June 15, 2009 issue
Inspired by God’s Earth
Arvada (Colo.) Mennonite Church
By Carole SudermanOur church retreat, which was planned for April 18-19 at YMCA Camp of the Rockies in Winter Park, was canceled due to a spring snowstorm.
Merv Dick, our theologian in residence, has been leading a Sunday school series on beliefs about the atonement. He has presented four different theories, along with their histories, and then we have been asking questions and discussing each one. The most recent one centered around the theory put forth by J. Denny Weaver. We have discussed how we are enriched by the diversity of thought in various arenas — the churches we were brought up in, books we have read, conversations with people of other faiths or denominations, reading the Bible, and our current learning from our pastor and each other as we pray and process together.
On April 26, Pastor Perry Ferris led us in a service inspired by God’s Earth. We shared in a litany of commitment to ecologically sound principles, a simpler lifestyle, proper nourishment of our bodies and souls and sharing our wealth with the world’s poor.
Nancy Gelbhous has coordinated getting the children more involved in worship. They have presented Scripture as a choral reading, done short plays, and shared singing, accompanying themselves with xylophone, African drums and piano.
Comment on the article Inspired by God’s Earth
The purpose of comments is to engage in dialogue. We expect commenters to treat authors and each other as each would want to be treated. Respectful criticism is welcomed; offensive comments or parts of comments will be removed by the site administrator. Name and comment will be posted; email address is for follow-up only and will not be made public.
Download
Download a free PDF showing the populations of
Mennonite groups and other Anabaptists.
