WESTERN DISTRICT CONFERENCE
SPROUTS
December 22, 2015
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:
*Prayer Requests
*Announcements
Prayer Requests
January 3 – As a new year begins, pray for God’s vision and guidance for all WDC congregations in their ministry and witness.
January 10 – Give thanks for WDC congregations extending support and hospitality to refugees and immigrants seeking a home.
January 17 – Pray for God’s wisdom and energy for interim pastors who serve WDC congregations in the midst of transition.
January 24 – Pray for youth leaders, mentors, Sunday school teachers, pastors and others who nurture faith formation within WDC congregations.
January 31 – As WDC’s fiscal year concludes, give thanks for God’s faithful provision for WDC throughout the past year.
WDC Announcements
- Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! The WDC Office and Resource Library will be closed December 24 through January 1. Come in and get some great books to read before it’s too late! We’ll be open again for the new year on January 4!
- Response to refugee concerns: Two WDC congregations, Zion Mennonite Church (Elbing, KS) and Lorraine Avenue Mennonite Church (Wichita, KS), joined a local Presbyterian congregation to host a holiday meal on December 5 for refugees resettled by International Rescue Committee in Wichita, KS. The churches prepared the meal of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, salads, and pies, and congregation members served and visited with the guests. The greatest part of this day was seeing two people recognize each other after being separated for years. Neither one knew the other was in Wichita till this meeting! LAMC is also collecting a specified list of items to take to IRC to distribute to refugees as they set up housekeeping, such as laundry and dish detergent, aluminum foil and plastic wrap, paper towels, toothpaste, shampoo, bar soap, facial tissues, toilet paper, kitchen/bathroom cleanser. Zion has been collecting gloves, hats, coats, and socks for refugees, many of whom come from warmer climates. During December Zion selected a family of 7 from the Congo who arrived this year, to purchases Christmas gifts for them. Several individuals from Zion have also volunteered teaching English, helping write resumes, and mentoring. For more information about opportunities to support refugees in the Wichita, KS area, contact the International Rescue Committee at rescue.org/Wichita or 316-351-5495, or Episcopal Wichita Area Refugee Ministry at ewarm.org or 316-977-9276. (Note: Information from Mennonite-related organizations regarding refugee support was listed in the November 24 and December 8 issues of Sprouts.)
- Scrapbook and Crafts Retreats open for registrations! Online registration for the Spring Scrapbook and Crafts Retreat is ready. Go to www.campmennoscah.org and click on online registration to sign up. And look! We’ve added Crafts to this retreat, so if you are a crafter of amazing stuff, you’re welcome to join us!
- It’s for the Youth! Camp Mennoscah is offering a Youth Volunteer Weekend for youth in grades 7-12 on March 11-12, 2016. Counselors and camp staff will lead the group in various tasks and activities. Patrick Loganbill and Rachel Miller will lead in activities and worship. Online registration now available at www.campmennoscah.org. Limited space.
- Christmas Greetings and Many Blessings! Camp Mennoscah sends all of you greetings during this Christmas season and we wish for you a warm and blessed time with family and those around. Thank you for the many kind gifts and cards we have received this season!
Mennonite Church Announcements
- Rural Ministry Discussion Group: PRICE REDUCED – The registration cost for AMBS-Kansas Center’s Rural Ministry Discussion Group (both in-person and online) has been reduced to the low price of $75 if you register before January 3. Registration is limited, so please register as soon as possible to ensure participation. The in-person discussion group begins January 12, 2016 and is facilitated by Dorothy Nickel Friesen. The online discussion group begins January 14, 2016 and is facilitated by S. Roy Kaufman. For registration and more information, please see: https://www.ambs.edu/academics/rural-ministry-discussion-group.cfm
- Graduate Students in Healthcare Professions: Mennonite Healthcare Fellowship (MHF) offers scholarship funding for Anabaptist students to learn and serve in cross-cultural mission/service settings in developing countries. Deadline for 2016-17 academic year is May 15, 2016. For details and application form, see http://mennohealth.org/SET, email info@mennohealth.org, or call 1-888-406-3643.
- From Bradley Penner, Pastor at Goessel (KS) Mennonite Church: Samantha Cannon works with the State of Kansas Social Services and especially with child welfare. She directed me to the increasing needs of families and children in our local which is becoming greater than the State is able to meet. They are requesting assistance from local congregations in Marion and Harvey Counties. I have posted a link for short video… less than 6 min… which will introduce you to the Care Portal. Please view and pass this link on to other pastors and denominational leaders. Each church can decide if they want to participate in this. https://goproject.org/care-portal/about/
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