July 2015Vol. XXVI

No. 7ConnectionsCONESTOGA

Mother and Daughter Brunch on May 30, 2015

“Pioneer Women”Mother and

Daughter Brunch

As long as wood grows and water fl ows—may they fi nd us faithful!!

Pioneer Women Mother and Daughter Brunch was enjoyed by

45 ladies and children. In addition to a wood theme, the delicious brunch items including foods representing that era (eggs,

sauerkraut, beets, applebutter muffi ns—see recipe on page 4,

and bologna). A biscuit-making table was hosted for the girls by Kristy Unruh

and Sonya Petersheim. Each girl received an apron and freshly-baked bis-

cuits to take home. Angel Food cake prizes were given to the

Mother and Daughter Look-Alike (Freda and Kristy); Most Authentic

Dolls (Cora and Emma Parsons and Ruth Stoltzfus); Little Girls Authentic Dress (Rosene Weber and Hannah Peachey); Most Creative (Robin Beam); and

Best Dressed (Lillian Stoltzfus and Laura Kurtz).

Speaker Joanne Siegrist

challenged us to document and be faithful to our Christian commitment.

She used pictures to tell stories about women who have gone before us and

how they lived their faith in Jesus and how we can as well.

We were all given homework to do the same.

A duet concluded our morning with the

song: May All those who come behind us—fi nd US faithful!

2 • Conestoga Connections

When Pastoral Team inquired if I would serve as a delegate at the Mennonite Church USA Convention in Kansas City, Missouri, this summer, it did not take long to agree. Lemar and I have learned to appreciate these church-wide gatherings—they feel like we are attending a church family reunion!

Every two years, thousands of Mennonite Church USA members from across the U.S. gather together to worship, to learn, to discern, and to fellowship. Th is year, Pastor Bob, Lemar and I and two others, are attending. Before knowing I was a delegate, Lemar and I decided that this would be a fun experience to make memories with and to experience with our two oldest grandsons, Mark Petersheim and Caleb McClure, so we signed them up for childcare (which actually meets the same times as the delegate sessions), so there was no reason for me to decline serving as a delgate. Th is year the Convention theme is “Come Together on the Way,” and the Convention is taking place from Tuesday, June 30-Sunday, July 5, in Kansas City, Missouri. We decided to fl y to

Sometimes it

can be easy

to simply see

the church

as some sort

of institution

that is beyond

us, instead of

as the body

of Christ,

composed

of very real

people who are

our brothers,

sisters, friends

and neighbors.

Having this

time and space

together is, in

fact, a gift.

On the wayEn el camino

Mennonite Church USA

CONVENTIONJune 30 – July 5, 2015Kansas City, Missouri

LUKE 24

Kansas City, and then return on the train to give our grandsons two diff erent forms of transportation. Everytime we attend these large conventions, we come home feeling like the energizing and uplifting times of worship must keep continuing everyday (group worship with the youth totals thousands at Convention). Th e singing and worship time is so amazing as we gather together to be challenged and inspired on our journeys with Jesus. Two years ago, when Convention met in Phoenix, Arizona, we ended our time together in a Prayer Walk. Th is year, Convention will begin with a Prayer Walk through the streets of Kansas City where we will pray for our week together and for the city where we are gathered. A lot of work has already been done before Convention even begins to prepare for discussions. In fact, a detailed survey was sent to every delegate this past Spring to prepare for this discussion. As a result, we will study and discuss four resolutions and a statement: Israel-Palestine Resolution, Faith Witness Amid Endless War Resolution, Resolution on the Status of

CONESTOGA MENNONITE CHURCH2779 Main Street, Morgantown, PA 19543

(610) 286-9124www.conestogamc.com

Monthly newsletter for Conestoga Mennonite Church published since 1988. Deadline for articles and photos is the 20th of the preceding month of publication.Editor: Lois Ann MastAssistant Editor: Elizabeth PetersheimContributing Editor: Anna Martin

the Membership Guidelines, and Resolution on Forbearance in the Midst of Diff erence, and a Churchwide Statement on Sexual Abuse. We would appreciate your prayers as we meet together, worship together, and yes, do good, hard, honest conversations about the future of the church as well. Jesus is the center of our faith. Community is the center of our lives. Reconciliation is the center of our work. ~ Lois Ann Mast Conestoga Connections Editor

Visual Identity of Mennonite Church USAA visual design to unite us and remind us of who we are

Time after time, the Spirit in the form of a dove announces the coming of God to us. As Mennonites, we recognize the centrality of Christ as proclaimed in Scripture, revealed through the Holy Spirit and discerned in Christian community. The dove represents Jesus and the missional calling to follow him into the world—gracefully, joyfully, and peacefully.

