Howard-Miami
Spring 2016
Issue 9
Connection
The two articles below were written about the same non profit organization, the Cattle
Project, from two very different perspectives. The first, from Howard Miami Mennonite
church’s perspective is written by Pastor Sarah Schlegel. The second is written by the
Kokomo Urban Outreach Director of Operations, Deanna Ancil. Howard Miami
Mennonite Church, its congregation and the surrounding community is able to provide
the meat for donation while Kokomo Urban Outreach serves the meat to families in
need. As you read, you will realize that God is at work from every point of view.
The Cattle Project began in 2009 when Alan Mast, a sophomore
in high school, felt a need to raise cattle to feed hungry children in
Kokomo. The first cattle were purchased after the youth group
renovated a barn space and enclosed a pen that fall. Due to generous
contributions, fundraiser meals, and a Summer Bible School offering
project in 2015, The Cattle Project has been able to raise and butcher 18
cattle and donate the meat to Kokomo Urban Outreach. For every cow,
the meat is able to provide approximately 5,000 meals, meaning The
Cattle Project has donated 90,000 meals in the past 8 years.
Several groups and individuals have been inspired by what
began by a high school student who motivated his youth group and
church to raise meat for hungry children. Many people have donated to
The Cattle Project in the forms of labor, barn space, land to grow hay,
cattle, trailers, grass fields, and money, which all continue to make this
project a reality. The Cattle Project has truly become a community
mission.
Although many people have been a part of The Cattle Project, in
the most recent years, Brian and Jane Mast (Alan’s parents) have agreed
to be responsible for the daily care of the cattle. Every day they feed the
cattle hay and grain and check the water. Brian shared that he has
appreciated the help in the summer when they make hay and put it in
the barn for the winter. Several people help with loading and unloading
the hay, and several people help when Brian and Jane are out of town.
continued on page 2
UP
coming
03/12
03/16
03/17
03/19
03/23
03/24
03/24
03/27
03/30
04/01
04/02
04/07
04/09
04/14
Men’s Breakfast 7 am
Ladies Bible Study 7 pm
Comfort Knotting & Quilting 1-4 pm
FREE Community Dinner 5-7 pm
Ladies Bible Study 7 pm
Comfort Knotting & Quilting 1-4 pm
Maundy Thursday Service 6:30 pm
Easter Breakfast & Worship 9:30 am
Ladies Bible Study 7 pm
Children’s Winter Bible School 6-8 pm
Red Cross Blood Drive 9 am-1pm
Women’s Sewing & Fellowship 9 am-3 pm
Men’s Breakfast 7 am
Comfort Knotting & Quilting 1-4 pm
The Cattle Project has been a huge blessing
to Kokomo Urban Outreach. Every Sunday night and
when kids are out of school meals are served to
families in the neighborhood. Families are served an
entrée, salad and fruit to provide a balanced meal.
About 85% of those we feed are children. Because of
the Cattle Project we are able to have meat to feed
over 500 families every week of the year. All the
beef we receive is made into hamburger which
allows us to do more with the meat. It is very good
hamburger. We serve many casserole type meals
during the cold months and serve hamburgers
various times throughout the summer cookout
months. This could NOT happen if beef was not
donated through the Cattle Project. Chili,
cheeseburger macaroni and taco bake (most kids’
favorite) are just a few of the meals prepared.
Tummies are filled, fellowship and families are
strengthened because meals are available. We
would not be able to provide the number of meals
that we do without this program. Thank you on
behalf of all the families touched each week.
