CONNECTION
Locust Grove Mennonite Church Newsletter
July 2008























“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it…and each member belongs to all the others.”
1 Corinthians 12:27; Romans 12:5b
Sincere Servants
Interviews with those in service and leadership at Locust Grove













Question: Name a couple of your favorite memories of time spent with family.
Answer: We used to travel around singing as a family. Back then, it wasn’t so much worship music, but mostly southern gospel. I have some distinct memories of the children singing. Larry used to sing Champion of Love by the Cathedrals. Charity was just little and sang tenor on a song called Come on In. In the last chorus, she would take the lead with her tiny voice.

Question: What do you enjoy most about serving as an elder at Locust Grove?
Answer: The thing I enjoy most is getting to know and work with our pastors, Max, Gregg, and Brian. I enjoy getting to hear what they’re thinking – their joys, their concerns – and getting to pray with them.

Question: As the owner of a Christian bookstore, you have access to a wide range of literature. What is your favorite book, and why?
Answer: This goes way back. It’s a classic called In His Steps by Charles Sheldon. Besides the Bible, it’s been the most influential book in my life. I first read it soon after I became a Christian. In it, a pastor challenges his congregation not to do anything until asking the question “What Would Jesus Do?” The book goes through four scenarios – those of a car dealer, a newspaper editor, a school teacher, and a salesman, and describes how that thought transforms their lives. The book challenged me to do the same. There’s another book that I’ve read more recently called The Beautiful Fight by Gary Thomas. It’s a whole book about transformation and what happens to a life that is transformed by Christ. It talks about how this is a struggle or fight. It affects our minds, hearts, hands, feet, etc. It’s probably the best book I’ve found since The Purpose Driven Life.

Question: What is the best advice you have ever received?
Answer: The best advice I’ve ever received was in a book I read called Ancient Wisdom, a set of devotions telling us to pursue wisdom in our lives. A passage from the book that was powerful to me was Proverbs 3:13-14, which says, “Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.” I received excellent advice in pursuing wisdom, and I realized how much I need it! So the best advice I think I’ve ever received is to seek God’s wisdom.
Pastor’s Corner: The Sabbatical
by Max Zook

Over the past few months I have responded to several questions about how I am doing during this six month Sabbatical. I am so glad for the questions because they express the interest, love, and support of so many of you in the congregation and community. The Sabbatical has been a real treasure. It is a priceless gift of time and space in which God has been working.

Are you bored yet?
No. I have never run out of things to do. During these months I have read, reflected, prayed, written, and read some more, but found more books I want to read. When not reading I have enjoyed gardening, landscaping, tending sheep and honey bees (a new hobby), pruning and caring for fruit and nut trees, and completing several jobs around the house. I’ve also spent much more time with my family, doing projects around the house, and traveling. Some of my most cherished time was spent at a local cabin by myself, fasting, praying, reading, and enjoying the presence of God.

What have you been reading and studying?
Last summer I signed up for the first year of a class called “Spiritual Direction for Spiritual Guides” provided by Oasis Ministries in Camp Hill. Each month I met with about twenty other pastors, counselors, and teachers at the Kenbrook Camp to discover more about prayer, meditation, and experiencing the presence of God. Each month I prepared for the meetings by reading a few books and articles by authors such as Henri Nouwen, Thomas Merton, Gerald May, and Christian classic authors like Brother Lawrence, Theresa of Avila, and Julia of Norwich, among others.
I deeply enjoyed the course. It was just what I needed. Reading deadlines added structure to my study times and the content was very refreshing. The people I met became good friends and we learned to love and support each other deeply in our spiritual growth. My prayer partner, a pastor from the Philadelphia area, became a very good friend, and we enjoyed many good talks and laughs. The training is actually a two year course of study and I plan to continue with the program through May 09.

