WESTERN DISTRICT CONFERENCE

SPROUTS

 July 26, 2016

A weekly communication for:

WDC Churches and Pastors

WDC Executive Board, Commission, Committee and Task Force members

Any content may be used in bulletins and newsletters and

forwarded to congregational leaders and members.

WDC Sprouts is also available at:  www.mennowdc.org (Publications)

IN THIS ISSUE:

*From the Conference Minister’s Heart

*Prayer Requests

*Coming Events

*Announcements


From the Conference Minister’s Heart

     by Heidi Regier Kreider, Conference Minister

Recently my attention has been drawn to stories in the news about various kinds of assemblies:

o   Black Lives Matter rallies in communities across the U.S.

o   A community cook-out hosted by the Wichita (KS) police to promote dialogue with Black Lives Matter leaders.

o   Funerals for victims of mass gun shootings and other forms of violence

o   Sing-along musical events – DALLAS SINGS / DALLAS STRONG and A BRIDGE OF SONG in Minneapolis, MN – planned to occur simultaneously in response to racially motivated violence

o   Political conventions of the Republican and Democratic parties

These gatherings reflect the turmoil and conflict of our world, struggles for power and justice, lament, anger and resistance.  They are also accompanied by hope, persistence, creativity and a pervasive longing for a better world.

As we anticipate our own upcoming gathering – WDC Annual Assembly, July 29-30 at Bethel College in Kansas – we are mindful of this wider context.  How is God calling us to be followers of Jesus in the midst of the complex struggles and currents of hope that surround us?

Our church assemblies may seem small and insignificant in comparison to events that make the national news and feature famous celebrities. We may wonder how we can make an impact in the face of the world’s problems.  So, as we gather for Assembly, let us hear the words of Jesus that shape our theme, Held Together in Mission:

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:18-20

Let us remember that Jesus is with us as we gather!  We assemble – and go forth into the world – not in our own power, but in the love, justice and strength of Christ.

God bless WDC, and God bless the whole world!

Prayer Requests
August 7 – Give thanks for WDC Annual Assembly last weekend, and all who gave their time and resources to plan, lead and participate in this special event.
August 14 – Give thanks for Robert Yutzy, whose ordination service is this afternoon at First Mennonite Church (Halstead, KS) where he is interim pastor.
August 21 – Pray that WDC and its congregations might be open to the Spirit’s leading in planting new churches and strengthening sister-church partnerships.
August 28 – Give thanks for Derrick Ramer, who began as pastor at New Creation Fellowship Church (Newton, KS) this month.

Coming Events

July 29 (12-5 pm) – Pastors’ Afternoon Apart, Bethel College Mennonite Church, North Newton, KS

July 29-30 – WDC Annual Assembly 2016, Bethel College, North Newton, KS

August 1 – WDC Office closed

August 16 – WDC Stewardship Commission meeting

August 24 – WDC Church Planting Commission meeting

August 26 – WDC Ministerial Commission meeting

August 30 – Dallas Pastor Peer group meeting

September 24 – Texas Fellowship Family Festival, Luz del Evangelio, Dallas, TX

October 22 – WDC Fall Reference Council, Luz del Evangelio, Dallas, TX

December 5 – Texas Pastor Appreciation Dinner

January 28-29, 2017 – Know Jesus, Hesston College, KS

WDC Announcements

  1. We are excited to see many of you this coming weekend July 29-30 at the Western District Conference Annual Assembly, at Bethel College, North Newton, KS.  Activities include lots of music, learning opportunities, worship and storytelling.  The Friday evening worship (at Bethel College Mennonite Church) and Saturday evening Mini Music Festival (at various locations on the Bethel College campus) are open to anyone without registering!  For more information, go to:  https://mennowdc.org/annual-assembly/#2016annualAssembly
  2. The annual Womens/Girls Retreat planned by Western District Conference and South Central Conference will be at Camp Mennoscah by Murdock, KS on September 9 – 11. Katherine Goerzen, pastor at Tabor Mennonite Church, will be the featured speaker on Blessed, Beautiful, and Beloved. New this year are giant coloring sheets (bring your crayons, colored pencils, or markers) and catered meals. Music will be provided by Cousins Four. Activities are available for girls age 3rd grade through high school. Registration forms and a retreat flyer are attached and also available from your church office. Deadline for registration is August 22. Come for part or all of the retreat which begins Friday evening and ends Sunday after lunch.

    3.  Less than 2 weeks away!  Depending on when you read this, there will be a limited number of days until the Camp Mennoscah Camp Sing at Grace Hill Mennonite Church at 6:30pm on August 7.  There will be popcorn and pop and all sorts of people to talk to and meet.  Donations for new tableware (plates, glasses, etc.) as part of the kitchen renovation project will be accepted–bring your dollars, coins, and checkbooks!

    4.  Mental Health Spiritual Retreat at Camp Mennoscah–On Sept. 4-5, all those who are affected by mental illness including family, friends, and community members are invited to come to Camp Mennoscah for a time of relaxation, worship, and fellowship.  The theme this year is Courage in Community.  Scholarships are available.  Contact Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290.

    5.  Thank you to all our many campers and volunteers!  What a wonderful time, what a blessing to have so many people at Camp Mennoscah this summer!  Our summer would have been bland and boring without you–and we would have missed you!  Thank you for making this a great summer of worship and community.  We look forward to seeing you all at the Camp Sing on August 7 at 6:30pm at Grace Hill Mennonite Church!

    Mennonite church announcements
    Faith & Life Bookstore, 606 North Main in Newton, KS will have a Church Librarian’s Day on Saturday, August 27 – Hear about new books and staff favorites from the past year and get a sneak peek at upcoming releases.  All orders placed by attendees will receive a 25% discount.  Library Committees welcome!  Lunch will be provided free of charge. Please RSVP by Wednesday, August 24 to info@faithandlifebookstore.com or 316-283-2210.

    Western District Conference

2517 North Main, PO Box 306

North Newton KS  67117

316-283-6300; FAX:  316-283-0620

Email:  wdc@mennowdc.org

Website:  www.mennowdc.org