WDC-Stories
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United in Purpose, Together in Love
Over 140 adults, youth and children gathered in-person July 29-31 for the Western District Conference Annual Assembly at Camp Copass in Denton, TX, with additional participants joining virtually online. What […]
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Encourage One Another
The WDC staff and many other volunteers are in the process of preparing all the details for Annual Assembly July 29-31 at Camp Copass in Denton, TX. The theme for […]
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The Power of Stories
I’ve read a couple of middle grades fiction books recently that highlighted the power of stories. When we hear each other’s stories, we see people in new ways, we remember […]
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Mientras Testificamos, Vivimos y nos Conectamos en la misión de Dios
Se acerca nuestra asamblea anual y es una de las mas valiosas oportunidades que tenemos para conectarnos como parte de un cuerpo en muchas formas: adoramos a Dios juntos, recreándonos […]
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WDC Annual Assembly: Why Should I Participate?
“Why should I take part in Annual Assembly? What’s happening this summer?” I’ve heard these questions over and over. I get it. Many of us are tired. We’re assessing if […]
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What now?
The Mennonite Church USA Special Delegate Assembly is over, and decisions have been made. What has changed? What does it mean for my conference, my congregation and me? What opportunities […]
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Church Library Committees & Librarians–This One’s For You
This last week I was reflecting on the benefits of being a part of a faith community. The local congregation is a place of healing and hope that encourages me […]
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Forming Faith in Kansas City?
Since I got home, I’ve been thinking about youth and young adult faith formation in Kansas City at our MC USA Special Delegate Session. When I think of the Biennial […]
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Words for when we can’t see the way ahead
What will happen? How will we feel about it? What will we do next? These were questions in my mind as I prepared to go to Kansas City for the […]
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Jesus Gives Us Peace–Thoughts for Mental Health Awareness Month
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do […]
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How Broad Is the Broader Church?
I’ve been listening to interesting conversations recently about the broader church, and I mean this on several levels. As congregations prepare to send or not send delegates to the Mennonite […]
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Awed by God’s Creation
Last Friday evening a strong storm system with high winds and tornados moved through our area. The sky turned a dull yellow-brown, as dust filled the air, the wind howled and […]
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Resurrection Faith
These days there are many people, tasks and activities needing our attention. There are many things going on in the world that feel heavy and hard. We feel weary from […]
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“It’s Hard Work”: The Thursday Evening Bible Study
Over the last two years, a women’s group at Hope Mennonite Church (Wichita, KS) has engaged in some hard work. Propelled by the the increasing acceptance of overtly racist statements and […]
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Camino a la Cruz
En esta reflexión trataremos de contextualizar el significado de las huellas de Jesús en el camino a la cruz. Lo que también conocemos como El Vía Crucis. El relato de […]
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Faith Formation When the Well Is Dry
Here’s the dilemma that I’ve heard a lot lately: We want our children, youth, and adults to continue growing in faith and in spiritual vitality. At the same time, many […]
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Cultivating Generous Congregations
What were your early childhood experiences with money? What church experiences and life events have influenced your money attitudes and behavior? These questions are included in a “Money Autobiography” exercise […]
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Preparing our Easter Hope
Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you. –1 Peter 3:15 As we move through Lent […]
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Where Are All the Pastors? Grow Some!
My last article “Why Are There So Few Pastors Out There?” inspired conversation and challenge. One reader suggested that part of the solution to “finding more pastors” is to invite […]
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Lament and Love in the Face of War
On February 24, Russian military forces invaded Ukraine. That same morning my devotional reading included Jesus’ words in Luke 6: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the […]
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