Category: News & Media

Congregational Announcements

The Tabor Trading Post: Remember, this is where Tabor folks bring creative wonderful items and then Tabor folks buy them, and the proceeds go to a very good cause! In the past, the money went for our Tabor Building Fund. This year, the money will go to the Melody Hall Housing Fund, so someone from our Tabor family has a safe, warm place to spend the winter. So prepare to enjoy the Trading Post after Faith Formation, in the Hospitality Hall, on Dec. 15. See Carol Duerksen if you have questions.

Stories & Stuff: Everyone, men and women, are invited to join us for a Christmas Celebration! Come to the Hospitality Hall at Tabor on Dec. 19 at 10am and spread Christmas Cheer!!

Night in the Barn: Everyone is invited to come to Night in the Barn at Papa’s Pumpkin Patch (372 70th, Newton) on December 21 and/or 22 from 5 until 7pm (come and go). Come interact with the characters, sounds, lights, and animals of this timeless tale and enjoy this walking tour with family and friends. There is a suggested donation of $5 per person, which includes a hot drink and a snack. This is presented by Tabor Mennonite Church Youth, with part of the proceeds going to the Tabor Mennonite Youth Fellowship. Call 620-367-2721 with questions.

Mennonite Disaster Service: Opportunity to help! April 5-11, 2020 is an option for Tabor to participate in a service trip. If you are interested in going please contact Dale Alderfer soon.

Tabor Ladies Lunch Bunch that meets at Bethesda will not meet on December 17 due to a conflict at Bethesda. The group will meet again in January.

This Christmas give the gift of life between 1:00-6:00 on Dec. 16 by donating blood or donating time to volunteer, at the blood drive at Goessel Church. Have questions? Call Rosi (367-2418)

Commodity distribution will take place on December 20 from 5-6 p.m. at the Goessel Mennonite Church. Contact Jenny Girard with questions. 620-266-6939.

Coming! The Great Winter Warm-UP! Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is collecting 6,500 comforters to deliver to people affected by disaster and conflict all around the world. Alexanderwohl and Tabor Mennonite Church will host an MCC Comforter Blitz for everyone in the Goessel Community, at the Tabor Mennonite Church Fellowship Hall on Saturday, January 18, 2020, 9am – 4pm. Something for everyone—pin, tie, trim, sew, or help in the kitchen with snacks and the noon meal. In the meantime, you can start now to make comforter tops for this event. Use your own fabric or contact Ruth, Sharon or Kim for fabric available from MCC and for instructions to make a 60” X 80“ top. A donation box can be found in the foyer if you would like to help purchase batting and supplies for the comforters. Contact Ruth Goertzen (alexmenno; 620-747-0074), Sharon Adrian (sladrian49; 620-877-7239), or Kim Funk(kfunk; 620-747-0408) with questions. We look forward to seeing many of you at this Goessel Community Winter Warm-up!

Directory Updates for the 2020 Tabor Church Directory are due now. Please email the church office at kfunk with changes.

The Alexanderwohl coffee group invites anyone age 60 and over to join them for Senior Coffee and Conversation on Fri., Dec. 20, at 9 am in the Alexanderwohl Church Fellowship Hall. The entertainment will be the Goessel HS Elbiata Singers under the direction of Braden Unruh, followed by a time of food and fellowship. Donations are welcome.

Please call the Alexanderwohl Church office by Mon, Dec. 16, if you would like to join us.

KMMC 2020 We sing that others may live: Please consider joining Kansas Mennonite Men’s Chorus (KMMC) for their upcoming season. This is your opportunity to make a joyful noise while praising God and a way to make a difference in the world through Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) as all of the concert proceeds go to MCC. We have been singing in the states and across Europe for more than fifty years. We have raised over $700,000 for MCC that has helped many people around the world. Contact Donavon Schmidt to join of if you have questions.

Conference Announcements

Prayer Requests:

« Western District Conference: Give thanks for the generosity of WDC congregations and donors, and pray for financial contributions to support this year’s budget goals and ministry priorities.

« Mennonite Mission Network: MMN requests prayer for DOOR’s leadership development program, Discern, that works with local youth of color to help them expand their leadership skills through mentorship and workshops engaging justice issues. Pray for resources to broaden the current three-month program to nine months.

« Mennonite Education Agency: Pray that the Instituto Bíblico Anabautista program continues to be a blessing through the training of new leaders for the Hispanic congregations in Mennonite Church USA. Pray for the 37 volunteer tutors who meet weekly with the students in 35 study centers. May God fill them with wisdom, and may they continue to be important instruments for this ministry in their respective congregations.

Western District Conference:

—Western District Conference invites you to share a gift with WDC during this season, to help our congregations Witness & invite others to faith in Jesus Christ, Dwell in just & loving relationships, and Connect to God’s mission in the world. As of November 30 we were $111,000 short of meeting our expenses for the year to date, so your generous gifts are invited to help close the gap towards WDC’s 2019 budget goal! You may make an online contribution here or send a check to Western District Conference, PO Box 306, North Newton, KS 67117. Thank you for your generosity!

