WESTERN DISTRICT CONFERENCE
SPROUTS
June 2, 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:
*What Are We Wearing These Days? ¿Qué llevamos puesto estos días?
*Announcements
What Are We Wearing These Days? / ¿Qué llevamos puesto estos días?
by Kathy Neufeld Dunn, WDC Associate Conference Minister (Kansas-Based)
What are we wearing these days? For some of us essential workers, we’re probably wearing our face masks and uniforms. For others of us mostly staying at home, we might be wearing more sweats or comfy jeans, but that’s not what I mean.
Paul writes to Timothy (or someone writing in Paul’s name to honor him writes), “As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord[f] has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful” (Col. 3.12-15).
As we all see the public and congregational rhetoric heating up, these are good words for all of us to remember and pray to be able to live out right now. As you have your own best intentions, give your brother or sister the benefit of the doubt. Are some dear ones ready to (carefully) throw the church doors open and you’re more cautious? Are you on opposite ends of the political spectrum with them? Pray this passage of scripture again and again. Let the Holy Spirit clothe you in these spiritual attributes day by day.
We must pray for a spirit of unity and a desire for forgiveness and love. Maybe it helps if we think about our own limitations right now. Do you have a shorter fuse than normal? Do you find yourself struggling with sadness or numbness? We’ve all experienced losses in the past few months, some of us more than others. Compassion, kindness, and the other spiritual garments may give us a different perspective on others’ bad behavior. Like us, maybe our brothers and sisters are struggling, too. Maybe that “hostile” post he or she posted to the church Facebook page was really a call for connection and care. Maybe that loud dispute over Zoom wasn’t really about church life. Maybe he or she just wants to be deeply listened to and misses those with a listening ear. Assume we’ve all been deeply affected by the challenges and losses related to the pandemic.
So, sisters and brothers, what’s your heart sporting right now? Let Christ clothe us all in love, which binds everything together. May it be so.
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¿Qué llevamos puesto estos días?
¿Qué llevamos puesto estos días? Para algunos de nosotros, trabajadores esenciales, probablemente usemos nuestras mascarillas y uniformes. Para otros que nos quedamos en casa, podríamos estar usando más sudaderas o jeans cómodos, pero eso no es lo que quiero decir.
Pablo le escribe a Timoteo (o alguien que escribe en el nombre de Pablo para honrarlo, escribe): “Entonces, como escogidos de Dios, santos y amados, revestíos de tierna compasión, bondad, humildad, mansedumbre y paciencia; soportándoos unos a otros y perdonándoos unos a otros, si alguno tiene queja contra otro; como Cristo os perdonó, así también hacedlo vosotros. Y sobre todas estas cosas, vestíos de amor, que es el vínculo de la unidad. Y que la paz de Cristo reine en vuestros corazones, a la cual en verdad fuisteis llamados en un solo cuerpo; y sed agradecidos” (Col. 3.12-15).
Como todos vemos que la retórica pública y congregacional se está calentando, estas son palabras buenas para que todos podamos recordar y orar para poder vivir en este momento. Como tienes tus mejores intenciones, dale a tu hermano o hermana el beneficio de la duda. ¿Están algunos seres queridos listos para (con cuidado) abrir las puertas de la iglesia y ustedes son más cautelosos? ¿Estás en los extremos opuestos del espectro político con ellos? Ora este pasaje de las Escrituras una y otra vez. Deja que el Espíritu Santo te vista con estos atributos espirituales día a día.
Debemos orar por un espíritu de unidad y un deseo de perdón y amor. Tal vez ayude si pensamos en nuestras propias limitaciones en este momento. ¿Tienes una mecha más corta de lo normal? ¿Te encuentras luchando con tristeza o entumecimiento? Todos hemos experimentado pérdidas en los últimos meses, algunos de nosotros más que otros. La compasión, la amabilidad y otras prendas espirituales pueden darnos una perspectiva diferente sobre el mal comportamiento de los demás. Al igual que nosotros, quizás nuestros hermanos y hermanas también están luchando. Tal vez esa publicación “hostil que él o ella publicó en la página de Facebook de la iglesia fue realmente un llamado a la conexión y la atención. Tal vez esa fuerte disputa sobre Zoom no era realmente sobre la vida de la iglesia. Tal vez él o ella solo quiere ser escuchado profundamente y extraña a aquellos con un oído atento. Supongamos que todos nos hemos visto profundamente afectados por los desafíos y las pérdidas relacionadas con la pandemia.
