Members and Friends of Austin Mennonite Church I trust you are nourished in your journey of faith. A common heritage of theological belief and witness unites persons who choose to be Mennonites across all boundaries which distinguish us as individuals and members of a specific culture. Today we celebrate the vision and hope we all share because of our mutual commitment to follow the example of Jesus as a way of living in relationship with the divine creator and each other. We proclaim our belief that by embracing the teachings and personal character displayed in the life of Jesus we will be able to live in peaceful harmony with one another. Our knowledge of the circumstances and environments that define the living conditions of members of the Mennonite faith community throughout the world causes us distress and agony. While some persons in our faith community live in relative ease and comfort, others live with desperation and despair. Some of us anticipate joy and refreshment for ourselves and our families, others of us wonder about what sufferings the next moment might bring. How can we be in fellowship when we are so differently distributed? Is there a common attitude that can embrace us all? These thoughts will compose the sermon for this nest Sunday, Mennonite World Fellowship Sunday, 'Persuaded by the force of conscience.' We will celebrate communion during this worship service. May it go well with you. Sincerely, Garland Ro9bertson ...always hold firmly to the thought that each one of us can do something to bring some portion of misery to an end