WESTERN DISTRICT CONFERENCE
SPROUTS
March 12, 2019
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:
*Pastoral openings
*Pastoral news & transitions
*Announcements
Pastoral Openings
Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church, Goessel, KS – Associate Pastor
Bethel College Mennonite Church, North Newton, KS – Associate Pastor for Faith Formation
Iglesia Menonita Casa Betania, Newton, KS – Pastor
Mennonite Church of the Servant, Wichita, KS – Pastor
News and Transitions
Our sympathy to the family of Stan Bartel, upon his death on February 28 in Manhattan, KS. Stan was a member of the WDC Gifts Discernment Task Force at the time of his passing.
Congratulations to Ben and Laurel Woodward-Breckbill on the birth of their daughter, Auden, on February 18. Ben is the Associate Pastor at Shalom Mennonite Church in Newton, KS.
Our sympathy to Brad Roth, Pastor at West Zion Mennonite Church in Moundridge, KS, upon the death of his mother on February 18 in Illinois.
WDC announcements
WDC Ministerial Leadership Commission encourages pastors and congregations to consider this opportunity for learning and discernment in 2019: Who Cares About Climate Change? Pastoral Responses to Denial and Despair: This is a retreat April 8 – 10 (Mon, 5 pm through Wed, 1 pm) at Camp Mennoscah, sponsored by the Center for Sustainable Climate Solutions (CSCS) at Goshen College. The lead presenter for the retreat will be Doug Kaufman, director of Pastoral Ecology at CSCS and pastor of Benton Mennonite Church, Goshen, IN. The retreat will explore how pastors can lead congregations in effectively responding to the challenge of climate change. Denial and despair help us manage our feelings of guilt and helplessness in the face of this large and complex reality. How does the Gospel of Jesus Christ give us hope? Explore the effects of climate change on brothers and sisters worldwide, our own locales, and ourselves. Engage in peer-to-peer exchanges with fellow pastors on environmental stewardship. Other presenters will be: Rachel Myslivy, assistant director of the Climate + Energy Project, Hutchinson, KS; Christy Miller Hesed, environmental anthropologist directing a project to lead congregations in addressing climate resilience, Hesston, KS; and Jennifer Schrock, leader of Mennonite Creation Care Network, Goshen, IN. Due to a generous grant from CSCS, the retreat is free to Mennonite pastors including meals and lodging. Others pay $225. Register at https://www.mennocreationcare.org/pastoral-retreats/ by March 25. Questions? Contact Doug Kaufman: ddkaufman@goshen.edu
Camp Mennoscah announcements
- We will be putting in the dam at Camp Mennoscah on March 17 at 2 pm. Gather at the maintenance shed with appropriate helping or spectating clothing! If we’re not there, check by the dam. Whatever the weather, we’ll be there (unless deemed unsafe).
- Full scholarships available! Sign up now for Youth Volunteer Weekend, March 15-16! Isaac Entz and Rachel Miller will lead the weekend fun with the help of counselors. There will be singing, service projects, smores, and such a grand time! All youth in grades 7-12 are invited to renew their faith, be at camp, and take a short break from everything at home. Register online at campmennoscah.orgor call us at 620-297-3290!
- Retirees Retreat at Camp Mennoscah, April 22-24! We can’t wait to see retirees of all ages for a time of renewal with sessions on everything from trips to Central America and Ukraine to Reader’s Theater and a steel drum concert. There is time to take a break or go for a walk or have coffee and conversation. Singing and Bible studies included! Email office@campmennoscah.orgor call 620-297-3290 for a brochure. Register online at campmennoscah.org! Bring friends!
- Work and Play Day at Camp Mennoscah coming soon! Our first Work & Play Day of the year is April 27. We’ll start work projects at 8:30 am and end at 2:30 pm, just in time for you to spend the rest of the afternoon playing. A simple lunch will be served. Please register online at campmennoscah.orgor call us at 620-297-3290 to let us know you’re coming! All ages invited; those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
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