M A K I N G A C O N N E C T I O N W I T H O N E A N O T H E R

OCTOBER 2015 Hutterthal Mennonite Church, Freeman, South Dakota

NOW THAT’S A LOT OF SCHOOL KITS!

Packed into Lyndon & Barbie’s vehicle, these 175 kits are on their way to the MCC office

in Freeman and then on to headquarters. Last year, 89,958 kits were shipped to Jordan,

Syria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Lebanon, Haiti, U.S., Serbia, Honduras and more.

“Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous [person] avails much.”

James 5: 16, NKJV

Sometimes, in the crush of responsibility, I forget (and maybe you do as well)

that we are a Body — that we are designed to be in community, not independent.

Sometimes (I admit rather sheepishly) I forget that there is power in relationships.

It is a truth I have become increasingly aware of over the last several months:

Living and serving together as Christ’s body in the world we not only powerfully

communicate the Gospel, but we are personally strengthened to live out our faith.

Of course, this implies that the point of community is not the furtherance of a

particular agenda. Rather, simply and profoundly, relationships themselves are the

point. It is, after all, people that matter, and so it is imperative that we see the humanity

in one another if we are to foster genuine community — that we receive

one another where we are, not where we believe the other should be.

In the age of the individual, it is easy for our faith journeys to

take on the terrible (and frankly, depressing) cast of individualism; it is

easy to focus the entirety of our energies on our own spiritual needs with

little or no regard for others. We have, of course, heard the postmodern

mantra, “I am spiritual, but not religious,” but this is little more than personalism run amuck — a way of una-

bashedly (and unashamedly, mind you) declaring, “What feels good to me is right, period!” Of course, this rabid

individualism has only been fueled by the utter failure of religious institutions, which (too often) have themselves

been self-serving and dysfunctional, failing even to live up to their own (often short-sighted) values. Yet, in spite

of this, the truth remains: individualism is focused on self-fulfillment rather than on building communities that

further God’s vision for creation and for humanity.

How then do we hear James’ call, not to further individualism, but to deeper communion? Scripture is

replete with exhortations regarding our connectedness to one another. We are constantly reminded that we are

“in this together” — that life is not a solitary journey. If one suffers, all (to some degree) suffer. If one rejoices, all

have (to greater and lesser degrees) have reason to rejoice. So, even James’ call to pray and sing psalms that

precedes the word appearing at the top of this page are not isolatory or isolating expressions of faith, but calls

for faith to be worked out publicly (i.e. in community). In this way, James will also exhort us to “call for the

elders” — to call for the outworking of community — in time of need. For, we are not meant to stand alone, not in

sickness and not in health … not even in (maybe, most especially not in) matters of spiritual brokenness. Thus,

James rightly adds, “Confess your trespasses [not just to God, but] to one another” (James 5: 6a, NKJV). There

is the possibility of sin, so confess your sins – not just to God, but to each other. As we hear this, directive,

many of us will stop and wonder about its wisdom. How much do we share and with whom?

Churches, James well knew, are communities full of broken people. Sin resides in us — not merely in

them mind you, but in us. Therefore, he issues a directive regarding public confession. But, is this wise? And,

we wonder, how much are we supposed to share? Everything? The questions themselves reveal the truth: Con-

fessing sins can be dangerous; sharing our deep brokenness can be damaging. Far better, we think practice a

Christian version of “don’t ask, don’t tell” … but then we forfeit genuine community. And, James (I believe) knew

that as well! So, he offers us hope; he offers us that which sustains and maintains community — not guarded-

ness or an endless array of shallow relationships, but prayer: “pray for one another, that you may be healed”

(James 5: 16b, NKJV). Note the correlation between prayer and healing: prayer, according to James, has the

power to heal! Mind you, prayer may not “cure,” but prayer, most assuredly, can (and will) heal the brokenness

that marks our lives and our relationships, making a way for us to experience genuine community. And maybe,

just maybe, that is what we need so that we can heal, not more rhetoric or “better” agendas or more people on

“my” side, but “effective, fervent prayer,” which “avails much.” Maybe, just maybe, we need to pray for one

another (even for those with who we disagree) that together we may live and serve as Christ’s body in the world,

powerfully communicating the Gospel as we are personally strengthened to live out our faith.

