[amc] a note from the pastor

Sometimes, after investigating some damaged or distressed object, we discover that it is not within our capacity to repair the item.  No matter how much thought and research we devote to find a way to preserve the item, eventually we are forced to conclude that disposing of the object is the only option open to us.  Thereafter we might begin to contemplate how a replacement might be devised that would function more effectively and efficiently than the former item.  In the lessons we read for today, we hear a tender, compassionate pronouncement that when Jesus encounters something wore down or broken, he does not even consider revising and/or replacing it.  Jesus possesses the holy capacity to see into the depths of a person or a circumstance and validate the worth that resides there.  Rather than abandoning the world because it has some deficiency or perversion, he is working to bring it back to its intended glory.  Truly, he is the servant of the great creator God.

Please pass the hymnals to the aisle after worship.

Sunday, January 9   Contemplative Prayer Group, discussion, prayer.  1-2:30p, Austin Mennonite Church.

Church Survey  The Pastor Search Committee urges you to complete the survey before or on Sunday, January 16.  The survey is in paper format at the church or online: http://steveandpat.name/survey/index.php?sid=45914&lang=en.   Your response will be helpful in the process in motion to select a new pastor for our community. Please see Dan Thiessen, Dolly Lambdin, Steve Hochstetler, Dixie Yoder, Steve Friesen, or Jared Diener for more information.

Sunday January 16   The Working Group for the National Assembly to Honor Freedom of Conscience will meet at 12:30p at the church.  Lunch will be served.

Thursday, January 20   The Women of the Church will meet at Laura’s home (2708 Silverway Dr), 7p, for conversation and refreshment.  You may bring items—subjects and snacks--to share with the others.

Worship Schedule for January 2011