For more convention news and updates,follow us online:

web site: www: www.MennoniteUSA.org/conventionFacebook: www.Facebook.com/MCUSA.conventionTwitter: @MennConInstagram: AMennoCon

Conestoga Connections • 3

Sewing Circle met on Wednesday, June 3, 2015. Th ere were 19 ladies present. Seven comforters were completed and 24 hygiene kits were fi lled. For devotions, we sang “Th is is My Father’s World,” followed by the reading of Proverbs 30:24-28, and a devotional reading entitled “Th e Bug Zoo.” Th e special off ering was $66.00 to be used for hygiene kits. We sang “Showers of Blessing” before adjourning. ~ Betty Cannell

Sewing Circle Mennonite World Conference

Persons from more than 70 diff erent countries are registered to attend the 16th Mennonite World Conference on July 21-26—the fi rst time in 25 years that the Assembly has been held in North America. By one count, there are at least 68 distinct Anabaptist groups in the U.S. with more than 400,000 members in about 4,600 local congregations.

* * * *

Th e MWC Assembly this summer will be the “most green” ever event at the Farm Show complex in Harrisburg, Pa., according to state offi cials. Deputy Secretary of Agricul-ture Hannah Smith-Brubaker told Howard Good, National Coordinator for PA 2015: “My goal is to be able to apply what we’ve witnessed from you PA 2015 planners to our an-nual Farm Show event which attracts 500,000 attendees each year.” Smith-Brubaker added, “I see stewardship as part of the Mennonite commitment, and I’m thrilled that this can play out here at our complex.”

* * * *

For those of us registered to ride the bus from Cones-toga to Mennonite World Conference on Wednesday, July 22, our day-registration includes participation in all worship and plenary sessions, workshops, Friendship Groups, Global Church Village, Art Exhibit, and on-site sports activities. Food will be available for purchase in several locations of the Farm Show Complex (meals are only provided for full-time registrants.)

* * * *

Everyone of us here at Conestoga will experience Menno-nite World Conference on Sunday morning, July 26, as two bus loads of MWC persons are coming to worship here at Cones-toga followed by a time of fellowship as we enjoy lunch together. No MWC services will be held at Harrisburg, but instead every-one will attend a local Mennonite or Brethren church. We look forward to serving as one of the church hosts.

~ Lois Ann Mast

“Why are you an Anabaptist?”Members of the MWC community share their reasons for embracing an Anabaptist identity.

Rainer BurkartMember, MWC Executive Committee Germany

Anabaptist

hold to adult baptism, the priesthood of

and the decision making of all

Sandra BaezAssistant to the General Secretary Colombia

Anabaptist because it’s an

to go against

Edgardo SanchezMember, MWC Executive Committee Argentina

Anabaptist

God has called me to proclaim

Ron PennerMember, MWC Executive Committee Canada

Anabaptist because it is seeking to follow the teachings and example

Also it ties me in with

the global Anabaptist body of

Danisa NdlovuPresident Zimbabwe

Anabaptist because Scripture is foundational for my faith and conduct, and because Christ is the

model for my spiritual journey in

Markus RedigerMember, MWC Executive Committee Switzerland

to belong to the global Anabaptist family where we want to

belief and proclaim and promote

4 • Conestoga Connections

John Eldredge is a writer who often gets it right—right where the heart is. He talks of Christ and the example He lived for us. Some of his questions he asks are also some of my own. Have you ever wondered with me why Jesus talked so much in parables? To me, the defi nition of a parable is, “Let’s play this game where I will tell you a tricky story, and you fi gure out what it means.” Or, “Let me show you how smart I am by having talking points that you don’t get.” Well, is that really the Jesus that loves us more than all the creatures He created—and believe me, He does love them too? Not really. John Eldredge goes on to say that we who are in the age of computers think we are the enlightened ones and we just want the facts—the bottom line. We

candidly talk about war or history as factual, and that is so. But, for instance, we do not understand with our hearts what really happened in the battle at Normandy on D-Day by just knowing the facts. It contributes a bit to our understanding of the vastness of the war that day by knowing 200,000 allied troops boarded 7,000 ships and 3,000 aircraft left for the French beaches. In all, over 425,000 allied and German troops died in the battle of Normandy. But until we hear the story of the brothers on the rooftop looking at the devastation and hearing their story, our hearts are not moved in the same way. Quoting John E.: “How much more so when it comes to the deep truths of our faith. God loves you; you matter to him. Th at is a fact stated as a proposition. I’ll bet most of you have heard it a number of times. Why then aren’t we the happiest people on earth? It hasn’t reached our hearts! Facts stay lodged in the mind, but when you tell a story you speak to the heart. And that’s why when Jesus comes to town, He speaks in a way that will get past all our intellectual defenses and disarm our hearts. ~ Anna Martin, Connections Contributing Editor

Put all ingredients in a mixing bowl and beat until just combined. Line cupcake tin with 16-18 liners and por-tion out the batter. (I use an ice cream scoop to make sure they are all uniform).

Crumb topping: 1/4 cup sugar 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup fl our 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 1/4 cup pecans 1/4 cup butter (softened) Mix all ingredients together and sprinkle crumbs on top of the portioned-out batter. Bake at 350º for about 17 minutes. If you insert a toothpick, and it comes out clean, they are done!

