MWR : Can you drink this cup?

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March 22, 2010 issue

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Tags: Congregations

Can you drink this cup?

First Mennonite Church, Iowa City, Iowa

By Margalea Warner

Our congregation undertook a six-week, all-church educational study on how faith impacts relationships.

We heard from congregational members on the topics of relationships and friendships, mentor/mentee relationships, as well as marriage, divorce and in relationships in the workplace.

On Jan. 24 our proclaimer was Jason Moyer on “Keeping the Church Political.” He challenged us to give our allegiance to the Lordship of Jesus. He serves on the board of The Mennonite.

“Worship with our Haitian Neighbors” was our worship focus Jan. 31 as we cried our lament over the earthquake devastation in Haiti. On Feb. 24, we hosted a night of “Celebrating and Remembering Haiti” including Creole songs, stories, an update from Marty Gingerich, who recently returned from Haiti, and experiences of blessing by Lance and Rhonda Miller, former MCC workers in Haiti.

We enjoyed a “love feast” to benefit Southeast Iowa Mennonite Hispanic Ministries. We also welcomed Torre Fuerte (strong tower) Mennonite Church, a Latino fellowship led by Max and Gloria Villatoro, who will share our meeting place on Sunday evenings.

Bill Hochstetler, a member of our congregation who chairs the board of Mennonite Mission Network, shared a sermon with us Feb. 14 on “And How Will They Know?” He led the children’s time, spoke scripture from memory, and challenged us to share the good news of Jesus.

On Feb. 17 we entered the season of Lent with an Ash Wednesday service that included a ritual of ashes and communion. Our Lenten theme is “Can You Drink This Cup?”

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