Sincerely, Deanna Ancil
04/16 Annual Mission Auction 6 pm
04/21 Comfort Knotting & Quilting 1-4 pm
04/26 Howard Miami Heritage Society 2 pm
04/28 Comfort Knotting & Quilting 1-4 pm
05/01 Communion Sunday
05/05 Women’s Sewing & Fellowship 9 am-3 pm
05/14 Men’s Breakfast 7 am
05/21 FREE Community Dinner 5-7 pm
06/02 Women’s Sewing & Fellowship 9 am-3 pm
06/11 Men’s Breakfast 7 am
06/12-16 Summer Bible School 6-8:45 pm
07/07 Women’s Sewing & Fellowship 9 am-3 pm
07/09 Men’s Breakfast 7 am
07/23 FREE Community Dinner 5-7 pm
continued from page 1
Daily care of animals is a lot of work. When asked why he by the
continues to help every day with The Cattle Project, Brian admitted that at
one point, he was ready to stop. He shared, “I admit I was ready to give it
up, after all it was Alan's vision not mine. Then at the chili supper fundraiser
a couple years ago when I was ready to quit, Deanna from KUO shared
Cost of one cow:
several stories of how the meat is being used and the difference it is
$600
making. KUO has become fairly dependent on the meat we provide for Feed/Grain for one cow:
the Sunday evening meals they serve. After hearing Deanna's stories and
$1,000
shedding some tears, I realized I am not giving all that much to make a
Barn Maintenance:
difference for so many.”
$2,850
On Saturday, Feb. 27, we served 136 people and raised $1,817 for
Feeding hungry
Local children enjoying
food & fellowship during The Cattle Project. Thank you to everyone from the community who
children: Priceless
supported this project.
Always, Sarah Schlegel
the summer of 2015
MORE FREE MEALS FOR ALL
We have scheduled three community dinners for
this spring and summer. On Saturday, March 19
we will be serving spaghetti, green beans, garlic
bread, salad, and desserts from 5 to 7 pm. Other
dinners are scheduled for May 21 and July 23.
Put the dates on your calendars and come join us
for a meal and fellowship with your neighbors.
Attention
All men :
numbers
Lavender Springs Spa
Women’s Retreat
On Saturday, January 16, thirty women gathered together for a time
of worship, Bible study and fellowship around the book of Psalms.
Throughout the day the women learned about psalms of praise, lament,
wisdom, ascent, imprecation, confession, and thanksgiving. During
these six sessions, women met with the same small group of women for
sharing, reflections, and prayer.
After a delicious lunch, the women had an opportunity to learn more
about the Psalms at their own pace by visiting five stations to remind
them of key messages within the Psalms that reveal wisdom and truth.
The women also created note cards of encouragement to give to
another woman in their life. These cards were placed with a devotional
book to be a way of encouraging others on the journey of faith.
In their evaluations of the day, women shared appreciation for the
small table groups, and opportunities to reflect more on the various
types of psalms in the Bible. One woman said she met others in similar
situations as her, which helped her not feel so alone. Another woman
enjoyed the laughter and fun that they had at her table. She found the
retreat to be a meaningful and refreshing time.
The Women’s Ministry Council is thankful for the many women who
participated in Lavender Springs Spa. The appreciation for the day and
the feedback and suggestions will help us make improvements for
another retreat day. We look forward to providing additional
opportunities for women to worship, study, fellowship, and grow
together and in our faith.
HMMC Women’s Ministry Council
“For the Lord is Good. His unfailing love continues forever,
and his faithfulness continues to each generation.” Psalm 100:5
The second Saturday of each month we
open our facility for the men of the
community to gather at the table for a
hearty breakfast and a hearty dose of
fellowship. We eat at 7 am and then one of
our brothers speaks to us about God’s
influence in his life. We are done by 8 am
(or shortly thereafter) so it doesn’t take a
big chunk out of your morning. Come join
us & bring your neighbor.
Each spring our little
church on the county
line gathers for a fun
evening of buying,
selling, food, & laughter
all to benefit the
missions that we support. We take donations
of household items, trinkets, treasures, yummy
food, plants, and other items all to be taken
home by the highest bidder. It is held in our
fellowship hall so the weather is not an issue,
and there are chairs for everybody so you don’t
have to fight the crowds. All proceeds go to our
missionary partners in Kenya, Muncie, Arizona,
Slovenia, and Kokomo. This year’s auction is
Saturday, April 16th. The sale starts at 6 PM.
Call the church for more information.
2016 has been deemed the
Year of Blessing
at Howard Miami Mennonite Church.
Please call or stop by to let US
know how WE can be a
blessing to YOU.
Can you believe it? We are in 2016. The winter is coming to a close. We are in March
and you have to admit, the winter months were not really that severe this year. Are you
looking forward to spring with the warm days coming? The flowers coming up, and
planting that garden plot, either large or small?
