May 2, 2008                                                     No. 18

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"Where are we going?

How are we going to get there?" 

            Last Fall an assessment team was formed and after many hours of work they (Karen Stutzman, Annette Balis, Mayur Shah, Neva Danner, and Vern Oswald) put-together, distributed, collected, compiled, and processed our 2007 Aurora Mennonite Church Pastoral and Congregational Assessments.  The past month and a half, the pastor/elder team and church board have also been processing and discerning this assessment that many of you contributed to.

            So-- Where are we going?  How are we going to get there?  In John 15:4-5 (pew Bible page 764), Jesus says, "Remain in me and you will bear fruit."  As we remain faithful to following Jesus in real and relevant relationship-- we have a great start!

            Listen this morning as I review several strengths that were noticed in the assessment process.  What are some our growth areas?  What can we focus on now?  What are some goals/ideas for later?

            For us to go where we sense God is leading us-- we need you.  Our task is a shared task.  Jesus says, "Peace I give you.  Do not be afraid." (John 14:27, pew Bible page 764)  I like that. 

                                                 Pastor Jess Engle

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U May 4, 2008  U

9:30-10:15 a.m. Sunday Christian Education

Sunday School for 2-18 years old – Downstairs (Rooms are marked)

Adult Study Uniform Series (Library) – Bob Stutzman

Women’s Adult “Captivating” – Downstairs (Youth Room)

Men’s Adult “Wild at Heart” - Downstairs

10:15-10:30 a.m. Coffee/Fellowship/Welcoming

 U Worship Service  U

10:30 a.m.       Opening:  Joe Boardwine, Elder

                       Announcements:  (If you have prayer requests, please

                              write down on the yellow sheet (in the pew) provided

                              and put in the offering plate or see Jim Schwartz.)

                       Children’s Story:  Pastor Naomi Engle

                       Offering 

                       Worship in Song:  Curtis Marazzi, Leader

                       Congregational Prayer:  Jim Schwartz 

                       Scripture Reading:  Rich and Annette Balis

                                    John 15:4-5 (Pew Bible page 764)

                       Message:  Pastor Jess Engle

                       Communion:  All who believe in Jesus are welcome to take communion.  As you receive the bread and cup representing Christ’s broken body and shed blood for us, may you be filled with hope and courage.

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ILLUMINATING THOUGHTS by N.W.Y.           I

How is your vision?  Hopefully everyone can see well.  However, there are times when our vision can become limited due to many factors.  It usually takes corrective eyeglasses or surgery to correct this problem.

            Spiritual blinders, too, can damage our vision in seeing Jesus, our Lord.  We need a clear vision of Him in our lives.  It is easy to turn our eyes inwardly, just thinking of ourselves only, or to other things that may lead us away from Jesus.  Psalms 119:18 says, “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law (or scriptures).”

            “Open the eyes of my heart, Lord.

            I want to see you

            See you high and lifted up,

            Pour out your power and love,

I want to see you”

AMC news. . .  

Please be in prayer for Joe Creque.  Joe is going to Bolivia, South America May 5-21 for his cross-cultural requirement for Bluffton University.  Joe says, "While there, we will visit with MCC workers and groups to see what they are doing in Bolivia. We will also be stopping in at a German-speaking Mennonite colony and helping out an orphanage in different ways."    

Thanks to all who volunteered their time for the AMC workday this past Saturday.  You are very much appreciated!

FOR YOUR INFORMATION:  The Nursery is designed for pre-school age children and babies.  Pre-schoolers are invited to be in the nursery following the music until the end of the service.  Adult supervision will be available during these times.  Adult volunteers are needed for June 8, 22, and July 6.  Please see Karen or Lela Stutzman to volunteer.

Please invite your family and friends to our 3^rd community dinner on May 9, from 5:30-7:30.  The meal will include spaghetti, and Mike Staples famous meatballs, all you can eat salad bar, homemade pie, and beverage for $8.50 for adults and $4.50 for children 4-11.  Please see Mike Staples to volunteer.

ATTENTION LADIES:  Please join us Thursday, at 9:30 AM for the monthly meeting of the M(ennonite) W(omen) S(erving) O(thers) ladies group.  This group of wonderful ladies get together to do service projects, quilt, fellowship and pray.  If you would like more information please see Jane Oswald.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK to 6-Sylvester Mayes, 8-Carl Spaeth, 10-Verda Troyer, and a HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to 8- Bob & Cindy Bucholz.