Dear Pastors and Leaders within SCMC

HELP NEEDED!

There are several positions within the conference that remain unfilled. We are in need of persons willing to take on some of these responsibilities so that God’s work through our conference can continue.

The Gift Discernment Team is seeking:

two gifted persons to fill immediate openings on the Ministerial Leadership Team.
In addition, there are several Network Leadership Team positions that will need to be filled next summer.

The Network Leadership Team is seeking:

a qualified person to serve as a Regional Ministry Coach
another to serve as our Network Director.

In addition, there are openings for:

a representative on the board for Camp Mennoscah
a champion for the KLC Transformation Grant

Please be in prayer concerning these needs, and if the Spirit brings someone to mind who might be qualified, please let us know and encourage that person to consider that call.
Thanks so much for your attention to this.

Phil Rosenberger
Network Chair

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On Sunday, October 2, 8:30 AM, Amani Community Church (Wichita, KS) celebrated the baptism of Francois Nondo in a joyous celebration at the Sharon Baptist Church in Wichita. This was followed by a three-hour worship service which included the new children’s chorus. In the past month, Amani has welcomed two new immigrant families from Africa of six and seven members. In addition to serving Amani Community Church, Pastor Masemo Wakibogo is now working part time with the International Rescue Committee in refugee resettlement. We thank the supporting churches for your gifts.

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Kevin Santiago, pastor at Peace Mennonite Community Church (Aurora, CO) would like to share his article about The Meaning of Generosity with fellow SCMC churches.

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Mennonite Mission Network Staff Openings

If you are excited about witnessing to the good news of Jesus Christ, and seek to use your vocational skills and spiritual gifts in your place of employment, perhaps you will also be interested in working with Mennonite Mission Network.

As the mission agency of Mennonite Church USA, all of our positions are geared toward the organizational vision of sharing all of Christ with all of creation. We are committed to diversity among staff, and welcome people of diverse backgrounds and abilities to apply.

We are searching to fill the current openings at Mennonite Mission Network.

Ministry Support Team Coordinator (Full-time, hybrid, remote or in office)
The Ministry Support Team Coordinator (previously MST Coach) will coordinate, develop, coach, and manage all aspects and responsibilities related to the Ministry Support Team process for MMN international workers both new and existing.

Finance Assistant (Full-time, in office)
The Finance Assistant will provide financial support services for the Elkhart, Ind., office. While primary responsibilities will be within the accounts payables and cash processes, the position will cross-train to assist in other functions of the finance department.

Co-Regional Administrator (Full-time, hybrid, remote or in office)
The Co-Regional Administrator for Africa and Europe will oversee the logistics involved in long-term service work in Africa and Europe. They will foster collaboration, implement strategies, and innovate for partnership, as well as represent Mennonite Mission Network around the world.

Divisional Coordinator (Full-time, hybrid or in office)
The Divisional Coordinator will oversee the administrative support needs of the Operations Division and assist in expediting the work of the Senior Executive of Operations. Along with these responsibilities, the Divisional Coordinator will take the initiative in working with each department to ensure flow of communication, information sharing, and consistent work processes between departments within the division.

Development Representative (Full-time, hybrid, remote or in office)
The Development Representative (previously Donor Relations) provides a role in developing, maintaining, and growing relationships with Mennonite Mission Network’s financial supporters, donors, and churches to ensure that organization continues to thrive and fulfill its goals.

If further interested or to apply, you may visit us at www.MennoniteMission.net/about/Employment

Please email Mennonite Mission Network – Human Resources if you have additional questions at staffrecruitment@mennonitemission.net

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Mennonite Central Committee Buckets of Thanks: This Thanksgiving season, show your gratitude and provide hope to those in need by collecting relief supplies for MCC. The supplies you donate will fill a Bucket of Thanks (aka an MCC relief kit) for people affected by conflict or disaster around the world. For more information, including supply lists and a ready-to-use curriculum for children, visit: mcc buckets.org.

