[amc] AMC Update
- From: Austin Mennonite <austinmennonite@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: Austin Mennonite Church <amc@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Thu, 26 Dec 2013 18:47:17 -0600
Christmas and New Year's greetings to all!
I hope there has been at least one experience over the holidays that has
offered you a glimpse of the Holy One. In the midst of the busyness,
glitter, travel, and economics of the season it is easy to be distracted
away from the deeper life. What was a moment of insight for you during
Advent/Christmas? For me, I was moved by your expressions of generosity
toward those in need. Thank you for being compassionate.
Terri and I continue to be grateful for our journey with the AMC family.
We are thankful for your friendship and love and for your generosity at
Christmas. Thank you for the many ways you share your lives with us and
with each other. It has been nice to have a healthy Christmas season. We
enjoyed a quiet Christmas meal with our son and his girlfriend, played
games, and connected with our extended family through texting, phone calls,
and email photos. Love the technology!
It is my hope that our prayers and actions continue for those who feel
lonely and marginalized during this time of year. May the Holy Spirit give
encouragement and may we find a way to say a kind word and extend a hand.
Our hearts break with the plight of refugees in our world and we yearn for
peace on earth. May we find ways to participate in peacemaking and earth
healing.
Please take time to ponder the questions and information below as we come
to the end of 2013 and move into the 2014 New Year. I invite you to
consider being a member of Austin Mennonite Church in the New Year and to
find ways to participate in the life of the church as we serve Christ,
simply, peacefully, together.
*Preparation for worship on December 29, 2013*
Instead of a sermon on Dec 29 we will be traveling down a more reflective
path as we share with each other our responses to the following statements:
*1.* *In this past year I sensed God’s presence in my life when…*
* 2. **In 2014 I hope for…*
* 3. **As I reflect on the AMC Covenant…*
*a. **I appreciate…*
*b. I have questions about…*
*The Austin Mennonite Church covenant is available at *
http://austinmennonite.org/what-are-mennonites/ or below:
2014AMC.doc<https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B4qRlCxr48cBQTZVWVRKc2Q5Wms/edit?usp=drive_web>
Then, during the January 5, 2014 worship service, those who are in
significant agreement with the AMC Covenant are invited to sign the
covenant. Signing the AMC Covenant makes one a member of Austin Mennonite
Church until the next annual covenant signing.
*********************************************
*Sharing of Joys and Concerns from Sunday, Dec 22*
- Peggy - This weekend she enjoyed hosting her 3 God children (Maria,
Rosa, Jose) from Houston. Their mother is not feeling well.
- Peggy - please continue to pray for George as another treatment option
door has closed.
- Lee - the young mom from the Women's Shelter expressed deep gratitude
for the outpouring of gifts from AMC that help her set up house with her 2
children (and a baby due in January). Thank you AMC! We are exploring
whether there are ongoing needs.
- Ann - pray for refugees in the world.
- Alberto - lost his job a week ago as the company moved to another
region.
- Dixie - praying for safe travels for everyone traveling over the
holidays. She is looking forward to a visit from her sister and her
husband and their children.
*******************************************************
*Calendar*
*Jan 1, WED, **2pm** – *Leadership Board meeting.
*Jan 2, THU, 7am – *Men’s Breakfast at Kerby Lane Restaurant, 4301 West
William Canyon Drive, SW Austin.* (It’s a change!)*
*Jan 5, 2014**, Sunday* – communion, covenant signing, potluck,
congregational meeting on AMC vision.
*Jan 7, TUE, **6:30pm* – Facilities Committee meets at AMC with
permaculture design person, Aiden Kriese, who has developed some
recommendations for 5801 Westminster.
*Jan 12, SUN, 1-2:30pm - *Contemplative Prayer
*Jan 12, **SUN**, after worship* – Worship Committee
*Jan 16, THU, **7pm* – Women’s Group
*Jan 19, **SUN**, after worship* – Young Adult Lunch.
Peace,
*Lee Lever, Pastor*
*Austin Mennonite Church*
AustinMennonite.org
[image: Inline image 1][image: Inline image 2]
Other related posts:
