WESTERN DISTRICT CONFERENCE
SPROUTS
July 28, 2020
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)
We invite your continuing support for WDC! Contributions may be made HERE.
IN THIS ISSUE:
*See you at Assembly!
*Prayer requests
*Coming Events
*Announcements
See you at Assembly!
by Heidi Regier Kreider, WDC Conference Minister
WDC’s first-ever online annual assembly is coming up this weekend! As the theme “Living in Exile” suggests, this brings with it plenty of unknowns and uncertainties. But, here is what we do know as we anticipate this grand experiment:
As individuals and congregations, we are part of a broader community of faith: Worshiping together as one body of Christ, facing common concerns, learning from our differences, struggling together in the face of suffering, offering encouragement, and celebrating shared hopes and joys. Assembly is an opportunity to experience our connections, not only by Zoom or Facebook live, but through the living, moving, empowering Holy Spirit of God.
We are on a learning curve: New technology to figure out, new dilemmas to solve, new ways to participate, new questions to consider, new opportunities for growth and change. Undoubtedly there will also be some bumps and mistakes along the way. Assembly is an opportunity to practice being gracious and patient with one another, and curious about how God is calling us toward transformation and greater faithfulness.
We have much to be thankful for: Keynote speaker/preacher Danny Carroll, webinar leaders, musicians, interpreters, and worship coordinators who will offer teaching and inspiration; staff, planning team, and technical assistants who have worked creatively and diligently to prepare and host assembly online; conference leaders, commissions and committees who give their time and energy to guide the vision and ministry of WDC; guests and partners; and – most important of all – the delegates and participants who will attend the gathering this weekend (and continue to read and watch the materials posted online)! Assembly is an opportunity to offer ourselves and our gifts to God with gratitude, in our common work as the church.
May God bless our gathering, and all who join in this great experiment!
To learn more about Annual Assembly, see the WDC website at https://mennowdc.org
Prayer Requests
August 2 – Give thanks for a spirit of sharing and fellowship in WDC, as congregations and members join together today in online worship as part of 2020 Annual Assembly.
August 9 – Pray for children and youth in WDC congregations, and for their families, teachers and mentors, as preparations for a new school year unfold in the face of challenging circumstances.
August 16 – Pray for WDC congregations in pastoral transition, as they discern God’s direction for future leadership and priorities in the midst of the uncertainties of today’s world.
August 23 – Pray for the WDC Stewardship Commission as they meet this week, tending to the financial health of the conference, and promoting generosity and sharing of resources to further the mission of WDC.
August 30 – Pray for God’s wisdom and guidance for WDC as we seek to understand more deeply the structural racism of our own church life and history, and to be faithful to God’s vision for justice in today’s world.
Coming Events
Aug 1-2 – WDC Virtual Annual Assembly
Aug 3 – WDC office closed
Aug 21 – WDC Ministerial Leadership Commission meeting
Aug 25 – WDC Stewardship Commission meeting
Aug 27 – WDC Leadership Lunch
Sept 1 – WDC Executive Committee meeting
Sept 7 – WDC Office closed for Labor Day holiday
Sept 9 – WDC Church Planting Commission meeting
Sept 10 – WDC Executive Board meeting
Sept 17 – WDC Resource Commission meeting
Sept 26 – WDC Reference Council
WDC announcements
The WDC Assembly Virtual Delegate Session is this weekend – August 1, 9-11 am. Registered delegates have been emailed the delegate session Zoom link. Others may join the delegate session via Facebook Live, and also can participate in the afternoon webinars, and the conversation with Danny Carroll Rodas. See instructions on how to participate in all of these things at: https://mennowdc.org/2020-annual-assembly-how-to-connect-to-a-virtual-assembly/ . For technical assistance with Zoom before August 1, email Ryan at ryan.goertzen@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing you online!
Camp Mennoscah announcements
You are welcome to visit! Camp Mennoscah is open to families, individuals, and groups for days and overnights. The number of groups on campgrounds is limited and each family/group will have their own bathroom. Canoes are available for use; paddles and lifejackets are checked out and disinfected after use. Contact us at office@campmennoscah.org or 620-297-3290. Spend some time at the river, on the trails, or simply enjoying this sacred space!
Mennonite church announcements
Consider being an MVS participant for the 2020-2021 MVS year! Join a community, serve, and plug into your neighborhood and local congregation. Visit MennoniteMission.net/MVS to learn more and apply!
WDC Sprouts announcement guidelines: Announcements pertain to Western District Conference (WDC) ministries and churches, institutions with which WDC has formal relationships, and Mennonite Church USA agencies and ministries.
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