Reminders October 22-25
CMC October 2026 Directory: There will be paper copies of the directory available Sunday in the foyer. Please limit each family to one copy. Thank you all for your updates and participation in keeping the directory current.
Documentary Showing This Weekend: Mary Yoder is planning on attending the documentary “Naza” at the Gateway Film Center on Sunday, October 25 at 3:30. The film features interviews with 24 anonymous Israeli military and intelligence personnel, who describe how algorithms are used in civilian death decisions in Gaza. The film director, also filmed “No Other Land,” a West Bank village where Community Peacemaker Teams has built partners. Mary would love to have anyone interested join her and perhaps have a discussion afterwards. Contact Mary for more information.
The Inquirers Class begins this Sunday, October 25, during the Sunday school hour in room 301. We will explore the basics of Christian faith in an Anabaptist/Mennonite perspective, as well as provide an overview of the story and life of Columbus Mennonite Church. The class is open to anyone, with a special invitation to new attenders and those considering membership at CMC. — Pastor Joel
Congregational Accessibility Survey DUE THIS SUNDAY: The CMC Accessibility Advocates are re-opening their survey about ways to increase accessibility at CMC. They received 17 responses this summer, but would love to have more! Please complete the survey linked here to share your perspective – and note this survey is for all CMC attenders, whether or not you identify as having a disability. Please complete the survey by this Sunday October 25. Thank you! Questions? Please contact Tracey Lehman, Josh Davey, Laura Myers or Megan McGowan (CMC Accessibility Advocates).
Christmas Program and Advent Choir Rehearsals: The children will be rehearsing for the Christmas program this week between worship and Sunday School in Room 1. They will be dismissed from worship during announcements to give them more time to rehearse. All children are invited to join and learn the songs regardless of whether they are participating in the program. The Advent Choir (adults and youth) will be rehearsing most Sundays from 12:15-1:45pm in the sanctuary, including this week.
General CMC Announcements
Fall Congregational Meeting: Our fall congregational meeting will be held after worship on Sunday November 1, with the Harvest Potluck to follow. The meeting will be held in the sanctuary and will also be available by Zoom (same Zoom link as worship). While only members are able to vote on ballot issues, all are welcome to join the meeting. An agenda and supporting materials, including a draft budget for 2027, were emailed this week. Please review the materials and come ready to discuss on November 1 – we look forward to your input! Thank you! -Leadership Team
Childcare during the Congregational Meeting: During the Congregational Meeting on November 1, nursery-age children may remain in the nursery, and childcare will be provided for children in PreK to 4th grade in Room 2. Older children are encouraged to attend the meeting.
Harvest Potluck! All are invited to the Harvest Potluck in the fellowship hall on November 1st, following the congregational meeting. Please bring a dish/es to share. Please fill out the “ingredient list” at the kitchen window. Drinks will be provided, but bring your own plates and tableware. Please fill out an allergy list at the kitchen window when you drop off your food. NO NUTS PLEASE! For the safety of folks with severe nut allergies, we cannot serve anything that contains tree nuts or peanuts. This includes packaged food that “may contain nuts.” Make sure to check the fine print on any packaged food you are planning to bring.
Foyer Restroom Remodel Update from Facilities Commission and Leadership Team: The planned schedule for the foyer restroom remodel has been updated and is as follows: Engineering and permits thru October. Bids in November / December. Construction from approximately mid-January thru mid-April. During construction, 3 single toilet bathrooms will be available in the Sunday school basement, and one single toilet in the upstairs “old nursery” area. Office staff and copier will be temporarily relocated to the 3rd floor Sunday School area. More details will be available at the upcoming Congregational Meeting on Nov 1.
Public Service Announcement from Robin Walton for those on a Medicare Advantage Plan: If you received a termination letter from your plan, save that letter and then do your research and respond by December 7, rather than suffer a loss of coverage on January 1. This termination letter may seem scary, but you can make a good choice. Every state is required to provide free, impartial assistance in making these decisions. The Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) | Department of Insurance is a network of advisors: OSHIIP LINK. You may have already linked up with one of these when you made Medicare decisions in the past. If you have been cancelled, it is time to go back and do it again. If you want any further assistance, Robin can provide you with more resources.
Office Updates: Robin Walton is away October 22-26. Laura Steiner will not be in the office on Monday, October 26 but will be working from home.
BREAD Listening Lunches: CMC’s BREAD team invites you to a listening lunch on Sundays at noon in October in the fellowship hall. This is the last week to join a lunch! Join us for a light lunch and our annual effort to gather testimonials and identify issues facing Central Ohio that BREAD, our faith-based social justice coalition partner, will address this year. Sign up on the flip chart in the foyer for one of the lunches so we know how many to prepare for. BREAD is one of the concrete ways that CMC practices our commitment to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with our God locally. For more information contact Julie Hart, Melonie Buller or Tim Conder.
