Waynesboro Church of the Brethren Newsletter
September 25, 2016
Pastor's Pen
This week we will focus our attention on Revelation Chapter 2 on the city of Smyrna. The church in Smyrna was about 35 miles northwest of Ephesus. Smyrna was a newer church than Ephesus and their attention was a bit different than the other churches in Asia Minor. The church in Smyrna had to endure persecution. The city was more aligned to Rome than Ephesus and this blind patriotism caused the Smyrnans to see the Christian church in the city as a threat. In turn, members of the church were imprisoned, tortured, and killed. Jesus comforts them in verse 9 saying, “I know your afflictions and your poverty - yet you are rich!” Jesus certainly knew pain and persecution to the point of dying on the cross. The Lord is very pleased with the church in Smyrna because they have put their faith on the line. They will die for Jesus if necessary because Jesus died for them. There are many places in the world today like Smyrna. Places where the name of Jesus cannot be spoken. We generally don’t like to talk or think about it but we have brothers and sisters in Christ today who are paying a huge price for their faith in Jesus. Can we dare to put ourselves in their place? Jesus is pleased with the faith of the Smyrnans. In fact, He promised in verse 10 that He will, “give them life as a victor’s crown.” We should remember in prayerful admiration those in our faith who suffer for the cause of Jesus and we should also be thankful to early Christians like the Smyrnans for their enduring faith in the face of so much pain. As Christians in 2016, we certainly stand on the shoulders of giants.
-Pastor John
-Pastor John
Those serving you TodayDelivering the Message:
Pastor John Worship Leader: Mark Divelbiss Sunday School Greeter: Cindy Eaton Worship Greeters: Harold & June Mumma Crib Nursery– Church Hour: J. Bittinger, B. Hoffman Acolyte: Brian Angle Sound Technician: Chris Cox Choir Director: Patti Divelbiss Organist: Janet Smedley 
An acolyte sign-up sheet is available in the lobby next to the card ministry. We are looking for acolytes for January through May 2017.
SEPTEMBER 3 - Terry Flegel
5 - Brian Angle 10 - Josh Bittinger 12 - Marty Angle 12 - Lakota Harnish 15 - Jackie Ridge 22 - Bob Koziel 22 - Yvonne Long 26 - Wendy Weber 27 - Hannah Bittinger 27 - Al Guyer 28 - Jack Bragunier 28 - Evelyn Hovis The Nurture team wants to begin offering childcare during worship services again beginning Sept. 4, 2016. We need volunteers in order to accomplish this; we must have two people every Sunday. Please contact Kim Miles or other Nurture team members so that we can establish a schedule for the fall. Thank you for considering giving of your time in this way.
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
During the entire month of July, the Nurture Team will be collecting items for children age 2-14 years for Operation Christmas Child. There is a list of suggested item ideas on the table at the back of the Church sanctuary. Please note one correction: DO NOT INCLUDE GUM AND CANDY. Please place all items on those tables. If you would like to provide a monetary donation, it can be placed in the offering plate designated “Operation Christmas Child” on the memo line. Thanks for your support!!
Please remember our SHUT-INS & OTHERS with special needs: Audrey Eshleman, Norma Biser, Al Guyer, Marian Hartman, Earl Hovis, Mildred Hull, Lillian Ridenour
CAMP EDER SENIOR DAY
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OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS
4 - Tammy Rebuck
6 - Savannah James 6 - Mary Messler 7 - Nancy Gift 8 - Ronald Rebuck 9 - Christopher Hensley 12 - June Mumma 17 - Dot Luty 19 - Carolyn Wolff 20 - Max Creager 20 - Ann Miller 23 - Kevin Behnke 24 - Zachariah Bittinger 26 - David Hockenberry 26 - Betty Kauffman 29 - Bing Fleagle 31 - Brody Bittinger WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY STARTING THIS FALL
What if you could find a new starting point for your family? Welcome to Starting Point - an eight session group discussion about faith. Whether you’re new faith, curious about God, or coming back to church after some time away, it’s a place where your opinions and beliefs are valued and no question is off limits.
This will be held on Monday evenings from 6:30-8:00 p.m. starting September 12th thru October 31st in the Joyful Seekers room on the second floor of the church. This study is a “conversation about faith” and will include a 20 minute film and personal conversation guide taught by Andy Stanley. Coordinators for this class will be Sandy Koziel and Marty Angle. They invite you to attend a sign-up session in the Fidelis classroom Sunday, August 28th. Those who cannot attend but are interested please contact Sandy Koziel at 762-7369. Come as you are and build relationships with others as you discover your starting point. 
There will be a Men’s Bible Study beginning Thursday, August 18th from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the upstairs Sunday School room. Pastor John will lead these Bible studies with help from Bill Smith. Out topic of study will be the 12 Disciples and what their ministry says to us today. PRAYER LIST:Fran Fleagle, Devona Snowberger, Jackie Ridge, Steve Naugle, Ginny Stover, Bonnie Royer, Heidi Stahl, Joseph Florence, Louise Mentzer McLucas, Tom Dunbar, Richard Melby, Scott Vance, Dee McCleaf, Erin Greenawalt, Sarah Foose, Wanda Brown, Gail Schmeisser, Henri & Lori, Judy Milkie, Joy Shatzer, Lindsey Hoover, Trudy Stum
DEACON
HOSPITAL VISITATION SEPTEMBER Tuesday: Arlene Kipe Friday: Ron & Carolyn Wolff UNDERSHEPHERD
VISITATION SEPTEMBER Carolyn Carson, Susan McBride Charlotte Malcolm Upcoming EventsSEPTEMBER:
M /26: Studio Club Art Class - 12:30-4:00 p.m. M /26: Children’s Theater Troupe-6:15 p.m. M /26: Women’s Bible Study - 6:30-8:00 p.m. W /28: Senior Citizen Day @ Camp Eder W /28: Choir - 6:45 p.m. TH/29: TOPS - 8:15-10:00 a.m. TH/29: Children’s Theater Troupe - 6:15 p.m. TH/29: Men’s Bible Study - 7:00-8:30 p.m. OCTOBER: SA/ 1: TOPS Yard Sale - church parking lot - 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. SU/ 2: Communion M / 3: Studio Club Art Class - 12:30-4:00 p.m. M / 3: Children’s Theater Troupe- - 6:15 p.m. M / 3: Women’s Bible Study - 6:30-8:00 p.m. TU/ 4: Nurture Team - 6:45 p.m. W / 5: Choir - 6:45 p.m. TH/ 6: TOPS - 8:15-10:00 a.m. TH/ 6: Children’s Theater Troupe- - 6:15 p.ml TH/ 6: Men’s Bible Study - 7:00-8:30 p.m. SA/ 8: Men’s Prayer Breakfast - Parlor House - 8:00 a.m. SA/ 8: Women’s Fellowship - Parlor House - 8:00 a.m. REMINDER: Family portraits will be taken by Life Touch Photography on October 20th, 21st, and 22nd. Don’t forget to make your appointment with Sandy Koziel or Susan McBride. They will be in the lobby following worship on September 25th and October 2nd.
FYI: The All-Church Picnic was attended and enjoyed by 72 people on a beautiful Sunday evening.
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