News & Media

Congregational Announcements

Goessel Ministerial Alliance invites the entire community to eat and give thanks together. The 7th Annual Goessel Community Thanksgiving Meal is will take place Sunday, November 10 in the Goessel Elementary School Gymnasium between 5-6:30pm. Come with your neighbors, family, and friends to this free event! There will be an opportunity to donate to the ministries of GMA. If you have any questions, please contact the church office. ~Goessel Ministerial Alliance

Rejoice! The winter issue of this devotional book is available in the foyer on the shelf below the mailboxes. Please feel free to pick one up for your personal use.

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. You may place your groceries on the island in the basement kitchen. 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.

Tabor Mennonite Women: Our next meeting is Monday, November 11 at 7 pm. This will be our annual Sister Care event with our Pastors Rosie and Katherine giving us personal stories and sharing of their Sister Care experiences. We look forward to this evening together! If you have questions, contact Denise.

Women’s and girls annual Christmas breakfast is Saturday, Dec. 14 at 9am. We are needing three or four ladies to volunteer to help with the food. Please consider, and contact Barb Banman with questions and intent.

Basement Remodel: There will be a meeting to discuss the remodel of the basement fellowship hall on November 12 at 7:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

Fundraiser Meal and Congregational Meeting will be November 17 following Faith Formation. Stay for the noon fundraiser meal to help with expenses for our Junior High kids to attend Snow Camp at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp in January. Tabor’s congregational meeting will follow and we will affirm individuals to serve, set budget for fiscal 2020, and hear a final report from the Facilities Finance Committee.

Coming to Stories & Stuff on Thursday, November 21! "Major and Minor Motifs and Musings by Marcene”. Come and bring a friend!

The Tabor Trading Post is back this year on December 1 and 8. See November newsletter for more details.

The Great Winter Warm UP! Tabor Church will be hosting a Mennonite Central Committee Comforter Blitz on January 18. You can start now to make comforter tops for this event. Use your own fabric or fabric available from MCC. Contact Sharon Adrian (620-877-7239; sladrian49), Kim Funk (; 620-747-0408; kfunk) or Ruth Goertzen (alexmenno; 620-747-0074) with question, to pick up a kit to sew or for instructions to make a 60” X 80“ top. A donation box can be found in the foyer if you would like to help purchase batting and supplies for the comforters.

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

The Second Monday Family History & Genealogy Group will meet Monday, Nov. 11, 7pm, in the Goessel City Building Community Room. Elaine McAllister of Hillsboro and author of her recently published book, Celebrate Grandparenting, will give practical tips for sharing family history information with family members.

Conference Announcements

Prayer Requests:

« Western District Conference: Pray for the WDC Resource Commission as it equips congregations for faith formation, justice and peacemaking, safe sanctuaries, evangelism and community connections, historical storytelling, and other aspects of congregational ministry and outreach.

« Mennonite Mission Network: A delegation of MMN alumni and staff are on a service-learning tour in Arizona. Pray for participants this week as they worship with Shalom and Trinity Mennonite congregations, learn about immigration, walk along the border wall, visit Peace Academic Center, and participate in a SOOP workday.

« Mennonite Education Agency: Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary. Pray for participants in AMBS’ new Transition to Leadership program, which provides guidance for new pastors in their first years of ministry, and give thanks for the grant funding that makes it free of charge for those beginning in 2019–20.

Western District Conference:

Byron Pellecer has submitted his resignation as WDC Associate Conference Minister (Texas) effective January 31, 2020, so that he and his wife can move to live closer to family in Virginia. “During my years of ministry and service to the church and to WDC, I experienced God’s blessings and joy,” Byron wrote, “I am very grateful for the opportunity to serve the conference.” Byron has served as an Associate Conference Minister for WDC since May 2016, following three years as a church planter in Wichita, Kansas. WDC has been enriched by Byron’s missional vision as he has nurtured connections across ethnic and cultural differences, supported pastors and congregations in Texas, and promoted church planting. We pray for God’s guidance and blessing for Byron as he prepares for this transition. – Heidi Regier Kreider, WDC Conference Minister

—Thank you for your financial contributions for Western District Conference’s ministries of supporting ministerial leaders, resourcing congregations, and nurturing church planting. Current projections suggest that WDC income will fall short of expenses for the current year, so your generous gifts are invited to help close the gap towards WDC’s 2019 budget goal! Please send to WDC at PO Box 306, North Newton, KS 67117