—The Youth Ministry Committee of Western District and South Central conferences presents… Youth Lead Now, a one-day workshop designed for high school youth to enrich their leadership skills and deepen faith. Using the adaptive leadership framework from the Kansas Leadership Center and well known spiritual practices, we will equip youth with skills to be leaders among their peers, in their churches, and in their communities. Our hope is that congregations would partner with us by sending youth who have been affirmed for their leadership gifts or potential. Date: January 11, 2020. Time: 9am to 4pm. Location: Faith Mennonite Church, Newton. Registration Fee: $50 (scholarships available upon request). High School Youth can register through the link: https://forms.gle/fWQ2BVjybMVtzKsC8

—Western District Women in Mission in cooperation with Everence Financial will host a two-day conference "Let’s Talk…Women, Money & Faith" on January 24 and 25 at Tabor Mennonite Church, Newton. Featured speakers, Teresa Boshart Yoder and Rhoda Blough, from Everence Financial will address money and faith topics for women of all ages and stages of life. More information and registration coming soon.

Handel’s Messiah: First Mennonite Church, 429 E 1st, Newton KS, will present Handel’s Messiah on Sunday, December 15 at 7 pm with a community chorus, orchestra and soloists. The director is Matthew Graber.

The family band Five Times Harder will present a Christmas concert at 4:00 p.m. on December 22 at First Mennonite Church, Hillsboro (102 S. Ash). Their concerts feature an entertaining blend of voices and instruments, in bluegrass, folk, jazz, and classical styles. There is no admission fee; a free will offering will be collected to benefit the ongoing work of MCC.

Thanks to everyone who supported Camp Mennoscah on Giving Tuesday! Donations totaling a little over $8,300 were received, and all the jelly and zwieback were claimed! Because of this support, Camp Mennoscah will continue to help campers of all ages grow in their faith through experiences in creation, fellowship, and worship. If you missed your chance to give last Tuesday, you can still mail in a 2019 donation by December 31 or give online at campmennoscah.org. Thank you for being involved in this ministry!

New Hope Shelter Volunteer Training will take place Monday, December 16 at 6:30 p.m., 900 W. Broadway, Bldg 7. For more information Contact Ashli: ahli

Mennonite Church USA (MC USA):

—You are invited to join MC USA staff for “Coffee and Conversation” in the Newton offices (718 N Main, Newton) to hear from Mennonite Mission Network International Service Worker, Deb Byler, on Monday, December 16 at 11am. She will share about the ministries in which she is involved with Kekchi Mennonite women in Guatemala. A recent article on Deb’s ministry is available on-line: https://www.

mennonitemission.net/news/Spiritual-direction-in-Kekchi-context-brings-mutual-growth

—Youth Venture is a short-term service and learning experience offered in the summer to students age 15–22. For roughly two weeks, you will have the opportunity to join a team of other students and adult leaders to explore the world to see how God is at work. This year, we’re offering experiences in Benin, Colombia, Israel, Peru, Spain, and Kykotsmovi, Arizona. Application deadline is April 1, 2020. Contact us today https://www.mennonitemission.net/Serve/Youth%20Venture with your questions or to begin exploring these incredible opportunities!

—Join an intentional community with peers, serve with a local nonprofit, and plug into your neighborhood and local congregation in places like Washington, D.C.; Chicago; San Francisco; and Alamosa. Learn more at www.MennoniteMission.net/Serve. Age: 20+; term: 1–2 years.

—Need a change of scenery? Join SOOP and use your gifts and skills to work alongside others in a network of ministries across the church. Flexibility designed for retirees, families, and adults over 25. Explore opportunities at www.MennoniteMission.net/Serve.

The gift of nurture and belonging! Mennonite Healthcare Fellowship (MHF) is an interdisciplinary community of Anabaptist health professionals which seeks to nurture the integration of faith and practice, to provide opportunities for dialogue on health related issues, and to address specific needs through education, advocacy, and service. If you embrace Anabaptism and are involved in healthcare, we invite you to learn more and "Join the Conversation" at www.mennohealth.org/JoinTheConversation/.

Dec. 15 annc.pdf

Congregational Announcements

2019 Giving: Through email communications, the Tabor Church Council approved the disbursal of the over-budget monies to be disbursed proportionally to the 2019 Unified Budget. –Jim Schmidt, Congregational Chairperson

The Tabor Trading Post: Remember, this is where Tabor folks bring creative wonderful items and then Tabor folks buy them, and the proceeds go to a very good cause! In the past, the money went for our Tabor Building Fund. This year, the money will go to the Melody Hall Housing Fund, so someone from our Tabor family has a safe, warm place to spend the winter. So prepare to enjoy the Trading Post after Faith Formation, in the Hospitality Hall, on Dec. 8. See Carol Duerksen if you have questions.

Parsonage Open House: Everyone is welcome to stop by the church parsonage on Sunday afternoon between 3:30 and 5:30 pm for a time of fellowship and snacks!

The McPherson Community Brass Choir under the direction of Jerry Toews will be performing great Brass Christmas Music at Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church on Sunday, Dec. 8 at 7 pm. Also performing will be the Goessel High School Elbiata Singers under the direction of Braden Unruh. A free will offering for the Goessel Ministerial Alliance will be received with proceeds to help local needs. Everyone is invited for this Festive Event!

Calling all Tabor Women and Girls: You are invited to a Christmas Breakfast on Saturday, December 14 at 9 a.m. in the Hospitality Hall. Please sign up on the bulletin board across from the church office. After a delicious breakfast, Donna Becker will present the program. In her presentation titled “Did You Know?”, she will give a historical view of how our Christmas traditions have developed from the 1800s to the present. Donna will use story and interaction to connect the traditions of Christmases past with the way we honor the message of Jesus’ birth today. She invites you to think about Christmas traditions you observe and why you cherish them.

Deadline to sign up is Sunday, December 8.

Night in the Barn: Everyone is invited to come to Night in the Barn at Papa’s Pumpkin Patch (372 70th, Newton) on December 21 and 22 from 5 until 7pm (come and go). Come interact with the characters, sounds, lights, and animals of this timeless tale and enjoy this walking tour with family and friends. There is a suggested donation of $5 per person, which includes a hot drink and a snack. This is presented by Tabor Mennonite Church Youth, with part of the proceeds going to the Tabor Mennonite Youth Fellowship. Call 620-367-2721 with questions.

2020 Giving Project for Adult Faith Formation: Beginning December 1, Adult Faith Formation offerings will help fund the Wednesday evening fellowship meals. Meals are currently (and will continue to be) funded by a suggested donation from attendees. Christian Ed has assisted with funds from their budget when needed. While funds continue to fall short to cover meal expenses, we still feel that this fellowship time is an important part of our Wednesday evening ministry for all who attend. We encourage all adults to joyfully give to the weekly offering in fiscal 2020 for this outreach opportunity right here in our own community.

Tabor Ladies Lunch Bunch that meets at Bethesda will not meet on December 17 due to a conflict at Bethesda. Watch the announcements to see if and when it will be rescheduled in December. The group will meet again in January.

The Goessel Ministerial Alliance Christmas Giving Tree project is happening again this year. The tags will be available on the tree at the Crossroads Credit

Union on Tuesday, December 3. All the gifts will need to be brought back to the Credit Union by Friday, December 13. The gifts should be wrapped and the credit union personnel will assist with the “checking in” process. The gifts will then be delivered by the Ministerial Alliance.

The Second Monday Family History & Genealogy Group will meet Mon., Dec. 9, 7pm, in the Goessel City Building Community Room, 101 So. Cedar St., Goessel. Marcia (Nickel) Zuercher, a middle school teacher in Newton, will share a unique idea she has developed to tell family stories, which may be used for Christmas gift-giving!

This Christmas give the gift of life between 1:00-6:00 on Dec. 16 by donating blood or donating time to volunteer, at the blood drive at Goessel Church. Have questions? Call Rosi (367-2418)

The Alexanderwohl coffee group invites anyone age 60 and over to join them for Senior Coffee and Conversation on Fri., Dec. 20, at 9 am in the Alexanderwohl Church Fellowship Hall. The entertainment will be the Goessel HS Elbiata Singers under the direction of Braden Unruh, followed by a time of food and fellowship. Donations are welcome.

Please call the Alexanderwohl Church office by Mon, Dec. 16, if you would like to join us.

Commodity distribution will take place on December 20 from 5-6 p.m. at the Goessel Mennonite Church. Contact Jenny Girard with questions. 620-266-6939.

Coming! The Great Winter Warm-UP! Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is collecting 6,500 comforters to deliver to people affected by disaster and conflict all around the world. Alexanderwohl and Tabor Mennonite Church will host an MCC Comforter Blitz for everyone in the Goessel Community, at the Tabor Mennonite Church Fellowship Hall on Saturday, January 18, 2020, 9am – 4pm. Something for everyone—pin, tie, trim, sew, or help in the kitchen with snacks and the noon meal. In the meantime, you can start now to make comforter tops for this event. Use your own fabric or contact Ruth, Sharon or Kim for fabric available from MCC and for instructions to make a 60” X 80“ top. A donation box can be found in the foyer if you would like to help purchase batting and supplies for the comforters. Contact Ruth Goertzen (alexmenno; 620-747-0074), Sharon Adrian (sladrian49; 620-877-7239), or Kim Funk(kfunk; 620-747-0408) with questions. We look forward to seeing many of you at this Goessel Community Winter Warm-up!

KMMC 2020 We sing that others may live: Please consider joining Kansas Mennonite Men’s Chorus (KMMC) for their upcoming season. This is your opportunity to make a joyful noise while praising God and a way to make a difference in the world through Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) as all of the concert proceeds go to MCC. We have been singing in the states and across Europe for more than fifty years. We have raised over $700,000 for MCC that has helped many people around the world. Contact Donavon Schmidt to join of if you have questions.

