In this issue:
–Summer Faith Formation: Pray for Peace – Act for Peace along with complete schedule for Adults and Chldren
–"JoinHands" Find out how you can help plant churches
–Reflections of a parent after reading John 15
–be sure to scroll down to page 2 of the calendar to see consruction pictures of Tabor’s building project!
In this issue:
Reading the Bible with Jesus
Rosie’s sabbatical reflections
Commentary on Luke 22:35-38
…..
Conference Announcements
Prayer Requests:
« Western District Conference: Pray for WDC congregations Beatrice Mennonite Church and First Mennonite Church of Beatrice, NE, as they host Faith, Hope, and the Mission of Rural and Small Town Churches, a study series with Brad Roth, Mar 18-19.
« Mennonite Mission Network: Last month, Taiwan experienced a powerful earthquake that killed at least nine people. MMN requests prayer for the people of Taiwan as they grieve the loss of loved ones and rebuild their lives.
« Mennonite Education Agency: Remember Hesston College students leaving campus for spring break. Pray especially for student groups and athletic teams who are traveling to do service and compete.
« Mennonite Disaster Service: MDS has many urgent volunteer needs and several job opportunities. Please pray for those considering service with MDS and for the volunteers as they travel to and from locations, handle tools, repair and build homes and bring hope to disaster survivors. Consider being an MDS volunteer or applying for one of the job opportunities.
WDC Year of Evangelism event: March 18-19: the Mennonite churches of Beatrice, NE will host “Faith, Hope, and the Mission of Rural and Small Town Churches.” Brad Roth, pastor at West Zion, Moundridge, KS and author of God’s Country: Faith, Hope, and the Future of the Rural Church will be the speaker. Detailed information can be found at: http://mennowdc.org/year-of-evangelism/.
Donate Bicycles: West Zion Mennonite Church, Moundridge, is hosting a bicycle drive, March 10, 8:00-10:00 AM in support of refugees who have settled in Wichita. Many newcomers to our country use bicycles to get to work and school, especially while they’re still getting established and don’t yet have a driver’s license. We’re accepting new or used bicycles for all ages. Bicycles needing light repairs are also okay. You can also make a monetary donation which will go toward the purchase of helmets. Questions? Contact the West Zion church office: 620-345-8143 or bradroth.
Looking for short-term housing in Kansas City for a weekend retreat? Rainbow Mennonite Church has developed a Rainbow Guest House that can be used for individuals or small groups. The house is located one block from Rainbow Mennonite Church in what used to be the Kansas City MVS house. During this past year the house has been transformed into a hybrid house that includes 2 full-time house managers and residents with private rooms available for short-term guests. Please visit Rainbow Guest House – Rainbow Mennonite Church for more information or to inquire about reservations.
Rainbow Summer Program (Rainbow Mennonite Church, Kansas City, KS) is hiring summer interns! Rainbow Summer Program is a six-week summer enrichment program for 100 children who have completed grades K – 8. Interns serve in the classrooms and are paid a stipend for the summer. For more information on how to apply, please visit www.rainbowmennonite.org/serving/rainbow-summer-program/
Camp Mennoscah
—Youth Volunteer Weekend for grades 7-12 is March 16-17!
—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.
—Kitchen helpers needed for our summer youth camps. Parents receive a camper discount up to full camp fees.
Information for all events at Camp Mennoscah or to register:
Online at www.campmennoscah.org
Telephone: 620-297-3290.
Email: office.
Contact: olivia.bartel.
Darkness to Light: Stewards of Children, training will be held at the MCC Center on March 22 from 6:30 – 8:30. Bill Reynolds from CASA: A Voice for Children, is the presenter. Survivor stories and expert insight in child protection will be presented. This training may be of particular interest to youth organizations, parents, educators, childcare providers and those working with children in faith communities. The cost is $20.00. To register email kathywiens59 or call 316-587-7244.
