The Messiah Village chili pepper is looking for some prize winning chili to taste at this year’s Still Kickin Chili Cookoff! We are looking for local business and friends of the community to enter this year’s competition.

Last year was our first annual cook-off and it was a blast. The smell of homemade chili filled the air and the music entertainment literally had people dancing. Everyone who attended had the opportunity to taste each teams’ chili recipe and vote for their  favorite.  The winner of the People’s Choice Award had the opportunity to serve their chili s at the Messiah Village Fireside Grille (our on campus restaurant).

This year’s Still Kickin’ Chili Cookoff will take place on September 9. To learn more check out  MessiahVillage.org/chili

Thirty Christmases ago, I danced at the Hershey Theater and the Strand Capital Performing Arts Center in the Nutcracker. I was in first grade and played the part of an angel. I remember sitting for hours as my mom rolled my hair into separate curls that were pinned to my head. It was a very long process.

Vividly, I remember my dance in York at the Strand. I remember seeing the reflections of the glasses of people in the audience. As we did a turn, I remember my halo getting caught with the girl beside me. I tried to yank it apart, but they were very stuck. I remember the entire audience laughing! It was one of the most embarrassing moments of my life.

This weekend my daughter who is in first grade will be dancing on that same stage in the Nutcracker as an angel! Thankfully, the halos are designed differently. It is so special to see her play this part.

 . . . About six months ago, I was challenged by a fellow colleague at work to find an outlet outside of my role as mom and marketer. After much pondering, I went back to my childhood and the joy that ballet brought to my life. At that time, I made a decision to try out for the Nutcracker for one of the adult roles.

In September I tried out. I was very nervous. It had been a long time since I had been so nervous. At the end of the try-outs I was told that I had made the cast! That day I also found out that my son who is 5 also would be in the party scene as one of the little boys.

 My daughter, son and I have been practicing nearly every weekend this fall. It has been challenging and exhilarating to use my brain (and body) in new ways! My husband also joined the stage crew and helped with set design. (The picture is of the two girls playing Clara in the Greater York Dance’s production.)

 Tonight, after thirty years, I will step onto that Strand Capital stage again in the Nutcracker for our first dress rehearsal. I’m hoping and praying this time for not so many laughs!

 At Messiah Village, we talk a lot about journeying inward, outward and together. I have been inspired by residents, volunteers and employees who are growing in new ways. I am a fuller person because of your example.

Thank you and Merry Christmas!

It’s getting to be that time of year when everyone starts to think about who is going to host the big Thanksgiving feast. Some folks, like me, are already trying to organize their Christmas gift list. As I was recently reminded, it’s important to slow down, relax and take time to enjoy the things that your daily schedule might not allow. My challenge to you as you jump into the holiday season is to slow down and think about all that God has blessed you with. Forget about your to do list, break out your favorite novelty sweater, sit back and enjoy the holidays. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, what are you thankful for this year?

As the summer season slowly leaves and the cool crisp fall air sets in, I’m reminded of how beautiful our campus looks as all the leaves begin to change.

Although summer is my favorite season, I’m excited to see what fall will bring. Check out more photos of our beautiful campus on our Facebook page and click on the photos tab.

Today I am still representing the Village at the Brethren in Christ Church General Conference at Messiah College that started on Friday and will end this evening. Every two years about 400 delegates from North America meet to be inspired and do the business of the Church.

We at the Village exist because of the vision and efforts of Brethren In Christ members. Two things particularly stand out from the Conference: (1) A report that touched me deeply was that the Zimbabwe BIC Church gave $1,000 to help the people of Haiti. Zimbabwe is one of the poorest countries in the world, so for them to give to others is truly generous. (2) Last night Pastor Woody Dalton of the Harrisburg BIC Church talked about how God desires diversity. Woody outlined the demographic transition that is coming to America, including Central PA. He made it clear that we need to learn to worship, live and work in a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic community. I was challenged to think how we at the Village can be a more inviting multi-cultural and multi-ethnic workplace. And, how can we begin to embrace more residents and clients from a variety of cultures and ethnic backgrounds.