winter camp forms which were in your mailboxes last Sunday.

         A draft of the 2005 church directory is on tables in the fellowship hall. Please take some time to review the following items:
¨         If you're in the directory and don't want to be, cross out your name. If you're not in the directory and want to be, add your information!
¨         Check and correct your own address and phone number.
¨         Check and correct the information of any family members living away from Goshen who want to be included in the directory.
¨         Add and correct email addresses for all members of your household in the separate section for electronic addresses (following the regular mailing addresses).
¨         Make a checkmark to indicate you've looked at your entry and it is either correct or corrected.

         Saturday, January 22, at 8:00 a.m. will be the next local MEDA Chapter meeting. It will be held at Maple City Chapel. Mel Shetler, pastor of Maple City Chapel, will reflect on his congregation's explosive growth, and on business as a calling. Dale Weaver, president of Rollpak, will give the background of Rollpak and lead a tour of the facility. Reservations for breakfast need to be made through John Hertzler at michanamedaverizon.net.

Our Schools
         Interested in quilting? Please help complete a beautiful quilt for the Bethany Fun Fest auction to be held on March 18. The quilt will be set up in the school lobby Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. A complimentary lunch will be provided. Call the school at 534-2567 to reserve your lunch.

         Evening Song and Prayer will be held on Tuesday, January 11 at 9:00 p.m., at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary. This service in the AMBS chapel will combine scripture reading, singing, prayer and silence. For information, call AMBS at 295-3726.

         Join Mennonite folk duo, Andi and I, on January 14 at 8:00 p.m. for an evening of music, drama, humor, and testimonies to the power of Jesus' love in their program ``Stories from the Streets'' at Goshen College. The program tells about the experiences of men who work in prostitution on the streets of Chicago. Emmaus Ministries outreach workers, Andi and Al Tauber, perform original songs and dramatic monologues to share these stories of despair, transformation and redemption. This event will be held in the new ``Connector,'' a public space between Kratz and Miller residence halls, with parking available at the Music Center. The subject matter of this program is not suitable for children.
        
         During Goshen College's 12 ^th annual all-school Martin Luther King Jr. Study Day on January 17, Dr. Vincent Harding, an associate of MLK and longtime peace advocate and scholar, will speak at 7:30 a.m. during the Community Prayer Breakfast in the Church-Chapel Fellowship Hall. Advance registration is required; tickets for the breakfast are $15 per person or $120 for a table of eight and must be reserved by January 10. For more information about the prayer breakfast, or to reserve a seat or table, call the Welcome Center 535-7566. Harding will also speak during a 10:00 a.m. public convocation in the Church-Chapel. The college is also offering activities related to Martin Luther King Jr. Day for children in grades 2-6 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. For more information and to pre-register, contact Anne Meyer Byler at 533-1996.

Community Announcements
         A workshop, God's Own Peace: Systems Theory and Spirituality, will be presented on March 15 at Shalom Mennonite Church in Indianapolis. The workshop is designed for clergy, other church leaders, and anyone who desires to ground daily life more intentionally in their relationship with God. God's Own Peace acquaints participants with some basics of Bowen family systems theory and includes meditative prayer as a means through which participants can ground themselves in God in ways that affect their daily functioning. For registration information, call Lombard Mennonite Peace Center at 630-627-0507.

         RETA Ministries is a crisis pregnancy center in Elkhart that provides a variety of services to teens, women, and families including pregnancy testing, material aid, referrals, emotional and spiritual support. RETA is currently accepting resumes for the executive director position. The executive director is responsible to oversee all facets of the ministries including fundraising, public relations, staff and programming. This is a full-time paid position. For additional information, or to submit a resume, please contact Doug Hayes. Contact information is: P.O. Box 575, Goshen, IN 46526, 533-1171 (work), 875-6387 (home).      

Our Church                                           
Office Hours :     Tuesday-Friday:
                  8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
                  12:00 noon- 2:00 p.m.

Statistical Report for January 2, 2005
Attendance: 195
        
Today, January 9
         Greeters:        Roy Bergey and Barbara Eichorn
                  Darin and Lisa Short     
         Bulletins:       Joyce Pankratz, Carol Spicher            Nursery:         Infant Ron and Lori Good      
                  Toddler Dick and Nancy Yoder
         Offering Counters:       Joyce Pankratz, Ron Good
         Audio/Visual Operators:          Phil Bauman
                                                      Jonathan Williams

Next Sunday, January 16
         Greeters:        Roy Bergey and Barbara Eichorn
                           Darin and Lisa Short
         Bulletins:       Joyce Pankratz, Carol Spicher
         Nursery:         Infant Curt and Sherry Wenger
                           Toddler Tim and Tracy Thorne
         Offering Counters:       Barbara Eichorn
                           Lowell Nafziger
         Audio/Visual Operators:  Phil Bauman
                                             Jonathan Williams
__________________________________________
Pastors: Anita Kehr and Dan Schrock
Elders: Tom Albrecht, Beth Berry, Phil Miller, Trish Shenk, Peter Shetler, Roxanna Sommers

This Week
Tuesday Elders, 6:00 a.m.
Tuesday BWIF, 11:30 a.m. at Rachel's Bread
Wednesday MYF, 5:45 p.m. gathering at the Meetinghouse to carpool to Kalamazoo for the hockey game.
Thursday Coordinating Meeting, 7:00 p.m.
Next Sunday Building/Land Use Committee Listening Session, 6:30 p.m.

From the Building/Land Use Committee and the Elders
The second of three listening sessions hosted by the elders and the Building/Land Use Committee is next Sunday , January 23, 6:30-8:00 p.m. These sessions will focus on church size; the third one takes place on January 30. Please try to attend at least one of these gatherings!
This fall you filled out a survey on our space needs, and later you received the results of that survey. But so far you've not had much opportunity to respond to the survey's results. Coming to one of these listening sessions offers that opportunity. This will be a chance for you to talk with others and hear what they're thinking about the question of size. If you have questions, see Evie Nafziger or Dan Schrock.

From the Fellowship and Caring Commission
         You are invited to celebrate the marriage of Elijah and Priscillah Metekai on Sunday, January 23, during the fellowship time between worship and nurture hours at the grocery shower hosted by the Fellowship and Caring Commission. Enjoy refreshments and bring non-perishable items to stock Elijah and Priscillah's cupboards.

From the Mission Commission
         This week we contributed $1,250 to the Louisville Urban Corps to help support Laura Sommers during her year of voluntary service. This money comes from a line item in our congregation's budget specifically designated for VS support. A member of our congregation, Laura is the daughter of Karl and Roxanna. We have a dream that someone from the congregation might someday visit Laura in Louisville. If this dream interests you, please see Ron Good.

         The MCC meat canner will be at The Depot again this year, January 18 through January 29. Once again, they will be canning turkey instead of beef so they will need help cutting up the meat all day. Last year they were short of help some afternoons and evenings. Berkey Avenue has been scheduled to assist on Friday, January 28. The morning shift starts at 7:00 a.m. There are also afternoon and evening shifts. Please telephone The Depot at 534-3960 if you need more details. If you wish to contribute financially, please make checks payable to: Foreign Relief MCC. Send the check to Laban Hochstetler, Treasurer, 59029 CR 35, Middlebury, IN 46540.

Announcements
BAMF News
         Thank you to our Berkey Avenue Family:
Perhaps you sent a lovely card,
         or sat quietly in a chair.
Perhaps you sent a floral piece,
         if so we saw it there.
Perhaps you spoke the kindest words,
         as any friend could say;
perhaps you were not there at all,
         and just thought of us that day.
Whatever you did to console our hearts,
         we thank you so much whatever the part.
Diane, Lowell, Lisa, Darin, Tony, Coni, Mason, Morgan, and Maija

         See Bethany Keener's storytelling email messages from her and Steve's adventure in Guatemala. The messages are posted on the bulletin board.

         Cindy Baker and Lois Mast, our youth coordinators, now have email addresses for their work at the church. Their addresses are: lois@
berkeyavenue.org and cindyberkeyavenue.org. They will be in the office on Mondays.

         We now have four hearing-assistance devices to use on a trial basis for two weeks. Before we buy them, we'd like you to try them out and give your evaluation of their effectiveness to Phil Miller. They are currently kept on the counter beside the copier in the church office. Help yourself (no sign-out necessary) and return them after the service. We've also ordered a neck loop that will arrive shortly which plugs into most hearing aids. If you want to experiment with that, too, please see Phil.

         You will find in your mailbox a yellow letter from the elders about the Mission and Witness Statement that we will be voting on at the next congregational meeting. The statement is attached.
        
         A final draft of the 2005 church directory is on tables in the fellowship hall. It should include the updates and corrections made in the past two weeks. Please take some time to review the following items:
¨         If you're in the directory and don't want to be, cross out your name. If you're not in the directory and want to be, add your information!
¨         Check and correct your own address and phone number.
¨         Check and correct the information of any family members living away from Goshen who want to be included in the directory.
¨         Add and correct email addresses for all members of your household in the separate section for electronic addresses (following the regular mailing addresses).
¨         Make a checkmark to indicate you've looked at your entry and it is either correct or corrected.

This Saturday, January 22, Michiana MEDA is sponsoring a breakfast meeting at 8:00 a.m. at Maple City Chapel followed by a tour of Rollpak. Mel Shetler will speak on Maple City Chapel's explosive growth, unique building, and his thoughts on ``business as a calling.'' The tour will give opportunity to see how a locally owned Mennonite business produces plastic trash bags in a modern, unique factory in Goshen. Everyone is invited to attend. Price is $15 non-members, $10 members, and $5 students. To register call 537-1776.

Our Schools
         During Goshen College's 12 ^th annual all-school Martin Luther King, Jr. Study Day tomorrow, on January 17, Dr. Vincent Harding, an associate of Martin Luther King, Jr. and a longtime peace advocate and scholar, will speak during a 10:00 a.m. public convocation in the Church-Chapel. The college is also offering activities related to Martin Luther King, Jr. Day for children in grades 2-6 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

         Bluffton University is asking for donations of quilts, rugs, artwork, toys, cash contributions, etc. for their annual May Day ceremonies on the weekend of May 6-8. These items will be sold in a silent auction with the funds going to worthy projects at Bluffton University. Entry deadline is April 14. If you have any questions, see Lori Good.

         Quilters are invited to Bethany Christian Schools lobby every day from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to help on a quilt for their March 18 Fun Fest. Call the school at 534-2567 if you plan to eat lunch in the cafeteria.

         If you are planning to donate items for the quilt portion of the auction for Bethany Fun Fest this year, you need to have your information as to size, pattern, etc. to Ruth Roth or Barb Smucker by February 4 in order for the information to be included in the auction booklet. They do not need completed items at this time, only a description for the booklet. There are still two months until the auction so there's time to plan and create in the long winter evenings ahead.

         Leadership Clinics on January 28 at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary are an opportunity to study issues in depth. Upcoming clinics include ``Cultivating Faith During Adolescence'' with Bob Yoder, conference minister and Goshen College instructor; and ``Externally Driven Trauma'', second in a pastoral care series, with Clair Hochstetler, chaplain. For more information, see the AMBS web site: www.ambs.edu; select Church Leadership Center, then Continuing Education and Leadership Clinics, or contact the Church Leadership office, bsawatzkyambs.edu or 296-6207.

         Overwhelmed by demands on your time and pressures to accumulate more stuff? These are among the most significant challenges for Christian spirituality today. At Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, the spring Spiritual Life Disciplines Seminar on prayer will focus on ``Embracing Abundant Life, Unlearning Consumerism.'' Join the class if you want to find prayerful and practical ways to live faithfully while being supported by a faith community. The class will be led by Arthur Boers and offered Thursday evenings, 6:30-7:45 p.m., February 3 through May 12 at AMBS. To enroll, contact the AMBS registrar at registrarambs.edu or 296-6268.

Community Announcements
         Come and join the Oasis Support Group for families dealing with issues of mental illness. They meet in the Oaklawn Conference Room this afternoon, January 16, at 3:00 p.m. Friends provide fellowship and caring, and Oaklawn provides refreshments.

         The Clay Artist Guild will be holding the Empty Bowl Fundraiser for Goshen Interfaith Hospitality Network again this year. It is scheduled for Saturday evening, February 26. Please mark this event on your calendar, and you will receive more information as it becomes available. For those of you who have not attended this event in the past, please plan to come. It is a wonderful activity for people of all ages and a great fundraiser for GIHN. Plus, you get to take home the bowl of your choice shaped by the hands of some of our very talented local artists.

         Mennonite Mission Network's Church Relations and Partnership Formation Department is seeking a half-time administrative assistant to begin immediately in our Elkhart office. This person will maintain departmental file systems, provide regular financial reports to partner groups, communicate with mission workers and their supporters, coordinate training events, and assist with a wide variety of communication tasks including written correspondence, minute taking, and telephone contact with congregations. The person will need to become comfortable using extensive Excel spreadsheets and working with Blackbaud's Raisers Edge applications. A position description may be viewed on our web site at MennoniteMission.net. Interested persons please call Human Resources at 523-3008 or e-mail a letter of interest and resume to staffrecruitment@ MennoniteMission.net.
Our Church                                           
Office Hours :     Tuesday-Friday:
                  8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
                  12:00 noon- 2:00 p.m.

Statistical Report for January 9, 2005
Attendance: 216
        
Today, January 16
         Greeters:        Roy Bergey and Barbara Eichorn
                  Tim and Jen Drescher     
         Bulletins:       Joyce Pankratz, Carol Spicher            Nursery:         Infant Curt and Sherry Wenger 
                  Toddler Tim and Tracy Thorne
         Offering Counters:       Barbara Eichorn
                                             Lowell Nafziger
         Audio/Visual Operators:          Phil Bauman
                                                      Jonathan Williams

Next Sunday, January 23
         Greeters:        Roy Bergey and Barbara Eichorn
                           Darin and Lisa Short
         Bulletins:       Joyce Pankratz, Carol Spicher
         Nursery:         Infant Jeannie and Phil Miller
                           Toddler Ruth and John Roth
         Offering Counters:       Steve Garboden
                                   Anita Mounsithiraj
         Audio/Visual Operators:  Phil Bauman
                                             Jonathan Williams
__________________________________________
Pastors: Anita Kehr and Dan Schrock
Youth Coordinators: Cindy Baker and Lois Mast
Elders: Tom Albrecht, Beth Berry, Phil Miller, Trish Shenk, Peter Shetler, Roxanna Sommers

This Week
Today Building/Land Use Committee Listening Session, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday MYF, 7:00 P.M.
Next Sunday Building/Land Use Committee Listening Session, 6:30 p.m.

From the Building/Land Use Committee and the Elders
The second of three listening sessions hosted by the elders and the Building/Land Use Committee takes place this evening, 6:30-8:00 p.m. These sessions are focusing on church size; the third one takes place next Sunday, January 30. Please try to attend at least one of these gatherings!
This fall you filled out a survey on our space needs, and later you received the results of that survey. This is your chance to respond to the survey's results, talking with others and hearing what they're thinking about the question of size. If you have questions, see Evie Nafziger or Dan Schrock.

From the Mission Commission
         Next Sunday, January 30, we will have a special Mission Sunday which will include recognition and celebration of the ministry in India of Alvin and Goldie Hostetler. There will also be a Fellowship Meal following the nurture hour . Indian Chai (tea) will be available to top off our dessert. During the tea and dessert time, there will be short interviews with the people who live in this area and have served in India with the Mennonite mission endeavor. Please bring ample food, including desserts, for both our guests and us.

         The MCC meat canner is at The Depot this year from January 18 through January 29. Once again, they are canning turkey instead of beef so they need help cutting up the meat all day. Last year they were short of help some afternoons and evenings. Berkey Avenue has been scheduled to assist on Friday, January 28. The morning shift starts at 7:00 a.m. There are also afternoon and evening shifts. Please telephone The Depot at 534-3960 if you need more details. If you wish to contribute financially, please make checks payable to: Foreign Relief MCC. Send the check to Laban Hochstetler, Treasurer, 59029 CR 35, Middlebury, IN 46540.



Announcements
BAMF News
         The Worship Team is leading prelude and singing next Sunday, January 30. Instrumentalists, please come at 8:15 to tune and practice, vocalists by 8:30.

         The 2005 Congregational Directories have been put in your mailboxes. If you need an extra directory, please contact Eleanor Nafziger, church office secretary. If you want an electronic copy to download onto your PDA, please contact Eleanor about that as well.

         Does anyone know of a saxophone going unused that they would be willing to lend or sell? Evan Grimes would like to learn to play the saxophone, and we would like to give it a try before investing too much money. Call us at 534-3963. Brenda Grimes

         Tonya Bontrager is starting a knitting group at Berkey Avenue on Monday evening, January 31, 7:00-9:00 p.m. The group will meet in the MYF room. Anyone interested in knitting is welcome. She will have needles that will be available for purchase ($7-10), and she can also provide beginner kits ($20). The beginner kit includes a skein of yarn, a pair of needles, written instructions, and a personal lesson on the basics. If there are any questions, contact Tonya.

         College scholarships: Need extra funds for college expenses? Interested in pursuing holistic stewardship in your life? Combine the two and apply for an MMA Scholarship. Scholarships are available to high school graduates and college students from Anabaptist congregations who own a qualifying MMA product. For more information or an application, see Darin Short, our MMA advocate, or visit MMA-online (www.mma-online.org).

         See Bethany Keener's storytelling email messages from her and Steve's adventure in Guatemala. The messages are posted on the bulletin board.

         We now have four hearing-assistance devices to use on a trial basis. Before we buy them, we'd like you to try them out and give your evaluation of their effectiveness to Phil Miller. They are currently kept on the counter beside the copier in the church office. Help yourself (no sign-out necessary) and return them after the service. We've also ordered a neck loop which plugs into most hearing aids. If you want to experiment with that, too, please see Phil.

         The Goshen area Connecting Families group will meet Wednesday, January 25, 6:30 p.m. The evening will begin with a potluck. Connecting Families is a support group for families with gay/lesbian members. Contact Ruth Liechty (537-4425) or rliechtyjuno.com for more information.

         Nathan Kumar Scott, Director of the SAGE (Studies Abroad for Global Education) Program for high school students, will give a free presentation for students and families and anyone interested in studying abroad in India. SAGE sends North American high school students to two top-ranked international schools: Woodstock School in the Himalayas of north India and Kodaikanal International School in the Palani Hills of south India. Because of the schools' exceptional international curriculum, students receive full credit for all courses and don't have to interrupt their college or university preparation. SAGE also offers one-month summer trips for students and teachers. Both schools have close affiliations with the Mennonite Church. Nathan Scott's presentation will be at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 3, at Berkey Avenue Mennonite Fellowship. Rebekah Garboden is at Kodaikanal with the SAGE program; call Susan Garboden with questions (533-8026). Additional information is available at www.sageprogram.org.

Our Schools
         Quilters are invited to the Bethany Christian Schools lobby every day from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to help on a quilt for the March 18 Fun Fest. Call the school at 534-2567 if you plan to eat lunch in the cafeteria.

         A free evening lecture by Dr. Marva J. Dawn will focus on ``Is Mammon Neutral? The Goodness of Money.'' This event will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church, 2715 East Jackson Boulevard, Elkhart, beginning at 7:30 p.m. this Tuesday, January 25. Dr. Dawn is an author, educator, and theologian who is the featured presenter at AMBS Pastors Week, January 24-27. This event is a special lecture open to the public. For information, call the AMBS Church Leadership Center, 296-6207. (Anita will be attending Pastors Week this year and so will be out of the office much of this week.)

         Interested in unique uses for theater? Dr. Leslie Bentley, President of Pedagogy/Theatre of the Oppressed, an international organization of artists, teachers, scholars and other professionals from many walks of life, is the keynote speaker and master teacher this coming week for the Goshen College Umble Master Class in Theater. Her address, ``The Courage to Be Happy: Augusto Boal and Democratizing Theatre,'' is on Tuesday, January 25 at 7:00 p.m. in the Umble Center (reception following). Leslie will also speak in convocation on Wednesday, January 26 at 10:00 a.m. and she'll lead a Saturday morning 9:30 a.m. workshop on ``Forum Theater'' using improvisation to address a community problem or issue. For more information, contact Doug Liechty Caskey at 535-7393 or douglcgoshen.edu.

         Carrie Newcomer, Goshen alum and nationally-known folksinger-songwriter, will give a live performance in the Goshen College Music Center's Sauder Concert Hall on Friday, January 28, at 7:30 p.m. Admission to the concert is $10.00 for the general public and $3.00 for students with ID. Call the Goshen College Welcome Center for tickets at 535-7566.

         Bethany Christian Schools' Fun Fest will be held March 18 and 19. The goal is to net $80,000 to enable students who need tuition assistance to attend Bethany. You can help by donating items for the Friday night benefit auction. Please notify Fun Fest representative Trish Yoder by February 4 of contributions you intend to donate.

         Bluffton University is asking for donations of quilts, rugs, artwork, toys, cash contributions, etc. for their annual May Day ceremonies on the weekend of May 6-8. These items will be sold in a silent auction with the funds going to worthy projects at Bluffton University. Entry deadline is April 14. If you have any questions, see Lori Good.

Community Announcements
         The Clay Artists Guild will be holding the Empty Bowl Fundraiser for Goshen Interfaith Hospitality Network on Saturday evening, February 26 at The Farmer's Market on Washington Street, 5:00-7:30 p.m. Cost is $15.00. For those of you who have not attended this event before, please come. It is a wonderful activity for people of all ages and a great fundraiser for GIHN. Plus, you get to take home the bowl of your choice shaped by the hands of some of our very talented local artists.

         Mennonite Mission Network's Church Relations and Partnership Formation Department is seeking a half-time administrative assistant to begin immediately in our Elkhart office. This person will maintain departmental file systems, provide regular financial reports to partner groups, communicate with mission workers and their supporters, coordinate training events, and assist with communication tasks. The person will need to use extensive Excel spreadsheets and work with Blackbaud's Raisers Edge applications. A position description may be viewed on our web site at MennoniteMission.net. Please call Human Resources at 523-3008 or e-mail a letter of interest and resume to staffrecruitment@ MennoniteMission.net.

         Youth and Young Adults Celebrate MCC! ``Moving with Compassion, Making Peace'' is an event to be held on March 4-5 at Clinton Frame Mennonite Church, Goshen. A coffeehouse begins at 9:00 p.m. on Friday evening (email if you have an act you'd like to perform) and workshops and discussions begin at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday. If you're interested, register by February 4 with the MCC Great Lakes office, 1013 Division Street, Goshen at 534-4133 or using the email address above.

Our Church                                           
Office Hours :     Tuesday-Friday:
                  8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
                  12:00 noon- 2:00 p.m.

Statistical Report for January 16, 2005
Attendance: 202
Offering:
         General Fund     $4,422.53
                  Needed Weekly    $5,360.00
         Total YTD        $97,826.94
                  Budget YTD       $107,200.00
         Bethany Christian Schools        $3,475.00
                  Total YTD        $54,004.68
                  Projected Need   $153,879.00
         MYF Convention   $130.00
MCC Tsunami Relief      $150.00

Today, January 16
         Greeters:        Roy Bergey and Barbara Eichorn
                  Darin and Lisa Short     
         Bulletins:       Joyce Pankratz, Carol Spicher            Nursery:         Infant Jeannie and Phil Miller        
                  Toddler Ruth and John Roth
         Offering Counters:       Steve Garboden
                                             Anita Mounsithiraj
         Audio/Visual Operators:          Phil Bauman
                                                      Jonathan Williams

Next Sunday, January 30
         Greeters:        Roy Bergey and Barbara Eichorn
                           Darin and Lisa Short
         Bulletins:       Joyce Pankratz, Carol Spicher
         Nursery:         Infant Beth and Lee Roy Berry
                           Toddler Connie and Phil Bauman
         Offering Counters:       John Nussbaum
                                   Diane Nafziger
         Audio/Visual Operators:  Phil Bauman
                                             Jonathan Williams
__________________________________________
Pastors: Anita Kehr and Dan Schrock
Youth Coordinators: Cindy Baker and Lois Mast
Elders: Tom Albrecht, Beth Berry, Phil Miller, Trish Shenk, Peter Shetler, Roxanna Sommers

This Week
Today Building/Land Use Committee Listening Session, 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday Elders, 6:00 a.m.
Tuesday BWIF, 9:00 a.m. at Lori Good's
Saturday Men's Breakfast, 7:00 a.m. at Old Mill Inn
Next Sunday JYF Sweet Roll Fundraiser for tsunami relief

From the Building/Land Use Committee and the Elders
The final listening session on church size hosted by the elders and the Building/Land Use Committee takes place tonight, 6:30-8:00 p.m. If you came to a previous session, you do not need to attend another unless you have more to say. This is a chance for you to respond to this fall's survey which revealed that 88.6% of the congregation is willing to be in a congregation of 300 or more. If you have questions, see Evie Nafziger or Dan Schrock.

