Tabor Mennonite Church
Offering hospitality, healing and hope in the name of Christ.
Archive for the category “Newsletters”
March 12 announcements
Congregational Announcements
Lent at Home: Families with children Jr. High age and younger will find a “Lent at Home” guide in your church mailbox. We encourage you to use these resources and activities with your family throughout the season of Lent. Extra copies for all are available in the foyer.
Relief Kits: We are collecting Mennonite Central Committee Relief Kits throughout Lent. You will find a shopping list in your church mailbox, or there are extra lists in the foyer. You may purchase items for an entire kit or multiple kits, or simply pick an item or two and purchase several of that. Please place your donated items in the basket in the foyer.
Stories and Stuff: Please join us for Stories & Stuff this week, Thursday, March 16, at 10 a.m. as Bruce Funk shares stories about his woodworking hobbies. Come for food, fun and fellowship in the South rooms!
St. Patrick’s Potato Potluck! Come join us in the Tabor Fellowship Hall on Sunday, March 19 at 4:30pm for a Potato Potluck in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day! Please plan to bring a potluck dish that highlights potatoes in some creative way. Also, bring your own decorated potato (think “Mr. Potato Head”). We will eat, fellowship, learn more about St. Patrick, award prizes for best decorated potatoes, have a potato toss, and more. Come enjoy a fun time!
Early registration for the Mennonite Church USA Convention 2017 has been extended to March 23! Early Registration includes a T-shirt, I-Ride trolley pass, servant project and a meal card. Come to Orlando July 4-8 to celebrate “Love is a Verb” with fellowship, worship and activities with Mennonites from around the country. Learn more at http://convention.mennoniteusa.org/registration/.
If you are interested in attending the Orlando convention as a Tabor delegate, please talk to one of the pastors soon.
Heritage Museum: The outreach commission is offering you an opportunity to represent Tabor on the Mennonite Heritage and Agricultural Museum Board. If you would be interested in this position, please contact one of the Outreach Team members: James Goerzen, Jill Litwiller, Denise Nickel, Kim Funk or Pastor Phil.
Coming Soon! Bryan Moyer Suderman (http://www.smalltallministries.com/) will be with us April 21-23 to lead community Bible Study sessions on Friday/Saturday, to provide a community concert for all ages, and to lead worship at Tabor on Sunday morning! If you haven’t heard Bryan’s music, be sure to check it out. This event will be hosted at Tabor and is sponsored by the Goessel Ministerial Alliance. Plan to join us for this fun and enriching opportunity to study scripture, worship, and fellowship together! Informational brochures and registrations will be available next week.
Kansas Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Sale ~ April 7 & 8
—We VERY much are feeling the Tabor support behind the KS MCC Sale. THANKS for all your gifts, donations, help, filling slots, pre-sale expense donations, coins, etc.
—Children’s Coin Offering was $51.69 last Sunday. Keep collecting coins & bills.
—Join the TABOR 5K TEAM either by walking, running, or sponsoring runners. Forms are on the table and let Kim or Jerry know if you are joining the team.
—Bring your projects to the church basement for display. PLEASE VIEW Tabor Quilts and Wall Hangings – TODAY is last day to view. Items for the quilt auction are due tomorrow, March 13, for inclusion in the Buyer’s Guide.
—PLEASE help us put together the PowerPoint for the Sunday morning after the sale. Email pictures of you building your projects, quilting, sewing, growing plants, etc. to: unruh.sherry
—Kansas Mennonites have raised about $70,000 of the $76,000 that it takes to cover ALL expenses. If you haven’t helped with pre-sale expenses, consider helping along. LOTS of small donations have got us very close.
—More items are added to the website regularly: www.kansas.mccsale.org
—Bohne berrogie bake day will be on April 1 at the Moundridge High School cafeteria. There are two shifts, starting at 7 am and at 10 am. To volunteer, please call, Marla Gillmore at 620-921-0428 or email bmg. Please wear a head covering.
Community Announcements
The 2017 Museum Heritage Fundraiser Dinner will be held at the Alexanderwohl Church Fellowship Hall Friday, March 17, starting at 6:30. The Cosmosphere from Hutchinson will give the special program “Living in Space.” The presentation takes an inside look at how astronauts exist in space. Ticket price is $50 per person or first timers only $25 each. Children are welcome. Ages 12 and under : $5 each. Please call the Museum 620-367-8200 by Monday, March 13 to reserve your ticket. Your support for this event keeps the doors of the Museum open.
Conference Announcements
Prayer Requests:
« Western District Conference: Pray for participants leaving this week on a Come and See learning tour of Israel/Palestine, including Byron and Hilda Pellecer and Sandra Martinez from WDC.
