[amc] a note from the pastor

Reconciliation is the foundational purpose for the witness of divine truth.  Reconciliation renews relationships that have been disrupted by injustices such as oppression, bitterness, anger, resentment, hatred, selfishness, prejudice, cruelty as well as inaccurate interpretations of the attitudes and actions of others.  Living in community generates a multitude of occasions in which these kinds of consequences will occur to disrupt relationship.  Sometimes spontaneous emotional outbursts will cause injury and pain for others.  Even innocent responses to another person’s comments or behaviors can sometimes be misunderstood and perceived to be an unkindness or insensitive gesture.  Add to these inevitabilities the issues associated with culture and language that may further complicate the process of communication.  Occasionally what one person intends to express with a word or phrase can be understood by someone else to have a totally different meaning.  And include in this mixture the influence of the mannerisms by which communication is practiced that produce their own perceived meanings.  The opportunity for miscommunication—missing the truth—is unavoidable.  Therefore, keeping the pathway to reconciliation continuously open and easily navigated is essential to preserve the benefits and blessings of community.

The passages we will consider next Sunday are Genesis 32:22-31; Luke 18:1-8; and 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5.  Thoughts prompted by these scriptures will compose the sermon, 'Reestablishing communion.'

The announcements and worship schedule for the remaining Sundays in October follow below.

May it go well with you.  Sincerely,
Garland robertson

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Please pass the hymnals to the aisle after worship.

Sunday, October 17   The Working Group for the National Assembly to Honor Freedom of Conscience will meet at 4p, at Schlotzsky's on S Lamar, to critique recent assembly events.  We will share a meal and discuss the concert and assembly program.

Thursday, October 21  The Women of the Church will gather at Laura’s home, 2708 Silverway Drive, at 7p.  Please bring snacks to enjoy with the conversations.

Sunday, October 31, is Mennonite Heritage Sunday.   During our worship service we will hear testimonies of memories and experiences cherished by persons in our community.  Please consider sharing one of your stories with us.      

Sunday, November 7  Daylight Savings Time Ends  Set your clocks back one hour before Sunday morning.

Saturday, November 13, 9 am - 4 pm. The 21st Annual Texas Mennonite Sale & Auction for World Relief will be held in Houston, TX at the Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 7901 Westview Dr, 77055.  Festivities include the collection of pennies, a bake sale, a craft sale, Ten Thousand Villages tent, a Silent Auction, and the big auction where dozens of quilts, woodworking items, and special Mennonite Central Committee projects will be sold to raise funds for MCC.  For more information visit www.texasreliefsale.org.

Several people from AMC are sewing tortilla warmers to sell in the craft sale.  Others will be making baked goods to send along.  If you are interested in attending the relief sale, volunteering to work, or donating items to the sale, contact Steve or Pat Hochstetler, srh2pjh@xxxxxxxxx or call 989-1321.

Worship Schedule, October 2010