Tabor Mennonite Church

Congregational Announcements

Supporting our Mission Partners: Last Sunday we received a special offering to support our Mission Partners, Dan and Kathryn Smith Derksen and sons John-Clair and Jacob. We have committed a minimum of $1,500 to our Mission Partners and still need to collect a little over $400 to meet our commitment. If you would like to contribute, you may place a donation in Bonnie Janzen’s mailbox labeled as such. Make checks payable to Tabor Mennonite Church with Mission Partners on the memo line.

Hayrack Ride to the Pumpkin Patch: Come join us on Sunday, October 21 for our church trip to the Pumpkin Patch! Meet at the church park at 3:30 pm to ride the hayrack to the patch or just meet us at the parch around 4. Please bring money for activities and supper at the patch. We will plan for the hayrack to depart the patch when they close at 6pm. Let us know if you have any questions.

~Tabor Fellowship Planning Team

Tabor Mennonite Men Chicken BBQ: Thurs., Nov. 1, 5-7 pm. Serving the BEST BBQ Chicken, Baked Beans, Slaw & Ice Cream in Marion County. Donations go to Mennonite Men Join Hands Program & Tabor Building Project. You will NOT be disappointed with the GOOD food & fellowship.

Tabor Congregational Meeting: TMYF will provide a fundraiser meal on November 4 followed by our annual meeting at 12:30 p.m. The fundraiser is to support our youth attending MC USA Convention this summer. During the meeting, we will affirm those willing to serve in the ministries of Tabor Church, the 2019 budget will be presented for adoption, and the finance and building committees will give updates.

Save the Date: The 6th Annual Goessel Community Thanksgiving Meal will be on Sunday, November 11 in the Goessel Elementary School Gymnasium. Come anytime between 5-6:30pm. This is a free event. Invite your neighbors, family, and friends! There will be an opportunity to donate to the ministries of the Goessel Ministerial Alliance if you desire. If you would like to contribute to the meal, a sign-up sheet is posted in the foyer. If you have any questions, please contact your pastor. ~Goessel Ministerial Alliance

Tabor Mennonite Women: The Christmas breakfast for all women and girls is on Saturday, December 8. There will be a sign up sheet later on, but right now we need volunteer(s) to decorate the tables. Please let Barb Banman know if you are interested.

Acts Reading Challenge: If you read through all of Acts in one sitting or at least over the course of 1 week, not only will you receive treasure in heaven, but if you let Pastor Phil know that you have completed the challenge, he will give you an organic, fairly traded chocolate bar! This challenge is for all ages. Younger children may choose to read (or have their parents read to them) all of the Acts stories in the Shine Story Bible to complete the challenge. If you really want a challenge, compete for the grand prize by reading through Acts multiple times in multiple translations! May God challenge and inspire us through the reading of the Word.

Faith Testimonies: How are you living out or sharing your faith? How does your faith impact how you spend your time and other resources? We would love for many Tabor members and attenders to respond to one of these questions by sharing a brief (3-5 minute) Faith Testimony during a Sunday morning worship service. Please contact a Pastor if you are interested in sharing.

Tabor Food Pantry: Current needs are: canned fruits, mixed vegetables, meats, tomatoes, pasta, cereal, oatmeal, rice, instant potatoes, cake mix. Also needed: toilet paper, laundry soap, dish soap, toothpaste, paper towels. Monetary donations are welcome. Thank you for your continued support of the Tabor Food Pantry.

Commodity Distribution will take place on Friday October 19, from 5-6 p.m. at Goessel Mennonite Church. If you are in need of a little help, or if someone you know is, please come by. There is no need for proof of income or any paperwork involved. If you have any questions please contact Jenny Girard @ 367-8492 or 747-0046. This is an equal opportunity program.

Blood Drive: During Oct. the Red Cross is giving 5 lucky donors a $500 gift card valid at hundreds of merchants. Give blood and you could win! The many people in need of blood will be even bigger winners when your blood saves their lives!! So schedule an appointment at redcrossbood.org or call 800-RED-CROSS for an appointment at Goessel Mennonite Church on Oct. 29 between 1:00-6:00. The usual workers are also needed so sign up on the bulletin board for the time that suits you best to help as receptionist, escort, or in the canteen.

