It’s time for First Fruits Giving at CMC and pledges are due September 13. These commitments are crucial for the Leadership Team as they build the budget for 2027. HERE is the link for the First Fruits pledge form. We ask that every household complete it 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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Lamplighter Call for Submissions – Spiritual Practices: What is a spiritual practice that nourishes you and cultivates your witness for peace in our world? Let us know! In response to this month’s worship series, I would like to share a collection of spiritual practices from the congregation in the September Lamplighter. Submit your ideas here – a brief phrase, sentence, or short paragraph is all that is needed. Let’s share with each other the practices that bring meaning, sustenance, and build our courage – and perhaps you’ll find a way to connect with others who share the same practice, or one you’d like to try! Please submit by this Sunday August 30. Thank you! – Laura Steiner, Lamplighter Editor
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Fall Retreat is coming up in 4 weeks! All are welcome to come to Kirkmont Center in Zanesfield from Friday evening, September 25th to Sunday, September 27th at noon. Come and enjoy the beautiful setting with fellow CMCers for all or part of the weekend. CMC covers lodging and participants pay for meals. Worship will be held at Kirkmont instead of CMC on September 27th. The registration form is HERE. Paper registration forms will be available in the lobby after church this Sunday and in the fellowship hall during Cookie Sunday, September 6th. Please complete your registration by September 13. Contact Abbie Miller, Anita Gastaldo, David McCullough, Dan Halterman, or any member of the Community Life Commission if you have questions.
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September 6th is Sundae Sunday! Instead of a regular Cookie Sunday, Community Life will provide ice cream. We ask you to bring the toppings—syrups, whipped cream, etc…OR accompaniments like pretzels, cookies, or fruit to share…Use your imagination! Remember to fill out the ingredient list at the kitchen window! NO NUTS!!!
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Pastor Mark returned from sabbatical last week! He shared a bit about his time away in his blog post on August 20, 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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Office Update: Please note the CMC office will be closed on Labor Day, September 7.
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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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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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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 30
9:30am Worship Service
CMC Activities Next Week
Wednesday, September 2
7:00pm Ministry Council Meeting via Zoom
Thursday, September 3
4:00pm Set up for Piecemakers in the fellowship hall
Friday, September 4
6:30am Men’s Breakfast via Zoom https://zoom.us/j/313623317
9:00am Piecemakers in the fellowship hall
Sunday, September 6
9:30am Worship Service
After worship: Sundae Sunday in the fellowship hall
After worship: Sunday School Volunteer Orientation in Room 4
4:00pm “Celebrating All Who Work” Labor Day Concert in the sanctuary
Office Contacts and Schedules for August 30 – September 6
Laura: office@columbusmennonite.org, 216-870-0119, Mon: work from home; Tues-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-1:30p, Fri: 10a-2:30p
Upcoming CMC Special Events
Sept 6 Sundae Sunday
Sept 13 Christian Education classes resume, Due date for First Fruits pledge forms and Fall Retreat Registration
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 23
Attendance: 194
Offerings Received (last week): $7,370.00
Offerings Received (August): $28,157.00
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. More details on upcoming classes coming soon!
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!