Conference Announcements

Prayer Requests:

« Western District Conference: Give thanks for pastors, musicians, teachers, and others who coordinate and lead special activities in WDC congregations during the Christmas season.

« Mennonite Mission Network: David and Sophie Lapp Jost of MMN have moved from their ministry in the Middle East to Germany. Pray for them as they engage in language learning and a cross-cultural transition period. David serves with the German Mennonite Peace Committee and Sophie’s work is with the Bammental Mennonite community.

« Mennonite Education Agency: Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary. Give thanks for the free Anabaptist prayer app, Take Our Moments and Our Days, and for the technology that enables these Scripture-saturated morning and evening prayer services to be available to users worldwide.

Western District Conference:

—The Youth Ministry Committee of Western District and South Central conferences presents… Youth Lead Now, a one-day workshop designed for high school youth to enrich their leadership skills and deepen faith. Using the adaptive leadership framework from the Kansas Leadership Center and well known spiritual practices, we will equip youth with skills to be leaders among their peers, in their churches, and in their communities. Our hope is that congregations would partner with us by sending youth who have been affirmed for their leadership gifts or potential. Date: January 11, 2020. Time: 9am to 4pm. Location: Faith Mennonite Church, Newton. Registration Fee: $50 (scholarships available upon request). High School Youth can register through the link: https://forms.gle/fWQ2BVjybMVtzKsC8

—Western District Women in Mission in cooperation with Everence Financial will host a two-day conference "Let’s Talk…Women, Money & Faith" on January 24 and 25 at Tabor Mennonite Church, Newton. Featured speakers, Teresa Boshart Yoder and Rhoda Blough, from Everence Financial will address money and faith topics for women of all ages and stages of life. More information and registration coming soon.

—As Christmas approaches, you’re invited to explore what’s happening today in Bethlehem. Resources selected by the Israel-Palestine Relations Task Force are now on display at the WDC Resource Library.

Christmas for Volunteers! Camp Mennoscah loves to celebrate our volunteers and Christmas. We’re throwing a party for everyone who has ever volunteered at Camp Mennoscah in any capacity on December 14 at 2:30pm. Help with a maintenance project? Play piano for a retreat? Host a weekend? Counsel at summer camp? This party’s for you! Spouses and families welcome. We’ll provide some snacky items and simple drinks. Come play games and talk with fellow volunteers!

Handel’s Messiah: First Mennonite Church, 429 E 1st, Newton KS, will present Handel’s Messiah on Sunday, December 15 at 7 pm with a community chorus, orchestra and soloists. The director is Matthew Graber.

Mennonite Church USA (MC USA):

—You are invited to join MC USA staff for “Coffee and Conversation” in the Newton offices (718 N Main, Newton) to hear from Mennonite Mission Network International Service Worker, Deb Byler, on Monday, December 16 at 11am. She will share about the ministries in which she is involved with Kekchi Mennonite women in Guatemala. A recent article on Deb’s ministry is available on-line: https://www.mennonitemission.net/news/Spiritual-direction-in-Kekchi-context-brings-mutual-growth

—The Mennonite, Inc., invites your original submissions for our February 2020 print magazine issue and corresponding online content focusing on The dignity of bodies. More information at: https://themennonite.org/february-2020- call-submissions/

—Thinking of pastoral ministry? Be a Service Adventure leader! Live in a unit house with a small group of youth and offer support as they serve and live in Christian community. Age: 24+; term: 2 years. For more info, contact LaurenEH@MennoniteMission.net.

—Experience the town of Jesus, meet its people, learn their language, join and experience local churches, and explore the rich and varied culture of Israel. Apply to join the Nazareth Village Youth Venture team at www.MennoniteMission.net/Serve. Age 18+; term: 2–3 weeks.

All MCC volunteers and alumni are invited to our annual come-and-go MCC Christmas Soiree on Thursday, December 12 from 5-7 p.m. at MCC in North Newton (121 E. 30th). We will have food, Christmas cheer and plenty of time for fellowship. At 6 p.m. we’ll pause for a short program about Christmas around the world from our International Volunteer Exchange Program (IVEP) participants. You don’t want to miss this annual event!

The gift of nurture and belonging! Mennonite Healthcare Fellowship (MHF) is an interdisciplinary community of Anabaptist health professionals which seeks to nurture the integration of faith and practice, to provide opportunities for dialogue on health related issues, and to address specific needs through education, advocacy, and service. If you embrace Anabaptism and are involved in healthcare, we invite you to learn more and "Join the Conversation" at www.mennohealth.org/JoinTheConversation/.

Bethel College:

—Today, Sun., Dec. 8 – 34th annual Lighting of the Green at Bethel College, 8pm.

—Kauffman Museum is open through the holidays (closed Mondays, plus Weds., Christmas Day, and Weds., New Year’s Day): weekdays, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Sat.-Sun., 1:30-4:30 p.m. Visit the current special exhibit “K is for Kansas: exploring Kansas from A to Z.” See www.bethelks.edu/kauffman/ or the Kauffman Museum Facebook page for more information.