Bethesda Pillars Banquet – November 4 at Cross Wind Conference Center. Punch bowl and informal social time begins at 5:30 p.m. and banquet begins at 6:00 p.m. Entertainment will feature Earnest Alexander, internationally known inspirational performer through music and word, challenging both the young and mature in age to strive for a closer walk with Christ and to answer the question: “How would you like to be remembered”. For more info see the flyer on the bulletin board. All proceeds to toward the Resident Life Enrichment campaign. Reservation deadline is October 21. Your attendance and generosity is appreciated and you will be rewarded by the inspiration of the evening. Call 367-2291 for reservations or contact Bonnie Janzen, Eileen Schmidt, or Jason Unruh.

Conference Announcements

Prayer Requests:

« Western District Conference: Pray for pastors beginning a variety of new ministry assignments in WDC congregations this fall.

« Mennonite Mission Network: Join MMN in praising God for Southern African Development and Reconstruction Agency’s Conflict Transformation program and its success in training peer mediators in high schools. Pray for the youth who build peace in violent situations, and for trainers Dan and Kathryn Smith Derksen as they work alongside SADRA’s director, Oscar Siwali.

« Mennonite Education Agency: Pray for Bethel College students on fall break, especially for safety for athletes and those who are traveling.

« Mennonite Church USA: Prayers are requested for New York Mennonite Conference as they gather for their annual gathering in Auburn, New York on Oct. 20 and for Atlantic Coast Conference’s Annual Assembly in Akron, Pennsylvania on Oct. 26-27.

Announcing — the 2019 WDC Annual Assembly will be held on July 26-27 at Bethel College in North Newton, KS. Put it on your calendars!

The Western District Conference Immigration Task Force would like to thank you for your participation in our survey earlier this year. We hope to use the information we gathered to engage with congregations and support them however we can as they work through issues surrounding immigration in their communities and the United States at large. You can view a brief report of our survey’s findings here: ryan.goertzen.

Many warm thanks to everyone who braved the chilly weather and the possible rain to visit the Camp Mennoscah booth at Bethel College’s Fall Fest and to the really brave souls who helped take out the dam! It was cold water and gray skies, but delightful people. Thank you so much!

Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreats are filling up quickly! These retreats at Camp Mennoscah are October 26-28 and November 2-4. Work on your scrapbook or your favorite craft–or just spend time relaxing with friends! Register online at campmennoscah.org! Further questions? Call 620-297-3290.

Ever wanted to be a Camp Mennoscah host? Now’s your chance! We’re looking for people to help host weekends. This could mean helping with dishes, starting the campfire, making popcorn, or any number of other delightful things we do when groups are at camp. Contact olivia.bartel or call 620-297-3290. We’d love to help you attain your dream of hosting!

A Loaded Conversation an invitation to talk about guns: Guns are part of our lives, whether or not we own or use them. With encouragement and input from pastors and others in the church, MCC U.S. has created this resource to help congregations stay at the table to address the topic of guns. This print resource includes a conversation guide, ways to engage, Bible studies and worship resources. Download the resource and find more ways to engage on the topic at mcc.org/loaded-conversations.

The Hesston College Bel Canto Singers will present a pre-fall tour concert entitled “Grant Us Peace” at Whitestone Mennonite Church, Hesston, on Thurs., Oct. 18, at 7 p.m. The concert is free and open to the public.

Bethel College

—Sun., Oct. 21, 3 p.m. – Bethel College Philharmonia concert, Memorial Hall

—Sun., Oct. 21, 7 p.m. – Menno Simons Lecture with Rachel Waltner Goossen, Washburn University. The series topic is “Sexual Identities and Leaders in the Faith,” with additional lectures Mon., Oct. 22, at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College.