Mission Sunday
A Brief Biography of Alvin and Goldie Hostetler (by Goldie Hostetler)
         I was born on September 16, 1920, in Rockton, Pennsylvania to John and Alice (Wingard) Hummel. I attended school in Rockton and high school in Du Bois and Scottdale, Pennsylvania. At the age of thirteen, I accepted Christ and was baptized at Rockton Mennonite Church. After high school, I worked in Ohio, and attended the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church and their Women's Missionary Prayer Band. It was at one of these meetings that I received a little booklet called India's Girls and Women and through this felt God calling me to India. I quit my job and applied for college at Eastern Mennonite College (now Eastern Mennonite University), attending there from 1942 to 1946.
         In the years 1946 through 1948, my path led to a one-room school in Deep Creek, Virginia. Then in November 1948, the Mennonite Board of Missions started me on a much longer journey to Madhya Pradesh, India. I studied language for two years. On the plains, I had a private pundit (teacher), and in the hills, I went to language school. I lived with Florence Nafziger and Elizabeth Erb in Ghalula village, and afterward moved to Durg (pronounced ``Doorg'') to live with Elizabeth Penner (``Penny''). Penny and I were later moved to the village of Sankra. In my first five years in India, I found much joy in going to the villages with the Bible women, going on tours to villages with all the evangelists, working in Sunday School, attending women's meetings and conferences, working as a counselor in a Billy Graham meeting in Calcutta, and proclaiming Christ to a dear Tibetan friend in Landour, Utter Pradesh.
         During a year of furlough in the States, I again attended Eastern Mennonite College, gave many talks, showed movies in churches, and visited family and friends. Then, India was once again my destination.
         Balodgahan became my home and Anna Lois Rohrer was my fellow worker. My work there was with the primary schools and the Girls Boarding school. Girls from the villages came to live there during the school year in order to attend middle school. I held Bible studies with these girls and with the student nurses at the Dhamtari Hospital.
         Alvin Hostetler and his wife and two daughters were fellow missionaries in India. He was in India through the Voluntary Service program for the Mission Board and did building work, auto repair, electrical work, and numerous other jobs. Even though they only allowed him about two months of language school, he was a good witness to his workers, the businessmen with whom he did business, and everyone he met. He was put in charge of the dispensary (village hospital) when Anna Lois left. Although he was not a medical person, he kept the Indian nurses supplied with medications, etc. Alvin's wife passed away unexpectedly, and after encouragement from other people and seeking God's will for our lives, Alvin asked me to become his wife. We were married on October 27, 1956. I became the second mother to Alvin's daughters, Joyce and Caroll, and later our daughter, Mari, and son, Philip, were born. Upon our return to the U.S.A., I taught 19 years at Horizon Learning Center, the school for handicapped children.
         To learn more about our lives, read the book that Alvin and I wrote entitled Following in His Steps, which is in the church library. It tells about our lives all the way through two years ago when Alvin went to Heaven.

Guests here today who have an India Mission connection:
Leon and Lynette Bauman; daughters, Bethany and Anjuli Lynette is a daughter of John and Miriam Beachy (see below). The Baumans taught for a period of time at Woodstock School.
John and Miriam Beachy Ranchi area
Jacob Flisher Dhamtari area
John Friesen Dhamtari area
Weyburn and Thelma Groff Dhamtari and
         Yeotmal areas
Gordon and Phyllis Hostetler Dhamtari area. Gordon is the son of Wilbur and Velma Hostetler.
Florence Nafziger Dhamtari and other areas

Hinduism and Buddhism (by Dick Yoder)
         In the ``Global Village'' we live in today, it is important to understand other religions, not only for taking the teachings of Christ to other countries, but also to know how to respond in an informed way to their followers and, in some cases, missionaries living in this country. Hinduism and Buddhism are two religions that began in India and are considered major world religions today. Some see Buddhism as a reform movement within Hinduism. Generally Hinduism is not a missionary religion whereas Buddhism is. Buddhism started in India, but for various reasons few Buddhists live in India today.
         The following are two basic doctrines the two religions share that differ from Judeo-Christian views. The first is pantheism . Pantheism holds that God and creation are bound up together, are the same. The Judeo-Christian belief is that God is Creator but is separate from creation. Creation is God's handiwork. When Hindus and Buddhists talk about the goal of salvation being to become one with God, they have something very different in mind than Christians or Jews when they talk about becoming one with God.
         Reincarnation is the second very different belief. Reincarnation holds that the position and place one is born into in this life is the result of the good or evil in one's previous life. By being good in this life and, in some cases, performing religious rituals, one might be born into a higher rank the next time. The hope is that one will eventually advance far enough so that one will not be reborn but rather find oneness with God. Jews and Christians make a clear distinction between humans and lower animals. Hindus and Buddhists do not. An evil person can be born as an animal in the next life and a good animal might be born a human the next time.

Announcements
BAMF News
         Rolls For Relief!!        Anyone who loves to eat cinnamon rolls and wants to help the victims of the tsunami, be sure to come to church on February 6. The JYF will be baking fresh cinnamon rolls that will be available by donation for delicious eating during the fellowship time. Whatever donation you want to make will go towards relief for the tsunami victims. Please see your mailbox for some thoughts and feelings the JYFers had in response to the tsunami disaster.

         Does anyone know of a saxophone going unused that they would be willing to lend or sell? Evan Grimes would like to learn to play the saxophone, and we would like to give it a try before investing too much money. Call us at 534-3963. Brenda Grimes

         Tonya Bontrager is starting a knitting group at Berkey Avenue beginning tomorrow evening, Monday, January 31, 7:00-9:00 p.m. The group will meet in the MYF room. Anyone interested in knitting is welcome. She will have needles that will be available for purchase ($7-10), and she can also provide beginner kits ($20). The beginner kit includes a skein of yarn, a pair of needles, written instructions, and a personal lesson on the basics. If there are any questions, contact Tonya.

         College scholarships: Need extra funds for college expenses? Interested in pursuing holistic stewardship in your life? Combine the two and apply for an MMA Scholarship. Scholarships are available to high school graduates and college students from Anabaptist congregations who own a qualifying MMA product. For more information or an application, see Darin Short, our MMA advocate, or visit MMA-online (www.mma-online.org).

         See Bethany Keener's storytelling email messages from her and Steve's adventure in Guatemala. The messages are posted on the bulletin board. New messages are added as we receive them, and they are fascinating to read.

         We now have four hearing-assistance devices to use. They are currently kept on the counter beside the copier in the church office. Help yourself (no sign-out necessary) and return them after the service. A neck loop, which is compatible with most hearing aids, is also available for trial use. If you want to experiment with that, too, please see Phil.

         Nathan Kumar Scott, Director of the SAGE (Studies Abroad for Global Education) Program for high school students, will give a free presentation for students and families and anyone interested in studying abroad in India. SAGE sends North American high school students to two top-ranked international schools: Woodstock School in the Himalayas of north India and Kodaikanal International School in the Palani Hills of south India. Because of the schools' exceptional international curriculum, students receive full credit for all courses and don't have to interrupt their college or university preparation. SAGE also offers one-month summer trips for students and teachers. Both schools have close affiliations with the Mennonite Church. Nathan Scott's presentation will be at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 3, at Berkey Avenue Mennonite Fellowship. Rebekah Garboden is at Kodaikanal with the SAGE program; call Susan Garboden with questions (533-8026). Additional information is available at www.sageprogram.org.

Our Schools
         Bethany Christian Schools expresses a hearty ``gracias amigos'' to those who participated in the ``Hacienda Gives Back Fiesta'' day. Bethany received $680 from their first Hacienda Day in November. The second Hacienda Day will be held on Monday, February 7. Hacienda will donate 20 percent of food, gift certificate, and carryout purchases all that day with the presentation of a token. Tokens may NOT be distributed inside or outside the restaurant. Tokens are available on top of the literature rack.

         Teachers of the Uniform Lesson series for adult Christian education are invited to a workshop on Sunday, February 13, from 2:00 to 5:30 p.m. at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary. This workshop is a quarterly event which gives teachers additional historical, literary, sociological, and theological background to the Bible texts to be studies in the upcoming quarter. Jacob Elias, AMBS Bible professor, will lead the session on ``God's Project: Effective Christians,'' based on Romans and Galatians. To register, contact the AMBS Church Leadership Center, 296-6207 or bsawatzkyambs.edu. The cost is $30.

         Bethany Christian Schools' Fun Fest will be held March 18 and 19. The goal is to net $80,000 to enable students who need tuition assistance to attend Bethany. You can help by donating items for the Friday night benefit auction. Please notify Trish Yoder by February 4 of contributions you intend to donate. Brochures about a 5K Run/Walk are available on top of the literature rack. Mark your calendars now and plan to attend.

Community Announcements
         February is Black History month. A special program on the history of the Underground Railroad in Elkhart, St. Joseph, and Cass Counties will be held on Sunday, February 6, 2:00-3:00 p.m., at the Elkhart County Historical Museum Auditorium in Bristol. In addition to talking about Underground Railroad activities, attention will also be given to contributions African Americans have made in the planning, growth, and development of northern Indiana.

         Giving Blood: The Road Less Traveled. Very few people give blood, making it more important for you to follow a different path. Take the road less traveled and give blood on Monday, February 7, at First Baptist Church, 1011 Indiana Avenue, Goshen, from 12 noon to 6:00 p.m. Please call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to schedule your blood donation appointment. Bring your ID.

         Youth and Young Adults Celebrate MCC! ``Moving with Compassion, Making Peace'' is an event to be held on March 4-5 at Clinton Frame Mennonite Church, Goshen. A coffeehouse begins at 9:00 p.m. on Friday evening (email if you have an act you'd like to perform) and workshops and discussions begin at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday. If you're interested, register by February 4 with the MCC Great Lakes office, 1013 Division Street, Goshen at 534-4133 or using the email address above.

         The Clay Artists Guild will be holding the Empty Bowl Fundraiser for Goshen Interfaith Hospitality Network on Saturday evening, February 26 at The Farmer's Market on Washington Street, 5:00-7:30 p.m. Cost is $15.00. For those of you who have not attended this event before, please come. It is a wonderful activity for people of all ages and a great fundraiser for GIHN. Plus, you get to take home the bowl of your choice shaped by the hands of some of our very talented local artists.

         The Mennonite is moving its customer service department to Goshen from Scottdale this spring. Therefore, they are hiring a circulation manager/ customer service representative in the Goshen office
with software training in early April and full-time employment beginning no later that May 1. Duties include maintaining the magazine's subscriber list, answering the toll-free telephone line, and some database marketing. For more information or to apply, call 535-6051 or email Everett@ themennonite.org before February 21.

Our Church                                           
Office Hours :     Tuesday-Friday:
                  8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
                  12:00 noon- 2:00 p.m.

Statistical Report for January 23, 2005
Attendance: 180
Offering:
         General Fund     $3,471.35
                  Needed Weekly    $5,360.00
         Total YTD        $101,298.29
                  Budget YTD       $112,560.00
         Bethany Christian Schools        $2,375.00
                  Total YTD        $56,379.68
                  Projected Need   $153,879.00
                  Agape Fund       $25.00
Today, January 30
         Greeters:        Roy Bergey and Barbara Eichorn
                  Darin and Lisa Short     
         Bulletins:       Joyce Pankratz, Carol Spicher            Nursery:         Infant Beth and Lee Roy Berry 
                  Toddler Phil and Connie Bauman
         Offering Counters:       John Nussbaum
                                             Diane Nafziger
         Audio/Visual Operators:          Phil Bauman
                                                      Jonathan Williams
Next Sunday, February 6
         Greeters:        Jud and Rita Gingrich
                           Galen Graber
         Bulletins:       Reuben Gingrich
         Nursery:         Infant Lyman and Sherry Hug
                           Toddler bob and Lorraine Pflederer
         Offering Counters:       Greg Smucker
                                   Galen Graber
         Audio/Visual Operator: Ben Buckwalter
__________________________________________
Pastors: Anita Kehr and Dan Schrock
Youth Coordinators: Cindy Baker and Lois Mast
Elders: Tom Albrecht, Beth Berry, Phil Miller, Trish Shenk, Peter Shetler, Roxanna Sommers

This Week
Monday BWIF, 9:00 a.m. at Evie Nafziger's
Tuesday Stewardship and Finance Commission, 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday MYF 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday Christian Education Commission, 7:00 p.m.
Friday-Sunday JYF Winter Camp at Amigo
Next Sunday Fellowship and Caring Commission


Thoughts from the Office
         Every newcomer is welcome at Berkey Avenue Mennonite Fellowship. That simple sentence is a theological statement, a statement of mission, and we hopea truthful statement.
         We understand God to invite, welcome, and love each person lavishly and graciously. If we are God's representatives at this place and in this time, then we also learn to invite and welcome and love. That is a theological understanding.
         The most basic act of outreach is hospitality. We've heard in some of our listening sessions about the churches of Africa where there's always room for more. That's what hospitality is: making room for more, both physically and in our lives and relationships, as a body of Christ. That is a missional understanding.
         Berkey Avenue has often in its history been a warm and welcoming congregation. We hope the truth of that character continues to grow and flourish. While we surely do have different ideas about what is the best size for a congregation and while we continue to make decisions about what we do next, let us continue to exercise our spiritual gift of hospitality and welcome, in word, action, and attitude.
         May God continue to lead and guide us into wisdom.
                  Anita Kehr, Eleanor Nafziger, Dan Schrock
From the Elders
The agenda for the congregational meeting to be held on February 20 includes:
¨         Accepting the minutes of the November 21 congregational meeting.
¨         Hearing an update from the Stewardship and Finance Commission on our 2004-2005 budget.
¨         Voting on the mission document.
¨         Hearing a presentation on the Stephen Ministry program. (Material will be handed out at the meeting.)
¨         Receiving a proposal from the Building/Land Use Committee and the elders about responding to our space needs. (Material will be handed out at the meeting.)
¨         Discussing and voting on the Bethany Tuition Support Plan.

Results of the Listening Sessions
Thank you to everyone who came to one of the three listening sessions in January. A compilation of what we heard in these sessions (on yellow paper) is available on top of the literature rack in the fellowship hall.

This Week
Today Brief orientation for Baptism Exploration Class, following the nurture hour in the library.
Tuesday Elders, 6:00 a.m. at Beth Berry's
Tuesday BWIF, 9:00 a.m. at Diane White's
Tuesday Worship Commission, 7:00 p.m. at Mitch Siemens-Rhodes'
Wednesday JYF Activity at Yellow Creek meet at the church at 6:30 p.m.
Thursday Mission Commission, 7:30 p.m.
Friday-Sunday MYF Winter Camp
Next Sunday Fellowship Meal/Congregational Meeting

Lenten Worship
Today: Attracted to Jesus, Luke 10:30-35
February 20:     From Attraction to Love, John 4:5-29
February 27:     Learning to Know God, Matthew 5:1-12
March 6: A Rude Awakening from God, Mark 10:35-40
March 13: Abandoned by God, Luke 23:44-49
March 20: Godforsaken, Mark 15:33-37
Good Friday, March 25: A meal and a service remembering the last supper, arrest, and crucifixion of Jesus.
Easter, March 27: A Foretaste of Heaven, John 20:11-18
From the Elders
The agenda for the congregational meeting to be held on February 20 includes:
¨         Accepting the minutes of the November 21 congregational meeting.
¨         Hearing an update from the Stewardship and Finance Commission on our 2004-2005 budget.
¨         Voting on the mission document.
¨         Hearing a presentation on the Stephen Ministry program. (Material will be handed out at the meeting.)
¨         Receiving a proposal from the Building/Land Use Committee and the elders about responding to our space needs. (Material will be handed out at the meeting.)
¨         Discussing and voting on the Bethany Tuition Support Plan.

Announcements
BAMF News
         The JYF wants to thank ALL OF YOU for helping us raise $595.20 last Sunday that will go to MCC for relief for tsunami victims. We also want to give Trish Shenk, master baker, a huge thanks for getting up early and making all the sweet roll dough and for her hard work in making the whole thing happen. We couldn't have done it without her!

         Attention JYF parents! The JYF will meet at the church this Wednesday, February 16, at 6:30 p.m. to carpool to Yellow Creek Mennonite Church for a game night with Yellow Creek and North Goshen JYFers.

         Our parking is tight on Sunday mornings! If you arrive early and the weather permits, please consider parking on the grass at the rear of our lot. Alternatively, consider coming to church in as few vehicles as possible. Thank you!

         A class to explore baptism will begin later this month. If you have interest in participating in this class, please come to a brief orientation meeting this morning following the nurture hour. We'll gather in the library. Or contact Anita Kehr or Dan Schrock for more information.

         The MMA Sharing Funds provided $1,200 in matching funds to support special needs in our congregation last year. Darin Short serves as the MMA advocate in our congregation. Please contact him for more information.

         Our congregation offers financial aid to students going to Mennonite Church USA colleges or seminaries, up to $500 per semester. Usually the school matches this. We offer this plan to encourage attendance at our denominational schools and to help compensate for the difference in cost between public and denominational schools. Active members of the congregation and their immediate families are eligible. If you are planning to attend one of these institutions this coming fall, please contact Dan Schrock immediately.

This Week
Today Fellowship Meal and Congregational Meeting following the nurture hour.
Today through next Sunday BAMF hosts GIHN.
Monday BWIF, 11:30 a.m. lunch at The Backyard Barbeque.
Wednesday MYF, 7:00 p.m.

Lenten Worship
Today: From Attraction to Love, John 4:5-29
February 27: Learning to Know God, Matthew
         5:1-12
March 6: A Rude Awakening from God, Mark 10:35-40
March 13: Abandoned by God, Luke 23:44-49
March 20: Godforsaken, Mark 15:33-37
Good Friday, March 25: A meal and a service remembering the last supper, arrest, and crucifixion of Jesus.
Easter, March 27: A Foretaste of Heaven, John 20:11-18

From the Elders
The agenda for the congregational meeting today includes:
¨         Accepting the minutes of the November 21 congregational meeting.
¨         Hearing an update from the Stewardship and Finance Commission on our 2004-2005 budget.
¨         Voting on the mission document.
¨         Hearing a presentation on the Stephen Ministry program. (Material will be handed out at the meeting.)
¨         Receiving a proposal from the Building/Land Use Committee and the elders about responding to our space needs. (Material will be handed out at the meeting.)
¨         Discussing and voting on the Bethany Tuition Support Plan.

From the Fellowship and Caring Commission
A big ``thank you'' to all of you who donated items for the college care packages. We received lots of useful items and were able to make up well-filled packages for 18 students who now attend Berkey Avenue from other areas. We also packaged up some of the leftover cookies and crackers from Sunday's shower for the student's enjoyment. Thank you also to those of you who donated those goodies.

Announcements
BAMF News
         ``We would like to say A BIG THANK YOU to everyone for the grocery shower last Sunday. We felt the warmth and love of the community among our congregation. May God bless you all abundantly and may peace be with you.'' Priscillah and Elijah Metekai

         ``What might Mennonites do?'' The Reference Committee of Mennonite Church USA's Peace and Justice Support Network invites you all to join them for an evening of worship and community-building discussion about the challenges and joys we experience as we respond to Jesus' call to love one another. A time of refreshments will follow. We'll have PJSN resources for sale and take an offering for PJSN. This event will be held here at Berkey Avenue Mennonite Fellowship this Friday at 7:00 p.m.

         The knitting group will meet Monday evening, February 28, in the MYF room from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Anyone interested in knitting is welcome. Tonya Bontrager has needles available for purchase ($7-$10), and she can also provide beginners' kits ($20). The beginner kit includes a skein of yarn, pair of needles, written instructions, and a personal lesson on the basics. Contact Tonya if you have any questions.

         Our congregation offers financial aid to students going to Mennonite Church USA colleges or seminaries, up to $500 per semester. Usually the school matches this. We offer this plan to encourage attendance at our denominational schools and to help compensate for the difference in cost between public and denominational schools. Active members of the congregation and their immediate families are eligible. If you are planning to attend one of these institutions this coming fall, please contact Dan Schrock immediately.

Newsletter
Berkey Avenue Mennonite Fellowship; February 27, 2005

• The ABC class (Adult Bible Class) taught by David Shank will be starting a new series. “God’s Project: Effective Christians” is taken largely from Paul’s letter to the Romans. It’s a class with great discussions, open to all, and meets in Dan Schrock’s office.
  
• Open Circle, a sermon response class, is led by Dale Shenk.
  
• “Love in the Night: The Christian Experience of the Dark Night” will be taught by Dan Schrock. This class will explore the experience of the dark night of the soul in some depth. The dark night (the sense of being forsaken by God) is one way God invites us to become more intimate with God’s own self. The format will include more discussion than lecture. If you’re planning to attend the class, pick up a manual from the box underneath the mailboxes, one per household (if you can stand to share with others you live with). If you can, please read the first chapter before next Sunday.
  

• Join a birding competition: This is a team event with a category for beginners and is a great way to spend time with friends or family outdoors. The event begins with an orientation on March 5 and ends with a pizza party.
  
• Attend a workshop on Sustainable Building on Saturday, March 19, 9:00-11:30 a.m.
  
• Discover the most biologically diverse area in the United States with Merry Lea’s trip to the Smoky Mountain Wildflower Pilgrimage on April 25-29. Register by March 11.
  
• Take a twilight wildflower walk at Merry Lea on Sunday, April 24, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
  

Called to be Christ’s loving, healing, caring presence

This Week
Today Baptism Exploration, 3:00-4:15 p.m.
                  Leadership Selection Committee, 4:45 p.m.
Monday BWIF, 9:00 a.m. at Joy Hostetter's
Wednesday JYF cancelled. See announcement below
Wednesday MYF, 7:00 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday IN-MI Children's Choir Festival

Lenten Worship
March 13: Abandoned by God, Luke 23:44-49
March 20: Godforsaken, Mark 15:33-37
Good Friday, March 25: A meal and a service remembering the last supper, arrest, and crucifixion of Jesus.
Easter, March 27: A Foretaste of Heaven, John 20:11-18

From the Christian Education Commission
         The adult nurture hour options for the new quarter beginning today are:
¨         The ABC class (Adult Bible Class) taught by David Shank begins a new series on ``God's Project: Effective Christians,'' mostly based on Paul's letter to the Romans. The class has great discussions, is open to all, and meets in the library.
¨         Open Circle , a sermon response class, is led by Dale Shenk and meets in the northeast corner of the meetingroom.
¨         ``Love in the Night: The Christian Experience of the Dark Night'' taught by Dan Schrock meets in the northwest corner of the meetingroom. This class will explore the experience of the dark night of the soul in some depth. The dark night (the sense of being forsaken by God) is one way God invites us to become more intimate with God's own self. The format is mostly discussion.
A special note about this class : BAMF now has hearing-assistance devices that will also work in classes during the nurture hour. Dan Schrock and Phil Miller have arranged to provide this service for the first time for this class.
¨         Web-Site Development: This class meets in the office and updates and maintains the congregational web-site, among other interesting things.

More on Stephen Ministry
        The Stephen Ministry takes its name from the first of seven men appointed by the apostles to the ministry of caring for those in need in the new Christian community. Stephen was also the first Christian martyr, and you can read his story in Acts 6 and 7.
         Prior to the selection of those seven menin much of Christian tradition understood to be the first deacons although that word is not used in this storythe apostles hadn't been able to keep up with all they were trying to do. They were providing spiritual leadership as well as administering the care-giving within the community. It was in the care-giving arena that they were falling behind; some of the groups felt they were getting neglected. The apostles needed help, and so the Seven were called. They were called because they were recognized as being people ``of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom'' (Acts 6:3) who could take on the serving ministry so the apostles could devote themselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.
         Now, this seems like a good and tidy arrangement: apostles do one thing and the deacons do another. However, the separations among the ministries of the word, service to those in need, and witness to the world are neither neat nor tidy anywhere in scripture. Paying attention to God (the ministry of the word and prayer) and acting in the name of God (service and witness) are always tied up together. We see the integration of these activities in this very story: the apostles appointed the Seven to care for those in need, but two of the Seven ended up being great witnesses to the faith and ministers of the word (read Stephen's passionate sermon in Acts 7 and about Philip's evangelistic work in Acts 8). But perhaps it was first of all those acts of service that allowed the word of God to continue to spread so that the disciples increased greatly (Acts 6:7).
         I hope it's not so different in the contemporary church, and I hope it's not so different in our congregation. The ministries of the word, of service, and of witness are inseparable. Dan and I might devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word, but we also care for those with various kinds of need, and sometimes we wait tables! The Agape Committee serves people in financial need, but as they do, they also tend to spiritual need. If we decide to adopt the Stephen Ministry program for our congregation, it is another way to care for one another as an expression of our love for God. It is also a way to discern each other's giftedness and then to allow us to use our gifts to bless the Body of Christ in specific arenas. But having Stephen Ministers or an Agape Committee or pastors doesn't let us off the hook from participating in ministry, service, and witness. The call comes to all of us to pay attention to God and to act in the name of God, and we must respond according to the particular gifts and talents that we've been given.    Anita Kehr

Announcements
BAMF News
         The JYF activity date changed . We will meet on Wednesday, March 16 instead of March 9. Details will be in the newsletter next Sunday. Thanks, and sorry for the switch!  Your JYF Sponsors

         The MYF Mentor/Mentee Mystery Meal will be on Wednesday, March 23, at 6:30 p.m. at the church. This is only for high school mentors and their mentees.