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

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

Mennonite Church USA:

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

Camp Mennoscah:

—Tap some shoulders and spread the news! Camp Mennoscah is recruiting at Hesston, Tabor, Bethel, and McPherson Colleges on Nov. 11-14 respectively. Stop by, pick up information, and say hi! A pizza gathering for all interested in summer staff positions will be on Nov. 13 at 6:15pm at Papa John’s in Newton. Response needed! Please let us know you plan to come at 620-297-3290 or

olivia.bartel. (No responses = no pizza gathering.)

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

Mennonite Central Committee (MCC):

—RSVP now for the next MCC Lunch & Learn! Please join us on Thursday, Nov. 14, noon-1 p.m. at MCC in N. Newton as we enjoy lunch and hear from Rosie Epp about her recent trip to Ukraine. Epp traveled with the boards from MCC U.S. and MCC Canada to see where MCC’s work began nearly 100 years ago and to visit the work currently happening in Ukraine. Please RSVP by November 11 by calling 316.283.2720, patsydirksen, suggested donation for lunch is $10 and please let us know if you have a food allergy. Find out more at mcc.org/lunchandlearn.

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

Hesston College:

—The Andover Organ Series at Hesston College, Monday, November 11, 7pm. Featuring Pierre Queval of Paris, France. Free admission, reception to follow.

—Masterworks 2019: Hesston College choirs, community members and orchestra present “Song of Wisdom from Old Turtle. Saturday, November 16, 7 pm, Hesston Mennonite Church. Free admission. A free-will offering will be collected.

Bethel College:

—Final chance to register for the 5th biennial Worship & the Arts Symposium at Bethel College, “Many Cultures, One Worship: A Foretaste of a Reconciled Heaven in a Broken World,” Nov. 22-23, with David M. Bailey and Urban Doxology of Richmond, Va. See www.bethelks.edu/worshiparts for more information and online registration;

fee reduction when 3 or more members of one congregation register as a group.

Registrations requested by Nov. 11.

—Fri., Nov. 15 – Bethel College Wind Ensemble concert, “Star Wars,” 7:30 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center

—Sun., Nov. 17 – KIPCOR Film Series: Dawnland, 3 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College; talkback follows with Dan Wildcat of Haskell Indian Nations University, Lawrence

Mission Supper at First Mennonite Church, Halstead, Sat., Nov. 16, 5-7 pm. Menu: Smoked German Sausage, Chicken Borscht, Sauerkraut, Fried Potatoes, Green Beans, Zwieback, homemade Pie or CakeCost is by donation. Proceeds will go to Safehope, advocacy and outreach services for domestic violence and sexual assault victims, and MMN workers Dan & Kathryn Smith Derksen family and Dave and Rebekka Stutzman Family.

Messiah Presentation: Every three years, First Mennonite Church in Newton presents Handel’s Messiah with an 80 voice choir, orchestra and soloists. We can’t do this without help from community singers! Please consider this opportunity to sing. The schedule is as follows: Rehearsals are Sundays, November 17, 24, December 1, and 8 from 2:00-3:30 pm in the First Mennonite Church Sanctuary. Bring your Messiah books or there will be books to check out and return. Dress rehearsal on Saturday, December 14 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. Presentation on Sunday, December 15 at 7:00 pm. Our director this year is Matthew Graber. Thank you for considering singing with us.

Nov. 11 annc.pdf

Congregational Announcements

MCC Meat Canning continues until November 5 at the MCC Center in North Newton. Please consider volunteering. Donations are also requested.

Please make checks payable to Tabor Mennonite Church and place them in the truck in the foyer. Contact Kenton Nickel with any questions.

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. You may place your groceries on the island in the basement kitchen. 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.

For 45 years, the Mennonite Heritage & Agricultural Museum has been telling the migration story and sharing the faith of the Mennonites who settled in the Goessel area. In celebration and with gratitude, museum board members will be serving Menno Bros. pizza, along with fresh tossed salad and delicious cookies, between 5:45 and 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 6. All proceeds from the meal will benefit the museum; your donations will be gratefully accepted. Please join us!