Shalom,

Pastor Todd

Straight Up

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Connection!: published since April 2000

Connection! Editor: Edie Tschetter

Advisory Board: Kim Jones, chp., Rebecca Hofer and Marcia Schrock

Proof Reader: Ardella Gross 3

Dear Pastor Todd, Sisters & Brothers at Hutterthal, I was so touched by the prayer shawl you sent! After a vacation that in-cluded Mennonite World Conference, I returned to my office to find it on my desk. What a lovely surprise, and so timely! With Dave on sabbatical and Tim out of the office for two weeks, it came at a time when I especially ap-

preciated prayers for guidance, protection, courage and stamina. Thank you so very much! We do not often receive such generous and loving expressions of support and it is hard to communicate just how meaningful and encouraging this is. I’ve draped it over a chair in my office and it reminds me many times a day of your love and God’s provision. May God return this blessing manifold upon those who thought of us in this way. ~ With gratitude to you and our Lord, Shana Peachey Boshart ********************************************************************************************Greetings Pastor Todd, When I got the mail today, I was curious to know what came in the mail that was “too big” for our PO Box. When I picked up the box, my curiosity really grew when I saw how big it was. I was surprised, encouraged, empowered and blessed to find a prayer shawl—one for each for myself, Dave and for Shana from you and the members and friends of the Hutterthal Mennonite Church. Words are inadequate to express my deep feelings of gratitude and encouragement this is for me. What a gift and blessing to know that the three of us are being held in your many prayers as we journey through a rocky time in the life of the church. This prayer shawl also reminds me that the Risen Lord stands among us and the Holy Spirit is present within us to empower, lead and instruct us for the way ahead. Thank you for your partnership in ministry and please give my thanks to the Hutterthal Mennonite Church for their prayers and support. Blessings to you, Todd, in your ministry at Hutterthal and for your prayerful support of our work in Central Plains Mennonite Conference. ~ Tim Detweiler

WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY On October 4, 2015, along with churches around the world, we will celebrate World Commun-ion Sunday. Please note that we celebrate an “open table” and all who know Christ as Lord and Savior and are seeking to live by faith are welcome to participate in the sharing of the bread and the cup. As part of our celebration that morning, you are also asked to consider contributing to the Benevolent Fund, which is overseen by the Hutterthal Mennonite Church Deacons and is used to assist persons who are suffering acute financial need. (If you or someone you know are in financial distress, please contact one of our Deacons [Todd Koerner, Monica Hofer, or Monica Clem] who can assist you confidentially).

Art and Prayer: The Beauty of Turning to God by Timothy Verdon

Mount Tabor Books, 2014, ISBN: 978-1-61261-572-1

I had thought (erroneously, I might add) that Art and Prayer by Timothy Verdon would be an “art book” primarily — a treatise on religious art and it’s significance — that doubles as a keen reminder that religious (and specifically Christian religious art) was (and is) intended to draw us into an attitude of prayerful contemplation. And, certainly, Verdon’s text works amicably in that regard. However, there is far more in the pages of Art and Prayer than a treatise on religious art and a reminder that art too can be a conduit of God’s grace. In fact, I would go so far as to say that Verdon’s most valuable contribution in Art and Prayer is not the above (though that is present as well), but his incredibly insightful and moving commentary on the Scripture’s that is woven throughout. Filled with beautiful, full-color, pictures of both famous and little known religious masterpieces, Art and Prayer demands to be read slowly and with focused attention as it weaves thoughtful, scholarly prose into a beautiful, devotional tapestry. At once art history, theology, and Biblical commentary, the text remains not only accessible, but genuinely engaging. In fact, I found myself drawn into Verdon’s work as I might be drawn into a great novel so that I would get wonderfully lost in the interplay between the written word, the arresting artwork, and a delightful inner dialogue of prayer. But, would this book be of interest to the layperson — to one not (at least minimally) versed in art history, theology of Biblical scholarship? Yes, if for this reason only: It is superbly written! It leads the reader (whether novice or expert) into a world few find familiar and guides them with such gentle care and mindfulness that none will become lost. And, with that, I encourage you to enjoy the journey! An excerpt from Art and Prayer: “There is, however, a fundamental difference between the cry for help of the poets of Israel and the pleading Christians. Where the psalmists usually asked for the punishment of their tormentors — ‘O Lord, God of revenge, God of revenge, appear! Rise, judge of the world, give the proud their deserts!’ (Ps. 94[93]: 1-2) — Jesus prayed for those who crucified Him, saying: ‘Father, forgive them; they do not know what they are doing” (Lk. 23: 34a). This too is pleading prayer — or, rather, it is the Christian face of a sin-gle plea for salvation, which must include not only the person offended, but the offender as well. This dou-ble intention characterized the first martyr for Christ, Saint Stephen, who, as his enemies stoned him, ‘said in invocation, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he knelt down and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”’” (p. 148) Next Month’s Selection: The Sound of Listening: A Retreat Journal from Thomas Merton’s Hermitage