What have you been doing on Sundays?
On Sundays when I was not sitting with my mother at Valley View Haven or spending time in solitude at a cabin, I have been enjoying visiting other churches.
Churches in the Belleville and Allensville area: St. John’s Lutheran, Watts United Methodist, Big Valley CMA, Rockville, Rock Haven Church of God in Christ Mennonite, Valley View Amish Mennonite, Allensville Presbyterian, Allensville Mennonite, and Rehobath; McVeytown Methodist and Presbyterian Churches; St. Mark’s Episcopal, Grace United Methodist, Evangel Baptist, Upper Room, all in Lewistown; and Trinity Mennonite in Phoenix, AZ and Saddleback Community Church near Los Angeles, CA. I really enjoyed those church visits, especially watching to see how God is revealing himself in these faith communities.
I was led by several questions: How is the pastor connecting with the congregation? How are the members connecting with God, and how is the pastor connecting with God and His Word? What makes this a healthy church? What can I learn from this congregation? How does this church relate with its community and what does it have to offer the community?
I was very warmly welcomed and received at most churches, especially the local ones, and was encouraged to sense God’s presence among His people who worship with a very wide variety of styles and music.

Are you ready to come back?
My standard answer has been, “Not yet, but I will be ready on July 1.”

Have you written a book?
No. I have spent a lot of time writing first chapters and outlining the book, only to start over with a new approach a few weeks later. I discovered that much of my motivation to write a book involved more of a desire to be published than the compelling need to communicate a clear message. But the biggest reason for not completing a book was my discovery that my writing style is much more suited to preparing sermons than to producing manuscripts. As a result my research and writing from 2 Corinthians has taken the form of a new sermon series instead of a manuscript for publication. If I sense that the content is compelling enough when I complete the sermon series, I may then prepare and submit the content for publication.

Did you get to the Holy Land?
No. After careful consideration Brenda and I decided the time was not right for a trip to Israel. We would love to do this in a few years. Instead our family enjoyed a trip to some western states. Joseph and I drove to Phoenix, Arizona in early March. Then Brenda, Jonathan, and James flew to Phoenix and we spent over a week enjoying the Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, and Painted Desert, hiking, picnicking, and exploring the scenery of Arizona. Then on March 26 Joseph and I continued our road trip into Mexico, and through California, Oregon, and Washington, and then homeward through several northern states.
I received a greater appreciation for the beauty of the desert, the empty expanses of the western states, and our beautiful country. Worship involved quietly soaking in the presence of God in some very awesome settings. I often struggled to find words to express what I felt when I encountered a new area. I decided that I overused “Wow” so often that I began to say it backwards only to realize again the inadequacy of language. A few park areas stand out as our all time favorites: the Badlands of South Dakota, Death Valley and the Pacific coast of California, and the Mexican eastern shore of the Gulf of California.
I satisfied some of my craving to see Israel by enjoying the video series, “That the World May Know,” produced by Focus on the Family.

Are you looking forward to coming back on July 1?
I feel sad that this Sabbatical leave is coming to a close, but I am becoming more and more excited about resuming the pastoral role. I can honestly say that I never seriously considered not returning or of looking elsewhere for another role or career. The sense of God’s call on my life to continue serving as pastor at Locust Grove has actually been strengthened.
I really missed seeing my church family members regularly and was reminded that the best part of pastoring involves enjoying close relationships and friendships. I really look forward to renewing those friendships. I again discovered that I really do love members of the church family very much.

How are you changing? How will you be different when you return?
I am still sorting out the answer to those questions. But in general I feel a strong need to focus on the simple basics of ministry: loving God, loving people, and preaching the Word. I really don’t want to continue doing some of the things I did before the Sabbatical began. Time has proven that other people in the church can do those things much better than I, and I want to let them continue doing them. I want to be free to experience the presence of God in each moment more fully without being distracted by concerns about the future or of my own inadequacies. I look forward to celebrating the fullness of God with the church family.

