Vital Signs Of a congregation being transformed into the image of Christ discerning the congregational needs and desires as we searched for a new pastor. First and By Paul Joireman, CongregationThis meeting foremost were was the culmial Co-Chair the efforts of the nation of a On September 28, we met for a short Lead Pastor long process as congregational meeting after the worSearch Committhe congregaship service to consider calling Don tee, consisting tion discerned and Jan Rheinheimer to the lead pastor of Jana B, Shatogether what position at LMC. Each person was givron Ewert, Chris we were looken four options of varying strength Jarot, Matthias ing for in a asking whether they affirmed this callJ, Terry Macnew lead pasing or not, along with some of the Gregor, Carlen tor. The week reasoning behind their choice. Identical Sellers and Ann before the absentee ballots were provided to those Vendrely. They vote, we all who could not be in attendance. The met on many met together to Don, Jan and Hillary baptize Alice at Menno Haven ballots were collected by Carlen different occaconsider the issue as a congregational Sellers (LMC Congregational Cosions and considered many candidates family. People shared affirmations chair) and Sharon Ewert (Chair of the before bringing Don and Jan to the and concerns. One of the most imLead Pastor Search Committee), and congregation as candidates. Please portant things about this meeting was counted. thank them for their work when you the ability for everyone have a chance. to hear and understand As you may already have the diversity of opinions, heard, the ballot result You also were involved in discussions and to be able to consider was 97% in favor of calland discernment meetings where the Don and Jan and their ing Don and Jan to be our search committee tried to understand role as potential lead lead pastors. We extended the needs and desires of the congregapastors in new and/or the call to them and after tion as we looked to hire a new pastor. different ways. some further discussions Thanks to all of you for your efforts they have accepted our during this process. And welcome to Many people were inScene from the 60th Anniversary Celeoffer. Don and Jan! volved in the process of bration worship service The People Have Spoken: We Want Don & Jan! Building Tomorrow on the Foundations of Yesterday By Hillary Watson brant, joyful, and There is so much to faithful. What would celebrate at LMC, and such a congregation celebrate we did at the look like? We split 60th Anniversary on into eight small October 26. Here is just groups, each collecta taste of the afternoon ing their ideas on session where 40 adults poster board (which gathered and dreamed will remain up in the of the future. I asked Fellowship Hall current and former through this Sunday). Scene from the 60th Anniversary worship service LMCers to imagine Several themes emerged in this time. returning to LMC at its 70th birthday More than half the groups envisioned and discovering that the church is vi- Lombard Mennonite Church a strong focus on children and a congregation that could “groom future church leaders.” Many groups also hoped for a church that took a more active approach to Creation Care: three of them hoped for solar panels on the roof. One group suggested an LMC “housing commune” that allowed members to live closer to the church. Two groups imagined a second congregation, so that we could maintain our current size and still grow. Another group imagined LMC growing to “179 people, because at 180 we seem to (Continued on page 2) November 2014 Lombard Mennonite Church Imagining Our Future (Continued from page 1) have all our church conflicts.” Several groups hoped for more racially and ethnically diverse membership. One One group’s vision of LMC in 2024 group simply wrote, “Get more radical.” In the second part of our visioning, I offered three observations for the church. These observations are neither good nor bad in themselves, but are certainly important as we imagine the church we are becoming. First, we are used to being on a different page than downstate churches—and inner city churches. This lack of peer congregations shapes the way that we partner with other congregations. Second, although we value Mennonite faith, we are somewhat detached from the day-to -day news of Illinois Mennonite Con- Vital Signs ference and MC USA. We grow separately from these institutions rather than into them. Third, at present, we choose to limit the conversations we have about same-sex relationships and LGBTQ issues. In our earlier con- Pauline & LeRoy Kennel (LMC’s first pastor) greet Don versation, half of the groups named LGBTQ concerns as something to address in the next 10 years. Many hoped for broader inclusion. A