Mennonite Voluntary Service: We have four great placement options in Kansas City, including a new placement at Rainbow Mennonite Church! Please spread the word and encourage people you know to look into it!
Bethel College
—Fri., March 16 – Doris Bergen, University of Toronto, “Neighbors, Killers, Enablers, Witnesses: The Many Roles of Mennonites in the Holocaust,” 11 a.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College (public presentation from the Mennonites and the Holocaust conference).
—Fri., March 16 – The Mennonites and the Holocaust conference presents a public screening of Friesennot, a 1935 Nazi propaganda film about a Mennonite village in Russia, 7:30 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College.
Andover Organ Series: Continuing to bring quality performing art from around the world to south central Kansas, the next concert in the 2017-18 Andover Organ Series will feature organist, Dr. Ryan Hebert at 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 13, at Hesston Mennonite Church on the Hesston College campus. The concert is free and open to the public. A reception will follow the concert.
Newton Et Cetera Shop invites organizations to apply for their annual Local Giving grants. Local Giving grants are made available each spring by the Newton Et Cetera Shop board of directors. Application forms may be downloaded at newtonetceterashop.com and must be submitted by e-mail to localgiving@
newtonetceterashop.com by April 13, 2018. Multiple grants will be awarded to selected groups by June 2018, in amounts up to $5,000. Applicants for the Local Giving grants must hold legal nonprofit status and operate out of and serve Newton, North Newton, Hesston, Goessel, Moundridge, Whitewater, Elbing, Halstead or Walton. Applicants do not need to have a religious affiliation or mission, but they must function in a manner consistent with Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) and be guided by purposes consistent with MCC’s.
Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale
Praising God Through Service
Sale Dates: April 13 – 14, 2018
REMEMBERING 50 years of the Relief Sale in Kansas
Over $10,000 was raised for MCC Relief through the collection of pennies and pocket change. The penny project gave people the opportunity to talk with people about the work of MCC. Friday and Saturday, April 10 and 11 of 1992 brought an estimated 31,000 people to Hutchinson to attend the 24th Annual Sale. At the Sale, 43,000 New Year’s Cookies were made; 1,280 pies collected; and a “House Against Hunger” was sold at auction. The Children’s Program ran from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM with stories and skits. The Environmental Concerns Committee was responsible for asking difficult questions about how we handle the waste and trash from the Sale and how we can use the Sale to educate people about the benefits of recycling. The prices for food at the Feeding of the Multitude included verenike for $1.00, sausage for 75 cents, and zwieback for 25 cents. April 2 was the verenike making day in Hillsboro with 18,684 being made and frozen to be taken to the Sale. There were many buses that came from Emporia, Burdett, Lincoln, Colby, Concordia, Newton, Goessel, and Moundridge to the Sale. To God be the Glory.
Sale Announcements
—CONGRATS, KS Mennonites you have donated enough money to cover ALL pre-sale expenses of $77,000. This is 5 weeks BEFORE the sale starts and is a VERY positive sign for another GREAT KS MCC Sale. THANKS Tabor for all your contributions toward pre-sale expenses!!
—Much excitement and anticipation is being generated for the BIG 50th Anniversary of KS First MCC Sale. Many special events are being planned.
—These Large Group Activities of Everyone working together for one cause are RARE in today’s society. We are so fortunate to live so close to such a dynamic and powerful event. Invite your family and friends to meet you there. We have one entire building devoted to Children’s Activities with Children’s Auction at 10 am on Saturday.
—TODAY is the LAST day to look at the Tabor Quilts. PLEASE go to the basement and look them over. We will take them in to the MCC Center Monday to have them photographed to go on the website and booklet.
—PLEASE start bringing your projects to the northwest corner of the basement for display.
—Children’s Coin Offering was $58.31. Wonderful!! Keep bringing your change you collect during the week and your paper. THANKS to the Children Ushers. You are an important part.
—Tabor 5K Team is Les Goerzen, Lee and Phyllis Goertzen, Jerry Toews so far. PLEASE give your names to Jerry or Kim so we can add you to the list.