Jamaica Missions Trip
by Gregg Kanagy

June 11, 2008

A number of individuals have asked about the mission trip experience to Jamaica with the soccer team this past March. In response to those questions I would like to share several details with Connection readers through several excerpts written by the players in the team journal. First and foremost I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity the Lord provided for us to go, and secondly God’s faithfulness and grace were very evident in supplying the finances and providing safety throughout our traveling and time spent ministering in Black River. Thank you all for your prayers for us throughout the trip. One of the boys described a town we traveled through on the trip across the island as “a town about the size of State College with the number of stoplights of McVeytown.” He continued “On the way to Black River we were almost hit a lot of times, near accidents all over the place. There is no division on the roads like yellow lines or passing lanes. We have only seen one policeman on the road and one along the road eating chicken!”
The size of our group included 18 players and 5 adults, and our host for the week was Pastor Audley Black of the Black River Independent Baptist Church. Pastor Black was born and raised in the local area and spends much of his time ministering to those who have not experienced “the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.” I hope you all enjoy and are encouraged by reading the journal excerpts from the players on the trip.
“Before the mission’s trip I was expecting that through our work the kids’ lives in Jamaica would be changed for the better. Not only do I believe that we positively impacted the players in Jamaica. I also believe that this trip has had a positive impact on each and every one of us that have come along on the trip. I personally have been spiritually challenged and blessed through this trip. God has personally challenged me to have more faith in Him. God has allowed me to see Pastor Black’s strong faith and determination to reach the people of Jamaica despite any setbacks that may occur. His messages challenged me to change some of my sinful ways in order to follow God and be a man of good character. If and only if you are a man of good character will your reputation be a good one which will allow you to have a positive testimony for Jesus. These messages allowed me to look at myself and realize that my actions and my words were contradicting, and this is a big problem. God challenges us to spread the gospel and reach others, and in order to do this we must have a good testimony. I am very glad that I have had the opportunity to come on this trip. It has allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and allowed God to speak to me. This entire trip has been a blast and I will remember this trip for the rest of my life.” - David W.

“This trip has been a once-in-a-lifetime amazing experience. I am grateful for the awesome home life I have, and it helped me stop taking all the luxuries I have for granted (including food that isn’t chicken). I have been inspired by Pastor Black. He is working hard to change a whole generation in his community. He gave his time that he could have been using at home in air conditioning to come out and talk to a bunch of kids. I have been inspired by Pastor Black’s messages and coach’s talks. They have made me take a look at myself and how good of a Christian I really am. These talks have made me work hard to become a better Christian and a better person. Thanks to everyone who allowed me to enjoy this life changing experience.”
- Max W.

“In this morning’s session Raymond (a boy who has been totally abandoned by both of his parents) did not listen to my instructions. Instead he flagrantly disobeyed them. He cursed loudly. He is eleven. Raymond had a look of hatred on his face, wore his hat cocked to one side, and bullied children. Please do not think badly of this boy; the fault is not his. ‘Murderers are not born murderers and liars are not born liars,’ Pastor Black preached to us after a soccer session in a crowded classroom that was roughly a shed with desks that could have appeared in movies depicting school rooms for blacks when segregation was in full bloom. Raymond lives on the street. While Pastor Black was preaching and praying with us, events that touched me in a way I will never be able to fully describe on paper occurred while other Jamaican boys my age continued to laugh and poke at one another. Rare were the times when instructions were obeyed.
The experiences of this past week have changed me dramatically. I once arrogantly thought that my successes and triumphs originated from some special quality I had. I was foolish for thinking so. Any successes and triumphs I have had and any good character has originated from the sacrifices made by my parents, family, pastors, friends, society, and people that have come before me. All of these have been provided by God’s hand. None of these wonderful things have been my own doing. To be worthy of God’s recognition I must sacrifice my own satisfaction and pleasure to provide an example of good character to others.” - Adam R.

There are many more stories from the trip I would like to share with you. May any good that occurred on the trip be for “Christ and His Kingdom.”

- Gregg
















Poetry Corner

Last week Sophia and I were riding along in the car eating pretzels. Making conversation, I asked her, “What’s your favorite thing to do?” She thought a moment and answered, “Eat pretzels.” Now, as her mother, I know for a fact she’d at least rather eat ice cream or watch a video than eat pretzels, but I was so challenged by her response. What more beautiful way to live than when what you are doing NOW is your favorite thing to do?

Over the past several years, being content in today is a lesson God has been teaching me. The following poem was written during one of those teaching times 6 years ago while Rob and I were in Budapest working with Youth With A Mission. I’m still learning.

Today
by Rena Plank

Today I am here –
The place of my dreams,
The place of my hopes.
And yet, I find that here
IN today
I must live.
The fact that today was conceived in a dream
Does not erase the sweat and tears of living it,
As I once thought.

