Oct. 19, 2009 issue
Anointing, discipleship
Peace Mennonite Community Church, Aurora, Colo.
By William T. McConnellMany people in the congregation have been carrying burdens of one sort or another for a long time, which prompted an anointing service on Aug. 18, based on the exhortation in James 5:13-15. This was a welcome time of prayer, praise and anointing by the elders.
We enjoyed the best attendance in recent years at the church’s annual retreat, held over Labor Day weekend at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp near Divide. Beth McConnell led a worship service on the theme, “Hearing God in His Creation,” that gave context to the nature hikes, games and porch conversations. Several people shared about significant times of reflection and communion with God that experiences in nature evoke.
A congregational meeting confirmed the church’s participation in the Corinthian Plan, extended use of our building to the Lighthouse Church for a year, and reported on the work of the Pastoral Search Committee.
A men’s discipleship group began to meet weekly, under the leadership of Paul Johnson and our transition pastor, Pat Hobin. Pastor Hobin brings his long experience in leading small groups, and Johnson, who is on the board of Mennonite Education Agency, adds the expertise of his education background. This group of men serious about “content and accountability” is grateful for their initiative to restart this important ministry.
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