by John Dear, Continuum Publishing Company, 1999, ISBN: 0-8264-1189-4

The Pastor’s Bookshelf

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NEW ADDRESSES Andre & Lillie Eisenbeis Kathryn Hofer

Nanette Hofer

Available in printed edition only.

Harvest Mission Fest 2015 As mentioned in the September 2015 edition of our Connections! Newsletter, due to speaker availability, Harvest Mission Fest has been moved to November 1, 2015. This year, along with our morning worship featuring guest speaker James Krabill (see biography below), the Youth through adult Sunday School classes will be meeting in the sanctuary with our guest speaker for a continuing conversation on mission during our Sunday School hour. Our Harvest Mission Fest will then con-clude with a lunch meal in the Fellowship Hall beginning at noon. In celebration of Harvest Mission Fest, our offering will be split with 80% of all undesignat-ed funds collected during worship going to Mennonite Mission Network and the remaining 20% of undesignated funds collected going to the continuing mission of Central Plains Mennonite Con-ference. Please also be aware that we are continuing to seek a family to host James Krabill during his stay in Freeman. He will arrive in Sioux Falls on October 31 in the early afternoon and depart on Tuesday, November 3. During his stay, several meals have already been arranged and he will have his own vehicle so transportation is not required. If you are interested in assisting with housing, please contact Pastor Todd at 925-7186 or via email at pastortodd@goldenwest.net. Thank you!

SPEAKER BIO: JAMES KRABILL James R. Krabill served with Mennonite Board of Missions (MBM) from 1976 to 1996. For much of this time, he was a Bible and church history teacher among African-initiated churches in Ivory Coast. From 1995 to 2002, Krabill provided oversight to MBM's Mission Advocacy and Communication division. Currently, and since 2002, he has served as Senior Executive for Global Ministries at Mennonite Mission Net-work. Along with this, he is a sessional faculty member at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary teaching “The Spirit World and the Global Church.” Most recently, he, along with Stanley W. Green, contributed to and edited Fully Engaged: Missional Church in an

Anabaptist Voice published earlier this year by Herald Press.

“When that simple but creative adjective missional is placed before every function in the congregation, every

structure, every expenditure, every discernment process, every worship experience, and every member of Christ’s

body, the church will find itself transformed.” (James Krabill)

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Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis & Beth Clark

Katie was an 18 year old senior class president, home coming queen and had a

boyfriend. She also drove a fancy sport vehicle and had a desire to do volunteer

work to needy people in other countries from a very young age. Her parents were

upper middleclass and had in mind that Katie would get a college education and

some kind of degree. Katie also had a younger brother.

Celebrating Katie’s 16 birthday at her favorite restaurant and favorite food with her family Katie

dropped the idea of her spending a year doing volunteer work at a foreign orphanage before she would go

to college. That changed the mood of that party. That is not what her parents had envisioned for. But

her parents did not say no.

Katie searched her computer and made inquires of orphanages where she might serve for a period of

time. An answer came from an orphanage in Uganda which invited Katie to come and see. So during

Christmas and semester break in her senior year of High School, Katie left for a 3 week period service at

an orphanage in Uganda. Here she fell in love with an orphan baby and she knew she needed to return to

this orphanage after she graduated from High School. Also, the manager of this orphanage offered Katie

a teaching job in kindergarten class even before she got a college degree.

