WESTERN DISTRICT CONFERENCE
SPROUTS
July 5, 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:
*Summer Reading
*Announcements
Summer Reading
by Jennie Wintermote, Library Director
It’s July, the days are hot, and the excitement of summer vacation is beginning to wane. Many studies highlight the importance of reading aloud to children to build early literacy skills, vocabulary, and a love of reading. Similarly, reading can help children learn how to love others, embrace God, and live as disciples of Christ. At the Resource Library, we have dozens of titles that help convey Anabaptist distinctives such as loving others, community, peacemaking and justice. Check out any book with a yellow label (peacemaking) or let us help you find a book. We have picture books as well as chapter books for kids (and of course adult reading as well)! Use these summer days to grow.
Don’t forget that we have a summer reading program for children and adults with fun prizes.
Stop by and visit the library today (or call or email with your request–we’re happy to mail resources to you)!
WDC Announcements
- July 15 is the deadline to register to eat with old and new friends at Western District Conference Annual Assembly July 29-30, at Bethel College, North Newton, KS. Meals are not available for persons who register after July 15. This year’s assembly theme, “Held Together in Mission” will highlight strengthening our fellowship in Christ, and telling stories of how the Spirit is moving among us. Food is a fun part of fellowship, so remember to get your registration turned in by the 15th. Register at: www.mennowdc.org/annual-assembly/#2016annualAssembly.
- Pastors’ Afternoon Apart – July 29, 12- 5 pm at Bethel College Schultz Student Center – information and registration at https://mennowdc.org/pastors-afternoon-apart-july-29-2016/
3. Only 3 weeks left of summer youth camps! Camp Mennoscah has three weeks of camps left for three different age groups. July 10-16 is for those going into 8th and 9th grades in fall 2016. July 17-23 is for campers going into 6th and 7th grades, and July 24-29 is for high school age campers. Give us a call at 620-297-3290 and we’ll help you get registered. You can also register online at www.campmennoscah.org!
4. It’s less than a month before all your new friends and old chums are getting together for the Young Adult Weekend at Camp Mennoscah! On July 29-31, young adults age 18 and older will be having a rollicking good time doing all sorts of camp things–swimming, crafts, worship, campfire, making new friends. We’d be thrilled to have you there. Register online at www.campmennoscah.org!
5. Mental Health Spiritual Retreat! All those affected by mental illness, including friends and family, are invited to come to Camp Mennoscah on Sept 4-5 for a time of relaxation, worship, fun activities, and friends. Find the registration form at www.campmennoscah.org under Retreats or call us at 620-297-3290. Come enjoy a bit of rest in the midst of some of God’s great creation!
Mennonite church announcements
A Transitional Ministry Training event will take place October 31 – November 4 at Amigo Centre, Sturgis, MI, led by Gary Martin, Tim Lehman and Cliff Brubaker. The event is co-sponsored by the trainers and Amigo Centre in consultation with Mennonite Church USA and the Great Lakes conferences of MC USA. Phase I (Oct 31 – Nov 1) is to provide a process for discernment about future involvement in transitional ministry. Phase II (Nov 2-4) provides skills and perspectives for the practice of transitional ministry. For more information see http://tmt.amigocentre.org
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