The Ridgeway Newsletter Vol. 11 Issue 5 • December 2012 http://ridgeway.va.us.mennonite.net • [email protected] Ridgeway Mennonite Church 546 E. Franklin Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-434-3476

Our purpose as a church is to love God and all people, Continuing enabled by the Holy Spirit to David and become the living presence of Nancy Jesus Christ in our homes, Hansbrough’s across the street, and around July Trip to the world. New Brunswick, ______Prince Edward This newsletter is Island, and published monthly. Nova Scotia, Please provide Canada information to the Nancy Hansbrough editor, church secretary, by the fourth Sunday of this month. After visiting the ______province of Prince Nancy at Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia Edward Island, we headed to Nova Scotia. We soon realized why Nova Scotia means “New Scotland” as we traveled through the heart of the province. Nova Scotia is Sandy Kauffman located almost exactly halfway between the equator and the North Pole. It is the second smallest province in area after Prince Edward Island and the Anyone interested in joining second most densely populated province in Canada. Curves? I have a gift certificate Our first stop in Nova Scotia was Peggy’s Cove (population for 3 free months for a approximately 46), a small rural, active fishing community located on the nonmember to be used before eastern shore of St. Margaret’s Bay. Peggy’s Cove has a classic red-and- June 30, 2013. I'd love to give it white lighthouse still operated by the Canadian Coast Guard. The famous to you. lighthouse is surrounded by the raging seas of the Atlantic Ocean and sits Curves is an exercise facility on an extensive solid granite outcrop at Peggy’s Point at the entrance to for women that utilizes a circuit St. Margaret’s Bay. of machines geared to This lighthouse is strengthening your whole body. one of the most A special feature is using an recognizable electronic card to weight the lighthouses in the machines specifically to your world. David and I needs. The circuit is designed to enjoyed exploring be done in 30 minutes. Zumba the granite outcrop and weight loss training are also on Peggy’s Point available as part of the program. around the If you have questions, you lighthouse, being may ask me or any of the cautious of the Ridgeway women that have used unpredictable surf. Curves: Naomi Kniss, Maryann Peggy’s Cove has Shisler, Deb Witman, Pam been declared a David by duck pond—Acadian village site. Groff, Nadia Ramsey, Dory preservation area to protect its rugged beauty. There are strict land-use Grove, Sharri Kurtz, and I'm regulations in the vicinity of Peggy’s Cove, with most property sure I'm missing some more. See Nova Scotia, Page 2 1

Nova Scotia from Page 1 remember the help they received; and every year development being prohibited. the province of Nova Similarly there are restrictions Scotia sends a giant on who can live in the Christmas tree to Boston community to prevent inflation in thanks. of property values for year- We visited the round residents. Fairview Cemetery in We visited a 100-foot granite Halifax which is best sculpture carved by sculptor and known as the final resting painter William E. deGarthe who place for over 100 lived in the community of victims of the sinking of the David still enjoying the rock cliffs. Peggy’s Cove. The large RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. The story of the deportation and sculpture was named Most of the sites have small gray the village were immortalized in Fisherman’s Monument which granite markers with the name H. W. Longfellow’s poem deGarthe dedicated to Nova and date of birth. A third of the Evangeline: A Tale of Acadia. Scotia fishermen. He donated the graves, however, have never Acadian settlers founded Grand- sculpture of 32 fishermen and been identified, and their Pré in 1680, and the farms and their wives and children markers contain just the date of population grew quickly. During enveloped by the wings of a death and marker number. The the French and Indian War the guardian angel to the province of cemetery has more victims of the Acadians refused to take the oath Nova Scotia. Titanic than any other cemetery of allegiance to the British We then travelled to Halifax, in the world. Twenty nine other Crown; they wanted to keep the capital of Nova Scotia. Nova Titanic victims are buried their religious freedom and did Scotia has no cities; therefore, elsewhere in Halifax. not want to bear arms. Between Halifax is referred to as a After visiting Halifax we 1755 and 1762 many Acadians metropolitan area. The Halifax travelled the Evangeline Trail were taken prisoner and Public Gardens opened in 1867 through the lush Annapolis deported to American Colonies, and still retain much of their Valley. We visited the Grand- France, and England. The total original Victorian character. We Pré National Historic Site where Acadian population at the time toured Halifax’s historic water the French first settled the New was around 12,000, and as many front. We visited Citadel Hill World in the early 1600’s and as 10,000 were expelled. The (Fort George), a hilltop fortress what became some of the most British seized farms, goods, which was a military command contested land in the history of livestock, and ruined homesteads and observation post during Canada. We found sweeping to ensure the Acadians would several wars. gardens and a memorial church not return. Many Acadians ran We toured the area of Halifax th built on the site of the 17 into the woods, and the survivors which had been destroyed on century Acadian village. roamed, looking for a new place December 6, 1917, by an to call home. In all, several explosion on a munitions ship. thousand Acadians died during The explosion killed 2,000 deportation of illness, drowning, people, injuring 9,000, and misery and starvation. Acadians leaving tens of thousands from Grand-Pré were dispersed homeless and without shelter. To in many locations, but some add to the disaster a blizzard eventually returned to other parts started the next day and lasted of the Canadian Maritimes, such for nearly a week. Relief came as Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, from around the world including and New Brunswick. Many northeastern United States. Acadians expelled from the Emergency teams from Grand-Pré area settled in the Massachusetts arrived and many New England states and in south stayed for months. To this day, the people of Nova Scotia Memorial church—Acadian village. See Nova Scotia, Page 3 2

