East Chestnut Street Mennonite Church

A big "thank you" to Dale and Ayubu for shoveling our snow these days! Keeping our sidewalks open and safe helps us to be good neighbors to all who walk by our church!

Pastor Todd Friesen and Dale Kaufman hung our new banner up today! #lovethyneighbor

At Chestnut Housing Corporation, we believe that home is the foundation of a fulfilling life. We provide affordable rental housing for families experiencing homelessness. When people have a safe, permanent and affordable place to live, they can participate more fully as family and community members. #ExtraGive #IGiveExtra

We're grateful to partner with our tenants - the people who turn our 12 warm, safe and attractive units into homes. Listen to what one of our tenants says about the importance of home: https://vimeo.com/373910998 Join us in making home a reality for more of our neighbors. (Link in comments.) #IGiveExtra #ExtraGive

A big THANK YOU to the 41 donors who have given a total of $6,320 to Chestnut Housing Corporation today! In 2020 we are adding two new homes to our portfolio. With your help, we can do more! In the years ahead, CHC plans to purchase and renovate additional units to bring even more Lancastrians home. Bring hope and positive change to our community by giving extra! There's still plenty of time to donate! #ExtraGive #IGiveExtra

.. because HOME is the foundation of life. Each day in Lancaster County, 422 people are homeless and many others find themselves at risk of losing their housing. Burdened by Lancaster County’s rising rents and stagnant wages, an increasing number of families are facing hard choices about how to afford necessities such as housing, food, clothing, transportation, and medical care. Many Lancastrians find themselves just one crisis away from catastrophe, and the effects of the pa...ndemic have worsened the situation for many of the most vulnerable families. Chestnut Housing Corporation is committed to partnering with people experiencing homelessness transforming our safe, affordable housing units into their permanent homes. You can partner with us by donating TODAY! #ExtraGive #IGiveExtra https://www.extragive.org/orga/chestnut-housing-corporation

Dear friends, Following government directives, there will be no on-campus gatherings or services for the foreseeable future. We will continue to use digital tools to worship together on Sundays and throughout the week. (Link to Sunday sermons in the comments.) Monday Night Community Meal: ... We continue to serve meals from 5:00-6:00pm on Monday evenings. Until further notice, all meals will be served as take-out meals. Thank you for your prayers for our guests, and for all who are preparing and serving each week. It's easy to feel anxious during this time of uncertainty and changing plans. Let's use this time of social distancing for "returning, rest, quietness, and trust." Grace and peace, Pastors Todd, Miriam, and Don

Remembering fondly our beautiful distanced outdoor picnic and service last weekend. It was such a delight to be together again, sharing gifts and talents, prayers and worship. The final gathering around the pond and the release of paper lanterns into the night sky was a gift.

Welcome, new friends and neighbors! In partnership with CWS - Lancaster Immigration & Refugee Program, East Chestnut was grateful for the opportunity to help prepare a home for the arrival of new refugee families this week! Please join us in praying for these dear families as they adjust to their new life here in the United States.

"It’s just another small example of how Lancaster County residents rise up and support each other in a time of crisis."

We are so thankful for the many dedicated and generous folks from East Chestnut and beyond who are serving our community in such important and tangible ways in these challenging times.

Wednesday Prayer Please join tomorrow in praying for the vulnerable in our community and our world, either from 8-8:30 am or at any time during the day. Here is a prayer from the The Corrymeela Community:

Wednesday Prayer Please join in praying for those who are especially vulnerable in our neighborhoods and our world, 8-8:30am or at any time during the day. Here is a helpful prayer adapted from the Corrymeela Community:

Wednesday Prayer Please join again in praying for the vulnerable in our neighborhoods and in our world, tomorrow from 8-8:30am, or at any time during the day. Here is a thoughtful prayer from the Corrymeela Community:

Take a look at this excellent compilation of resources. Choose an area you'd like to grow in and dig in! Are there resources you've been challenged by that aren't on this list? Share them in the comments! "This is a working document for scaffolding anti-racism resources. The goal is to facilitate growth for white folks to become allies, and eventually accomplices for anti-racist work. These resources have been ordered in an attempt to make them more accessible. We will conti...nue to add resources." Document created by: Anna Stamborski, M. Div Candidate (2022)Nikki Zimmermann, M. Div candidate (2021) Bailie Gregory, M. Div, M.S. Ed.

Wednesday Prayer Our prayers for the vulnerable in our society have never been more important. Please join in prayer for all those who are marginalized and oppressed in our community and nation from 8-8:30am Wednesday morning, or any time during the day.

Wednesday Prayer Please join in prayer for the vulnerable in our community tomorrow morning from 8-8:30am, or at any time during the day. Here is a prayer from Richard Rohr’s daily meditations:

I do not know when we can gather together again in worship, Lord. So, for now I just ask that: When I sing along in my kitchen to each song on Stevie Wonder’s Songs in The Key of Life Album, that it be counted as praise. (Happy 70th Birthday, SW!)... And that when I read the news and my heart tightens in my chest, may it be counted as a Kyrie. And that when my eyes brighten in a smile behind my mask as I thank the cashier may it be counted as passing the peace. And that when I water my plants and wash my dishes and take a shower may it be counted as remembering my baptism. And that when the tears come and my shoulders shake and my breathing falters, may it be counted as prayer. And that when I stumble upon a Tabitha Brown video and hear her grace and love of you may it be counted as a hearing a homily. And that as I sit at that table in my apartment, and eat one more homemade meal, slowly, joyfully, with nothing else demanding my time or attention, may it be counted as communion. Amen. Nadia Bolz-Weber, Lutheran pastor and author

Wednesday Prayer: Please join again in praying for the vulnerable in our neighborhoods and in our world, tomorrow from 8-8:30am, or at any time during the day. Here again is a helpful prayer from the Corrymeela Community.