50th Anniversary Tabor Mennonite Men’s Chicken Barbeque, Thursday, November 7, 5-7 pm. Bring your appetite and a donation! Donations will go to Core Communities Marion County and Mennonite Men JoinHands.

Goessel Ministerial Alliance invites the entire community to eat and give thanks together. The 7th Annual Goessel Community Thanksgiving Meal is will take place Sunday, November 10 in the Goessel Elementary School Gymnasium between 5-6:30pm. Come with your neighbors, family, and friends to this free event! Please consider signing up on the bulletin board in the foyer to contribute to the meal. There will also be an opportunity to donate to the ministries of GMA. If you have any questions, please contact the church office. ~Goessel Ministerial Alliance

Basement Remodel: There will be a meeting to discuss the remodel of the basement fellowship hall on November 12 at 7:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

Fundraiser Meal and Congregational Meeting will be November 17 following Faith Formation. Stay for the noon fundraiser meal to help with expenses for our Junior High kids to attend Snow Camp at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp in January. Tabor’s congregational meeting will follow and we will affirm individuals to serve, set budget for fiscal 2020, and hear a final report from the Facilities Finance Committee.

Coming to Stories & Stuff on Thursday, November 21! "Major and Minor Motifs and Musings by Marcene”. Come and bring a friend!

The Tabor Trading Post is back this year on December 1 and 8. See November newsletter for more details.

Women’s and girls annual Christmas breakfast is Saturday, Dec. 14 at 9am. We are needing three or four ladies to volunteer to help with the food. Please consider, and contact Barb Banman with questions and intent.

Coming! The Great Winter Warm-UP! In celebration of Mennonite Central Committee’s 100th anniversary, MCC is collecting 6,500 comforters to deliver to people affected by disaster and conflict all around the world. Join hundreds of others across the nation who are making comforters. Alexanderwohl and Tabor Mennonite Church will host an MCC Comforter Blitz for everyone in the Goessel Community, at the Tabor Mennonite Church Fellowship Hall on Saturday, January 18, 2020, 9am – 4pm. Something for everyone—pin, tie, trim, sew, or help in the kitchen with snacks and the noon meal. In the meantime, you can start now to make comforter tops for this event. Use your own fabric or contact Ruth, Sharon or Kim for fabric available from MCC and for instructions to make a 60” X 80“ top. A donation box can be found in the foyer if you would like to help purchase batting and supplies for the comforters. Contact Ruth Goertzen (alexmenno; 620-747-0074), Sharon Adrian (sladrian49; 620-877-7239), or Kim Funk (kfunk; 620-747-0408) with questions. We look forward to seeing many of you at this Goessel Community Winter Warm-up!

The Second Monday Family History & Genealogy Group will meet Monday, Nov. 11, 7pm, in the Goessel City Building Community Room. Elaine McAllister of Hillsboro and author of her recently published book, Celebrate Grandparenting, will give practical tips for sharing family history information with family members.

Conference Announcements

Prayer Requests:

« Western District Conference: Pray for Prairie View, a regional mental health center and institutional partner of WDC, as it nurtures healing and hope and offers resources for members of our communities and congregations.

« Mennonite Mission Network: When Ecuador’s president, Lenín Moreno, ended fuel subsidies last month, unrest erupted. Indigenous and other marginalized people seized the opportunity to protest inequalities in government policies. MMN requests prayer for negotiations as the government and indigenous people work to create a just policy that will lead to peace.

« Mennonite Education Agency: “Read Now – Read Forever” is the theme of the 100th anniversary of National Children’s Book Week, November 4-10. Mennonite Early Childhood Network encourages us to pray that adults may model this theme by reading carefully selected books with children. Please check with your church, school and community libraries for events.

« Mennonite Central Committee: Please pray for the MCC Mobile Cannery as it travels through Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota, Oklahoma and Iowa this fall. Please pray for the four MCC canners, the volunteers who donate money and time at each canning site and the recipients of canned meat. Find out more at mcc.org/canning.

Mennonite Church USA:

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

—See a report from the recent meeting of the MC USA Constituency Leaders Council, a denominational advisory group of conference, agency and constituency leaders, in Glendale, AZ at: mennoniteusa.org/news/clc-denomination-full-of-love

—You can still join in the Mennonite Church USA Faith Formation fall webinar series on Anabaptism and American Politics. The third session, Vision: Policy & Possibility When Jesus is Lord, will take place on Tuesday, November 19. Sign up and find more information at thegatheringplace.us.

