April 2015 - Clover Sites

& GROUPSWomen’s Book ClubMonday, May 4The women’s book club will meet on Monday,May 4 at 6:30 p.m. at Grantham Church in theparlor (Room A4). If you have questions or wantto know what book is going to be discussed,please contact Shirley Groff, groff@messiah.eduor 717-697-8678. All women are welcome.Grantham Women’s ClubMonday, May 11Ladies, you are invited to join the GranthamWomen’s Club in hearing a Recorder Consortgroup led by Messiah College professorRon Miller. It will be held here at GranthamChurch on Monday, May 11, 2015, beginningat 7:00 p.m. Men are also welcome to attend.Pre-Congregational Council –Sunday, May 31Join us at 6:00 p.m. in the sanctuary on Sunday,May 31 for a Pre-Congregational Council meetingwhere we will discuss any questions with theCongregational Council Packet.2015 Congregational CouncilMeeting – Tuesday, June 9The 2015 Congregational Council will meet onTuesday, June 9 at 7:00 p.m. in the FellowshipHall. This is our annual business meeting where wewill be celebrating what God has accomplished inand through our congregation within the last year,as well as, look forward to where God would likeus to move within the next year. CongregationalCouncil packets will be distributed in May, butmark your calendars now and plan to attend.How Can I Help?Grantham BIC Church believes it is importantto give back to our community. Therefore,the Missions, Peace, and Service Commissionprovides a number of on-going ways that you canbe involved with supporting our local communitythrough material resources.1. New Hope Ministries is a Christian social serviceagency that shows the love and hope of Christby serving our neighbors in times of need andsupporting their efforts towards stability. Weprovide a variety of assistance and services in theDillsburg, Dover, Hanover, Mechanicsburg, andWest Shore areas of Pennsylvania. New Hope Ministries is currently in need of thefollowing items for their food bank: CannedVegetables, Canned Fruit , Canned Meat, BoxedPasta Meals, Spaghetti Sauce, Peanut Butter, Jelly,and Shampoo.2. Harrisburg BIC Church Food Pantry: HarrisburgBIC Church has a food pantry which it opensto the community twice a month. Food is alwaysappreciated and warm clothing is welcomedduring the winter months.3. Mennonite Central Committee (MCC):We are also now collecting items for health,newborn care and school kits for MennoniteCentral Committee. These kits are distributed topeople in need in many parts of the world.As you think about it while you’re shopping forschool and health supplies for your family or fora new baby in the community, consider adding afew items to contribute to someone in need.A list of requested items can be found on topof the donation bin.Donations for all projects can be dropped off anytimein the marked bins under the coat rack by the library.Connections A Grantham Church Publication April 2015 page 7

PHelp Support MCClan now to attend the annual PA Relief Saleon Friday, April 17 and Saturday, April 18at the Weis Expo Hall, Pennsylvania FarmShow Complex in Harrisburg, PA. Bid on exquisitehandmade quilts, purchase artisan crafts, buy plantsto put into soil when spring arrives, eat deliciousregional and international food, drink GranthamGrounds coffee (fair-trade from MechanicsburgTen Thousand Villages store), enjoy children’sactivities and have fun seeing old friends andmaking new ones.The first PA Relief Sale began in 1957 becauseof one person’s conviction that something shouldbe done for relief needs. From the very beginning,proceeds have benefitted Mennonite CentralCommittee (MCC). Last year the PA Relief Saledonated 478,000 to MCC. In total, since 1957,the sale has raised more than 12 million, all ofwhich has been used to help people throughout theworld with relief, development, and peace in thename of Christ.Prior to the relief sale weekend, visit the web siteat pareliefsale.org to learn more. A completeschedule of events is listed, as well as, the galleryof more than 350 handmade quilts, wall hangingsand comforters available at this year’s sale. Watch abehind-the-scenes video to learn more about how theworks of art are crafted each year by numerous artistand needle workers.The web site has information about the fundraisersaffiliated with the sale. The Philly Festival, PennyPower, Voices of Hope, and Heifer Sale areimportant contributors to the money that the PARelief Sale gives to MCC each year.page 8 Connections A Grantham Church Publication April 2015The 4th Annual Philadelphia Festival and Auctionwas held on Saturday, October 25, 2014 at WestPhiladelphia Mennonite Fellowship. The festivalplanning committee is comprised of volunteermembers of Philadelphia-area Anabaptist churches.Our own Cynthia Cassel (daughter of Wayne andRuth Cassel) has been instrumental in the success ofthis festival. At that sale, they raised 24,500.Last year’s PA Relief Sale’s Penny Power—intergenerational effort of collecting coinsthroughout the year to funds for MCC—raised 153,857.21. Our congregation contributed 2,367.34. Collection containers are now locatedat the Welcome Centers and an offering will becollected on Sunday, April 12. The Penny Powername is changing to My Coins Count (MCC) torecognize that all coins (and paper money) arewelcome. For this year, the Stabler Foundationis giving a matching gift of 50,000 to the PennyPower project.Voices of Hope is a winter opera held in the FultonOpera House in downtown Lancaster, PA. Theconcert held in January of 2015 to a sell-out houseincluded six world-class opera singers, a groupof child actors, and the Lancaster Bible CollegeChamber Singers. At the end of the concert eachyear, the audience gives a choral gift to the operasingers. They “raise the roof” singing, “Praise Godfrom Whom All Blessings Flow.” This year, Voicesof Hope raised 46,741.The Pennsylvania Heifer Sale was held onMarch 18, 2015 at the New Holland LivestockStables. More than 42 cattle were donated, andsold. The sale netted 67,765. The stables providedveterinarian examinations, tests, vaccinations, etc.Hope to see you at the PA Relief Sale on April 17and 18. The event is totally staffed by volunteers soany help given is greatly appreciated. Please visitpareliefsale.org or email info@pareliefsale.org formore information.

