Category: News & Media

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Oct. 1 web.pdf

Sept. 24 web.pdf

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Sept. insert outline.pdf
Sept. 10 web.pdf

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Sept. 3 web.pdf

Congregational Announcements

MCC Benefit: Elma Goertz is dispersing household “stuff” (furniture, kitchen items, books, yard, workshop, etc. etc. etc.) through an open house/benefit at her home at 205 Wheat Street in Goessel. Everything will be available by donation and all proceeds will benefit Mennonite Central Committee. Dorothy, Naomi and Emily will be home to do this over Labor Day weekend, so please stop by to say “hi” and perhaps pick up a few things. Hours for this event are: Fri, Sept 1, 9am-8pm; Sat, Sept 2, 9am-6pm; Sun, Sept 3, 1-6pm; Mon, Sept 4, 9am-6pm. -the family of Elma Goertz

Women’s Community Bible Study: Starting August 31, all women are invited to the Goessel Mennonite Church for an 11 week long video series bible study called Breaking Free by Beth Moore. We will start at 6:30. Childcare is available for $5 per hour per child.

Stories & Stuff: Welcome to another year of Stories & Stuff. Our first gathering will include a demonstration of water dowsing with Paul Graber. Meet in the south rooms on Thursday, September 14 at 10 a.m. Everyone is welcome!

Help Needed: 6 Tractor Drivers to drive the Parking Lot Shuttle at the State Fair Thurs., Sept. 14. Times needed: 1-4 pm; 4-7 pm; and 7-9:30 pm. FREE TICKET. To volunteer, see Jerry Toews.

Church Campout: Come to Camp Mennoscah on September 16-17 for our church retreat focusing on the theme: “Stories of Hope.” Please return registration forms (found in mailboxes or on the table in the foyer) to the box in the foyer by September 10. We hope that everyone can join us, even if just for Sunday morning.

Saint Francis Community Services is in need of new or gently used clothing for kids of all ages entering foster care. If you have some hand-me-downs you’d be willing to donate, please get them to Mandy Funk.

Thank you for your donations to the Tabor Food Pantry this summer. Every time our shelves seemed to empty, groceries were donated to replenish in time for the next client. The pantry has seen frequent use throughout the summer and needs of our clients and new clients continue. Most needed are: oatmeal, boxed meals (Hamburger Helper/Rice-a-Roni type meals), canned tuna and chicken, soups, mashed and boxed potatoes, rice, cereal, pancake mix, syrup, cake mix, canned fruits, apple sauce, spaghetti and spaghetti sauce, tomatoes, mixed vegetables (we have plenty of green beans, corn and peas), dish soap, laundry soap, shampoo, and paper grocery bags. Our checking account to purchase gift cards to Keith’s Foods for perishable grocery items is also running low. Cash donations are appreciated as well. Thank you for your continued support of this community ministry. Those who use the Food Pantry are very appreciative.

The Second Monday Family History and Genealogy Group will be meeting Monday, September 11, 7:00 p.m., in the Goessel museum Preparatory School. Steve Fast, director of museums in Hillsboro, will speak on “The Battle of the Grandmas.” He will share information on which version of the Mennonite genealogical database to choose and how to use each one. The meeting is free and open to the public.

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. If you plan to attend and want to be included in the group rate, please contact the church office for details.

Garden Produce: If you have extra garden produce that you would like to share, please leave it on the table in the foyer. Anyone may take some home. You may leave a donation for the food pantry ministry.

Conference Announcements

Prayer Requests:

« Western District Conference: Pray for WDC congregations in Texas, as they cope with the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, and for all who are responding with assistance and support for flood victims.

« Mennonite Mission Network: Janie and Neal Blough of Mennonite Mission Network have committed most of their adult lives to ministry in France. Pray for them as they continue to share the good news of Jesus through lectures, workshops, and in worshiping with their multicultural congregation, a visible witness to the “healing of the nations.”

