WDC Annual Assembly will be a “back to the future” experience. This yearly gathering of the churches and people of Western District Conference is for resourcing, renewal, and reconnecting with each other and God.
On July 27-28, we will bring the best practices of hospitality and fellowship forward from the past, as well as look to the future as a people of God who follow the way of Jesus.
“Burning Hearts” is our Assembly theme, taken from the account of the conversation on the Emmaus Road between the risen Christ and a couple of his disciples. “They said to each other, ‘Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the scriptures to us?’” (Luke 24:32).
In a spirit of Christian hospitality, two churches will open their facilities to Assembly-goers. On Friday evening, check-in and worship will be hosted at Tabor Mennonite Church, Newton, KS. On Saturday, Eden Mennonite Church, Moundridge, KS, will host Assembly delegates and friends for delegate work, diverse workshops, a concert and other fun activities for all ages, as well as four sessions of “Reading the Bible with Jesus” with Bryan Moyer Suderman.
Bryan Moyer Suderman, Bible teacher and singer-songwriter, will be our guide into the scriptures. His invitational way of helping all ages encounter and interpret scripture as Jesus did, is a gift to the church, especially in these polarized times. Bryan’s style encourages face-to-face engagement with the gospels by adults, youth and children. He’s “scholarly and yet accessible,” weaving music with small and large group interaction as participants make connections between how Jesus interpreted scripture and how we might do that too, as people of faith.
Moyer Suderman will also be the guest speaker at Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church, Goessel, KS on Sunday, July 29. Though this is not part of the official WDC Assembly, Alexanderwohl has graciously invited all who wish, to be part of their Sunday morning worship that day.
In addition to the concert on Saturday evening, there will be additional fun events for all ages. Watch for more details! Childcare will be available for children up through 5th grade. Bring the whole family to Assembly this summer!
If you are coming from a distance, consider staying in a fellow WDCer’s home! And local folks, please consider opening your homes to Assembly guests. Reconnect with old friends and make new ones. A hotel option is also available.
May our hearts burn within us as we join with old and new friends, creatively explore the scriptures in community, and encounter God together!