Mennonite Mission Network is seeking a full-time finance assistant and a half time recruiter. You can see the positions descriptions at www.mennonitemission.net under “employment opportunities”. To begin the application process for either of these positions, send your resumé to StaffRecruitment@MennoniteMission.net or call Linda Krueger, HR Coordinator (574-523-3009) for more information.

Dec. 8 annc.pdf

Congregational Announcements

Calling all Tabor Women and Girls: You are invited to a Christmas Breakfast on Saturday, December 14 at 9 a.m. in the Hospitality Hall. Please sign up on the bulletin board across from the church office. After a delicious breakfast, Donna Becker will present the program. In her presentation titled “Did You Know?”, she will give a historical view of how our Christmas traditions have developed from the 1800s to the present. Donna will use story and interaction to connect the traditions of Christmases past with the way we honor the message of Jesus’ birth today. She invites you to think about Christmas traditions you observe and why you cherish them.

The Mennonite Subscriptions: It is that time of the year to renew or subscribe to The Mennonite. We can get a special subscription rate by renewing/subscribing as a group from Tabor Church. The cost for a one year subscription is $37. Please let Barb Abrahams know if you want a subscription and put a $37 check made payable to Tabor Church Deacon Fund in her mail box by December 5.

2020 Giving Project for Adult Faith Formation: Beginning December 1, Adult Faith Formation offerings will help fund the Wednesday evening fellowship meals. Meals are currently (and will continue to be) funded by a suggested donation from attendees. Christian Ed has assisted with funds from their budget when needed. While funds continue to fall short to cover meal expenses, we still feel that this fellowship time is an important part of our Wednesday evening ministry for all who attend. We encourage all adults to joyfully give to the weekly offering in fiscal 2020 for this outreach opportunity right here in our own community.

The Tabor Trading Post: Remember, this is where Tabor folks bring creative wonderful items and then Tabor folks buy them, and the proceeds go to a very good cause! In the past, the money went for our Tabor Building Fund. This year, the money will go to the Melody Hall Housing Fund, so someone from our Tabor family has a safe, warm place to spend the winter. So prepare to enjoy the Trading Post after Faith Formation, in the Hospitality Hall, on Dec. 1 and 8. See Carol Duerksen if you have questions.

The Goessel Ministerial Alliance Christmas Giving Tree project is happening again this year. The tags will be available on the tree at the Crossroads Credit

Union on Tuesday, December 3. All the gifts will need to be brought back to the Credit Union by Friday, December 13. The gifts should be wrapped and the credit union personnel will assist with the “checking in” process. The gifts will then be delivered by the Ministerial Alliance.

Christmas Brass: The 17-piece McPherson Community Brass Choir under the direction of Jerry Toews will be performing great Brass Christmas Music in the Historic Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church on Sunday, Dec 8 at 7 pm. Also performing will be the Goessel High School Elbiata Singers under the direction of Braden Unruh. During the service, a free will offering for the Goessel Ministerial Alliance will be received with proceeds to help local needs. Everyone is invited for this Festive Event!

The Second Monday Family History & Genealogy Group will meet Mon., Dec. 9, 7pm, in the Goessel City Building Community Room, 101 So. Cedar St., Goessel. Marcia (Nickel) Zuercher, a middle school teacher in Newton, will share a unique idea she has developed to tell family stories, which may be used for Christmas gift-giving!

This Christmas give the gift of life between 1:00-6:00 on Dec. 16 by donating blood or donating time to volunteer, at the blood drive at Goessel Church. Have questions? Call Rosi (367-2418)

The Alexanderwohl coffee group invites anyone age 60 and over to join them for Senior Coffee and Conversation on Fri., Dec. 20, at 9 am in the Alexanderwohl Church Fellowship Hall. The entertainment will be the Goessel HS Elbiata Singers under the direction of Braden Unruh, followed by a time of food and fellowship. Donations are welcome.

Please call the Alexanderwohl Church office by Mon, Dec. 16, if you would like to join us.

KMMC 2020 We sing that others may live: Please consider joining Kansas Mennonite Men’s Chorus (KMMC) for their upcoming season. This is your opportunity to make a joyful noise while praising God with 200+ of your brothers. It is also a way to make a difference in the world through Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) as all of the concert proceeds go to MCC. We have been singing in the states and across Europe for more than fifty years. We have raised over $700,000 for MCC that has helped many people around the world. Contact Donavon Schmidt to join of if you have questions. Please see article in the upcoming December Tabor Church Newsletter for more information.

Conference Announcements

Prayer Requests:

« Western District Conference: Pray for God’s care and strength for members of WDC congregations and communities who struggle with grief, trauma or mental health concerns, especially during the winter and holiday season.

« Mennonite Mission Network: MMN requests prayer for the Argentina Mennonite Church as it enters its second century. May its vibrant ministries of preaching, teaching, planting churches, and running businesses to support missions flourish. Pray specifically for a brick-making enterprise in Villa Mercedes, San Luis, that combines income-generating work with church planting.

