“No matter where you are from, we’re glad you’re our neighbor."
It’s a simple message in three languages – printed on a sign that first appeared in October at the Immanuel Mennonite Church in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
The signs are now located in many communities around the country, including Bluffton.
According to Pastor Matthew Bucher of the Harrisonburg church, the message was a statement born out of Mennonite belief.
"This is a symbol of Jesus' command to love your neighbor," he says. "And as followers of Jesus, we follow someone who was himself a refugee."
Bluffton Presbyterian Church, 112 N. Main St., offers an adult Sunday school class "Living the Questions 2.0" beginning Sunday, Feb. 12. The class meets in the church from 9 to 10 a.m.
The class will view the DVD series that brings together over 30 theologians, scholars, pastors, and others in an exploration of an inclusive Christianity.
The 20-30-minutes DVD sessions are open to all adults in the community. Time for discussion follows the DVD.
The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive Thursday, Feb. 9 from 1-6 p.m. at First Mennonite Church, 101 S. Jackson St., Bluffton. Donors should enter the church via the double doors on Jackson Street directly across from Bluffton Elementary/Middle School. The church is handicap-accessible.
To schedule your blood donation appointment, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or go to redcrossblood.org, sponsor code “fmenncbl.”
To commemorate the sacrifice of four armed services chaplains during World War II, Bluffton American Legion Post 382 will observe Religious Emphasis Week Feb. 5-11, and Four Chaplains Sunday, Feb. 5, Chaplain Donald Rock of the post announced.
Legion members will attend the 10:30 a.m. Sunday service on Feb. 5, at St. John’s United Church of Christ.
This marks the 74th anniversary of the sinking of the SS Dorchester and the heroism demonstrated by four chaplains.
The Pandora United Methodist Church will host a free community meal on Wednesday, Jan.25, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the church fellowship hall, 108 E. Washington St.,
The meal this month is provided by The 7 O’clock Flock. The menu is grilled cheese sandwich, tomato soup, relishes, dessert and beverage.
Trinity Lutheran Church, Jenera, will hold a New Year’s Eve service on Saturday, Dec. 31 at 7 p.m.
Pastor Al Schmitzer will lead the servicetitled: “Happy New Year?” There will be a worship service to begin the new year on Sunday, Jan. 1 at 9:30 a.m. led by Pastor Matt Nowak. (This is a change from the regular Sunday schedule.)
