WESTERN DISTRICT CONFERENCE
SPROUTS
March 10, 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)
To support WDC ministries, contributions may be made HERE.
IN THIS ISSUE:
*Responding to Coronavirus
*Pastoral openings
*Pastoral news & transitions
*Announcements
Responding to Coronavirus
by Heidi Regier Kreider, WDC Conference Minister
To WDC congregations and leaders,
As the church responds to concerns about coronavirus (COVID-19), here are some resources to help address the uncertainties and fears that we face:
Christianity Today is offering a free booklet, “A Concise Coronavirus Guide for Churches” with scriptural and theological reflections, as well as practical guidelines for church activities and planning. The booklet is attached to today’s Sprouts, and can also be downloaded at https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2020/march-web-only/coronavirus-churches-christians-news-advice-covid-19.html.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides up-to-date information on COVID-19:
– English – https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
– Espanol – https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index-sp.html
– Factsheet – English: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/2019-ncov-factsheet.pdf
– Factsheet – Espanol: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/2019-ncov-factsheet-sp.pdf
In particular, see the CDC’s Resources for Community- and Faith-Based Leaders at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/index.html
It includes this check-list to Plan and Prepare:
* Update your emergency operations plan with the help of your local public health department, emergency operations coordinator or planning team, and other relevant partners to include COVID-19 planning.
* Identify space that can be used to separate sick people if needed.
* Develop an emergency communication plan for distributing timely and accurate information to workers and those you serve.
* Identify actions to take if you need to temporarily postpone or cancel events, programs, and services, especially for groups at greater risk such as older adults or people with chronic health conditions.
* Promote the practice of everyday preventative actions: Frequently wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or use the inside of your elbow. Clean frequently touched objects and surfaces. Stay home when sick.
* Provide COVID-19 prevention supplies at your organization (e.g., soap, hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, tissues, trash baskets, and a couple of disposable facemasks, just in case someone becomes sick during an event).
* Plan for staff absences by developing flexible attendance and sick-leave policies, plan for alternative coverage, and monitor and track COVID-19 related staff absences.
* Engage with stigmatized groups and speak out against negative behaviors to help counter stigma and discrimination.
And, here is a prayer written by Kayla Berkey, from Mennonite Church USA media staff:
We pray for people in the U.S and around the world impacted by coronavirus.
We pray for comfort for those who have lost loved ones, and for those who have been quarantined and are feeling alone.
We pray for healing for those who are sick.
We pray for safety, strength and compassion for medical workers who may be overwhelmed caring for those who are battling various illnesses, and workers who are exposed to greater risks.
We pray that our public officials act with compassion and wisdom as they work to contain the virus.
We pray for those without access to health care, and for those who don’t know how they will make it if they get sick and can’t go to work.
We pray that your peace will guard our hearts and minds so that we are not overcome by anxiety and fear.
God, inspire in us ways to show your love to one another and to ourselves. Guide our hearts and our actions to greater care, kindness and generosity in the midst of these fears and uncertainties.
May God’s wisdom and peace strengthen you, as you continue faithful ministry, wise planning and compassionate care in the face of the challenges in today’s world.
———————
Responder a coronavirus
by Heidi Regier Kreider, WDC Conference Minister
Para las congregaciones y líderes de WDC
A medida que la iglesia responde a las preocupaciones sobre el coronavirus (COVID-19), aquí hay algunos recursos para ayudar a abordar las incertidumbres y los temores que enfrentamos:
Christianity Today está ofreciendo un folleto gratuito, “Una guía concisa sobre el virus del coronavirus para las iglesias” con reflexiones bíblicas y teológicas, así como pautas prácticas para actividades y planificación de la iglesia. El folleto se adjunta a los Sprouts de hoy y también se puede descargar en https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2020/march-web-only/coronavirus-church-christians-news-advice-covid-19.html.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention proporciona información actualizada sobre COVID-19:
-Inglés – https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
-Espanol – https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index-sp.html
– Hoja informativa – Inglés: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/2019-ncov-factsheet.pdf
– Hoja informativa – Espanol: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/2019-ncov-factsheet-sp.pdf
En particular, consulte los Recursos de los CDC para líderes comunitarios y religiosos en https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/index.html
Incluye esta lista de verificación para planificar y preparar:
* Actualice su plan de operaciones de emergencia con la ayuda de su departamento local de salud pública, el coordinador de operaciones de emergencia o el equipo de planificación y otros socios relevantes para incluir la planificación COVID-19.
* Identifique el espacio que se puede utilizar para separar a las personas enfermas si es necesario.
* Desarrolle un plan de comunicación de emergencia para distribuir información oportuna y precisa a los trabajadores y aquellos a quienes sirve.
* Identifique las acciones a tomar si necesita posponer o cancelar temporalmente eventos, programas y servicios, especialmente para grupos con mayor riesgo, como adultos mayores o personas con afecciones de salud crónicas.
* Promover la práctica de acciones preventivas cotidianas: Con frecuencia lávese las manos con agua y jabón durante al menos 20 segundos. Si no hay agua y jabón disponibles, use desinfectante para manos con al menos 60% de alcohol. Cubra la tos y los estornudos con un pañuelo de papel o use la parte interior de su codo. Limpie objetos y superficies que se tocan con frecuencia. Quédese en casa cuando esté enfermo.
* Proporcione suministros de prevención COVID-19 en su organización (por ejemplo, jabón, desinfectante de manos que contenga al menos 60% de alcohol, pañuelos desechables, cestas de basura y un par de mascarillas desechables, en caso de que alguien se enferme durante un evento).
* Planifique las ausencias del personal mediante el desarrollo de políticas flexibles de asistencia y licencia por enfermedad, planifique una cobertura alternativa y monitoree y rastree las ausencias relacionadas con el COVID-19.
* Participar en grupos estigmatizados y hablar en contra de los comportamientos negativos para ayudar a contrarrestar el estigma y la discriminación.
Y, aquí hay una oración escrita por Kayla Berkey, del personal de medios de la Iglesia Menonita de EE. UU:
Oramos por las personas en los EE. UU. Y en todo el mundo afectadas por el coronavirus.
Oramos por consuelo para aquellos que han perdido seres queridos, y para aquellos que han sido puestos en cuarentena y se sienten solos.
Oramos por sanidad para aquellos que están enfermos.
Oramos por seguridad, fortaleza y compasión por los trabajadores médicos que pueden sentirse abrumados por aquellos que luchan contra diversas enfermedades y los trabajadores que están expuestos a mayores riesgos.
Oramos para que nuestros funcionarios públicos actúen con compasión y sabiduría mientras trabajan para contener el virus.
Oramos por aquellos que no tienen acceso a la atención médica, y por aquellos que no saben cómo lo harán si se enferman y no pueden ir a trabajar.
Oramos para que tu paz proteja nuestros corazones y nuestras mentes para que no seamos vencidos por la ansiedad y el miedo.
Dios, inspírate en usways para mostrar tu amor el uno al otro y a nosotros mismos. Guíe nuestros corazones y nuestras acciones hacia un mayor cuidado, amabilidad y generosidad en medio de estos temores e incertidumbres.
Que la sabiduría y la paz de Dios os fortalezcom a medida que continúas con un ministerio fiel, una planificación inteligente y un cuidado compasivo frente a los desafíos del mundo de hoy.
Pastoral Openings
Southern Hills Mennonite Church, Topeka, KS – Pastor
Turpin Mennonite Church, Turpin, OK – Pastor
News and Transitions
Dave Gerbrandt, former WDC Associate Conference Minister for Oklahoma, passed away on February 29.
Lois Harder has been called to be a Pastor at Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church, Goessel, KS beginning April 1. She has been serving there as Bridge Pastor since October 2018.
WDC announcements
- WDC Credentialed Persons: Your Mennonite Church USA credential record, which includes your personal contact and congregational information, ministry history and continuing education, is kept up to date by WDC. Contact us (wdc@mennowdc.org, 316-283-6300) with updates to any of these items as they occur.
- Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery: Are you interested in exploring issues related to the love and loss of land? Here are three events to consider:
The Loss of Turtle Island, March 22, 5:30-7:30 pm, at First Church of the Brethren 1103 Jefferson St. Wichita, KS 67203. Presenters: Lois Harder and Michael Unruh. This participatory experience highlights the relationship between European settlers and indiginous or Native Americans and land justice.
Two showings of the drama “We Own This Now,”
Sunday, April 19, 7 pm at University United Methodist Church, 2220 N Yale Ave, Wichita, KS sponsored by Lorraine Avenue Mennonite Church and Mennonite Church of the Servant. Tickets: Adults $20 donation (or pay what you can), Students $10 donation (or pay what you can), Indigenous people attend at no cost. Get tickets electronically at https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/UFxoCrkBgVt8LJ4Xf7z06J?domain=first-church-of-the-brethren.square.site or scan the attached QR code, or get paper tickets through a sponsoring church or organization.
Sunday, April 26, 4 pm, Flaming Performing Arts Center, Tabor College, Hillsboro KS – sponsored First Mennonite Church and Trinity Mennonite Church and Tabor College, all of Hillsboro, KS, Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church, Goessel, KS, MCC Central States, and WDC. This FREE drama is underwritten by generous donors. Get tickets electronically at https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/UFxoCrkBgVt8LJ4Xf7z06J?domain=first-church-of-the-brethren.square.site or scan the attached QR code, or get paper tickets through a sponsoring church or organization.
For questions, contact Kathy Neufeld Dunn at 316-283-6300.
Camp Mennoscah announcements
- Dam installation at Camp Mennoscah! On March 22 at approximately 2pm, we will be putting the dam back in. You are invited to watch the process or to help. Wear appropriate clothes for how you plan to participate and for whatever weather may occur. Watch the Camp Mennoscah Facebook page for any changes.
- The BETTER youth camp discount ends April 1! Get those registrations completed online for Camp Mennoscah’s summer youth camps and save $10. Our theme this summer is This Is Our Prayer. You’ll explore the different ways Christians have prayed throughout history and have grown into the beloved community of God. Register online at www.campmennoscah.org!
- Refresh and Renew! Camp Mennoscah’s Retirees Retreat is April 20-22. We will hear about experiences with Mennonite Disaster Service, travel to the Mennonite Museum in Khiva, Uzbekistan, and enjoy Bible Study, singing, and fellowship over coffee breaks. Contact us at 620-297-3290 or office@campmennoscah.orgfor a brochure! You can also register online at www.campmennoscah.org. Be a part of some serious relaxation!
- Kitchen staff needed for summer youth camps at Camp Mennoscah! Kitchen volunteers can choose to receive a parent discount up to full camp fees. No special chef, sous chef, or pastry chef skills needed. Kitchen volunteers are needed for June 7-13, June 14-18, June 21-27, July 12-18, July 19-25, and July 26-31. Contact us at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.orgor call 620-297-3290. Free camp tee included.
- The 2020 Camp Mennoscah tee shirt is up to you! We’re looking for three two word phrases that represent the important parts of Camp Mennoscah to you! The best combination of phrases will become our camp tee! One (generic) example would be River play, Campfire songs, Love all. Be creative! Send all your stunning ideas to olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org! (Or send a message to the Camp Mennoscah Facebook page.)
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