—GO TO THE WEBSITE AND SCROLL AROUND. More items being added frequently: kansas.mccsale.org
—Bohne berrogie bake day for the MCC sale will be on April 7 at Moundridge High School. The first shift starts at 7 and the second shift at 10. If you would be willing to help, please contact Marla Gillmore at 620-921-0428 or email bmg. It’s a good time of serving and fellowship. Please wear a head covering.
For more information on any sale announcements, please see Tabor liaisons, Kristin and Archie Schmidt, Eric Litwiller, or Jerry and Leann Toews.
In this issue:
Worship Schedule for Lent
Katherine’s Candor: AVDS gleanings
Phil’s Pnderings: Privilege Pie: How much pie do you enjoy?
Letter from Helen Schmidt
…and more…
Attached is the February Tabor Church Newsletter. In this issue:
–Worship plans for the season of Lent
–Report from Pastor Phil from the Congregational Concensus Building Conversation held on Jan. 28
–Find out how to help Karina Brandt, serving with Mennonite Mission Network Journey International, by donating coats for the people she is serving
–and more……..
> In this issue:
>
> Christmas At Tabor:
> –Advent and Christmas Heart Songs
> –Schedule of special events and services
>
> Christmas Giving
> — ‘Tis the Season…for Giving
> –Christmas Giving Opportunities
>
> December Calendar
>
Dec..pdf
Notes of Thanks
THANKS to all the Tabor Men who helped make the Chicken BBQ a VERY successful event for our church. And THANKS to ALL for the VERY Generous Contributions of $5409. The proceeds will go to the Camp Mennoscah Playground Project and the Tabor Building Fund.
Congregational Announcements
Bethesda Hymn Sing: Tabor will be leading a chapel service at Bethesda on Sunday morning, November 12 from 11-11:30am. For this chapel service, Pastor Katherine will be leading a hymn sing with Bethesda residents, and we hope that others from Tabor will also head to Bethesda to join in this service! If you would like to participate in the hymn sing that morning, please plan to drive to Bethesda right after our morning worship service. Please let Pastor Phil or Pastor Katherine know if you have any questions and let Pastor Katherine know if you plan to attend.
Christmas in Ecuador: The program that Karina Brandt is working with this year in Ecuador is hoping to receive some financial donations to go toward the purchase of toys for children of refugee families and other children connected to the local church. Please consider giving money for this purpose during one of our special offerings that will be collected on Sunday mornings, November 12, 19, and 26.
Have you noticed the pictorial timeline high on the wall of Pastor Rosie and Katherine’s office? If not, take a look. The first pictures were drawn by Kylee Unruh.
Then we went to the archives and to our 75th anniversary book Peace, Progress, Promise. Now the FTF is looking for pictures of the park (any time period but mainly from before 1990) and of the early years of the parsonage. If you can help us out, please let Carol Duerksen or Doris Unruh know. Thanks for helping us travel down memory lane!
Are you looking for delicious dessert options for your Sunday meals or to satisfy your sweet tooth? If so, the Tabor Mennonite Youth Group will be selling homemade desserts on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of every month to help raise money for our summer service trip to Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp in 2018. Suggested donations for the desserts are $10. Thank you, as always, for your support, prayers, and encouragement for our youth group!
Singing and Spirituality: During our Musical Worship Series (Oct.22-Nov. 19), we want to sing some of your favorite hymns! If you have a favorite hymn or worship song, please either email the title to Pastor Katherine, or fill out a ‘Heart Song Stories’ sheet, which is available on the worship bulletin board in the foyer, and return to Pastor Katherine’s mailbox. We plan to sing these suggested hymns/songs during Sunday morning worship throughout this series. Thanks!
Meat Canning this year will be on November 6 and 7 at the MCC Center in North Newton. Sign up on the bulletin board to volunteer. Checks can be made out to Tabor Mennonite Church, earmarked “MCC meat canning”, and placed in the truck in the foyer. Contact Kenton Nickel with any questions.