Hello from Bundibugyo, Uganda! Alisha Risser (www.prayseekstep.blogspot.com)

I have been in Uganda for two months now. I have adapted and adjusted to many of the cultural changes but still have plenty of learning to do. I spend most of my time working at the pediatric ward helping to treat children who have severe acute malnutrition (SAM). I also help out with an outpatient program for patients with moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) called BundiNutrition. I am thoroughly enjoying both aspects of treating and preventing malnutrition and find great joy in serving here in Bundibugyo. Here is a story about Peace, a 14 year old girl who is severely malnourished. She weighs only 18.4 kg (40 lbs.). She is very frail and weak. Her mother died of HIV, and Peace was left in the care of her grandmother who was unable to care for her properly. Thankfully her aunt is now the caregiver and has brought Peace to the Alisha and friend. Health Center for treatment. If you plot Peace on a CDC growth chart, she isn’t even close to hitting the 5th percentile (which would be 37kg/81lbs). The chart shows that she is the approximate weight of a 6 or 7 year old. It’s not just her low weight that cuts to my heart; Peace also has TB and is HIV+. Both of these diseases significantly increase her need for proper nutrition. She has a huge battle to fight and has a long road to recovery. Finally, after being at the health center for one week, I was able to see her smile. I pray that over the next several weeks as she is being treated with therapeutic food and meds that she will begin to have hope. Please pray for healing, for restoration, and for hope in this little girl. Pray that she will feel God’s love being poured over her. ______

Guatemala Trip

Eldon and Sharri vacationed in Guatemala October 23-November 7. Picture one was taken at a rest area on the trail from Jaibalito to Santa Cruz, near the upper entrance to hotel Casa del Mundo. Picture 2 is Atitlan’s version of “Little Grill.” ______

Nova Scotia from Page 2 on the “mini-cruise ship” and watched the London Olympics in a spacious lounge while sailing across Louisiana. In Louisiana, the term Cajun evolved from the magical Bay of Fundy. After a three-hour journey the name Acadian. on the ferry, we reached Saint John, New Brunswick It is time to start our journey home. We travelled where we would spend the night. The next day we to Digby, Nova Scotia, to board Princess of Acadia, a crossed the Canadian border and headed home, ferry designed to carry passengers, 33 tractor trailers having enjoyed the beautiful country of Canada! or 155 automobiles, and a crew of 39. We ate dinner

3

Busy Longeneckers...

Running to Beat Breast Cancer

It was a beautiful morning for a run on Saturday, September 20. The Longenecker family joined others to run in the Race to Beat Breast Cancer 5K in memory of Shelby’s dear friend Karen Puckett. Shelby won 2nd place in her age group and said, “Kara gets all the credit for my run. I couldn’t let her beat me so I had to keep up!” Collin came in 1st and Taylor 3rd in their age group. Pictured with the Longeneckers are Justin (a friend of Karen’s boys), Tyler Phares, Kyle Phares (two of Karen’s boys), and Andy Puckett (Karen’s husband).