Western District Conference

Responding to aftermath of Hurricane Harvey: Please pray for WDC’s 14 congregations and church plants in Texas, particularly for those most impacted by flooding in the Houston area. Associate Conference Minister Byron Pellecer is keeping in contact with WDC pastors and with Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS), as we continue to assess how WDC can best offer support. MDS is accepting financial donations for hurricane response at https://www.mds.mennonite.net. See also this article from The Mennonite at https://themennonite.org/daily-news/reports-houston-mennonites-path-tropical-storm-harvey/

The Upside-Down King Bible Study – Several years ago The Upside-Down King musical by Doug and Jude Krehbiel and Carol Duerksen was presented in several locations in Western District and also the Mennonite Church USA convention in Columbus, Ohio. Carol Duerksen has now written a Bible study that continues to share Jesus’ message as found in Luke’s gospel.

Camp Mennoscah:

—Work & Play Camp: Sept. 29-Oct. 3. For folks of all ages. On Sunday, Oct. 1, we’ll break from our routine with worship and the annual meeting. Come for a day or for the full camp. NO COST for this retreat! Please let us know you’re coming.

Camp Mennoscah’s Annual Meeting is Oct. 1 at 5:30pm in the Camp Mennoscah dining hall. Everyone is invited. Please RSVP. More information coming soon!

—Scrapbook & Crafts Retreats: Nov. 3-5 and Nov. 15-17.

Information for all retreats at Camp Mennoscah or to register:

Online at www.campmennoscah.org Telephone: 620-297-3290.

Email: office.

Contact: olivia.bartel.

#ActionAlert from MCC – All the Mennonite Central Committee Material Resource Centers in the U.S. need a combined total of 7000 comforters by November! Yes, you read that right, 7000 comforters are needed to fulfill the requests from MCC partner organizations in Iraq, North Korea and Syria! Save the dates to join the effort at the MCC Mini Comforter Blitz at the MCC Center in North Newton on September 29 and 30. Check katemast, 316.283.2720.

MCC has heard a call from many churches and individuals to work at gun violence prevention, in all of its forms. Suicide is among other parts of this work, as 2/3 of all gun deaths in the US are suicide. MCC is anxious to hear from others as we begin to work at this. Please share your voice with us in this survey, about your experiences with and perspectives of gun violence, so that we can understand how best to work with churches and communities on this topic. ike AND/OR ​Jessica Buller at​ jessicabuller

In recognition of the 100th anniversary of the “war to end all wars,” the National World War I museum in Kansas City is hosting a symposium on resistance and conscientious objection leading up to and during WWI. “Remembering Muted Voices” is Oct. 19-22 and explores the whole range of people who objected to and resisted WWI, from religious persons to socialists to suffragists. Registration is $125, with $99 early bird registration available through Sept. 8. Co-sponsors for the symposium include Mennonite Central Committee, Mennonite Historical Society, The Mennonite Quarterly Review, and Rainbow Mennonite Church. For more information, see https://www.theworldwar.org/learn/remembering-muted-voices

The annual MCC Flatlander Bike Ride will be held on Saturday, September 16, originating at the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) offices, 121 East 30th, N. Newton. The registration brochure is available in the church office or on the MCC website: mcc.org/get-involved/events/mcc-flatlander-bicycle-ride. 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.

Save the Date—IBA Benefit Dinner: The annual Instituto Bíblico Anabautista (IBA) benefit dinner will take place Fri., Sept. 15, 6:30 pm at First Mennonite Church in Newton. Dinner is by donation. IBA is a program of Mennonite Education Agency’s Hispanic Ministries for Leadership Development and Pastoral Education. For any inquires contact Violeta Ajquejay at:VioletaA or call 316-281-4342

Jesus calls us to visit the prisoner! At Hutchinson Correctional Facility there are over 50 inmates who are waiting for a visit. Through Offender/Victim Ministries’ M-2 Program, you have the opportunity to visit an inmate one evening a month. New volunteer training for M-2 will be on Monday, Sept. 18 at 12:00pm at Hutch Correctional Facility or Tuesday, Sept. 19 at 6:30pm at Bethel College Mennonite Church, North Newton. Please contact Ben Kreider for more information at ben or (316) 281 5244.

Bethel College:

Centering Prayer will not meet Mon., Sept. 4 (Labor Day), but continues most Mondays from noon-1 p.m. in Agape Center in Richert House on the Bethel College campus. For more information, contact Nathan Koontz, 2nathankoontz, or Melanie Zuercher, mzuercher.

