Newsletter
Berkey Avenue Mennonite Fellowship
November 1, 2009

This Week

Monday - Fellowship and Caring Commission, 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday to Saturday - MYF Live-in

Wednesday - Christian Education Commission, Stewardship and Finance Commission, and Elders meet re:  Bethany Plan at the MMA corporate offices, 7:00 p.m.

Thursday - Ladies' Lunch Bunch, 11:30 a.m. at Lux Café

Saturday - Men's Breakfast, 7:00 a.m. at Old Mill Inn

Upcoming Worship Services

November 8:  We'll continue to reflect on a Christian perspective of death with a sermon based on Philippians 1:18b-26, "Getting Ready to Die."

November 15:  Luke 23:46 and Romans 14:7-8, "Preparing for Death."

November 22:  Gratitude and the connection between living and dying.

From the Elders

     The proposed agenda for the November 15 Congregational Meeting includes:

1.   Approval of Minutes

2.   Update from the Stewardship and Finance Commission - year-end report and current update

3.   Bethany Plan Report

4.   Pastor Congregation Relations Committee report on the congregational survey

5.   Action on a proposed addendum to our existing College Aid Plan (in your mailboxes)

6.   Opportunity for participation in the Congregational Accessibility Network

     The meeting will follow a carry-in fellowship meal.  Watch for more details in the weeks to come.

Our World (courtesy of Ron Good)

This week's question:
      I am a country of 64 million, the 20^th most populous and the 50^th largest country in land area.  I am divided into 75 provinces (changwats) and two special districts.  The largest ethnic minority is the Chinese.  Over 94 percent of my people are Buddhists, less than five percent are Muslims, and only 0.5 percent is Christian.  Our currency is the Baht.  I am a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy.  I was at one time known as Siam.  We drive on the left side of the road.  I was never colonized by European powers.  Education is compulsory through grade 9, and education is provided free through grade 12.  A concern is that the average IQ of my children is only 88.  My highest point is Doi Inthanon at 8,415 feet above sea level.  The climate is tropical and is characterized by monsoons.  The Andaman Sea is regarded as my most precious natural resource as it hosts many popular and luxurious resorts.  Rice is my most important crop, and I am the number one exporter of rice.  I also export textiles, footwear, fishery products, rubber, and electrical appliances.  We officially use the metric system.  Years are numbered as B.E. (Buddhist Era) which is 543 years ahead of the western calendar.  For example, the year AD 2009 is 2552 BE.  My people have a strong sense of hospitality and generosity.  Seniority is an important concept with elders ruling family decisions and older siblings having duties to younger ones.  Our traditional greeting is the wai:  with hands pressed together and fingertips pointed upward, the head is bowed to touch one's face to the hands.  Muay Thai, a form of martial arts and boxing, is our national sport.  Kite flying is a popular pastime.  Our cuisine blends five fundamental tastes:  sweet, spicy, sour, bitter, and salty.  Some common ingredients include garlic, chilies, lime juice, lemon grass, and fish sauce.  The staple food is jasmine rice.  Who am I?            

     (The answer is hidden somewhere in this week's newsletter.)

Berkey Avenue Announcements

       A wedding shower for Merrill and Clare Krabill takes place today, November 1, during the fellowship time after the worship service.  This will be a "Money Tree Shower," to be used toward a larger dinner table-since doubling their family, they need more space at the table!  The shower is hosted by Merrill and Clare's small group:  Beth and Lee Roy Berry, Tim and Tracy Thorne family, David and Gail Heusinkveld family, Ruth Hathaway, Sue Byler.

     Gail Heusinkveld's surgery on Tuesday went very well, and she was released from the hospital on Thursday.  She will have limited mobility for a few weeks.  The family gives a big and heartfelt thanks to the congregation for the prayers, flowers, and meals.

     Hannah Roth is now in her SST service location at an orphanage in Peru and recently wrote a letter to share with the congregation.  The letter is posted on the bulletin board.

     See the letter of thanks from  Goshen Interfaith Hospitality Network that is posted on the bulletin board.