« Mennonite Mission Network: Oscar Siwali and MMN’s Dan and Kathryn Smith Derksen are working through Southern African Development and Reconstruction Agency to train peer mediators for mediation and peace clubs this month. Pray for the students who are using their school holidays for this training.
« Mennonite Education Agency: Pray for safe travels for all Bethel College students over next week’s spring break, especially the Concert Choir as they tour in the US and Canada.
« Mennonite Church USA: Please pray for the joint Mennonite Health Assembly (MHS) and Mennonite Education Agency Education Leaders Gathering taking place March 9-12 in Jacksonville, FL., and for the Constituency Leaders Council meeting, which takes place in Elkhart, Indiana, March 16-18.
« Mennonite Disaster Service: Please pray for all the communities impacted by the devastating fires across the Midwest, and the firefighters actively trying to extinguish them. Especially, think of and pray for the families who have lost loved ones in the fires. Fires have ravaged over a million acres this past week across the Midwest including in Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and Colorado. It has been particularly devastating in Kansas with more than 659,000 acres having been burned already. The fire has consumed more than 33 homes and 200 farm structures and is already the biggest single blaze in state history. Seven people across the Midwest have died as a result of the fires.
Western District Announcements:
The WDC office and Conference Resource Library will be closed on Friday, March 17.
Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary and Western District Conference will host a reception on Sunday, March 12 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. to honor the ministry of the AMBS-Kansas Center. The reception will be held at the Western District Offices, 2517 N. Main Street, North Newton, Kansas. Words of gratitude and blessing will be offered at 4:00 p.m. The center provided numerous continuing education events for congregational and pastoral leaders over the last three years.
Mennonite Women Spring Supper, March 23, 6 pm, Bethel College. Make your reservation by March 16 to: westerndistrictwomen or 316-283-3342.
First Mennonite of Hillsboro, KS, is celebrating 50 years of use and service of our current building. All are welcome to join us on April 30 at 9:30 am for a time of visiting and at 10:35 am for a worship service followed by a carry-in meal. Thank you for an RSVP if you plan to attend: secretary
In 2016, the Mennonite Worship and Song Committee began developing a new collection designed to succeed Hymnal: A Worship Book (1992), and supplements Sing the Journey (2005), and Sing the Story (2007). The Committee calls on authors (of worship resources and hymn texts), songwriters (who compose words and music as a unit), and composers (of hymn tunes) to submit original work intended to enhance congregational worship in Anabaptist-Mennonite faith communities. We welcome submissions for consideration in this new collection. We expect the submissions portal at http://www.MennoniteWorshipAndSongResonate with questions.
Mennonite Women USA is celebrating its 100th birthday in 2017. Our theme for the year is Fruit from the Vine, based on John 15.5. We are seeking submissions of stories, prayers, poems, songs and readings to add to our Centennial Celebration resources. If selected, they will be posted to our website at marleneb
Camp Mennoscah:
– Camp Mennoscah sends a huge THANK YOU to First Mennonite in Halstead and the Hopeful Blues music group from Hope Mennonite Church for their concert to raise funds for Camp Mennoscah! A total of $1188 was raised.
-You are important! The kitchen staff at Camp Mennoscah are important to our summer youth camp program and are vital in helping us build relationships with campers. Many of our camp weeks still need kitchen helpers. Parents can receive a camper discount up to full camp fees for having fun with other kitchen staff.
-The Retirees Relaxation Retreat at Camp Mennoscah is April 24-26! You are invited to join us to hear stories of courage, faith, and enrichment. Amanda Rempel will lead us in music and Stan & Marlene Smucker will lead us in Bible Study. Coffee breaks and as much nature as you want included!
-Summer is around the bend! Sign up for Summer Youth Camp at Camp Mennoscah! It’s an amazing time to find friends and meet God!
Information for all of the above or to register:
Online at www.campmennoscah.org Telephone: 620-297-3290.
Email: office.
Contact: olivia.bartel.
Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Learning & Adventure Await:
MCC hosts learning tours to expose our supporters to MCC’s work around the world. Learning tours vary in length and cost. If you are curious about issues and dynamics playing out around the world, this is a unique opportunity to learn how MCC is responding on the local and global level. Learn with all five senses and take on challenges and joys beyond your expectations. HAITI: Soil To Table, October 21-28, 2017; PALESTINE/ISRAEL: Holy Land, November, 3-14, 2017; VIETNAM & LAOS: Legacy of War, January 12-28, 2018. Contact Anna Yoder for more information. 316-283-2720; annayoder
Spring cleaning? Please bring your clean, gently-used clothing to the Newton Et Cetera Shop! We welcome all styles and sizes of clothing, but could especially use children’s clothing. Your donated clothing (and other goods) get a second life in a new home, stay out of the landfill, and help us support those in need–nearby through our Local Giving grants, and around the world through Mennonite Central Committee. Every donation helps us keep the store fresh and fun! Thank you for your support!