         The 2005 Mennonite Youth Choir Festival performance happens next Sunday, March 13, at the Goshen College Music Center. Prelude begins at 1:40 by the Community School of the Arts Suzuki Strings, and the choir performance begins at 2:00, directed by Jane Schultz-Janzen. Admission price is $2 per person at the door.

         The Lake Center Christian School choir from Hartville, Ohio will sing at Berkey Avenue on Monday evening, April 11, on their way back from the Mennonite High School Choir Festival in Iowa. Our congregation will be hosting 20 members of the choir that night. If you are willing to host any of these students, please let Anita Kehr know as soon as possible. Thanks much.

Our Schools
         You are invited to attend the open house at Bethany Christian Schools this afternoon, 3:00-5:00 p.m., to see and tour the new facilities. If you want to know more about the schools, a presentation begins at 4:00 in the chapel.

         Hear the Goshen College Men's Chorus performing today at 7:30 p.m. in Sauder Concert Hall, capping the choir's five-state spring break tour. Led by Associate Professor of Music James Heiks, the 40-voice Men's Chorus will guide the audience through a worship featuring choral treasures from the sacred and folk repertoire for men's voices. Tickets are available at the Welcome Center by calling 535-7566 or at the door one hour before the concert. Admission is $5 regular, $3 students and seniors.

         March 15 is the early application deadline for Bethany Christian Schools. Applications received by this date will receive a $200 discount. Please call Merv at 534-2567 for further information.

         Transforming a Culture of Violence Against Women: Goshen College will host a one-day conference focused on transforming violence against women. Practical workshops and panel discussions will address issues such as working with victims of abuse, women and self-image in the media, preventing and intervening in violent relationships, and the role of congregations in transforming a culture of violence against women. The event will be Saturday, March 12. A public lecture on Friday evening, March 11, at 7:00 p.m. will feature Elena Fetherstone , professor, author and cultural critic. To register, call 1-800-348-7422 or go to the Plowshares Peace Studies web site: plowsharesproject.org.

         Evening Song and Prayer will be held on Tuesday, March 15, at 9:00 p.m. at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary. This service in the AMBS chapel combines scripture reading, singing, prayer and silence. For more information, call AMBS 295-3726.

         In typicaland wonderfully entertainingoperatic fare, the 2005 Goshen College music and theater production of ``Die Fledermaus'' includes disguises, celebrations, mistaken identities, masks, a ``pants role'' and cameo appearances all set to the sparkling lilt of Johann Strauss's melodies. The three-act production, directed by Professor of Music Debra Brubaker, will be performed in Umble Center on March 12, 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m. and on March 13 and 20 at 3:00 p.m. The cost is $12 for section and A and B, and $8 for section C. To purchase tickets, call the Goshen College Welcome Center at 535-7566.

Community Announcements
         The Board of Directors of the Center for Healing and Hope invites you to visit our new facilities (423 East Jefferson Street, Goshen at the corner of 8 ^th and Jefferson streets) this afternoon. Join us in thanking the many supporters for making the new facilities possible! An appreciation celebration begins at 4:00 p.m., refreshments and clinic tours at 4:45.
         Hear the Eastern Mennonite University Chamber Singers for a performance at one of the following locations: Forks Mennonite Church on Tuesday, March 8, at 7:00 p.m. or Goshen College Sauder Concert Hall on Wednesday, March 9, at 7:30 p.m. The 24-voice choir, under the direction of Kenneth J. Nafziger, will lead a worship service using a variety of choral music and hymns. The program, titled ``Call and Response,'' will also include congregational singing of several new hymns from the Sing the Journey supplement to Hymnal: A Worship Book . A reception immediately follows the concerts.

         The DEPOT's appreciation evening for those who assist or are involved at The DEPOT is March 15. Many of you are involved in some way with the work of The DEPOT. A catered meal will be followed by an MCC speaker and the annual DEPOT reports from the different departments. Please let us know if you plan to come. We want to have enough food and chairs for everyone. Suzanne Lind, MCC Congo Program, recently returned from a trip to the Congo and will be sharing about her experiences there. The meal begins at 6:00 p.m. Reservations are requested and need to be made by March 7. Call The DEPOT at 534-4070 or the Whistle Stop at 534-1828 to make your reservations.

         There will be a Good Friday Service on March 25, 12:00 noon-1:00 p.m., at the Goshen City Church of the Brethren, corner of Fifth and Clinton Streets. The Goshen Ministerial Association sponsors the service at which Tim Yoder will preach.

         Celebrate with us at MDC Goldenrod's Annual Dinner! Hear David Heusinkveld, the new executive director of MDC Goldenrod, speak on the goals he has for our organization. You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Dinner on Monday, April 11, 6:00 p.m. at Silverwood Mennonite Church in Goshen. To reserve your place, please contact Linda at 533-9720 Ext. 0 or e-mail her at lindavgoldenrodonline.org with the names and phone numbers of persons attending.

         God calls someone to ministry and a journey begins. Perhaps you are on that journey. Perhaps you are looking for mentors and companions along the way. Indiana-Michigan Conference invites you to join Journey: A Conference-Based Leadership Development Program for pastors and other congregational leaders who are called but who are without specific training for ministry. Now is the time to begin the application process for fall 2005. For more information, visit www.journeyprogram.net or contact your pastors or Tim Lichti, Nancy Kauffman or Bob Yoder at 534-4006.

         Time outdoors in God's creation renews us, inspires us, and fills us with praise. If you are itching for spring, Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center of Goshen College invites you to:
¨         Discover the most biologically diverse area in the United States with Merry Lea's trip to the Smoky Mountain Wildflower Pilgrimage on April 25-29. Register by March 11.
¨         Take a twilight wildflower walk at Merry Lea on Sunday, April 24, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Merry Lea also invites anyone involved in a building project or interested in stewardship of environmental resources to a series of workshops that will explore sustainable building design and track the progress of Merry Lea's Rieth Village. The dates are:
¨         Saturday, March 19, 9:00-11:00 a.m. An Introduction to the U.S. Green Building Council and the LEED Green Building Rating System.
¨         Saturday, April 16, 9:00-11:00 a.m. Site Selection for Sustainable Buildings . The cost is $5. To register, call (260) 799-5868 or e-mail jenniferhsgoshen.edu.
Brochures are posted on the bulletin board. See Jennifer Schrock for details.

         A Mennonite and Brethren Marriage Encounter weekend allows a couple to have time for each other away from job, phone, children, etc. They are encouraged to renew their covenant with each other, God, and church. Contact Carl and Elaine Newcomer, 5437 Rd 32 S., West Liberty, Ohio, 43357, (937) 465-3366 or at cenewcom@ loganrec.com, for the Ft. Wayne, IN weekend on April 8, 9, and 10, which is held at the Signature Inn.

Our Church       
Office Hours :     Tuesday-Friday:
                  8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
                  12:00 noon- 2:00 p.m.

Statistical Report for February 27, 2005
Attendance: 189
                          
Today, March 6
         Greeters:        Ron and Lori Good
         Richard Yoder
         Bulletins:       Dan and Matthew Williams                
         Nursery:         Infant Connie and Phil Bauman 
                  Toddler Ruth and John Roth
         Offering Counters:       Galen Graber    
                                             Greg Smucker
         Audio/Visual Operator: Michael Sherer

Next Sunday, March 13
         Greeters: Ron and Lori Good
                           Richard Yoder   
         Bulletins: Dan and Matthew Williams     
         Nursery:         Infant Jen and Tim Drescher
                           Toddler Brenda and Daniel Grimes
         Offering Counters:       Ron Good
                                   Curt Wenger
         Audio/Visual Operator: Michael Sherer
__________________________________________
Pastors: Anita Kehr and Dan Schrock
Youth Coordinators: Cindy Baker and Lois Mast
Elders: Tom Albrecht, Beth Berry, Phil Miller, Trish Shenk, Peter Shetler, Roxanna Sommers

This Week
Today Baptism Exploration Class following the nurture hour.
Monday Fellowship and Caring Commission, 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday BWIF, 11:30 a.m. lunch at Panera Bread
Wednesday JYF, 6:15 p.m., place to be announced.
Wednesday Worship Commission, 7:00 p.m.

Lenten Worship
Today: Abandoned by God, Luke 23:44-49
March 20: Godforsaken, Mark 15:33-37
Good Friday, March 25: A meal and a service remembering the last supper, arrest, and crucifixion of Jesus.
Easter, March 27: A Foretaste of Heaven, John 20:11-18

From the Leadership Selection Committee
         In the next few weeks you will have the opportunity to help discern leadership for our congregation. Beginning today and continuing on March 20 and 27, Gifts Discernment forms will be in mailboxes and on the literature rack. We hope you will begin to think prayerfully about your own gifts and the gifts of other members of our congregation. We also encourage small groups to work through the form together so that your response becomes a more corporate kind of discernment. Please put your completed forms in Ruth Roth's mailbox by March 27. Contact any member of the Leadership Selection Committee if you have questions about any part of the process. The Committee includes Doug Baker, John Mast, and Ruth Miller Roth

Announcements
BAMF News
         The 2005 Mennonite Youth Choir Festival performance takes place this afternoon, March 13, at the Goshen College Music Center. Berkey Avenue has a number of students participating. Prelude begins at 1:40 by the Community School of the Arts Suzuki Strings, and the choir performance begins at 2:00, directed by Jane Schultz-Janzen. Admission price is $2 per person at the door.

         It's time again to renew your subscription to The Mennonite if you are already receiving it. If you are not already receiving it, you may also want to become part of the BAMF group plan by beginning a subscription now. With the group plan, there is a savings of $12.45. The Mennonite will then be mailed directly to your home address. Whether for new or renewal orders, please give your check for $29.50 (written to Berkey Avenue) for the annual subscription to Ora and Mary Troyer. It will be appreciated if you do so by March 20 so no further follow-up is necessary. Thanks.

        MMA knows the value of a college education and also how important holistic stewardship is for college students and for others. The MMA College Scholarship is one way we encourage young people to explore the impact stewardship has on their lives and one way we help with the cost of their education. If you will be enrolled in a two- to four-year undergraduate or trade school program during the 2005-06 school year, see Darin Short for an application. Applications must be completed and postmarked by March 31 so time is running out. There are 35 scholarships issued nationwide ranging from $500 to $1,500.

         The MYF Mentor/Mentee Mystery Meal will be on Wednesday, March 23, at 6:30 p.m. at the church. This is only for high school mentors and their mentees.

         The Lake Center Christian School choir from Hartville, Ohio will sing at Berkey Avenue on Monday evening, April 11, on their way back from the Mennonite High School Choir Festival in Iowa. Our congregation will be hosting 20 members of the choir that night. If you are willing to host any of these students, please let Anita Kehr know as soon as possible. Thanks much.

         Don't forget to visit the Charlotte 2005 Web site at www.Charlotte2005.org. The site includes registration forms for all conventions, information about the hotels, daily schedules and updates on activities and events.

Our Schools
         March 15 is the early application deadline for Bethany Christian Schools. Applications received by this date will receive a $200 discount. Please call Merv at 534-2567 for further information.

         Evening Song and Prayer will be held on Tuesday, March 15, at 9:00 p.m. at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary. This service in the AMBS chapel combines scripture reading, singing, prayer and silence. For more information, call AMBS 295-3726.

         In typicaland wonderfully entertainingoperatic fare, the 2005 Goshen College music and theater production of ``Die Fledermaus'' includes disguises, celebrations, mistaken identities, masks, a ``pants role'' and cameo appearances all set to the sparkling lilt of Johann Strauss's melodies. The three-act production, directed by Professor of Music Debra Brubaker, will be performed in Umble Center on March 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m. and on March 13 and 20 at 3:00 p.m. The cost is $12 for sections A and B, and $8 for section C. To purchase tickets, call the Goshen College Welcome Center at 535-7566.

Community Announcements
         A Messiah concert will take place at Benton Mennonite Church, March 20, at 7:00 p.m. There will be a fellowship time after the concert.

         There will be a Good Friday Service on March 25, 12:00 noon-1:00 p.m., at the Goshen City Church of the Brethren, corner of Fifth and Clinton Streets. The Goshen Ministerial Association sponsors the service at which Tim Yoder will preach.

         Help build a Habitat for Humanity house with Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary. Join members of the AMBS community in building a Habitat house in the Harrison Ridge area on County Road 28 between Goshen and Elkhart. Workers of all skill levels are needed on the following dates: March 22-25 and April 4-9. Preparing a lunch for the workers is another way you can help. Here's what to do: Come to Waltner Hall on the AMBS campus to pick up a volunteer registration form and to sign up for the day or days you want to help. All workers will get a free t-shirt, coffee breaks, and lunch. In addition, $7,000 is still needed to meet the fund-raising goal, and if you give now, an anonymous donor will match your gift. To make a contribution, send a check to Habitat for Humanity and specify ``AMBS Build'' on the check.

         For caregivers of persons with dementia or Alzheimer's there will be a series of programs sponsored by REAL Services and Alzheimer's Services of Indiana.
¨         Tuesday, April 5, 12:10-1:30 p.m., ``Home Sweet Home: Making it Safe and Services that Can Help.''
¨         Tuesday, April 19, 12:10-1:30 p.m., ``When Dementia is the Diagnosis: Caregiving Strategies.''
¨         Tuesday, May 3, 12:10-1:30 p.m., ``Negotiating the Legal and Financial Maze.''
¨         Tuesday, May17, 12:10-1:30 p.m., ``When Home is No Longer an Option: Transition Issues.''
¨         Tuesday, May 31, 12:10-1:30 p.m., ``Developing Caregiving Skills and Managing Stress.''
Participants are welcome to attend any or all of the free programs; however, reservations are required. For more information or to register, please contact REAL Services at (800) 552-7928, ext. 118.

         Celebrate with us at MDC Goldenrod's Annual Dinner! Hear David Heusinkveld, the new executive director of MDC Goldenrod, speak on the goals he has for our organization. You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Dinner on Monday, April 11, 6:00 p.m. at Silverwood Mennonite Church in Goshen. To reserve your place, please contact Linda at 533-9720 Ext. 0 or e-mail her at lindavgoldenrodonline.org with the names and phone numbers of persons attending.

Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center of Goshen College invites anyone involved in a building project or interested in stewardship of environmental resources to a series of workshops that will explore sustainable building design and track the progress of Merry Lea's Rieth Village. The dates are:
¨         Saturday, March 19, 9:00-11:00 a.m.: An Introduction to the U.S. Green Building Council and the LEED Green Building Rating System.
¨         Saturday, April 16, 9:00-11:00 a.m.: Site Selection for Sustainable Buildings . The cost is $5. To register, call (260) 799-5868 or e-mail jenniferhsgoshen.edu.

Meat Canning 2005 report: We cut up 80,000 pounds of turkey thighs which was processed at The Depot. We canned 43,974 cans of meat. The canning cost was 55 cents a can plus 22 cents shipping and handling with a total of $32,980.50. We made 25 tons of soap with tallow which came from local butcher shops. The Lord blessed us with good weather this canning season. To all who helped in any way we want to THANK YOU for your fine cooperation in the project this year. We still have bills to pay, so if you haven't sent your contribution please send it to: Laban Hochestler, 59029 CR 35, Middlebury, IN 46540.

Yellow Creek has started two new programs espcially for Senior Adults in the past year, and we would like to open both of them to our friends and neighbors in the community:
Morning Walk and Fellowship is on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, 8:00-9:00 a.m., in the Multipurpose Room/gym with coffee and a light snack following. This occurs in the West wing of our building. Please enter by the main office door on the South side.
Senior Tuesday Dinners are the third Tuesday of every month. This month, our Senior Tuesday dinner is a meatloaf dinner on Tuesday, March 15, at noon in the Fellowship Hall, located in the West end of our building. The cost is $4.00 per person. Our program this month features Martha Packer from Farm Bureau Credit Union, presenting ``Tips Offs to Rip Offs,'' a program about ways to identify and avoid telephone, mail, and email scams and how to report scam attempts. Please call the Yellow Creek Mennonite Church Office to make a reservation by noon on Monday, March 14. We hope you'll join us!

         A Mennonite and Brethren Marriage Encounter weekend allows a couple to have time for each other away from job, phone, children, etc. They are encouraged to renew their covenant with each other, God, and church. Contact Carl and Elaine Newcomer, 5437 Rd 32 S., West Liberty, Ohio, 43357, (937) 465-3366 or at cenewcom@ loganrec.com, for the Ft. Wayne, IN weekend on April 8, 9, and 10, which is held at the Signature Inn.

Our Church       
Office Hours :     Tuesday-Friday:
                  8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
                  12:00 noon- 2:00 p.m.

Statistical Report for March 6, 2005
Attendance: 196
                                   
Today, March 13
         Greeters:        Ron and Lori Good
         Richard Yoder
         Bulletins:       Dan and Matthew Williams                
         Nursery:         Infant Jen and Tim Drescher   
                  Toddler Brenda and Daniel Grimes
         Offering Counters:       Ron Good        
                                             Curt Wenger
         Audio/Visual Operator: Michael Sherer

Next Sunday, March 20
         Greeters: Ron and Lori Good
                           Richard Yoder   
         Bulletins: Dan and Matthew Williams     
         Nursery:         Infant Anita and Tavi Mounsithiraj
                           Toddler Lorraine and Bob Pflederer
         Offering Counters:       Barbara Eichorn
                                   Lowell Nafziger
         Audio/Visual Operator: Michael Sherer
__________________________________________
Pastors: Anita Kehr and Dan Schrock
Youth Coordinators: Cindy Baker and Lois Mast
Elders: Tom Albrecht, Beth Berry, Phil Miller, Trish Shenk, Peter Shetler, Roxanna Sommers

Called to be
         Christ's
                  loving,
                           healing,
                                    caring
                                             presence

This Week
Today Baptism Exploration Class, 3:00-4:30.
Monday BWIF, 9:00 a.m. at Evie Nafziger's.
Tuesday Elders, 6:00 a.m.
Wednesday MYF Mentor/Mentee Mystery Supper, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday Christian Education Commission, 7:00
         p.m.
Friday Good Friday Meal and Service, 6:00 p.m.
Next Sunday Easter Celebration: Breakfast begins at 8:30 a.m. and the service at 9:30 a.m. (No nurture hour.)

Holy Week Worship
Today: Godforsaken, Mark 15:33-37
Good Friday, March 25: A meal and a service remembering the last supper, arrest, and crucifixion of Jesus. The evening begins at 6:00 p.m.
Easter, March 27: A Foretaste of Heaven, John 20:11-18. Come to breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and prepare to worship beginning at 9:30 a.m. There will be no nurture hour next Sunday.

From the Christian Education Commission
The toddlers will meet in the nursery today with the infants during the worship service.

From the Leadership Selection Committee
         In these weeks, you have the opportunity to help discern leadership for our congregation. Gifts Discernment forms were put in your mailbox last Sunday, and there are some on the literature rack. We hope you will think prayerfully about your own gifts and the gifts of other members of our congregation. We also encourage small groups to work through the form together so that your response becomes a more corporate kind of discernment. Please put your completed forms in Ruth Roth's mailbox by March 27 (Easter). Contact any member of the Leadership Selection Committee if you have questions about any part of the process. The Committee includes Doug Baker, John Mast, and Ruth Miller Roth

Announcements
BAMF News
         Men, women, and children are invited to a baby shower in honor of Emma Grace Yoder, daughter of Lori and André Yoder. The shower will be held at BAMF on April 10 from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. Lori is registered at Babies R Us, 435 E. University Drive in Mishawaka or at BabiesRus.com.

         To Berkey Avenue: ``Your support and prayers sustained us during this past week's crisis with my father's death. Thank you so much for the plant you sent to Lancaster, as well. Life does continue, but differently. With gratitude for the blessings along the way, Heidi Siemens-Rhodes.''

         `` Your prayers and support have helped in my speedy recovery. Thank you. We have appreciated the visits, the plant from the church and small group, the cards, the phone calls and food. Anita was a wonderful encourager through this experience. A church family means so much at this time. Laverne and Eldon Dean Nafziger''

         Last call: For renewal or new subscription of The Mennonite please inform Ora or Mary Troyer today. The group rate is $29.50 for the annual subscription. Make your check payable to Berkey Avenue.

        MMA knows the value of a college education and also how important holistic stewardship. The MMA College Scholarship is one way we encourage young people to explore the impact stewardship has on their lives and one way we help with the cost of their education. If you will be enrolled in a two- to four-year undergraduate or trade school program during the 2005-06 school year, see Darin Short for an application. Applications must be completed and postmarked by March 31 so time is running out. There are 35 scholarships issued nationwide ranging from $500 to $1,500.
         The MYF Mentor/Mentee Mystery Meal will be on Wednesday, March 23, at 6:30 p.m. at the church. This is only for high school mentors and their mentees.

         The Lake Center Christian School choir from Hartville, Ohio will sing at Berkey Avenue on Monday evening, April 11, on their way back from the Mennonite High School Choir Festival in Iowa. Our congregation will be hosting 20 members of the choir that night. If you are willing to host any of these students, please let Anita Kehr know as soon as possible. Thanks much.

         Berkey Avenue women are invited to an educational program for Amish and Mennonite women on the benefits of cancer screening and healthy living to be held at First Mennonite Church in Middlebury on Tuesday, March 29, 8:00 a.m. to noon. The program will provide education on the benefits of screening mammograms, other cancer screening tests, and healthy heart living. For more details, see the flyer on the bulletin board.

Our Schools
         Bethany Christian High School's Spring Arts evening performance is 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 22. Selected student presentations in music, drama, and poetry from the school's annual day-long celebration of the arts will be performed for the public, and visual arts will be displayed.

Community Announcements
         A Messiah concert will take place at Benton Mennonite Church today, March 20, at 7:00 p.m. There will be a fellowship time after the concert.

         There will be a Good Friday Service on March 25, 12:00 noon-1:00 p.m., at the Goshen City Church of the Brethren, corner of Fifth and Clinton Streets. The Goshen Ministerial Association sponsors the service at which Tim Yoder will preach.

         Help build a Habitat for Humanity house with Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary. Workers of all skill levels are needed on the following dates: March 22-25 and April 4-9. Preparing a lunch for the workers is another way you can help. Come to Waltner Hall on the AMBS campus to pick up a volunteer registration form and to sign up for the day or days you want to help. All workers will get a free t-shirt, coffee breaks, and lunch. In addition, $7,000 is still needed to meet the fund-raising goal, and if you give now, an anonymous donor will match your gift. Send your check to Habitat for Humanity and specify ``AMBS Build'' on the check.

         This Tuesday, March 22, at 7:00 p.m. Americans for Informed Democracy (AID) will present a town hall discussion on the subject of ``The U.S. Role in Sudan.'' The event will feature expert panelists Francious Muyumba, Professor of African and African American Studies at Indiana State University; Suliman Giddo, President of the Darfur Peace and Development Fund; Richard Douglass, Professor of Health Administration at Eastern Michigan University; and Malual Awak, a refugee of the Sudan and one of the ``Lost Boys of Sudan.'' The event will be held at Goshen College in the Administration Building, Room 28 and is free and open to the public.

         Celebrate with us at MDC Goldenrod's Annual Dinner! Hear David Heusinkveld, new executive director of MDC Goldenrod, speak on the goals he has for our organization. You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Dinner on Monday, April 11, 6:00 p.m. at Silverwood Mennonite Church . To reserve your place, please contact Linda at 533-9720 Ext. 0 or e-mail her at lindavgoldenrodonline.org with the names and phone numbers of persons attending.

         A Higher Level Father-Son Basketball Camp offers ``A Christian Perspective'' for fathers and their sons who are in grades 1-8. The camp will be held at Goshen College June 10-12 and July 8-10 and is led by Stan Daugherty, the head coach for the Goshen College men's basketball team. If you are interested, brochures are on the literature rack.

