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EAST UNION MENNONITE CHURCH

VOLUME XXV, ISSUE 9 SEPTEMBER 2015

We Welcome our new minister and his family!

Joel, Christine, Isaac and Lucas have made their way north to Iowa, arriving with two car loads and a of excitement! , who grew up in the Kalona area and at East Union Mennonite Church, graduated from Iowa Mennonite School in 1998 and then spent a gap year in voluntary service in Argentina before attending Goshen College. He and Christine met there and both graduated in 2003, Joel with an education degree and Christine with a social work degree. They have been married for 11 years. Joel taught elementary school in Goshen before moving to Meridian, MS where he taught another 2 years. In Meridian, Joel and Christine were actively involved in Mennonite Church. For the past 6 years Joel was the youth and young adult minister at Jubilee in addition to working full time as Vice President of ELS inc., a computerized student reporting system. He also served as the Board President of Pine Lake Fellowship Camp. Joel felt the calling to full time ministry and has been completing classes at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS) since 2013. This fall he will be taking two classes, continuing towards earning a Masters of Divinity. Joel is excited to begin serving as pastor at East Union. He likes talking to people, drinking coffee, going for runs, and dreaming of playing golf. He looks forward to reconnect- ing to a community that he loves and sharing life with the East Union family. Christine grew up in Meridian. Her parents, Duane and Elaine Maust live in Meridian and her and sister-in-law just recently moved back to the mainland from Hawaii. Christine graduated in April with her Masters of Social Work. She will start a full-time at Crowded Closet on September 1st. She likes reading the local paper, house hunting, and exploring the community. Her favorite things in Iowa are the sky, the bakeries, and the grandmas. Joel and Christine are the parents of two young boys, Isaac and Lucas. Isaac is 6 1/2 and is starting 1st grade at Kalona Elementary. He loves frisky cats, the movie Tangled, playing out- side and eating new foods. He is most excited about moving to Iowa because he will get to see his cousin, Ava, and he will play in the snow. Lucas is 4 and will attend Roots and Wings Preschool. He loves his brother Isaac, helping in the kitchen, taking long baths, and candy. His favorite things about Iowa are farm animals and Amish buggies. We welcome Joel, Christine, Isaac and Lucas to East Union and look forward to

getting to know them! The 2nd Century Chronicle Century 2nd The

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Grateful for our Goodly Heritage

September 19 - Spiritual Emphasis September 8 - Sunday evening, Week is scheduled to begin on Friday, September 22, there will be a panel September 24 at IMS. Brother H. Mi- discussion on awareness of the Farm chael Shenk of Sarasota, Florida, will Crisis. The panel will be comprised of be the speaker. Remember these ser- resource persons from the church vices in your . and community.

40 years ago: 1975 20 years ago: 1995 September 7 - We are looking September 24 - There has been some interest in forming a small 60 years ago: 1955 forward to the meetings scheduled for next weekend with John and group that would have the purpose of September 4 - Thursday evening the Naomi Lederach. The emphasis for praying for East Union as a church. MYF will be conducting the services at the series of meetings will be on This group would be for those who the Sunshine Mission at Cedar Rapids. Family Life. This is for the entire prefer not to be part of a regular You are invited to go along. family and all of our people. There small group but would still like to September 11 - Friday, Sept 16 is the will also be Sunday morning and participate from time to time. Golden Wedding Anniversary of Brother Sunday afternoon meetings. We will and Sister Gingerich. Since they be having a carry-in fellowship meal at attended East Union some years ago we noon on Sunday. felt that you would appreciate this infor- September 28 - Next Sunday mation. They will have an open house in evening Bertha Beachy will be here to the afternoon and evening. tell us about the work she has been September 18 - Thursday evening the engaged in in Somalia. West Union MYF will be guests of our MYF for a hayride. A film will also be 30 years ago: 1985 shown. Let’s come and make them feel welcome. Please meet at J. Paul Yoders September 1 - All area children in at 7:30. grades 3-6 are invited to become part of Mid-Prairie Children’s Choir. The

Choir meets every Thursday after- Guess Who? 50 years ago: 1965 noon 4:30 - 5:30 at Kalona September 5 - MYFers, we will have a Mennonite. The first practice will be film “Viet Nam - Conquesting Dragon” this Thursday. here at the church, Wednesday evening,

East Union Mennonite Church Contact Information

Transitional Pastor: 5615 Gable Ave. SW *Published monthly by and for the PO Box 760 Firman Gingerich - 319.855.8379 Elders: friends of East Union Mennonite Kalona, Iowa 52247 Larry Detweiler - 319.828.4461 Church.