« Mennonite Education Agency: Join Mennonite Early Childhood Network (MECN) schools in prayer that God will help adults engage children in the joy, hope, peace and wonder of God’s extravagant love, as together they share with others the gift of music, freshly baked cookies, a warm hug, a carefully selected book, game, original story or more this Christmas season.

« Mennonite Church USA: Please pray for the Conference Ministers Gathering, a meeting of conference ministers from Mennonite Church USA and Mennonite Church Canada, on Dec. 4-7 in Banff, Alberta, Canada.

Western District Conference:

—Giving Tuesday is December 3 – Western District Conference invites you to join this global giving initiative! Share a gift with WDC during this season, to help our congregations Witness & invite others to faith in Jesus Christ, Dwell in just & loving relationships, and Connect to God’s mission in the world. Current projections suggest that WDC income will fall short of expenses for the current year, so your generous gifts are invited to help close the gap towards WDC’s 2019 budget goal! You may send a check to Western District Conference, PO Box 306, N Newton KS 67117. Thank you for your generosity!

—The WDC office and Resource Library will be closed November 28-29 for Thanksgiving, and December 23-January 1, 2020 for Christmas and New Years break.

Mennonite Church USA (MC USA):

—”Waiting and Wondering,” this year’s Advent At Home booklet for families and people of all ages, is available now at mennoniteusa.org/resource/advent-at-home.

—Mennonite Church USA relies on your support as we seek to follow Jesus, witness to God’s peace and help our communities experience transformation. Consider making a year-end, tax-deductible donation on or before #GivingTuesday, December 3, to support the ministries of MC USA at mennoniteusa.org/give.

—You are invited to join MC USA staff for “Coffee and Conversation” in the Newton offices (718 N Main, Newton) to hear from Mennonite Mission Network International Service Worker, Deb Byler, on Monday, December 16 at 11am. She will share about the ministries in which she is involved with Kekchi Mennonite women in Guatemala. A recent article on Deb’s ministry is available on-line: https://www.

mennonitemission.net/news/Spiritual-direction-in-Kekchi-context-brings-mutual-growth

Camp Mennoscah:

—Christmas for Volunteers! Camp Mennoscah is hosting a gathering for all who have volunteered–this year, last year, or many years ago–on December 14 at 2:30pm. We’ll have cookies and snacky items, hot drinks, games, and whatever reasonable activity you can think of–it’s a time to enjoy camp and other camp folks.

—Giving Tuesday is coming up on Tuesday, December 3, and on that day ONLY, if you give a new donation to Camp Mennoscah of at least $20 or $20 more than last year, you’ll receive a jar of sandplum jelly, from sandplums harvested at Camp Mennoscah! If you make that new donation at least $100 or $100 more than last year, you’ll receive a jar of sandplum jelly AND a dozen zwieback. There are only 30 jars and only 10 dozen zwieback, so give to camp on Tues., Dec. 3! Send a check to Camp Mennoscah with “Giving Tuesday” in a note, or give online at campmennoscah.org.

Ten Thousand Village Christmas: We will NOT be selling Ten Thousand Village items at Prairie Harvest this fall, but will have a booth at the Kidron Holiday Marketplace on Saturday, December 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This will be a great opportunity to stock up on Fair Trade coffee, tea, chocolate and small nativities and Christmas ornaments. Place Saturday, December 7 from 9 to 1 at Kidron Bethel Village in North Newton on your Holiday shopping schedule.

All MCC volunteers and alumni are invited to our annual come-and-go MCC Christmas Soiree on Thursday, December 12 from 5-7 p.m. at MCC in North Newton (121 E. 30th). We will have food, Christmas cheer and plenty of time for fellowship. At 6 p.m. we’ll pause for a short program about Christmas around the world from our International Volunteer Exchange Program (IVEP) participants. You don’t want to miss this annual event!

Hesston College:

—Hesston College Music and Theatre will present a Christmas performance, “Still, Small Voice,” on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m. in Hesston Mennonite Church. The concert is free and open to the public.

Bethel College:

—Weds., Dec. 4 – Annual sing-along to Christmas portions of Handel’s Messiah, with Bethel College instrumentalists, soloists and student conductors, 11 a.m., Bethel College Mennonite Church; scores provided

—Weds., Dec. 4 – Bethel College Steel Drum Band Christmas concert, 7 p.m., Memorial Hall (NOTE: different date from some printed calendars)

—Fri., Dec. 6 – Christmas Gala jazz concert with Bethel College Jazz Ensemble I and Jazz Combo, 8 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center

—Sat., Dec. 7 – Five Places of Christmas, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Kauffman Museum offers free admission, refreshments, and sale items in the museum store. Bethel College Women’s Association will have holiday food and gift items for sale in Luyken Fine Arts Center.

Retirement Workshop: Everence® will hold an all-inclusive retirement planning workshop on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 9 to 11:30 am. Topics will include Medicare, Social Security and retirement income planning. The workshop will be presented by Everence staff and will take place at Everence Financial, 3179 N. Main, N Newton. Reserve your spot soon by contacting Michelle Ramer at 316-283-3800, 877-467-7294 or michelle.ramer.