Upcoming Sermon SeriesLiving The Dream:The Joseph StoriesThe patriarch Joseph was one of the most admired persons in the Bible and for goodreason. The story of Joseph begins with his childhood dream that he will be a powerfulruler, and the rest is the fulfillment of that dream. Joseph’s story is a rich resource forliving a godly life and will help us to fulfill our dreams in a manner that is pleasing to God.April 12Genesis 41:37-57No One As Wise As YouApril 19Peace SundayDan ButtryApril 26Service SundayMay 3Genesis 42We Are Honest MenMay 10Genesis 44What’s in the Bag“Thank you so much for bringing me the churchflowers while I was in the hospital. I am reallyenjoying the plant and hope I will continue toenjoy it for a long time to come.” – Ruth Brubaker“Dear Wednesday Night Prayer Group –We want to extend our gratitude for making it apriority to hear Jesse Rivers share on Wednesday,February 18. You were not obligated to changewhat you already had scheduled for that day, butthe fact that you did gave us a sense of importance and value. Thank you for prayers and financialsupport as well.” – Karen Wilson, Secretary of Abogar Ministries“To my Grantham Church family: Thank you for your many prayers, cards, and words of encouragementwhich have demonstrated God’s love so clearly. The beautiful red and white carnation floral arrangementdelivered to my room in Wagner drew comments for more than three weeks and I enjoyed seeing itfrom my bed. Though I was unable to hang them for others to see, I also delighted in the individuallycrafted cards drawn by the “guys” in Kellye Leitholf’s class. Thank you for the important part you havehad in what will be a long healing process. It will be at least the first part of May before I can startweaning from the heavy Mayo neck brace if all goes well. I thank God for you and for the privilege ofbeing in His family.” - Sandra JamisonConnections A Grantham Church Publication April 2015 page 9