Bethel College:
The Bethel College Concert Choir invites you to join them at their concert at 7pm on Sunday, March 26, at Bethel College, Memorial Hall. An offering will be taken to benefit the Bethel College Concert Choir Tour.
63rd Anniversary Dinner, Prairie View, Inc. – March 28, 2017 – 6:30 PM – 1901 E. First Newton, KS, Special Guests: Mark and Nanette Potter. Mr. and Mrs. Potter will present “Victory over Depression.” Mark Potter is entering his 19th year as the head coach of the Newman men’s basketball program. His passion is to share his story in hopes that people will pursue treatment and find a way to live productively with mental illness. Proceeds from ticket sales support the mission of Prairie View. Tickets – $20. RSVP – Brandy Beer 316-284-6443
Sept. 4 announcements
Fall Faith Formation: This fall, beginning September 18, Pastor Katherine and Peter will be leading a Faith Formation class on Shane Clairborne and Chris Haw’s book Jesus for President. Anyone high school age and older is welcome to participate. If you would like to join this class, please sign up on the bulletin board so that we can plan accordingly when we order copies of the book. Thanks!
All Tabor Ladies: Our September event is one that is sure to satisfy your need to socialize, your appetite, and that ever-present dilemma of what to cook for supper! Join us on Monday, September 19 at 6:00 pm for a potluck and recipe exchange. We invite you to select a favorite recipe – maybe it’s your go-to for weeknight supper, or a special dish you fix on a certain occasion, or an old family favorite. Prepare your dish to share, and bring your recipe to exchange! If you would like assistance in printing or copying your recipe, please give it to Mary Schmidt or Carrie Smith prior to the event. Bring enough copies to share with your church sisters (30 copies) and be prepared to share why you selected that particular dish! Drinks and tableware provided.
Tractor Drivers Needed for MCC State Fair Shuttle Thursday, September 15:
two for 1-4 pm shift: three for 4-7 pm shift; and one for 7-10 pm shift.
Contact Jerry Toews, 367-8257. Thanks for your help.
The Concert Across America to End Gun Violence: On Sunday, September 25, Tabor Mennonite Church will be hosting a hymn sing and faspa at 4 p.m.
Everyone is invited to come and sing songs of peace and lament together in memory of those who have died from senseless gun violence. The event is in cooperation with a national organization called Faiths United (http://concert.faithsunited.org/). This is a faith based group that is inviting all persons across America to sing/speak out against gun violence on that Sunday. Mark this date on your calendars and come join us. For questions, please talk to Leann Toews or Pastors Phil Schmidt, Katherine Goerzen or Rosie Jantz.
What’s Cookin’? is back! We will begin meeting again this fall for food, fellowship and fun. Sponsored by the Tabor Food pantry, this community event is for anyone who enjoys cooking, needs meal ideas or wants to share cooking tips. Come on September 28 at 6:30pm to the next What’s Cookin’? and experience authentic Mexican cooking. Please RSVP by Sept. 23 to 367-2318 or kfunk.
Annual Harvest Giving Drive for MCC: Donation envelopes were in your mailboxes and are to be filled out and mailed directly to Mennonite Central Committee. The needs continue to be great. Please use this opportunity to share the fruits of your labors with others around the world.
The 4th annual Goessel Area Harvest Giving Walk will be Sunday, October 9 at 1:30 p.m. leaving from Tabor Mennonite Church. Mark your calendars and see your recruiter Kevin Nickel to sign up to participate. Donations will once again go to support MCC and the local Tabor Church Food Pantry. Please make checks payable to Harvest Giving Walk.
Conference Announcements
Prayer Requests:
« Western District Conference: Pray for Alex Awad, Palestinian Christian leader hosted by WDC for a visit to central Kansas this weekend, speaking today at Zion Mennonite Church, Elbing, and Lorraine Avenue Mennonite Church, Wichita.
« Mennonite Mission Network: MMN requests prayer for the UK Mennonite Trust (previously the London Mennonite Centre) as it provides resources for Anabaptism in the United Kingdom. Pray for chairperson Stuart Murray Williams as he mentors the next generation of Anabaptist leaders.
« Mennonite Education Agency: Today, Hesston College alumni and friends will enjoy time reconnecting with one another and their Hesston Experience on the Explore Kansas trip. Pray for their safe travels and thank God for their continued commitment to the college.
Mennonite Disaster Service: Help is still needed in the Medicine Lodge area following the wildfires experienced in that area. A van will be leaving from FIrst Mennonite Church in Newton on September 10 to help restore fences in this area. Contact Dale Alderfer for more information.
