Author Archives: Ruth Harder

Church attendance can be sporadic during the summer months. Our Office Manger Ashton Wells kept wanting (wisely) to print fewer bulletins and I (naively) kept assuming that attendance wouldn’t change that drastically and that perhaps we might even gain some … Continue reading →

For several months now we have begun worship with a candle lighting prayer/ritual. We light a flame of love within ourselves, we light a flame for our loved ones, our neighbors and yes, even to our enemies. Offering light to … Continue reading →

I have officiated at 11 weddings thus far. I have good memories from each of them and I look forward to being a part of many wedding ceremonies in the future. Of course each time I officiate at a wedding … Continue reading →

This year I’ll be spending YET ANOTHER 4th of July with Mennonites. That’s because 4th of July is often when Mennonites schedule their assemblies and conventions. From what I understand this is done on purpose because there is often a … Continue reading →

These are people we’ll hear more about on Sunday morning at Rainbow. That’s because our Mennonite Voluntary Service unit consisting of Ben, Angela, Fabian and Sophie, will be sharing about their MVS experience in Kansas City. The names Mary and … Continue reading →

Hot Dogs In the Park was a fiery success with Terry Rouse and Clif Hostetler tending to the hot dogs (and experimental pizza!) and Riley Long providing entertainment for all! In between the applause and squeals of delight, the saying … Continue reading →

Do you ever wonder if you are doing the right thing or doing something in the right way? Of course! We ALL carry around our share of self-doubt, concern, ethical quandaries, vexing questions, as well as a desire, even if … Continue reading →

Recently Rainbow received one of 31 grants awarded by the Vital Worship Grant program of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, Grand Rapids, Michigan, with funds provided by Lilly Endowment Inc. The 31 awarded grants represent 21 states, 2 provinces, … Continue reading →

The parking lot at church is a lot fuller these days, the lines for the bathroom are longer, and there are a few more things on the walls in classrooms and in fellowship hall. That’s all because Freedom School begins … Continue reading →

At Easter I studied John 21. One detail that jumped out at me was that Thomas was called the Twin. Jacob and Esau of course were twins, as were Perez and Zerah (Genesis 38…a harrowing story in the Bible!) Were … Continue reading →