Opportunities in the Wider Community
Jim Leonard offers opportunities to learn about Haitians in the U.S. and to support them. A new PBS Frontline documentary “Haitian Deportation Crisis” premiered this week. According to PBS, it “offers a vivid, up-close look at the extent and impact of gang violence in Haiti, the efforts to combat it, and the rising fears among Haitians in the U.S. of being deported.” Also, a Pilgrimage to Columbus for Haitian Solidarity began in Springfield this Wednesday and will culminate in a rally from 1 PM to 3 PM this coming Saturday, Oct. 24 in Columbus. For details about the event and its goals, click HERE.
—
Election Day Invitation from Trinity Episcopal Church on Capitol Square: As a sacred place where people from across the state gather for prayer at pivotal moments in our public life together, Trinity on Capitol Square will be open for prayer and meditation from 7am – 7pm on Election Day (November 3) as votes are cast. Services will be offered at 7:30am, Noon, and 6:30pm, with a short litany offered at the top of each hour in the chapel. See flyer HERE.
—
From St. Paul United Church of Christ Columbus: We invite your congregation to join us in supporting this year’s Transgender Day of Remembrance gathering. On Saturday, November 21, 2026, at 3:30, St. Paul UCC will host a sacred community gathering for the Transgender Day of Remembrance at The Ohio State University African American and African Studies Community Extension Center. We are deeply honored to welcome Rev. Dr. Elder Carmarion D. Anderson, Minister for Congregational Leadership for the UCC National Ministries, as our featured keynote speaker. We invite your congregation to join in love, affirmation, and solidarity as we honor the lives of our transgender and gender‑expansive siblings. Registration is encouraged, as space is limited. More details HERE.
—
The Fall Fundraiser for Anabaptist Disabilities Network is finishing tomorrow (Friday October 23) with a goal to raise $15,000 to further their important work in supporting congregations to become more accessible to people with disabilities. They do this through Barrier-Free Grants, curriculum for youth and adults with intellectual disabilities, webinars on various disability topics, congregational accessibility audits, consultations, and more. Read more about their many contributions and donate HERE.
—
Save the Date for Illuminati’s Holiday Sing-Along and Fundraiser! Illuminati, the sacred music ensemble of the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus, warmly invites you to a special Christmas Community Sing-Along and Fundraiser! Sunday, December 20 from 2-4pm at Indianola Presbyterian Church (1970 Waldeck Ave, Columbus). Admission: $10 at the door. The event includes a group sing-along of beloved sacred and secular Christmas classics, along with special performances, raffle prizes, fellowship and treats.
—
Election Protection Volunteer Opportunity (from Lawrence Needleman): This is an unusually consequential moment for nonpartisan election protection. As the 2026 midterms approach, election officials around the country are preparing for heightened security concerns, misinformation, legal disputes, and possible disruptions surrounding voting; some jurisdictions are strengthening physical security and contingency planning in response. At the same time, the national nonpartisan Election Protection coalition is actively recruiting volunteers to help voters obtain accurate information, document problems, and connect people with appropriate assistance when difficulties arise. Well-trained volunteers can be especially valuable at moments like this — not by taking sides or interfering with election officials, but by helping make sure eligible voters can exercise their rights in a safe, orderly, and accessible process. If you are looking for a concrete, nonpartisan way to serve our neighbors and strengthen the voting process, please consider one of these trainings.
The nonpartisan Ohio Voter Rights Coalition is recruiting and training volunteers to help support an orderly, accessible voting process during the 2026 election.
Poll Monitor Training. Volunteer poll monitors learn how to identify voting difficulties, provide voters with accurate information and appropriate assistance, and document potential problems. Multiple virtual training dates are available, so you can select a session that fits your schedule. View Poll Monitor training dates and register
Peacekeeper and De-escalation Training. These trainings teach practical skills for responding calmly and constructively if tensions arise around polling places. Multiple training dates are available, including virtual options. View Peacekeeper and De-escalation training dates and register
Additional information and registration QR codes are available on the flyers in the church foyer.
