Fellowship 55


	Fellowship 55 October 9-11, 2007 What is the purpose of Fellowship 55? Fellowship 55 is a retreat directed especially towards, but is not limited to, those ages 55 and older. Fellowship around the table ~ as Jesus shared meals with many people, so our gathering around the table is an expression of hospitality and mutual sharing. Connect with new and familiar friends, tell your stories, play games, discuss ideas, laugh together ... and eat of course! Fellowship in worship ~ Menno Haven is the perfect setting for the quiet time you’ve been missing. J. Denny Weaver will provide spiritual input to nurture your faith walk. A hymn sing along with a blend of traditional and contemporary worship is planned. Fellowship through service~ during our three days you’ll also have a chance to put your skills and energy towards helping to beautify Menno Haven and support the ministry it does. Choose from a variety of service projects for all ability levels; from wood- splitting to mailing, from sewing to building. Or simply spend time interceding in prayer for Menno Haven. This purposeful work will make a difference to all our guests and campers. Guest Speaker J. Denny Weaver is Professor Emeritus and the Harry and Jean Yoder Scholar in Bible and Religion at Bluffton University. After 31 years at Bluffton, he retired from teaching inMay 2006. He continues to pursue research and writing in the areas of Anabaptist theology, and theology and violence. He also continues as editor of the C. Henry Smith book series, which is co-sponsored by Bluffton University. Denny and his wife Mary live in Madison, Wisconsin. They have three married daughters and six grand children. Session I: Living Within the Limits of Life Life is limited by death, a seemingly worrisome thought. Using insight from the young reader’s novel, Tuck Everlasting, as well as from several biblical references, this presentation will discuss how the fact that life has limits is what gives it zest and meaning. Rather than worrying about death, one should focus on the gift of life and the tasks of enjoying it and using it well. Session II: Living in the Reign of God Using the image of New Jerusalem in Revelation 21: 9-27, this presentation will inspire with the thought that the ultimate meaning in life—regardless of its length and even in the face of martyrdom—is to live in the reign of God. This message involves seeing that the New Jerusalem in Revelation is not a vision of heaven but is actually an image of the church in the world today. Session III: Living in the Story of Jesus Much inherited theology assumes that the saving work of Jesus is his death. In this presentation we will see that God’s resurrection of Jesus underscores the significance of Jesus’ life. It is here that Christians find the foundation of life in the reign of God. As a secondary purpose, this presentation will include a mini lesson in the theology of atonement. Special Event: Shame the Devil One special event will be the live performance of a play entitled Shame the Devil! An Audience with Fanny Kemble. The play will also be open to people not attending Fellowship 55. The performance is scheduled for October 9, at 7 pm. This play is a one-woman tour de force about nineteenth-century British actress, author, abolitionist, wife and mother. This production is a collaboration by the faculty in the School of Theatre at Illinois State University. Actress Lori Adams not only captivates audiences with her portrayal of Fanny Kemble, but also gives voice to ten other characters as Fanny’s story unfolds on and off the stage in England and America. Anne Ludlum’s engaging script, based on Kemble’s prolific autobiographical writings, follows Fanny’s life from her glorious acting debut in London and subsequent tour of America to her exit from the stage to marry an American slaveholder, Mr. Pierce Butler. For more information about or to register for Fellowship 55 or Shame the Devil, please see the following: Shame the Devil Fellowship 55 Brochure Or you can visit the Illinois State University College of Fine Arts site for the show at http://www.cfa.ilstu.edu/jmwilso4/index.htm Discounts: Early Registration: Full payment postmarked by September 20, 2007 and receive a $10/person discount "Shame the Devil Tickets" are included in the Fellowship 55 registration fee. You do not need to register separately.