And so…I resolve
To cloud not the beauty of today
With dreaming tomorrows and wishing pasts.
For the realization of all
Hopes, dreams, and desires
Is lived in a today.
I will live this one.
Likely, today is the fulfillment
Of a long forgotten prayer.












Family Ties

Grandma
by the Grandchildren* of Minnie Zook

As they all met to remember and celebrate the life of Minnie Zook, her grandchildren shared some memories of the godly woman they knew as Grandma.

My name is John Morris, the son of Joyce and Elisha Morris. I am also the oldest grandchild of Minnie Zook. One of my greatest memories of Grandma was a week that I came up from Rosedale Bible Institute to stay with her. She had plans to plan Rumikube with her friends but she cancelled all her plans that week to spend time with just me. Grandma had a routine like most of us every morning. She got up around 5:00 a.m., walked to the kitchen in her robe, and put a cup of instant coffee into the microwave. When the coffee was hot, she sat down at her kitchen table and opened her black Bible to spend time with God. During the week I stayed with her, I asked her if I could get up and have devotions with her. The last couple of morning she woke me up early and as she drank coffee and I drank Pepsi, we read God’s Word and prayed together. Her godly witness has impacted my life. She was a great woman of prayer, and her times of intercession will be greatly missed by all of us.

My name is Christy Schelenberg, the second child of J. and Karen Zook. I think Grandma was the picture-perfect Grandma. I have so many special memories of her, which I am so grateful for. Grandma was such a wonderful cook and baker. As a child, I would often leave her house with a freshly baked cookie in hand. She also made delicious pies. I remember she used to make a green tomato pie each summer. One time I had a piece, and though I didn’t really care for the green tomatoes in the pie, I thought the crust was absolutely delicious! From then on, every summer, Grandma would make me a green tomato pie, because she remembered that I liked it. I would then choke down those green tomatoes, just so I could eat the pie crust. She had such a kind heart, and did her best to make me, as well as the rest of her grandchildren, feel special. Every time I would return home from being away at school, she would ask me what I was hungry for, and would then make me whatever I ordered. I usually asked for beef potpie, as hers tasted the best! Perhaps the most cherished memories I have of Grandma took place while I would be home from missions training for the summer. Often, late in the evenings, I would get into some comfy clothes and walk over to Grandma’s house. She would usually be sitting in her recliner chair, either watching the news, talking on the phone, or reading a book. Yet, as soon as I would come, she would give me her full attention. I would then sit down beside her, and we would talk about what took place during the day. These were such special times for me, as I would ask her many questions about her life experiences. She told me about how she and Grandpa met, their courtship, marriage, and life together. I remember how she was so happy for me when I told her that I really liked a special guy named David. I would usually leave her house way past her bedtime, but I remember being so happy when I left her place. She was not only my Grandma, but my friend. I knew that she really cared about me and was interested in how God was leading and directing me. I also know that she prayed for me. I will always love her and I definitely miss her, but I’m so thankful for the special memories I have of her.

My name is Nathan Byler, son of Glenn and Jean Byler. I have many fond memories of Grandma that range from: a bucket of cookies that were sent with me to college, changing light bulbs in her kitchen because she could not reach the light, and the chaotic ways that she would shuffle cards by spreading them all over the table and picking them up again. But something I will always cherish was her smile and sense of humor. As I was looking at pictures of Grandma I could not help but notice that she was smiling in almost every picture. Throughout my childhood I can remember Grandma laughing and smiling almost every time that I would talk to her. I also think back to the times when her eyesight began to fail and you would have to tell her who you were, and as soon as she would hear your name she would begin to smile. Even in the last few weeks, when she was too weak to talk, she would still chuckle and smile if something funny was said. She never lost her sense of humor. I will cherish the lessons that I have learned from Grandma.

My name is Jonathan Zook, the oldest son of Max and Brenda Zook. When I think of my Grandma Zook, I think of a lady who was always smiling. But my fondest memories are of when I would go back once a week to mow her grass. Although she paid me cash money for it, looking back those two hours were priceless. I know that I would look forward to going there since the 45-minute job would usually take 2 hours. I would take breaks and always end up talking to Grandma when I was done mowing. She would always give me a cookie and something to drink as soon as I was done. She also got her mower gas from Uncle J’s tank so whenever the gas can was empty she would let me drive her car back the lane to fill it up. I think the first time she let me drive I was about 10. So when I look back and think of my Gr∂ndma Zook, that is the lady I remember.

