WESTERN DISTRICT CONFERENCE

SPROUTS

 March 13, 2018

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

*News and Transitions

*Announcements

Pastoral Openings

First Mennonite Church, Hillsboro, KS – Pastor

News and Transitions

John Tyson, currently Associate Pastor of Faith Formation at Bethel College Mennonite Church (BCMC) in North Newton, KS, has accepted a call to Pastor at Des Moines Mennonite Church in Iowa.  He will end at BCMC on June 3.

WDC announcements

  1. The next Leadership Lunch will be on March 22 from 12-1:30 pm at the WDC office.  The topic is:  “Know the Story others Tell About You (manage self)”.  All are welcome to attend this conversation on Kansas Leadership Center concepts, even if you haven’t attended a KLC training.  Bring your own lunch.  (Instructions to connect by Zoom video conference: Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: https://zoom.us/j/252605295; Or iPhone one-tap:  US: +14086380968,,252605295#  or +16468769923,,252605295#; Or Telephone:  Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 408 638 0968 or +1 646 876 9923  or +1 669 900 6833; Meeting ID: 252 605 295
  1. Pastors’ Brown Bag Lunch:  As part of the Year of Evangelism, join the conversation about the book Comeback Churcheson April 18 at the WDC office.  If your church did not receive this gift from Resource Commission, please contact Kathy (kathynd@mennowdc.org).  How is your congregation integrating ideas from the book?  What are your struggles?  What are your evangelism dreams for your context?  Bring your lunch.  Drinks provided.
  1. At its meeting on March 10, the WDC Executive Board received a letter of resignation from Anita Kehr as moderator of Western District Conference.  Anita’s resignation follows WDC’s receipt of a formal complaint against her, which is being processed by WDC according to Mennonite Church USA policy and procedure.  The Board accepted Anita’s resignation with appreciation for her roles as moderator and earlier as moderator-elect.  According to the WDC constitution, the current moderator-elect, Ray Reimer, has assumed the role of moderator.
  1. Beth Yoder will begin as the new Business Manager at WDC following the retirement of Phyllis Regier as Business Manager on March 31.  Beth previously worked as administrative assistant for an accounting firm in Iowa and as office manager at Amigo Centre in Michigan. She attends Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church (Goessel, KS), where her husband Caleb is on the pastoral staff.  We look forward to welcoming Beth to the WDC staff!

Camp Mennoscah announcements

  1. Refresh and Renew! Camp Mennoscah’s Retirees Retreat invites retirees and interested persons of all ages to join us April 23-25 for several days of renewal.  Speakers will share about Vietnam, teen prison ministry, storm chasing and so much more! Coffee breaks will give you a chance to discuss further and enjoy a good chat.  Contact Camp Mennoscah for a brochure or find it online at campmennoscah.org!  We’ll see you there for an amazingly good time.
  2. You are more than just a carrot cutter and cookie maker! Camp Mennoscah is looking for those amazing people who can peel potatoes without losing a finger and who love being around youth and other fun people for our summer youth camps. No culinary certificate needed, just the ability to follow directions, a smile, and mental flexibility.  Kitchen helpers can receive a camper discount up to full camp fees. Give us a holler at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.orgor 620-297-3290!  It’s a new kitchen!
  3. Bring a Friend!  All you long-time summer youth campers, grab a friend who hasn’t been to camp and that needs to love camp like you do–or even someone who just needs camp. We love having new folks at Camp Mennoscah and sharing all the fun we have. BAFs get a free camp tee shirt!  Register online at campmennoscah.org!
  4. Show up your elders!  Youth of Camp Mennoscah and their friends (grades 7-12) are hereby invited to give complete and total proof that young people are amazing and giving folks. Come to the Youth Volunteer Weekend, March 16-17!  Spend the day in worship, song, service, and community. It’s a great way to get a “camp fix” before the summer.  Rachel Miller and Isaac Entz will lead the retreat. Register online or call us at 620-297-3290for more information.

    Mennonite church announcements
    1.  Voluntary Service Opportunity:  The practice of hospitality to those who come to us as strangers and leave as friends is at the basis of our faith as Mennonites and Anabaptists.  Volunteers at the International Guest House in Washington, DC, live this teaching of Jesus in their daily interactions with guests from all over the world. The work consists of keeping the household running (cleaning, baking, maintenance, and responding to needs of our guests).  The breakfast and evening tea are particularly rewarding times for sharing in relaxed and informal ways. We have current need for short term volunteers beginning this summer who might serve at least two months. (Training requires at least two weeks).  Free room and board and two days off per week to explore the city or surrounding areas.  This 50 year-old ministry is under the auspices of Allegheny Mennonite Conference. For information or an application, contact Sara at volunteer@igh-dc.com

  1. Calling everyone ages 15-22:Are you looking for a fun and meaningful way to serve this summer? There are a few spots left to join a 2018  Youth Venture team! See and join in the work God is doing in Ecuador, Peru, Spain, or Benin. Apply by April 1. Visit www.MennoniteMission.net/Serve to learn more, or contact John Murray at JohnM@MennoniteMission.net
  1. Attn:  Youth Pastors/Sponsors/Leaders:  The Youth Ministry Leadership Team of MCUSA warmly invites you to attend “The Gathering Live 2018” in downtown Kansas City, May 4-6!  This gathering is open to all youth ministry leaders and anyone and everyone who cares about faith formation.  Youth Ministry teams, pastors, sponsors, youth workers, faith formation leaders are welcome to attend!   More information and registration here!
  1. Young adult opportunity to serve with MCC:Looking for ways to actively engage in issues around justice and equity, with the support of a community? Are you a Spanish speaker? Perhaps the Seed Central America Program is for you! Seed, a global two-year program, is being implemented and led by MCC with young adults between 20 and 30 years of age. The Seed Central America program focuses on the crossroads of place and ecologies of peace — in Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Visit mcc.org/seed for information or contact heidihuber@mcc.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