Sun., Sept. 10 – Rachel Waltner Goossen, professor of history at Washburn University, will speak on “The Great War and Legacies of Peace Witness,” to introduce the special exhibit “Voices of Conscience: Peace Witness in the Great War,” 3 p.m., Kauffman Museum. Opening reception for the exhibit is at 4 p.m.

Tues., Sept. 12 – KIPCOR 30th-anniversary celebration continues with Leonard Pitts Jr., 7 p.m., Memorial Hall at Bethel College. Pitts will speak on “What Now? America in the Age of Trump,” and sign copies of his books.

Hesston College:

Don’t miss out on the fun and learning planned for all ages and the whole community during A Hesston College Homecoming Sept. 22 to 24. The “Grounded in Community, Globally Engaged” weekend will speak to the tradition of a strong campus community, the college’s role in the larger community, and the global perspectives and connections Hesston College maintains. The inauguration of Hesston’s ninth president, Dr. Joseph A. Manickam, will also take place. Go to hesston.edu/homecoming for a full weekend schedule, event descriptions and registration.

Getting ready to retire? Everence® Financial will present informational seminars this fall to help you make informed decisions. An overview of Medicare will go over what’s covered (and what’s not), enrollment deadlines and plans that supplement Medicare. It will be offered at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 11 and Nov. 6. 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. It will be offered at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 2 and Dec. 4. All seminars will be at Everence Financial Advisors, 3179 N. Main St., North Newton. To reserve your spot, contact Michelle Ramer at (316) 283-3800, (877) 467-7294 or michelle.ramer.

Parkinson’s Support Group: The Parkinson’s Support Group will meet at Kidron Bethel Tuesday, September 5, at 2:00 p.m. All are invited to hear Jim Schrag share his journey with Parkinson’s Disease.

The FloraKansas Fall Native Plant Sale will be held September 8 to 10 at Dyck Arboretum of the Plains in Hesston. Kansas’ largest native plant sale offering many species of wildflowers and grasses many of which are rare in cultivation. Memberships to the Arboretum can be obtained on the day of the sale. Arboretum members receive a 10% discount at all arboretum plant sales and may participate in the members only pre-sale on Thursday, September 7 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, call 620-327-8127 or visit www.dyckarboretum.org.

Sept. 3 annc.pdf

The Tabor Trading Post will be open August 27 immediately following faith formation. Anyone may make something to sell or may offer a service. Children have already made flower pots, jewelry, artwork and more. Proceeds from this event support our building fund.

Mennograss will take place this Sunday, August 27. Food will be served beginning at 5:30 pm and live music will begin around 6 pm. We invite everyone who comes to bring lawn chairs, table service and a side dish or dessert to share.

Notes of Appreciation

Thank you so much to everyone who helped fund my up coming trip to Ecuador. Last weeks potato meal raised $2,394. ~Karina Brandt

Thanks to the cheery, hard-working folks from Tabor who volunteered at Camp Mennoscah this summer. Some of these generous people gave a few days. Some gave weeks of their summer. We are grateful to these folks and the many others not listed here who have donated time, skills and money to Camp Mennoscah. Some of our volunteers asked not to be acknowledged, others left the church information blank, and we may have missed a few; here are the names we have from Tabor: Karina Brandt, Mark Schmidt, Sarah Booth, Sarahanne Unruh, Carrie Unruh. ~The Camp Mennoscah Staff

Congregational Announcements

"Followers Retreat": Join Tabor’s "followers (of Jesus) retreat" on Wednesday, August 30 from 6-9:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Please eat supper before you come. Snacks will be provided. Our focus will be group discussion on the theme of "Commitment to the Body of Christ." Everyone is encouraged and welcome to attend! Outlines for the evening were emailed to you or placed in mailboxes. Additional copies are available on the table in the foyer.

Two deacon positions to fill: The deacons are asking you to submit names of persons whom we could invite into a discernment process to consider serving in the role of deacon for Tabor Church. Send your suggestions to deacon chair Ron Schroeder (nanron), 620-345-8703, or any of the deacons, by August 31.