My name is Jeffrey Zook, the youngest child of J. and Karen Zook. When I think of my grandma, many different memories come to mind. From sleepovers to stories to taking me out for my birthday and letting me pick out my favorite toy. One of my favorite stories that I looked forward to Grandma reading was the Hive of Busy Bees. I don’t know if it was the story or just how she read it but Grandma’s stories were always better. I remember her always being there to talk or just listen to what was going on in my life. She was never too busy to listen.

My name is Angela Zook, the third child of J. and Karen Zook. One of my memories of Grandma is the ice cream freezer. She had this upright freezer on the front porch that she kept ice cream in and it was always locked with this key that she kept on top of the freezer. On Sundays after evening church, we would go over there for ice cream and I would help her carry it in. I remember she finally gave me the key and showed me how to unlock it. That was a big day. An even bigger day came when I could reach the key myself, and I know some of my younger cousins remember those days too. So that’s just a little something special I remember about Grandma.

My name is Elisha Morris, the youngest son of Jo¥ce and Elisha Morris. Every summer we planned a trip to Grandma’s house. I always looked forward to Grandma’s vegetable soup with applesauce and chocolate chip cookies for dessert. Grandma always had vegetable soup made when we arrived. My freshman year of college I received a package from her. I opened the box and there I found several pints of vegetable soup and applesauce. Also in the box was a bag full of chocolate chip cookies. Needless to say, my roommates didn’t get to partake in the food because I hogged it all for myself. Nobody could come close to Grandma’s soup and applesauce. The best way to eat it was to pour the soup in a bowl along with the apple sauce. Mix it up and it tasted so good. Once the soup was gone, there was nothing better to finish it off than a couple of Grandma’s cookies. I have not tasted a cookie that even comes close to m±y Grandma’s cookies.

I am reading this for James, the youngest son of Max and Brenda Zook. Like the older grandchildren, James’s memories of Grandma will always include food. He never left her house or apartment without a little treat of some kind – a small bag of animal crackers, “just one more” piece of candy, or a handful of fat pretzel sticks. When she found out how much he liked bananas, she often sent one home with him, and for a while he called her Banana Grandma.
When James spent time at Grandma’s house, he discovered the toys the “big boys” had once played with in Grandma’s little brown toy box. Hammering the balls was fun but the Duplos were the best. The day she showed him how the clown fired out of the little red cannon, he just laughed and laughed. She did it over and over again much to his delight. For some reason he also spent a lot of time pulling out and hiding the drawer pull on Grandma’s old console stereo. Although the record player went to the junk, that handle became part of James’s treasure pile along with the memories of Grandma’s love for her youngest grandson.

My name is Terri Thompson, the oldest child of J. and Karen Zook. When I think of my Grandma Minnie, I remember how she had a wonderful green thumb. Five years ago, Grandma gave me a baby-tear plant which still sits on my kitchen window sill. I remember her smile and readiness to talk as soon as I walked in <> the door. Grandma encouraged me in my Christian walk. It was not uncommon to see her Bible open on her kitchen table.
























Parental Job Description
submitted by Jan Kanagy

JOB TITLES:
Mom, Mommy, Mama, Ma Dad, Daddy, Dada, Pa, Pop¬

JOB DESCRIPTION:
- Long term, team players needed, for challenging permanent work in an often chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call.
- Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports.
- Tournaments in far away cities! Travel expenses not reimbursed.
- Extensive courier duties also required.¬

RESPONSIBILITIES:
- The rest of your ∞ life.
- Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5.
- Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly.
- Must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from 0 to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just ♂crying wolf.
- Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets, and stuck zippers.
- Must screen calls, maintain calendars, and coordinate production of multiple homework projects.
- Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks.
- Must be willing to be indispensable one minute and an embarrassment the next.
- Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys and battery operated devices.
- Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst.
- Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product.
- Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.¬

POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION:
None. Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you.¬

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE:
None required, unfortunately. On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.¬