Urgent Need – Come to the MCC Kit Bag Assembly Party on Friday, Sept. 9, 9am-3pm at MCC in North Newton (121 E. 30th), lunch will be provided. Cutting, ironing and sewing stations will be set up to help meet the need. Call 316-283-2720 to RSVP. Please indicate if you can bring a sewing machine or serger that day. Donations of medium weight cotton fabric at least one yard in length and neutral thread are needed. Please no heavy denim or double knit. Bring your friends and come join in the fun!
Bikers and Contributors Needed! The annual MCC Flatlander Bike Ride will be held on Saturday, September 17, originating at the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) offices, 121 East 30th St., N. Newton. This year’s ride will raise funds for an MCC water development project in Mozambique. Rides of approximately 35, 45, and 65 miles, as well as a shorter family ride, are planned. Informational brochures are available through the church office. The brochure is also available on the MCC website, mcc.org/get-involved/events/mcc-flatlander-bicycle-ride. Or, register on-line at that website. Both bikers and contributors are needed! Contributions for this MCC project from non-bikers should be made payable to MCC; “Flatlander Bike Ride” written on the memo line; and sent to: MCC, PO Box 235, N. Newton, KS 67117.
Camp Mennoscah
Coming up:
-Work & Play Camp on the Weekend! September 16-20, for all ages. Come for whatever time fits your schedule. No cost for this retreat. Suggested donation of $4 per meal per person.
-Camp Mennoscah Association Annual Meeting–September 18 at Camp Mennoscah. All are invited to attend! More details upcoming.
-Fall Scrapbooking Retreats–Oct. 28-30 and Nov. 4-6.
Information for all of the above or to register:
Online at www.campmennoscah.org
Telephone: 620-297-3290.
Email: office.
Contact: olivia.bartel.
You are invited! Come to the Grace Hill Mennonite Church, Whitewater, Hog Roast – Sunday, September 25, 5-8pm. Come for Food, Yard Games, Fellowship, & Music. Free will donation for area food banks. See you there!
The Harvey County Homeless Shelter is anticipating some exciting changes within the next year! The first change, which was initiated on August 15th, was to become exclusive to residents from Harvey, Marion, and McPherson Counties.
One of our next changes is a move towards a curriculum based transitional program. This program will lead our residents through life skills, job skills, budgeting/money management, addictions recovery, and Biblical studies to help them grow in relationship with Christ and to find stability and hope in life.
Our goal is to find volunteers from the local area to lead these courses!
This would be a magnificent opportunity for leaders to speak into the lives of those in need of direction and hope. This would also be a tremendous way to build and strengthen our local communities. I would be very happy to speak to anyone who is interested in joining in our efforts of growth and hope.
James Wilson, Executive Director Harvey County Homeless Shelter
james
Villa Partners invites you to the annual Villa Days celebration at Schowalter Villa on Friday, Sept. 9 and Saturday, Sept. 10. Highlights of the event include a bake sale, Friday night dinner, homemade ice cream and entertainment at Water’s Edge, and breakfast and a live auction Saturday at Dyck Arboretum. Many vintage items, beautiful quilts and gift certificates will be available for bid. For a detailed schedule and more information, visit www.svilla.org or call 620-327-3497.
Bethel College is currently hosting “Building Bridges” in the Regier Art Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center. The works by Iraqi and Palestinian refugee artists are for sale by silent auction, with proceeds going to support the artists. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sun., 2-4 p.m. “Building Bridges” is an effort by New York City-based Common Humanity and local groups. Common Humanity director Mel Lehman speaks at Bethel Weds., Sept. 21, during Life Enrichment, and Fri., Sept. 23, 11 a.m. in Krehbiel Auditorium – the last day to place bids, and the date of the exhibit’s closing reception.
Sun., Sept. 18 – KIPCOR Film Series opens the 2016-17 year with On the Bride’s Side, which crosses genres to examine what faces those trying to escape Syria and Lebanon for Europe, 3 p.m. in Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center; talk-back follows with Jennifer Doran-Pena, executive director, International Rescue Committee, Wichita
Mark your calendar for Sat., Sept. 24, 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.: Kauffman Museum hosts, for one afternoon only, the traveling exhibit “A Place for All People” that celebrates the grand opening of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. At 3 p.m., director Annette LeZotte will present a program on how the national museum developed and how it changes the visual landscape of the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Centering Prayer will not meet Mon., Sept. 5 (Labor Day), but continues most Mondays from noon-1 p.m. in Agape Center in Richert House on the Bethel College campus. Try it once, come occasionally or join us regularly – all are welcome, with no previous experience required. For more information, contact Nathan Koontz, 2nathankoontz, or Melanie Zuercher, mzuercher. (For help locating Agape Center in Richert House, see www.bethelks.edu/why-bethel/location/campus-map/)