The annual Instituto Bíblico Anabautista (IBA) benefit dinner will be held Friday, Oct. 19 at 6:30 pm at First Mennonite Church of Newton fellowship hall. Join us to enjoy a Smothered Pork Burrito dinner by Chef Carlos Lujano.(Meatless burritos available by request). A program will follow: a dance performed by Iglesia Casa Betania’s children, IBA graduation, student testimony and some words by IBA Director, Marco Güete. You will also have an opportunity to participate in a free will offering to support the program financially. For more information contact Violeta at: VioletaA@MennoniteEducation.org or call 316-281-4342.

MDS Region 3 2018 Annual Meeting: October 26 & 27, 2018 at Swan Lake Christian Camp and Retreat Center 45474-288th St., Viborg, SD. Please see bulletin board for details.

Mennonite Mission Network is seeking to fill three positions. You can read more about the Donor Relations Director, Recruitment Coordinator and Personnel Counselor on our website. If interested, please send a cover letter and resumé to StaffRecruitment@MennoniteMission.net or call Linda Krueger at 574-523-3009

Enjoy BBQ & Bluegrass at the First Mennonite of Halstead’s Annual Hog Roast Sunday evening October 21 from 5-7 pm at the Gazebo in the Scout Park in Halstead (3rd & Locust Street). Bring lawn chairs for the come and go event featuring music by ‘Kilometer 81’ (the Ken & Amy Regier Family) and a pulled pork dinner. Proceeds will support New Hope Shelter in Newton & ongoing relief efforts at Academia Menonita Betania in Puerto Rico which serves children kindergarten thru 10th grade and was severely damaged by hurricanes in 2017. In case of inclement weather, the event will be held in the church directly South of the Park at 427 W 4th

Oct. 14 annc.pdf

Congregational Announcements

Supporting our Mission Partners: We will receive a special offering to support our Mission Partners, Dan and Kathryn Smith Derksen and sons John-Clair and Jacob, this Sunday (October 7) World Communion Sunday. We have committed a minimum of $1,500 to our Mission Partners and still need to collect a little over $1,000 to meet our commitment. During our worship service on October 7, we will also highlight the work of our Mission Partners during the Faith Testimony time.

Today – October 7 – is the Goessel Area Harvest Giving Walk! You can still sign up to walk (or run) two or six miles and you can still make a donation, payable to Harvest Giving Walk. Find a walker today for your generous giving to help MCC support school mediators in Colombia, as well as the expenses of our local Tabor Food Pantry. Participants from our church are: Brent Abrahams, Russell Adrian, Duane and Janna Duerksen and family, Denise and Elton Nickel, Kevin Nickel, Phil Schmidt, and Keri Unruh. Walkers, please be at Goessel Mennonite Church by 1:15 p.m. to sign in and remember to bring an item for the Food Pantry, as well as your donation envelope. (An indoor option has been arranged this year if the weather deems that necessary. Please check in with your church recruiter Sunday morning for final weather-related details.)

Tabor Mennonite Women: Mon, Oct 8, 7 pm, Tabor Mennonite Women’s Meeting topic will be Book Reviews/Book Shares. We would like each one of you to think about who your favorite author is, and bring 1 or 2 books along with you that you have enjoyed or read recently. It can be an inspirational book, a book you read for entertainment, or even a kid’s book that your grandchild enjoys your reading to them. I think it will be an interesting evening of sharing our books, and passing them around for reading enjoyment. -Lois Voth

-This is the time to get a subscription to Timbrel, the Mennonite Women USA magazine. Group rate is $13.00 for one year. Checks payable to TMW and put in Denise Nickel’s mailbox by Oct. 7. If you would like the Bible Study Guide that MWUSA puts out each year, it is $10.00 and can be purchased at Faith and Life or MWUSA office.

-We haven’t had regular offerings throughout the summer. Please put your offering in Denise Nickel’s mailbox for our summer offerings.

Wednesday Evening Trip to the Pumpkin Patch: Following supper, children will ride hayracks to Papa’s Pumpkin Patch this Wednesday evening. Please dress appropriately. Younger children will return to church by 7:30, older children will return by 7:45, and Jr. Highers will return by 8:15. Jr. Highers, please bring flashlights to do the maze. Other Wednesday activities will take place at regular times, including faithful fitness, youth group, adult choir and adult Bible study.

