WESTERN DISTRICT CONFERENCE

SPROUTS

May 28, 2019

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:

*Remembering and looking forward

*Prayer requests

*Coming Events

*Announcements

Remembering and looking forward

by Heidi Regier Kreider, WDC Conference Minister 

This year, yesterday’s Memorial Day holiday fell on the anniversary of my father’s death.  To observe the day, my mother and I went out to the cemetery to place fresh flowers at his grave, which is marked with the words, “Do justice, love mercy, walk humbly with God” (from Micah 6:8). We spent some moments in reflection and prayer, and then walked around the cemetery, sharing memories and stories of other persons memorialized there: Relatives, neighbors, friends, and names of those unknown to us.  We pondered how each person had a role in their community during their lifetime, and how this “cloud of witnesses” continues to shape the lives of people living today.

I have attended memorial services in a variety of different WDC congregations. I am grateful for the ways that congregations gather and tell the stories of those who have died, helping us to understand the meaning of their lives and legacy for the next generation. In times of death, congregations share lament, compassion, hospitality and care for one another as they walk together through grief or loss.  The community of faith honestly names and accepts the sober reality of death, yet also proclaims faith, hope, and the good news of life in Christ. This is part of the missional work and witness of the church.

As we remember those who have died, and ponder the meaning of our own lives, I invite us to consider Hebrews 12:1 – “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.”

As followers of Jesus, may we each leave a faithful legacy as we do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God.

Prayer Requests

June 2 – Pray for WDC congregations hosting Vacation Bible School and other summer activities for children, that these would be occasions for spiritual growth, fun and building relationships.
June 9 – Give thanks for pastors in WDC congregations, and pray that God would give them wisdom, joy, health and strength in their leadership and ministry.
June 16 – Give thanks for children and their families participating in WDC Resource Library’s summer story hour.
June 23 – Pray for WDC members who spend time at Camp Mennoscah this summer as campers, counselors, staff and volunteers.
June 30 – Pray for WDC members attending Mennonite Church USA convention this week, as they join with others from across the wider church for worship, service, learning, discernment and relationship-building.

Coming Events

June 1 – WDC Executive Board meeting

June 13 – KLC State Tour Lunch, Prairie Harvest, Newton, KS

June 13-14 – Conference Resource Library Book Sale, WDC Office

June 20 – WDC Church Planting Commission meeting

June 21 – WDC Ministerial Leadership Commission meeting

July 2-6 – MennoCon19, Kansas City, MO

July 26-27 – WDC Annual Assembly, Bethel College, North Newton, KS

Aug 27 – WDC Stewardship Commission meeting

Sept 5 – WDC Resource Commission meeting

Sept 6-8 – Women & Girl’s Retreat, Camp Mennoscah

Sept 14 – WDC Reference Council

July 31-Aug 2, 2020 – WDC Annual Assembly, Texas location to be determined

WDC announcements

  1. Curious about Kansas Leadership Center? As one of KLC’s partners, Western District Conference invites you to a free lunch event as part of KLC’s summer road tour, in which they are hosting one-hour events in 27 different Kansas cities to talk about KLC and share information about the many programs they offer. To learn more, come on Thursday, June 13, 12 noon – 1 p.m. at Prairie Harvest (Mezzanine level), 610 N. Main Street, Newton, KS.  Lunch will be provided – please RSVP at https://kansasleadershipcenter.wufoo.com/forms/2019-klc-state-tour/See attached poster.   Also, if you are interested in adaptive leadership training opportunities through WDC’s Leadership Transformation Grant from KLC, see WDC’s attached guidelines and application form.
  1. WDC Immigration Task Force invites you to read about the realities of life on the border, and how one WDC church, San Antonio Mennonite Church, is responding to “the least of these” as they travel to safety.  Go to https://mennowdc.org/committees-task-forces/
  1. Conference Resource Library Summer Reading Program – Everyone everywhere is invited!  Take the summer to explore what it means to follow Christ and find some new favorite books.  You’re invited to participate in the summer reading program!  Everyone in every WDC congregation is invited to take part.  Children can sign up at:  https://forms.gle/tZoohWMz76YPEzDj6 and will earn prizes for every `15 books (or chapters) they read.  Adults sign up at:  https://forms.gle/LWZZyUhx5G396q6Z9; adult prizes include books and giftcards.
  1. Conference Resource Library Summer Story Hour – All children ages 3-8 are invited to come “Down on the Farm” for a farm-tastic summer story hour.  Mondays at 9:30, July 17-July 22 at 2517 N Main in North Newton KS.  Stories, crafts, and more led by Marjie Warkentine.  Sign up at:  https://forms.gle/AnSemnebkm8xr8gg6.
  1. Mennonite Church of the Servant (2401 N Woodland, Wichita, KS) will show the movie, “Refuge in the Heartland,” on Friday, June 14, at 7 pm. The movie shares the experiences of refugee students, families, educators, resettlement agencies, policy makers, and community partners in an effort to assist people around the world in their work with refugee children and their families. The movie features interviews with Wichita Public School personnel about USD 259’s response to refugee students and families.
  1. The West Zion Mennonite Church Concert Series continues on Sunday, June 9 at 7 pm at the church in Moundridge, KS.  Featured performers: Christopher Shaw, Organ;  Andrew Thiesen, Trombone; and Family & Friends, a vocal quartet (members: Doug Huxman, Steve & Amy Sherbenou, and Jan Gilmore, accompanied by Donna Stucky).  No admission charge, however a free-will offering will be received.  Fellowship, with refreshments served after the concert.    (Please run this announcement in your June 2 and 9 bulletins.)

Camp Mennoscah announcements

  1. Summer youth camps at Camp Mennoscah start June 9!  We still have openings for all of our camps grades 3-9 and expect to open more spaces for our senior high camp soon!  Our theme for the summer is Peace Works!  Invite a friend, tell a cousin, and send a grandkid, niece, or nephew!  Camp is great for faith formation and learning to live in loving community with others.  Register online at www.campmennoscah.org!  Fun is to be had–and we’ve got it!
  1. Camp cooks needed!  Camp Mennoscah is looking for 1-2 kitchen helpers for June 9-15 and one kitchen helper/cook for July 14-20.  These are fun times with lots of camaraderie and silliness!  All you need is love, willing hands, and a smiling face (after your morning coffee or tea).  Camper discount available to parents who work as kitchen staff.  Contact us at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org!  Be part of the fun!

WDC Sprouts announcement guidelines:  Announcements pertain to Western District Conference (WDC) ministries and churches, institutions with which WDC has formal relationships, and Mennonite Church USA agencies and ministries.  

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