         Deepen your relationship with Christ, and serve others through Christian service in two discipleship opportunities with Mennonite Mission Network:
         DEO seeks young adults who are ready to deepen their lives as followers of Christ through discipleship training, service, and internships in their home congregation. Service opportunities include helping homeless men in Phoenix through the House of Refuge and providing food and other assistance to the poor through Metro CareRing in Denver.
         RAD (based in Ft. Wayne, IN) allows young adults to experience intimacy with Christ in a way that impacts our world. You could work on a tsunami disaster team or with youth through the Power House in Macon, GA.
         Both programs are looking for 18 to 30 year-olds . For more information and to apply, go to our web site at http://Service.MennoniteMission.net, e-mail us at
ServiceMennoniteMission.net or call toll-free 1-866-866-2872 and ask for Diana Cook.
Our Church       
Office Hours :     Tuesday-Friday:
                  8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
                  12:00 noon- 2:00 p.m.
Statistical Report for March 13, 2005
Attendance: 212
Today, March 20
         Greeters:        Genie Kehr
         Richard Yoder
         Bulletins:       Dan and Matthew Williams                
         Nursery:         Infant Anita and Tavi Mounsithiraj    
                  Toddler Lorraine and Bob Pflederer
         Offering Counters:       Barbara Eichorn
                                             Lowell Nafziger
         Audio/Visual Operator: Michael Sherer
Next Sunday, March 27
         Greeters: Ron and Lori Good
                           Richard Yoder   
         Bulletins: Dan and Matthew Williams     
         Nursery:         Infant Kate and André Swartley
                           Toddler Lisa and Darin Short
         Offering Counters:       Steve Garboden
                                   Anita Mounsithiraj
         Audio/Visual Operator: Michael Sherer
__________________________________________
Pastors: Anita Kehr and Dan Schrock
Youth Coordinators: Cindy Baker and Lois Mast
Elders: Tom Albrecht, Beth Berry, Phil Miller, Trish Shenk, Peter Shetler, Roxanna Sommers

This Week
Tuesday BWIF, 9:00 a.m. at Patsy Sherer's.
Tuesday PCRC, 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday JYF Mystery Supper, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Wednesday MYF, 7:00 p.m.
Saturday Men's Breakfast, 7:00 a.m. at Old Mill Inn.

From the Leadership Selection Committee
         In these past few weeks, you have had the opportunity to help discern leadership for our congregation. Gifts Discernment forms were put in your mailboxes, and there are some on the literature rack. We hope you will think prayerfully about your own gifts and the gifts of other members of our congregation. Please put your completed forms in Ruth Roth's mailbox today! Contact any member of the Leadership Selection Committee if you have questions. The Committee includes Doug Baker, John Mast, and Ruth Miller Roth

Thank-Yous
A big thank you to all the Lent participants :
As worship leader of the Lent Committee, I thank the Lent Committee members for their wonderful creative work during this Lent season. I thank Beth Berry and Leah Garboden for preparing and presenting the children's stories that captured the essence of the services for the childrenespecially the concept of the dark night of the soul. I thank Greg Smucker for not only organizing and rehearsing special music groups but also for composing two special songs. I thank Brian Mast for helping to select congregational hymns and leading congregational singing. I thank Merrill Krabill for bringing together images that allowed us to meditate silently for five minutes each Sunday. A special thank you to Phil Miller who served as Merrill's teammate by creating sounds to fit the images and projecting the images each Sunday. Finally, I thank Mitch Siemens-Rhodes who helped organize meetings, served as liaison to the Worship Commission and helped with all aspects of music.
         Laura Sue Dueck

         On behalf of the Lent Committee, we wish to thank the many people of our congregation who used their special gifts to help all of us worship God more fully. We thank those who prayed Lent Prayers: David Heusinkveld, Michael Sherer, Heidi Siemens-Rhodes, Roy Bergey, Marilyn Torres, and Anita Kehr. A big thank you to those who provided special music: Bryan Kehr, Ben Mast, Jay Mast, Hannah Roth, Leah Roth, Mary Roth, Leslee Smucker, Lynelle Yoder, Andrew Clouse, Thomas Gingrich, Simon Smucker, Justin Heinz, the Lent Choir and the Worship Team. We thank those who read scripture : Brenda Grimes, Ruth Liechty, Thomas Gingrich, Emily Grimes, Ben Mast, Monica Sherer, and Barbara Eichorn. A special thanks to those who played prelude , which especially helped us begin our worship this Lent season: Jenny, Lauren and Austin Hooley, Emily Grimes, Sarah Roth, Jay Mast, Justin Heinz, and the Worship Team. A special thank you to Cindy Baker for her work with the choral readers and for her leadership of the Worship Team. We thank Bryan Kehr and Peter Moyer for leading congregational singing. A thank you to those who accompanied: Patsy Sherer, Sarah Roth, and Anita Kehr. We thank Deb Williams for working with Leah Garboden to provide children's time for Easter. We appreciate the work of the ushersDave Krabill, Armand Martin, Roy Bergey, and Jesse Kehrwho helped to make the meetingroom a quiet reflective space. We thank Evie Nafziger, Jennifer Schrock, and Patsy Sherer for arranging the beautiful flowers and plants for Easter and wrapping all the pansies for the anointing service. We thank Armand Martin for putting up the muslin sheet. Of course, we offer a big thank you to Dan Schrock for creating this series on the dark night of the soul.
         Laura Sue Dueck for the Lent Committee

         The Worship Commission thanks Laura Sue Dueck for her careful and creative planning and leadership of our Lent and Easter services. The abundant time and energy that she offered to the congregation during this season has been a remarkable gift.

Announcements
BAMF News
`` Thank you for the many ways of showing your love and care for me during my bout with the shingles.'' Verdella Krabill

         The JYF is invited to a mystery supper this Wednesday, 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the meetinghouse. Don't dress up!

         Men, women, and children are invited to a baby shower in honor of Emma Grace Yoder, daughter of Lori and André Yoder. The shower will be held at BAMF on April 10 from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. Lori is registered at Babies R Us, 435 E. University Drive in Mishawaka or at BabiesRus.com.    

        MMA knows the value of a college education and also the importance of holistic stewardship. The MMA College Scholarship is one way we encourage young people to explore the impact stewardship has on their lives and one way we help with the cost of their education. If you will be enrolled in a two- to four-year undergraduate or trade school program during the 2005-06 school year, see Darin Short for an application. Applications must be completed and postmarked by March 31 so time is running out. There are 35 scholarships issued nationwide ranging from $500 to $1,500.

         The Lake Center Christian School choir from Hartville, Ohio will sing at Berkey Avenue on Monday evening, April 11, on their way back from the Mennonite High School Choir Festival in Iowa. Our congregation will be hosting 20 members of the choir that night. If you are willing to host any of these students, please let Anita Kehr know as soon as possible. We only need a few more homes. Thanks much.

         Berkey Avenue women are invited to an educational program for Amish and Mennonite women on the benefits of cancer screening and healthy living to be held at First Mennonite Church in Middlebury on Tuesday, March 29, 8:00 a.m. to noon. The program will provide education on the benefits of screening mammograms, other cancer screening tests, and healthy heart living. For more details, see the flyer on the bulletin board.

Our Schools
         Bethany Christian Schools thanks all those who supported its recent Fun Fest. Preliminary figures indicate that a record-high of over $84,000 was raised for tuition assistance.

         In the months leading up to the recent presidential election, many Mennonite congregations found themselves deeply divided both about the appropriate level of political involvement and about the substance of the issues being debated. John D. Roth, Goshen College professor of history, will address this issue in his C. Henry Smith Public Lecture, ``Called to One Peace: Christian Faith and Political Witness in a Divided Culture,'' on April 5 at 7:30 p.m. in the Church-Chapel. The lecture is free and open to the public.

         Kenyan Maasai culture and cuisine will be featured at Goshen College's April 12 Afternoon Sabbatical luncheon in the College Mennonite Church Fellowship Hall at noon. The Maasai is a semi-nomadic people living in a communal system whose primary source of income is livestock. Following the meal, several Maasai from the village of Kimuka, all students or graduates of Goshen College and Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, will present an illustrated lecture on traditional Maasai culture and their lives today with interviews by President Emeritus Vic Stoltzfus. Cost is $15. After March 31, the cost is $20. For tickets, call the Welcome Center at 535-7566 or e-mail welcomecentergoshen.edu.

Community Announcements
         On behalf of the Beautify Goshen Committee of the Goshen Chamber of Commerce, and in partnership with the City of Goshen, we would like to invite you to a Beautify Goshen Kick-Off meeting Tuesday, March 29th at 7:00 pm at the Goshen Chamber, 232 South Main St. Goshen. This meeting kicks off our fourth annual Beautify Goshen Week, April 30 through May 7, which focuses the city's attention on the "first impression" it makes to others. We will discuss ideas about what each of us can do to help beautify our community by cleaning our own property or volunteering to help others that are unable. We will have guest speakers speaking on the Neighborhood Preservation Ordinance, the Beautification and Restoration Public Purpose Trust, the City Referral Program, volunteer projects, the Beautify Goshen Garden Fair, and Arbor Day activities. Please call the Chamber at 533-2102 with any questions.

         Choice Books Spring Clearance Sale will be Thursday, April 7, 4:00-7:00 p.m. and Friday, April 8, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. in the MCC Depot. Note that the dates and times have been changed from previous years.

         MDC Goldenrod news: We are very excited to announce that we are opening the Mennoheim Guest House for Respite Services at our Goldenrod facilities in Middlebury. Respite Care gives short-term relief to persons normally providing care for individuals who need support. We feel this is a necessary program for our area.
         As you may already know, we depend on our community to help us with donations as we are a not-for-profit organization. Below you will find a portion of our needs list that we hope you can help us with. These items should be brand new or very gently used. We will be collecting these donations on April 21. Our targeted opening date will be early May.
         For monetary donations , checks should be made out to MDC Goldenrod with ``Mennoheim'' on the memo line. Please mail to MDC Goldenrod, Attention: Ann Meier, 1518 College Ave., Goshen, IN 46526. For questions, please phone Ann Meier at 533-9720, extension 5.
         Items needed are: toaster, one 4-quart or greater cooking pot or kettle (coated), two lamps with shades, 8-10 pillows, monetary donations for a television armoire, VCR/DVD player, and pantry cabinet.

         Celebrate with us at MDC Goldenrod's Annual Dinner! Hear David Heusinkveld, new executive director of MDC Goldenrod, speak on the goals he has for our organization. You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Dinner on Monday, April 11, 6:00 p.m. at Silverwood Mennonite Church . To reserve your place, please contact Linda at 533-9720 Ext. 0 or e-mail her at lindavgoldenrodonline.org with the names and phone numbers of persons attending.

         You're invited to attend the 2005 Oasis Retreat, a retreat for family, friends, and caregivers of loved ones with mental illness. It will be held at Oaklawn on April 15 and 16. See the poster on the bulletin board for details or talk to Bob Pflederer.

         A Higher Level Father-Son Basketball Camp offers ``A Christian Perspective'' for fathers and their sons who are in grades 1-8. The camp will be held at Goshen College June 10-12 and July 8-10 and is led by Stan Daugherty, the head coach for the Goshen College men's basketball team. If you are interested, brochures are on the literature rack.

         Be sure to check out the Charlotte 2005 website for a list of daily themes and featured speakers for the adult worship services at the biennial meetings of Mennonite Church USA, this year with Mennonite Church Canada. Visit Charlotte2005.org for the latest details.

A group of researchers at the Boston University School of Theology is seeking participants for a web-based research project on religiosity in America. Religiosity has been the subject of an increasing amount of research in recent years, particularly as it relates to health, but there is a concern that the research instruments currently in use may be missing important dimensions of American Christianity. We are seeking to develop a new research instrument that will be more inclusive. Although we will ask participants for information such as age, gender and ethnicity, we will not collect specific identifying information. Thus there will be no way to connect any individual with his or her responses. If you choose to visit our website, you will find a list of 60 items which might characterize ``a good Christian.'' You will be asked to indicate how important you feel each item is, and then to select the five most important, five more you feel are nearly as important, and the five you feel are least important. We estimate that completing the responses should take 30 minutes or less. We know that you are busy, and we appreciate your willingness to consider participating. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Principal Investigator, the Rev. Marsha Cutting, Ph.D., at 617-353-3899 or at . The address of the website is: http://www.religiosityscalesproject.com/


Our Church       
Office Hours :     Tuesday-Friday:
                  8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
                  12:00 noon- 2:00 p.m.
Statistical Report for March 20, 2005
Attendance: 209

Today, March 27
         Greeters:        Ron and Lori Good
         Richard Yoder
         Bulletins:       Dan and Matthew Williams                
         Nursery:         Infant Kate and André Swartley 
                  Toddler Nancy and Dick Yoder
         Offering Counters:       Steve Garboden
                                             Anita Mounsithiraj
         Audio/Visual Operator: Michael Sherer
Next Sunday, April 3
         Greeters: Eleanor Nafziger
                           Bob and Lorraine Pflederer      
         Bulletins: Steve Johns  
         Nursery:         Infant Jeannie and Phil Miller
                           Toddler Roxanna and Karl Sommers
         Offering Counters:       Greg Smucker
                                   Galen Graber
         Audio/Visual Operator: Jonathan Williams
__________________________________________
Pastors: Anita Kehr and Dan Schrock
Youth Coordinators: Cindy Baker and Lois Mast
Elders: Tom Albrecht, Beth Berry, Phil Miller, Trish Shenk, Peter Shetler, Roxanna Sommers

This Week
Next Sunday:
·         Parables, a worship team from Goshen College, will lead the congregation in worship.
·         The Baby Shower for Emma Grace, Lori, and André Yoder will take place from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.

From the Leadership Selection Committee
         If you have not already done so, please put your completed gifts discernment/volunteer forms in Ruth Roth's mailbox as soon as possible !

From the Christian Education Commission
         The dates for Summer Bible School are June 13-17 . Mark your calendar! More details will be coming soon.

Announcements
BAMF News
         Parables, a worship team from Goshen College, will be leading our congregation in worship through song and drama next Sunday morning, April 10. The group includes Justin Heinz and Aubrey Helmuth. See the posters in the fellowship hall.

         Men, women, and children are invited to a baby shower in honor of Emma Grace Yoder, daughter of Lori and André Yoder. The shower will be held at BAMF on April 10 from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. Lori is registered at Babies R Us, 435 E. University Drive in Mishawaka or at BabiesRUs.com.    

        The Lake Center Christian School choir from Hartville, Ohio will sing at Berkey Avenue on Monday evening, April 11, on their way back from the Mennonite High School Choir Festival in Iowa. Our congregation will be hosting 20 members of the choir that night. If you are willing to host any of these students, please let Anita Kehr know as soon as possible. We need a few more homes. Thanks much.

Our Schools
         Bethany Christian High School's junior class fish fry is 4:30-8:00 p.m., Friday, April 15. Tickets are $6.50 for adults and $4 for children K-6 (preschool-age free). Carryout tickets are available with adult tickets only. Tickets may be purchased from any Bethany junior (Christina Ahn, Mark Bauman, Maya Kehr, Daniel Mast, Liz Nafziger, Kyle Stiffney) or at the school (534-2567).

         In the months leading up to the recent presidential election, many Mennonite congregations found themselves deeply divided both about the appropriate level of political involvement and about the substance of the issues being debated. John D. Roth, Goshen College professor of history, will address this issue in his C. Henry Smith Public Lecture, ``Called to One Peace: Christian Faith and Political Witness in a Divided Culture,'' on April 5 at 7:30 p.m. in Umble Center. The lecture is free and open to the public.

         Kenyan Maasai culture and cuisine will be featured at Goshen College's April 12 Afternoon Sabbatical luncheon in the College Mennonite Church Fellowship Hall at noon. The Maasai is a semi-nomadic people living in a communal system whose primary source of income is livestock. Following the meal, several Maasai from the village of Kimuka, all students or graduates of Goshen College and Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, will present an illustrated lecture on traditional Maasai culture and their lives today with interviews by President Emeritus Vic Stoltzfus. Cost is $20. For tickets, call the Welcome Center at 535-7566 or e-mail welcomecentergoshen.edu.

         Goshen College and Greencroft Retirement Communities have established a Lifelong Learning Institute for senior adults (age 55 and older). Spring mini-course offerings include "The Arts, Visual and Musical," with Mary Oyer, D.Mus.A. and "Yorifumi Yaguchi: a Japanese Voice from Buddhism, Bible and Bomb," with Wilbur Birky, Ph.D. Both are professors emeriti of Goshen College. Oyer will focus on the relationship between painting, architecture, and music and their unique contribution to the enrichment of life. The eight-session course starts April 25 and ends May 6; the fee is $80. Birky will lead a study of Japanese pastor, poet, professor and editor Yorifumi Yaguchi. Yaguchi San assisted his grandfather in the Buddhist temple, his father was a Shinto nationalist, and his mother attended Christian worship. The four-session course runs May 16, 18, 23, 25; the fee is $40. Register at the Goshen College Welcome Center on campus, by phone at 535-7566 or e-mail at welcomecentergoshen.edu.


Community Announcements
         Central Christian High School Concert Choir from Kidron, Ohio will be giving a concert at Clinton Frame Mennonite Church on Thursday, April 7, at 7:00 p.m. For more information see the flyer on the bulletin board.

        Choice Books Spring Clearance Sale will be Thursday, April 7, 4:00-7:00 p.m. and Friday, April 8, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. in the MCC Depot. Dates and times have been changed from previous years.

         The Blackwood Brothers Quartet will give a concert on Sunday, April 10, at 6:00 p.m. at Yellow Creek Mennonite Church.

         MDC Goldenrod news: We are excited to announce that we are opening the Mennoheim Guest House for Respite Services at our Goldenrod facilities in Middlebury. Respite care gives short-term relief to persons normally providing care for individuals who need support.
         As you know, we depend on our community to help with donations as we are a non-profit organization. Below you will find a portion of our needs list that we hope you can help us with. These items should be new or very gently used. We will collect these donations on April 21 for our target opening date in early May.
         Items needed are: toaster, one 4-quart or greater cooking pot or kettle (coated), two lamps with shades, 8-10 pillows, monetary donations for a television armoire, VCR/DVD player, and pantry cabinet. Write checks to MDC Goldenrod with ``Mennoheim'' on the memo line. Mail to MDC Goldenrod, Attention: Ann Meier, 1518 College Ave., Goshen, IN 46526. For questions, please phone Ann Meier at 533-9720, extension 5.

         Celebrate with us at MDC Goldenrod's Annual Dinner! Hear David Heusinkveld, new executive director of MDC Goldenrod, speak on the goals he has for our organization. You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Dinner on Monday, April 11, 6:00 p.m. at Silverwood Mennonite Church . To reserve your place, please contact Linda at 533-9720 Ext. 0 or e-mail her at lindavgoldenrodonline.org with the names and phone numbers of persons attending.

         You're invited to attend the 2005 Oasis Retreat, a retreat for family, friends, and caregivers of loved ones with mental illness. It will be held at Oaklawn on April 15 and 16. See the poster on the bulletin board for details or talk to Bob Pflederer.

         The Goshen College Performing Arts Series is presenting an orchestra from Poland, The Wroclaw Philharmonic, in concert on Tuesday, April 26, at 7:30 p.m., in Sauder Concert Hall. The Music Center is looking for host homes for April 25 and 26 for the 70 musicians and is asking those interested in this cross-cultural opportunity to call the Music Center Office at 535- 7361. Tickets for the orchestra's public performance are currently available through the Welcome Center at 535-7566.

         Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission, based at The Depot in Goshen, is seeking a part-time Office Manager. This 10 hour/week position will be filled by a candidate who demonstrates the following qualities: strong faith commitment to Christ and His mission; self-motivated; able to work independently; some training or experience in accounting practices (knowledge of Quickbooks would be helpful); competency in personal/telephone/computer communication; and ability to organize. Job hours and work location are somewhat flexible. Pay is competitive. For more information, please call 535-0077 or e-mail to: aimmaimmintl.org.

         Mennonite Mission Network seeks a Human Resources Coordinator for the Great Lakes office in Elkhart, IN. This person will assist in focused HR functions such as position descriptions, immigration, performance review process, and coordination of staff training. Qualifications include being a team player; having an orientation to customer service; strong organizational skills; being a welcoming, people-oriented person; preferred background in HR. This position description may be viewed on our web site at www.MennoniteMission.net. Other open positions are division assistant for Advancement and Church Relations and production manager. Interested persons please contact Human Resources at 523-3008 or e-mail a letter of interest and resume to staffrecruitmentMennoniteMission.net.

         The Habitat for Humanity of Elkhart County ReStore is having their Semi-Annual Sale on Saturday, April 16, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Almost all of the merchandise in the store will be offered at 50 percent off the already low prices. We carry a wide
variety of new and used building and remodeling supplies. The Habitat ReStore in located in the back section of Peddler's Village.
         The ReStore is also in need of donated materials and volunteers. We would be happy to have volunteers for both the day of the sale and regular business hours for picking up donations, merchandising in the store and customer service. We also welcome large groups and youth groups for service projects. For more information, contact Dave McLaughlin or Bethany LoLoge at 533-1823.

Our Church       
Office Hours :     Tuesday-Friday:
                  8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
                  12:00 noon- 2:00 p.m.
Statistical Report for March 27, 2005
Attendance: 243

Today, April 3
         Greeters:        Eleanor Nafziger
         Bob and Lorraine Pflederer
         Bulletins:       Steve Johns             
         Nursery:         Infant Jeannie and Phil Miller        
                  Toddler Roxanna and Karl Sommers
         Offering Counters:       Greg Smucker
                                             Galen Graber
         Audio/Visual Operator: Phil Miller
Next Sunday, April 10
         Greeters: Eleanor Nafziger
                           Bob and Lorraine Pflederer      
         Bulletins: Steve Johns  
         Nursery:         Infant Lois and John Mast
                           Toddler Lisa and Darin Short
         Offering Counters:       Ron Good
                                   Curt Wenger
         Audio/Visual Operator: Phil Miller
__________________________________________
Pastors: Anita Kehr and Dan Schrock
Youth Coordinators: Cindy Baker and Lois Mast
Elders: Tom Albrecht, Beth Berry, Phil Miller, Trish Shenk, Peter Shetler, Roxanna Sommers

This Week
·         Today Lunch for young adults following the nurture hour.
·         Today Baby Shower for Emma Grace, Lori, and André Yoder, 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.
·         Monday BWIF, 9:00 a.m. at Ruth Brenneman's.
·         Monday Lake Center Christian Choir Program (Hartville, Ohio), 7:00 p.m.
·         Tuesday Elders, 6:00 a.m., at the church.
·         Tuesday Youth Coordinating Meeting, 7:00 p.m.
·         Tuesday Stewardship and Finance Commission, 7:15 p.m.
·         Wednesday MYF, 7:00 p.m.
·         Wednesday Worship Commission, 7:00 p.m.
·         Thursday Mission Commission, 7:30 p.m.
·         Next Sunday JYF, 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Goshen College Rec Center.

        
From the Christian Education Commission
         The dates for Summer Bible School are June 13-17 . Mark your calendar! More details will be coming soon.

Announcements
BAMF News
`` Thanks to my church family for your prayers, cards, meals, Easter basket, and asking how I am. It means a lot to have such love expressed. Chemo is done.'' Ruth Hathaway

        ``Thank you'' to Parables, a worship team from Goshen College, who is leading our congregation in worship through song and drama this morning. The group includes Justin Heinz and Aubrey Helmuth. All young adults are invited to stay after the nurture hour and join the worship team for lunch in the fellowship hall.

         You are all invited to attend the Lake Center Christian School's choir program tomorrow evening at 7:00 p.m. here at Berkey Avenue. They are sharing their program with us on their way back from the Mennonite High School Choir Festival in Iowa.

The next Coordinating Meeting is on April 21, 7:00 p.m.at the church. All commissions should plan to send a representative to this very important meeting.
         Reminder! MDC Goldenrod's Annual Dinner is this Monday, April 11, 6:00 p.m. at Silverwood Mennonite Church.

News from Charlotte 2005 July 4-8
         Mennonite Education Agency is planning a gathering for teachers, parents, pastors, or anyone interested in early childhood on Thursday, July 7, at Charlotte 2005, the biennial assembly of Mennonite Church USA and Mennonite Church Canada. Kevin Swick, from the University of South Carolina, will be the keynote speaker. He has been active in the field of early childhood coupled with parent education/ family empowerment during his lifetime. His article, ``Nurturing Peaceful Children to Create a Caring World,'' appeared in Childhood Education , Fall 2004. In addition to his input, there will be other interest group sessions. Registration before April 29 is cost effective.

         Do you like to sing? You may want to sign up to sing in the joint youth and adult choir that will participate in the combined youth and adult worship service at Charlotte 2005. Mark J. Suderman, Professor of Music at Bluffton University, will lead the choir. Register to participate online at www.Charlotte2005.org.

Our Schools
         Bethany Christian High School's junior class fish fry is 4:30-8:00 p.m., this Friday, April 15. Tickets are $6.50 for adults and $4 for children K-6 (preschool is free). Carryout tickets are available with adult tickets only. Tickets may be purchased from any Bethany junior (Christina Ahn, Mark Bauman, Maya Kehr, Daniel Mast, Liz Nafziger, Kyle Stiffney) or at the school (534-2567).

         Kenyan Maasai culture and cuisine will be featured at Goshen College's April 12 Afternoon Sabbatical luncheon in the College Mennonite Church Fellowship Hall at noon. The Maasai are a semi-nomadic people living in a communal system whose primary source of income is livestock. Following the meal, several Maasai from the village of Kimuka, all students or graduates of Goshen College and Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, will present an illustrated lecture on traditional Maasai culture and their lives today with interviews by President Emeritus Vic Stoltzfus. Cost is $20. For tickets, call the Welcome Center at 535-7566 or e-mail welcomecentergoshen.edu.