Katie’s parents still wished Katie to get her college degree after her High School graduation and Katie

did not want to disappoint her parents, so they agreed that Katie would go to Uganda for one year and

then return for college. So she left for Uganda and the orphanage and fell in love with all the orphan

children there. Katie came back to the States in the middle of the year to visit her family and found out

that she did not fit in with her former way of life in the USA. Her family and friends welcomed and

loved her but she was so different by now that coming back to a life of luxury and plenty went against

her grain having experienced the life of familyless and hunger and sickness with lack of proper health

care. Katie returned to finish her year at the orphanage. She returned home to attend college the next

year. By the end of her 1st semester Katie had to break her promise to her parents to finish college and

went back to Uganda to help the orphans. Katie is in the process of adopting 13 orphans as a single

parent and they call her mommy. She started an organization called “Amazina” a ministry that reaches

hundreds of other children in Uganda. Katie originally lived in Nashville, Tenn. where her parents and

brother still live. Katie needed to say goodbye to her boy friend. Katie tells about her life from 18 to 22

years of age. Good reading,

By LeRoy Hofer

QUILT ON

DISPLAY The quilt on display at HMC

in October was given to the

Freeman Network for Justice

& Peace from the Wagner

Area Horizons Team. It was

designed & made by Margaret

Zephier. The two groups

have met together twice and

are focusing on building

relationships.

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Worship Beyond Our Walls On Sunday, September 6, Pastor Todd gathered with the residents of Diamond Care Center in Bridgewater along with Charlene Friesen, Peyton McCune, Lane McCune, Sam Friesen, Paul Hofer, Jr. and Priscilla Hofer for a time of worship and fellowship. Pastor Todd shared from the text of Isaiah 35: 1-10 and Charlene Friesen accompanied two congregational hymns and led Peyton, Lane, and Sam in three songs that were greatly appreciated by all. Following the worship, Paul Hofer, Jr. and Priscilla shared coffee/tea and homemade treats prepared specifically for the occasion by them as well as Amanda Mettler. (A special thanks to those who assisted with this worship!) PLEASE NOTE: 1) On Sunday, October 4, 2015, Hutterthal Mennonite Church will be leading worship at

Oakview Terrace (Freeman) with Marj Hofer listed as providing worship music. 2) On Thursday, October 8, 2015, Hutterthal Mennonite Church will be leading worship at

Salem Mennonite Home with Paige Zachariasen listed as providing worship music.

INCIDENTALS: A Pastor’s Bookshelf Extra As an oral interpretation coach, I am always looking for that next great piece of literature that can be worked into ten masterful minutes of oration — the audience drawn into the texture of the words in combination with the subtle shifts in tone and physical presence of the performer; the performer, lost in the text, and embodying as much as speaking the worlds: Beautiful and arresting! But, finding that next great piece of literature and matching it to the orator … ah, that’s the great mystery which every coach seeks to unravel. Thus, when I find a bargain book on Amazon or at Barnes & No-ble or even in the paperback book rack of the gas station of the interstate, I pick it up, hoping for a little magic. And, such was the case with Broken Pieces: Essays Inspired by Life by Rachel Thompson — a book (largely of poetry) about relationships. Is it “that next great piece of literature?” Perhaps not on a whole, but for brief moments, this little book shines with a fresh, contemporary voice that is both bold and uncompromising … with a side of quirky. So, if you enjoy short, poetic, sometimes satirical works, this may just be for you. Enjoy!

NEED EMBROIDERED TEA TOWELS

The Freeman Regional Health Services Auxiliary is in need of individuals

willing to embroider tea towels which are sold as a fundraiser for the Auxiliary’s

work of supporting Freeman Medical Center and Oakview Terrace. If you are

willing to embroider, please contact Amanda Mettler.

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SEPTEMBER 13 - A FULL DAY AT HMC It started with Gathering 58:6 at 9:00am when a group met over a light breakfast and talked about is-

sues locally and abroad related to justice & peace.