Hayrack Ride to the Pumpkin Patch: Come join us on Sunday, October 21 for our church trip to the Pumpkin Patch! Meet at the church park at 3:30 pm to ride the hayrack to the patch or just meet us at the parch around 4. Please bring money for activities and supper at the patch. We will plan for the hayrack to depart the patch when they close at 6pm. Let us know if you have any questions.

~Tabor Fellowship Planning Team

Tabor Congregational Meeting: TMYF will provide a fundraiser meal on November 4 followed by our annual meeting at 12:30 p.m. The fundraiser is to support our youth attending MC USA Convention this summer. During the meeting, we will affirm those willing to serve in the ministries of Tabor Church, the 2019 budget will be presented for adoption, and the finance and building committees will give updates.

Save the Date: The 6th Annual Goessel Community Thanksgiving Meal will be on Sunday, November 11 in the Goessel Elementary School Gymnasium. Come anytime between 5-6:30pm. This is a free event. Invite your neighbors, family, and friends! There will be an opportunity to donate to the ministries of the Goessel Ministerial Alliance if you desire. If you would like to contribute to the meal, a sign-up sheet is posted in the foyer. If you have any questions, please contact your pastor. ~Goessel Ministerial Alliance

Faith Testimonies: How are you living out or sharing your faith? How does your faith impact how you spend your time and other resources? We would love for many Tabor members and attenders to respond to one of these questions by sharing a brief (3-5 minute) Faith Testimony during a Sunday morning worship service. Please contact a Pastor if you are interested in sharing.

Acts Reading Challenge: If you read through all of Acts in one sitting or at least over the course of 1 week, not only will you receive treasure in heaven, but if you let Pastor Phil know that you have completed the challenge, he will give you an organic, fairly traded chocolate bar! This challenge is for all ages. Younger children may choose to read (or have their parents read to them) all of the Acts stories in the Shine Story Bible to complete the challenge. If you really want a challenge, compete for the grand prize by reading through Acts multiple times in multiple translations! May God challenge and inspire us through the reading of the Word.

Tabor Food Pantry: Current needs are: canned fruits, mixed vegetables, meats, tomatoes, and spaghetti sauce; spaghetti noodles, pasta, cereal, oatmeal, pancake mix, syrup, rice, instant potatoes, cake mix, peanut butter, applesauce, jelly. Also needed: toilet paper, laundry soap, dish soap, toothpaste, paper towels, kleenex. Thank you for your continued support of the Tabor Food Pantry.

Mennonite Heritage & Agricultural Museum: The Fall 2018 Heritage Lecture will feature Peggy Goertzen. The Lecture will be held on Sat., Oct. 13, 9:30 am, at the Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church Fellowship Hall. She will speak about Dr. Peter Richert -Migration, Ministry and Medicine, a man that had a big influence on the history of Goessel. Peggy Goertzen is the director and archivist of the Center for Mennonite Brethren Studies, Tabor College, Hillsboro. This event is free and open to the public.

Commodity Distribution will take place on Friday October 19, from 5-6 p.m. at Goessel Mennonite Church. If you are in need of a little help, or if someone you know is, please come by. There is no need for proof of income or any paperwork involved. If you have any questions please contact Jenny Girard @ 367-8492 or 747-0046. This is an equal opportunity program.

Bethesda Pillars Banquet – November 4 at Cross Wind Conference Center. Punch bowl and informal social time begins at 5:30 p.m. and banquet begins at 6:00 p.m. Entertainment will feature Earnest Alexander, internationally known inspirational performer through music and word, challenging both the young and mature in age to strive for a closer walk with Christ and to answer the question: “How would you like to be remembered”. For more info see the flyer on the bulletin board. All proceeds to toward the Resident Life Enrichment campaign. Reservation deadline is October 21. Your attendance and generosity is appreciated and you will be rewarded by the inspiration of the evening. Call 367-2291 for reservations or contact Bonnie Janzen, Eileen Schmidt, or Jason Unruh.

