WESTERN DISTRICT CONFERENCE

SPROUTS

 October 3, 2017

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:

*Current Issues

*Announcements

Current Issues

     by Jennie Wintermote, Director, Conference Resource Library

So many headlines with heartbreaking news of disasters (human-created and natural); a society divided between races, classes, and more; new immigration quotas and more.  How do we engage these issues faithful?  How do we respond?

The Resource Library has a variety of books and study materials to help explore these issues and more! We mail books to congregations and individuals in all parts of WDC so everyone can access all we have to offer!

Some of the newest titles for adults include:

  • Across that bridge : A vision for change and the future of Americaby John Lewis with Brenda Jones

In Across That Bridge, Congressman Lewis draws from his experience as a leader of the Civil Rights Movement to offer timeless guidance to anyone seeking to live virtuously and transform the world. His wisdom, poignant recollections, and powerful ideas will inspire a new generation to usher in a freer, more peaceful society.

  • Do all lives matter?by Wayne Gordon and John M. Perkins

Something is wrong in our society. Deeply wrong. This book delves into history and current events, into Christian teaching and personal stories, in order to start a conversation about the way forward. Its raw but hopeful words will help move us from apathy to empathy and from empathy to action.  We cannot do everything. But we can each do something.

  • Embrace : God’s radical shalom for a divided worldby Leroy Barber

We have the opportunity as the people of God to bring true peace and unity to a world that desperately needs it. Embrace the challenge to show a divided world the bridge-building power of God’s love.

  • Just immigration : American policy in Christian perspectiveby Mark R. Amstutz.

Mark Amstutz offers a succinct overview and assessment of current immigration policy and argues for an approach to the complex immigration debate that is solidly grounded in Christian political thought.

  • My (underground) American dream : my true story as an undocumented immigrant who became a Wall Street executiveby Julissa Arce

From the time she was brought to this country by her hardworking parents as a child, Arce-the scholarship winner, the honors college graduate, the young woman who climbed the ladder to become a vice president at Goldman Sachs-had secretly lived as an undocumented immigrant. In this surprising, at times heart-wrenching, but always inspirational personal story of struggle, grief, and ultimate redemption, Arce takes readers deep into the little-understood world of a generation of undocumented immigrants in the United States today- people who live next door, sit in your classrooms, work in the same office, and may very well be your boss.

Contact the library for more information on these or other resources include quality children’s books on these issues and more.  crlib@mennowdc.org or 316-283-6300

WDC announcements

  1. Mark your calendars for the Year of Evangelism kick off event, sponsored by the WDC Resource Commission, January 19-20, 2018 at the Alexanderwohl church in Goessel, KS.  We’ll gather for this two-day event starting Friday evening for vibrant worship, inspiring teaching from Marvin Lorenzana and Heidi Rolland Unruh, and practical workshops meant to equip your congregation for outreach.  On Saturday, congregational leaders will have a chance to brainstorm outreach ideas with a coach so that they can return to their mission fields with a practical plan for sharing the good news.  All of this great resourcing is only $30 per person!  (Registration info to follow.) Consider sending a group of leaders from your church or even making this event your annual leadership retreat.  Join us as we’re equipped to spread God’s healing and hope in the world!
  1. Hurricane Relief Grants:  Congregations in areas affected by Hurricane Harvey:  Everence Financial has funds available to assist individuals within your churches, as well as community members in need.  Learn more at:  www.everence.com/living-the-values/everence-sharing-fund/hurricane-relief-grant.
  1. A new WDC Immigration Task Force has been established.  Their purpose is to coordinate a network of WDC congregations involved or interested in ministries related to immigrants and refugees.  Task Force members are:  Kendra Alison, Pat Cameron, Ryan Goertzen-Regier, Karin Kaufman Wall; WDC staff persons Kathy Neufeld Dunn and Byron Pellecer also relate to this group.  For more information, contact WDC.
  1. “Thank you so very much for your generous contributions given to us for Hurricane Harvey.” This recent message from pastor Simon Tlumang of Chin Emmanuel Church in Houston also expresses WDC’s gratitude!  As of today, $16,050 has been received by WDC and distributed to our four congregations in Houston.  Pastors report that funds are being used to pay for expenses such as temporary lodging, construction materials, furnishings, rent, utilities, medical expenses, and other needs for families displaced from their homes by flooding or dealing with loss of work income due to the storm.  Pastor Alberto Parchment of Iglesia Menonita Casa del Alfarero says, “The needs are not over. We as pastors are working hard, trying to help all whom we can. The whole congregation is very grateful for your kind contribution to their needs.”  WDC continues to welcome contributions for this purpose. Send checks, designated for Hurricane Relief, to WDC at PO Box 306, North Newton, KS 67117 or give online at mennowdc.org.  All designated contributions will be sent directly to Houston congregations to assist them as the continue to help members and neighbors in the community.  Thank you for your generosity!

Camp Mennoscah announcements

  1. Dams away!  Camp Mennoscah is removing the dam for its annual winter “vacation” on October 8 at 2pm-ish.  Everyone is welcome to come and help, watch, or cheer.  We’ll meet at the dining hall area, though some may be at the maintenance shed to gather the supplies needed.  Call 620-297-3290with questions.
  1. We’re at Fall Fest at Bethel College on October 14!  Come visit the Camp Mennoscah booth.  Buy a tee shirt.  Buy a monster cookie and a bottle of water.  Say hi.  We’ll see you there!
  1. Scrapbook and Crafts Retreats!  Sign up online, email office@campmennoscah.orgor call 620-297-3290 to join the fun on Nov.3-5 or Nov. 17-19.  There are people to chat with, make-n-takes, scrapbook tools, devotions and lots of time to finish projects.  It’s a hugely fun time!
  1. Thank you to all our Work & Play Camp and Annual Meeting attendees!  We had a blast with you here at Camp Mennoscah.  You gave generously of your time, skills, and money.  To all who bid on a meal–or are providing a meal–as part of our Meal Auction Fundraiser, thank you!  Your support of our camping ministry keeps us reaching out to so many people.

Mennonite church announcements

  1. From Mennonite Central Committee Washington Office:On the night of October 1, at least 59 people were killed and more than 500 wounded at an outdoor music festival in Las Vegas, making it the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. Our prayers and thoughts are with all those affected, as we affirm our commitment to work toward common-sense gun policies. Here are links to several resources related to the prevention of gun-violence:

– From MCC: https://washingtonmemo.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/mcc-u-s-gun-violence-prevention-guide.pdf

– From Menno Media:  http://thirdway.com/the-right-to-safety/

  1. Mennonite Mission Network will host a Pastors’ Breakfastin Newton, KS, on Monday, October 16, in conjunction with Mission Network board meetings.  The breakfast is 8:00-10:00 am at the Breadbasket Restaurant at 219 N. Main Street, Newton. To join Mission Network staff and board members for breakfast and discussion, please RSVP by Oct 9 to LefuarnH@mmnworld.net or 1-866-866-2872, ext 23079.
  1. Web and Social Media Manager.   Mennonite Church USA is seeking a .6 FTE Web and Social Media Manager. We are committed to diversity among staff and welcome people of diverse backgrounds and abilities to apply. To request a copy of the job description and an application form, contact HR@MennoniteUSA.org or call 316-281-4257.

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