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On Saturday, November 12, we will be playing in the dirt at Camp Mennoscah! It’s the last step (we think) in finishing up the newly renovated amphitheater. Dirt needs to be moved by hand between the rows of limestone seating. We’ll start at 9am and work until the last tablespoon of dirt is in place. Stay for as long as you are able. Bring your water bottle, weather appropriate gear and we’ll provide a lunch. (Call us at 620-297-3290 and let us know of any dietary considerations.)

Other events and happenings:

Camp Mennoscah will be recruiting at Mennonite colleges in November! We’ll have a booth at Goshen on Nov. 4, and Hesston, Tabor, and Bethel on November 7, 8, and 9 respectively. Stop by in the morning and say howdy. Booths are located in the Connector (Goshen), the Larks Nest (Hesston) and by the cafeteria (Tabor and Bethel). Summer staff applications will be available when recruiting starts. See you there!

There are a great many things for volunteers to do–come be one! Any of the following are great options for groups of one or more: cutting firewood, cleaning after groups, weekend hosting, being a committee member, mowing or other maintenance/grounds tasks, making a meal for a volunteer group, or recruiting people to volunteer at camp. These are just some of the possibilities! Call us at 620-297-3290 for more information.

Holidays are “blacked out” two weeks before the holiday, if no one has made a reservation, so staff can make plans to be with family. Contact us to inquire about available holiday dates! We don’t want you to miss out on festive times at camp.

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Bethel College (KS) is hosting a Worship & the Arts Symposium on November 12.

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Voices of Conscience: Peace Witness in the Great War, a traveling exhibit developed and toured by Kauffman Museum at Bethel College, is on display at the McPherson Museum and Arts Foundation, 1111 E. Kansas Avenue, McPherson, KS, through November 19. This exhibit lifts up the prophetic insights and the personal courage of peace protesters during World War I and suggests parallels to the culture of war and violence in our world today. Church groups, Sunday school classes, youth and their mentors are encouraged to visit the exhibit for conversation and learning together.

McPherson Museum hours are Monday through Saturday 1-5pm. Admission is free.

For more information visit VoicesOfConscienceExhibit.org

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The following is an announcement from one of our sister churches in Western District Conference.

We need your help! On Saturday, December 3, 2022 we need your help to package 50,000 meals. Our plan is to keep the meals local– providing food for our local neighbors. What a great way to give of your time during the Christmas season to help those who struggle to put food on the table. There is a job for all ages 7 to 146 years of age. You can work one shift or both shifts. Job orientation is provided and packaging lines will be set up to allow for social distancing.

WHEN: Saturday, December 2022, 2020.

1st Shift (Arrive 8:30 for the 9:00 – 11:00am shift).

2nd Shift (Arrive 10:30 for 11:00am-1:00pm shift). Or do both!

WHERE: Buhler Mennonite Church – 220 West Avenue B, Buhler KS

Please sign-up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0545AEAD2EA1F58-50000

WHO is OUTREACH?: https://outreachprogram.org/

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Don’t forget to send us any announcements that you would like shared with your fellow SCMC churches!

September Edition

September 20, 2023

Our September edition of On the Level is now available. Below you will find a short announcement which you can use in church bulletins, announcements, social media and more. Please share this information with your congregation or wherever appropriate.
Thank you in advance for helping us share this information. Thank you, too, for your ongoing support and involvement with MDS.

On the Level announcement:
The September edition of On the Level is now available from Mennonite Disaster Service. In our current issue: MDS is hiring several positions; the important role of cooks at an MDS projects; and moving words of gratitude at the closing of the project in Cape Breton.
Click on this link to read more: https://conta.cc/45YzaOx

You are invited to join us in celebrating our history, focusing on
the past 23 years, but reviewing and celebrating our impact on
the community since the early 1900’s. Hear what our plans are as
a congregation, and what has been, and what will be happening in
this building.
Please join us in celebrating all who have been a part of our
congregation and meet those who are continuing to serve in this
location. If you have stories, information, or pictures to share,
we would welcome those.
Join us on Sunday, October 1, 2023, Church Service: 10:00 A.M.
Meal: 11:30 A.M. (Please RSVP)
Sharing of History and Stories: 12:30 P.M.
To make reservations for the meal or if you have questions, please contact
Marsha at (816) 738-0948 OR marshgingerichdiener@gmail.com