SVU Girls U11!

Kara’s soccer team, along with other Shenandoah Valley United (SVU) teams, traveled to Richmond for a soccer tournament. The U11 girls played very well and ended up in 2nd place in their division! What a great way to end a very enjoyable season for Kara! She already looks forward to spring soccer.

______

Beautiful Boxwood Wreaths are available from now through Christmas at Our Community Place, Harrisonburg. Community members at OCP and Our Community Farm are creating them to sell to support OCP's programs. Come by 17 E. Johnson Street in Harrisonburg to pick up your wreath or call (540) 442- 7727 or order online. ______

artists, fancy desserts, and cozy fashioned Christmas dinner in hot drinks! Desserts are served at the historic Burkholder-Myers 6pm and the music begins at House. Cost is $50 per person Chuck Wagon Gang in concert 7pm. Suggested donation with pre-paid registration due by Sunday, December 2, 2:30 p.m., $20/person. December 3. Seating is limited. at Park View Mennonite Church. Call 438-1275 to make your See bulletin board for more Christmas reservations. details. Candlelight Dinners at Didn’t get enough Lao food at Our Community Place’s CrossRoads—6:30 p.m. each the Relief Sale? The Lao Christmas Concert—Tuesday, evening, December 7 & 8. Step December 4. Featuring folk back in time as you enjoy an old- FYI continued on Page 5

4

Christa Hoover are members of The Center for Justice & Continued from Page 4 the Choral Society. Peacebuilding is pleased to announce these upcoming online Christajak folks are making their Annual Christmas courses: "Justice in Transition: delicious Egg Rolls fresh on Coffeehouse at Park View Restorative & Indigenous Sunday morning, December 9 to Mennonite Church is December Approaches in Post-War support VMMissions workers 15, 7:00 p.m. Men's a cappella Contexts" (January 15— Steve and Bethany Horst for ensemble Cantore and February 12). "Recovering the service in Bangkok, Thailand. independent female vocal Vision: Conversations in Dipping sauce included. ensemble Shekinah will perform. Restorative Justice," (February $10/dozen $6/half dozen. Freewill offering to benefit 19—May 7). For further Contributions above market Caregivers Community information or to apply for a price welcome! Order by calling Network, which provides unique course, please go to (540) 908-6590. Please pick up services (including free and https://www.emu.edu/cjp/restora your pre-ordered egg rolls at the reduced cost services) for frail tive-justice/online-courses/ or HMC Fellowship Hall on elders and their family contact Janelle Myers-Benner at December 9 between 11 a.m. caregivers. 540-432-4986 or and 1:00 p.m. Payment due at [email protected]. time of pick-up. A Celebration of Ministry for Willard & Eva Eberly’s long Last minute opportunity for Christmas Open House and service in Italy will be held Middle East Tour, May 2013! Reception—Gemeinschaft Thursday, December 27 at Registration is still open for Home, Sunday, December 9 Dayton Mennonite Church’s "Places, People, & Prayers, from 1-4 pm in the main house. fellowship hall at 6:30 p.m. 2013," a study tour to There also will be a brief Contact Janet Blosser with Israel/Palestine from May 2-25, presentation and update on the questions at (540) 434-9727 or 2013. The tour will be co-led by program in the Bender Building [email protected]. EMS professors, Dorothy Jean at 2 and 3 pm. Weaver and Kevin Clark. For Important Update: New more information contact The Shenandoah Valley Registration Dates—Online Dorothy Jean Weaver ASAP at rd Choral Society’s 43 annual registration for Phoenix will now (540) 432-4276 or at Christmas concert—Friday, open on Tuesday, January 8, [email protected]. December 14 at 7:30 p.m. and 2013, at 10am EST. The online Sunday, December 16 at 3:00 lodging system for Phoenix will Explore individual and p.m. at the Bridgewater Church open on January 22, 2013 congregational faith formation of the Brethren. Admission is (registration must be completed at Eastern Mennonite $15 for adults/$12 for seniors to gain access to lodging Seminary—Summer Institute and students. Tickets available at reservation system). Registration for Spiritual Formation, June 17- Family Christian Store, Red forms are available online at 28, 2013. This institute provides Front, Ruth’s Books, http://www.mennoniteusa.org/re training for spiritual direction Bookworks, White Birch gistration/. Please check website and individual and congre- Communities, from Choral (http://www.mennoniteusa.org/c gational spiritual formation. For Society members, and online at onvention-411/ ) for the most more information: www.singshenandoah.org. current information! www.emu.edu/seminary/courses Ridgeway members Paul and /summer-institute/courses. ______