Focus on Immigration and Displaced People By Chris Ewert, Lay Minister of Mission On October 19, six individuals gathered for the annual Mission Summit after church. The summit consisted of a budget discussion, followed by a conversation on what missions will look like during the next year at LMC. We agreed to maintain the 2015 mission budget as closely as possible to the 2014 budget, continuing support for our current mission workers and organizations. We decided to make a gift of $725 from the ShortTerm Ministry budget to support Nick Bouwman’s work with Mennonite Vol- November 2014 untary Service. We also authorized a gift of $200 from the Special Mission Projects budget to a former LMC youth pastor who has fallen on hard times from a health issue. We spent much of the summit talking about creating a mission theme for next year focusing on the issue of immigration and displaced people. Participants suggested many ideas for integrating the theme of immigration into our existing ministries, as well as better integrating missions into worship. I want to thank everyone that came to the summit this year to help shape what missions will look like at LMC in the coming year. However, it’s clear that not all LMCers condone same-sex relationships and groups had different ideas about what “inclusion” meant. As a pastor, it was encouraging to see the congregation naming conflict and thinking about how to address it in healthy ways. With so many varied and lively visions of the future, I am hopeful that LMC will grow deeper into God’s vision. It is inspiring to have so many beautiful dreams to work toward, and I encourage the congregation to keep dreaming, for indeed, God dreams with us, and draws us into the glorious Kingdom. Editor’s Note: So many people contributed their time and talents to our 60th Anniversary Celebration. We thank them all! Special acknowledgement goes to our 60th Anniversary Committee: Jan Yoder (Chair), Carol Bohnert, Wanda Bouwman, Curtis Funk, Jim Householter, and Hilary Rhodes. Countdown to Year End We can praise God for the funding that LMC has received this year towards our budgeted expenses. As of October 31, our total income for the year-to-date is $302,689. That includes $280,844 in contributions to the General Fund from our weekly offerings. We have come a long way to meeting our expenses, including our mission contributions. Looking back to last year at this time, we had a total income of $272,673 and total expenses of $260,494. Our offerings for the last two months of 2013 totaled about $77,000. Looking towards the final two months of 2014, we need to receive about $78,000 to meet all our expenses by year end. We’ve got a ways to go but we’ve done this before. Please keep LMC’s financial needs in your prayers as we try to meet all of our expenses and missions in November and December. —Jeremy Steelberg, Treasurer Page 2 Lombard Mennonite Church Vital Signs In addition to our regular annual events, the MYF will be preparing for the 2015 ler and Kermit Mennonite Youth Eby. An overConvention in Kansas arching theme City this summer. Feathroughout the tured speakers are quarter is the exMichelle Armster, ploration of the Isaac Villegas, question, “What Michele Hershberger, does the Bible Cyneatha Millsaps, mean to me?” Luke Hartman, and One Sunday, each Shane Claiborne. Conteen was asked to vention is a great way create a personal for youth to connect, list of six fundaA big thank you to the MYF for providing enthusiastic childcare support during the 60th Anniversary Celebration! or reconnect, with othmental values for er Mennonites for the Anabaptist faith to then share with worship, discussion, and learning. The one another. This activity really deMFY will host lunch fundraisers for fined what it is to be Mennonite, and this event at Congregational meetings; showed how our personal values may we already started the year with a deliparallel or diverge with those of other cious chili lunch on September 21. religions. Busy Year Ahead for the MYF By Carolina Q-C This year, the MYF welcome freshmen Elizabeth and Alice to a busy year, including the annual Lock-in, Menno Haven work weekends, the winter retreat, Bistro, and the Car Park. The group will volunteer at the Northern Illinois Food Bank, as well as make a trip to an ice-skating rink. Our first official social event was the Moody vs. Goshen men’s soccer match. We cheered on former MYFer Chris Vendrely as Goshen won 2-1. Our next outing will be the fall work weekend at Menno Haven on November 7-9. This fall, the MYF Sunday School class is focusing on the Mennonite Confession of Faith with Pastor Hillary Watson and adult leaders, Melissa Mil- Fantastic Fellowship and Worship at Menno Haven By Leanna Kaser, Lay Minister of Community