Lauralee Kauffman - 354.3304 Phone: 319-656-2590 Jeff Swartzentruber - 656.4542 Articles for the October edition of Email: [email protected] Karen Harvey - 656.3009 the Second Century Chronicle are Website: Office Manager: due by Sept 20th. All contributions Photos taken from 1970’s eastunionmennonite.org Crystal Wade - 319.541.8894 are encouraged & welcome! East Union Church Directory

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Mennonite Women and CHOW starting new sessions this fall!

East Union Mennonite Women are starting a new year on Tuesday, September 1st. We meet on the first Tuesday of each month from 9 am - 3:30 pm. There are quilts in for those who quilt. If that is not your expertise, we can teach you; or there are comforters to be knotted for MCC. Each month there is a project. Some are for MCC or Mennonite Women. Then there are the local ones like Crisis Center or Food Pantry. Just as important is the social interaction, devotions and of course lunch. Some months we even have potlucks, a salad potluck, or soup and sandwiches. Any other month you choose what you would like to put in a sack lunch. Our devotional book this year is “Spark: Igniting Your Given Creativity.” In looking through the monthly lessons, I am excited to hear what each month’s lesson brings. In September our title is: “God is the Original Artist” taken

from Genesis. Hope to see new faces this year. Come join the FUN! We do laugh! ~Submitted by Dorothea Moberly

It is CHOW Time! Our first CHOW (Church Happenings on Wednesday) will be delayed one week until Wednesday, September 9 in order to finalize 2015 - 2016 Schedule activities for the children. (I am still looking for volunteers, so if interested in helping with the pre- September 9, 2015 school or K-2nd grade, please let Sally Miller know.) Our first event will be a wiener roast with October 7, 2015 each family bringing a covered dish or dessert to share. We will have a basket for donations to cover November 4, 2015 the expenses for the hotdogs, buns, etc. The meal will begin at 6 pm. Bring lawn games (weather permitting), we will finish at 7:45 in order for December - no CHOW families to get home and get school kids to bed. January 6, 2016 CHOW will be held the first Wednesday of the month in Oct, Nov, Jan, Feb, Mar and Apr with February 3, 2016 the meal served at 6 pm and programs beginning at 6:45, ending at 7:45 with Sunday School classes March 2, 2016 providing meals and adult programs. If your class is not listed below and you would like to help, please talk with one of the Sunday School classes. I April 6, 2016 know they would welcome help.

Page 3 Who’s in the Pew Next to You?

This month we are getting to know Marvin Rempel and Ian Schmidt, 11 year old son of Joe and Carrie

My name is Marvin . What were his feelings when all of this Rempel. I was born was taking place. The second person I would like to July 5, 1941 in Mt. interview is my great grandfather. My grandfather and his Lake, MN. I am an twin sister were the only two of ten children not born in only child. Since my the Ukraine. It would interest me to hear some of his mother came from a stories of life in the Ukraine and the trip to America. family of 12 and my father from a family of The one trip on my bucket list is to visit Alaska in 14, I have concluded summer. I hear it is a gorgeous state and I would like to they felt that quality experience the nearly 24 hours of daylight. was better than quantity. I come from a Russian Mennonite Brethren background. I grew up “What do you like best about East Union?” It’s speaking “pleut deutch” or Low German. They tell me hard to say what I like that I did not speak much English when I started 1st best. I like everything grade. about East Union

My mother’s extended family had a very significant “What are the 3 words influence on my life. First, as a young boy, many Sunday that best describe you?” afternoons after my parents had their naps, we would go Talented, Dangerous, to grandpa and grandma’s house for “faspa” or afternoon Amazing lunch. It was then that I got to play with many of my “What do you want to cousins. Second, I got to interact with my uncles and be when you grow up?” aunts. Six of my mother’s siblings spent 19 years working I’m thinking of becoming an electronic engineer with MCC or MB Missions serving in 17 different because I like using/playing with technology. countries. That was a very strong influence on my signing up for PAX service after my graduation from Tabor “What is your favorite thing to do with your family?” College. I had the privilege of serving a little over two Well I love going on vacation so I could say that’s one years in Algeria. It is an experience I will always treasure. of my favorite things to do with my family.