      Are you missing a wooden bowl?  If you are, it may be on the counter in the office.     (Thailand)

     The following books have been donated to the library by Stan Liechty and others:

*   My God and I by Lewis B. Smedes - In this  spiritual memoir the author takes readers through his own lifelong walk with God.

*   Prayer by Richard J. Foster - A warm, compelling, and sensitive primer on prayer, helping us to understand, experience, and practice prayer in its many forms. 

*   Miz Lil and the Chronicles of Grace by Walter    Wangerin, Jr. - A beautifully written fantasy. . .a    book in which there is adventure and humor,    betrayal and despair, but also hope.

*   Beyond Opinion by Ravi Zacharias - Living the     faith we defend from the world's leading Christian     apologist.

*   Amish Grace by D. Kraybill, S. Nolt and D. Weaver-Zercher - How the deep-rooted pattern of Amish forgiveness and grace, after the Nickel Mines tragedy, caused the world to take notice.

*   The Year at Maple Hill Farm by Alice and Martin Provensen - A children's picture book of    happenings during one year on a farm.

*   And It Was Good by Harold Horst Nofziger - A     colorfully-illustrated children's picture book about    God's creation.

     Goshen Interfaith Hospitality Network is in need of the following items:  furniture polish, Clorox Disinfecting Cleaner, Formula 409, Scrubbing Bubbles, multi-surface cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner, kitchen trash bags, and also toilet paper.  There is a box in the fellowship hall for the items that you bring.  Today, November 1, is the last day for you to bring in your items.

Our Schools  

             A Hacienda Day will be held tomorrow to benefit Bethany Christian Schools.  Hacienda will donate 20 percent of purchases for food, gift certificates, and carryouts all that day with presentation of a token.  Tokens may NOT be distributed inside or outside the restaurant that day. Tokens are available on the literature rack.

       The Goshen High School Advanced Crimson Choir and Crimsonaires will be featured during the November 10 Goshen College Afternoon Sabbatical at 1:00 p.m. in the Music Center's Sauder Concert Hall.  The program will feature the two top award-winning choirs from GHS.  This concert will share a variety of music from classical choral music to standard pop tunes.  GHS choirs have been under the direction of Marcia Yost for 26 years.  The event is free and open to the public.

      Students in grades 5-11 interested in exploring Bethany Christian Schools can shadow a Bethany student on Monday, November 16, 7:45 a.m.-3:30 p.m.  Parents are invited to a 7:45-8:15 a.m. conversation with Principal Allan Dueck, staff, and parents of current students, and to tour the school at 8:15 a.m. or 2:45 p.m.  To participate, contact Rachel Roth Sawatzky by Wednesday, November 11, at 534-2567 or .               

     The Curious Savage , a heartwarming comedy for all ages, will be presented November 20-22 by Bethany Christian High School.  The Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m. and the Sunday performance is at 3:00 p.m.  Call 534-2567 to reserve tickets-$8 for adults and $6 for students.  See bethanycs.net/curious_savage for more information.  Those from Berkey Avenue with a role in the comedy are:  Emily Grimes, Ben Mast, J.D. Nafziger, and David Nussbaum.

     Paw Ball: Bethany Christian Schools will hold a developmental basketball experience for youth in grades 4-6.  Boys' sessions will run Saturdays, November 7 to January 6; girls' sessions will run Saturdays, January 23 to February 27.  Participants will have a 90-minute session that includes a time of instruction followed by a game.  Registration is $10 per child.  For more information and registration forms see bethanycs.net/pawball or contact Bryan Kehr at 534-2567 or during school hours.

Community Announcements

     You are invited to the Harvest Mission Festival at Silverwood Mennonite Church today, November 1, at 4:00 p.m.  There will be a performance by Yemaya, a music group of Goshen College women who perform the music of the world's many cultures.  Following their performance, John D. Roth will talk about "Now-Learning from the Global Mennonite Fellowship."  A flier is posted on the bulletin board with more information.

     Want to warm up on a chilly evening?  Come and enjoy a choice of soups, a salad, dessert and drink on Saturday, November 7, 5:00-7:00 p.m. at El Buen Pastor Mennonite Church, 523 S. Sixth Street.  Soups available will include Tortilla Soup, Posole, and Beef Stew.  This is a fund-raiser for the women's group of the church, and your donations will be gladly accepted.  We'll see you for food and fellowship!