During the worship service, a dedication of the Sunday School staff was led by Larry Tschetter (S.S.

Supt.) and Becky McCune (Children’s S.S. Supt.).

At 3:30 the annual Youth

Fundraising Volleyball

Tournament, organized by

Derrick & Jessica Preheim

and the Youth, began with

4 teams playing at one

time. Six teams played

with the Mad Cows taking

the championship.

Left: Claire Hofer cheers on the Half

Hutter team; the other teams were:

Hutter Hitters, Menno Knights, Mighty

Moms + 2, Pullmans + 3

Middle: Derrick &

Jessica Preheim, tournament organizers

Photos by Amy Hofer Vetch

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At 5:30 pm

the group

moved to the

picnic area

and enjoyed

hotdogs,

salads &

desserts!

Grandpa LeRoy Hofer chats with Cole

Hofer & Patrick Hofer between matches. Cheering on the games and visiting!

Barbie Hofer at the

play ground with

the little ones;

Hannah Jones

bonding with Isaac

Mettler.

Jill Hofer & Kylea

Waltner organized the

picnic

Uninvited guests!! THANK YOU ALL!!

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ET CETERA SHOPPE -

LOCAL MINISTRY & BEYOND

The new weekly 50%

bargain shelves are right

inside the thrift shop

door.

CONGRATULATIONS! By Twyla Hofer

Sixteen couples at HMC were privileged to celebrate 50 or

more years in 2015.

Mar. 23 Melvin & Emma Hofer 68 years

Mar. 25 Delmer & Shirley Hofer 59 years

Mar. 26 Gordon & Alvina Hofer 58 years

Apr. 17 Melvin & Rosella Glanzer 60 years

May 2 Aaron & Marcella Glanzer 61 years

June 9 Gordon & Sharon Waltner 52 years

June 14 William & Joann Stahl 56 years

June 16 Marlyn & Maureen Friesen 50 years

June 16 Vernon & Norma Hofer 61 years

June 22 Jonathan & Angie Mendel 63 years

June 27 Merlin & Sylvia Hofer 54 years

July 8 Vernon & Twyla Hofer 53 years

July 16 Derrold & Marilyn Hofer 54 years

Aug. 10 John & Deloris Stahl 63 years

Aug. 18 Norman & Darlene Hofer 58 years

Sept. 14 Amos & Kathryn Kleinsasser 68 years

A total of 938 years for an average of 58 1/2 years.

Another smiling volunteer:

Mildred Hofer is one of the

“steamers” who prepares

clothing for the sale floor

Patrick Hofer & Laura Neidert were

married July 18 at Salem Mennonite

with Pastor Todd officiating.

Lillie Koerner & Andre Eisenbeis

were married August 29 at Hutterthal

with Pastor Todd officiating.

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Stay in Touch through Social Media HMC Links

Website - http://hmcfreeman.org “Like” Us on Facebook – www.facebook.com/hutterthalmennonitechurch

Pastoral Links Facebook – www.facebook.com/MennPastor Twitter – @MennPastor Blog – mennpastor.blogspot.com

SHALOM CLUB RECOGNISTION... By Monica Clem ...took place on September 20 with Monica Clem & Becky McCune representing the Library Committee in the presentations. Ten children completed the requirements to receive a new

book of their own (those not able to attend received their books later). They were required to read 7 books and complete projects on 2 of them. Most of the children required help to complete their projects, so parents and even grandparents were also involved in helping the children achieve the requirements. Charlene Friesen, Librarian and Library Committee member, did all of the week-to-week administration of the program, helping children check out books, record-ing and receiving projects, setting up the

display, etc. This program wouldn't happen without her work!

Fulfilling the requirements to receive a book were: Felicity Jones, Nathanael Jones, Addison Waltner, Isabel Waltner, Riley Tschetter, Easton Tschetter, Aubree Tschetter, Sam Friesen, Peyton Mc Cune and Lane McCune.

OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS

02) Chris Johnson

02) Xavier Ward

03) Brigitta Hofer

03) Alvina Hofer

04) Kathy Pullman

05) Todd Jones

06) LaVern Walter

06) Lance Friesen

06) Ben Johnson

08) Galen Hofer

11) Kylea Waltner

14) Maverick Hofer

13) Tom Stahl

17) Joseph Kramer

23) Addison Waltner

24) Torrie Zachariasen

24) Angela Hofer

29) Natalie Friesen

31) Shawn Hofer

OCTOBER ANNIVERSARIES

04) Tracy & Chris Bauer

06) Phil & Joline Thomas

15) Bruce & Monica Hofer

22) Larry & Brigitta Hofer

23) Steven & Angela Hofer

CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL

Fall Quarter: Food Pantry

MENNONITE WOMEN August Project: 175 School Kits September Project: Cash - Mennonite Women USA October Project: Relief Kits - If you no longer feel able to make the October

project please give $50 to Ardella, the MW Treasurer, and we will make it for you” OR purchase the following (much of this is available locally):

Contents (NEW items only, in original packaging)

4 large bars bath soap

1 plastic bottle shampoo (13–24 oz; place in resealable plastic bag)

4 large bars laundry soap (Some stores carry Fels Naptha®, Sunlight® or Zote® brands)

4 adult-size toothbrushes

4 new bath towels (medium weight, dark or bright colors)

2 wide-tooth combs (6–8 in)

1 fingernail clipper(good quality)

1 box adhesive bandages (minimum 40 count, assorted)

Attendance Offerings

August 30 122 $2,713.25 September 6 99 $2,309.00 September 13 111 $5,746.00 September 20 104 $2,969.00

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On Aug. 31, Gordon Hofer

had endoscopic ultrasound on

the mass on his pancreas. The

mass proved to be inoperable.

Pastor Todd prayed a special

prayer over Gordon & Alvina as

they participated in the worship

service on Sept. 6. He had his

first chemo on Sept 9 after

which he was hospitalized briefly, experiencing

pain & nausea. Despite that, they were able to at-

tend church services again on Sept. 20.

Kathryn Hofer had taken up residence in Oak-

view Terrace as of the first week in September. We

wish her a peaceful transition.

Hutterthal was represented by Jaime Tschetter at

the memorial service for LuElla Lohrentz in

Newton, KS the first part of Sept.

On Sept. 14, Amos & Kathryn Kleinsasser were

privileged to celebrate 68 years of marriage.

Twyla & Vernon Hofer traveled by car to

Bozeman, MT to visit their son Ross the weekend

of September 10-14. Enroute they enjoyed the

Black Hills and Devil’s Tower, WY. On Saturday

all three went to Yellowstone and were awed again

by God’s unusual creations in the thermal, rock and

riven features of our nation’s first National Park.

After attending church with Ross on Sunday

morning they headed home.

On Sept. 20, Moses Glanzer introduced

himself as the rug maker and trouble maker at the

Et Cetera Shoppe. He urged people to purchase

clothing (especially children’s). This benefits MCC

and would eliminate the need for a pickup load a

week to be taken to thrift stores out of town which

don’t help MCC. Children outgrow their clothes

quickly contributing to the large quantity of

merchandise at the Et Cetera Shoppe. And, now the

season change so take a look and benefit both MCC

and your budget!

The church pews are in need of refinishing and

some repair. They have dried out over the years

resulting in some “wood reparation” in otherwise

solidly build, real wood furniture. Jill Hofer

worked over 40 hours on 1/2 bench repairing and

refinishing.

Signing the Guestbook

September 6: Kevin & Abby Pullman, Grace, Clare

& Brett from Lino Lakes, MN

By Twyla Hofer

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REMEMBERING PASTOR MAX At 4:00pm on Sunday, September 20, the Freeman Network for

Justice and Peace held a prayer vigil to mark that six months have

passed since Pastor Max Villatoro was deported to Honduras. It took

place at the Freeman City Hall around the flagpole which held bars that

were chained together. Two photos of Pastor Max’s family were locked

in the bars as they represented the recent 10 day visit of his children to

Honduras. The photo outside was their family photo which represented

that Gloria was locked out of this trip to Honduras because of her

citizenship status, just as Pastor Max is locked out of the United States.

Time was spent reading scripture, praying, in silence and in reflecting.