“Where do you go to school and what is your favorite Two years after my return from Algeria, I decided to subject?” I will be going to Kalona Middle School continue my education at Cornell University in Ithaca, this fall. My favorite subject is math because I like NY. It was there that I met my wife Grace. Although we doing algebra. knew each other, it was on an Inter Varsity Christian Fellowship trip to Florida that began our relationship. “What is the silliest thing you’ve ever done?” I’m not much of a silly person, but I do consider myself Our first official date was spring break trip to New York as comical sometimes. City, seeing all the sights. We were married June 20, 1970, and our departure from the ceremony was in a horse and “What is your favorite restaurant? What do you order carriage. We have lived near Mt. Lake, Minneapolis and most there?” My favorite restaurant is Pizza Ranch now nearly 37 years in Iowa. We have two children, and I probably get pizza the most but I do like getting Randy and wife Kristen and their three children living in ice cream and pudding.

Iowa City, and and husband Ryan Koehn and their “What is one of your greatest talents?” I think play- two children living in Newton, KS. ing music is one of my greatest talents. I really enjoy playing the guitar the most. There are two people from the past whom I would like to interview. From the it would be . I am “Where is the farthest place you’ve ever been? What curious how God communicated with him telling him to di you like most about it?” The farthest place I’ve go from Ur of the Chaldeans to and then to the been is to Europe. I loved eating the food there and walking around all of the towns.

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Celebrating our Splendid Seniors:

A Day to Remember by Karen Harvey

Did you know that Crayons were invented in 1903, popsicles in 1905, Life Savers candy in 1912, Tinkertoys in 1916, Lincoln Logs in 1919, Wheaties in 1921 and Monopoly in 1935? Some of our Splendid Seniors were among those first to enjoy these early treats. Smiles, steady strides, and serving up plenty of memoires were the ingredients for a fun filled day celebrating the lives of our splendid seniors here at East Union. At 10:15 on August 20th, thirty-one senior members boarded at Kalona Tours bus and with Lois Gugel as their tour guide, headed out for the country side of rural Kalona. With stops at 8 one-room country school houses, there were plenty of opportunities to recall softball tournaments, sledding at recess and Christmas programs from years ago.

A good ole fashioned meal of beef and gravy with real mashed potatoes and homemade noodles awaited them on their arrival back at the church. Old books, lunch boxes, rulers, small wooden boxes and reminders of years gone by decorated the tables as they entered the fellowship hall. Question cards afforded lively table conversation. They shared memories of going to the doctor as a child, rare trips to the big cities of Washington and Iowa City, the lively entertainment in Kalona square on Saturday nights, Highway 1 to Iowa City before it was paved, who in their family got to like the ice cream dasher and memories of Sunday school in the church basement (where we were eating) with curtains dividing the children’s classrooms.

Between the meal and a wonderful dessert of Yotty’s ice cream with strawberries and chocolate topping, they puzzled over who that baby was (see photo’s and answer sheet on bulletin board in south hallway) from 75, 85 and 95 years ago. There were smiles as they recalled their favorite songs from the 30’s: ‘Over the Rainbow’ by Judy Gardland, ‘Moonlight Serenade’ by Glenn Miller, ‘I’m in the Mood for Love’ by Louie Armstrong, ‘Cheek to Cheek’ and ‘The Way You Look Tonight’ by Fred Astaire and 40’s favorites: ‘Swinging on a Star’ by Bing Crosby, ‘Chattanooga Choo Choo’ by Glenn Miller, ‘You Are My Sunshine’ by Jimmy and ‘Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer’ by Gene Autry.

After hymns played by Verna and a and by Pastor Firman, it was time to head home for afternoon naps and dreams of memories from years gone by.

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Primary/Junior Sunday School Department Starts a New Year

We are excited to begin the 2015-16 school year in the Primary/Junior Sunday School Department!