What Up with theFoot Washing?Like me, some of you might not come froma foot washing tradition. Or you never gotinto foot washing although others aroundyou do. I am writing because I’m one of you andyet I’m willingly dabbling because I think God hassomething for us in this practice.In my first year here at Grantham Church, I wascurious about the tradition and so stopped in onfoot washing to see what it was all about. This gaveme a taste but did not convince me to overcome myhesitancy to share my feet. I had to ask myself, whywas this so hard for me? What was I wrestling with?Yes, it’s true my feet are not the most beautiful partof me and certainly no one ever washes them forme. But I do deeply believe that we are to serve onanother and even lay down our lives for each otheras brothers and sisters in Christ. Surely, I shouldbe able to overcome this shyness to demonstratemy commitment to a deeply held faith value. Jesusused this as a demonstration of service so why was Ireluctant? My strong belief to try new expressions ofworship also nagged on me.On my second Maundy Thursday at Grantham I hadtwo of my kids with me and I asked them “Shouldwe go see the foot washing?” They were into it, sowe went and looked into the room standing by thedoor. The singing, hugging, and act of washingimmediately caught their attention. In about 3seconds they realized that this was something activefor us to participate in not just watch. Both of themstarted pulling me into the room by my two handssaying “We want to do that.” Still unsure I moved abit further in and sat down. All the while as I watchedI was thinking about Jesus washing his disciples feetand realizing that I was a lot like Peter saying “Areyou going to wash my feet?”page 10 Connections A Grantham Church Publication April 2015It was at that point the one of the brothersinterrupted my thoughts and said “Otto, may I washyour feet?” With both my kids watching and my ownheart being prodded I responded in the only way Icould. “Sure.” It was a simple enough act but deeplymeaningful. Partly because I felt I was demonstratingobedience even though I had reservations and partlybecause a brother was serving me.I’m still learning about foot washing and I’m notsure if I want to participate every time but I can’tdeny the power of at least trying it. For those of youwho are hesitant like me to participate I’d encourageyou to wrestle with your hesitance and take the stepto try it. Hear what the scripture has to say inJohn 13:12-17 (NRSV)After he (Jesus) had washed theirfeet, had put on his robe, andhad returned to the table, hesaid to them, “Do you knowwhat I have done to you?You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that iswhat I am. So if I, your Lord andTeacher, have washed your feet,you also ought to wash one

another’s feet. For I have setyou an example, that youalso should do as I havedone to you. Very truly, I tellAMWOSD ATORKGyou, servants are not greater thantheir master, nor are messengersgreater than the one who sentthem. If you know these things,you are blessed if you do them.ONG UJesus demonstrated this for us and says we areblessed if we do it. Far be it from me to turn awayfrom the blessing of God. As a side note my kids willbe very blessed. They washed each other’s feet athome at least every day for the next week afterI participated.I don’t want to fence off any corners of my lifefrom the work of the Holy Spirit. Wrestle with it.Pray about it. And maybe give it a try. Otto MonroyGod At Work Among UsEach month we will share a testimony, a story, or a snippetof how God is working within the body of Christ atGrantham Church. We encourage you to read them andjoin us in praising God for the work He continues to do inand amongst us. Below is April’s story.God is at work in the lives of many of our college students! We are especially excited to see our seniorsexploring callings during this time of year. Brittany Wheeland was recently hired by Teach for Americato serve in the inner city of Oklahoma City. Luke Forshey is considering going to Indonesea to teachmiddle school music at a Christian school. Jill Sission is planning to move to Chicago where she will beginher career as a nurse. It’s great to see these young adults and many others seeking God and moving forward.It is a privilege for our church to have been part of their story and watch God at work in our communitythrough them.Connections A Grantham Church Publication April 2015 page 11

Women At The WellRetreat – Being Still,Knowing GodMay 1-3, 2015Kenbrook Bible CampKEYNOTE SPEAKERS:Rev. Lynda Gephart is the Pastor of CongregationalLife at Harrisburg BIC and has been on staff since2005. Lynda also served as a pastor at GranthamBIC Church and at Carlisle BIC Church. She andher husband Craig have two sons.Rev. Tracie Hunter of Western Hills BIC(Cincinnati,Ohio) is the first African-Americanwoman to serve as the senior pastor of a BICchurch in North America. A licensed attorney, shealso worked as a journalist/broadcaster at a Gospelradio station.Rev. Esther Spurrier has spent more than 20 yearsin missionary service in Zambia with her husbandJohn. She is a licensed minister with the Brethrenin Christ Church. She currently spends most of heryear in Dillsburg, PA, caring for elderly parents.WORKSHOPS: STILLNESS AND KNOWINGGOD THROUGH .Examen and Centering PrayerThis workshop will provide an introduction to twomeditative prayer practices widely used by Christiancontemplatives. Consciousness Examen is a form ofreflective prayer that deepens one’s awareness of theHoly Spirit throughout one’s day. Centering Prayerfacilitates the movement from more active modes ofprayer — verbal, mental or affective prayer — into areceptive prayer of resting in God. Participants willhave the opportunity to practice both prayer formsduring the workshop. Led by Rachel Peterson (Harrisburg,BIC), a graduate and board member of Kairos: School ofSpiritual Formation, based in Lancaster, PA.Lectio DivinaParticipants will explore the origins of Lectio Divina- a deeply reflective and contemplative reading ofscripture that has informed followers of Christ forcenturies. The workshop will offer opportunities topractice Lectio Divina in a quiet setting, a period ofgroup reflection, and resources for incorporatingLectio Divina into both private and corporateworship settings. Led by Kelly Chripczuk a licensed Pastor,Spiritual Director and Writer. (Boiling Springs, PA).Prayer of the ImaginationThis workshop will explore the practice of prayer ofthe imagination, a form of prayer that puts the onewho prays at the center of the stories in the Gospels,engaging characters and using the imagination toachieve deeper connection with Jesus. Led by DesireeWeaver-Spidel Harrisburg BIC, (Harrisburg, PA.)page 12 Connections A Grantham Church Publication April 2015

