Reminders August 20-23
Sister Church Delegation Presentation: After the worship service this Sunday August 23rd, the delegation that traveled to our sister church in Armenia, Colombia will give a presentation. There will be slides, some commentary and an opportunity to ask questions. Please join them in the fellowship hall as they share their experiences in continuing this important relationship.
General CMC Announcements
It’s time for First Fruits at CMC! “First Fruits” is the pledge process which enables Leadership Team to evaluate available resources for the upcoming year. These commitments are crucial for the Leadership Team as they build the budget for 2027. The link for the First Fruits form will be sent out on Monday, August 24. We ask that every household complete it by Sunday September 13 and let us know your pledge amount for 2027, even if it is $0. Thank you in advance for taking the time to respond and for supporting CMC! If you have questions, contact Joel Copeland (Treasurer) or Ellen Kreider (Accountant) at treasurers@columbusmennonite.org.
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Pastor Mark returned from sabbatical this week! He shared a bit about his time away in his blog post yesterday, linked HERE. Welcome back, Mark!
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Labor Day Concert at CMC, Sunday, Sept 6, 4-5:30 pm: Let’s put some meaning back into the Labor Day holiday this year by singing the praises of all the workers who make our lives richer by doing their everyday jobs. Join CMC’s own Phil Hart, plus Bill Cohen and Teresa Schleifer, as they sing songs made famous by a wide variety of folks: Woody Guthrie, Sam Cooke, Dolly Parton, Pete Seeger, Bruce Springsteen, Alabama, James Taylor, etc. We’ll ask for $20 per person donations at the door, but all contributions, big and small, will be welcome. The musicians and sound crew will be splitting the proceeds with the Central Ohio Worker Center, which advocates for low-income and immigrant workers. Come early for a good seat. The show sometimes fills to capacity. Parking at CMC or North Broadway UMC lots. Questions? Call Bill at (614) 263-3851.
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Opportunities in the Wider Community
CDC Newsletter: The August issue of the Central District Connector is available HERE. It showcases some of the important work that both congregations and the conference are doing to build solidarity with marginalized people. We hear about the work of Grand Rapids Mennonite Fellowship with detained immigrants and we hear from Conference Minister Doug Luginbill about the Palestine Resolution passed at Annual Meeting this year, along with lots of announcements. A few print copies will be available soon in the foyer.
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From the Central Ohio Community Response Hub. Our Haitian neighbors in Springfield are devastated to be forced to wear ankle monitors, a form of digital detention. We reject the dehumanization and criminalization of our neighbors.
Organizers in Springfield have let us know that community members must fill out forms within 7 days of getting their ankle monitors to appeal that decision and get a chance to be free from constant surveillance and fear.
We urgently need volunteers to support these community members in filling out these forms for freedom in Springfield. We are looking forward to people who, over the next 3 weeks, can commit to:
· Getting (in person) to Springfield with your own laptop for filling out forms, and:
· Signing up for at least one 3-hour shift per week for the next 3 weeks, during the 10am to 5pm time period
If you are able to commit the time, please write to snuvetting@gmail.com to learn about next steps. You will be asked to fill out a form and, afterwards, to sign up for specific slots.
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Antiracism Retreat Invitation: A cordial Invitation from the Coalition For Racial Reconciliation: 4th annual Antiracism Retreat, Northwest United Methodist Church, 5200 Riverside Dr. 43220. Saturday, September 12, 2026, 9:30-4p including lunch. The focus will be on systemic racism and how it is built into our social institutions. Core trainers will be Dr. Yvonne Gilmore and Rev. Margie Pride from the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). More information and registration to follow. Questions? Contact Linda Cannon at dublinmom04@yahoo.com
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Wondering about other ways to support Haitian neighbors given the end of Temporary Protected Status? From Cindy Fath – see flyer HERE listing the following Columbus-area organizations providing on-the-ground support – their greatest need is for cash donations: Haitian Community Network (HACONET), Fund for Immigration Legal Assistance (FILA), and Our Helpers. If you prefer to give in-kind donations, a second flyer HERE details a Central Ohio Donation Drive in solidarity with Our Helpers & Haitian Community Network. In the Springfield area, Jim Leonard recommends donating to the Haitian Support Center https://haitiansupportcenter.org/, click on “Give to the Emergency Fund.” Printed flyers are available in the foyer.
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The More-With-Less Cookbook is turning 50! This Mennonite classic is, in the words of MennoMedia, “a simple cookbook that has done something extraordinary. For five decades, it has quietly shaped the way people think about food, faith, and daily life. In kitchens and around tables, it has invited generations into a deeper way of living. A life marked by joy, resilience, simplicity, and generosity.” Want to learn more and join in the special festivities being planned to mark the anniversary? Check out more info HERE.
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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/
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Calendars
Sunday, August 23
9:30am Worship Service
After worship: Sister Church Delegation presentation in the fellowship hall
After worship: Youth Sponsor Orientation Meeting in Room 305
CMC Activities Next Week
Tuesday, August 25
7:00pm Christian Ed Commission in Room 301
Wednesday, August 26
12:00pm Rohr Group via Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86487158321
Friday, August 28
6:30am Men’s Breakfast via Zoom https://zoom.us/j/313623317
Sunday, August 30
9:30am Worship Service
After worship: Sunday School Volunteer Orientation in the fellowship hall
Office Contacts and Schedules for August 23 – August 30
Laura: office@columbusmennonite.org, 216-870-0119, Mon-Fri: 9a-3:30p
Mim: mim@columbusmennonite.org, 614-745-5150, Tues: 9:30a-3:30p
Mark: mark@columbusmennonite.org, 419-392-0610, Mon-Thurs: 9a-2:00p, Fri: Sabbath
Joel: joel@columbusmennonite.org, 614-940-7839, Mon: Sabbath, Tues-Fri: 8:00a-4:00p
Robin: robin@columbusmennonite.org, 614-406-1766, Mon:10a-3p, Fri: 10a-2p
Upcoming CMC Special Events
Sept 6 Sundae Sunday
Sept 13 Christian Education classes resume
Sept 25-27 CMC Fall Retreat at Kirkmont Center
Oct 4 Cookie Sunday
Nov 1 Congregational Meeting and Harvest Potluck
Nov 29 Advent begins
Dec 6 Congregational Meeting (Budget Vote)
Last Sunday | August 16
Attendance: 190
Offerings Received (last week): $11,620.00
Offerings Received (August): $20,787.00
Offerings Needed (August): $44,795.00
Christian Education Classes
Christian Education classes for children, youth, and adults are on summer recess and will resume on September 13.
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!