MCC Benefit: Elma Goertz is dispersing household “stuff” (furniture, kitchen items, books, yard, workshop, etc. etc. etc.) through an open house/benefit at her home at 205 Wheat Street in Goessel. Everything will be available by donation and all proceeds will benefit Mennonite Central Committee. Dorothy, Naomi and Emily will be home to do this over Labor Day weekend, so please stop by to say “hi” and perhaps pick up a few things. Hours for this event are: Fri, Sept 1, 9am-8pm; Sat, Sept 2, 9am-6pm; Sun, Sept 3, 1-6pm; Mon, Sept 4, 9am-6pm.

-the family of Elma Goertz

Help Needed: 6 Tractor Drivers to drive the Parking Lot Shuttle at the State Fair Thurs., Sept. 14. Times needed: 1-4 pm; 4-7 pm; and 7-9:30 pm. FREE TICKET. To volunteer, see Jerry Toews.

Church Campout: Come to Camp Mennoscah on September 16-17 for our church retreat focusing on the theme: "Stories of Hope." Please return registration forms (found in mailboxes or on the table in the foyer) to the box in the foyer.

We hope that everyone can join us, even if just for Sunday morning.

Thank you for your donations to the Tabor Food Pantry this summer. Every time our shelves seemed to empty, groceries were donated to replenish in time for the next client. The pantry has seen frequent use throughout the summer and needs of our clients and new clients continue. Most needed are: oatmeal, boxed meals (Hamburger Helper/Rice-a-Roni type meals), canned tuna and chicken, soups, mashed and boxed potatoes, rice, cereal, pancake mix, syrup, cake mix, canned fruits, apple sauce, spaghetti and spaghetti sauce, tomatoes, mixed vegetables (we have plenty of green beans, corn and peas), dish soap, laundry soap, shampoo, and paper grocery bags. Our checking account to purchase gift cards to Keith’s Foods for perishable grocery items is also running low. Cash donations are appreciated as well. Thank you for your continued support of this community ministry. Those who use the Food Pantry are very appreciative.

Garden Produce: If you have extra garden produce that you would like to share, please leave it on the table in the foyer. Anyone may take some home. You may leave a donation for the food pantry ministry.

Conference Announcements

Prayer Requests:

« Western District Conference: Pray for Stephen Wilcox as he is installed today at First Mennonite Church in Halstead, that God will bless his ministry as a new pastor in WDC.

« Mennonite Mission Network: Deb Byler, based in the Indiana office, has served MMN in worker care for many years. Now, she is returning to Guatemala to minister alongside women leaders in the Kekchi Mennonite Church. Pray for Deb as she renews relationships and encourages women to use their gifts.

« Mennonite Disaster Service: Please pray for those in the path Hurricane Harvey. The storm is projected to stall across southeast Texas and dump 10 to 20 inches of rain over portions of the state for several days after it makes landfall. Pray for safety and limited flooding for those in the path of the storm.

Western District Conference

It’s not too late to register for the womens/girls retreat at Camp Mennoscah September 8-10! Find the schedule and registration forms on the bulletin board in the foyer or online at mennowdc.org/calendar/. Offering on Sunday morning will go to Mennonite Women USA. We’ll be celebrating 100 years of Mennonite Women Friday evening with a drama and hymn sing, lots of fun seminars and activities for girls age 3rd grade on up and women of all ages, swimming and water aerobics, campfire, giant coloring sheets, catered meals, spiritual directors available and Barb Krehbiel Gehring as our featured speaker on "Together: Rooted and Reaching." Come join us!

Camp Mennoscah:

—What a roof-raising success! The annual Camp Sing for Camp Mennoscah event raised $3465 for upgrading the sound system at Camp Mennoscah. Thank you for your generosity, your smiles, your prayers, and for supporting Camp Mennoscah!

—Camp Mennoscah invites you to our Mental Health Spiritual Retreat, September 3-4. The retreat will have time to relax, sessions on the theme of Branching Out, a hayrack ride, crafts, and great conversations. All affected by mental illness–including family, friends, and advocates–are welcome! It’s going to be a wonderful time!

—It’s an adventure! Camp Mennoscah’s Work & Play Camp is gearing up for 5 days of adventuresome projects and people. From Sept. 29-Oct. 3, we’ll be conquering mountains (of tasks) and facing down hordes (during coffee breaks) and having a grand time. The only thing that could make it better is if you were there, too! This camp is for all ages, all people who love Camp Mennoscah, and for anyone who likes the satisfaction of completing projects. There is no cost for this retreat and attendees are welcome to come for a day or the whole adventure. Please let us know that you are coming.

