Metamora Mennonite Church

Come worship with us!

Advent is a special time of the year.  Like eager children who can't wait until Christmas morning, we long to see God's face and experience God's fullness in our lives.  As we worship during the upcoming weeks, we will catch glimpses of God's face in the scriptures around which we gather.  In the songs we sing and the prayers we offer, we will respond to the God we meet, the God who is even more amazing than we can imagine.

Each week offers a different angle from which to view the mystery of God.  

• November 30, 2008  "The hidden face of God"  
• December 7, 2008   "The comforting face of God"
• December 14  "The restoring face of God" 
• December 21  "The indwelling face of God" 
• December 28  "The embracing face of God" 
• January 4  "The welcoming face of God"  

Please join us for worship this Advent Season! 

"Iran: Created from One Jewel" with Susan Mark Landis, Nov. 1

On Saturday, November 1 at 6 pm, Susan Mark Landis will speak at Metamora Mennonite Church in Metamora, IL.  Her presentation, “Iran: Created from One Jewel,” will shed light on American/Iranian relationships and what we can do from right here in Central Illinois to help secure a stable relationship and peaceful future with Iran.

Susan will be sharing out of her experience as a participant in a Fellowship for Reconciliation (FOR) Civilian Diplomacy Delegation to Iran in the spring of 2008.  While in Iran, Susan and others sought to change “the underlying conditions that influence perceptions, trust and relationships across conflict lines.”  The goals of FOR in Iran are: (1) connect peace constituencies in the U.S. and Iran; (2) broaden their understanding of each other; and (3) then mobilize their advocacy for peaceful, proactive alternatives to current confrontational policies by both countries.

There will be a time of Q and A following her presentation.

Sunday, October 19 @ MMC: "God and Caesar"

Jesus said to "give Caesar what is Caesar's and God what is God's", but what does that mean? That is what we will explore this Sunday at MMC. At a time when people are anxious about the economy and the "soon to be changing" political landscape, how can we live faithfully as followers of Jesus who live out the way of Jesus here and now?

Worship begins at 9 am.
Sunday school follows. This week's adult electives include a class on the Development and Work of the New Community: Acts 9:1-11;16-19a and Politics and the Christian Faith.
Youth classes for K - Sr. High meet following Sunday school.
Nursery is available for Church and Sunday school.

Follow the Soulfuel Bible Study

Have a student in Sr. High? Interested in following along with our Soulfuel Bible study for Sr. High? Then go to Soulfuel website by clicking here. Each Tuesday morning, Pastor Mike posts some notes from the previous nights Bible study, some Dig Deeper questions, and a few reflections. Follow along! Read the passage and answer the questions. Add your two cents with comments. Whatever you like.

Totallly Jr. High Launches September 10

Totally Jr. High (TJH) launches this Wednesday at a new time! We will gather from 6:00 pm to 7:15 pm @ MMC! TJH is open to all 6, 7 and 8 grade students! Bring your friends and neighbors! Kick-off will include games, food, and an overview of the year!

Servant Groups Forming

Servants groups are forming for the upcoming year! A servant group is a gathering of 8 - 10 people that study the Bible together, pray together, support one another, serve one another and serve others. Each group is a bit different as the "flavor" of the group is determined by the people! Most groups gather twice monthly! Everyone is welcome to be in a servant group! You don't have to go to MMC to be in a servant group! Please contact Jon Byler with questions or to get in a group!

Servant groups offer a place to belong!

New Teaching Series: Real life with Real people

Between church service something happens...it's called real life! With all it's joys and struggles, real life is where our faith is meant to be lived. Jesus knew this. That is why he did what he did and taught what he taught. What do you do when someone you care for sins against you? Where do you find the strength to forgive others? How do you find contentment in a "you need this new and improved_________!" world? How do you live each day by your beliefs? Our current teaching series will explore Real life with Real people!

Sept. 7 Real life with Real people: Sin hurts
Sept. 14 Real life with Real people: Forgive people
Sept. 21 Real life with Real people: Be content
Sept. 28 Real life with Real people: Believe something

Check it out! Worship begins at 9:00 am - Sunday school follows - Nursery is available at worship and Sunday school - Kid's Celebration for K - 5th grade - Sunday school for all ages.

New name for Sr. High youth

This year, we are changing the name of our Sr. High ministry. The reason is simple, the name MYF, is easily misunderstood by young people we are reaching out to. The name MYF stands for Mennonite Youth Fellowship. While our teaching is thoroughly Anabaptist and consistent with the Confession of Faith from a Mennonite Perspective, the purpose of our group is not focused on Mennonite Youth, but sharing Jesus with anyone who will listen and discipling students that are present and part of our gatherings. At the same time, our goal is not simply to gather youth, Mennonite or otherwise, for fellowship. While fellowship is a part of what makes any group a real community, it is not the purpose of our gatherings. The purpose is learning to follow Jesus together.

The new name for our Sr. High ministry is Soulfuel. Click here to learn "What's in a name?" If you still call our Sr. High ministry MYF, not a problem! This is just a heads up when you read The Weekly or other church publicity that references Soulfuel, not MYF.

High School Ministry Launch

Our Senior High ministry has a new name and a new schedule. Click here to read the intro letter which explains the changes and the schedule!

Our first Soulfuel Bible Study will be Monday, September 8 at 7 pm @ MMC - all are welcome!

You can also join the Soulfuel group on Facebook or go directly to the Soulfuel website at www.soulfuelwired.com

Spiritual Practices Notes from August 3, 2008

On Sunday, August 3, I preached a message on spiritual practices that help us learn to live like Jesus. I borrowed heavily from Brian McLaren's work Finding Our Way Again (see link to left) and have some pretty long lists. I promised to put a copy of my message notes on-line for those who couldn't write fast enough to capture them all. Click here for my teaching notes.