Tabor Youth Event: Bethel College Football Game. Plan to meet at Pastor Katherine’s house on November 11 at noon for lunch. Then we will go together to watch Luke Unruh play Football at Bethel College at 1:30
Worship and the Arts Symposium: “Seasons of the Soul: Enacting the Mystery of Faith”, Saturday, November 18 at Bethel College. Registration fee is $40 or $25 per person when 3 or more people from the same congregation register and pay as a group. Fee includes Friday evening performance “Slightly Left of Normal” by resource person Ted Swartz, and Saturday lunch and supper. Register for the symposium through the Tabor Church office by Nov. 9 to be included with the church group discount.
Our “Getting to Know Each Other” project has been extended until the end of November, so please join the 20 people who have already shared a little bit about themselves. When we put the booklet together, we will give copies to those who sent in responses or others who request it, and there will be another copy in the library available for everyone to read. You received a list of questions regarding this project. When you’ve completed your answers, return them to Diana Schmidt’s mailbox (or email to her at jd77schmidt).
The Tabor Food Pantry needs your help! Groceries on the shelves are running low. When you do your grocery shopping, buy a little extra for the food pantry. Every item helps. There is a box under the table in the foyer where you may place your items, or simply place them in the food pantry room, 113. We also need non food items such as toilet paper, laundry soap and shampoo and paper grocery bags. Monetary donations are also welcome. Thanks for your continued support.
The Goessel Community Thanksgiving meal is next Sunday, Nov. 12, 5-6:30pm at the Goessel Elementary Gymnasium. It’s going to be a wonderful evening of good food and fellowship for all of us! Please remember to sign up to bring a food item to share. We want to make sure that there will be food for everyone who comes. Sign-up deadline is TODAY, Nov. 5. Bring your turkey or ham to the church kitchen and put in the refrigerator TODAY or ASAP. Salads, breads, and desserts may be brought to the church kitchen by noon next Sunday, Nov., 12, or to the Goessel Elementary School by 4:00 on that day. If you have questions, contact a member of the Meal Planning Team: Keith and Barb Banman, Becky Wedel, Linda Peters, Kim Voth, or Lynette Duerksen. Invite your friends and neighbors to join us for a great Thanksgiving dinner! The meal is free. There will be opportunity to give a donation to support the ministries of Goessel Ministerial Alliance. Thank you, everyone!
The Goessel Ministerial Alliance is excited to announce that the Christmas Giving Tree project will be happening again this year. The tree will be at the Crossroads Credit Union this year. Watch your mailbox for details on how you can help make it a great Christmas for children in our community.
Conference Announcements
Prayer Requests:
« Western District Conference: Give thanks for the participation of WDC church members in Mennonite Central Committee relief sales this weekend in Enid, OK, and next weekend in Houston, TX.
« Mennonite Mission Network: Eric and Kelly Frey Martin of MMN visit Mennonite churches and youth groups throughout Colombia. Pray for safe travels, good listening skills, and discernment as they facilitate the national committee’s decision–making process.
« Mennonite Education Agency: Pray for Sheryl Wilson, who begins today as the director of the Kansas Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (KIPCOR) at Bethel College.
« Mennonite Disaster Service: Please remember in prayer the MDS operations team as they continue to work on the MDS response to Puerto Rico. Continue to remember those impacted by and doing clean-up work after hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Many MDS projects from before the current hurricane season have restarted. Please remember the volunteers and leadership serving at these project sites.
The WDC Israel Palestine Task Force is encouraging members across the Western District to show solidarity and support for one of our members, Esther Koontz, who has been denied employment by the State of Kansas because of her Anabaptist convictions. Find out more and support Esther at http://mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/support-esther-koontz/.