Life Some who attended our fall retreat this year had never been to Menno Haven Camp. They were surprised by the size (231 acres), and the beauty. Hills, ravines, and gullies are a beautiful site, especially compared to the flat lands of the Chicago suburbs. More than 60 people were able to play carpet ball, hike on the trails, fish on the island, explore the lake in paddle boats and canoes, take a hay ride, and go on a nature hike. On Sunday morning, we held a meaningful two-part worship service. First we met in the lodge upstairs. After Don spoke about the rite of baptism, each of those who were to be November 2014 baptized shared about the meaning of baptism in their lives. Later, we walked down to the lake where the pastors baptized Jimmy Orjala by sprinkling, and Alice K, Daniel Y G, and Josh Mangis by immersion. Communion followed. Lunch that day was new and innovative. As a Congregation to Congregation experience, 61 people from Metamora Mennonite Church and 95 people from Lombard Mennonite Church shared a portion of their respective retreats by eating lunch at the same time in the lodge. As we shared a meal, former friends and new friends talked and told stories. As we left for home later that afternoon, all were remembering the wonderful time we had enjoying God’s beautiful creation and fellowshipping with brothers and sisters in Christ. Rug Festival at Ten Thousand Villages By Denise Harshbarger Ten Thousand Villages of Glen Ellyn will host its 29th annual Fair Trade International Craft and Oriental Rug Event on November 20-22. This will be the first year that this local event, previously held at the Ewert’s home, will be held at the new store location at 503 Pennsylvania Avenue in Glen Ellyn. Please join us on November 20-22, from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with a special preview seminar on Wednesday, November 19, at 7:00 PM. The seminar will provide information about the rugs, their origins, the craftsmanship that goes into them, and the unique character and quality of each individual rug. The Event itself will also showcase the many Villages’ international crafts including jewelry, scarves, baby accessories, nativities and ornaments, candles, coffee, chocolate and so much more! This annual event has become a tradition for many of you, and needs your support now more than ever. The new location of the store is bigger and so we can accommodate the rugs in store; this (Continued on page 4) Page 3 Lombard Mennonite Church Vital Signs Rug Event at Villages Updates on LMC’s Safe Church Initiatives By Melissa Miller, Lay Minister of Education One weekly magazine I enjoy reading has a section titled “Boring but important”. That could possibly apply to some of the Safe Church updates, but focus on the “important” part and keep reading! Work continues at Scene from the church retreat the church and conference levels to make our churches safer for all. At LMC, the new Safe Church committee members are Ken G Kabira, Cynthia Kimball, Matt Lundin, Melissa Miller, and Hillary Watson. We will review both Dove’s Nest and Illinois Mennonite Conferences resources as we work to develop a broader safe church policy for LMC. The Illinois Mennonite Conference is (Continued from page 3) also working to make churches safer for all people. First, they have provided a clear way for people to report pastoral sexual misconduct. The conference website at illinoismennonite. com/page26 has a wealth of information about reporting misconduct, as well as information about abuse response and prevention. Also, Illinois Mennonite Conference now requires all pastors to sign an Ethics Statement. All of our pastors did so at the last Ministry Team meeting. As we work towards becoming a safer church, we will continue to focus on communicating any changes in policies and practices, as well as working to prevent any abuse. location shift has brought both excitement and some challenges. We need your help not only to attend and support this event, but also to help to get the word out to all your friends and neighbors about this great chance to support a wonderful cause! Finally, we covet your prayers leading up to and throughout the event, that the Rug Event may be successful in its new location. This year we will see the return of the Zwieback rolls that were a staple of the event for so many years! While this is the time to view and purchase the beautiful rugs, it is also a great time to finish your Christmas shopping while also supporting our Glen Ellyn store. Please stop by and enjoy this event with us! Rooted and Grounded: Reflections on Pastoral Escapades By Hillary Watson “Do Unto those Downstream as You Would Have Those Upstream Do Unto You,” read the title of the workshop by Christian Peacemaker Teams