September 2016 newsletter

House-to-House

Family of Hope House Church                  September 2016

Cease Fire                                     -Harvey Yoder

God is our refuge and strength

an ever present help in times of trouble…

God brings an end to war everywhere. 

God breaks bows into pieces, 

   snaps spears in two; 

   burns chariots in fire.

God cries, "Halt! Drop your weapons!

Acknowledge me as sovereign over all nations!”

- from Psalm 46 

We're accustomed to reading the words "Be still and know that I am God" in the above text as a call to quiet reflection. But it's clear from the context that it's really a command to pay attention to our commander-in-chief, to listen up and stop the bloody wars we're engaging in. 

     The Hebrew word still (“rapa") means to "let down" or "cease", to stop whatever we're doing.

     In today's troubled world, nothing could be more urgent than having all nations lay down their arms rather than investing in ever more deadly ways of producing death and destruction.

     Escalating conflicts set off by shock and awe invasions and iron-fisted dictatorships are exacting a terrible toll all over the Middle East, and it is the innocent who suffer most. In Syria alone there are 6.5 million internally displaced refugees, and over 4 million have fled to other countries. 

     The world simply can't afford war anymore. We must declare it over, no matter what that costs us.

     Because continuing on our present course, fighting evil with evil, will cost us even more, and result in unimaginable disaster.

     God says, "Be still! Stop!”  

     The whole world needs to listen.

Notes, prayers and praises 

• SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAY BLESSINGS to David Weaver (9/23), and congratulations to Billy and Karla May on their anniversary (9/3).
• EMILY VANDEVANDER has recently moved to an apartment of her own. Her phone number is 540-271-0853.
• THE MENNONITE RELIEF SALE will be held at the Rockingham                Fair Grounds October 1-2.
• NURTURING AND ENCOURAGING WOMEN, an organization focused on Ethiopia, will have a fund raising dinner at 5:30, Friday, September 6 at Lindale Mennonite Church. Call 432-9064 to register.

 September Lectionary readings

4   Jeremiah 18:1-11  Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18  Deuteronomy 30:15-20

     Philemon 1:1-21  Luke 14:25-33

11 Jeremiah 4:11-28  Psalm 14   Exodus 32:7-14  1 Timothy 1:12-17  

     Luke 15:1-10

18 Jeremiah 8:18-9:1  Psalm 79:1-9  Amos 8:4-7  1 Timothy 2:1-7

     Luke 16:1-13

25 Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15  Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16  Amos 6:1a, 4-7

    1 Timothy 6:6-19  Luke 16:19-31

September services worship at 4, meal at 6 

4 Location: Family Life Resource Center                                432-0531

Worship and Sharing: Elly Nelson                                      
Bible Study: Dick Dumas                                              Finger Foods Meal
11 Location: James & Ruth Stauffer 1250 Parkway Dr 22802   574-6141

Worship and Sharing: Harvey Yoder  

Bible Study: Paul Swarr                                                       Carry-in Meal 

18 Location: We meet with the Table fellowship at the Dean House, just across Water Street from the Community Mennonite Church, at 4:30 pm.             

25 Location: Susan Campbell 1361 Lincolnshire Drive 22802 564-1524 

Worship and Sharing: Susan Campbell                                            

Bible Study: Harvey Yoder                                                 Carry-in Meal