DownloadFeb. 8 issue
Theater reflections
Mennonite Church of Normal, Illinois
By Doris ShoemakerA benefit concert of music and sharing was held Nov. 6 to support Wayne and Lois Hochstetler, who are now located in London. The proceeds support their world travels as they counsel and support mission workers in the field. Music by different musicians was interspersed with vignettes by Wayne and Lois.
A group of women from MCN who did a readers’ theater titled “The Women of Lockerbie” at the women’s retreat at Camp Friedenswald last fall, repeated it for our congregation on Nov. 8. Donations toward a local pastor and his wife’s adoption expenses were accepted.
The sixth annual Alternative Gifts Fair, held Nov. 15 and 22, featured alternatives to our secular Christmas gift giving through MCC and Alternative Gifts International. More than $10,000 was received.
Janet Wilson, a member of MCN and professor of theater at Illinois State University, shared reflections on a theatrical ritual, which she initiated and directed for incarcerated women by incarcerated women at a state prison, and the impact it made on their lives and her own.
Two MDS trips sponsored by MCN, in which 12 of our members participated, were to Pass Christian, Miss., Nov. 29-Dec. 5, and to New Orleans, La., Dec. 6-12.
The “Longest Night Service” was held Dec 17. This more quiet, somber service focused on the comfort God offers during dark times.
Christmas services this season included a children’s program, titled “What God Wants for Christmas,” on Dec. 13, and a Christmas Eve candlelighting service.
Comment on the article Theater reflections
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 a free PDF showing the populations of
Mennonite groups and other Anabaptists.