Executive Director, Sarah Thompson. That title describes much of the Rooted and Grounded conference I attended at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary from September 18-20. We all know our climate is fragile; we know about the decline of monarch butterfly populations by 90%; we know about holes in the ozone and melting ice caps. We know these things intellectually, but how do we learn them, spiritually? At AMBS, the answer was simple: by listening closer. November 2014 By reading the Bible, knowing it speaks across time and culture. ites saw the land as an ancestor, alongside Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Lev. 26:42). “Do unto those downOther pastors, professors, and presentstream as you would ers examined the land in other parts of have those upstream do the Bible: Psalms, Ruth, the nativity unto you.” If we raised story, and even used Revelation as a our children with this model for Creation Care! But the conparaphrase of the Goldference wasn’t all Bible study. It also en Rule, how would included an “immersion experience” they understand Christhat helped us connect with the land tian life? Christian faith around AMBS. (Thankfully, there were cannot be separated no immersions on my canoe trip.) from caring for our While canoeing the Elkhart River, I earth. We know we are learned how Goshen’s to love our neighbor— sewage used to overflow but the land is also our into the river every time neighbor. Ellen Davis, it stormed, because of an Old Testament poor resource manageprofessor at Duke Theoment. I also learned about logical Seminary and the parts of the AMBS keynote speaker, even campus that are delibersuggested that the Israel- Delicious local and sustainable food: (Continued on page 5) another highlight of this great conference Page 4 Lombard Mennonite Church Vital Signs LMC Libraries: Much More than Books and Periodicals! By Ruth Quiroa What is the purpose of a church library in a digital age? Why do we need a church library with all the local public and university libraries available? What does LMC want its libraries to be? These questions are important as we work to renew the LMC libraries, now housed in the church office (adult/young adult books), the downstairs education wing (intermediate books), and the upstairs education wing (preschool and primary books). Simply checking out books— some published over 30 years ago—to children is not enough. First, the mission of the LMC library collections must be identified—one that aligns with our core values, and meets our needs and interests. A mission drives purchasing priorities in regards to authors, genres, and formats (digital, hardcover, periodicals, etc.). Next, a system for digitizing the collections must be put in place, which is the easiest step and one to be completed before the end of November. The libraries must then be given accessible spaces, arrangements, and furniture, as well as staffed on Sundays. Once all these steps are put into place, a regular purchasing cycle can be established, and the congregation informed of new books and “great reads.” A final question: Are you interested in lending your expertise and/or time to participate in one of the steps outlined here? If so, contact Ruth Quiroa. Reflections On My Faith Journey By Jimmy Orjala Ed. Note: Jimmy and Daniel shared the following testimonies at their baptisms at Menno Haven on October 5. I was born in Stockholm, Sweden, and was baptized as an infant in the Lutheran tradition. At age 13, I spent a spring taking confirmation classes with 12 other confirmands. This involved studying the Bible and asking faith questions of the pastors. I was confirmed (aka affirmation of baptism), in May that year. A major significance of the confirmation ritual was that confirmands partook in the Lord’s supper for the first time. In many ways these traditions are not too different from what Mennonites November 2014 practice—congregational blessing of a child followed by baptism at high school age (baptism allows a believer to partake in the Lord’s supper). However, I believe there are major differences in the significance of these steps in the daily lives of a believer. After my confirmation I was a questioning young adult, but I soon became disillusioned by the lack of implications of faith in the daily life of believers. Throughout my life Rooted and Grounded (Continued from page 4) ately maintained with prairie grass and natural habitat. (I live-tweeted much of the conference, so if you’re curious for more highlights, find me @stuff mennossay.) I heard stories from Pittsburgh Mennonite Church, where members created a community garden and then a farmers’ market in order to reach out to their neighbors. I sang new hymns written to help us honor creation. I