         Come enjoy Goshen College's annual Spring Shorts Festival, "Lunacy," of student-directed one-act plays. Five student directors are presenting the plays April 15-17 in Umble Center, with the Friday performance at 10 p.m. and the Saturday and Sunday performances at 3 p.m. Plays will be directed by Rachel Sprunger, Cassie Greer, Kimberlee Rohrer, Eric Meyer, and Alburn Binkley, with fellow students as actors. Cost is $3 at the door.

         For those adults who love to learn, Goshen College and Greencroft Retirement Communities have established a Lifelong Learning Institute for senior adults (age 55 and older). The first mini-courses will be offered beginning in April at the college, including ``The Arts, Visual and Musical,'' with Mary Oyer, Goshen College professor emerita of music, and ``Yorfumi Yaguchi: a Japanese Voice from Buddhism, Bible and Bomb,'' with Wilbur Birky, Goshen College professor emeritus of English. For class dates, costs and registration, contact the Goshen College Welcome Center by calling 535-7566 or e-mailing welcomecentergoshen.edu.

Community Announcements
         The Blackwood Brothers Quartet will give a concert today, April 10, at 6:00 p.m. at Yellow Creek Mennonite Church.

         The 2005 Oasis Retreat for families and friends of loved ones with mental illness will be held at Oaklawn on Friday evening, April 15 and Saturday, April 16, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Registration forms are available on the literature rack or contact Bob Pflederer for more information. Keynote speaker Robert Shreiner, Oaklawn chaplain, will share how to experience hope in difficult times of dealing with mental illness.

         Attention Outdoor Lovers: You are invited to join us at Amigo Centre for our Spring Woodcutting Day on Saturday, April 23. The wood cut will go towards heating our buildings during the cold winter months. Lunch and a snack will be provided at no cost to you. If you are interested in volunteering for this, please let us know by calling (269) 651-2811. Please bring chainsaws if possible (gas and oil provided by Amigo).

         Amigo Centre and Island Hills Golf Club Golf Scramble Benefit will be on Saturday, June 4. The Amigo Golf Scramble is a fundraiser for the St. Joseph County (Michigan) Scholarship program. This program provides a week of camp free of charge to selected children from St. Joseph County, who would not otherwise be able to attend camp. If you are interested, please contact Amigo at (269) 651-2811 or fill out a brochure that you will find on the literature rack in the fellowship hall and mail to Amigo Centre at 26455 Banker Rd., Sturgis, MI 49091.

         The Goshen College Performing Arts Series is presenting an orchestra from Poland, The Wroclaw Philharmonic , in concert on Tuesday, April 26, at 7:30 p.m., in Sauder Concert Hall. The Music Center is looking for host homes for April 25 and 26 for the 70 musicians and is asking those interested in this cross-cultural opportunity to call the Music Center Office at 535- 7361. Tickets for the orchestra's public performance are currently available through the Welcome Center at 535-7566.

Ten Thousand Villages of Shipshewanaseeks a part-time store manager. This paid position will require approximately 20 hours per week and may have a flexible schedule; retail experience and computer skills are preferred; a heart for missions is required. Applications may be obtained at the store, located in Yoder's Dutch Country Storealso known as "The Big Red Barn"on State Road 5 in Shipshewana. Phone number is (260) 768-7056.

        Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission, based at The Depot in Goshen, is seeking a part-time Office Manager. This 10 hour/week position will be filled by a candidate who demonstrates the following qualities: strong faith commitment to Christ and His mission; self-motivated; able to work independently; some training or experience in accounting practices (knowledge of Quickbooks would be helpful); competency in personal/telephone/computer communication; and ability to organize. Job hours and work location are somewhat flexible. Pay is competitive. For more information, please call 535-0077 or e-mail to: aimmaimmintl.org.

         Mennonite Mission Network seeks a Human Resources Coordinator for the Great Lakes office in Elkhart. This person will assist in focused HR functions such as position descriptions, immigration issues, performance review processes, and coordination of staff training. Qualifications include being a team player; having an orientation to customer service; strong organizational skills; being a welcoming, people-oriented person; preferred background in HR. The position description may be viewed on our web site at MennoniteMission.net. Other open positions are division assistant for Advancement and Church Relations and production manager. Interested persons please contact Human Resources at 523-3008 or e-mail a letter of interest and resume to staffrecruitmentMennoniteMission.net.

         The Habitat for Humanity of Elkhart County ReStore is having their Semi-Annual Sale on Saturday, April 16, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Almost all merchandise in the store will be offered at 50 percent off the already-low prices. We carry a wide variety of new and used building and remodeling supplies. The Habitat ReStore in located in the back section of Peddler's Village.
         The ReStore is also in need of donated materials and volunteers. We would be happy to have volunteers for both the day of the sale and regular business hours for picking up donations, merchandising in the store, and customer service. We also welcome large groups and youth groups for service projects. For more information, contact Dave McLaughlin or Bethany LoLoge at 533-1823.

Our Church       
Office Hours :     Tuesday-Friday:
                  8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
                  12:00 noon- 2:00 p.m.

Statistical Report for April 3, 2005
Attendance: 161

Today, April 10
         Greeters:        Eleanor Nafziger
         Bob and Lorraine Pflederer
         Bulletins:       Steve Johns             
         Nursery:         Infant Lois and John Mast     
                  Toddler Lisa and Darin Short
         Offering Counters:       Ron Good
                                             Curt Wenger
         Audio/Visual Operator: Phil Miller

Next Sunday, April 17
         Greeters: Eleanor Nafziger
                           Bob and Lorraine Pflederer      
         Bulletins: Steve Johns  
         Nursery:         Infant Renae Yoder
                           Toddler Sherry and Curt Wenger
         Offering Counters:       Barbara Eichorn
                                   Lowell Nafziger
         Audio/Visual Operator: Phil Miller
__________________________________________
Pastors: Anita Kehr and Dan Schrock
Youth Coordinators: Cindy Baker and Lois Mast
Elders: Tom Albrecht, Beth Berry, Phil Miller, Trish Shenk, Peter Shetler, Roxanna Sommers












         Called to be Christ's
                  loving,
                           healing,
                                    caring
                                             presence

This Week
·         Today Baptism Exploration Class, 3:00-5:00 p.m.
·         Today JYF, 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Goshen College Rec Center. Supper will be provided.
·         Monday Fellowship and Caring Commission, 7:00 p.m.
·         Tuesday BWIF, 9:00 a.m. at Diane White's.
·         Tuesday Baptism Exploration Class, 8:00 p.m., meet at the church to attend Evening Song and Prayer at AMBS.
·         Wednesday MYF, 7:00 p.m.
·         Thursday Coordinating Meeting, 7:00 p.m.
        
From the Christian Education Commission
         The dates for Summer Bible School are June 13-17 . Mark your calendar! More details will be
coming soon.

From the PCRC
         To the BAMF Congregation: Dan Schrock joined our congregation as one of its pastors in the spring of 2002. Since his initial three-year term will expire on May 5, 2005, the Pastor-Congregation Relations Committee (PCRC) will be bringing a recommendation to the congregation on May 1 that his contract be extended for another four years. Our recommendation reflects a very strong affirmation for Dan's leadership as expressed in the recent congregational survey. Please anticipate prayfully this congregational action on Sunday, May 1.
The PCRC: Bev Krabill, John Roth, Marion Yoder

From the Stewardship and Finance Commission
         2005/06 Bethany Tuition fund: April 30 is the deadline for contributions to the 2005/06 Bethany Tuition Designated fund. An additional $34,601 is needed to fully fund tuition for the 33 students participating in the BAMF plan. The current balance, plus 20 percent from the General fund, is sufficient to cover 82 percent of the projected cost of tuition. From the Library Committee
``CHECK OUT'' THESE NEW ADDITIONS TO THE LIBRARY:
Books:
Leading Lady by Lawana Blackwell
Catherine's Heart by Lawana Blackwell
God's Forever Feast by Dr. Paul Brand
Like Gold Refined by Janette Oke
The Birthright by Janette Oke
The Long Awaited Child by Tracie Peterson
Vancouver by Gail Sattler
How Much is Enough by Arthur Simon
A Texas Sky by Lori Wick

Videos:
Don't Sit On Your Stuff Ted & Lee
Greencroft Founding the Future
The Greatest is the Least Nest Entertainment
John the Baptist Nest Entertainment
The Miracles of Jesus Nest Entertainment
He is Risen Nest Entertainment
Mrs. `Arris Goes to Paris Hearst Entertainment

Announcements
BAMF News
         The Jr. Youth are invited to the Rec. Fitness Center at Goshen College this afternoon (April 17) from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Bring swimsuits if you're interested in using the pool and $4.00 if you don't have a season or family pass. Supper will be provided. Hope to see you there! The Roths and Shenks

         In your mailbox is a paper from the Christian Education Commission outlining a new idea for adult nurture classes. Let us know what you think by responding on the pink sheet and returning it to Dan Schrock.

         The next Coordinating Meeting is this Thursday, April 21, 7:00 p.m. at the church. All commissions should plan to send a representative to this very important meeting.

         All JYF boys and their mentors are invited to a bluebird activity at BAMF on Sunday April 24 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. We'll assemble and erect bluebird houses on the new Berkey property and take some time to watch our bluebird neighbors.

         Christian Peacemaker Team Colombia in stories and slides, Monday, April 18, at 7 p.m. in the AMBS Chapel: Jim Fitz, of Plow Creek Fellowship in Illinois, will share stories and a slide presentation about his work with CPT in Colombia, where he spends a few months each year. Jim and his family are good friends of the Bakers. The presentation is being sponsored by Southside Fellowship; for information, contact Sue at 293-2825.

         Experience Summer Camp Fun at Camp Amigo 2005. For information on the camp schedules for this summer, see the brochure on the bulletin board.

         The Lafayette Mennonite Fellowship has contacted BAMF's Mission Commission to request financial support for their ministry. The Mission Commission wants to send a small delegation to visit LMF on a Sunday evening to learn more about their situation. If you want to participate in this, contact Ron Good or another member of the commission.

         Sarah Roth leaves for Peru on April 27 , where she will complete a Study-Service Term (SST) with Goshen College. Her address will be:
Sarah Roth
Manual Herrerra
Pomareda 340
Vista Alegre
Surco
LIMA, PERU

News from Charlotte 2005 July 4-8
         Charlotte 2005 activities will include an intergenerational festive event for all ages; a joint worship service for adults, junior high, and youth; as well as a joint Mennonite Church Canada and Mennonite Church USA delegate session. For more information, visit the Charlotte 2005 Web site at Charlotte2005.org.

Our Schools
         Bethany Christian Middle School will present The Princess Plays at 7:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, April 29-30. Evie Nafziger is directing the play. Tickets, $4 for adults and $2 for students, may be reserved by calling the school at 534-2567.

         There are brochures on the literature rack for Bethany Christian Schools summer youth camps. The camps include baseball, basketball, canoeing the Elkhart River, soccer, tennis, and volleyball.
         On May 6-8, Bluffton University will celebrate graduation weekend. Friday and Saturday activities include a silent auction sponsored by the Bluffton University Women's Council, an auxiliary group of the institution. A variety of items are sold at the auction including quilts, quilted wall hangings, crocheted and knitted blankets, stuffed animals and dolls, rag rugs, original art work and many other creative items. All items are donated by alumni, friends, and members of women's groups from Mennonite churches. This year the council is accepting on-line bidding through May 5. Please help support Bluffton University by taking part in this auction. You will find pictures of auction items and bidding instructions at bluffton.edu/blufftonalumni/may/day/auction.

Community Announcements
         Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center of Goshen College invites you to renew your relationship with the natural world. Try one of these events:
God's Earth: A Twilight Walk Sunday, April 24, 5:30-7:30 p.m. This springtime walk at Merry Lea begins with a light supper at the Learning Center. The hike will blend a botanist's insights into spring wildflowers with readings from scripture and nature writings. Please register by April 20. Call 260-799-5869 or e-mail jenniferhsgoshen.edu. Cost: $5.
NatureFest Friday, May 6, 7:00 p.m. through Saturday, May 7, 4:00 p.m.         Hikes and workshops for all ages, featuring Indiana's landscape and ideas for living lightly on it. Explore wetland plants by canoe, meet a falconer and her raptors, brush up on tree identification, learn about local environmental concerns, and more. Please register by May 2. Call 260-799-5869 or e-mail jenniferhsgoshen.edu for more information.

         A Sustainable Living Tour, organized by Michiana Mennonite Earth Group, will show practical ways Goshen residents are finding to conserve God's creation and the earth's resources in their homes, vehicles, lawns, and gardens on Saturday, April 30, from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. The free tour will include 10 stops focused on water use, landscaping and farming, building materials and energy use, and transportation. The tour offers participants the choice of a self-guided tour or a group tour option. For complete information, a listing of stops and a tour map, visit goshen.edu/merrylea/news/sustour.html.

         Attention Outdoor Lovers: You are invited to join us at Amigo Centre for our Spring Woodcutting Day on Saturday, April 23. The wood cut will go towards heating our buildings during the cold winter months. Lunch and a snack will be provided at no cost to you. If you are interested in volunteering for this, please let us know by calling (269) 651-2811. Please bring chainsaws if possible (gas and oil provided by Amigo).

         Mark your calendars for May 7 when the IN-MI Mennonite Women's Spring meeting will take place at Clinton Frame Mennonite Church from 9:00 a.m. until noon. The speaker will be Rhonda Yoder, who is a local Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) leader. She will be speaking on the topic, ``Worship in our Everyday Lives.'' Childcare will be provided.
        
         Fall Women's Retreat at Amigo, October 7-9: This year's theme is ``Spiritual Accountability.'' The retreat is for the entire weekend with interest areas provided for you such as quilting, scrapbooking, pontoon rides, cross stitch, nature walks just to name a few. Questions? Call Barb Eiler, 534-5441.

         Amigo Centre and Island Hills Golf Club Golf Scramble Benefit will be on Saturday, June 4. The Amigo Golf Scramble is a fundraiser for the St. Joseph County (Michigan) Scholarship program. This program provides a week of camp free of charge to selected children from St. Joseph County, who would not otherwise be able to attend camp. If you are interested, please contact Amigo at (269) 651-2811 or fill out a brochure that you will find on the literature rack in the fellowship hall and mail to Amigo Centre at 26455 Banker Rd., Sturgis, MI 49091.

         You are invited to the upcoming "Friends of Adriel" events. A meal will be served followed by a short program about the vision for Adriel. A lunch in Goshen will take place on April 28 at Yellow Creek Mennonite Church at 11:30 a.m. On April 29, a breakfast will take place in Nappanee at the home of Merlin and Mary Lou Mullett at 8:00 a.m. followed by a lunch in Shipshewana at 11:30 a.m. at the home of Laverne and Barb Miller. To attend one of these events, please RSVP to Sandy Kerns at (937) 465-0010 ext. 134 or skernsadriel.org.

Our Church       
Office Hours :     Tuesday-Friday:
                  8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
                  12:00 noon- 2:00 p.m.

Statistical Report for April 10, 2005
Attendance: 199

Today, April 17
         Greeters:        Eleanor Nafziger
         Bob and Lorraine Pflederer
         Bulletins:       Steve Johns             
         Nursery:         Infant Renae Yoder    
                  Toddler Sherry and Curt Wenger
         Offering Counters:       Barbara Eichorn
                                             Lowell Nafziger
         Audio/Visual Operator: Phil Miller

Next Sunday, April 24
         Greeters: Eleanor Nafziger
                           Bob and Lorraine Pflederer      
         Bulletins: Steve Johns  
         Nursery:         Infant Heidi and Mitch Siemens-
                                             Rhodes
                           Toddler Anita and Dale Snyder
         Offering Counters:       Steve Garboden
                                   Anita Mounsithiraj
         Audio/Visual Operator: Phil Miller
__________________________________________
Pastors: Anita Kehr and Dan Schrock
Youth Coordinators: Cindy Baker and Lois Mast
Elders: Tom Albrecht, Beth Berry, Phil Miller, Trish Shenk, Peter Shetler, Roxanna Sommers












         Called to be Christ's
                  loving,
                           healing,
                                    caring
                                             presence

This Week
·         Today Bluebird House-Building JYF boys and mentors, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
·         Today Baptism Exploration, 3:00-4:15 p.m.
·         Monday BWIF, 11:30 a.m. lunch at Extravagant Grace, Middlebury.
·         Wednesday Churchwide Game and Pizza Night, 6:00 p.m.

From the Elders and the Building/Land Use Committee
         A small working group representing the Building/Land Use Committee and the Elders has met on three occasions with representatives of DJ Construction. The folks from DJ have outlined several different approaches for adding to or modifying our existing building within the parameters established by the congregation at the last congregational meeting and in response to the feedback given by the BAMF working group.
         A report prepared by the Elders will be in your mailboxes next Sunday, May 1. This report will: 1) describe the plans for modifying our building outlined by DJ, and 2) describe options for becoming two congregations. It will also offer some recommendations from the Elders. This report will provide the basis for discussion at our congregational meeting on Sunday, May 15. On that day, there will be several opportunities for conversation. Adults will meet together during the nurture hour for preliminary discussion and feedback; the MYF will meet during lunch; and everyone is invited to gather again for the rest of the congregational meeting following the fellowship meal. We look forward to a lively time of listening to one another and to the Holy Spirit as we seek to discern the call of God together.

From the PCRC
         To the BAMF Congregation: Dan Schrock joined our congregation as one of its pastors in the spring of 2002. Since his initial three-year term will expire on May 5, the Pastor-Congregation Relations Committee (PCRC) will be bringing a recommendation to the congregation on May 1 that his contract be extended for another four years. Our recommendation reflects a very strong affirmation for Dan's leadership as expressed in the recent congregational survey. Please prayerfully anticipate this congregational action on Sunday, May 1.
The PCRC: Bev Krabill, John Roth, Marion Yoder

From the Stewardship and Finance Commission
         As we approach the close of our third quarter and begin the budgeting process for 2006 we want to remind you, the congregation, that giving is now running approximately $17,000 behind the estimated year-to-date projections. Should this pace continue, we would have a shortfall of approximately $29,000 for the year. From our best estimation right now, it looks like commitments for expenses may come in under budget by about $6,000; we therefore ask that you keep this in mind for the remainder of the year.

From the Christian Education Commission
         A paper from the Christian Education Commission outlining a new idea for adult nurture classes was put in your mailbox last Sunday. Let us know what you think by responding on the pink sheet and returning it to Dan Schrock.

From the Library Committee
``CHECK OUT'' THESE NEW ADDITIONS TO THE LIBRARY:
Books:
Leading Lady by Lawana Blackwell
Catherine's Heart by Lawana Blackwell
God's Forever Feast by Dr. Paul Brand
Like Gold Refined by Janette Oke
The Birthright by Janette Oke
The Long Awaited Child by Tracie Peterson
Vancouver by Gail Sattler
How Much is Enough by Arthur Simon
A Texas Sky by Lori Wick

Videos:
Don't Sit On Your Stuff Ted & Lee
Greencroft Founding the Future
The Greatest is the Least Nest Entertainment
John the Baptist Nest Entertainment
The Miracles of Jesus Nest Entertainment
He is Risen Nest Entertainment
Mrs. `Arris Goes to Paris Hearst Entertainment
Announcements
BAMF News
         All JYF boys and their mentors are invited to an activity at BAMF this afternoon, 2:00-4:00 p.m. We'll assemble and erect bluebird houses on the new Berkey property and take some time to watch our bluebird neighbors.

         The Lafayette Mennonite Fellowship has contacted BAMF's Mission Commission to request financial support for their ministry. The Mission Commission wants to send a small delegation to visit LMF on a Sunday evening to learn more about their situation. If you want to participate in this, contact Ron Good or another member of the commission.

         Sarah Roth and Elizabeth Miller leave for Peru this Wednesday, April 27 , where they will complete a Study-Service Term (SST) with Goshen College. Their address will be: Manual Herrerra, Pomareda 340, Vista Alegre, Surco, LIMA, PERU

News from Charlotte 2005 July 4-8
         Register for Charlotte 2005! Forms are available online at www.Charlotte2005.org or through your church office. Register by April 29 to take advantage of early bird discounts.

Our Schools
        Bethany Christian Middle School will present ``The Princess Plays'' at 7:00 p.m. this Friday and Saturday, April 29-30. Tickets, $4 for adults and $2 for students, may be reserved by calling the school at 534-2567. Evie Nafziger directs, Phil Miller is helping with lights, and the following Berkey Avenue students are acting: Corinne Alvarez, Elias Kehr, Ben Mast, and Mary Roth.

         There are brochures on the literature rack for Bethany Christian Schools summer youth camps. The camps include baseball, basketball, canoeing the Elkhart River, soccer, tennis, and volleyball.

         On May 6-8, Bluffton University will celebrate graduation weekend. Friday and Saturday activities include a silent auction sponsored by the Bluffton University Women's Council, an auxiliary group of the institution. A variety of items are sold at the auction including quilts, quilted wall hangings, crocheted and knitted blankets, stuffed animals and dolls, rag rugs, original art work and many other creative items. All items are donated by alumni, friends, and members of women's groups from Mennonite churches. This year the council is accepting on-line bidding through May 5. Please help support Bluffton University by taking part in this auction. You will find pictures of auction items and bidding instructions at bluffton.edu/blufftonalumni/may/day/auction.

Community Announcements
         The Canadian Mennonite University Chamber Choir, directed by Janet Brenneman, will be at Eighth Street Mennonite Church on Thursday, April 28, at 7:00 p.m. This choir is an auditioned 17-voice mixed choir, noted for singing music by Canadian composers, sacred choral settings, and a variety of folk music from around the world. Recently, they participated in a world premiere of Patrick Carrabre's ``In the Beginning'' at the Winnipeg New Music Festival and were the guest choir at the University of Toronto's April 2005 Gala Spring Concert. The theme for this tour is, ``Love Joy God.'' Most services will include a brief meditation by Assistant Professor Irma Fast Dueck, a student sharing about their CMU experience, and the choir leading worship in song.

         Experience Summer Camp Fun at Camp Amigo 2005. For information on the camp schedules for this summer, see the brochure on the bulletin board.

         God calls someone to ministry and a journey begins. Perhaps you are on that journey. Perhaps you are looking for mentors and companions along the way. Indiana-Michigan Conference invites you to join Journey: A Conference-Based Leadership Development Program. This program is for pastors and other congregational leaders who are called to ministry without having specific training for ministry or who are exploring a call to pastoral ministry. The deadline to apply for fall 2005 is August 1. For more information, visit www.journeyprogram.net or contact your pastor or Tim Lichti, Nancy Kauffmann, or Bob Yoder at 800-288-8486.

         Looking for Leaders! Mennonite Mission Network needs Service Adventure unit leaders in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Philippi, West Virginia; and Raleigh, North Carolina. Leaders should be at least 24 years old and may be single or married. This assignment is an opportunity to minister with young adults (age17-20) as you live in community and serve the local community and church. Room, board, and insurance are just part of the benefits! Terms start in late July. For more information, visit our website at: Service.MennoniteMission.net and follow the Service Adventure links; call us toll free at 866-866-2872; or send an email to Service@ MennoniteMission.net.

         A Sustainable Living Tour, organized by Michiana Mennonite Earth Group, will show practical ways Goshen residents are finding to conserve God's creation and the earth's resources in their homes, vehicles, lawns, and gardens next Saturday, April 30, from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. The free tour will include 10 stops focused on water use, landscaping and farming, building materials and energy use, and transportation. The tour offers participants the choice of a self-guided tour or a group tour option. For complete information, a listing of stops and a tour map, visit goshen.edu/merrylea/news/sustour.html.

         Northern Indiana Mennonite Nurses Association's Annual Meeting is Monday, May 2, 6:00 p.m. at the Center for Healing and Hope, 423 East Jefferson Street, Goshen. Bring a salad dish and table service; drink and rolls will be provided. All nurses and interested persons are welcome. For more information see the flyer on the bulletin board.

         Mark your calendars for May 7 when the IN-MI Mennonite Women's Spring meeting will take place at Clinton Frame Mennonite Church from 9:00 a.m. until noon. The speaker will be Rhonda Yoder, who is a local Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) leader. She will be speaking on the topic, ``Worship in our Everyday Lives.'' Childcare will be provided.

         Merry Lea Environmental Center of Goshen College invites you to renew your relationship with the natural world. Come enjoy the second annual NatureFest on Friday, May 6, 7:00 p.m. through Saturday, May 7, 4:00 p.m.   Hikes and workshops are available for all ages, featuring Indiana's landscape and ideas for living lightly on it. Explore wetland plants by canoe, meet a falconer and her raptors, brush up on tree identification, learn about local environmental concerns, and more. Please register by May 2. Call 260-799-5869 or e-mail jenniferhsgoshen.edu for more information.

         Step-by-step guidance for building a culture of peace is the focus of a new book, Building Peace: Overcoming Violence in Communities, which includes stories and ideas for churches, schools, health organizations, and community groups. Join two of the authors at a book-signing celebration on Sunday, May 8, at 5:30 p.m. at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS). Ruth Krall, former Goshen College professor, and Mary Yoder Holsopple, adjunct professor at AMBS, will share about their vision which led to the writing of the book, just released by the World Council of Churches. The celebration will be in the Lambright Center on the AMBS campus. For more information, call 295-3726.