WAGES AND COMPENSATION:
- Get THIS. You pay them; Offering frequent raises and bonuses.
- A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent.
- When you die, you give them whatever is⌂ left.
- The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.¬

BENEFITS:
While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered, this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth and free hugs and kisses for life if you play your cards right.
Does God♥ Need Us?
by Nancy Hoefel

We need God. No believer doubts or questions this. But, does God need us? I mean they don’t call Him the “uncaused cause” for nothing. Some people find the whole idea of God needing completely offensive and demeaning to Him. Yet, lovers in all great stories and in real life always need each other. No matter how unbalanced a relationship may seem, two romantically involved people always need each other. If we are “His lovers” (Scripture refers to us as “the Bride, the wife of the lamb”) how can He not need us as at all? It would seem odd for the idea to apply everywhere but here.
A woman without children, no matter how maternal, is not a mother. A mother is only a mother in relationship to her children. Likewise, regardless of us, Jesus is still all those “omnis” (omnipresent, omnipotent, and omniscient). He’s still the Holy One of Israel. But, without us, Jesus is a little like Superman minus Lois Lane. Superman still has x-ray vision, can stop speeding bullets, and leap tall buildings in a single bound, even if Lois never shows up. If you’re on the seventieth floor of a burning skyscraper, he’s definitely the guy you want around. But what if you’re not? Do you really care where he is or what he’s doing? Is he compelling? Not really. Despite the “Wow Factor,” he’s just super, and in the end, that’s not enough.
Enter Lois. She’s the love of his life and thus, his Achilles heel. The bad guys don’t need kryptonite anymore. All they have to do is go after Lois. Suddenly the superhero is vulnerable, because losing Lois would destroy him. In the way that matters most, Lois makes Superman like us. Suddenly he’s not boring anymore. Through Lois we’ve gained access not only to his brain, brawn, and superpowers, but also to his heart. We see his passion. Minus Lois, Superman would still be super, but who would care? He’d be relegated to cartoons and comic books read by boys ten and under. Lois takes him to the big screen. They’ll never make a Superman movie without her.
Without us, who is Jesus? He’s still “very God of very God,” Lord of the universe. But the name “Jesus” means “savior.” Without us, who is there to save? Can you imagine a Jesus who isn’t “the Savior of the world,” who isn’t the Redeemer, who isn’t “just and the Justifier of the ungodly,” who{ isn’t “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world”? Jesus is all these things only in relationship to us.
The cross is where the passion, compassion, mercy, desire, and justice of God merge and are revealed as nowhere else. The cross discloses His heart. Without it the depths of his mad love and desperate determination could not be fully known. And without us there is no cross.
Jesus is not like the gods of other religions—a god to be appeased. ↕He’s the only God who deliberately opened the door wide open to suffering and rejection for the sake of His children. He’s the God who feels, the God who loves, and the God who longs. He’s vulnerable, compelling, captivating. He’s not just super. He’s not just omni. He’s the One whose passion for us can make us weak-kneed and breathless like no one else.
We impact Him far more than we imagine. He’s linked His destiny to ours, His identity to ours. Jesus is a savior to the core. But in our absence it is never revealed, never expressed, never realized. Without you, without me, without the Fall, without our failure, without the cross, the heart of God is locked away from the universe. No one ever knows who He is at the core of His being; no one knows the depths of His passion. The worst of all possible tragedies, worse than the Fall, even worse than the cross, would be if the glory of such a heart were never known. This is why he created us. He wanted and needed a place for the expression of His inexpressible love. He needed us.

A Blast from the Past

1975 Locust Grove Married Couples Retreat
Article and pictures submitted by current Belleville resident Nelson Roth

The following article was printed in the Belleville Times in 1975:

Locust Grove Adults at Milroy Retreat
Two groups of young married couples from the Locust Grove Mennonite Church at Belleville met for their annual weekend retreat at Hartman Center at Milroy on September 5-7.
The theme for the weekend was, “How to have a Happy Marriage.” Guest participants were Nelson and Emma Jane Roth, pastor and wife from &Martinsburg, Pa.
Twenty-three couples, along with 28 children, participated in the~ sessions which began Friday evening and continued through Sunday morning. The topics for the main sessions were: “How to Know God’s Will for Your Marriage,” “How to Grow in Intimacy,” “How Do You Rate as a Mate?,” “How to Make Conflict Creative,” and “How to Be a Priest to Your Partner.”
Pictured below are the couples who attended the retreat, divided into Groups 1 and 2. Couples are not listed in the order printed in 1975. Who’s who? The couples are: Loren & Lana Byler, Arlene & John Yoder, Glenn & Joyce Yoder, Norma & Tom Zook, Irvin & Sara Hartzler, Kenneth & Phyllis Yoder, Hazel & Gideon Yoder, Robert and Virginia Renno, Robert and Joann Peachey, Gerald and Susan Peachey, Dennis and Becky Peachey, James and Mildred Yoder, Mel and Sally Mullett, Sanford and Mildred King, Al and Sara Bechler, John D. and Sharon Peachey, Ralph and Mary Hostetler, Aquilla and Ann Kanagy, Gloria and Mark Zook, Loren and Wanda Yoder, John and Rhoda Byler, Frank and Edith Hartzler.





Pictures of the adults^ (Group1 and Group 2) follow:





Group
1




Can you place the children below with their Ξ parents above? Try to identify each child. Then look on p. 19 for the answers.






Children










And two became one…


Brian & Teresa Yoder were married on May 3, 2008.



Just between March and June of 1999, there were six weddings within our church. Those who got married during those months were: Justin Ormsby & Katrina Yoder, Clayton Suydam & Renee Miller, Ben Hartzler & Jenny Peachey, Brian Renno & Gwen Yoder, Ken Zook & Erin Smith, and Mahlon Shrock & Irene Kauffman.






Our most recent Locust Grove attendees…

Joshua Franklin Hartzler – born to Mike & Steph – March 2008
Elaina Noel Peachey – born to Daniel & Katie – April 2008
Benjamin Cooper Boreman – born to Abby Boreman – June 2008

The following babies were recently born to former Locust Grove attendees…

Luke David Peachey – born to Jeremy and Kristen – June 2008
Hannah Eva Naomi Jones – born to Jason and Marci (Zook) – May 2008



On June 12, 1977, the following babies were dedicated to the Lord: Ritchey Jay Peachey (Gerald & Sue); Neil Thomas Renno (Rob & Gin); Kenneth James Zook (Tom & Norma); Shawn Dwight Yoder (Ken & Phyllis); Jeremy David Peachey (John & Sharon); Jeremy Warren Byler (Jay & Cheryl); Emily Jo Yoder (L. Marlin & Twila); Juli Kristine Yoder (John & Arlene); Eric James Yoder (Jim & Mid); Dion Ray Peachey (Dennis & Becky); and Larry Richard Byler (Loren & Lana)



















Anthony Thompson James Zook Blake Lyter


















Durrell Yoder Hannah Templeton Natalie Lavelle




Feature Cook: Bethe Nardis

Meal-time is a much looked-forward-to (is that a word?) time in our house. We almost always eat suppers together, adjusting the time to suit Dean’s work hours. Dean and I like all kinds of food, and our girls are developing their taste buds similarly! Dea really enjoys cooking and baking, and loves experimenting with spices.

Here are a few of our most favorite recipes!

Chicken, Peaches and Rice
(the most requested recipe my family asks for - it’s always a birthday meal!)

2 skinless chicken breasts split 1 Tbsp brown sugar
S & P ½ tsp cinnamon
2 Tbsp butter ¼ tsp ground cloves
½ med. onion, chopped 2 Tbsp lemon juice
1 can sliced peaches 1 cup long grain rice
1 can chicken broth

S & P chicken, then brown in butter in large skillet, turning once. Stir in onion. Cover and cook over low heat for 20 minutes, or until tender. Remove chicken from skillet, set aside. Drain peaches, pouring syrup into skillet. Add chicken broth, brown sugar, spices and lemon juice. Bring quickly to a boil. Stir in rice. Arrange chicken and peaches on top. Cover, reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes. Serves 4

(One adjustment I’ve made to this recipe is to add 2 cans of peaches. My girls love the peaches and always want more! Also, if you want more rice, you’ll need to double the broth, and then accordingly double the seasonings. It’s easy to do!)