learned about a 28-year-old farmer in Lancaster County, who was trying to return her family’s farm to a more sustainable model. And of course, I lived out a creation ethic, eating locally and sustainably at the AMBS cafeteria— dried peaches; butternut squash and corn chowder; lavender and mint shortbread; even cookies with crabapple frosting! The weekend was an inspiring call to a new vision for Christian life: one that lives with the grain of Creation. journey in Sweden, the USA and Switzerland, I became very aware of this hypocrisy. Most people affirmed to be Christian, but being Christian had little or no implication in their daily lives. All this made me lose faith and see Christianity as a sham. This perception started to change once I encountered Mennonites during my time as a postdoc in Oregon. They lived out their Christian beliefs, even if it meant hardships, both financial and personal. Several of them chose to earn under the tax line so as not to support the US military by paying income tax. This rekindled my curiosity and I began to “converse” with God about my previous doubts—not in structured prayers, but in “questioning and listening sessions”. These almost always took place in a natural setting (while fishing or hiking in (Continued on page 6) Page 5 Lombard Mennonite Church Vital Signs Let God’s Name Rise Up in Me By Daniel Y G For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.— Jeremiah 29:11 Guatemala Background I was born in Guatemala in 1998 to a mother that had five other kids, ranging in age from three to 15. My birth mother was not able to support my needs and all the other siblings. I was put up for adoption. I was fortunate to be adopted by the family I live with now in the United States. If my family in the US had not taken me in and had God not been looking out for me, I don’t know if I would be standing here today. Through my adoption, God showed me that he will always be in my life and provide for me and take care of me. God blessed me with a chance in life; without his presence I would not be as lucky to have the family I do. God planned for me to be adopted. God’s presence through this experience showed me how God will always take care of me, no matter what. Dad Throughout growing up in the USA, I have had my mother and father, devoted Mennonites. They talk about how faith shapes us and how peace is the way to keep a situation in perfect unity. My father’s teaching has shaped me into being a devoted Christian that wants to serve the Lord no matter what my gifts are, be they small or huge. All of us can help others. While the pressure of following my father’s Christian values isn’t always easy, God put him in my life to teach November 2014 me the things God sees as lifelong key values. God wants me to honor him by being faithful; I must honor God in the way I live. God shows me through my father that our gifts are to serve God. My faith has shown me I can give back to God and do great things with his guidance. Only with the Lord’s guidance was I able to help lead a drive for supplies for the Central American refugees. Although we all worry, I want to share this verse: Cast your burdens on God. Although I let my worries take over sometimes, I’m learning that no matter what happens, God will always help defeat any little petty thing that show up in my life. As my father says to me, don’t waste your life worrying. Let God take care of you. One of the main reasons I am standing up here before you is due to the fact that I feel God’s presence when I pray to him and ask him to keep me safe no matter what happens. Jimmy’s Faith Journey (Continued from page 5) old growth forests). As God answered and my faith began to grow, I discussed my faith questions with several Mennonite believers. These insightful conversations further strengthened my faith and I became a follower of Christ. Donna, a member of our small Mennonite fellowship in Davis, California, once told me that she overheard a child asking, “Who are the Mennonites?” The mother replied that “Mennonites are a people of whom you can tell that they are Christians by how they act.” This is a very daunting description, but one that I am encouraged to try to emulate—by growing in God with this congregation. summer about what it means to follow God. I thought: if God has blessed me with all the things in my life, why can’t I follow him, show him that I recognize the love he has shown me through my life, and let his name rise up in me. A Peculiar Christian The Turley family has been a huge part of my faith journey, guiding me through my early teen years. I saw Daryl as a prime example of how to be a peculiar Christian kid. Although we are not always perfect, we can honor Christ as our Savior. The Turleys showed me that