         From Bali to Yogyakarta Embracing HUPMI: The Michiana MEDA Annual Meeting will be held May 12, 6:30 p.m., at College Mennonite Church. Come enjoy a traditional Indonesian meal, music, and inspiring stories of Michiana MEDA's tour and visits with small businesses in Indonesia that are part of the HUPMI project. RSVP by May 2 to 537-1776 or michianamedaverizon.net. Please indicate special dietary needs. Price is $10 students, $15 members, $20 non-members.

         Wilderness Wind has openings for canoe trips this summer . Men: June 5-10; Women: June 19-24; Family: July 17-22; Parent/Child: June 19-24; Coed Adults: July 10-15; Arthur Paul Boers, AMBS faculty: Aug 14-19. Take this opportunity to get away and enjoy the wilderness. For more details, check wildernesswind.org or call 316-283-5132.

         The Center for Healing and Hope needs your help!
Each week we have families in desperate need of health care. Since they do not have health insurance, many have delayed seeking care, and their condition has worsened. Children represent over 50 percent of the patients we see, and we are thankful we are able to help. However, we often have more patients asking for care than we can help, and we must turn some away. Your assistance is needed to help us respond to the growing demand for health care in our community for persons without health insurance. God has provided facilities for a medical clinic and over 100 volunteers to serve the medical needs of the uninsured. We need your support! Please consider ways you can help…through prayer, volunteering, and/or making a financial gift. See brochures on the literature rack for more information.
        
Our Church       
Office Hours :     Tuesday-Friday:
                  8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
                  12:00 noon- 2:00 p.m.

Statistical Report for April 17, 2005
Attendance: 240
        
Today, April 24
         Greeters:        Eleanor Nafziger
         Bob and Lorraine Pflederer
         Bulletins:       Steve Johns             
         Nursery:         Infant Mitch and Heidi Siemens-
                           Rhodes
                  Toddler Anita and Dale Snyder
         Offering Counters:       Steve Garboden
                                             Anita Mounsithiraj
         Audio/Visual Operator: Phil Miller

Next Sunday, May 1
         Greeters:        Ora and Mary Troyer
                           John Hooley
         Bulletins:       Elias Kehr      
         Nursery:         Infant Izaete and Tim Nafziger
                           Toddler Maya, Elias, Bryan Kehr
         Offering Counters:       Greg Smucker
                                   Galen Graber
         Audio/Visual Operator: Jonathan Williams
__________________________________________
Pastors: Anita Kehr and Dan Schrock
Youth Coordinators: Cindy Baker and Lois Mast
Elders: Tom Albrecht, Beth Berry, Phil Miller, Trish Shenk, Peter Shetler, Roxanna Sommers

This Week
·         Tuesday Elders, 6:00 a.m.
·         Tuesday BWIF, 9:00 a.m. at Lori Good's.
·         Wednesday MYF, 7:00 p.m.
·         Saturday Men's Breakfast, 7:00 a.m. at Old Mill Inn.

From the Elders
Our agenda for the May 15 congregational meeting includes:
1.       Accepting the minutes of the February 20 congregational meeting.
2.       Voting on BAMF's participation in the Stephen Ministry program.
3.       Discussing the May 1 report on space options from the Building/Land Use Committee and the elders (in your mailboxes today). Discussion will begin during the adult nurture hour and continue during the congregational meeting.
                  The elders

From the Christian Education Commission   Our congregation is growing and changing! One way we need to adapt to those changes is to adjust our nursery/toddler room accommodations. In the past, the MYF room has doubled as the toddler room. For various reasons this is no longer feasible. Because we want our small children to be comfortable and we want parents to have a good alternative during the worship hour for their toddlers, the Christian Education Commission is suggesting the following slight change:
The nursery will be staffed and available to children 3 and younger during worship. Because of the number of young children attending Berkey right now, the nursery will often be the only space needed during the service. However, if there are visitors, if the nursery seems to be crowded, or if a child needs toys that are more toddler-age appropriate, a second option will be available as needed.
If there are more children than can play comfortably in the nursery, or if older children need an alternative place to play, an adult will be assigned to accompany them to the Kindness room and care for them there during the service . Children are not to play in that room without an adult present.
If you have questions or concerns regarding this matter please direct them to Lois Mast or Nancy Yoder (Christian Education Commission) or Leah Garboden (Nursery Coordinator).

         Vacation Bible School (VBS) will be June 13-17. This year's theme is ``A Prayer Safari in the Kingdom of the Son.'' Lessons, stories, music, and activities will teach children the Lord's Prayer and the importance of talking to God through prayer.
Volunteer forms (yellow) were put in everyone's mailbox. Please prayerfully consider how you might help with this week. There are opportunities to prepare things ahead of time if you are not able to help during this week. If you have never helped with VBS this would be a great way to share your energy and time. If you are a veteran, we would welcome your expertise.
Also in mailboxes were green registration forms for children age 3 through fifth grade. Please fill one of these out for each child attending. More forms are available to invite friends and neighbors or if you did not receive one. PLEASE TURN IN THESE FORMS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE SO PLANS CAN BE FINALIZED. See Deb Williams with any questions or for more forms.

Announcements
BAMF News
         We will be hosting guests from Goshen Interfaith Hospitality Network (GIHN) in the week of May 15-22. The schedule is posted in the kitchen and front door of the church. We have volunteers for everything except a couple of overnights. Please contact Ruth Roth if you can help. Thanks again to the many volunteers from our congregation for this important commitment of service to our community. GIHN committee: Susan Garboden, Pat Hochstetler, Ruth Roth

         The Goshen area ConnectingFamilies potluck/ meeting will be held Thursday evening, May 5, 6:30 p.m. If interested contact Ruth Liechty (537-4425 or rliechtyjuno.com).

         The Rejoice and Shout for Joy choirs will give a concert on Saturday, May 7, at 7:00 p.m. in the Sauder Hall. Those participating from our congregation are: Ben Mast, Melinda Sherer, Lana Smucker, and Alisha Snyder.
News from Charlotte 2005 July 4-8
         Servant Projects are meant to be intergenerational. Adult participants are encouraged to serve alongside their youth group. Don't pass up this wonderful opportunity for adults to interact with youth from your congregation! Register to participate in a Servant Project online at www.Charlotte2005.org.

Community Announcements
         In response to the gang shootings last month, members of Goshen's Hispanic community, including Iglesia Menonita del Buen Pastor, have written an open letter that rejects violence. If you would like to show your support and add your name to this letter, please sign our copy of the letter today on the peace and justice table in the fellowship hall. The Hispanic community will be presenting the letter and the signatures to the mayor and the media.

         On April 24 a news story in The Elkhart Truth described the efforts of young moms to take positive steps in providing alternate activities that may bring gang rivals together. Zulma Prieta, editor of El Puente , the Spanish-language newspaper that is ``Michiana's bridge between cultures,'' along with her husband, Jimmer, will be at a meeting of persons interested in developing positive responses to gang activity on Monday, May 9, beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the Goshen Public Library.

         Northern Indiana Mennonite Nurses Association's Annual Meeting is Monday, May 2, 6:00 p.m. at the Center for Healing and Hope, 423 East Jefferson Street, Goshen. Bring a salad dish and table service; drink and rolls will be provided. All nurses and interested persons are welcome. For more information see the flyer on the bulletin board.

         Experience Summer Camp Fun at Camp Amigo 2005. There are brochures on the literature rack.

         Anabaptist Disabilities Network (ADNet) is seeking a volunteer with computer skills to work 2-10 hours per week in its office at College Mennonite Church in Goshen. Hours are flexible with a preference for late morning or early afternoon. If interested, contact Paul Leichty at 535-7053 or pauladnetonline.org for more information.

         Looking for Leaders! Mennonite Mission Network needs Service Adventure unit leaders in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Philippi, West Virginia; and Raleigh, North Carolina. Leaders should be at least 24 years old and may be single or married. This assignment is an opportunity to minister with young adults (age17-20) as you live in community and serve the local community and church. Room, board, and insurance are just part of the benefits! Terms start in late July. For more information, visit our website at: Service.MennoniteMission.net and follow the Service Adventure links; call us toll free at 866-866-2872; or send an email to Service@ MennoniteMission.net.

         Merry Lea Environmental Center of Goshen College invites you to renew your relationship with the natural world. Come enjoy the second annual NatureFest on Friday, May 6, 7:00 p.m. through Saturday, May 7, 4:00 p.m.   Hikes and workshops are available for all ages, featuring Indiana's landscape and ideas for living lightly on it. Explore wetland plants by canoe, meet a falconer and her raptors, brush up on tree identification, learn about local environmental concerns, and more. Please register by May 2. Call 260-799-5869 or e-mail jenniferhsgoshen.edu for more information.

         Mark your calendars for May 7 when the IN-MI Mennonite Women's Spring meeting will take place at Clinton Frame Mennonite Church from 9:00 a.m. until noon. The speaker will be Rhonda Yoder, who is a local Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) leader. She will be speaking on the topic, ``Worship in our Everyday Lives.'' Childcare will be provided.

         From Bali to Yogyakarta Embracing HUPMI: The Michiana MEDA Annual Meeting will be held May 12, 6:30 p.m., at College Mennonite Church. Come enjoy a traditional Indonesian meal, music, and inspiring stories of Michiana MEDA's tour and visits with small businesses in Indonesia that are part of the HUPMI project. RSVP by May 2 to 537-1776 or michianamedaverizon.net. Please indicate special dietary needs. Price is $10 students, $15 members, $20 non-members.

         Wilderness Wind has openings for canoe trips this summer . Men: June 5-10; Women: June 19-24; Family: July 17-22; Parent/Child: June 19-24; Coed Adults: July 10-15; Arthur Paul Boers, AMBS faculty: Aug 14-19. Take this opportunity to get away and enjoy the wilderness. For more details, check wildernesswind.org or call 316-283-5132.

         See the brochure on the literature rack about the Mill Race Center Farmer's Market Community Supported Agriculture Program.

Our Church       
Office Hours :     Tuesday-Friday:
                  8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
                  12:00 noon- 2:00 p.m.

Statistical Report for April 17, 2005
Attendance: 219
        
Today, May 1
         Greeters:        Ora and Mary Troyer
         John Hooley
         Bulletins:       Elias Kehr              
         Nursery:         Infant Tim and Izaete Nafziger
                  Toddler Maya, Elias, Bryan Kehr
         Offering Counters:       Galen Graber
                                             Greg Smucker
         Audio/Visual Operator: Jonathan Williams

Next Sunday, May 8
         Greeters:        Ora and Mary Troyer
                           John Hooley
         Bulletins:       Elias Kehr      
         Nursery:         Infant Meredith and Marion Yoder
                           Toddler Mary Beth and Galen Spicher
         Offering Counters:       Steve Garboden
                                   Ron Good
         Audio/Visual Operator: Jonathan Williams
__________________________________________
Pastors: Anita Kehr and Dan Schrock
Youth Coordinators: Cindy Baker and Lois Mast
Elders: Tom Albrecht, Beth Berry, Phil Miller, Trish Shenk, Peter Shetler, Roxanna Sommers

This Week
·         Tuesday Stewardship and Finance Commission, 7:15 p.m.
·         Wednesday JYF, 6:30-8:00 p.m., at the meetinghouse.
·         Wednesday Christian Education Commission, 7:00 p.m.
·         Wednesday MYF, 7:00 p.m.
·         Next Sunday Fellowship Meal/Congregational Meeting

From the Elders
Our agenda for the May 15 congregational meeting includes:
1.       Accepting the minutes of the February 20 congregational meeting.
2.       Voting on BAMF's participation in the Stephen Ministry program.
3.       Discussing the May 1 report on space options from the Building/Land Use Committee and the elders (in your mailboxes last Sunday). Discussion will begin during the adult nurture hour and continue during the congregational meeting after lunch. Please prepare by reading the report prayerfully before next Sunday. What are your hopes and fears? We plan to take a non-binding straw poll during the afternoon session that will give us some idea of what option each member currently prefers.
Childcare will be provided after lunch during the congregational meeting.

         Last Sunday, the Open Circle nurture class developed the following list of suggestions for all of us as we prepare for the congregational meeting next week. We encourage you to take heed of these ways that can help us to discern our future:
·         Spend time in prayer.
·         Read the document from the elders and the Building/Land Use Committee prayerfully every day, opening yourself to the Holy Spirit's leading.
·         Write down your fears associated with each choice.
·         Write down what excites you about each choice.
·         Read the document with other people's perspectives in mind, including other groups in the current congregation and future generations of the congregation.
·         Prepare yourself to be surprised.
·         Prepare yourself to be humble in our discussions
·         Ask yourself, ``What convictions are building within me?''

From the Fellowship and Caring Commission
        For the May 15 congregational meal , we are suggesting (but not requiring) that you use recipes from the variety of Mennonite cookbooks available. (Our commission loves it when you bring crockpots!) Please remember to bring your own table service. Thank you.

From the PCRC
         The PCRC is pleased to announce the results of the affirmation ballot to extend Dan Schrock's term for four more years. An overwhelming majority supported the recommendation. We look forward to Dan's continuing shared leadership at Berkey Avenue.

         And in response from Dan: ``Thank you for this affirmation! I pray that Christ will continue blessing this congregation and guiding our discipleship.''

From the Christian Education Commission   Our congregation is growing and changing! One way we need to adapt to those changes is to adjust our nursery/toddler room accommodations. In the past, the MYF room has doubled as the toddler room. For various reasons this is no longer feasible. Because we want our small children to be comfortable and we want parents to have a good alternative during the worship hour for their toddlers, the Christian Education Commission is suggesting the following slight change:
The nursery will be staffed and available to children 3 and younger during worship. Because of the number of young children attending Berkey right now, the nursery will often be the only space needed during the service. However, if there are visitors, if the nursery seems to be crowded, or if a child needs toys that are more toddler-age appropriate, a second option will be available as needed.
If there are more children than can play comfortably in the nursery, or if older children need an alternative place to play, an adult will be assigned to accompany them to the Kindness room and care for them there during the service . Children are not to play in that room without an adult present.
If you have questions or concerns regarding this matter please direct them to Lois Mast or Nancy Yoder (Christian Education Commission) or Leah Garboden (Nursery Coordinator).

         Vacation Bible School (VBS) will be June 13-17. This year's theme is ``A Prayer Safari in the Kingdom of the Son.'' Lessons, stories, music, and activities will teach children the Lord's Prayer and the importance of talking to God through prayer.
Volunteer forms (yellow) were put in everyone's mailbox. Please prayerfully consider how you might help with this week. There are opportunities to prepare things ahead of time if you are not able to help during this week. If you have never helped with VBS this would be a great way to share your energy and time. If you are a veteran, we would welcome your expertise.
Also in mailboxes were green registration forms for children age 3 through fifth grade. Please fill one of these out for each child attending. More forms are available to invite friends and neighbors or if you did not receive one. PLEASE TURN IN THESE FORMS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE SO PLANS CAN BE FINALIZED. See Deb Williams with any questions or for more forms.

Announcements
BAMF News
The JYF is meeting this Wednesday evening at the meetinghouse, 6:30-8:00 p.m. We will be working outside (weeding, picking up sticks and trash, etc.) to beautify the church grounds, and then we'll come inside for a snack. Wear clothing suitable for working outside and dress appropriately for the weather.

Our Mission and Witness Statement is now on the church website. You can read it at http://www.berkeyavenue.org/BAMF/Mission .

         Thirstborne, a dynamic contemporary Christian band formed by recent Hesston College alumni, will headline a benefit concert for Goshen College senior Nathan Detweiler, who is currently receiving treatment for cancer, in Umble Center on Saturday, May 14 at 8:00 p.m. Members of the band were Detweiler's classmates at Hesston College before he transferred to Goshen. General admission tickets for the concert are $5 and $2 for GC students. To buy tickets, contact Jeron Baker by calling 238-4370 or e-mailing jeronsbgoshen.edu.

         We will be hosting guests from Goshen Interfaith Hospitality Network (GIHN) in the week of May 15-22. The schedule is posted in the kitchen and front door of the church. We have volunteers for everything except a couple of overnights. Please contact Ruth Roth if you can help. Thanks again to the many volunteers from our congregation for this important commitment of service to our community. GIHN committee: Susan Garboden, Pat Hochstetler, Ruth Roth

Our Schools
         Celebrate a new book on practical ideas for peacemaking! Step-by-step guidance for building a culture of peace is the focus of a new book, Building Peace: Overcoming Violence in Communities, which includes stories and ideas for churches, schools, health organizations, and community groups. Join two of the authors at a book-signing celebration this afternoon at 5:30 p.m. at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary. Ruth Krall, former Goshen College professor, and Mary Yoder Holsopple, adjunct professor at AMBS, will share the vision which led to writing the book, just released by the World Council of Churches. The celebration will be in the Lambright Center on the AMBS campus. For information, call 295-3726.

         Bethany Christian High School choirs and instrumental groups will present their spring concerts at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, May 13 and 14. There is no admission charge, and all are welcome to attend.

         Evening Song and Prayer will be held on Tuesday, May 10 at 9:00 p.m., at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary. This service in the AMBS chapel will combine scripture reading, singing, prayer and silence. ( Heidi Siemens-Rhodes is the worship planner for this month's service.) For more information, call AMBS 295-3726.

News from Charlotte 2005 July 4-8
         Volunteers still needed! Greeters, ushers, and childcare givers are still needed at Charlotte 2005. Refunds of registration fees will be given to volunteers who donate 40 hours or more. Half refunds will be given to those who can donate at least 25 hours. Please contact Mennonite Church USA, Convention Planning, P.O. Box 1245, Elkhart, IN 46515 or e-mail CharlotteInfoMennoniteUSA.org.

Community Announcements
        Goldenrod Gardens is a greenhouse program operated by MDC Goldenrod. Through it, developmentally disabled individuals are able to help grow and sell flowers and produce. Please consider supporting this ministry by purchasing plants for your yard or garden at Goldenrod Gardens. The selection and prices are wonderful. We are located at the corner of County Roads 43 and 16 one mile east of Middlebury. Hours are 8:00-5:00, Tuesday-Friday, and 8:00-12:00 noon on Saturday.

         Fierce Goodbye: Living in the Shadow of Suicide will air again this spring in several venues: On May 15, Hallmark Channel will air this Mennonite Media production at 11:00 a.m. Indiana time. On May 22, the program (which has been edited to add an additional eight minutes of material) will begin to air on NBC-TV stations. Local NBC stations will choose their own air times and dates during a six-month window. The airing is part of the ``Horizons of the Spirit'' programming presented by the National Council of Churches USA through the Interfaith Broadcasting Commission. At this point, WNDU, our local station, has not scheduled an airdate. To encourage WNDU to schedule this program, please contact them and ask them to consider running it.

         Center for Healing and Hope (CHH) is having their First Annual Bike-a-Thon on Saturday, June 4. The ride begins at Hollinger Bicycles. Live music (free) and food (for sale) will be available in a festive atmosphere for folks ``at the end of the trail'' in the parking lost of the CHH at Jefferson and 8 <sup>th</sup> Street that forenoon. This event is designed to appeal to all ages and styles of bikers, ``fast'' or ``slow.'' For more information and an entry form, see the brochures on the literature rack.

         Anabaptist Disabilities Network (ADNet) is seeking a volunteer with computer skills to work 2-10 hours per week in its office at College Mennonite Church in Goshen. Hours are flexible with a preference for late morning or early afternoon. If interested, contact Paul Leichty at 535-7053 or pauladnetonline.org for more information.

         Yellow Creek Mennonite Church would like to invite you to three ongoing programs for Senior Adults.
         Morning Walk is continuing through the summer months for those who need to walk indoors. Walk days are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, 8:00-9:00 a.m. in the Multipurpose Room/gym. There will not be a snack provided this summer but we have plenty of water! Please enter by the main office door on the south side.
         Senior Tuesday Luncheons are the third Tuesday of every other month. This month, our Senior Tuesday dinner is a Chicken Dinner on Tuesday, May 17, at noon in the fellowship hall, located in the west end of our building. The cost is $4 per person. Our program this month features John and Naomi Lederach who will speak about the importance of nurturing and enriching relationships with families and friends at this time of life. You are welcome to bring friends with you. Please call the Yellow Creek Mennonite Church office at 862-2595, ext. 205 to make a reservation by noon on Thursday, May 12. We hope you'll join us.
         Sewing for Missions (Mennonite Women) meets on the second Wednesday of the month, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. We would love to have you join us to help with quilting, knotting comforters, rolling bandages, or other projects which you may bring. Bring your own table service and a covered dish for lunch.

         Rexton Mennonite Church, Naubinway, Michigan, is seeking help from our sister congregations in the Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference. This summer we will be re-siding our church building. We are looking for people who are willing to lend a hand and, in return, build new relationships and enjoy Yooper hospitality. Volunteers could be a small group, youth group, or fathers and sons who would like to be involved in a service project. The dates are: strip and prep June 24-25; prep and side July 8-9; side and finish July 15-16. If there is another date that your group would like to work, please feel free to contact us and we will accommodate. For more information contact: John (Zeak) DeWyse at (906) 477-6190 or e-mail ddewyseportup.com or Tim Miller at (906) 477-8090, (906) 595-7361 or e-mail tomillertalkamerica.net.

Our Church       
Office Hours :     Tuesday-Friday:
                  8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
                  12:00 noon- 2:00 p.m.

Statistical Report for May 1, 2005
Attendance: 196

Today, May 8
         Greeters: Ora and Mary Troyer
John Hooley
         Bulletins: Elias Kehr           
         Nursery: Infant Meredith and Marion Yoder
         Toddler Mary Beth and Galen Spicher
         Offering Counters:       Steve Garboden
                                             Ron Good
         Audio/Visual Operator: Jonathan Williams

Next Sunday, May 15
         Greeters:        Ora and Mary Troyer
                           John Hooley
         Bulletins:       Elias Kehr      
         Nursery:         Infant Ruth Brenneman and
                                    Galen Graber
                           Toddler Beth and Lee Roy Berry
         Offering Counters:       Barbara Eichorn
                                   Lowell Nafziger
         Audio/Visual Operator: Jonathan Williams
__________________________________________
Pastors: Anita Kehr and Dan Schrock
Youth Coordinators: Cindy Baker and Lois Mast
Elders: Tom Albrecht, Beth Berry, Phil Miller, Trish Shenk, Peter Shetler, Roxanna Sommers

This Week
·         MYF Mowing Leslee Smucker
·         Today Baptism Exploration Class meets following the congregational meeting.
·         Sunday-Sunday BAMF hosts Goshen Interfaith Hospitality Network.
·         Monday Fellowship and Caring Commission, 7:00 p.m.
·         Tuesday Elders, 6:00 a.m.
·         Wednesday MYF, 7:00 p.m.
·         Wednesday Worship Commission, 7:00 p.m., Jennifer Schrock's house
·         Thursday Mission Commission, 7:30 p.m.
·         Saturday Brunch for Baptism Exploration Class, 9:00 a.m., Dan Schrock's house
·         Next Sunday Baptism

From the Elders
The agenda for today's congregational meeting includes:
1.       Accepting the minutes of the February 20 congregational meeting.
2.       Voting on BAMF's participation in the Stephen Ministry program.
3.       Discussing the May 1 report on space options from the Building/Land Use Committee and the elders. Discussion will begin during the adult nurture hour and continue during the congregational meeting after lunch. We plan to take a non-binding straw poll during the afternoon session that will give us some idea of what option each member currently prefers.
Childcare will be provided after lunch during the congregational meeting.

Next Sunday: Baptism!
         The schedule for next Sunday is a little different than usual since we'll be celebrating baptism at Martin's Pond.
         8:45 a.m.      Enjoying a continental breakfast.
         9:15 a.m.      Gathering and organizing ourselves to carpool and caravan to Martin's Pond.
         9:45 a.m.      Worship begins.
Please dress comfortably and with good walking shoes. Bring a lawn chair, sunscreen, and insect repellent. And … pray for warm weather this week!

From the Worship Commission
         The Worship Commission is looking for people who would be willing to care for the visual environment of our worship services. This can mean anything from choosing a banner to bringing a bouquet to thoughtfully arranging an object that expresses the theme of the worship service. You don't need to be an artist; you just need to enjoy thinking visually. Last week's bouquet was prepared by children using materials found in the church yard. Talk to Jennifer Schrock or Evie Nafziger for more information.

         Berkey Avenue Safari on Sunday, June 12, 5:00 p.m.: Come and get acquainted with our new land as we open the gates for the first time and explore this property together. Meet the former owners, learn about the bluebirds and foxes who live there, hear some history, and imagine the future. A simple supper will be provided.

From the Library Committee
         A book that was copyrighted in 1982 has recently been added to the library and is called The Path of Most Resistance by Melissa Miller and Phil M. Shenk. The book contains the stories of Mennonite conscientious objectors, including BAMF's own Doug Baker, who did not cooperate with the Vietnam War draft. In John M. Drescher's introduction, he states that ``these ten young men took the difficult road, in spite of suffering, because they believed it was the right road. There is something for all of us to learn from those who have taken the path of most resistance.'' Lori Good

Announcements
BAMF News
Richard and Thelma Ramer have a new e-mail address : rtramerverizon.net.