Kidron Bethel Parkinson’s Support Group will meet December 3 at 2 pm. in Menno Hall. Dr. Sam Claassen, a retired internal medicine physician, and Dennis Schmidt will present “How to Have a Successful Doctor Appointment.” All are welcome.

Mennonite Mission Network is seeking a full-time finance assistant and a half time recruiter. You can see the positions descriptions at StaffRecruitment or call Linda Krueger, HR Coordinator (574-523-3009) for more information.

Congregational Announcements

The Mennonite Subscriptions: It is that time of the year to renew or subscribe to The Mennonite. We can get a special subscription rate by renewing/subscribing as a group from Tabor Church. The cost for a one year subscription is $37. Please let Barb Abrahams know if you want a subscription and put a $37 check made payable to Tabor Church Deacon Fund in her mail box by December 5.

JUST SIT happens every Saturday morning at 9 a.m. at The Heritage Room in Bethesda. Come join us for 20 minutes of centering prayer, followed by hot drinks, some short teaching and discussion. We will always end by 10. If you have questions, contact Brenda Buller, brendasue.buller, phone 386-0581; Rosie Jantz, rjantz, phone 316-772-8740; Carol Duerksen, willowspringdowns13, 386-0709.

The Christian Education Comm. has designated a new giving project for the Adult Faith Formation weekly offering. Beginning December 1 these offerings will help fund the Wednesday evening fellowship meals. Currently, and will continue as so, the meals are funded by a suggested donation from attendees and have also been funded by a Christian Ed budget line. Funds continually come up short to pay for the meals but we feel that this fellowship time is an important part of our Wednesday evening ministry for all who attend. Therefore, we encourage all the adults to joyfully give more to the weekly offering for this outreach opportunity right here in our own community.

The Tabor Trading Post is coming Dec. 1 and 8!!! Remember, this is where Tabor folks bring creative wonderful items and then Tabor folks buy them, and the proceeds go to a very good cause! In the past, the money went for our Tabor Building Fund. This year, the money will go to the Melody Hall Housing Fund, so someone from our Tabor family has a safe, warm place to spend the winter. So prepare to enjoy the Trading Post after Faith Formation, in the Hospitality Hall, on Dec. 1 and 8. See Carol Duerksen if you have questions.

All Tabor women and girls are invited to the Christmas Breakfast on Saturday, December 14 at 9:00 a.m. A delicious breakfast will be followed by a program. There is a sign-up sheet for this event on the bulletin board in the foyer.

The Great Winter Warm UP! Tabor Church will be hosting a Mennonite Central Committee Comforter Blitz on January 18. You can start now to make comforter tops for this event. Use your own fabric or fabric from MCC is available in the Tabor Church office. Comforter tops are due January 1. Contact Sharon Adrian (620-877-7239; sladrian49), Kim Funk (; 620-747-0408; kfunk) or Ruth Goertzen (alexmenno; 620-747-0074) with question. Instruction to make tops and a donation box if you would like to help purchase batting and supplies for the comforter can be found in the foyer.

The Goessel Ministerial Alliance Christmas Giving Tree project is happening again this year. The tree will be at the Crossroads Credit Union. See the flyer which was in your mailbox for details on how you can help make it a great Christmas for children in our community.

Christmas Brass: The 17-piece McPherson Community Brass Choir under the direction of Jerry Toews will be performing great Brass Christmas Music in the Historic Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church on Sunday, Dec 8 at 7 pm. Also performing will be the Goessel High School Elbiata Singers under the direction of Braden Unruh. During the service, a free will offering for the Goessel Ministerial Alliance will be received with proceeds to help local needs. Everyone is invited for this Festive Event!

The Alexanderwohl coffee group invites anyone age 60 and over to join them for Senior Coffee and Conversation on Friday, December 20, at 9:00 am in the Alexanderwohl Church Fellowship Hall. The entertainment will be the Goessel High School Elbiata Singers under the direction of Braden Unruh, followed by a time of food and fellowship. Donations are welcome. Please call the Alexanderwohl Church office by Monday, December 16, if you would like to join us.

This Christmas give the gift of life between 1:00-6:00 on Dec. 16 by donating blood or donating time to volunteer, at the blood drive at Goessel Church. Have questions? Call Rosi (367-2418)

KMMC 2020 We sing that others may live: Please consider joining Kansas Mennonite Men’s Chorus (KMMC) for their upcoming season. This is your opportunity to make a joyful noise while praising God with 200+ of your brothers. It is also a way to make a difference in the world through Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) as all of the concert proceeds go to MCC. We have been singing in the states and across Europe for more than fifty years. We have raised over $700,000 for MCC that has helped many people around the world. Contact Donavon Schmidt to join of if you have questions. Please see article in the upcoming December Tabor Church Newsletter for more information.

Conference Announcements

Prayer Requests:

« Western District Conference: Pray that we as WDC congregations and leaders will sense God’s peace and presence as we prepare for the season of Advent and enter the fullness of the holiday season.