Pastors, do you need help with ministry transitions or significant challenges? AMBS’s Ministry Integrity Circles program provides the support of consultants within a community of peers. We will be beginning two cohorts this fall: one will be meeting once in person Sept. 25-26 then three more times on Zoom. An all in-person cohort begins Oct. 23. Apply for the hybrid cohort by Aug. 25 and the in-person cohort by Sept. 23. ambs.edu/integrity-circles
Transition to Leadership program. This two-year program guides and nurtures new pastors during the crucial first years of ministry through one-on-one mentoring, biannual Learning Events, and specialized coaching sessions throughout the year. The Fall 2023 cohort starts Nov. 9; apply by Oct. 9. ambs.edu/transition-to-leadership

MDS monitoring the wildfireaftermath on Maui

MDS is monitoring and assessing the needs amid the tragic wildfires in Maui, Hawaii, as the death toll nears 100 people and is expected to rise. Officials anticipate search and rescue operations will continue through the week.MDS has been communicating with its partner organizations—including the Federal Emergency Management Agency and National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster—about potential long-term needs on the ground in Maui.
Click here to read more.

MCC is looking for a driver with a semi tractor that would be willing to transport cardboard paper bales for recycling from the MCC warehouse in North Newton to Wichita. This is an immediate need, but MCC anticipates needing help like this 4-5 times per year. If you can help or have questions, please reach out to Duane Unruh at MCC at 785.760.1390 or duaneunruh@mcc.org.

This fall, MennoMedia is offering three sessions focused on stewardship and generosity featuring input from consultants at Everence. Beginning August 17, the monthly sessions will unpack the “why” behind our giving and provide input on specific charitable tools that you can use to support the causes and organizations that are important to you. Learn more and register online at MennoMedia.org or by emailing Mitch Stutzman, Director of Development and Partner Engagement at MennoMedia, at MitchS@MennoMedia.org.

It’s time for the MCC School Kit Challenge! Help us meet our goal of gathering 10,000 school kits in the month of August. By donating items like notebooks and pencils, you can help kids in places like Syria, Ukraine and South Sudan who have been forced to flee their homes or struggle to afford basic school supplies. Join this effort to share a tangible message of God’s love with children around the world. Learn more about this challenge and download a free activity resource at mcc.org/school-kit-challenge.

NEW! Practical Leadership Training

Expand your leadership skills with training modules

In August, AMBS is launching a new Practical Leadership Training program to help pastors, lay leaders, community leaders and leaders of nonprofit organizations increase their capacity to provide effective Anabaptist leadership in a variety of settings.

The modules grew out of a listening process in which church leaders shared that they needed practical leadership skills to meet challenges resulting from the pandemic, polarization, shifting church commitments and an unpredictable future. In response, AMBS designed a program consisting of modules focusing on four areas: administration, leadership, contextual engagement and well-being.

Select the modules that are best suited to your interests and needs!

Practical Leadership Training- AMBS

celebrating

150 YEARS OF MINISTRY

as the first Mennonite church organized in Kansas

Please join us

SEPTEMBER 2 & 3, 2023
2896 Frontier Road, 3 miles south and 2 miles east of Canton, KS

Saturday

3:00 p.m. – Celebrating 1873-1948 – stories, singing and sharing – Historical displays

– Activities for children and young at heart

– Supper provided with celebration cake!
7:00 p.m. – Celebrating 1949-2023 – stories, singing and sharing;

former pastors taking part

Sunday

10:00 a.m. – Morning worship followed by carry-in basket dinner 7:00 p.m. – Tent Revival Meeting – singing, revival message

We look forward to your presence and
invite you to share memories of Bible School, MYF, sewing circle and other ways Spring Valley has impacted your life!

An RSVP to contact@springvalleymennonite.org is appreciated, but not required. More details to be posted on the church website https://springvalleymennonite.org/ and our Facebook page as the time nears.