`` Thank you, MYF, for the plate of cookies delivered to my door Wednesday evening and they do `brighten' my day. Blessings.'' Verdella Krabill

Reuben Gingrich would like to earn money this summer by offering drum lessons to interested children or adults. If interested, contact Reuben.

         `` Many people have been wondering about my trip to India and if I'm going to show pictures some evening. I decided to make a slide show of the pictures on York Photo. Please let me know if you're interested in seeing it. I would be happy to forward it to you. If you don't have e-mail and would like to see the pictures, please let me know and I can show them to you some time. Just let me know. Thanks.''
         Leah Garboden (leah.garbodencomcast.net)
         We are hosting guests from Goshen Interfaith Hospitality Network (GIHN) this week. The schedule is posted in the kitchen and on the front door of the church. All positions are filled and we're looking forward to a great week! Thanks again to the many volunteers from our congregation for this important commitment of service to our community.
         GIHN committee: Susan Garboden, Pat Hochstetler, Ruth Roth

Our Schools
         Thirstborne, a dynamic contempory Christian band formed by recent Hesston College alumni, will headline a benefit concert for Goshen College senior Nathan Detweiler, who is currently receiving treatment for cancer, in Umble Center today, May 15 at 6:00 p.m. Members of the band were Detweiler's classmates at Hesston College before he transferred to Goshen. General admission tickets for the concert are $5 and $2 for GC students. To buy tickets, contact Jeron Baker by calling 238-4370 or e-mailing jeronsbgoshen.edu. There will be an opportunity to share in an offering. This is a change in schedule from the announcement last week.

         Goshen High School Pops concert is Tuesday, May 17 at 7:30 p.m. The percussion ensemble that won the national championship will also be playing.
Reuben Gingrich is a member of the ensemble.

         Bethany Christian Middle School will present its spring concert at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 19. There is no admission charge and all are welcome to attend.   

         The commencement service for AMBS is
scheduled for Friday, May 20, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at College Mennonite Church. Yvonne Delk, retired executive director of Community Renewal Society, Chicago, Illinois, will be the speaker. The public is invited to join in celebrating with the 37 graduates and their families. Heidi Siemens-Rhodes from Berkey Avenue is one of the graduates.

News from Charlotte 2005 July 4-8
         Share your financial resources! Are you willing to share your financial resources to help others attend Charlotte 2005? Contributions will be distributed among those who make their needs known to us. Contributions can be made when you register for Charlotte 2005 or can be mailed to Mennonite Church USA, Convention Planning, PO Box 1245, Elkhart, IN 46515. Be sure to designate that your gift is to help others attend Charlotte 2005!

Community Announcements
        Come to Goldenrod Gardens, a greenhouse that doubles as a work place for developmentally disabled adults. When you purchase plants or flowers there, you are supporting a valuable ministry connected to many Mennonite/Anabaptist and other congregations in the area. Goldenrod Gardens, a part of MDC Goldenrod, is located at the corner of CR 16 and CR 43 one mile east of Middlebury. Hours are 8:00-5:00, Tuesday-Friday, and 8:00-12:00 on Saturday.

        Fierce Goodbye: Living in the Shadow of Suicide will air again this spring. Beginning on May 22, the program (which has been edited to add an additional eight minutes of material) will begin to air on NBC-TV stations. Local NBC stations will choose their own air times and dates during a six-month window. The airing is part of the ``Horizons of the Spirit'' programming presented by the National Council of Churches USA through the Interfaith Broadcasting Commission. At this point, WNDU, our local station, has not scheduled an airdate. To encourage WNDU to schedule this program, please contact them and ask them to consider running it.

Meet master basket weavers from Uganda in our store! On Saturday, June 4, 9:00-11:30 a.m., experience a different part of the world firsthand at Ten Thousand Villages, Goshen. By transforming simple banana leaf and raffia into exquisite hand woven baskets, Dorothy Nabakiibi and Joyce Nayiga earn a livelihood with dignity and sustain a traditional art form. Now they are making an incredible journey to share their talents and a bit of their culture with Ten Thousand Villages customers. Visit our store to meet Dorothy and Joyce and learn more about the intricate basket weaving process.

         The IN-MI Mennonite Women Fall Retreat at Amigo will be October 7-9. This year's theme is ``Spiritual Accountability.'' The retreat is for the entire weekend with interest areas provided for you such as quilting, scrapbooking, pontoon rides, cross stitch, nature walks just to name a few. Questions? Call Barb Eiler at 534-5441.

         Considering preschool for your child in the fall of 2005? Eighth Street Preschool is taking registrations for 3 and 4 year olds. More information is available at the preschool/church office, 533-6720.

         Center for Healing and Hope (CHH) is having their First Annual Bike-a-Thon on Saturday, June 4. The ride begins at Hollinger Bicycles. Live music (free) and food (for sale) will be available in a festive atmosphere for folks ``at the end of the trail'' in the parking lost of the CHH at Jefferson and 8 <sup>th</sup> Street that forenoon. This event is designed to appeal to all ages and styles of bikers, ``fast'' or ``slow.'' For more information and an entry form, see the brochures on the literature rack.

         Rexton Mennonite Church, Naubinway, Michigan, is seeking help from our sister congregations in the Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference. This summer we will be re-siding our church building. We are looking for people who are willing to lend a hand and, in return, build new relationships and enjoy Yooper hospitality. Volunteers could be a small group, youth group, or fathers and sons who would like to be involved in a service project. The dates are: strip and prep June 24-25; prep and side July 8-9; side and finish July 15-16. If there is another date that your group would like to work, please feel free to contact us and we will accommodate. For more information contact: John (Zeak) DeWyse at (906) 477-6190 or e-mail ddewyseportup.com or Tim Miller at (906) 477-8090, (906) 595-7361 or e-mail tomillertalkamerica.net.

Our Church       
Office Hours :     Tuesday-Friday:
                  8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
                  12:00 noon- 2:00 p.m.

Statistical Report for May 8, 2005
Attendance: 207

Today, May 15
         Greeters: Ora and Mary Troyer
John Hooley
         Bulletins: Elias Kehr           
         Nursery: Infant Tavi and Anita Mounsithiraj
         Toddler Beth and Lee Roy Berry
         Offering Counters:       Barbara Eichorn
                                             Lowell Nafziger
         Audio/Visual Operator: Jonathan Williams

Next Sunday, May 22
         Greeters:        Ora and Mary Troyer
                           John Hooley
         Bulletins:       Elias Kehr      
         Nursery:         Infant Susan and Steve Garboden
                           Toddler Tracy and Tim Thorne
         Offering Counters:       Steve Garboden
                                   Anita Mounsithiraj
         Audio/Visual Operator: Jonathan Williams
__________________________________________
Pastors: Anita Kehr and Dan Schrock
Youth Coordinators: Cindy Baker and Lois Mast
Elders: Tom Albrecht, Beth Berry, Phil Miller, Trish Shenk, Peter Shetler, Roxanna Sommers

Called to be Christ's
                  loving,
                           healing,
                                    caring
                                             presence

This Week
MYF Mowing Simon Smucker
Monday BWIF, 11:30 a.m. Lunch at El Camino.
Wednesday Jr. Youth , 6:30 p.m., at Waterford Mennonite Church
Wednesday Senior Faith Statements: Charity Grimes, Leah Roth, Leslee Smucker, 7:00 p.m. at the church.

From the Elders
         You'll find in your mailbox a copy of the collated responses to last Sunday's straw poll. Thank you for a thoughtful discussion during the congregational meeting, and for the care you invest in these issues. Tomorrow evening the elders are meeting to reflect further on where we might go from here.
From the Stewardship and Finance Commission
         The Stewardship and Finance Commission invites the entire church body to provide estimates of their financial giving to the congregation's general fund for the coming church year (September 1, 2005 to August 31, 2006). Two weeks ago, everyone should have received Estimated Giving Forms in their church mailboxes along with a copy of the draft spending plan for next year. Additional copies are available on the literature rack. The forms will be collected Sunday, May 29, as part of the offering or can be put in the designated box by the mailboxes. We will use the giving estimates to propose an appropriate spending level for next year.

From the Worship Commission
         The Worship Commission is looking for people who would be willing to care for the visual environment of our worship services. This can mean anything from choosing a banner to bringing a bouquet to thoughtfully arranging an object that expresses the theme of the worship service. You don't need to be an artist; you just need to enjoy thinking visually. Talk to Jennifer Schrock or Evie Nafziger for more information.

         Berkey Avenue Safari on Sunday, June 12, 5:00 p.m.: Come and get acquainted with our new land as we open the gates for the first time and explore this property together. Meet the former owners, learn about the bluebirds and foxes who live there, hear some history, and imagine the future. A simple supper will be provided.

Announcements
BAMF News
Ora Troyer is at home recuperating and doing well after breaking his hip. He appreciates the thoughts, prayers, and expressions of concern from the congregation during this time.

A big ``Thank You'' to the JYF for all the outside work you did.
Thank you to Jennifer Schrock and Evie Nafziger, who created the visual images of Pentecost for our worship service last Sunday. Ten Thousand Villages provided the baskets; thanks to them, too!

You are invited to Leslee Smucker and Rachel Yoder's violin recital at Rieth Hall at Goshen College tomorrow (Monday), May 23 at 5:00 p.m.

``You are invited to our senior faith statements here at the meetinghouse on Wednesday, May 25, at 7:00 p.m. This is the culmination of seven years at Bethany and our final project for senior Bible class with Dale Shenk.''
Leah Roth, Leslee Smucker, Charity Grimes

You are invited to the following graduation open houses:
Charity Grimes , Saturday, May 28, 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Grimes home.
Britta Albrecht , Saturday, May 28, 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Albrecht home.
Leah Roth and Leslee Smucker , Saturday, May 28, 3:00-5:30 p.m., at the Roth-Smucker houses (they're next door neighbors).
Naomi Sohar , Monday, May 30, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at the Sohar home, 414 W. Wolf Avenue, Elkhart. (Call for directions: 293-2401.)

You are also invited to attend Bethany's commencement on Sunday, May 29, at 3:00 p.m.

Reuben Gingrich would like to earn money this summer by offering drum lessons to interested children or adults. If interested, contact Reuben.

         `` Many people have been wondering about my trip to India and if I'm going to show pictures some evening. I decided to make a slide show of the pictures on York Photo. Please let me know if you're interested in seeing it. I would be happy to forward it to you. If you don't have e-mail and would like to see the pictures, please let me know and I can show them to you some time. Just let me know. Thanks.''
         Leah Garboden (leah.garbodencomcast.net)

Our Schools
         Summer School at AMBS can be an opportunity to focus on issues important to you and the church. The first session of summer classes include ``Church Unity: A Theological History of the Ecumenical Movement,'' taught by John Rempel, meeting mornings from May 31 to June 10; and ``Leadership Sea Changes in the Emerging Church,'' taught by Art McPhee, meeting mornings and evenings June 6-10 and morning and afternoon June 11. For information, see www.ambs.edu; select Academic Information, then Courses, then Summer 2005, or contact the registrar at registrarambs.edu or 296-6268.
        
News from Charlotte 2005 July 4-8
         Thursday afternoon will feature a wide variety of activities. There will be a program planned by the Mennonite Mission Network and Canada Witness, a hymn sing, recreational games and various other activities that you won't want to miss. We are expecting a day of rest, relaxation, and fun as adults, young adults, youth, junior high and children have the opportunity to enjoy each other's company.

Community Announcements
         Garden with Goldenrod! This month, please consider purchasing your plants from Goldenrod Gardens. All proceeds go to support MDC Goldenrod and its ministry to adults with developmental disabilities. Goldenrod Gardens is one mile east of Middlebury at CR 16 and CR 43. Open 8-5 Tuesday-Friday and 8-noon on Saturday.

Meet master basket weavers from Uganda in our store! On Saturday, June 4, 9:00-11:30 a.m., experience a different part of the world firsthand at Ten Thousand Villages, Goshen. By transforming simple banana leaf and raffia into exquisite hand woven baskets, Dorothy Nabakiibi and Joyce Nayiga earn a livelihood with dignity and sustain a traditional art form. Now they are making an incredible journey to share their talents and a bit of their culture with Ten Thousand Villages customers. Visit our store to meet Dorothy and Joyce and learn more about the intricate basket weaving process.

         Mennonite Mission Network has the following employment opportunities open at this time : Ministry Support Teams Coach, Minister of Urban Ministry, Human Resources Coordinator, and Division Assistant for Missional Church Advancement. For more information see Staff Opportunities at www.MennoniteMission.net.

         Considering preschool for your child in the fall of 2005? Eighth Street Preschool is taking registrations for 3 and 4 year olds. More information is available at the preschool/church office, 533-6720.
Our Church       
Office Hours :     Tuesday-Friday:
                  8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
                  12:00 noon- 2:00 p.m.

Statistical Report for May 15, 2005
Attendance: 229
        
Today, May 22
         Greeters:        Bob Pflederer
                  John Hooley
         Bulletins: Elias Kehr           
        
Next Sunday, May 29
         Greeter:         John Hooley
         Bulletins:       Elias Kehr      
         Nursery:         Infant Rita and Jud Gingrich
                           Toddler Shawna and Bill Born
         Offering Counters:       John Nussbaum
                                   Diane Nafziger
         Audio/Visual Operator: Jonathan Williams
__________________________________________
Pastors: Anita Kehr and Dan Schrock
Youth Coordinators: Cindy Baker and Lois Mast
Elders: Tom Albrecht, Beth Berry, Phil Miller, Trish Shenk, Peter Shetler, Roxanna Sommers











Called to be Christ's
                  loving,
                           healing,
                                    caring
                                             presence

This Week
MYF Mowing Naomi Sohar
Tuesday PCRC, 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday MYF, 7:00 p.m.
Thursday Elders, 6:30 a.m.
Saturday Men's Breakfast, 7:00 a.m., Old Mill Inn

From the Worship Commission
         Berkey Avenue Safari on Sunday, June 12, 5:00 p.m.: Come and get acquainted with our new land as we open the gates for the first time and explore this property together. Meet the former owners, learn about the bluebirds and foxes who live there, hear some history, and imagine the future. A simple supper will be provided.

Announcements
BAMF News
         The next JYF activity of the year takes place on Saturday, June 18. We'll gather for disc golfing at Ox-Bow Park, 1:30-5:00 p.m.

         Goshen Interfaith Hospitality Network is having its first ever Golf Fundraiser on Friday, June 17, at Spring Meadow Farm Golf Club. We hope that this will be a good fundraiser for this ministry and that it might become an annual event. The format is for teams of four, shotgun start, Florida scramble. The cost is $100 per person which includes your cart and lunch. There are prizes for different things that one can do when golfing. If you are interested in participating, please contact Tim Thorne, and he will get you a flier and sign up form.      

Our Schools
         Goshen High School Bands Excel in Virginia Festival: GHS bands all did extremely well competing in the "Music in the Parks Festival" in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The Wind Ensemble scored a 94.75 out of a possible 100 and was given the rating of superior. The jazz ensembles took both 1st and 2nd place in the jazz category. The advanced band had a superior rating and a final score of 93 and the second jazz band had a rating of Excellent with a final score of 88. Of special note is that our very own Rueben Gingrich (Sophomore- Drum Set) was named "Most Outstanding Jazz Soloist" for the festival.

Community Announcements
Meet master basket weavers from Uganda in our store! On Saturday, June 4, 9:00-11:30 a.m., experience a different part of the world firsthand at Ten Thousand Villages, Goshen. By transforming simple banana leaf and raffia into exquisite hand woven baskets, Dorothy Nabakiibi and Joyce Nayiga earn a livelihood with dignity and sustain a traditional art form. Now they are making an incredible journey to share their talents and a bit of their culture with Ten Thousand Villages customers. Visit our store to meet Dorothy and Joyce and learn more about the intricate basket weaving process.

         A complimentary copy of Mennonite Central Committee's magazine, a Common Place, is in your mailbox today. MCC Great Lakes offers this to you in hopes that you will enjoy reading about the people, programs, and vision of MCC. a Common Place is published six times a year, and there is no subscription fee . If you would like to sign up to receive the magazine, please use the enclosed envelope. If you already receive a Common Place, please pass this copy on to a friend. We hope you enjoy this issue. Thank you for the many ways you support the work of MCC. May God bless you and many others through you.

         Little Eden Camp (Onekama, Michigan), a member of the Mennonite Camping Association, is looking for a couple of young men yet to complete its summer staff. Orientation for staff begins June 6. For more information, contact Wendell Beck at wdbeckjuno.com or call (231) 889-4294.
Our Church       
Office Hours :     Tuesday-Friday:
                  8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
                  12:00 noon- 2:00 p.m.

Statistical Report for May 22, 2005
Attendance: 229
       
Today, May 29
         Greeters:        John Hooley
         Genie Kehr
Bulletins:      Jesse Kehr
         Nursery:         Rita and Jud Gingrich
                  Shawna and Bill Born
         Offering Counters:       John Nussbaum
                           Diane Nafziger
         Audio/Visual Operator: Jonathan Williams        
        
Next Sunday, June 5
         Greeter:        
         Bulletins:       Jesse Kehr
         Nursery:         Galen and Mary Beth Spicher
         Offering Counters:       Greg Smucker
                                             Galen Graber                              
         Audio/Visual Operator: Phil Bauman
__________________________________________
Pastors: Anita Kehr and Dan Schrock
Youth Coordinators: Cindy Baker and Lois Mast
Elders: Tom Albrecht, Beth Berry, Phil Miller, Trish Shenk, Peter Shetler, Roxanna Sommers

This Week
MYF Mowing Jay Mast
Wednesday MYF, 7:00 p.m.
Thursday Christian Education Commission, 7:30 p.m.

From the Worship Commission
         Berkey Avenue Safari on Sunday, June 12, 5:00 p.m.: Come and get acquainted with our new land as we open the gates for the first time and explore this property together. Meet the former owners, learn about the bluebirds and foxes who live there, hear some history, and imagine the future. A simple supper will be provided. Bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on, as we will eat outdoors. Volunteers are needed to help serve food; call Jennifer Schrock at 533-1729 if you can help. Also call Jennifer if you have a ``fantasy'' for the future of our land that you would like to share.

Announcements
BAMF News
         `` Thank you so very much for the dish garden [in memory of Gloria Joyce]. I especially appreciated the daisies that were in the arrangement. Where I grew up in Pennsylvania, there were a lot of wild daisies. Those in the arrangement brought back good memories.''     Goldie Hostetler

         A big thank you to all of you who allowed the MYF to raid your pantry during our scavenger hunt for La Casa on Wednesday night. We collected 287 items which weighed in at 149 pounds. La Casa is always very appreciative of our efforts on their behalf.

         ``Berkey Friends, thank you so much for the wonderful response to our announcement last Sunday about needing clothing items for the orphanage we'll be visiting in Asuncíon, Paraguay and old suitcases to carry them in. Your response was overwhelming! We had ten suitcases delivered to our doors the next day, along with a very generous supply of nice clothing items. We look forward to sharing your kindness with the children at the orphanage.''
                  Hannah Roth and Alicia Schwartzentruber

         Reminder! Vacation Bible School here at Berkey Avenue will be June 13-17, beginning at 6:15 p.m. and ending at 8:45 p.m. Children age 3 through fifth grade are invited to come and bring their friends along.

         There are 2 ½ one-quart containers of heavy whipping cream in the church freezer that are unclaimed. If anyone would like to have any or all of them, please feel free to take them.
                  Fellowship and Caring Commission

         The gentleman who trimmed our shrubs at the church for many years is no longer doing it. Do you have the talent to trim shrubs or do you know someone who could do it for us? If so, please contact one of the trustees.

         The next JYF activity of the year takes place on Saturday, June 18. We'll gather for disc golfing at Ox-Bow Park, 1:30-5:00 p.m.

         Goshen Interfaith Hospitality Network is having its first ever Golf Fundraiser on Friday, June 17, at Spring Meadow Farm Golf Club. The format is for teams of four, shotgun start, Florida scramble. The cost is $100 per person which includes your cart and lunch. There are prizes for different things that one can do when golfing. If you are interested in participating, please contact Tim Thorne, and he will get you a flier and sign up form.

Charlotte 2005
         Blood Drive. Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood! It could be a member of your family, a neighbor or friend. At Charlotte 2005, anyone 17 and older will have the opportunity to donate blood at the American Red Cross blood drive, July 6 and 7, from 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Donors will receive a special t-shirt, a ``Give Blood'' wristband, and the satisfaction of knowing they are helping to save someone's life.

         The Mennonite Church USA workbook for Charlotte 2005, ``Can't Keep Quiet,'' is on the literature rack for you to read. When finished, please put it back on the rack.

Community Announcements
         An exploration of Jim Wallis's recent bestseller, ``God's Politics,'' is scheduled for June 11 at The Window, 223 South Main Street, Goshen. Registration is at 8:45 a.m.$5.00 holds a place for you at the tablefollowed by a panel discussion, mid-morning refreshments, general discussion, and 11:30 a.m. adjournment. JustPeace Seminars and College Mennonite Church Seniors for Peace are hosts for this event.

         Attention Car Fanatics! Come to the Cruise In at North Main Street Mennonite Church, Nappanee on Saturday, June 18, from 4:00 p.m. until…? There will be fun for the whole family: food, drawings, music, and, of course, classic cars. Call Bruce Slabaugh (875-1744) or Larry Burckhart (773-4459) for more information.

         Join the annual Walk For The Window , on Saturday, June 25, 8:30 a.m. at The Window, 223 South Main Street in Goshen. Please contact The Window at 533-9680 to obtain pledge sheets and registration forms.

         ``Seeking Peace; The Courage to Be Nonviolent,'' is a conference to be held September 8-11 in Indianapolis. It will be hosted by members of the Church of the Brethren, Mennonite Church USA, and The Society of Friends and is open to persons of all faiths. The conference is designed to be an energizing, multi-faceted, intergenerational gathering, with opportunities to build mentoring relationships and explore practical and intellectual approaches to peace and peacemaking. Registration and information about the conference is available online at: plowsharesproject.org/php/HistoricPeaceChurchConference.php

Our Church
Office Hours :     Tuesday-Friday:
                  8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
                  12:00 noon- 2:00 p.m.

Statistical Report for May 29, 2005
Attendance: 221

Today, June 5
         Greeters:        Ron Good, Janie Sohar
         Bulletins:       Jesse Kehr
         Nursery:         Galen and Mary Beth Spicher     
         Offering Counters:       Greg Smucker
                           Galen Graber
         Audio/Visual Operator: Phil Bauman
        
Next Sunday, June 12
         Greeters:        Ron Good, Janie Sohar
         Bulletins:       Cris Torres
         Nursery:         Karl and Roxanna Sommers
         Offering Counters:       Steve Garboden
                                             Ron Good
         Audio/Visual Operator: Phil Bauman
__________________________________________
Pastors: Anita Kehr and Dan Schrock
Youth Coordinators: Cindy Baker and Lois Mast
Elders: Tom Albrecht, Beth Berry, Phil Miller, Trish Shenk, Peter Shetler, Roxanna Sommers

From the Elders
Since the February and May business meetings, the elders have spent considerable time discussing and reviewing the options for swarming into a second congregation and for building a new addition to our building. In your mailboxes today is a Swarm Committee job description prepared by the elders (on green paper), along with the names of four people who are willing to serve on this committee: Dale Shenk (chairperson), Steve Garboden, Heidi Siemens-Rhodes, and Michael Sherer. Two weeks from today you will have a chance to affirm these four by ballot vote.
I would like to cover some of the primary things that the elders and pastors have discussed and some thoughts we have about how to proceed. BAMF has been blessed. Like many of you, the elders are committed to seeking God's will for our future. We have tried to listen to God as we gather your leanings and perspectives (there are lots of perspectives), pray about these options, and listen for what the Spirit will say to us.
In the February and May business meetings the elders have appreciated the discussion, ideas, opinions and the questions you have raised. For the past three years we have explored the purchase of land and the possibilities of adding space, and we spent a great deal of time and energy to review and document our mission.
The straw poll taken on May 15 indicated that:
·         22% were in favor of swarming.
·         57% were in favor of constructing an addition to our building
·         15% were undecided
·         6% marked none of the above
Given these results and the excellent discussion at the May 15 business meeting, the elders believe we need to further explore both the possibility of swarming and the possibility of building an addition.
The elders therefore recommend the following three steps:
1.       The Swarm Committee of four persons will assess the congregational interest in swarming. This will include facilitating a discussion among the people interested in swarming, and gathering information on the impact of a swarm on our church's life and mission.
2.       Based on the response and progress on #1, the elders will commission a financial feasibility study to see how much money the congregation might be willing and able to contribute toward an addition to our building. The timing of this effort is undetermined.
3.       The elders will also provide more information to you on church sizes, and will probably offer a forum in the fall where you can discuss the impact of various church sizes.
4.       Continue discussion regarding BAMF's mission.