Conference Announcements

Prayer Requests:

« Western District Conference: Pray for Bethel College as it celebrates president Jonathan Gering’s inauguration today, and give thanks for WDC’s longstanding partnership with Bethel in nurturing church-related higher education.

« Mennonite Mission Network: Tomorrow is Indigenous Peoples Day. MMN requests prayer for the descendants of White settlers to understand their complicity in the oppression of the original inhabitants of this land. Pray also for mission workers who support marginalized people groups in reclaiming their land, their language, and their dignity.

« Mennonite Education Agency: Goshen College. Pray for all involved in the production and in the audience of the Goshen College Peace Play.

« Mennonite Church USA: Prayers are requested for the MC USA Constituency Leaders Council as they gather in Chicago, Illinois on Oct. 11-13. Ray Reimer (WDC Moderator), Heidi Regier Kreider (WDC Conference Minister) and Damian Rodriguez are WDC representatives to CLC, appointed by the WDC Executive Board.

Announcing — the 2019 WDC Annual Assembly will be held on July 26-27 at Bethel College in North Newton, KS. Put it on your calendars!

Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreats are filling up quickly! These retreats at Camp Mennoscah are October 26-28 and November 2-4. Work on your scrapbook or your favorite craft–or just spend time relaxing with friends! Register online at campmennoscah.org! Further questions? Call 620-297-3290.

"Kits are for Caring" New Resource: MCC has a new resource for churches to get children (and people of all ages) excited about collecting relief kits! Designed to be ready to use, the resource includes curriculum to guide a group of children toward a celebration of sharing God’s gifts by collecting humanitarian aid for those in need around the world. Whether you use the curriculum in Sunday School classes, during the children’s story or in a Bible camp, there are games, stories and activity sheets that will engage children of all ages. But there are also resources to use with adult groups, including prayer cards and in-depth info sheets. Would you consider collecting relief kits this Thanksgiving or Christmas season? Contact tinaschrag or call 316.283.2720 if you need help downloading the PDF files or for more information. https://mcc.org/stories/kits-are-caring-resource

Join MCC and Bethel College in the Loss of Turtle Island as an alternative way to recognize Columbus Day on Monday, October 8 at 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Bethel College’s Memorial Hall in N Newton The Loss of Turtle Island is a participatory experience that depicts the historic relationship between European settlers – including Mennonites – and the Indigenous nations, the original inhabitants, of the land we now call the United States of America. This event is free and open to the public. Questions, contact karinkaufmanwall.

Hesston College’s Fall Cultures Fair: Delicious food and beverage samples from around the world, singing, dancing, storytelling (en español) and lots of fun for all ages, this 27-year tradition, will highlight the 22 countries students call home. Bring the family for this free event and celebrate our global community. Monday, Oct. 8, 7 p.m. at Hesston Mennonite Church on the Hesston College campus. Contact Carlota Ponds, Director of International Student Support, for more information: 620-327-8210 or carlota.ponds.

Comforter Mini Blitz October 12 and 13: If you can tie a knot, you can tie a comforter! Join in the fun at this relaxed, come-and-go event at MCC in N Newton. Bring your friends and family, all ages are welcome. Friday, October 12, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturday, October 13, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Before you know it, you’ll have helped to spread warmth and love around the world! Check out katemast.

The Hesston College Bel Canto Singers will present a pre-fall tour concert entitled "Grant Us Peace" at Whitestone Mennonite Church, Hesston, on Thurs., Oct. 18, at 7 p.m. The concert is free and open to the public.

The annual Instituto Bíblico Anabautista (IBA) benefit dinner will be held Friday, Oct. 19 at 6:30 pm at First Mennonite Church of Newton fellowship hall. Join us to enjoy a Smothered Pork Burrito dinner by Chef Carlos Lujano.(Meatless burritos available by request). A program will follow: a dance performed by Iglesia Casa Betania’s children, IBA graduation, student testimony and some words by IBA Director, Marco Güete. You will also have an opportunity to participate in a free will offering to support the program financially. For more information contact Violeta at: VioletaA@MennoniteEducation.org or call 316-281-4342.

