| | June 2009 ArchivesMennonite Church USA- God’s surprises—I have been intrigued by God’s surprises. Moses was surprised by meeting the Almighty in a burning bush. Saul’s surprise on the Damascus road must have felt like an ambush. Peter had his vision of what was clean and unclean. These examples, and others, show how God made a new call clear to those who were already sure of their calling.
- Register delegates for Convention 2009—It's not too late to register your delegates for the upcoming assembly at Columbus.
- Government funds may be available—On Feb. 13, 2009, Congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009... Religious nonprofit organizations are eligible to receive funds.
- Convention 2009 congregational announcements—The following announcements related to Mennonite Church USA Convention 2009 are to be read from the pulpit or used in church bulletins and newsletters.
- Advocacy at Convention 2009—Becoming an antiracist denomination is a Mennonite Church USA priority. A first step for white people is understanding the privileges received from racism.
Pastors and leadersChristian education- Reach out to families—This summer, help busy families grow in faith by giving them a Gather ’Round Talkabout and a copy of Connect (the parent/caregiver guide) to use at home or on vacation.
- Roundabout is the quarterly newsletter providing teaching tips and current information for teachers and leaders of Gather ’Round Sunday school curriculum.
- Mennonite VBS 2009 a “Top Pick”—In an evaluation of 19 different curriculums, Catch the Spirit! Join God’s Work in the World! was selected as a “Top Pick” by the Center for Ministry of Teaching, Virginia Theological Seminary.
- Downloadable curriculum options for youth and adults—Find these downloadable curriculum options for youth and adults at www.mpn.net.
Mission, evangelism and peacemaking- And You Welcomed Me: A Consultation of the People of God on Immigration—Plan to attend Sept. 18 to 20 in the Dallas, Texas, area (Lakeview Camp and Conference Center, Waxahachie).
- Missio Dei FAQs
- Coming to Columbus?—Make sure you visit the Mennonite Mission Network booth. See what Mission Network is doing in the world.
- For youth sponsors:—Have you been wondering how to talk about the economy with a biblical basis with your youth group?
- Student Aid Fund for Non-registrant
Application deadline is Sept. 1—This special non-budget fund was established in 1983 to help replace potential government grants and loans lost by students who for reasons of Christian conscience choose not to register with the U.S. Selective Service System. - For artists—As part of our witness at the convention in Columbus this July, we are collecting small works of art from Mennonites who wish to participate in a public interactive display.
Worship- Summer worship resources tied to Gather ’Round curriculum—Be sure to look for the weekly worship resources included in this summer’s issue of Leader magazine, which are connected to the summer Gather ’Round Sunday school curriculum on the theme “Letters to the Early Churches.”
- Churches respond to economic downturn—Congregations are stepping up to help people dealing with financial difficulties. Learn from pastors what they have done and what they plan to do ahead.
- “Back to School” Worship Resources from MCC—Worship resources, focused on the theme “Ready to Learn,” build on the Revised Common Lectionary readings for Sept. 13 and Sept. 20, but can be used any time during August or September. As families return to school routines, celebrate education around the world with Global Family, Mennonite Central Committee’s education sponsorship program, and consider the world’s 70 million children without access to education.
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