MWR : Local area engagement

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Sept. 6, 2010 issue

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Tags: Congregations

Local area engagement

Zion Mennonite Church, Souderton, Pa.

By Kay Derstine

After Hunter Hess’ sermon for June 6, “Do Donkey’s Hear Better Than People?,” it was asked if we can listen quietly for 10 to 20 minutes or one hour to God speaking.

For those who are homeless, Zion was part of the Interfaith Hospitality Network’s shelter program run by Keystone Opportunity Center. Zion was responsible for sharing meals, sleeping over night and providing transportation for the IHN guests staying at Rockhill Mennonite Church July 4-17.

The July 4 week, 17 youth and five sponsors went to Chicago to work on various service projects. They worked at an adult day care center, a thrift store that supported people with AIDS, a halfway house for women dealing with drug abuse issues, vacation Bible school and the Christian Peacemaker Teams office. They stayed at First Church of the Brethren.

“Sing and Celebrate Music Camp: Let Your Light Shine” was held for four weeks. Children ages 3 to second grade were introduced to the sounds of different instruments and rhythms while enjoying great fellowship. Parents of the children joined Pastor Hess for a Bible study in the church library on James and our spiritual journey for the four weeks. Their program was given to the congregation on July 25.

The Creation Care Committee and the senior high youth hosted a shoe drive. The usable shoes were donated to Shoes to Share, a local Christian Collection Agency that will distribute them to shoeless people in various countries, including Haiti as well as in the U.S.

Larry M. Bergey, 66, died July 10. Survivor: wife, Naomi Knechel Bergey.

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