Entonces, hermanas y hermanos, ¿qué lleva puesto tu corazón ahora? Que Cristo nos vista a todos con amor, lo que une todo. Que así sea.
WDC announcements
- Connections for conversation: As the impact of COVID-19 continues, how is your congregation planning for “re-opening” and future congregational life and ministry? In what ways can the church practice compassionate outreach, witness and service during this time? How can WDC best support you? WDC staff will host three 1-hour zoom conversations about these topics – You are invited to join the time that works best for you:
- Tuesday June 2 at 4-5 pm (English)
- Wednesday, June 3 at 4-5 pm (English)
- Thursday, June 4 at 7-8 pm (Spanish/English translation)
Please RSVP to wdc@mennowdc.org in advance of the discussion to receive a link to the Zoom call.
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Conexiones para la conversación: A medida que continúa el impacto de COVID-19, ¿cómo está planeando su congregación para la “reapertura” y la vida y el ministerio congregacional futuro? ¿De qué maneras puede la iglesia practicar alcance, testimonio y servicio compasivos durante este tiempo? ¿Cómo puede WDC apoyarlo mejor?
El personal de WDC organizará tres conversaciones de zoom de 1 hora sobre estos temas. Usted está invitado a unirse al horario que mejor funcione para usted:
- Martes 2 de junio a las 4-5 pm (inglés)
- Miércoles 3 de junio a las 4-5 pm (inglés)
- Jueves 4 de junio a las 7-8 pm (traducción español / inglés)
Responda a wdc@mennowdc.org un día antes de la fecha de discusión para recibir un enlace a la llamada de zoom.
- Virtual Summer Story Hour
Children ages 3-8, come take a dip in the ocean through Summer Story Hour! Virtually join Library Director Jennie Wintermote and volunteer Marjie Warkentine for “Oceans of Fun” with 8 weekly sessions June 15-August 3. Sign up today at https://forms.gle/61539e9zGnE7u98y5 The first 15 children who sign up will receive a list of supplies they will need for each project. Join us for “oceans” of stories and fun!
- Summer Reading Programs–Running June 1-August 15
- Adults–This year you’re invited to read any title in our collectionand submit a brief review. Each review will be a ticket into our prize drawings for books, giftcards, and more. Reviews may be submitted at https://forms.gle/r4kpXQBQqZPuGjiw8, posted on the WDC Resource Library FaceBook page, or given to Library Director, Jennie Wintermote.
- Children–Download a reading log hereand mark off a box for each book you read (picture books) or every 15 pages (for chapter books) or contact the library for a copy. Turn in your reading log after August 15 for fun prizes. (Turn in by mailing, dropping off, or sending a picture of your log to crlib@mennowdc.org). We would appreciate it if you register your child(ren) at https://forms.gle/mgPPft74HBDs9ZMu6 so we can have enough prizes ready!
- Library Reopening–Curbside Pickup Starting Soon (When Harvey County, Kansas enters Phase 3)
You can start reserving items at any time through our online catalog at https://mennowdc.booksys.net/opac/crl/ Once the library is open for curbside checkout, these items will be pulled and available during pickup hours (or mailed to you). In order to reserve items, you will need to log on with your library barcode number (please email the library if you need your library card number). You are also welcome to email Library Director, Jennie, at crlib@mennowdc.org in order to reserve items. Jennie is also happy to offer suggestions for individual study, children’s story, group discussion and other resourcing needs.
- WDC Staff Update: Lee Lever’s role as Interim Conference Ministry Liaison for Texas has been extended through July 31, 2020, as the search process continues for a new Associate Conference Minister based in Texas.
Mennonite church announcements
- The Mennonite, Inc., invites your original submissions for our August 2020 print magazine issue and corresponding online content focusing on Why I am an Anabaptist. More information: https://themennonite.org/august-2020-call-submissions-anabaptist/
- Consider being an MVS participant for the 2020-2021 MVS year! The application deadline has been extended until the end of July. Visit MennoniteMission.net/MVSto 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