Lunch & Learn with MCC on Thursday, Nov. 9! Join us to hear from Doug Hostetter, director of the Mennonite Central Committee United Nations office and UN Office International Volunteer Exchange Program intern Tran Quang Thien Phuoc, son of a Vietnamese Mennonite pastor. They will share “Living Peace in Time of War: reflections on MCC service in the war zone during the Vietnam War.” Lunch will be provided by Mojo’s Coffee Bar for a donation. RSVP to this event by 5pm on Monday, Nov. 6 to patsydirksen or 316.283.2720.
Camp Mennoscah:
—Scrapbook and Crafts retreat, Nov. 17-19
—Christmas Gathering at Camp Mennoscah! December 16 at 2:30pm-ish for conversation, games (indoor or outdoor), and cookies!
—Remodeling of the Camp Mennoscah kitchen begins this December, and we will need volunteers! Contact Jim Yoder at 316-284-3890 (call or text), jdyoder.
Information for all events at Camp Mennoscah or to register:
Online at www.campmennoscah.org
Telephone: 620-297-3290.
Email: office.
Contact: olivia.bartel.
Fundraiser for refugee resettlement! On Sunday, November 12, at 12 noon, there will be a lunch featuring Congolese food served at the Hesston Mennonite Church. All proceeds will benefit the Hesston Area Refugee Resettlement Committee and Episcopal Migration Ministries, our supporting organization.
Sexual Abuse Prevention Training at the MCC Center will be held on Nov. 16, at 6:30 p.m. Offenders in the Church: Who They Are and How They Operate. Charissa Sloan Dvorak, attorney and investigator for GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in Christian Environments) will give a presentation based on her experience prosecuting abuse cases and her extensive knowledge of sexual offenders. For information about the workshop or to register call 316-587-7244 or email kathywiens59. This training is free and open to the public. Registration is helpful, but don’t let that stop you from coming.
Hesston College Talent Show on November 18 at 8 p.m. in the Hesston Mennonite Church sanctuary. Many of our students, and maybe even some faculty and staff, will showcase their talents, quirks and sense of humor. Join us before the show for cookies and refreshments in the church Community Center from 7:15 to 7:45. This event is free for the whole family.
Bethel College:
—Sun., Nov. 5 – Bethel College Sings, featuring the Women’s Chorus and the Men’s Ensemble, Woven and Open Road, the Concert Choir, and soloists, 3 p.m., Bethel College Mennonite Church
—Sun., Nov. 12 – The KIPCOR Film Series presents the Kansas premiere of Healing Justice, addressing the school-to-prison pipeline and the need for comprehensive criminal justice reform, 2 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center.
Parkinson’s Support Group: The next Kidron Bethel Parkinson’s Support Group will meet November 7 at 2:00 p.m. in Menno Hall at Kidron Bethel Village. Marwa Buser, PharmD, BCPS, will give a “General Overview on Parkinson’s Disease: What Parkinson’s Disease is and how it affects the brain, symptoms and disease progression, and the medications used to treat Parkinson’s Disease.” You are invited to bring a list of Parkinson’s medications and dosages. Everyone is welcome.
Everence® Financial informational seminars: An overview of Medicare will go over what’s covered (and what’s not), enrollment deadlines and plans that supplement Medicare. Nov. 6, 6:30 pm. Retirement income strategy will help you think through your retirement income and expenses, discuss risks than can impact your savings, and strategies to help your income last throughout retirement. Dec. 4, 6:30 pm. All seminars will be at Everence Financial Advisors, 3179 N. Main St., N. Newton. To reserve your spot, contact Michelle Ramer at (316) 283-3800, (877) 467-7294 or michelle.ramer.
Seminar to help people prepare for long-term care costs: Many families face the high cost of long-term care at some point, and most of the costs are not covered by Medicare or private health insurance. Everence® is presenting a seminar, Current strategies for long-term care, Nov. 16, 6:30 pm. at Meridian Center, 1420 E. Broadway Court, Newton. Information will focus on handling costs of long-term care without wiping out your life savings. Coffee and desserts will be served. Please RSVP by Nov. 9 to Sandy Popp at (620) 662-7900 or sandy.popp.
