Announcements for the Congregation

The Board – Our Governance

Board Member Affirmation: Thank you to all who prayerfully considered and participated in the selection process for our new congregational representative for the Board. It is affirmed that Dave Kieper will serve as our representative for a new term beginning in January.

Spiritual Gifts Discernment Commission - We are pleased to announce that Yvonne Buller has been affirmed by the congregation to join this commission.

WORSHIP – Relating to God

November 29, 2009  - Advent Begins!

“Bursting In – Breaking Out”

            The theme of this year’s Advent season challenges us to view the cosmic reality of God in the midst of the chaos in our every day lives. How does God’s light and influence burst into the midst of our economic chaos? The chaos in our personal lives? The chaos of international terrorism, wars, and natural disasters?

            In a sense, chaos will strike our Advent Sunday services as well. You will not recognize the order of service, things will be different, songs will be sung in unfamiliar places in our worship and we know many will not be comfortable with this chaos. But if we pay attention and focus on worship instead of the chaos – you will find God’s light breaking out and bursting into the service. If we can learn to do that in a worship service, can we take that into the world as well?

            The theme song we will use at the beginning of each Advent service is “I Will Trust in You.” Written by Brian Suderman, this melodic ballad reminds us of the chaos in the world and our need to trust in God. We will also use the song “Great is He” to end each service – a joyful expression of hope and excitement for the season events ahead.

Be sure to get into the sanctuary early because many pre-service activities will include singing seasonal favorite songs.

            Be prepared.

            Planners for the advent season are:  Anika Baumgartner, Stefan Baumgartner, Ron Guengerich, Jan Holsopple, Janice Troyer, and Mike Yoder.

Christmas Eve:

DISCIPLING – Strengthening/Encouraging Relationships

New Adult C.E. Classes for Winter: It is time to think about what class to attend this winter. Below are the options that will be provided.  Please read them over and see which class is the best fit for you. Please make a note that The Word Among Us will begin November 29.  All other classes will begin December 6. 

Columbus 2009:

Place:  Room off of the Library

We will be showing the speakers from the time at convention this past summer in Columbus .  There will be speakers from both the adult and youth sessions.  After each speaker there will be a time to discuss what you have heard.

Christ, the Fulfillment 2:               

Place: SW Fellowship Hall

Matthew’s gospel confirms the fulfillment of God’s promise to send the Messiah.  The writer gave other evidence through events and people’s reactions that attest to Jesus as the Christ.  (Matthew)

Christ, the Fulfillment 1:

Place: Room 19                   

Matthew’s gospel confirms the fulfillment of God’s promise to send the Messiah.  Throughout its pages, references are made to Old Testament prophecies that were fulfilled in Jesus.  The writer gave other evidence through events and people’s reactions that attest to Jesus as the Christ.  (Matthew)

The Word Among Us:

Place: NW Fellowship Hall

Come join us on the bridge – the bridge, that is, between the Old and New Testament.  The prophet Malachi and the gospel writers John and Luke guide us across the bridge.  After that, Jesus and the gospel writer John invite us to “come and see.”  (Malachi, Luke, John)  This study studies the same biblical text as the children. 

COMMUNITY LIFE – Relating to Each Other

Alternative Christmas Gift Giving: The Sustainability Forum will have an Alternative Christmas Gift Giving  display set up in the fellowship hall on Sunday, November 8.  We will have resources from a number of organizations with suggestions of charitable gifts to give this holiday season in honor of those on your shopping list who already have everything they need. 

The Sustainability Forum has started a group page online that is available to Silverwood members and friends for discussing green/sustainability topics, share information and green tips, etc. You may post notes saying, for example, you have garden seeds you'd like to swap with someone or that you're looking to borrow a specific tool to avoid a one-time use purchase. Upcoming events will be listed on the group calendar. In lieu of paper handouts at our meetings, printed materials and resource information will be placed in the group files for easy access. NOTE: This is a limited access group—meaning access is not open to everyone using the internet. You may join at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SilverwoodSustainabilityForum/. Once you've joined you will be able to access the entire group page.

Attention Moms!  Do you worry about your children?  Come experience how you can replace your anxiety and fear with peace and hope by praying with other moms.  Moms In Touch International gathers moms together to pray specifically and scripturally for our children and school.  Won’t you join with us in prayer for this next generation?  Gail Shetler leads the moms who pray for the staff and students of Goshen . The GMS group meets Monday mornings at 8:30 at Silverwood .  Please contact Gail if you would like more information at 534-5446 or Don't know if your school has a MIT's group?  For more information about Moms In Touch International and to locate a specific school, visit www.MomsInTouch.org. Mennonite Church Middle School .

OUTREACH – Relating to the World

CANned Food Drive We CAN make a difference! Please bring CANned foods into the lobby every Sunday through the end of November. At the end of the month, Gail Janssen will build a “CANstruction” project with all the CANned goods. The more cans we bring the more creative he CAN be and the bigger difference we will make for those who are hungry in our community! Please note that for this specific food drive we are requesting only CANS. Thank you.

WMs Activities: Silverwood ladies are cordially invited to attend the Women in Mission ’s Christmas Party on December 3 at 7 p.m. at Marie Yoder’s home.  Ruth Guengerich and Colleen Stoltzfus will be planning our program.  We will also take up a special offering for Goshen Ministerial Association’s Emergency Fund.  Please RSVP to Winifred Wall (574-534-1995) for transportation or directions.

Christmas Toy Drive : A free Christmas shopping day for needy families is being organized by College Mennonite Church and will take place on December 12. Silverwood will be collecting gently used toys (puzzles, board games, sports equipment, craft items, dolls, cars, books, movies, video games, bikes, etc.) every Sunday through December 6. Items for ages 9-12 are especially needed. Please leave your gift items on or near the canned food table. If you prefer you may leave items in the Church office. Contacts: Carolyn Hertzler, 533-0657; Carol Grieser, 534-1328; Angie Hochstedler, 533-6870.

ADMINISTRATION – Supporting all areas

The Budget Review Meeting has been changed to Sunday, December 13.  There will be a potluck meal followed by the meeting at 12:30pm. The proposed budget will be in your mailboxes on December 6. We ask that you review the budget prior to the meeting and bring any questions that you may have.

The Mennonite Renewal: Our subscription to The Mennonite is renewing.  If you are interested in joining our group plan—or to continue your subscription—please contact Angi Marshall in the church office, or simply fill out the sheet in your church mailbox and return it to the office no later than November 25. You will begin receiving the 64-page monthly magazine with the 2009 Christmas issue. If at least six people sign up, our cost will be $35 per subscription (a $2 savings).

Severe Weather Protocol for 2009: The time of year has come, in which we think about having to cancel events due to weather. If we need to cancel Sunday morning worship or any other church-related event, we will follow the guidelines listed below:

1. An event will be canceled no later than two hours prior to the start of the event.

2. There will be a church email sent as soon as we make the decision to cancel. PLEASE CHECK THIS FIRST!

3. If you do not have email at home, you will be notified by way of the phone tree.

4. We will also notify WSBT (22), WNDU (16) & PULSE-FM (96.9 & 92.1).

If we are experiencing severe weather, please be sure to check these things before heading to church.