although we are different people, being Christian is in the way you show love and compassion to even those that treat you like their enemy. I learned that no matter what mistakes I make, God will forgive me more than enough times. Menno Haven: “Let His Name Rise Up in Me” Throughout my life, God has provided me with a home, a family, a loving father, a wonderful church Josh serves communion following his baptism. We hope family, and also, op- to have his and Alice’s testimonies in the next issue. Chris Ewert has also portunities to come been a big influence on my life for here to Menno Haven as a camper. years. If it wasn’t for people like him, I The reason this place means so much to me is that I wrestled throughout this (Continued on page 7) Page 6 Lombard Mennonite Church Vital Signs Daniel’s Testimony Mennonite Kids Can Sing By Melodie Graber at LMC. This is a great opportunity to learn some music, meet new people and have some fun. Register at mennoniteyouth choir.com or contact Melodie Graber. Attention all student in grades 3-9. You are invited to participate in the Sacred Music Youth Festival on February 28 and March 1, 2015, in Goshen, IN. This Other Music festival was forLast year’s youth choir participants News mally known as Karin Edwards, piano, Lee Joiner, the Mennonite Youth Choir but has violin, and Steuart Pincombe, Ameriexpanded to include children from othcan cellist living in Germany, will er church denominations. perform Schubert duos and trios in a concert entitled, “Swan Song: the Search for Hope in Schubert” on November 20 at 7:30 PM in Wheaton College’s Pierce Chapel. Tickets are available only at the Dylan sings at the church retreat door and cost $10 for Music is distributed in January and general audience and $5 for students/ several practices are held in the Goseniors. For more info, call the Conshen area. We will also have rehearsals servatory of Music at 630-752-5099. Saturday, February 28, is rehearsal day and activities at Goshen College’s recreation center. Sunday, March 1, is the performance at 2 PM in the Goshen College Sauder Concert Hall. November Nursery Schedule 2 Susan, Ken G; Jeremy, Jimmy 9 Valerie, Stephanie; Jill, Ioannis 16 Cynthia, Bart; Lisa 23 Mary, Lois; Paul Re. 30 Elise, Melissa; Caroline, Adriana Vital Signs Editor: Katharine Richert would not have the courage to stand here in front of you and say that I want (and choose) to be peculiar as a Christian. This past summer, I was stretched to look at new ways of being a Christian. I’m thankful for the youth sponsors such as Chris who shared his faith journey through this summer, guiding me each day on a trip back to Central America—a trip that I was terrified to go on. God has blessed me through the many gifts of my family and my church family. I have learned on my journey as a Christian kid that I want to commit to God and show his light in my life; to serve and give back to a God that has done miracles in my life. So please walk with me. I’m a peculiar Christian...let God’s name rise up in me! Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Conventions this Summer Is a Mennonite convention in your future? You have two options to choose from this summer: the MC USA 2015 Convention from June 30-July 5 in Kansas City, MO, and the Mennonite World Conference 2015 from July 2126 in Harrisburg, PA. See the posters on the bulletin board for more info. Back Page Hodgepodge Cookie Exchange, Dec 6 Mark your calendars and plan to attend the annual Cookie Exchange at 2:00 PM on Saturday, December 6, at the Horsch home. You bring six dozen cookies of one kind and take home a variety of cookies in exchange. The cookies are great for serving at those holiday events and celebrations and would even be good to give on a plate as a gift to your child’s teacher! Everyone will think you spent hours in the kitchen making a variety of goodies. Please bring an appetizer to share on December 6. The event is open to both (Continued from page 6) From chairing the committee to slide shows, supervising the meal and more, these six contributed hugely to our 60th Anniversary Celebration. Thank you! females and males, young and old. All are welcome!— Leanna Kaser Photography Credits A big thank you to Leslie Hawthorne Klingler and Bob Erck for all the wonderful photos from the church retreat and 60th Anniversary Celebration. New Bouwmans After a long adoption process, Victor and Isaiah officially became Bouwmans on October 1, joining the family of LMC alumni Alex and Amanda. JanGerrit and Wanda tripled their official grandchildren count in one day. Congratulations! The joyous adoption day November 2014; Vol. 33, #11 Deadline for the December Vital Signs is Thursday, November 20
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