Nov. 9, 2009 issue
Communion and community
Hyattsville (Md.) Mennonite Church
By Peter GoeringOn Sept. 27, we welcomed back Pastor Cindy Lapp from her three-month sabbatical. She thanked the congregation for this gift and shared that the sabbatical gave her the opportunity to reconnect with her family and with God.
On Sept. 27 a commissioning service was held to recognize members of the Washington, D.C., Mennonite Voluntary Service unit: Tim Prendergast, Emily Derstine, Kate Lichti, Charles Bontrager, Ben Ruth and Heather Cotignola.
On Sept. 20 Annabeth Roeschley, who recently completed a two-year Mennonite Voluntary Service assignment in Washington, D.C., presented her reflections on community and communion. Her sermon can be found on the church Web site.
World Communion Sunday was celebrated on Oct. 4. Cindy Lapp shared from her sabbatical experience of worshiping in area churches that represent a wide diversity of worship styles. She reflected on how she was fed spiritually through the many varied and meaningful celebrations of communion.
On Oct. 11 the congregation was awash in a sea of pink shirts, scarves and ribbons to celebrate the unity, joy and possibilities for the Mennonite church. We sang a new hymn, “As Long as Our Table,” with text and tune composed by associate pastor Adam Tice.
A steady rain for three days did not detract from a weekend of fun, music, worship and fellowship as the congregation gathered for our annual retreat Oct. 16-18 at Shepherd’s Spring Center near Sharpsburg. On Saturday, Eva Beidler, an artist in our congregation, led an intergenerational activity of mask making, a creative and powerful art form. Skits and music filled Saturday evening with hearty laughter and enthusiasm during the annual “Hidden Talent Show.” During Sunday worship, members shared personal reflections on the meaning of the mask-making experience.
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