Apple Butter Muffins

Baked by Rebecca Beam for the Mother-Daughter Brunch

Preheat oven to 350º.

Batter: 1/2 cup melted butter 1 egg 1 1/2 cup fl our 1 teaspoon baking soda 3/4 cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 cup apple butter 1 teaspoon vanilla

Conestoga Connections • 5

Jr. Youth Activities

On Friday, June 19, the Jr. Youth enjoyed an exiting and competitive Frisbee Disc Golf at the Angelica Park disc course on Route 10. Of course, the campfire with s’mores afterwards was just as much fun!

COMING UP: Annual Jr Youth Spiritual Life Retreat at the mountains will be Wednesday- Friday, July 22-24.

StoltzfusFamily toGrandCanyon

Ask Rod, Heidi, Mason, Natalie, and Luke about their recent family trip out west.

Conestoga Happenings . . .

Men from New Person Ministries sharing testimonies.

Andy and Dot Leatherman enjoyed a two-week trip to see their daughter’s family in Colorado in June, and here in this photo they are pictured with their two grandchildren who traveled with them on the way home. They especially

enjoyed sightseeing in South Dakota. Dot commented, “Yes, grandchildren are wonderful!!”

Conestoga Softball Team Schedule in July:

• Tuesday, July 7 - Conestoga vs. Gehman Mennointe at Bowmansville at 8:15 p.m.

• Tuesday, July 14 - Conestoga vs. Grace Fellowship at West Nantmeal

• Tuesday, July 21 - Conestoga vs. New Holland Nazarene at West Nantmeal

• Tuesday, July 28 - Conestoga vs. Twin Valley at West Nantmeal

Softball Playoffs will be held August 3-8.

~ ‘Th e Value of You’ class for women will begin its’ third year in September. Th e class (pictured above) has grown to over 30 women coming from all walks of life, many from the community and some from our own fellowship. Th is class ministers to the non-believer and to the believer. It breaks from the Christmas holidays through February and during the summer. Th e ladies this year, however, wanted to meet each month in the summer for a picnic gathering and a sunset watch. In June, about half of the class was able to meet and a wonderful, fun time was enjoyed by all!! A new book, What Happened to my Life? will be studied with a 40-day spiritual journey which re-evaluates our busy lives and the time we need to shift for consistent Biblical focus. Th e class, taught by Jill Waters, will resume on Tuesday evening, September 15.

~ Still Waters Counseling Ministries was selected by Atlantic Coast Conference as a grant recipient of the Nickels for Neighbors for 2015.

~ Still Waters is starting to accept donations for their next fundraiser on Saturday, October 10, held at the church. Items may include quilts, antiques (furniture and such), artwork, etc. If interested, there is a sign-up sheet located in the lobby. Th e donated items will be silently auctioned. Along with the auction, the eve-ning’s activities will include a concert given by the Chester County Chorale Society with a dessert recep-tion following. Save the date! For additional informa-tion, please contact Sam or Jill Waters.

Still Waters Counseling Ministries

6 • Conestoga Connections

Conestoga Connections • 7

Lyle Essick’s hobbies include building and fl y-ing remote-controlled helicopters. Some morn-ings you can catch him fl ying at West Natmeal Park. Lyle always had a love for 1964 1/2 thru 1970 Mustangs. Since retiring in 2008, he has devoted time to this hobby of restoring cars. Th e 1969 Boss 429 pictured on the right has been re-stored, and he has had fun showing the car. Two more are awaiting paint in the shop and the other mustangs are still in the barn waiting their turn.

Senior Connections

enjoyed a pleasant picnic at Poole

Forge on Thursday, June 11. Our next

meeting is on Thursday, July 9,

when we will meet in Conestoga’s

fellowship hall for a homecooked meal

followed by musical entertainment by

the Emery brothers.

Meet Lyle Essickof Pottstown, Pa.

Lyle is married to Tina and they are the parents of one daughter and two sons . . .

plus grandparents of a granddaughter!Lyle has been a long-time trustee atConestoga and is board chair of the

Morgantown ReUzit Shoppe, a MCC Th rift Shop.

8 • Conestoga Connections

Let the Games Begin!!On, Saturday June 13, nineteen persons gathered for a fun and beautiful evening of fellowship. A large group started with wiffl e ball with team captains Mike Peter-sheim and Dave Johnson. The outfi eld was busy catching balls. Another group participated in Bocce led by Howard and Carol Moss. They enjoyed the challenges of the ter-rain of our church’s back yard. Second round: you could fi nd players choosing croquet under Gary Stoltzfus’ rules and layout (it seems each family has their own set of rules and layout). Kub was mastered under Dan Mast’s leader-ship. It was fun celebrating with Rosa and Celia Johnson on their 12th birthday. Mike P. had a lovely campfi re go-ing while we roasted marshmallows to end the evening. Thanks for the helping hands in cleanup. ~ Tina Essick