—MC USA has issued a statement commemorating 1619 and the ongoing impact of slavery. This year marks 400 years since 1619, the year when a ship carried enslaved people from West Africa to the British colony of Virginia for the first time. This is a season to grieve for all those who have been dehumanized in our country’s particularly brutal system of slavery, and it’s a time for action. Learn more at: mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/statement-1619-slaverys-ongoing-impact

—Join the conversation on faith and health! Mennonite Healthcare Fellowship (MHF) invites any Anabaptist working or interested in any healthcare field to join MHF! Students, practitioners, retirees–-you are all welcome! Write to info, call 888-406-3643 or go to www.mennohealth.org/JoinTheConversation.

Mennonite Mission Network (MMN):

— Workers Delicia Bravo and Peter Wigginton in Newton to share about their work in Ecuador. You are invited to join MC USA staff in the Newton offices (718 N Main, Newton) to hear from MMN International Service Workers, Delicia Bravo and Peter Wigginton, on Friday, Nov. 8th at 10am. They will share about the ministries in which they are involved in Ecuador. Peter and Delicia coordinate Ecuador Partnership roles with intercultural and indigenous churches, and ministries like the Quito’s church refugee program and after-school support for children.

-MMN is seeking a full-time coordinator for the Church Relations department. Responsibilities include assisting the Church Relations department in peace church planting, discipleship, mission education and partnerships. MMN has a full-time position available for a finance assistant. Qualified applicants will have a minimum of a two-year business degree or equivalent work experience in finance. See the complete position descriptions at www.mennonitemission.net or send a resumé to StaffRecruitment@MennoniteMission.net.

Camp Mennoscah: We’re so glad you’re interested in being on Summer Staff! Camp Mennoscah is recruiting at Hesston, Tabor, Bethel, and McPherson Colleges on Nov. 11-14 respectively. Stop by, pick up information, and say hi! A pizza gathering for all interested in summer staff positions will be on Nov. 13 at 6:15pm at Papa John’s in Newton. Response needed! Please let us know you plan to come at olivia.bartel

@campmennoscah.org or 620-297-3290. (No responses = no pizza gathering.)

Mennonite Central Committee (MCC):

—RSVP now for the next MCC Lunch & Learn! Please join us on Thursday, Nov. 14, noon-1 p.m. at MCC in N. Newton as we enjoy lunch and hear from Rosie Epp about her recent trip to Ukraine. Epp traveled with the boards from MCC U.S. and MCC Canada to see where MCC’s work began nearly 100 years ago and to visit the work currently happening in Ukraine. Please RSVP by November 11 by calling 316.283.2720, patsydirksen, suggested donation for lunch is $10 and please let us know if you have a food allergy. Find out more at mcc.org/lunchandlearn.

—Looking for that next great adventure? MCC SALT positions now available! Take chances. Make mistakes. Get messy. Be challenged. Learn some things. Teach some things. Spend a year living somewhere that you never dreamed you’d go… Serving and Learning Together (SALT) is a year-long, cross-cultural service experience. Through SALT, Christian young adults from Canada and the U.S. serve internationally in a wide variety of positions in fields like education, agriculture, health care, information technology, peace and more! Start now at salt.mcc.org, to find answers to frequently asked questions, assignment options and to apply. Application close date 02/15/20.

—Mennonite Central Committee has a new service opportunity called Seek! It’s an intentional discipleship program which focuses on exposing young adults in what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ, from an Anabaptist faith perspective. We’re looking for a coordinator to provide leadership for the program in East Jerusalem, Israel. The Seek Coordinator will provide leadership and assume responsibility for the spiritual direction, development and implementation of the program. See vacancy online for more details! Application close date 11/30/19. serve.mcc.org

—Looking for a way to connect with people and engage with Mennonite Central Committee’s supporters? We’re hiring an Alumni Engagement Coordinator! The person in this salaried position will coordinate the alumni experience and support colleagues in strategic engagement of alumni. Application close date 11/18/19. For more information and to apply, please visit: serve.mcc.org

Bethel College:

—Sun., Nov. 3 – Bethel Sings, featuring the Women’s Chorus, Men’s Ensemble, Woven, Open Road, Concert Choir, and soloists, 4 p.m., Bethel College Mennonite Church

—Thurs., Nov. 7 – Jasmyn Story, KIPCOR Peace Lecture, “From the Deep South to the World: What Social Justice Can Tell Us Today,” 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College. Story is deputy director of the Office of Social Justice and Racial Equity for the Birmingham (Ala.) mayor’s office.