     The Christian comedy troup Ted and Co. (Ted Swartz, Trent Wagler, and Jay Lapp) will perform "What would Lloyd Do?" at the Old Goshen Theater (216 S. Main Street) on Saturday, November 7, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, November 8, at 4:00 p.m.  Advance tickets are $7 for students (including seminary students) and $12 regular adult; at the door tickets cost $2 more.  Call 535-0808 or go to goshentheater.com to purchase advance tickets.

     The Center for Healing and Hope is having a Hacienda Gives Back Fundraiser Day at the Goshen Hacienda in Linway Plaza on November 9.  Hacienda will give the Center 20 percent of your tab spent on that day when presented with one of the coupons.  Coupons are on the literature rack.

     "Through the Garden Gate in Afghanistan":  Please join us for a special Michiana MEDA chapter meeting to hear Lana Mo, MEDA Afghanistan horticulture development manager.  Everyone is welcome to attend this free event on Tuesday, November 10, 7:00 p.m. at Newcomer 19, Goshen College.

     Emerge Ministries will be hosting a Haystack Dinner on November 21 at Church Without Walls, 731 Wagner Avenue, Elkhart from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m.  For more information, call 293-0776.

     The Goshen Community Thanksgiving Service will be held at the First English Lutheran Church, 5th and Madison on Wednesday, November 25, at 6:30 p.m.   Pumpkin pie and fellowship follow the service.  Everyone is welcome!        

     MDC Goldenrod has job openings for part-time positions.  We are looking for dedicated, flexible people who want to make a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities.  If interested, apply at 1514 College Ave, Goshen or on the company website at goldenrodonline.org.

     Mennonite Church USA seeks an Advancement Event Facilitator to arrange, manage, and promote Mennonite Church USA advancement activities such as congregational or donor special events.  This person will be a committed Christian, active in a congregation, and have a good understanding of communication theory and strategies.  She or he will oversee multiple operations at one time, face numerous deadlines, and orchestrate the activities of the constituent engagement of Mennonite Church USA leaders, including the Executive Director of Mennonite Church USA, Executive Director of Mennonite Mission Network, board members, senior executives and international mission workers. Familiarity with fundraising database software, preferably Raiser's Edge7, is required. Familiarity with Mennonite Church USA and public relation issues is recommended. Commitment to denominational and agency goals of anti-racist action is required. This is an interim position through August 31, 2010.  The Elkhart office is preferred. 

     Mennonite Church USA's Elkhart office is in need of a hospitality volunteer to assist with receiving visitors, answering phone calls, and other work for four to six hours each workday.  Inquiries are welcomed whether you are available to assist one day a week or every day of the week.  The ideal person will be a member of a Mennonite Church USA congregation who has an interest in experiencing organizational life and work in an agency office.  This volunteer will have a warm, welcoming personality, be comfortable with people of diverse backgrounds, be experienced in an office setting, and have basic email and word processing skills.  For more information on these positions, go to MennoniteMission.net and click on Get Involved / Staff Opportunities, or call Linda Krueger at 523-3009.

Our Church

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

Statistical Report for October 25, 2009

     Attendance:   208

Today, November 1, 2009

     Greeters:    Dick and Nancy Yoder

     Bulletins:   Ben Mast         

     Nursery:    Jeannie and Phil Miller

     Offering Counters:   Ruth Hathaway                    

                                      Greg Smucker

     Audio/Visual:  David Nussbaum

Next Sunday, November 8, 2009

     Greeters:    Dick and Nancy Yoder

     Bulletins:   Peter Schrock

     Nursery:    Susan and Steve Garboden

     Offering Counters:   Ron Good

                                      Rick Hostetter

     Audio/Visual:  David Nussbaum

___________________________________________

Pastors:  Anita Kehr, Dan Schrock

Youth Coordinator:  Lois Mast

Elders:  Evan Bontrager, David Heusinkveld, Dan Nafziger, Laverne Nafziger, Trish Shenk, and Renae Yoder

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