Author: Laurie

The Friday Update Mennonite Church of Normal March 19, 2021
Worship this Sunday via Zoom at 9:30 a.m.
Lent 2021: Deep calls to Deep
On this Fifth Sunday in Lent, we go deep in the earth, to be called to deep growth. God promises, “I will put my law within my people, and I will write it on their hearts.” In Pastor Gary’s sermon, “An inside job” (Jeremiah 31:31-34, John 12:20-33), we are called to deep growth, which is possible by following Jesus’ example as he faced crucifixion. Joe Culpepper is planning and leading this service.
This folder contains music from last Sunday click here. Please note that you need to download the music before playing it. Late Saturday afternoon the folder will also include the worship order and sermon slides for this coming Sunday.
After Worship Option
There will be only one after worship option: Introduction to Voices Together Part II. Stay on the Worship Zoom link.

Questions for reflection: How is God calling you to deep growth? What do you need to let go of so that you can grow?
We invite you to have a bowl with six stones nearby. Each Sunday we remove a stone, to represent a personal response to God’s call. You may want to write a word on it, and put it somewhere where it can remind you of your response each day. As Lent continues, we will watch our bowl empty, representing the removal of what is weighing us down and preventing us from seeing what really matters
Lent Schedule: Deep calls to Deep
March 21 Deep in the earth: Called to deep growth Gary Martin
March 28 Deep in the current: Called to deep hope Holly Zehr
Easter, April 4 Deep in the feast: Called to deep living Gary Martin

VT Event Part II Planned for Sunday
The Mennonite Church of Normal loves to sing, and we have experienced great worship together. Therefore, the Voices Together Introduction Committee invites you to attend Part II, a more formal introduction to this wonderful new resource, Voices Together. VT re-places our current hymnals, and we want you to begin to become acquainted with it. Zoom may not be the best platform to do this, but it is the best we currently have. Please join us after the worship service for a time of learning and singing – just stay on the Worship Zoom.

Youth Group to Host Variety Show
The Youth Group will be hosting a Variety Show to generate funds for the Illinois Mennonite Relief Sale. We need your help! Do you have a way you express yourself you can share? We are looking for acts - read a poem, play an instrument, do a dance, tell a joke, do a charade, sing a song, tell a personal story, stand on your head. The options are endless. Please consider adding a recorded entry for our show! Email entries or questions to Lauren Satchwell at satchwell.lauren@gmail.com by this Sunday, March 21.

This week at MCN (All via Zoom)
Saturday
9:30 a.m. Worship Rehearsal
Sunday
9:30 a.m. Worship
10:30 a.m. Voices Together Introduction PT II
Monday
5:30 p.m. Structure Evaluation Task Group
Tuesday
4:30 p.m. Staff Meeting
5 p.m. Peace & Justice Committee
Wednesday
9:30 a.m. Men’s Bible Discussion
Thursday
6:30 a.m. Next Man Bible Study
2 p.m. Women’s Book Group

Easter Breakfast Exchange
Easter Breakfast at MCN has traditionally been a time to fellowship and share a meal with others before the service on Easter Sunday. Even though we can't be physically together this year, the tradition continues! The Fellowship Committee is hosting an Easter Break-fast Exchange. Individuals or families will sign up to either exchange a breakfast casserole or pastry with an-other individual or family. The Breakfast Exchange will adhere to social distancing while giving the opportunity to see friends! What a great way to "raise" spirits as the temperature "rises" and we remember the "rising" of Jesus! If interested in fellowshipping in this way, click on this link to sign up. Deadline to sign up is 3-24-21. Fellowship Commit-tee will match people on 3-25-21 and you will be responsible to work out the details on time and place of exchange for what works with you!

Transition Process Update
The Proposed Vision Statement, will be sent to the congregation early next week. Please prayerfully read, and reflect on the statement, in preparation for our Congregational Conversation Sunday, March 28. The Structure Evaluation Task Group meets next on March 22. Please support the task group, in prayer.

Food Drive Planned
Fellowship and Outreach Committees are once again organizing a food drive, this time for Mount Pisgah food pantry. You may drop off your donations under the portico at MCN on Saturday, March 20 from 10 a.m.- noon.
Monetary donations are also acceptable (checks made out to Mt. Pisgah Food Pantry). Thanks for you generosity and support!
Most needed items:
skillet meals (such as Hamburger Helper)
peanut butter and jelly
tissue
canned vegetables
boxed Mac n cheese
mashed potatoes
Paper towels

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