—Register now for the 5th biennial Worship & the Arts Symposium at Bethel College, “Many Cultures, One Worship: A Foretaste of a Reconciled Heaven in a Broken World,” Nov. 22-23, with David M. Bailey and Urban Doxology of Richmond, Va. See www.bethelks.edu/worshiparts for more information and online registration;

fee reduction when 3 or more members of one congregation register as a group.

Registrations requested by Nov. 11.

Mission Supper at First Mennonite Church, Halstead, Sat., Nov. 16, 5-7 pm. Menu: Smoked German Sausage, Chicken Borscht, Sauerkraut, Fried Potatoes, Green Beans, Zwieback, homemade Pie or CakeCost is by donation. Proceeds will go to Safehope, advocacy and outreach services for domestic violence and sexual assault victims, and MMN workers Dan & Kathryn Smith Derksen family and Dave and Rebekka Stutzman Family.

Nov. 3 annc.pdf

Congregational Announcements

MCC Meat Canning will take place from Oct. 24-Nov. 5 at the MCC Center in North Newton. Please consider volunteering. Donations are also requested.

Please make checks payable to Tabor Mennonite Church and place them in the truck in the foyer. Contact Kenton Nickel with any questions.

Why would you want to JUST SIT? Because you’ve heard that other people do it but you don’t have time. Because it will change your life. Because the pills aren’t working. Because you haven’t taken a deep breath since the last time you jumped into a pool. Because you think meditation isn’t for you . . . but you’re wrong.

What does it mean to JUST SIT? And why would you consider giving it just 20 minutes a day? Come find out! Come hear from some local folks who are just sitting, and how your life could be better if you did it too. See you Saturday, November 2, 8 am. at Bethesda’s Lincoln Perk and we will go from there. Questions? Contact Brenda Buller, brendasue.buller, phone 386-0581;

Rosie Jantz, rjantz, phone 316-772-8740;

Carol Duerksen, willowspringdowns13, 386-0709.

For 45 years, the Mennonite Heritage & Agricultural Museum has been telling the migration story and sharing the faith of the Mennonites who settled in the Goessel area. In celebration and with gratitude, museum board members will be serving Menno Bros. pizza, along with fresh tossed salad and delicious cookies, between 5:45 and 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 6. All proceeds from the meal will benefit the museum; your donations will be gratefully accepted. Please join us!

50th Anniversary Tabor Mennonite Men’s Chicken Barbeque, Thursday, November 7, 5-7 pm. Bring your appetite and a donation! Donations will go to Core Communities Marion County and Mennonite Men JoinHands.

Basement Remodel: There will be a meeting to discuss the remodel of the basement fellowship hall on November 12 at 7:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

Coming to Stories & Stuff on Thursday, November 21! "Major and Minor Motifs and Musings by Marcene”. Come and bring a friend!

The Tabor Trading Post is back this year on December 1 and 8. See upcoming November newsletter for more details.

Goessel Ministerial Alliance invites the entire community to eat and give thanks together. The 7th Annual Goessel Community Thanksgiving Meal is will take place Sunday, November 10 in the Goessel Elementary School Gymnasium between 5-6:30pm. Come with your neighbors, family, and friends to this free event! Please consider signing up on the bulletin board in the foyer to contribute to the meal. There will also be an opportunity to donate to the ministries of GMA. If you have any questions, please contact the church office. ~Goessel Ministerial Alliance

Women’s and girls annual Christmas breakfast is Saturday, Dec. 14 at 9am. We are needing three or four ladies to volunteer to help with the food. Please consider, and contact Barb Banman with questions and intent.