During the scripture reading, the local police car came driving up and

parked by the group. It made our hearts skip a beat when that happened

as we didn’t know if he came to object to our activities. It also gave a

little touch of what fear the immigrants must be living in whenever they

see a police car. Updates were given of Pastor Max’s case. Those

attending were encouraged to contact Homeland Security in behalf of

his status and to continue to pray for him and his family.

HUTTERTHAL HISTORICAL TIDBITS Trivia answers for last month: 1. Amos Kleinsasser broke ground with a shovel for the educational wing in what year?

A. 1962 B. 1967 C. 1975

2. What HMC program began in 1990 largely due to the work of Brigitta Hofer?

A. Youth Group B. Fellowship Unlimited C. Mentor/Mentee

3. Which of the following was not part of the major renovation of the basement in 1996?

A. Elevator installation B. New carpeting

C. New women’s restroom D. Removal of the stage

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THE HISTORICAL BOX by Twyla Hofer

The first PA system used at Hutterthal is on display in the Archive Room. Lyndon

Hofer wrote the following paragraph for us to understand the system.

“This was Hutterthal’s first PA system. This amplifier was purchased from

Power City Radio in Sioux Falls by Melvin L. Hofer in 1952. While the

church was being built, Melvin installed the wiring. The system consisted

of the amplifier, three microphones and controls at a cost of Approximately

$1,000. In the beginning, Melvin L. Hofer ran the PA system with Adina

Hofer filling in when he could not be there. After 30 years of running the

PA system, Melvin retired when a new system was installed.”

The new system had cassette recording capabilities and services were recorded this

way until that system was replaced with the present one that makes CD’s. There are many cassettes in the

Archive Room from years of recording and re-rerecording

MDS NEEDS WORKERS IN COLORADO Mennonite Disaster Service and Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp are collaborating

in a disaster mitigation project to stop the spread of the spruce beetle to other trees on

the camp property.

Volunteers are urgently needed at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp in Divide, Colo-

rado - any time from Oct. 2 through Oct. 10. You can help fell, limb and remove logs.

Also chip branches, debark trees that cannot be removed, split and stack firewood. All

skill levels are welcome! Accommodations, meals and tools will be provided.

Please contact Corbin Graber to let him know when you are available. 719-687-9506.

MCC BORDERLANDS LEARNING TOUR 2015 You are invited to participate in a learning tour designed to bring awareness about the

increasing migrant deaths, militarization and effects on sister communities by the border

wall along the Mexico/U.S. Borderlands. Participants will increase their understanding of

the social, economic, political and theological significance of migration in border commu-

nities. The tour is Oct. 28-Nov. 4, leaving from Tucson, AZ. For more information contact

Saulo Padilla, MCC U.S. Immigration Education Coordinator at saulopadilla@mcc.org, or

go online to learn more and register mcc.org/borderlands-tour.

OCTOBER 2015 by Pastor Todd October 1: 10:00am Freeman Ministerial (North Church)

October 4: WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY 8:30am Youth Bible Study 9:45am Worship 11:10am Sunday School for all ages 2:30pm Worship (Oakview Terrace)

October 6: 7:30pm Deacons Meeting (Hofer Residence)

October 7: 11:30am Freeman Network for Justice & Peace (Freeman Public Library)

October 8: 7:00pm Worship (Salem Mennonite Home)

October 11: 9:00am Gathering 58: 6 9:45am Worship 11:10am Sunday School for all ages

October 12: 7:00pm Prayer Shawl 7:00pm Connection! Meeting (parsonage)

October 15: 7:30pm Church Board

October 18: FREEMAN ACADEMY SUNDAY 9:45am Worship 11:10am Sunday School for all ages

October 20: 9:15am Pastor-Peer (Sioux Falls)

October 28: 12:00pm Connection! Deadline (send info to Edie—Hutterthal@goldenwest.net)

October 25: MENNONITE HERITAGE SUNDAY 9:45am Worship 11:10am Sunday School for all ages

October 31: HALLOWEEN

November 1: HARVEST MISSION FEST (DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS!!!) 8:30am Youth Bible Study 9:45am Worship feat. James Krabill 11:10am Sunday School for all ages 12:00pm Meal Fellowship

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