The perky voice and the welcoming smile of Marlene Bogard is exiting the Western District Conference library after almost 25 years of service. Marlene began her work as half-time Resource Librarian, went on to complete a Masters in Christian Ministry at Friends University, Wichita, and was ordained to Christian Ministry in 2007. Marlene is currently carrying three assignments as Associate Conference Minister of Christian Formation, Director of Annual Assembly and Director of the Resource Library. She will complete her work in February to become the Executive Director of Mennonite Women USA.
Major innovations in Marlene’s tenure included guiding the physical renovation of the library, the cultivating of an expansive children’s section, helping congregations implement Safe Sanctuary practices, and transitioning from the card catalogue to an online catalogue accessible from anywhere. The Year of the Bible initiative along with the Year of the Bible website was a crowning achievement that impacted many of our congregations in 2013-2014. The Anabaptist Faith Formation Launch on June 12-13 is being handed off to Katherine Goerzen, Director of Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary – Kansas Center, and a team of WDC leaders.
A farewell reception is being planned for Sunday, March 1, 3-5 PM, at the Resource Library, North Newton, KS.