Matt’s Musings: Changing with the Seasons

Over the last three days the grandiose oak tree in the neighbor’s yard has fully succumbed to autumn, the cascade of brown leaf litter on the front lawn now awaits our raking and sweeping. The creek behind our house has risen from it’s lowly state brought on by this summer’s drought. Our garden beds have seen their first frost, the vines on the trellis have bid adieu until next year, and it’s impossible to ignore the shortening of each day’s light. Read full newsletter

Brethren Disaster Ministries Update

The community of Holton, Indiana, just north of what used to be Jefferson Proving Ground, was hit by a tornado in early March. The local long term recovery group has plans to build eight new homes for families whose homes were destroyed. They have three homes already started and delivery of the interior and exterior wall units for the next five homes will be before Thanksgiving. They hope to have them all under roof so they can work on them through the winter. Read full newsletter

Extra Sunday Before Advent

Most years we move rather quickly from the Thanksgiving holiday into the season of Advent, leading up to Christmas. While Advent usually begins the Sunday directly after Thanksgiving, this year is a bit unusual in that there will be an extra week between Thanksgiving and the start of Advent. This is due to when Thanksgiving falls in the calendar. Read full newsletter

Outreach Emphasis:Open Arms Ministries

Open Arms Ministry is a local, faith based organization, made up of 14 area churches that pool their resources to serve those who live in poverty in the area. We are located on Richmond State Hospital grounds in Building 415. Our main focus is to be a clearinghouse for resources for people who are facing a crisis situation. Often we are able to direct them to helpful services. Read full newsletter