WESTERN DISTRICT CONFERENCE

SPROUTS

August 2, 2016

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:

*Spiritual Preparation and Nourishment

*Announcements

Spiritual Preparation and Nourishment

     by Kathy Neufeld Dunn, WDC Associate Conference Minister (Kansas-Based)

I’m delighted to be on board as Associate Conference Minister (KS-based) for Western District Conference. One of my ministry responsibilities is resourcing pastors and congregations. Believe it or not, there are already a number of wonderful resources available on the Mennonite Church USA website in preparation for Orlando 2017: Love Is a Verb. I encourage you to look up #MennoLove on the denominational website. One writer in particular challenges us to spiritually prepare for our time together well in advance.

Are you thinking about and praying for Orlando 2017 already? Retired minister, artist and peacemaker Leo Hartshorn is, and he hopes that you will too, in a multitude of ways. To that end, he’s created a guide entitled Love Is a Verb: A One-Year Spiritual Practices Resource. You will find a link to Hartshorn’s guide at:

http://mennoniteusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Love_Is_A_Verb_Spiritual_Practices_Resource_2016-17.pdf

The purpose of it is to “spiritually nourish and prepare” those who will attend our biennial MC USA Convention in Florida next summer. Love Is a Verb is divided into twelve sections, one for each month between now and July 2017. The first six sections for July through December reflect on various sections of 1 John with an emphasis on loving one another. The second half of the guide (for January through July) focuses on six major streams of spirituality. For those acquainted with Richard Foster’s book Streams of Living Water, these emphases will sound familiar: contemplative, holiness, charismatic, social justice, evangelical, and incarnational spiritual streams. If you have not read Foster’s book, Hartshorn’s resource is a good summary. As we pray, reflect, and act in Christ-like ways, our faith will be strengthened and our spirits nourished. As we reflect on and practice diverse streams of spirituality, we may also be prepared to appreciate and love those who live out their authentic faith in ways different from our own. “Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action” (1 John 3.18).

WDC Announcements

  1. Palestinian speaker to visit WDC: WDC will host evangelical Christian Palestinian leader Rev. Alex Awad for presentations in central Kansas September 2-6, 2016, in response to the Mennonite Church USA resolution on Palestine/Israel.  Rev. Awad will lead a session on Christian Zionism and Theology of the Land on Sat., Sept 3, 9:00-11:30 a.m. at Shalom Mennonite Church, Newton, KS.  On Sun., Sept 4, he will speak in 9:45 a.m. Sunday school and 10:45 a.m. worship at Zion Mennonite Church, Elbing, KS, and at 7 p.m. at Lorraine Avenue Mennonite, Wichita, KS.  Rev. Awad will also visit Bethel, Hesston and Tabor colleges for presentations.  All events free and open to the public. For more information see attached document or go to: https://mennowdc.org/rev-alex-awad-palestinian-speaker-september-2-6-2016/.
  1. Camp Sing this Sunday, August 7! The annual Camp Sing for Camp Mennoscah is at 6:30pm at Whitestone Mennonite Church on August 7.  Donations to help purchase new tableware–plates, bowls, glasses, etc.–will be accepted.  We’ll be singing camp songs and hymns, snacking on popcorn and pop, and chatting away with anyone and everyone.  Summer staff will be leading this time of music and community.  See you there!
  1. The Mental Health Spiritual Retreat at Camp Mennoscah is Sept. 4-5. Everyone is invited, including family, friends, and community members of those with mental illness.  The theme is Courage in Community.  We spend some time talking about the theme, have some time for worship and music, and enjoy some free time.  Scholarships are available.  Register online at www.campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290.
  1. Two for One! This year Work & Play Camp and Camp Mennoscah Association’s Annual Meeting happen over the same weekend.  Work & Play Camp runs from Sept. 16-20 and the Annual Meeting will be on Sunday, Sept. 18.  Work & Play Camp is a time of fellowship and service for all ages and abilities.  Register online at www.campmennoscah.org, find the brochure under Retreats, or call us at 620-297-3290.  We can’t wait to share this fun time with you!

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