Hopefully, you’ve made it through January and February without getting too
depressed or discouraged. It is time for refreshing and renewal.
I don’t know what you are facing in your life right now, but whatever it is, God is there
for the good times or the bad times. If you want to focus on the bad things, you can look
to how our country is. We have the largest deficit we have ever had. It doesn’t look like
we can ever crawl out. The coming election we are facing has so many twists and turns.
We are not sure what is going to happen. If you are facing tough times in your own life
and not sure how things are going to turn out, Proverbs 10:25 says, “When the storm has
swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever.”
God knows and sees what goes on in each and every one of our lives. He knows what is happening in our country.
Just remember, God puts our leaders in place. Romans 13:1 says, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing
authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.” The authorities that exist have been
established by God. I know it is hard to believe sometimes, but I have to trust that God knows what He is doing.
Proverbs 15:3 says, “The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.”
Here is a saying by Henry Blackaby. “If society as a whole seems to be getting darker and darker, it is not the
problem of the darkness. The darkness is just acting like its nature. But it is time for the light to say, “If things are
getting darker, the problem is with us.” In these dark days, we must let our light shine before men that God may be
glorified. His word promises his forgiveness and healing, if his people will pray and seek his face and turn from their
wicked ways.
If tomorrow looks bleak, just remember this saying: Fear not tomorrow for God is already there. By Stanley Miller
It’s that time of year again! In addition to the cold, we are
in the midst of the Winter Bible School season. We have met
twice already and are currently planning for our third and final
meeting. Our theme this year is parables and so far we have
covered the “the Parable of the Vineyard workers,” “the
Parable of the Mustard Seed,” and “the Parable of the Wicked
Servant.”
In addition to learning about the parables of Jesus the kids
enjoy a delicious meal, make crafts, and play games. We look
forward to our final meeting on Friday, April 1st. The kids will
get to participate in all of these fun activities one last time.
The parables we will be learning about are, “the Parable of the
Rich Farmer,” and “the Parable of the Great Banquet.” We
want to invite any children in the community from age 4
through the 5th grade to join us for food, parables, and games!
If your children are interested in attending Winter Bible
School on Friday, April 1st please RSVP to the church by calling
(765)395-7509 or email [email protected] before
Sunday, March 27th. We hope to see you there! By Nic Raber
Mark your calendars for Summer Bible School at Howard-Miami
Mennonite Church, Sunday, June 12 – Thursday, June 16! Starting at 6
pm and finishing at 8:45 pm, we will have a fabulous week of worship,
lessons, games, crafts, and snacks, for children ages 4 through 8th grade.
Our theme for the week is “Surprise! Stories of Discovering Jesus.”
Did you know that Jesus surprised the people he met? People in the
temple were amazed by the conversation and questions they had with a
boy named Jesus. Hungry people in a crowd had more than enough to
eat when Jesus provided plenty of food. Two travelers were sad that
Jesus died, but then they were surprised when Jesus started walking
alongside them! With each surprise, people discovered more about
Jesus.
Summer Bible School week will be full of surprises, including
surprising science experiments each night. Our offering money will
provide English lessons, school supplies, and healthy snacks for children,
but where this money is going will be a SURPRISE. Every night we’ll give
clues to see if anyone can figure out where our money will be going. We
will also be collecting items for local food pantries again this year.
We are so excited to welcome the children of the community to
Summer Bible School this year. Registrations for Bible School will be
available later this Spring. Please don’t hesitate to contact the church
and register your children for this fabulous week!
By Sarah Schlegel
Howard Miami Mennonite Church
3976 E. 1400 S. Kokomo, IN 46901
Phone: 765-395-7509
E-mail: [email protected]
www.howardmiami.org
Sunday Services
Sunday School 9:30 am
Church Worship Service 10:30 am
Holy Week Worship
March 20 - Palm Sunday
Sunday School 9:30 am & Worship 10:30 am
March 24 - Maundy Thursday 6 pm
March 25 - Good Friday 7 pm (at Greentown Wesleyan)
March 27 - Easter Sunday
Sunday School 9:30 am & Worship 10:30 am
Pastors
Ben & Sarah
Schlegel
Howard County: Corner of 600 North & 700 East
Miami County: Corner of 400 East & 1400 South