Easy Chicken Lo Mein
(Because Dea and Jana were born in China, I’ve learned to cook Chinese food. It’s not so hard - and they love it!)

1 skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into thin strips
1 Tbsp Stir-Fry Sauce (I use Kikkoman)
1/3 cup Stir-Fry Sauce
3 Tbsp water
2 Tbsp vegetable oil, divided
¼ pound fresh snow peas, trimmed and cut into julienne strips
1 large carrot, cut into julienne strips (I use the bagged shredded carrots)
1/8 tsp salt
4 ounces uncooked capellini, or angel hair pasta, cooked, drained and cooled
2 tsp toasted sesame seed

Coat the chicken strips with 1 Tbsp stir-fry sauce in small bowl. Let stand 30 minutes. Combine 1/3 cup stir-fry sauce and water, set aside. Heat 1 Tbsp oil in hot wok or large skillet over high heat. Add chicken and stir-fry 2 minutes or so; remove. Heat remaining 1 Tbsp oil in same pan. Add snow peas and carrot, sprinkle with salt. Stir-fry 4 minutes. Add stir-fry sauce mixture, chicken, angel hair pasta and sesame seed; cook and stir until coated and heated through.

The key to this is to have all the ingredients totally ready, because it all cooks really fast. I also am not a stickler for measuring exact amounts of snow peas and carrots, for example. My mother-in-law taught me that extra of the ‘good stuff’ never hurts (she was talking about extra nuts in cookies, though)!

Chuck Wagon Chili Dip

(Another family favorite that is also fun to serve when you have guests - it’s a very social meal!)

3 Tbsp cooking oil 2 tsp cumin
1 medium onion, chopped ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
1 green pepper, chopped 1 tsp oregano
¾ lb lean ground beef 1 tsp salt
1 clove garlic, minced ½ cup water
4 Tbsp tomato paste
1 can (15 oz) dark red kidney beans

Heat oil in deep skillet. Sauté’ onion and pepper until translucent. Remove with slotted spoon and set aside. Crumble ground beef and brown with garlic in the same skillet. Return onion and pepper to skillet. Add remaining ingredients and bring to a gentle simmer. Simmer, covered, for 30’, stirring frequently and adding additional water, if necessary. When fully cooked, turn off heat and fold in 1 cup sour cream. Serve warm with corn chips, for dipping. Add a salad and your meal is complete!

Milk Chocolate Bar Cake
(This is scrumptious!)

1 box Swiss or German Chocolate cake mix
1 (8oz) pkg cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
½ cup sugar
10 (1.5 oz) Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars with Almonds, divided
1 (12 oz) container cool whip, thawed

Prepare cake batter according to directions. Pour into cake pan and bake as stated on the box. Cool completely. For icing: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar and regular sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer, until creamy. Next, chop 8 candy bars finely. Fold cream cheese mixture and chopped candy into whipped topping. Spread icing onto cake. Chop remaining 2 candy bars. Sprinkle on cake. Keep chilled until ready to eat!

This can also be made as a layer cake- there is plenty of icing.
Candy Bar Cake is popular for birthdays at our house, even though you really can’t decorate it! I just made it for Dea’s birthday!


Editors’ Note


The Family of God is a beautiful thing. In Romans 8:16-17 we read, “…we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs – heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” The Family of God, united in Christ Jesus, lives out the will of the Father through serving the Son. The members of the Family instruct and encourage their spiritual children. They live out Philippians 2 by humbly caring more for the Family as a whole than for their own interests. The Locust Grove Family has done this for me through some of my toughest trials, as have many other brothers and sisters in the Lord. I encourage you this day, with a grateful heart, to praise the Lord for the ways he has used the Family of God to bless your life.

“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 15:5-6)

I once wrote the following prayer to ask the Lord’s blessing on all families:

Universal Family Prayer

Loving God, keep each family in your arms.
Grant all mas and pas, all grandmas and grandpas, aunts and uncles
The grace they need to lead their children in the way they should go.
Grant all men and women, young and old,
The strength they need to carry on when times are tough.
Grant all boys and girls, all children, nephews and nieces,
The willpower they need to do what’s right.
Grant these things, oh God, we pray.

~ Marsha Buchanan