—Scrapbook and Crafts Retreats at Camp Mennoscah! There are two retreats this fall, Nov. 3-5 and Nov. 17-19, for those who are yearning for time to crop and craft. These retreats sometimes fill up and we’d be sad not to see you there. Register online or contact us for a paper form. It’s always a great time!

Here’s what’s up with the new playground structure at Camp Mennoscah. We’re going with a wooden structure similar to the previous "whale" structure because we think it better fits the Camp Mennoscah ambiance and natural setting. Our artistic architect Aaron is working with a structural engineer and things are moving forward. We do not have a timeline yet, but we will have a whale of a party when we finally have our fishy friend back. (Yes, we do know that a whale is not a fish.)

Information for all retreats at Camp Mennoscah or to register:

Online at www.campmennoscah.org

Telephone: 620-297-3290.

Email: office.

Contact: olivia.bartel.

Save the Date—IBA Benefit Dinner: The annual Instituto Bíblico Anabautista (IBA) benefit dinner will take place Fri., Sept. 15, 6:30 pm at First Mennonite Church in Newton. A smothered pork burrito dinner will be prepared and served by Chef Carlos Lujano. A short program will follow, featuring testimony from IBA students Vicky Velazquez and Jose Suastegui, a dance performance by the children of Iglesia Menonita Casa Betania and some words and greetings from our new director, Marco Güete. Dinner is by donation. This is a great opportunity for a Sunday School class, small group or individuals to come and hear how IBA is equipping Hispanic leaders in Mennonite Church USA for ministry. IBA is a program of Mennonite Education Agency’s Hispanic Ministries for Leadership Development and Pastoral Education. For any inquires contact Violeta Ajquejay at:VioletaA@MennoniteEducation.org or call 316-281-4342

The Mennonite, Inc. welcomes your original submissions and contributions for our Nov. 2017 print magazine issue and corresponding online content focusing on Transition. Submissions are due to Editor@TheMennonite.org no later than Sept. 8. More details can be found online: https://themennonite.org/november-transitions/

Join us for MCC Lunch & Learn TOMORROW Monday, August 28 at MCC in North Newton! Historian Ben Goossen will discuss how narratives of Mennonite identity and history can help align Anabaptists with mainstream American culture and white privilege. To what extent do stories of martyrdom and separation from the world prevent us from engaging inequality in our own churches and beyond? Unfortunately, the RSVP deadline for lunch has passed, but please join us and bring your own lunch along! This informal talk will go from 12pm-1pm with further discussion going past 1pm if there’s interest. Questions? Call Patsy at 316.283.2720. Please plan to join us!

The annual MCC Flatlander Bike Ride will be held on Saturday, September 16, originating at the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) offices, 121 East 30th, N. Newton. This year’s ride will raise funds for a MCC water development project in India. 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, you can 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. A brochure is posted on the bulletin board. Additional brochures available upon request from the church office.

Bethel College:

The Life Enrichment Program at Bethel College for Fall semester 2017 begins on August 30 and ends November 15. This program is designed especially for persons 60 and above. A brochure has been posted on the bulletin board.

Today (Sun., Aug. 27) – Ben Goossen will speak on “Are Mennonites German? Religion and Nationalism in the Global Diaspora,” and sign his book Chosen Nation: Mennonites and Germany in a Global Era (2017), 3 p.m., Kauffman Museum (books will be available for purchase in the museum store).

Sat., Sept. 2 – Kauffman Museum First-Saturday Bird Walk. Join experienced birders Gregg Friesen and Rod Wedel at 7 a.m. in the museum parking lot for a walk of 1 to 1.5 hours. Please be aware this is mostly on an unpaved trail and the terrain is sometimes sloping or steep.

Over Labor Day weekend, Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp is having the annual Labor Day Work & Play Retreat at no monetary cost to you – only your time! The retreat begins Fri. evening, Sept. 1 around 7pm. On Sat., Sept. 2 all participants help with projects around camp for the day. These projects include helping prepare meals/doing dishes, working with the spruce beetle trees, cleaning the dining hall chairs after a very busy summer, and other winterizing projects to prepare camp for the coming snow season. Sun., Sept. 3 will be the day to play and enjoy camp. Stay till Monday morning if you’re able, as we will offer breakfast before your departure. Register online for the retreat or call camp to register or with questions (719-687-9506). We hope you can join us!

