We look forward to seeing as many delegates and friends as possible at the next WDC Assembly, Friday, July 29, evening and all day Saturday, July 30, on the Bethel College campus, North Newton, Kansas. Children and adults are invited for inspired worship, shared stories of mission, a multitude of workshops, children’s programing, a “mini music” festival, and new staff installation and recognition. We will celebrate and share how God has been at work among us.
The preacher for Friday worship is Marty Troyer, Houston Mennonite Church pastor, and author of the new book The Gospel Next Door: Following Jesus Right Where You Are. He and his congregation have been sharing the holistic gospel in creative ways in their context. We look forward to hearing their stories, as well as the accounts of Sister Church Partnerships that have strengthened both church plants and their supporting congregations. Delegates will also have a chance to share stories of how they and their congregations are joining God in mission in their own communities.
Music is a great way to come together in joy and hope. Saturday evening delegates and friends, as well as the broader community, will be invited to a “mini music festival” with a variety of musical styles to enjoy at several venues around the Bethel campus.
We are “held together in mission.” Let’s celebrate together! —Kathy Neufeld Dunn, Assembly Planning Director
ANNUAL ASSEMBLY PREACHER
Marty Troyer is a pastor, husband, father, and writer in Houston, Texas, where he has served at Houston Mennonite Church: The Church of the Sermon on the Mount, since 2008. He blogs widely as The Peace Pastor. Troyer is a graduate of Hesston College, Wheaton College, and Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary. He and his wife, Hannah, have three children.
ANNUAL ASSEMBLY WORKSHOPS
There are many exciting workshops to choose from, including: Discerning local ministry opportunities, grounding our faith through a sense of place, the power of stories, rural mission, creative prayer, a guided walk on the Sand Creek Trail, historical connections between Mennonites and Jews, social justice, the “Come and See” Palestine and Israel tour, a guided tour of the Kauffman Museum, and others. A full listing and description of the workshops will be available when you arrive.
ANNUAL ASSEMBLY SCHEDULE
Friday, July 29
12:00-5:00 pm Pastors’ Afternoon Apart
4:00 Check-in opens
5:30 Pastors/families appreciation dinner
7:00 Worship with communion
Saturday, July 30
8:30 am Delegate session: Worship and
the work of the church
12:00 pm Lunch or Mennonite Women Lunch
1:15 Workshop Session 1
2:30 Workshop Session 2
3:30 Snack break
3:30-5:30 Conference Resource Library open
4:00 Workshop Session 3
5:00 Free time
5:30 Dinner
7:00 Mini Music Festival
Information and registration materials available in church offices or online at: www.mennowdc.org/annual-assembly/#2016annualAssembly
Please register by July 15!
And just for Pastors…
PASTORS’ AFTERNOON APART
Preceding Annual Assembly will be a “Pastors’ Afternoon Apart” resourcing event: Holy and Whole: Faithful Response to Sexual Abuse in the Congregation, on Friday, July 29, Noon – 5 pm in the Bethel College Cafeteria. This event will help to better equip pastors to respond when sexual violence occurs within the church community, and to more effectively promote healthy sexuality in the congregation. The main presenter for the event will be Melissa Hofstetter, PhD, MDiv, and Licensed Clinical Psychologist who is also a trainer for Dove’s Nest, an organization dedicated to empowering and equipping faith communities to keep children safe in their homes, churches, and communities. “Pastors’ Afternoon Apart” registration is $25, register at: mennowdc.org/pastors-afternoon-apart-july-29-2016/ or call 316-283-6300, or email: wdc@mennowdc.org.