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

Coming! The Great Winter Warm-UP! In celebration of Mennonite Central Committee’s 100th anniversary, MCC is collecting 6,500 comforters to deliver to people affected by disaster and conflict all around the world. Join hundreds of others across the nation who are making comforters. Alexanderwohl and Tabor Mennonite Church will host an MCC Comforter Blitz for everyone in the Goessel Community, at the Tabor Mennonite Church Fellowship Hall on Saturday, January 18, 2020, 9am – 4pm. Something for everyone—pin, tie, trim, sew, or help in the kitchen with snacks and the noon meal. In the meantime, you can start now to make comforter tops for this event. Use your own fabric or contact Ruth, Sharon or Kim for fabric available from MCC and for instructions to make a 60” X 80“ top. A donation box can be found in the foyer if you would like to help purchase batting and supplies for the comforters. Contact Ruth Goertzen (alexmenno; 620-747-0074), Sharon Adrian (sladrian49; 620-877-7239), or Kim Funk (kfunk; 620-747-0408) with questions. We look forward to seeing many of you at this Goessel Community Winter Warm-up!

Dates to Remember:

November 7: Tabor Mennonite Men Chicken BBQ

November 6-12: Tabor serves at New Hope Shelter

November 10: Goessel Community Thanksgiving

November 12: Basement Remodel Meeting

November 17: Junior High Fundraiser Meal

Tabor Congregational Meeting

November 21: Stories & Stuff

December 1: First Sunday of Advent

Trading Post

December 8: Trading Post

Parsonage Open House

Christmas Brass at Alexanderwohl

Conference Announcements

Prayer Requests:

« Western District Conference: Give thanks for Benjamin Woodward Breckbill, Associate Pastor at Shalom Mennonite Church, Newton, as they celebrate his ordination today.

« Mennonite Mission Network: Tomorrow, the International Central Council for ministries in Africa will begin a week of meetings in Burkina Faso. Mennonite Mission Network representatives will join members of seven other agencies and churches to evaluate last year’s work and formulate a vision for 2020. Pray that God’s Spirit will guide and provide all that is needed.

« Mennonite Education Agency: Give thanks for Anabaptist Mennonite Bbiblical Seminary’s 2,500+ alumni (those who have completed 12 or more credit hours of study) and for the ways in which they are applying their seminary learnings and making a difference across the world.

Mennonite Church USA: "Waiting and Wondering," this year’s Advent At Home booklet for families and people of all ages, is available now at

mennoniteusa.org/resource/advent-at-home.

Camp Mennoscah: Scrapbook and Crafts Retreats are November 1-3 and November 15-17. Register online www.campmennoscah.org .

Hesston College:

—Anabaptist Vision and Discipleship Series (AVDS): Save the date, February 21-23, 2020. Living More with More: Redefining the Good Life.

Bethel College:

—Sun., Oct. 27 – Menno Simons Lecture with Alain Epp Weaver, 7 p.m. The series topic is “In the Name of Christ: Missiological Reflections on Mennonite Central Committee’s Past, Present and Future,” with additional lectures Mon., Oct. 28, at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., and Tues., Oct. 29, at 7 p.m.; Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College.

—Fri., Nov. 1 – Bethel College instrumental ensembles concert, 7:30 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium

—Sun., Nov. 3 – Bethel Sings, featuring the Women’s Chorus, Men’s Ensemble, Woven, Open Road, Concert Choir, and soloists, 4 p.m., Bethel College Mennonite Church

—Register now for the 5th biennial Worship & the Arts Symposium at Bethel College, “Many Cultures, One Worship: A Foretaste of a Reconciled Heaven in a Broken World,” Nov. 22-23, with David M. Bailey and Urban Doxology of Richmond, Va. See www.bethelks.edu/worshiparts for more information and online registration;

fee reduction when 3 or more members of one congregation register as a group. Registrations requested by Nov. 11.

Oct. 27 annc.pdf

Congregational Announcements

MCC Meat Canning will take place from Oct. 24-Nov. 5 at the MCC Center in North Newton. Please consider volunteering during one of our scheduled times or a different time if you have a conflict. Donations are also requested. Please make checks payable to Tabor Mennonite Church and place them in the truck in the foyer. A sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board with volunteer time slots. Contact Kenton Nickel with any questions.

Why would you want to JUST SIT? Because you’ve heard that other people do it but you don’t have time. Because it will change your life. Because the pills aren’t working. Because you haven’t taken a deep breath since the last time you jumped into a pool. Because you think meditation isn’t for you . . . but you’re wrong.