A Prayer WalkA simple time of seeking God though thesurrounding environment, prayer and movement.Led by Renee Durbin, Morning Hour Chapel BIC (EastBerlin, PA)Sabbath RestsA. Sabbath Principles & Rest (morning) Studythe biblical principles of the Sabbath rest fromcreation to the law to the New Testament anddiscover why God made the Sabbath for people asa blessing to be still and a way to know Him.B. Sabbaths in Your Day & Week (afternoon) Joina roundtable discussion on applying Sabbathprinciples. We will learn from each other howto make room for mini-Sabbaths in our dailyand weekly schedules. We will discuss the idea oflonger sustained sabbaticals. ed by Rev. Pat Oldham, West Shore BICL(Mechanicsburg, PA)Integrating Spirituality and Psychology in PrayerAn understanding of the psychological issues relatedto the growth and development of the self can opennew paths along our spiritual journeys. Along thesepaths, contemplative prayer becomes a place of deephealing for old injuries to the self that may haveinhibited us from fully experiencing God’s grace andlove in the present. Discovering these unconscioushindrances in the safety of contemplative prayer canfree us from old patterns of thinking, feeling, andacting and lead paradoxically to a new surrender ofthe self to God in joy. Led by Gwen White, Psy.D. Circleof Hope Church BIC, (Philadelphia, PA)Library NewsTwo new books in the church library share thetestimonies of women in ministry about earliertimes of depression that led to stays in psychiatrichospitals. ROAD TRIP is by Jessie Seneca, founderof More of Him Ministries and the speaker at thisyear’s women’s retreat at Camp Hebron, whichwas attended by several women from GranthamChurch. God eventually brought her victoriouslythrough struggles caused by Cushing’s syndrome.Another new book, LOVED BACK TO LIFE:HOW I FOUND THE COURAGE TO LIVE FREE,was authored by Sheila Walsh, a well-knownWomen of Faith speaker. Her prayer during a timeof need was, “Lord, please hold me. I’m falling intoa dark well.”Look for these books on the cart of new resourcesnear the entrance to the library. - Edie AsburyFinancial Update as of March 31, 2015 Giving through the first 30 weeks of the fiscalyear is behind of the planned budget for thefiscal year, details can be found below.Current Budgeted Income(September 1, 2014 thru August 31, 2015)Registration Fee: 75.00Registration Deadline: April 15To register or for more information, pleasevisit www.bic-church.org/women/news.asp. 712,848*Contributions and other Receiptsas of March 31, 2015 389,905 322,943Difference* Note that the current budgeted income in this report does notinclude the Youth Auction of Gift Card programs.Remaining weeks of Giving: 22 Average Receipts requiredper week to make budget 14,680 Current Average 12,997Based on historical giving trends over the last4 years, 39% of the total giving for the fiscal year willbe received after week producing an expected totalgiving for the current year below the budgeted level.Connections A Grantham Church Publication April 2015 page 13

An Invitation toPENNSYLVANIA 2015July 21-26, 2015 Farm Show Complex, Harrisburgby Harriet BickslerIwas blessed to

GRANTHAM CHURCH 421 Grantham Road Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 Phone: (717) 766-0531 Email: office@granthamchurch.org www.granthamchurch.org Grantham Church Connections A Grantham Church Publication April 2015 page 3 So, we wash feet because Jesus asked us to. Two other reasons are to demonstrate our humble service and for cleansing.