MDS Region 3 2018 Annual Meeting: October 26 & 27, 2018 at Swan Lake Christian Camp and Retreat Center 45474-288th St., Viborg, SD. Please see bulletin board for details.

Anabaptist History: Trachselwald Castle and Other Events in the Emmental is the topic and the title of their message is “Schloss Trachselwald: The Conversion of a Prison Tower of Anabaptist Persecution into and Anabaptist Museum” at the Swiss Mennonite Cultural and Historical Association fall banquet at Bethel College Mem Hall on Thursday, Oct. 18, at 6:00 p.m. by speakers Don and Joanne Hess Siegrist, PA. Dinner is $20 per plate. RSVP by phone or text to Barbara Stucky at 620-386-0186 before Fri., Oct. 12. All wanting to learn more about the early Anabaptist story are welcome.

The Siegrists will speak the next day, Fri., Oct. 19, at Bethel College Convocation at 11:00 at Krehbiel Auditorium on “Building a Bridge Back to Switzerland.” Free and open to all students and the public.

Oct. 7 annc.pdf

Congregational Announcements

Faith Formation Class: If you are interested in reading and discussing Brad Roth’s book, God’s Country: Faith, Hope, and the Future of the Rural Church, please let me (Pastor Phil) know via email, phone, or in-person, or just come to Pastor Phil’s office during Faith Formation on Sunday.

Faith Testimonies: How are you living out or sharing your faith? How does your faith impact how you spend your time and other resources? We would love for many Tabor members and attenders to respond to one of these questions by sharing a brief (3-5 minute) Faith Testimony during a Sunday morning worship service. Please contact a Pastor if you are interested in sharing.

Wednesday Evening Ministries: Come enjoy supper on October 3 beginning at 5:45pm in the church park. Bring lawn chairs or blankets, and wiener sticks. Following supper there will be a family/small group photo scavenger hunt. Parents, please attend if at all possible. Bring a camera or phone. We plan to be finished between 7:15 and 7:30. Fellowship hall if raining. If anyone has hot dog sticks that could be used for supper, please contact Doris Unruh or Keith Banman.

Supporting our Mission Partners: We will receive a special offering to support our Mission Partners, Dan and Kathryn Smith Derksen and sons John-Clair and Jacob, on World Communion Sunday (October 7). We have committed a minimum of $1,500 to our Mission Partners and still need to collect a little over $1,000 to meet our commitment. During our worship service on October 7, we will also highlight the work of our Mission Partners during the Faith Testimony time.

Acts Reading Challenge: If you read through all of Acts in one sitting or at least over the course of 1 week, not only will you receive treasure in heaven, but if you let Pastor Phil know that you have completed the challenge, he will give you an organic, fairly traded chocolate bar! This challenge is for all ages. Younger children may choose to read (or have their parents read to them) all of the Acts stories in the Shine Story Bible to complete the challenge. If you really want a challenge, compete for the grand prize by reading through Acts multiple times in multiple translations! May God challenge and inspire us through the reading of the Word.

Tabor Food Pantry: Current needs are: canned fruits, mixed vegetables, meats, tomatoes, and spaghetti sauce; spaghetti noodles, pasta, cereal, oatmeal, pancake mix, syrup, rice, instant potatoes, cake mix, peanut butter, applesauce, jelly. Also needed: toilet paper, laundry soap, dish soap, toothpaste, paper towels, kleenex. Thank you for your continued support of the Tabor Food Pantry.

Tabor Mennonite Women: This is the time to get a subscription to Timbrel, the Mennonite Women USA magazine. It is a way to keep up with prophetic voices of Mennonite Women from all over the world. Issues include subjects such as worship, health, finance, balancing living, gratitude . . . and this fall issue is “Faith and Feminism”. Pastor Katherine is interviewed in this issue. The group rate is $13.00 for one year. If you are interested, make your check out to TMW and put in Denise Nickel’s mailbox by Oct. 7. If you have questions or would like to see a magazine, contact Denise. Also, the new Bible Study Guide that MWUSA puts out each year is by Carol Penner, “Everyday Worship”. TMW will be using this for devotions this year but if you would like your own copy, it is $10.00 and can be purchased at Faith and Life or MWUSA office.

