Metamora Mennonite Church

Does the church arrogantly think all other religions are wrong?

There was a time in American life when people would ask, "What denomination are you?", assuming that you were Christian.  Today people ask, "What religion are you?".   Things have changed.  We live in a pluralistic culture where people of many varying faiths, or none at all, live side by side in community.

How do we relate to people of other faiths and beliefs as followers of Jesus?  The perception of many outside the church is that Christians respond by making arrogant judgments on all others religions, declaring them wrong.  In the process of defending Christianity as "right" have Christians engaged in some very unJesus-like behavior, not valuing or respecting other people?

That is what we will explore this Sunday in worship at Metamora Mennonite.  

Worship begins at 9 am. Nursery and Kid's church is available for infants through 5th grade students.

If you have any questions, please contact the church office!

Next Sunday: Is the church homophobic?

This Sunday, July 12, we will continue our series They Like Jesus But Not the Church with a message on homosexuality.

There is a perception by many (actually most) outside of the church that the church is homophobic and does not demonstrate the love of Jesus towards the homosexual community.   Is there truth in that perception?  Have Christians in subtle and not so subtle ways treated homosexual persons with an irrational fear that leads to anger and hatred?  How do we embody the love of Jesus in the midst of this hotly debated and tension filled topic? 

Worship is at 9 am!  Nursery care and children's church are available during the service for birth through 5th grade. 

Sunday, July 5: Nate Rauh speaking @ MMC

This Sunday, July 5, 2009, we welcome Nate Rauh to MMC.  Nate is a Metamora Native who is connected to MMC.  He recently finished his undergraduate degree at Wheaton College and is heading to Duke Divinity School to begin graduate school this Fall.

Nate brings a love for Jesus and His church, as well as a sharp mind and a unique perspective as a young adult!  He has also spent significant time doing ministry in Ethiopia in the context of HIV/Aids and how the church responds.  As we consider what it looks like to be the church in our current place and time, Nate has much to offer!

Worship begins @ 9 am!  Kid's church and nursery are available during worship!

If you have any questions, please contact the church office.

Is the church male-dominated? Does it oppress women?

There is a perception by many outside of the church that the church is male-dominated and restricts the role of women.  The perception is partially correct because, in reality, some local churches are male-dominated and do restrict the role of women.  While this is not true of every local church, it's true in enough local churches to cause women to ask, 'Are women valued in the church?" and "How do women's gifts take expression in the church?:  These are ironic questions given the radical inclusion of women demonstrated by Jesus.  Yet, they remain. 

What do the scriptures say about the role of women in Jesus' church?  How do we understand them and apply them in our context today?    That is what we are exploring in week 3 of our series, "They Like Jesus but Not the Church."   

Come ready to explore what it means to follow Jesus in the complex and rapidly changing environment of American culture!

Worship begins at 9 am!  Nursery and Kid's Celebration are available from birth through 5th grade!  

Contact the church office with questions!  309.367.4892 or metmenno@mtco.com

Is the church judgmental, negative and political?

What are Christians primarily known for today?  Are we known as people who love God and love their neighbors?  Or are we known as people who are judgmental, negative and political?  

That is what we are exploring in week 2 of our series, "They Like Jesus but Not the Church".  The series is based on the work of Pastor/teacher Dan Kimball and explores emerging generations and their perceptions of the church and Christians.  

Come ready to explore what it means to follow Jesus in the complex and rapidly changing environment of American culture!

Worship begins at 9 am!  Nursery and Kid's Celebration are available from birth through 5th grade!  

Contact the church office with questions!  309.367.4892 or metmenno@mtco.com

A community of men and women, forgiven!

Last Sunday (June 7) Gamaliel Falla spoke to the gathered community at MMC.  He brought a word to us that was life-giving and challenging based on Acts 2.  Here were Gamaliel's 4 main points about the church.

The church is...

1. A community of men and women, forgiven!
   •  That means we are willing to forgive and able to forgive easily. 
   • This ability comes from the Holy Spirit who changes us. 
2.   A growing community to fulfill the mission of Jesus.
   •  We exist to be salt and light in the world, calling people to new life.  
3.   A community that believes in the supernatural power of God.
   •  It isn't about us and what we can do, it is about God and what God can and is doing. 
4.   A community of service and fellowship.
   •  We serve others the way Jesus served others. 
   • We live in harmony (learning how to tolerate one another) through the power of the Holy Spirit.  
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How do you experience life as a part of Jesus' body, the church?  How do Gamaliel's words challenge you and push you towards growth?  How are Gamaliel's words a cause for growth, joy, hope and celebration?  

Sunday, June 7: Gamaliel and Amanda Falla

Sunday, June 7, Amanda and Gamaliel Falla, and some of their family, will join us in worship.  Gamaliel will speak during morning worship.  We will also have a potluck following Sunday school.

Gamaliel and Amanda are currently serving in Barranquilla, Colombia.  They work to equip missional church leaders in the Barranquilla region.  Come hear their stories about how God is working in Colombia!

Worship begins at 9 am.

New Teaching Series: Real life with Real people

Between church service something happens...it's called real life! With all it's joys and struggles, real life is where our faith is meant to be lived. Jesus knew this. That is why he did what he did and taught what he taught. What do you do when someone you care for sins against you? Where do you find the strength to forgive others? How do you find contentment in a "you need this new and improved_________!" world? How do you live each day by your beliefs? Our current teaching series will explore Real life with Real people!

Sept. 7 Real life with Real people: Sin hurts
Sept. 14 Real life with Real people: Forgive people
Sept. 21 Real life with Real people: Be content
Sept. 28 Real life with Real people: Believe something

Check it out! Worship begins at 9:00 am - Sunday school follows - Nursery is available at worship and Sunday school - Kid's Celebration for K - 5th grade - Sunday school for all ages.

New Teaching Series: GO!

Some say consumerism is the most dominant force in American life. It makes individuals the center as others "pitch" products and services in an attempt to get us to "buy" what they sell. Adapted for church life, consumerism emphasizes that Jesus came to save you. It's all about you. On one hand, that is right! Jesus does love you and save you. But Jesus also sends you. While it is about you, it isn't ONLY about you. Jesus wants to use you as a "sent one" in the world. So we must expand our understanding of what it means to be a follower of Jesus. Jesus put it this way, "Freely you have received, now freely give." The series GO, which begins Sunday, June 15, will explore how to be faithful to Jesus call to GO!