WESTERN DISTRICT CONFERENCE
SPROUTS
August 12, 2014
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:
*Pastoral Openings
*News and Transitions
*Announcements
Pastoral Openings
Congregational Information Forms can be viewed at: www.mennowdc.org (Pastoral Openings)
Hanston (KS) Mennonite Church – Pastor
Faith Mennonite Church, Newton, KS – Interim Youth Leader
Buhler/Hoffnungsau/Inman (KS) churches – Youth Pastor
Trinity Mennonite Church, Hillsboro, KS – Pastor
News and Transitions
- Joe Cannon began August 1 as Youth Pastor of Goessel (KS) Mennonite Church.
- Helen Flickinger died on August 2 in South Hutchinson, KS. She and her husband Mel were Directors at Camp Mennoscah from 1961-64.
- Congratulations to Hope Greiser Graber and Monty Graber upon the birth of their second son, Ian Lane, on August 6. Hope is the Youth Pastor at Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church, Goessel, KS.
- Willmar T. Harder will become the Pastor at Buhler (KS) Mennonite Church on September 1.
- Congratulations to Phil and Mary Schmidt on the birth of Ethan James on July 16. Phil is the pastor at Tabor Mennonite Church, Newton, KS.
- Dave Stevens will end as Pastor of Eden Mennonite Church, Moundridge, KS on November 9. He has been called as Pastor at Hope Mennonite Church, Wichita, KS, where he will begin later this year.
- Henry “Hank” Unruh began on August 4 as quarter-time Youth Pastor at First Mennonite Church, Hillsboro, KS.
WDC Announcements
1. The Western District Resource Commission is offering a $500 Loaves and Fishes Grant to WDC congregations who are seeking to multiply God’s grace in their communities. This Loaves and Fishes Grant is made possible through Vision 2012 funds and will be available from September 1, 2014 – September 1, 2015. The hope is that this grant will empower congregations to reach out in love and build relationships with the surrounding community. A maximum of 20 grants will be awarded. For criteria and application see: https://mennowdc.org/resources/grants/
2. Reserve October 30 for Pastors Day Apart – “Cultivating an Incarnational Church” with Brad Brisco. Brad is a Church Planting Coach and a Missional Church Coach based in Kansas City. He is the co-author of The Mission Quest: Becoming a Church of the Long Run.
3. Got used curriculum? Now that Gather ‘Round will be retired at the end of August, several folks are looking for ideas on what do with the leftovers. Let me know if you know of a use or a ministry that can use these items. Mbogard@mennowdc.org
4. Celebrate the new Shine! faith formation curriculum with a worship service. Find a sample order of worship, created by Vicki Hinz-Ensz, Pat Denno and Marlene Bogard, litany and lots of ideas here: https://shinecurriculum.com/extras
5. Thank you for coming to the Camp Sing! Approximately 125 people showed up to celebrate the end of the summer at Camp Mennoscah with singing, popcorn, and generic pop. Your generosity means over $3000 raised for the new bathhouses. Hooray, thank you, and wow!
6. Mental Health Spiritual Retreat–All are welcome to join us at Camp Mennoscah for the Mental Health Spiritual Retreat on Aug. 31-Sept. 1. The retreat is for those affected by mental illness, including family and friends. We’ll spend the weekend in fellowship with the theme of Finding Your True Self. Activities include a hayrack ride, swimming, and sessions with Laurie Oswald Robinson, inspirational speaker. Contact us at 620-297-3290 for more information.
7. Camp Mennoscah’s Work & Play Camp is Sept. 14-17! Tasks for all abilities and numerous coffee/tea breaks will be available. There’s no charge for this time of volunteering and fellowship–just a suggested donation of $4.00 per meal. All ages are welcome. Please contact us at 620-297-3290 to let us know you’re joining in the fun!
Mennonite Church USA Announcements
1. Mennonite Church USA website under construction. You may have noticed that the Mennonite Church USA website has a new look. We’re converting our old website into an upgraded resource center that will be easily searchable and that we hope will make resources easier to find. Please bear with us as we make this transition. If you have specific concerns or questions, e-mail Hannah Heinzekehr, director of communications: HannahH@MennoniteUSA.org.
2. Join the AMBS-Kansas Center Fall Class: Anabaptist History and Theology, which will meet over four weekends, a convenient option for those who work or who live at a distance. Taught by Professor Lois Barrett, who has a life-long interest in Anabaptist history, mission and the nature of the church. Class meets at 2500 Place in North Newton, KS, available for both credit and audit. For more information, see www.ambs.edu/academics/fall-courses.cfm or contact the registrar at registrar@ambs.edu.
3. Theology in Latin American Perspective – AMBS is offering an interterm course in Guatemala in January, taught at the Latin American Anabaptist Seminary in Guatemala City. Course will explore the rich theological heritage of Latin America and its place in situations of poverty and violence. Registration deadline: September 29. See www.ambs.edu/academics/Theology-Latin-American-Perspective.cfm.
4. AMBS – Anabaptist Short Courses: online, non-credit, six-week courses available for anyone who wants to explore Anabaptism. This fall (Oct. 22 – Dec. 3), Exploring Anabaptist History and Theology will be taught by assistant professor Jamie Pitts. Participants will examine Anabaptist movements in the 16th century and draw connections between the 16th century and our life and ministry today. Course is highly interactive and will draw on the wisdom among students. Early registration is due October 1. See: www.ambs.edu/churchleadershipcenter/anabaptist-short-courses.cfm
5. AMBS will host “Rooted and Grounded: A Conference on Land and Christian Discipleship” September 18-20. Engage in a theology that cares for God’s creation, for the land, and all that live on it. For information: www.ambs.edu/news-events/Rooted-and-Grounded.cfm.
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