—We haven’t had regular offerings throughout the summer. Please put your offering in Denise Nickel’s mailbox for our summer offerings.

The Harvest Giving Walk will take place at Goessel Mennonite Church Sunday, October 7 at 1:30 p.m. Pick up a Walk envelope today or find someone who is walking and generously support the Tabor Food Pantry and MCC’s Network of Peacebuilding Schools. Walkers from our church are: Brent Abrahams, Russell Adrian, Lee Goertzen, Denise and Elton Nickel, Kevin Nickel, and Phil Schmidt. Walkers are invited to bring an item for the Tabor Food Pantry. (Please make checks payable to Harvest Giving Walk.)

Position needing to be filled before Oct. 15: Mennonite College Scholarship Task Force Chairperson. Job description: Please see Sept. 9 or 16 announcements. See Gayle Funk if you have questions or think that this might be a mission for you!

Mennonite Youth Census: Mennonite Education Agency is asking for record updates for children/students in the Mennonite Church. The purpose of the Mennonite Education Agency Youth Census is to give Mennonite Church USA students of all ages access to the programs and activities of the church. On behalf of the institutions and agencies of Mennonite Church USA, MEA gathers demographic information about students — name, contact information (such as address and phone number), birth date, gender, race and school information. This information is then made available to Mennonite-related groups upon request. The information is not available to groups outside Mennonite Church USA. The data is not used for fund-raising purposes and may not be posted on the internet. If you do not want information for your child/children given to MEA, please contact Kim Funk before October 12 to let her know.

Conference Announcements

Prayer Requests:

« Western District Conference: Give thanks for the WDC Resource Library, and pray that it would be a source of inspiration, growth and learning throughout the conference.

« Mennonite Mission Network: MMN’s Service Adventure unit in Anchorage, Alaska, is made up of Brayden Thomas, Jasmin Tente, Jessica Porr, Max Janzen, and leader Monica Miller. Pray for them as they help expand the ministry of Prince of Peace Mennonite Church.

Join God’s work through WDC! Your financial gifts help WDC provide coaching for church planters, youth leadership training and discipleship initiatives, devotional and Bible study resources, support for pastors and congregations in transition, training for child and youth safety in congregations, response to immigration concerns, and much more. Please consider a contribution to WDC, online at http://mennowdc.org, or sent to PO Box 306, North Newton, KS 67117. Thank you!

Several WDC congregations and members are featured in a recent issue of Mennonite World Review, in a series of articles about the experiences of immigrants in Texas. To read the online article, see http://mennoworld.org/2018/09/17/feature/immigrants-find-refuge-in-texas-congregations/. Other articles are in the September 24, 2018, print version of MWR.

MennoMedia needs your help to make the new Voices Together hymnal a reality by Fall 2020. Before any copies of Voices Together are sold, MennoMedia will invest more than $700,000. Everence and Mennonite Central Committee U.S. have issued a matching grant challenge of up to $100,000 to help MennoMedia in this final fund-raising effort. Help ensure that Voices Together will be affordably priced for congregations. Make a gift today and have it doubled! Give at

VoicesTogetherHymnal.org. Every voice matters. Every dollar counts.

Join MCC and Bethel College in the Loss of Turtle Island as an alternative way to recognize Columbus Day on Monday, October 8 at 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Bethel College’s Memorial Hall in N Newton, Kansas. The Loss of Turtle Island is a participatory experience that depicts the historic relationship between European settlers – including Mennonites – and the Indigenous nations, the original inhabitants, of the land we now call the United States of America. This event is free and open to the public. Questions, contact karinkaufmanwall.