5

Shaping Families—December

Listen to Shaping Families each Sunday at 7:15 a.m. on WSVA 550 and at 9:15 a.m. on WBTX 1470. Or visit www.ShapingFamilies.com the weekend the program airs to download a podcast or the transcript. ● December 2 – Brian McLaren on Faith: What are your children learning about church and faith through your actions, comments and practice? ● December 9 – Surviving Stroke: What do you do if your mom or dad has a stroke—at the early age of 72? Marcella and her mother share both sides of their experience and witness to their faith as they moved forward. ● December 16 – An Unwanted Gift: Elsie Rempel, faith formation consultant for Mennonite Church Canada, was invited to lead seminars in Zambia but suffered a major car accident while there. Find out what she learned. ● December 23 – Jesus is Born: Take a needed 15-minute break during your busy Christmas preparations and listen to touching Christmas stories and memories, scripture and carols. ● December 30 – Shaping Families Highlights 2012: Highlights from the year bringing back some favorite programs and guests. ______

Position Openings... contact the Pastoral Search Committee Chair, Doug Alderfer, at [email protected] or Part-time position openings: Virginia Mennonite (540) 705-4623. Missions is seeking applicants for an MST Coach and an Administrative Assistant beginning January Laurelville Mennonite Church Center 2, 2013. These part-time positions may be (www.laurelville.org), a 600-acre camp, conference combined. Contact Lois Maust at (540) 434-9727 or and retreat center located in the foothills of Western [email protected]. Pennsylvania’s beautiful Laurel Highlands seeks an Executive Director. This vibrant organization, with Springdale Mennonite Church, Waynesboro, a $1.5MM budget and 15 full time employees, has Virginia, is looking for a full-time lead pastor or a growing programs, a strong financial position, and husband/wife co-pastor team. This is our primary serves a broad range of faith-based and service interest; however, all applications will be considered. organizations. Qualified candidates will have a deep Anticipated starting date is April 1, 2013. Springdale commitment to the organization’s mission, is an active participant in Mennonite Church USA administrative expertise with budgeting/board and Virginia Mennonite Conference. Membership is relations/staff development, the gift of hospitality, 160 and attendance around 120-130. We are looking and an ability to cultivate financial support for the for a candidate with strong skills in preaching, organization. Interested candidates should contact pastoral care and church leadership from an Caryn Howell with MHS Alliance at Anabaptist perspective. MC USA guidelines for [email protected] or 574-537-8736. salary and benefits will be followed. Church website: www.springdalemennonite.org. Contact person: Eastern Mennonite University Lancaster is Danny Showalter, Chair of Search Committee, email seeking qualified PhD Adjunct Nursing Faculty to [email protected], telephone 540-943-2392. teach in the RN-BS in nursing program. Classes are offered in both York and Lancaster. Persons with Zion Mennonite Church, a Virginia Conference expertise in any of the following areas are welcome congregation, located seven miles outside of to apply: professional nursing, health assessment, Harrisonburg, Virginia, is seeking a lead pastor. Zion family health, community health, management, and has an average Sunday morning attendance of 150 research. Send letter of application, curriculum vitae, that includes a balance of families with children, transcripts (unofficial acceptable), and three reference single adults, college students, middle aged couples letters to Linda Witmer, 717-397-5190, and elderly members. Seminary degree and ministry [email protected]. Persons who bring gender, experience is preferred. Interested candidates may ethnic, and cultural diversity are encouraged to apply. ______

6