What does it mean to JUST SIT? And why would you consider giving it just 20 minutes a day? Come find out! Come hear from some local folks who are just sitting, and how your life could be better if you did it too. See you Saturday, November 2, 8 am. at Bethesda’s Lincoln Perk and we will go from there. Questions? Contact Brenda Buller, brendasue.buller, phone 386-0581;

Rosie Jantz, rjantz, phone 316-772-8740;

Carol Duerksen, willowspringdowns13, 386-0709.

50th Anniversary Tabor Mennonite Men’s Chicken Barbeque, Thursday, November 7, 5-7 pm. Bring your appetite and a donation! Donations will go to Core Communities Marion County and Mennonite Men JOIN HANDS.

Basement Remodel: There will be a meeting to discuss the remodel of the basement fellowship hall on November 12 at 7:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

Bethesda Pillars Banquet – November 3 at Tabor Mennonite Church. Punch bowl and informal social time begins at 5:30 p.m. and banquet begins at 6:00 p.m. Entertainment will feature “Ring Theory” men’s barbershop quartet and a celebration of Bethesda’s 120th anniversary. For more info see the bulletin board. All proceeds go toward the Resident Life Enrichment campaign (see flyer on bulletin board). Reservation deadline is TODAY, October 20. Your attendance and generosity are appreciated and you will be rewarded by the fun / informational evening. Call 367-2291 for reservations or contact Bonnie Janzen, Eileen Schmidt, or Jason Unruh or call Bethesda Monday morning.

The Tabor Trading Post is back this year on December 1 and 8. See upcoming November newsletter for more details.

Goessel Ministerial Alliance invites the entire community to eat and give thanks together. The 7th Annual Goessel Community Thanksgiving Meal is will take place Sunday, November 10 in the Goessel Elementary School Gymnasium between 5-6:30pm. Come with your neighbors, family, and friends to this free event! Please consider signing up on the bulletin board in the foyer to contribute to the meal. There will also be an opportunity to donate to the ministries of GMA. If you have any questions, please contact the church office. ~Goessel Ministerial Alliance

Coming! The Great Winter Warm-UP! In celebration of Mennonite Central Committee’s 100th anniversary, MCC is collecting 6,500 comforters to deliver to people affected by disaster and conflict all around the world. Join hundreds of others across the nation who are making comforters. Alexanderwohl and Tabor Mennonite Church will host an MCC Comforter Blitz for everyone in the Goessel Community, at the Tabor Mennonite Church Fellowship Hall on Saturday, January 18, 2020, 9am – 4pm. Something for everyone—pin, tie, trim, sew, or help in the kitchen with snacks and the noon meal. In the meantime, you can start now to make comforter tops for this event. Use your own fabric or contact Ruth, Sharon or Kim for fabric available from MCC and for instructions to make a 60” X 80“ top. A donation box can be found in the foyer if you would like to help purchase batting and supplies for the comforters. Contact Ruth Goertzen (alexmenno; 620-747-0074), Sharon Adrian (sladrian49; 620-877-7239), or Kim Funk (kfunk; 620-747-0408) with questions. We look forward to seeing many of you at this Goessel Community Winter Warm-up!

Conference Announcements

Prayer Requests:

« Western District Conference: Pray for participants and leaders from WDC and beyond, attending a transitional ministers’ training this week hosted by Camp Mennoscah and sponsored by Amigo Centre (associated with Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference).

« Mennonite Mission Network: MMN is grateful to Eric and Kelly Frey Martin who have worked as Colombia Mennonite Church youth leaders for nearly three years. Pray for a smooth transition back to the United States for Eric and Kelly, and confidence for the youth leaders as they take on more responsibilities.

« Mennonite Education Agency: Bluffton University. Please pray for our social work alumni and students during Bluffton’s 75th year of offering this major on campus. Please pray for Megan Gonyer ’10, who is moderating a Forum on social work this week, and pray for the health, safety and care of all social workers and their clients.

Western District Conference: Interested in history? WDC’s Historical Committee has selected some of their favorite titles from the Resource Library. Check out the list here: Historical Committee or stop by the library. We’d also be happy to mail resources to you! Contact Jennie at crlib

Camp Mennoscah

—What a great time we had at Fall Fest! Thank you to everyone who stopped by the Camp Mennoscah booth and said hi, bought a cookie, looked at the tee shirts, or even intended to stop by but got stuck somewhere on the other side of the Green as everyone stopped to talk with you. It was a great way to build community away from camp and we’re so glad you were part of the fun!

