Announcements for the Congregation   

* WORSHIP – Relating to God

Ted Swartz Presents “The Big Story”
A dramatic event combining scripture, story and humor will take place at Clinton Frame Mennonite Church, 63846 CR 35 in Goshen TODAY, February 28 at 5 pm. Experience the whole Bible (more or less) in 80 minutes (more or less) as Ted takes his audience behind and into the biblical stories in a way that combines knowledge of scripture with a touch of comedy. This one-of-a-kind event is open and free to the public. A free-will offering will be collected

* DISCIPLING – Strengthening/Encouraging Relationships

Mennonite Education Student Aid Fund
The Mennonite Education Student Aid Fund was established by Silverwood Mennonite Church as a mechanism whereby the Silverwood congregation can minimize or eliminate the financial barriers for students to pursue a Christian education at a primary and/or secondary Mennonite school. Application for assistance under this policy is due in the church office by March 15, 2010.  Applications may be picked up on the table outside the church office. Anyone with questions regarding this fund, or the application process, may contact Chad Stoltzfus at 238-3510.

New Adult Christian Education Classes!
Below are the spring adult Christian Education classes; please read over them and see what the best fit would be for you. New classes begin on March 14.

*   Men’s Study:   Room off of the Library
Using curriculum written by men for men, this class will be centered around themes on wealth, power, friendship, and family.

*   Teachings on Community 1: Room 19
*   Teachings on Community 2: SW Fellowship Hall
These classes will explore teachings on community through the Old Testament books of Jonah and Ruth as well as through the teachings of Jesus and the early church. The coming together of faithful people in response to God’s call and how they decided with God’s help to relate to one another becomes the focus.

*   Living the Good News Together: NW Fellowship Hall
Our journey continues—the journey, that is, with Jesus to the cross and beyond.  It is a tough journey, as Jesus reminds the disciples in a farewell speech.  The disciples will sometimes be treated as badly as Jesus was.  Yet at the same time it is a journey toward a community of love where we dwell with God and God dwells with us.  (John and 1 John)  This curriculum studies the same biblical text as the children. 

  Wednesday Connections!
  Join us this week…

5:00 – 6:30 Dinner
6:50 – 7:15  Worship (Childcare for 0-3 years)
                        March 3, 10, and 17
7:15 – 7:30  Prayer (Library)

Special project…
The Women in Mission will have comforters set up in the archive room during the last three Wednesday Connections (March 17, 24, and 31). These comforters will be donated to MCC Haiti relief efforts. We invite you to not only check them out, but to help us knot them.

Helping and Loving Outreach (HALOs)
ALL CHILDREN GRADES 1-6: You are invited to HALOS after worship this Sunday, February 28. We will have a time of service, fun, devotion, and lunch.
VESPER SERVICE AT WATERFORD CROSSING: For those of you that are planning to join us for the 2pm worship service, we will leave the church at 1:15 pm (after lunch). We are excited about this unique outreach opportunity and hope you will join us! Contact Eliza Stoltzfus if you have questions.

* COMMUNITY LIFE – Relating to Each Other

Sister-Care Seminar – May 14 & 15
This two-day seminar at Kidron Mennonite Church, Kidron, Ohio , includes biblical and skills training for effective lay caring in the congregation. This Sister-Care weekend has been planned by our conference Mennonite Women leadership. It will explore ways that women can continue to hear each other and nurture their life in Christ. Registration fee is $35 and includes in-home lodging (if needed) Friday night, a continental breakfast, lunch on Saturday, and a training manual. Registration deadline is April 30. Please contact the church office if you would like additional information or to request a registration form.

2^nd Sunday Potluck Fellowship Dinner
Please bring a hearty dish to share and stay after worship March 14 for fellowship and food. Remember to bring your tableware. Beverages will be provided.