—
Waging Peace: A Militarism Summit: Registration is now open for MC USA’s “Waging Peace: A Militarism Summit,” Nov. 6-7, in Leola, Pennsylvania. Rooted in Anabaptist faith values, the two-day gathering brings Christians together to explore faithful responses to war, political polarization, nationalism and violence. Best-selling author Shane Claiborne is the opening keynote speaker. High school youth attend free with a youth sponsor/pastor. Learn more and register here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/militarism-summit/
—
Calendars
Sunday, October 25
9:30 am Worship Service
Children’s Christmas play practice between worship and Christian Ed
12:00 pm BREAD Listening Lunch in the fellowship hall
12:15 pm Advent Choir rehearsal in the sanctuary
Lamplighter deadline (articles due by the end of the day)
CMC Activities Next Week
Tuesday, October 27
7:00 pm Christian Ed Commission meeting in room 104
Wednesday, October 28
12:00 pm Rohr group via Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86487158321
Thursday, October 29
4:00 pm Set up for Piecemakers in the fellowship hall
Friday, October 30
6:30 am Men’s Breakfast via Zoom https://zoom.us/j/313623317
9:00 Piecemakers in the fellowship hall
Sunday, November 1
9:30 am Worship Service
Congregational Meeting in the sanctuary following worship
Harvest Potluck following the Congregational Meeting
12:15 pm Advent Choir rehearsal in the sanctuary
Office Contacts and Schedules for October 25-November 1
Laura: office@columbusmennonite.org, 216-870-0119, Mon: work from home, Tues-Fri: 9a-3:30p
Mim: mim@columbusmennonite.org, 614-745-5150, Tues: 11a-2p
Mark: mark@columbusmennonite.org, 419-392-0610, Mon-Thurs: 9a-2:00p, Fri: Sabbath
Joel: joel@columbusmennonite.org, 614-940-7839, Mon: Sabbath, Tu-Fri: 8:00a-4:00p
Robin: robin@columbusmennonite.org, 614-406-1766, Fri: 10a-1:30p
Upcoming CMC Special Events
Sundays in October BREAD Listening Lunches
Nov 1 Congregational Meeting and Harvest Potluck
Nov 29 Advent begins
Dec 6 Congregational Meeting (Budget Vote) and Cookie Sunday
Dec 12 Children’s Christmas Play
Dec 13 Music Sunday
Dec 24 Christmas Eve service
Jan 23 Winter Seminar: Restorative Practices for Holistic Peacemaking during times of Polarization
Last Sunday | Oct 11
Attendance: 182
Offerings Received (last week): $6,768.00
Offerings Received (October): $26,523.00
Offerings Needed (October): $44,795.00
—
Christian Education Classes
Christian Education classes for children, youth, and adults meet this week at 11am. Class descriptions are below.
Unless otherwise noted, classes will meet on the following Sundays: Sept 13 and 20, Oct 11, 18, and 25, Nov 8, 15, and 22, Dec 13 and 20. Due to Cookie Sundays, holidays, and other special events, most classes will not meet on Sept 27, Oct 4, Nov 1, Nov 29, Dec 6, or Dec 27. Contact the class leaders for schedule updates as the season progresses.
Children/Youth Classes
Children’s Classes (Pre-K through 4th Grade): Children meet together for a snack, story time, and a self-directed creative response time. All children gather in Room 1, then younger children (Pre-K and K) move to Room 2, and older children (1st to 4th grade) move to Room 4.
Junior High (5th – 8th Grade): Middle grade youth meet in Room 303 for Bible study, snacks, and other activities. This class will explore stories and scriptures that connect to topics relevant to young people’s lives.
High School (9th – 12th Grade): High school youth meet in Room 305 for conversation around a wide variety of topics, including an exploration of the stories and scriptures used during worship.
Adult Classes
Title: Cultivating a Courageous Peace Witness
Facilitators: Julie and Phil Hart
Room 302
Meeting: Sept 13, 20; Oct 11, 18, 25; Nov 8, 15, 22; Dec 13, 20
Description: Hear a variety of local in-person and international online peacemakers share their stories of peace and justice action and how these folks were cultivated and impacted by those who came before them. We will have time for conversation with the peacemaker and sermon discussion. This week (Oct 25): Rob Sievert-Wagner from BREAD will be our guest speaker. Rob has devoted his entire career to peace and justice work.
Title: Exploring Our Headcanons
Facilitators: Sarah Martin and Tim Jaquet
Room 304
Meeting: Sept 13, 20; Oct 11, 18, 25; Nov 8, 15, 22; Dec 13, 20
Description: Our Bible contains only a portion of humanity’s religious/spiritual/supernatural ideas and stories. Yet it is strewn throughout not just with words of beauty and wisdom, but also strange and macabre stories. How do we make sense of what has landed in/out of our holy book, especially when it comes to its most absurd tales? In this class we’ll discuss Bible stories and characters that are strange, confusing, or dissonant with typical Christian ideas/values. Our goal will be not to fully explain or reconcile these conflicts, but to explore how we think about them in relation to our overall faith frameworks, and perhaps also learn at least some new stuff about these stories from academic sources. Come if you’re intrigued by these stories and enjoy talking about the peculiar and puzzling. (Or if you don’t know what a headcanon is and can’t find anyone under 30-ish to ask.)
Title: Inquirers Class – Starts THIS SUNDAY October 25
Facilitator: Joel Miller, Pastor
Room 301
Meeting: Oct 25; Nov 1 (congregational meeting), 8, 15, 22; Dec 13, 20
Description: We will explore the basics of Christian faith in an Anabaptist/Mennonite perspective, as well as provide an overview of the story and life of Columbus Mennonite Church. The class is open to anyone, with a special invitation to new attenders and those considering membership at CMC.
Donations and Giving
Interested in giving financially to Columbus Mennonite? Follow THIS LINK to donate online. Donations are also accepted by cash, check or Zelle. Contact the church office or financial team if you need assistance with setting up Zelle or any of the payment options. Thank you for your gift!