« Mennonite Mission Network: MMN requests prayer for Marvin Lorenzana and his leadership of the Missional Discipleship Initiative. More than 45 leaders in eight “huddles” (learning groups) began training last month. Praise God for their willingness to reach out into their communities to share the good news about Jesus’ love.

« Mennonite Education Agency: Pray for Hesston College students who serve their peers in leadership positions. Ask God to give them the courage and wisdom to respond to their fellow students with love, compassion and understanding in all circumstances.

Western District Conference:

—Giving Tuesday is December 3 – Western District Conference invites you to join this global giving initiative! Share a gift with WDC during this season, to help our congregations Witness & invite others to faith in Jesus Christ, Dwell in just & loving relationships, and Connect to God’s mission in the world. Current projections suggest that WDC income will fall short of expenses for the current year, so your generous gifts are invited to help close the gap towards WDC’s 2019 budget goal! You may send a check to Western District Conference, PO Box 306, N Newton KS 67117. Thank you for your generosity!

—The WDC office and Resource Library will be closed November 28-29 for Thanksgiving, and December 23-January 1, 2020 for Christmas and New Years break.

—Western District Women in Mission will host the event "Let’s Talk…Women, Money & Faith" on January 24 and 25 at Tabor Mennonite Church, Newton, featuring speakers from Everence who will address money and faith topics for women of all ages and stages of life. Look for more information soon on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/WesternDistrictWomen/?modal=admin_todo_tour or at our web page https://communicationswdwm.wixsite.com/wdwm

Mennonite Church USA (MC USA):

—"Waiting and Wondering," this year’s Advent At Home booklet for families and people of all ages, is available now at mennoniteusa.org/resource/advent-at-home.

—Mennonite Church USA relies on your support as we seek to follow Jesus, witness to God’s peace and help our communities experience transformation. Consider making a year-end, tax-deductible donation on or before #GivingTuesday, December 3, to support the ministries of MC USA at mennoniteusa.org/give.

—You are invited to join MC USA staff for “Coffee and Conversation” in the Newton offices (718 N Main, Newton) to hear from Mennonite Mission Network International Service Worker, Deb Byler, on Monday, December 16 at 11am. She will share about the ministries in which she is involved with Kekchi Mennonite women in Guatemala. A recent article on Deb’s ministry is available on-line: https://www.mennonitemission.net/news/Spiritual-direction-in-Kekchi-context-brings-mutual-growth

Camp Mennoscah:

—Christmas for Volunteers! Camp Mennoscah is hosting a gathering for all who have volunteered–this year, last year, or many years ago–on December 14 at 2:30pm. We’ll have cookies and snacky items, hot drinks, games, and whatever reasonable activity you can think of–it’s a time to enjoy camp and other camp folks.

—Recruiting is not over! Camp Mennoscah has finished visiting colleges for the season, but we are still on the lookout for many great and amazing young adults with leadership skills for our summer staff. The positions we fill are Crafts Leader, Grounds/Maintenance, Lifeguard, Media/Office, Music Leader, Naturalist, and Office. These positions receive a stipend of $250 per week. Apply online at campmennoscah.org under Summer Youth Camps!

Ten Thousand Village Christmas: We will NOT be selling Ten Thousand Village items at Prairie Harvest this fall, but will have a booth at the Kidron Holiday Marketplace on Saturday, December 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This will be a great opportunity to stock up on Fair Trade coffee, tea, chocolate and small nativities and Christmas ornaments. Place Saturday, December 7 from 9 to 1 at Kidron Bethel Village in North Newton on your Holiday shopping schedule.

Hesston College:

—Hesston College Music and Theatre will present a Christmas performance, "Still, Small Voice," on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m. in Hesston Mennonite Church. The concert is free and open to the public.

Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary: This Advent, try out the free Anabaptist Prayer app! Let Jesus’ words pervade your day through morning and evening prayer services with a distinctive Anabaptist flavor. Take Our Moments and Our Days: An Anabaptist Prayer App includes Scripture-saturated prayers and space for communal reflection. The free, easy-to-navigate app covers Advent through Pentecost as well as Ordinary Time. Available for iPhone or Android. ambs.edu/publishing/anabaptist-prayer-book

Bethel College:

—Sunday, Nov. 24 – Friends of the MLA program, 3 p.m., “Remembering the Vietnam War” with Rachel Pannabecker (50-year anniversary of Bethel’s participation in the Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam), Kauffman Museum

—Sat., Dec. 7 – Five Places of Christmas, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Kauffman Museum offers free admission, refreshments, and sale items in the museum store. Bethel College Women’s Association will have holiday food and gift items for sale in Luyken Fine Arts Center.

Retirement Workshop: Everence® will hold an all-inclusive retirement planning workshop on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 9 to 11:30 am. Topics will include Medicare, Social Security and retirement income planning. The workshop will be presented by Everence staff and will take place at Everence Financial, 3179 N. Main, N Newton. Reserve your spot soon by contacting Michelle Ramer at 316-283-3800, 877-467-7294 or michelle.ramer.

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