We will begin Year 2 of Shine Curriculum. Shine: Living in God’s Light is a dynamic Sunday school curriculum that engages Christian communities and families in their life together by

*Calling children to experience the transforming power of God’s love *Nurturing trust in God and invite children to follow *Encouraging imaginative, interactive biblical storytelling *Exploring the meaning of within the gathered community *Cultivating the inner life of the Spirit through spiritual practices *Expressing faith through lives of compassionate peacemaking and service

Here is an overview of the Biblical Themes represented in the 2015-16 Shine Curriculum:

Fall Winter Spring Summer Hearing God’s Call Journeys with Jesus God’s Good News Catch the Spirit Entering the Land *Advent and *Lent and First Churches Christmas Easter (Luke) *Judges, , and *Stories of The Road to Peace Paul’s Journeys Kings Jesus (Luke)

In September, the Primary/Junior Department also begins Year 3 of Bible Memory. Kindergarten through 8th grade students participate in weekly Bible Memory groups where they complete a monthly lesson prepared by Bible Memory Ministries, Goshen, Indiana. Students practice memorizing verses at home and recite verses to adults at church.

We have 34 students ages 3 years old through 8th grade who attend Sunday School in the Primary/Junior Department. Below are the upcoming classes for the 2015-2016 school year.

Early Childhood / 3 year olds: Ryleigh, Eloise, Grant, Jalice Early Childhood / 4 & 5 year olds: Beckett, Claire, Raeghan, Lucas Primary / K, 1st & 2nd Grade: Chance, Colton, Kale, , Ava, Audrey, Ethan, Adrianne, Isaac Middler / 3rd, 4th & 5th Grade: G, Behla, Henry, Ella, Bryce Jr. Youth / 6th, 7th, & 8th Grade: Julia, Grace, Sam, Collin, Alex, Norah, Evelyn, Ian, Will H, Cade, Sarena, Drew

Linnea Slabaugh finishes her MVS term through Mennonite Mission Network

Living in Chicago this past year has become an unforgettable experience. Although I struggled in the first months more than I realized at the time, the term ended very well and I regretted to leave. I learned to love living in a big city. I enjoyed navigating the city and every day adding to my mental map of Chicago. I loved all the new things I got to try and I especially loved biking and running there. The friendships I made in my housemates are among the closest I now have.

I worked at two job placements. The first called National Alliance of Latin American and Caribbean Communities, an advocacy organization where I did various communication and organizational administrative tasks. The second, Erie Neighborhood House, was at an after school/summer program for 5-12 year olds. I really enjoyed getting to know these children and will miss them. Unfortunately I was only with them for about 4 months. I also came to love my church, Chicago Community Mennonite Church. I found many people at CCMC who I felt very lucky to meet and know. I always felt very welcome there. Chicago now feels as much like home to me as anywhere else I’ve lived and I hope to return as much as I can.

Thank you East Union for all of the support you have given me during my MVS term. Whether it was financial or oth- erwise, I am very grateful. I have bene lucky enough to appreciate notes, emails, packages, and cards from you this year. I have felt more connected to my home church this past year than I have in many years. Page 6 ~Linnea S.

September 2015

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 5

Mennonite

Women Alva Gingerich Ken & Wanda Maynard & Carol Doug Stoltzfus Ken Yoder Yoder ‘’76 Gingerich ‘81 Amy & Nate Darla Trejo Graber ‘01 Donavon & Yoder ‘06

6 Morning 7 8 9 10 11 12 Worship 9:30am Angie Gingerich

Marlin & Rosemond Bob Yoder Joe Schmidt Jeremy Niemeyer

Brenneman ‘55 Ellen Rempel Rosemond Mike & Melanie CHOW Brenneman Schweitzer ‘84

13 Morning 14 15 16 17 18 19 Worship 9:30am James A. Miller

Jim Hochstetler Kailee Seward Jed Seward Raeghan Seward Chuck Yoder Marilyn Yutzy Max Miller Isabella George Yvonne Nixon Rich & Laurie

Droll ‘74

20 Morning 21 22 23 24 25 26 Worship 9:30am Emily Higdon Steven & Liz Rhodes ‘11 Ella Groenewold Josh Yoder Alex Niemeyer Avery Blauvelt Wedding Shower for Beth Fernau Swartzendruber & Yoder 7pm

27 Morning 28 29 30

Worship 9:30am

Nyle Kauffman Gretchen Geyer Jace Bailey Ida Mae Short Mark Beary Joani Miller Mark & Angie Beary ‘86

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