Aug 27 annc.pdf

Aug 27 web.pdf

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Aug 20 web.pdf

The road west of the church from K-15 to the east corner of the church is currently in the process of being paved. You may drive this road to come to Tabor Church. Lanes and shoulders may be uneven and drop off, so please drive with caution.

THIS SUNDAY:

Karina’s Journey to Ecuador: Karina Brandt will be traveling to Ecuador to do missionary work with Mennonite Mission Network in 2017-2018. Plan to stay for the noon fundraiser meal on Sunday, August 20. Your generous donations to help with expenses for this mission experience will be greatly appreciated!

All Teacher In-Service: All Sunday morning and Wednesday evening teachers for adults and children will meet on Sunday, August 20, 3:30-5 p.m. Pastor Phil Schmidt will lead the input with others contributing. Faspa will be served.

Congregational Announcements

The Tabor Trading Post will be open August 27 immediately following faith formation. Anyone may make something to sell or may offer a service. Children have already made flower pots, jewelry, artwork and more. Proceeds from this event support our building fund. Adults who want table space at the Trading Post should contact Carol Duerksen.

Mennograss will take place on Sunday, August 27. Food will be served beginning at 5:30 pm and live music will begin around 6 pm. We invite everyone who comes to bring lawn chairs, table service and a side dish or dessert to share.

“Followers Retreat”: Join Tabor’s “followers (of Jesus) retreat” on Wednesday, August 30 from 6-9:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Please eat supper before you come. Snacks will be provided. Our focus will be group discussion on the theme of “Commitment to the Body of Christ.” Everyone is encouraged and welcome to attend!

Two deacon positions to fill: The deacons are asking you to submit names of persons whom we could invite into a discernment process to consider serving in the role of deacon for Tabor Church. Send your suggestions to deacon chair Ron Schroeder (nanron), 620-345-8703, or any of the deacons, by August 31.

Church Campout: Come to Camp Mennoscah on September 16-17 for our church retreat focusing on the theme: “Stories of Hope.” Please return registration forms (found in mailboxes or on the table in the foyer) to the box in the foyer.

We hope that everyone can join us, even if just for Sunday morning.

Thank you for your donations to the Tabor Food Pantry this summer. Every time our shelves seemed to empty, groceries were donated to replenish in time for the next client. The pantry has seen frequent use throughout the summer and needs of our clients and new clients continue. Most needed are: oatmeal, boxed meals (Hamburger Helper/Rice-a-Roni type meals), canned tuna and chicken, soups, mashed and boxed potatoes, rice, cereal, pancake mix, syrup, cake mix, canned fruits, apple sauce, spaghetti and spaghetti sauce, tomatoes, mixed vegetables (we have plenty of green beans, corn and peas), dish soap, laundry soap, shampoo, and paper grocery bags. Our checking account to purchase gift cards to Keith’s Foods for perishable grocery items is also running low. Cash donations are appreciated as well. Thank you for your continued support of this community ministry. Those who use the Food Pantry are very appreciative.

Garden Produce: If you have extra garden produce that you would like to share, please leave it on the table in the foyer. Anyone may take some home. You may leave a donation for the food pantry ministry.

Conference Announcements

Prayer Requests:

« Western District Conference: Pray for the WDC Stewardship Commission and Ministerial Leadership Commission, each gathering this week for their first meeting in the new organizational year.

« Mennonite Mission Network: Dan and Kathryn Smith Derksen and their sons spent July in North America speaking on behalf of MMN. Pray for them as they return to South Africa, working with Southern African Development and Reconstruction Agency to achieve 2020 vision: 20 trained conflict mediators in 20 communities by 2020.

