Hello Church Family,

God’s Love and Peace be with you! 

Thank you to everyone who has been viewing the “Get Centered Devotional” and given positive feedback.  The devotional follows a wonderful book of prayers called “Ash and Starlight” by Arianne Braithwaite Lehn and contains a scripture, some of my reflections on the passage, and a closing prayer by Lehn.  It is only about 5-7 minutes long and hopefully will give you a little spiritual boost for the week.  The devotionals are always on our MCCC YouTube page found at https://www.youtube.com/user/mantuacentercc

Also see below for the manuscript for last Sunday’s service which featured wonderful TRIO-sermon from Sarah Smith, Isaac Ackerman, and Valeria Bejar. 

Here are some more news and notes for the coming week that you may be interested in:

Worship

This Sunday is “Plaster the Pastor” and the pastors have been given lots of questions to address in the worship service.  This will be a new format so we would love to hear your feedback on it. 🙂  The online format is hard, but we’re trying to find different ways to utilize it.  If you have other ideas or themes for us to try….let us know! 

IWOBS Bible Study with Val Bejar

If you are interested in a wonderful bible study opportunity I would invite you to join with Val Bejar in her bi-weeklyh study that invites different speakers to offer a study on a biblical passage from their perspective.  It is called “Immigrant-led Weekly Online Bible Study” (IWOBS).  Here is the info for this week and if you let me know you’re interested I will send you the Zoom link! 

“Join us this Thursday, August 27th at 11:00AM (EST)/8:00AM (PT.)  IWOBS( Immigrant-led weekly online Bible Study) Outer Study: A study focused on creating a brave space for those who might not be directly-affected by immigration issues, or those who simply wish to dive into scripture under an immigrant-based lens.  This week, presenter Nancy Cordova-Molina will be leading us through 1 John 4:7-17 7. In this study we will explore Mutual love and empathy through music.”

Zoom Opportunity 

Our Anti-Racism Book Study continues on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-7:30p.  This week the chapter is entitled “Color” and it will be challenging as always.  If you are following along at home it is Ibram X Kendi’s book, “How to be an Anti-Racist.”   We would love to have you join us if you haven’t already.  

Grace and Peace be with you now and always!
Chad
Sarah

Wednesday ANTI-RACISM Book Study – 6:30-7:30pm
PHONE IN:       
1. Call  +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
2. Enter Meeting ID: 836 5442 8458(press #)
3. It will ask for “Participant ID or just press #.  Just press 

#Video Link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83654428458?pwd=NVVja2tZd0pndzFuU1hWaEZZRC84dz09
Password: 1111