The Sustainability Forum has started a group page online that is available to Silverwood members and friends for discussing green/sustainability topics, share information and green tips, etc. You may post notes saying, for example, you have garden seeds you'd like to swap with someone or that you're looking to borrow a specific tool to avoid a one-time use purchase. Upcoming events will be listed on the group calendar. In lieu of paper handouts at our meetings, printed materials and resource information will be placed in the group files for easy access. NOTE: This is a limited access group—meaning access is not open to everyone using the internet. You may join at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SilverwoodSustainabilityForum/. Once you've joined you will be able to access the entire group page.

Attention Moms!  Do you worry about your children?  Come experience how you can replace your anxiety and fear with peace and hope by praying with other moms.  Moms In Touch International gathers moms together to pray specifically and scripturally for our children and school.  Won’t you join with us in prayer for this next generation?  Gail Shetler leads the moms who pray for the staff and students of Goshen . The GMS group meets Monday mornings at 8:30 at Silverwood .  Please contact Gail if you would like more information at 534-5446 or Don't know if your school has a MIT's group?  For more information about Moms In Touch International and to locate a specific school, visit www.MomsInTouch.org. Mennonite Church Middle School .

* OUTREACH – Relating to the World

Women in Missions
Our next meeting will be on Thursday, March 11, from 9 am to 2 pm. All Silverwood women are invited to join us for a time of Bible study and sewing. Please remember to bring your lunch along with you. Sharon Bontrager will provide dessert for us.

Appeal to Silverwood Women
A letter from Barbra Gant, president for Central District Mennonite Women, is asking for $10 per year from every woman in our local congregation. This is to fund the giving plan for Central District Women who in turn support many of our Central District projects such as, Ministry Inquiry Program, Women's Scholarships, Camp Friedenswald , AMBS, and Mennonite Mission Network. If you would like to contribute, you may  give $10 to Sally Miller or Adele Reichert or write a check to Silverwood Mennonite Women in Mission to pass on to them.

Women’s Beth Moore Bible Study at Silverwood: Tuesday mornings, 9-11 am ~  March 16 to May 25. The lives of the Patriarchs are full of twists and turns, ruin and redemption, revelation and mystery. Together we will explore God’s remarkable pursuit of relationship and the unfolding of His earthly plan; that through one nation—and ultimately, one man—all people on earth will be blessed. Register by March 5, by signing up in the church foyer or by calling (574) 202-4556. Study guide fee is $15, payable in advance, and will be available for our first lesson. Financial assistance available if needed. Child care provided. This 11-week study is led by Ruth Miller and Gwen Black.

Mennonite Disaster Service: Please be sure to check the Outreach bulletin board or the bulletin board above the church mailboxes for monthly updates from MDS. These regular updates highlight needs, volunteer opportunities, and information on current projects. You may contact Joy or Titus King for additional information, as they are the new Silverwood representatives for MDS.

* ADMINISTRATION – Supporting all areas
Open Position: We have an immediate need for a Facilities Coordinator for Wedding Events. This individual will be available to help supervise ceremonies and/or receptions for both Silverwood and non-Silverwood persons. Time and dates involved for each wedding may vary, but generally will not require more than ten total hours. This person does not need to be on-site for the entire event, but will need to be available for emergencies, help with set up, general questions, supervision of clean up, locking/unlocking doors, etc. Heavy lifting (tables/chairs), some tech knowledge, and physical energy are required. Compensation varies and is paid as one flat rate per event. Silverwood hosts approximately four weddings per year. Please email Angi in the church office if you are interested ().

Severe Weather Protocol for 2009: The time of year has come, in which we think about having to cancel events due to weather. If we need to cancel Sunday morning worship or any other church-related event, we will follow the guidelines listed below:

1. An event will be canceled no later than two hours prior to the start of the event.

2. There will be a church email sent as soon as we make the decision to cancel. PLEASE CHECK THIS FIRST!

3. If you do not have email at home, you will be notified by way of the phone tree.

4. We will also notify WSBT (22), WNDU (16) & PULSE-FM (96.9 & 92.1).

If we are experiencing severe weather, please be sure to check these things before heading to church.