Comforter Mini Blitz October 12 and 13: If you can tie a knot, you can tie a comforter! Join in the fun at this relaxed, come-and-go event at MCC in N Newton. Bring your friends and family, all ages are welcome. Friday, October 12, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturday, October 13, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Before you know it, you’ll have helped to spread warmth and love around the world! Check out katemast.

MDS Region 3 2018 Annual Meeting: October 26 & 27, 2018 at Swan Lake Christian Camp and Retreat Center 45474-288th St., Viborg, SD. Please see bulletin board for details.

Prayers for Peace, a service planned by the Newton Mennonite churches, will take place on Sunday, October 7, 7 pm at New Creation Mennonite Fellowship. You are all invited to this time of scripture, prayer, music, and reflection.

Hesston College Theatre presents it’s fall comedy, The Misanthrope, for four performances Oct. 4 to 7. The play, by Moliere, is a 17th century comedy with a playful 21st century twist. Showtime on Oct. 4 to 6 is 7 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Oct. 7. All performances are in the Keim Center Black Box Theatre on the Hesston College campus. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students, and can be purchased in advance through the Hesston College Bookstore at 620-327-8105.

Fall Festival at Bethel College in North Newton will be on October 4-7with most events on October 6.

-Bethel College Music and Theater present Little Women – Fri., Oct. 5, 7:30pm, Sat., Oct. 6, 3:30pm, Sun., Oct. 7, 3pm, Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Tickets at Thresher Shop in Schultz Student Center, Mon.-Fri., 8am-5 pm, or a minimum of one hour before show time in the LFAC ticket office, subject to availability.

-The Bethel College Alumni Choir invites any interested choir alumni to join a rehearsal, Oct. 6, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (during Fall Festival), at Bethel College Mennonite Church, and sing in a short concert at 2 p.m., also at BCMC (part of the Fall Fest hymnsing). The alumni choir is an informal group that meets to sing and perform three times a year – see the choir Facebook page or e-mail Braden Unruh, unruhb, for more information.

-Bethel College invites you to the inauguration of Jonathan C. Gering as the 15th president of Bethel College, Sun., Oct. 7, 10 a.m., Memorial Hall, with a public reception to follow.

-Bethel College Women’s Association:

-Donations needed for baked goods for the Market in the Round

-The BCWA Council donations of pies

-The BCWA will again feature a Silent Auction in the Fine Arts Center.

For details on all BCWA, please see Sept. 16 announcement.

Everence will offer its popular retirement workshop, Your Medicare options, on Tues., Oct. 2, at 6:30 pm. Attendees will learn about the various Medicare plans and what they cover; plans that supplement Medicare; and enrollment details and deadlines. The workshop will be presented by Everence staff at MCC Central States Office, 121 E. 30th, N. Newton. Refreshments will be served. Reserve your spot soon by contacting Michelle Ramer at (316) 283-3800; (877) 467-7294 or michelle.ramer.

The Kansas Poor People’s Campaign will host a Kansas People’s Hearing on Mon, Oct. 8, 6:30 pm at the WSU Metroplex (5015 E 29th St N., Wichita). This event will be another opportunity to further lift up voices in our State that typically do not get heard. National Co-Chairs Revs. William Barber & Liz Theoharis will be present and supporting the continued work of combating Poverty, Racism, War Spending, & Destruction of Mother Earth! For more information, visit the Kansas People’s Hearing Facebook Event:

www.facebook.com/events/2105106039706562.

The Kidron Bethel Parkinson’s Support Group will meet Tuesday, October 2, at 2 pm. in Menno Hall. The program, “Caregivers Carousel,” will focus on the ups and downs of care giving and care receiving, sometimes referred to as partnering. Presenters include Susie Wickiser, member, Debra Voth, MSW, and Wanda Black from the Department of Aging.

Do you know high-school students with gifts for leadership and ministry? Through AMBS’s !Explore program, students in grades 10-12 can explore ministry and theology, grow in spiritual practices and listen for God’s call through a summer congregational internship and a Group Experience (July 9-25). Scholarships are available. Apply for 2019! ambs.edu/explore

Sept. 30 annc.pdf