—Scrapbook and Crafts Retreats are November 1-3 and November 15-17. Register online www.campmennoscah.org .

Hesston College:

—Hesston College Theatre will present five performances of the play, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time (rated PG-13), Oct. 23 to 27 in the Keim Center Black Box Theatre. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students, and can be purchased in advance at the Hesston College Bookstore or at hesston.edu/bookstore.

—Anabaptist Vision and Discipleship Series (AVDS): Save the date, February 21-23, 2020. Living More with More: Redefining the Good Life.

Bethel College:

—Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College: “Read the Pictures: Notes from a Visual Learner,” works by Kathy Schroeder, through Oct. 25.

—Sun., Oct. 27 – Menno Simons Lecture with Alain Epp Weaver, 7 p.m. The series topic is “In the Name of Christ: Missiological Reflections on Mennonite Central Committee’s Past, Present and Future,” with additional lectures Mon., Oct. 28, at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., and Tues., Oct. 29, at 7 p.m.; Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College.

—Fri., Nov. 1 – Bethel College instrumental ensembles concert, 7:30 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium

—Register now for the 5th biennial Worship & the Arts Symposium at Bethel College, “Many Cultures, One Worship: A Foretaste of a Reconciled Heaven in a Broken World,” Nov. 22-23, with David M. Bailey and Urban Doxology of Richmond, Va. See www.bethelks.edu/worshiparts for more information and online registration; fee reduction when 3 or more members of one congregation register as a group. Registrations requested by Nov. 11.

BBQ & Bluegrass: All are invited to First Mennonite Church of Halstead’s Annual Hog Roast October 20 from 5-7pm at the city park Gazebo at 3rd & Locust in Halstead. A pulled pork meal with fixings will be served and bluegrass music provided by Smokey Mountain Bluegrass Band. Cost will be by donation. Proceeds will go to Offender Victim Ministries in Newton and Mennonite Central Committee refugee relief/immigration welcome efforts. Bring lawn chairs. In case of inclement weather, the event will be held in the church at 4th and Santa Fe.

Harvey County Rural Schools: Annual Reunion, Sunday, Oct 27, 2019, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., Grand Central Senior Center, 122 E. 6th Street, Newton, KS. With an inevitable decline in members, we want to invite anyone who attended any country school anywhere to join us. Please bring old school books and memorabilia for “Show and Tell”. Bring a covered dish and tableware. For more information contact: Ruth Jacob, 316-215-1170 or Janet Bair, 316-215-1288. There will be door prizes.

The annual Swiss Mennonite and Historical Association banquet this year features Patricia Goering Smith, a graduate of Moundridge High School, who will talk about her book, Revolution Revisited: Behind the Scenes in East Germany, 1989. It tells the inspiring story of East Germany’s non-violent revolution in 1989 and features a handful of mostly young activists in Leipzig, East Germany. The organization and actions of this small group of activists mobilized the movement for democratic reforms and ultimately brought down the East German state and the Berlin Wall and changed the world. The banquet will be held at the Pine Village Wellness Center in Moundridge on November 7, starting at 6:00 p.m.. The cost of the meal is $20 per plate payable at the door. RSVP by texting or calling Nancy Stucky, 620-532-5693, by November 2.

The next concert of the Prairie Window Concert Series, with The Steel Wheels, back by popular demand, will be on Saturday, October 26th at 7 p.m. at Memorial Hall on the Bethel College campus in North Newton. Join us for an evening of great music with this amazing group of roots musicians. Tickets: $25 adults/$15 kids, plus tax. Purchase tickets online at dyckarboretum.org or call

620-327-8127 to reserve your seats.

The West Zion Mennonite Church, Moundridge, Concert Series continues with an event on Sunday, October 27 at 7 pm. Featured performers include Ken Rodgers, Organ; Tropical Shores, a steel pan duo with Brad Shores & Erica Nance; The Brainflowers, an instrumental trio composed of Rebecca Schloneger, Violin; Seth Girton, Cello; and Kenna Graber, Flute. Donna Stucky, Piano, will also perform. A free-will offering will be received; fellowship and refreshments will follow the concert.

Oct. 20 annc.pdf