From the Elders
Since the February and May business meetings, the elders have spent considerable time discussing and reviewing the options for swarming into a second congregation and for building a new addition to our building. In your mailboxes last week, we placed a Swarm Committee job description prepared by the elders (on green paper), along with the names of four people who are willing to serve on this committee: Dale Shenk (chairperson), Steve Garboden, Heidi Siemens-Rhodes, and Michael Sherer. Next Sunday, June 26, you will have a chance to affirm these four by ballot vote.
I would like to cover some of the primary things that the elders and pastors have discussed and some thoughts we have about how to proceed. BAMF has been blessed. Like many of you, the elders are committed to seeking God's will for our future. We have tried to listen to God as we gather your leanings and perspectives (there are lots of perspectives), pray about these options, and listen for what the Spirit will say to us.
In the February and May business meetings, the elders appreciated the discussion, ideas, opinions and the questions you have raised. In the past three years, we have purchased land, explored the possibilities of adding space, and spent a great deal of time and energy to review and document our mission.
The straw poll taken on May 15 indicated that:
·         22% were in favor of swarming.
·         57% were in favor of constructing an addition to our building
·         15% were undecided
·         6% marked none of the above
Given these results and the excellent discussion at the May 15 business meeting, the elders believe we need to further explore both the possibility of swarming and the possibility of building an addition.
The elders therefore recommend the following three steps:
1.       The Swarm Committee of four persons will assess the congregational interest in swarming. This will include facilitating a discussion among the people interested in swarming and gathering information on the impact of a swarm on our church's life and mission.
2.       Based on the response and progress on #1, the elders will commission a financial feasibility study to see how much money the congregation might be willing and able to contribute toward an addition to our building. The timing of this effort is undetermined.
3.       The elders will also provide more information to you on church sizes and will probably offer a forum in the fall where you can discuss the impact of various church sizes.
4.       Continue discussion regarding BAMF's mission.

Today
There is a congregational meal today following the nurture hour. There is NO congregational meeting following the meal (even though we all love congregational meetings, right?).

This Week
MYF Mowing Leah Roth

From the Christian Education Commission
         During Nurture Hour this summer, the adult classes will be gathering as one group in the meetingroom. The Website Development Group will continue to function independently. There will be no classes on July 3 because of the holiday weekend and many persons traveling to Charlotte for the Mennonite Church USA convention. Beginning today, our Nurture Hour focus will be on Missions. We will hear mostly from other BAMF members whose vision for mission has led them around the world or planted them right here in Goshen or both. Prepare to hear how God is at work and to learn more about the lives of your brothers and sisters in Christ.

From the Mission Commission
STUDENT AID FUND FOR NONREGISTRANTS:
Some of our Mennonite youth have taken the stand of conscience and decided they cannot cooperate with the military registration system. This stand is against the law. Please consider contributing to the Student Aid Fund for Nonregistrants to show your support for their brave choice. The goal of the Mennonite Church USA Student Aid Fund for Nonregistrants is to replace the same amount of federal grants and loans that young men are denied because they have decided not to register. Specifically, MC USA has set a goal of raising $20,000 in contributions between now and November 30, 2005.
Today we invite:
1.       Your prayers for these young men during this time of heightened patriotism,
2.       Your contributions to put us back on solid footing before new funds are needed this fall, and
3.       Your suggestions of other people and congregations who might want to contribute.
Taken from a letter from Susan Mark Landis, Peace Advocate of Mennonite Church USA

         The full letter and several response forms are on the Mission Bulletin Board if you wish to know more and/or you wish to contribute. Gabe Baker of our congregation is a nonregistrant.

From the Leadership Selection Committee
The ballots last Sunday indicated overwhelming affirmation for all candidates who have volunteered to serve. Thank you for your participation so far and please continue to pray for those who are now serving us and for those who will start in September.

Announcements
BAMF News
         If you would like to subscribe to Purpose and/or Rejoice , please notify Nancy Yoder by July 10. Then make out a check to Berkey Avenue Mennonite
Fellowship and give it to Mary or Ora Troyer. The cost for the 2005-06 year is $19.20 for Purpose and $22.20 for Rejoice . You will start to receive your new subscription in September in your church mailbox.

         Thanks to everyone who brought in props and costumes for Bible School drama. The last few unclaimed pieces are in the office. Please claim your things!

Charlotte 2005
         Be sure to visit Charlotte2005.org for the latest information about speakers, seminars, special events, schedules, agenda, etc. Directions to the hotel and Charlotte Convention Center, along with maps of the area around the convention center, can be found on this website as well.

Community Announcements
         A host family is needed for a young man from Laos coming to work at Mennonite Education Agency, September 1, 2005 to August 30, 2006 through the MCC International Visitor Exchange Program. Contact the MEA office at 642-3164 for more details if you are interested.

         Bethany Christian High School needs families to host foreign exchange students who would like to attend. This opportunity to gain cross-cultural experience in your own home often becomes a rewarding experience for the host family, as well as a blessing to the student. Families receive a living stipend for room and board. If you are interested or would like more information, call Bethany (534-2567) during office hours Monday-Thursday or email Jim Buller at jrbullerbethanycs.net.

         On July 2 at College Mennonite Church, 8:45 a.m.-3:00 p.m., a number of different congregation and community peace center representatives will compare notes and share their experiences as they explore ways to start a center. Resource persons include Doug Hostetter, Peace Pastor of Evanston Mennonite Fellowship; Vic Thiessen, director of the London Mennonite Centre; and leaders of local area peace centers. Registration forms are available at the church office. For more information, email johnjfgoshen.edu or phone 533-3014. All are welcome. There's also a flier posted on the bulletin board with more information.

         Nonviolent Peacemaking in Iraq: Stories of Struggle and Hope is an evening of storytelling with Sheila Provencher and Cliff Kindy of Christian Peacemaker Teams. The program takes place on Sunday, July 10, 6:30 p.m. at Kern Road Mennonite Church.

         Come sing with us! Michiana Voices, under the direction of Steven Dahlgren, will again lead a community-wide worship time at the Youth For Christ Vesper Service at the Elkhart County 4-H Fair Grandstands, Sunday, July 24, 6:30 p.m. Rehearsals for Michiana Voices, a choir comprising people from ninth grade through adult, will be held at the Christian Reformed Church, 518 N. Greene Road, Goshen. Future Voices, a choir for children from kindergarten through eighth grade, will rehearse at Liberty Community Church, 2004 Bashor Road, Goshen. No auditions will be held; just come if you enjoy singing. Rehearsal dates and times for both choirs are: June 28, July 5, 12, and 19, 7:00-8:30 p.m. For more information, call: Steve Dahlgren at 574-226-1704 or Becky Branch at 574-875-9506.

         MDC Goldenrod is a local ministry of the Mennonite Church that provides residential services to individuals with developmental disabilities. It has openings for the following positions:
·         Male or female live-in care givers. Live as part of a household with 2-4 disabled adults. Compensation includes all living expenses.
·         Attendant care givers. Work as a part-time hourly employee to provide short-term attendant care to disabled individuals. Flexible schedule.
If you have a heart for working with disabled individuals, contact MDC Goldenrod, 1518 College Avenue, Goshen at 533-9720 or e-mail davidhgoldenrodonline.org

         The Indianapolis Peace House has an opening for the position of Associate Director whose primary responsibility is the undergraduate study-away program at Peace House. This person's responsibility includes recruitment of students, finding and overseeing appropriate internship placements, and coordinating program activities. The Peace House program is a residential experience for students and includes coursework, internship, communal living, and participation in neighborhood activities. Indianapolis Peace House (indypeacehouse.org), a major component of the Plowshares project (plowsharesproject.org), is a Lilly Endowment-funded collaborative among Earlham, Goshen, and Manchester colleges. The broad aims of the project are to strengthen peace studies as a field of endeavor in Indiana, across the United States, and around the world.
Required Qualifications:         
·         Bachelors degree
·         Superb organizational skills
·         A record of experience in mediation, conflict resolution or peace studies
·         Experience with student recruitment
·         Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
·         Willingness to travel
Desired Qualifications:
·         Masters degree in an appropriate field
·         Experience with program administration in college or university setting
·         Ability to teach
·         Familiarity with Indianapolis, especially its not-for-profits.
The Associate Director reports to the CEO of Peace House and is a staff member of the Board of Directors. Salary is commensurate with experience. The position is open immediately but should be filled no later than August 1, 2005. Candidates should send a resumé, with at least three references, to:
Erwin Boschmann, CEO
c/o DeeDee House
Indianapolis Peace House
1201 N. Central Ave., Box 3
Indianapolis, IN 46202-2696
You may also email dhouseindypeacehouse.org, phone (317) 631-7322, or fax (317) 631-5969.

         Looking for Leaders! Service Adventure needs a unit leader in Philippi, West Virginia. Leaders should be at least 24 years old and can either be single or married. Here is an opportunity to minister with young adults (ages17-20) as you live in community and serve the local community and church. Room, board and insurance are just part of the benefits! Terms start in late July. For more information, visit our website at:
Service.MennoniteMission.net and follow the Service Adventure links; call toll free at 1-866-866-2872; or email ServiceMennoniteMission.net.
         Susan Nisly, Service Adventure Director
                  Mennonite Mission Network

Our Church
Office Hours :     Tuesday-Friday:
                  8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
                  12:00 noon- 2:00 p.m.

Statistical Report for June 19, 2005
Attendance: 201

Today, June 26
         Greeters:        Ron Good, Janie Sohar
         Bulletins:       Cris Torres
         Nursery:         Anita and Dale Snyder   
         Offering Counters:       Steve Garboden
                           Anita Mounsithiraj
         Audio/Visual Operator: Phil Bauman
        
Next Sunday, July 3
         Greeters: John and Lisa Nussbaum        
         Bulletins: Hannah Kehr, Justin Heinz    
         Nursery:         Beth and Lee Roy Berry
         Offering Counters:       Galen Graber
                                             Greg Smucker
         Audio/Visual Operator: Ben Buckwalter
__________________________________________
Pastors: Anita Kehr and Dan Schrock
Youth Coordinators: Cindy Baker and Lois Mast
Elders: Tom Albrecht, Beth Berry, Phil Miller, Trish Shenk, Peter Shetler, Roxanna Sommers

Today
There is no Nurture Hour today.

This Week
MYF Mowing MYF at Charlotte 2005

From the Elders
         The Elders thank you for affirming Michael Sherer, Dale Shenk, Heidi Siemens-Rhodes, and Steve Garboden as a committee to assess swarming (beginning a new congregation) at Berkey Avenue Mennonite Fellowship. The voting results were 95 yes, 3 no, and 5 abstaining (92 percent, 3 percent, and 5 percent). Please look for more information from this committee as they begin to meet this summer.
                  Tom Albrecht, elder chair

From the Mission Commission
         From a letter from Susan Mark Landis, Peace Advocate of Mennonite Church USA: Some of our Mennonite youth have taken the stand of conscience and decided they cannot cooperate with the military registration system. This stand is against the law. Please consider contributing to the Student Aid Fund for Nonregistrants to show your support for their brave choice. The goal of the Mennonite Church USA Student Aid Fund for Nonregistrants is to replace the same amount of federal grants and loans that young men are denied because they have decided not to register. Specifically, MC USA has set a goal of raising $20,000 in contributions between now and November 30.
Today we invite:
1.       Your prayers for these young men during this time of heightened patriotism,
2.       Your contributions to put us back on solid footing before new funds are needed this fall, and
3.       Your suggestions of other people and congregations who might want to contribute.
Susan's full letter and several response forms are on the Mission Bulletin Board if you wish to know more and/or contribute. Gabe Baker of our congregation is a nonregistrant.

Announcements
BAMF News
Attention JYFers and parents! We are planning to take a day trip to the Warren Dunes on Friday, July 15, for some fun in the sun. We will plan on being back by late afternoon for those who have evening activities. There will be more details to follow mark your calendars!

Do you have a computer you are no longer using? Would you consider donating it to Berkey? We are looking for a good used computer for Cindy Baker and Lois Mast, our Youth Coordinators. Requirements include Pentium II, 128 MB, 4-5 GB hard drive. Please contact Bev Krabill if you have questions or can assist us.        Bev Krabill for PCRC

         If you want to subscribe to Purpose and/or Rejoice , please notify Nancy Yoder by July 10. Then make out a check to BAMF and give it to Mary or Ora Troyer. The cost for the 2005-06 year is $19.20 for Purpose and $22.20 for Rejoice . You will start to receive your new subscription in September in your church mailbox.

         Please mark your calendars that our next week to host IHN guests will be August 7-14. Regular volunteers should find a schedule in your mailbox.

         There are a couple of items on the counter in the office that were used for props for the Bible School drama. Please claim your things!

         A celebration, carry-in salad dinner, and prayer service in honor of St. Mary Magdalene will be held at St. John the Evangelist Church on Sunday, July 17, from 4:00 to 7:30 p.m. The ecumenical event will feature discussion of three presenters' work Heidi Siemens-Rhodes , Judith Davis, and Janian Traxler with biblical, noncanonical, and contemporary content. Following a carry-in salad dinner in the basement, participants will re-gather for a Prayer Service. The entire celebration is open to the public.

Community Announcements
         Hundreds of thousands of people in Zimbabwe have lost their homes after a government ``cleanup'' operation. Many are sleeping in the open in what is the coldest time of the year. In response, Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is providing funds for 5,000 blankets to shelter homeless families, and Mennonite World Conference (MWC) is calling Anabaptist and MWC-related congregations across the globe to a day of prayer on July 24. Prayer will focus on Zimbabwe's current situation in addition to the complicating factors of an impending drought and on-going economic hardship (the unemployment rate is around 70 percent). Conservative estimates indicate that more than 250,000 people have been displaced since late May.
                 MCC is providing some $75,710 Cdn./$60,000 U.S. to purchase and distribute the blankets to people being assisted by churches in Bulawayo. The blankets will be purchased in Zimbabwe.
         Contact the MCC Great Lakes office, 533-4133, if you're interested in donating to this effort.

         The Mennonite Relief Sale is adding a large-item auction to the sale this September. If anyone is interested in donating or has ideas for donations, please contact Greg Liestman at home, 534-7113, or work, 658-2806.
        
         A host family is needed for a young man from Laos coming to work at Mennonite Education Agency, September 1, 2005 to August 30, 2006 through the MCC International Visitor Exchange Program. Contact the MEA office at 642-3164 for more details if you are interested.

         Nonviolent Peacemaking in Iraq: Stories of Struggle and Hope is an evening of storytelling with Sheila Provencher and Cliff Kindy of Christian Peacemaker Teams. The program is on Sunday, July 10, 6:30 p.m. at Kern Road Mennonite Church.

         Calling all quilters and persons who believe in the MCC mission: The MCC traveling quilt exhibit, ``Passing On The Comfort,'' will be located in The Depot from July 22 through August 3. Each day, 8 to 12 volunteers are needed. Volunteer jobs include:
* setting up and taking down the exhibit,
* tending the counter/cash register,
* helping persons who would like to knot at the comforter and
* greeting visitors to the exhibit.
Please contact Mary Holsopple at 534-4206 or emdholbnin.net (preferred) with the day and time you want to reserve on the volunteering schedule. For more information about the MCC ``Passing On The Comfort'' traveling exhibit, visit mcc.org/quilts.

         MDC Goldenrod is a local ministry of the Mennonite Church that provides residential services to individuals with developmental disabilities. It has openings for the following positions:
char 0xb7 =-->         Attendant care givers. Work as a part-time hourly employee to provide short-term attendant care to disabled individuals. Flexible schedule.
If you have a heart for working with disabled individuals, contact MDC Goldenrod, 1518 College Avenue, Goshen at 533-9720 or e-mail davidhgoldenrodonline.org

         The Indianapolis Peace House has an opening for the position of Associate Director whose primary responsibility is the undergraduate study-away program. Tasks include recruitment of students, finding and overseeing appropriate internship placements, and coordinating program activities. The Peace House program is a residential experience for students and includes coursework, internship, communal living, and participation in neighborhood activities. The broad aims of the project are to strengthen peace studies as a field of endeavor in Indiana, across the United States, and around the world.
         Required Qualifications: Bachelors degree; superb organizational skills; a record of experience in mediation, conflict resolution or peace studies; experience with student recruitment; excellent interpersonal and communication skills; willingness to travel.        Desired Qualifications: Masters degree in an appropriate field; experience with program administration in college or university setting; ability to teach; familiarity with Indianapolis, especially its not-for-profits.
         Candidates should send a resum, with at least three references, to: Erwin Boschmann, CEO; c/o DeeDee House; Indianapolis Peace House; 1201 N. Central Ave., Box 3; Indianapolis, IN 46202-2696
         You may also email dhouseindypeacehouse.org, phone (317) 631-7322, or fax (317) 631-5969.
        
         Looking for Leaders! Service Adventure needs a unit leader in Philippi, West Virginia. Leaders should be at least 24 years old. Here is an opportunity to minister with young adults (ages17-20) as you live in community and serve the local community and church. Room, board and insurance are just part of the benefits! Terms start in late July. For more information, visit our website at:
Service.MennoniteMission.net and follow the Service Adventure links; call toll free at 1-866-866-2872; or email ServiceMennoniteMission.net.
         Susan Nisly, Service Adventure Director
                  Mennonite Mission Network

Our Church
Office Hours :     Tuesday-Friday:
                  8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
                  12:00 noon- 2:00 p.m.
Statistical Report for June 26, 2005
Attendance: 177
Today, July 3
         Greeters:        Ruth Hathaway, Jesse Kehr
         Bulletins:       Hannah Kehr, Justin Heinz
         Nursery:         Beth and Lee Roy Berry  
         Offering Counters:       Galen Graber
         Greg Smucker
         Audio/Visual Operator: Ben Buckwalter
Next Sunday, July 10
         Greeter:         John and Lisa Nussbaum
         Bulletins:       Jesse Kehr      
         Nursery:         Anita and Tavi Mounsithiraj
         Offering Counters:       Steve Garboden
                                             Ron Good
         Audio/Visual Operator: Ben Buckwalter
__________________________________________
Pastors: Anita Kehr and Dan Schrock
Youth Coordinators: Cindy Baker and Lois Mast
Elders: Tom Albrecht, Beth Berry, Phil Miller, Trish Shenk, Peter Shetler, Roxanna Sommers

This Week
MYF Mowing Hannah Roth
Tuesday Stewardship and Finance Commission,
7:15 p.m.
Friday JYF, Warren Dunes

Announcements
BAMF News
The JYF will meet at the church this Friday, July 15 at 8:00 a.m. to go to the Dunes. We will be back at the church by 4:00 p.m. If you haven't told either Ruth or Cindy that you are planning to go, please let one of us know by tomorrow, Monday, July 11, so we can arrange for transportation. Get ready for some fun!

Do you have a computer you are no longer using? Would you consider donating it to BAMF? We're looking for a good used computer for Cindy Baker and Lois Mast, our Youth Coordinators. Requirements include a Pentium II, 128 MB, and 4-5 GB hard drive. Contact Bev Krabill if you have questions or can assist us.    Bev Krabill for PCRC

         If you'd like to subscribe to Purpose or Rejoice , please notify Nancy Yoder by today . Make out a check to BAMF and give it to Mary or Ora Troyer. The cost for the 2005-06 year is $19.20 for Purpose and $22.20 for Rejoice . Your new subscription will start in September and arrive in your church mailbox.

         Please mark your calendars that our next week to host IHN guests will be August 7-14 . Regular volunteers should find a schedule in your mailbox.

         A celebration, carry-in salad dinner, and prayer service in honor of St. Mary Magdalene will be held at St. John the Evangelist Church on Sunday, July 17, from 4:00 to 7:30 p.m. The ecumenical event will feature discussion of three presenters' work Heidi Siemens-Rhodes , Judith Davis, and Janian Traxler with biblical, non-canonical, and contemporary content. Following a carry-in salad dinner in the basement, participants will re-gather for a Prayer Service. This celebration is open to the public.

         As of June 28, the balance in the College Matching Fund was $1,366.97. For the fall tuition payments due on August 12, we need a total of $7,750 . (This will help to support 16 students from BAMF at our Mennonite colleges and AMBS.) Your contributions can be placed in the offering, designated for the College Matching Fund.

Our Schools
         Bethany Christian Schools is accepting applications for next school year. For information contact Merv Miller at 534-2567 or mrmillerbethanycs.net.

Community Announcements
        The Goshen College Music Department invites you to the evening concert series for its 2005 Piano Workshop and Academy held July 10-14 in the Music Center. Events are in Sauder Hall unless otherwise noted. Tickets for $5 ($3 for students and seniors) can be purchased at the door for the July 11, 12, and 13 concerts, while the July 10 and 14 concerts are free. All concerts begin at 7:30 p.m.
         Sunday, July 10 : Goshen College piano major Chara Sonntag performs solo piano works in Rieth Recital Hall.
         Monday, July 1 1 : William Westney, winner of the Geneva International Competition, performs opera and song transcriptions by Liszt, and works by Mozart, Heller and Rachmaninov.
         Tuesday, July 12 : Goshen College piano faculty member Matthew Hill performs the Brahms Piano Quartet with the Sherer Trio on Tuesday evening, July 12. The Sherer Trio will also perform Trio in G major by Beethoven.
         Wednesday, July 13 : Phyllis Lehrer and Ena Bronstein Barton, professors of piano at Westminster Choir College, performs two piano works by Mozart, Schumann, Debussy and Rachmaninov.
         Thursday, July 14 : Students attending the Piano Workshop and Academy present an evening of piano ensemble music, featuring a newly commissioned work by composer-of-the-year Catherine Rollin, entitled ``A Christmas for Sharing.''

         Worship resources for Ordinary Time those Sundays that are not part of a special season on the church yearcan be as rich and meaningful as those for Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter. Explore these resources in a one-day workshop at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary on Saturday, August 6. Register for the worship planner event, ``Anything but Ordinary: Unlocking the Mysteries of Ordinary Time,'' by July 15 by calling the AMBS Church Leadership Center, 296-6207, or sending a message to bsawatzkyambs.edu.

         Hundreds of thousands of people in Zimbabwe have lost their homes after a government ``cleanup'' operation. Many are sleeping in the open during the coldest time of the year. In response, Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is providing funds for 5,000 blankets to shelter homeless families, and Mennonite World Conference (MWC) is calling Anabaptist and MWC-related congregations across the globe to a day of prayer on July 24 . Prayer will focus on Zimbabwe's situation complicated by an impending drought and on-going economic hardship. An estimated 250,000 people have been displaced since late May. MCC is providing $60,000 to purchase and distribute the blankets. The blankets will be purchased in Zimbabwe.     Contact the MCC Great Lakes office, 534-4133, if you're interested in donating to this effort.

         The Mennonite Relief Sale is adding a large-item auction to the sale this September. If you are interested in donating, contact Greg Liestman at home, 534-7113, or work, 658-2806.

         MDC Goldenrod, a local ministry of the Mennonite Church that provides residential services to individuals with developmental disabilities, has openings for the following positions:
·         Male or female live-in care-givers. Live as part of a household with 2-4 disabled adults. Compensation includes living expenses.
·         Attendant care givers. Work as a part-time hourly employee to provide short-term attendant care to disabled individuals. Flexible schedule.
If you have a heart for working with disabled individuals, contact MDC Goldenrod, 1518 College Avenue, Goshen at 533-9720 or e-mail davidhgoldenrodonline.org

         Mennonite Mission Network is looking for a person to assist personnel counselors working with international and Christian Service program applicants and workers. A warm phone voice, and excellent management and computer skills are important. For more information call Human Resources at 523-3008, or email a letter of interest and resume to staffrecruitmentmennonitemission.net.

         Mennonite Mission Network seeks a director of Information Technology . Qualifications include experience in a similar position and a bachelor's degree in IT or an equivalent field. For more information, see Staff Opportunities at www.MennoniteMission.net.

Our Church
Office Hours :     Tuesday-Friday:
                  8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
                  12:00 noon- 2:00 p.m.



Statistical Report for July 3, 2005
Attendance: 137

Today, July 10
Greeters: Ruth Hathaway
        John and Lisa Nussbaum
         Bulletins:       Jesse Kehr
         Nursery:         Anita and Tavi Mounsithiraj     
         Offering Counters:       Steve Garboden
         Ron Good
         Audio/Visual Operator: Ben Buckwalter
Next Sunday, July 17
         Greeter:         Ruth Hathaway   
                           John and Lisa Nussbaum
         Bulletins:       Justin Heinz, Hannah Kehr       
         Nursery:         Lorraine and Bob Pflederer
         Offering Counters:       Barbara Eichorn
                                             Lowell Nafziger
         Audio/Visual Operator: Ben Buckwalter
__________________________________________
Pastors: Anita Kehr and Dan Schrock
Youth Coordinators: Cindy Baker and Lois Mast
Elders: Tom Albrecht, Beth Berry, Phil Miller, Trish Shenk, Peter Shetler, Roxanna Sommers