« Mennonite Church USA: We call all of Mennonite Church USA to pray for justice and mercy in our nation, that we may grant to all the dignity and respect which they deserve as people loved by God, and for whom Christ died. For full article go to: http://mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/call-prayer-action-response-violence-charlottesville/

Western District Conference

It’s not too late to register for the womens/girls retreat at Camp Mennoscah September 8-10! Find the schedule and registration forms on the bulletin board in the foyer or online at mennowdc.org/calendar/. Offering on Sunday morning will go to Mennonite Women USA. We’ll be celebrating 100 years of Mennonite Women Friday evening with a drama and hymn sing, lots of fun seminars and activities for girls age 3rd grade on up and women of all ages, swimming and water aerobics, campfire, giant coloring sheets, catered meals, spiritual directors available and Barb Krehbiel Gehring as our featured speaker on “Together: Rooted and Reaching.” Come join us!

Camp Mennoscah:

—The Mental Health Spiritual Retreat is September 3-4 and everyone is invited. The theme for the weekend is Branching Out and will include sessions, activities, a hayrack ride, swimming, and time to catch up with friends both old and new.

—Work & Play Camp for all ages at Camp Mennoscah! This service-oriented retreat will take place Sept. 29-Oct. 3 in the wild prairie on the Ninnescah River. We’ll be working on projects that have popped up and having coffee and conversation, too. It’s a great opportunity to be part of our camping ministry and to see Camp Mennoscah in the fall. We’ll have plenty of hot chocolate or iced tea–whatever the weather calls for–and lots of good fellowship. There is no cost for this retreat. Come for one day or for all days!

—Scrapbook and Crafts Retreats are just a couple of months away! All crafty, scrappy, and croppy people are invited to join us for a weekend of creativity, relaxation, conversations with friends, and maybe productivity. It’s whatever you want! Two weekends are offered this fall, Nov. 3-5 and Nov. 17-19.

Information for all retreats at Camp Mennoscah or to register:

Online at www.campmennoscah.org Telephone: 620-297-3290.

Email: office.

Contact: olivia.bartel.

4th biennial Worship and the Arts Symposium: Registration is now open: Sat., Nov. 18, at Bethel College, North Newton, KS, “Seasons of the Soul: Enacting the Mystery of Faith,” with special guest presenter and resource person Ted Swartz. Symposium registration includes Swartz’s performance of “Slightly Left of Normal,” Fri., Nov. 17, in Krehbiel Auditorium (admission charge for non-symposium registrants). Registration discount for groups of 3 or more from a single congregation – for a complete schedule and online registration, see bethelks.edu/worshiparts

The annual MCC Flatlander Bike Ride will be held on Saturday, September 16, originating at the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) offices, 121 East 30th, N. Newton. This year’s ride will raise funds for a MCC water development project in India. 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, you can 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. A brochure is posted on the bulletin board. Additional brochures available upon request from the church office.

Circle of Grace training at the Mennonite Central Committee Resource Center: August 24 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The training helps those working with children understand the Circle of Grace curriculum and how to implement this important resource for child protection. Cost: $20.00 per person. To register email: kathywiens59 or call 316-587-7244.

Earn an MDiv without relocating! Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary’s Master of Divinity (MDiv) Connect program offers you the chance to pursue a seminary degree right where you live. By taking 13–14 credit hours per year in online and hybrid formats, you can complete the 80-hour program in six years. Scholarships and financial aid are available. www.ambs.edu/mdivconnect

AMBS online short course: Exploring Anabaptist History and Theology: Sept. 13 – Oct. 24, 2017. This Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary online short course taught by Jamie Pitts, Ph.D., covers the birth and development of 16th-century Anabaptist movements and looks at various interpretations of the meaning of “Anabaptism” today. Cost: $200 before Aug. 23; $250 after. CEUs available. www.ambs.edu/lifelong-learning/anabaptist-short-courses

Bethel College:

—Sun., Aug. 27 – Ben Goossen will speak on “Are Mennonites German? Religion and Nationalism in the Global Diaspora,” and sign his book Chosen Nation: Mennonites and Germany in a Global Era (2017), 3 p.m., Kauffman Museum (books will be available for purchase in the museum store).

Change of Venue – Tues., Sept. 12, 7 p.m.: Leonard Pitts Jr., will speak in Bethel College’s Memorial Hall, a change from previous announcements and some printed material. Pitts will speak on “What Now? America in the Age of Trump,” and sign copies of his books.

Aug 20 annc.pdf