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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

CONTACT US: Phone: 620.543.2733. Email: bmcpastor@gmail.com

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!

Parson, Troy D. (he/him/his) <Troy.Parson@va.gov>3:37 PM (2 hours ago)
Mental Health Chaplain
Greetings!  I am excited to share about our current opportunity at Tucson Arizona as are looking to fill a Mental Health Chaplain position who will be embedded in our facilities’ MH Outpatient Clinic (a beautiful new building BTW).  The chaplain is encouraged to integrate within the Mental Health staff, who have demonstrated that they enjoy collaborating with chaplains.  There will be opportunities for community outreaches with a MH team.  The Chaplain is encouraged to establish Veteran spirituality groups (in person and/or VVC).  We also partner with community organization operating a robust Building Spiritual Strength program.  In addition, we have MSA support for scheduling outpatient appointments.  
SOUTHERN ARIZONA VA HEALTH CARE SYSTEMTucson, Arizona This announcement is open 3/12/2024 and will close on 3/22/2024.Below are the links to the job announcement posting: Internal Announcement:https://www.usajobs.gov/job/781217900 Public Announcement:https://www.usajobs.gov/job/781232100  SAVAHCS Chaplain Service has a strong team of 6 professional Full-time Chaplains, and you could be one of us!  SAVAHCS provides healthcare across southern Arizona (https://www.va.gov/southern-arizona-health-care/about-us/). The Tucson VA Medical Center is where the chaplain will be providing care, during Monday through Friday.  It will include on-call duties and the possibility of weekend duty.  Tucson VA Medical Center has a supportive work culture where employees are acknowledged and affirmed from the Director (https://www.va.gov/southern-arizona-health-care/about-us/leadership/) to our wonderful Volunteers.  Tucson is surrounded by desert, but it also has grasslands, alpine forests, and a myriad of outdoor activities from horseback riding, hiking, snow skiing and even caving.  Tucson is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty including the Santa Catalina Mountains, Saguaro National Park, and the Sonoran Desert. Tucson is often ranked as one of the Most Well-Read Cities in America – perhaps due to the presence of the University of Arizona. It is also an “artistic” big town with lots of craft stores, galleries and fairs. Best Time to View Sunsets in Arizona | 10BestTucson and the surrounding area have the best sunsets. Matter of fact, if you like to enjoy the sunny days, Tucson offers 286+ glorious days of sun rays.  Most days are crystal clear blue skies. So much more to share, but here are some helpful links: Davis-Monthan Air Force Base: https://www.dm.af.mil/Army Fort Huachuca: https://home.army.mil/huachuca/index.phpPima Air & Space Museum: https://pimaair.org/Tucson Botanical Gardens: https://tucsonbotanical.org/Tucson Parks: https://www.tucsonaz.gov/parksReid Park Zoo: https://reidparkzoo.org/Tohono Chul Botanical Gardens and Galleries: https://tohonochul.org/Visit Tucson: https://www.visittucson.org/ 

I am available if you have questions about the position.  It really is a phenomenal place to be a chaplain!

Troy D. Parson, M.Div., D.Min. (he/him/his)

Chief, Chaplain Service

Southern Arizona VA Health Care System

3601 South 6th Avenue (S-125)

Tucson, AZ 85723

Office: Building 2, Room N194

Office Phone: 520-629-1843 / 520-792-1450 (1-6167)

troy.parson@va.gov

Everyone is a beautiful soul – Every soul matters!

The Kansas Mennonite Disaster Service  Unit will have their annual Board of Directors meeting on Monday, March 11, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.  All are invited to join the meeting via a zoom link, Meeting ID 863-3303-1076, Passcode 933584. If you have any questions please contact Cleo Koop at Cleohkoop@gmail.com.

Re SCMC Affiliation

Important Announcement

As you are aware, last summer SCMC began a process of seeking a new ministry partner that would better fit our vision, mission and theological position. Since then, a Task Force has been prayerfully, methodically, and conscientiously assessing the needs and expectations of our churches and researching the potential ministry partners that are available. We are happy to announce that the task force has come back with a recommendation. The complete Recommendation from the Task Force is below.

Announcement

After months of prayerful research and discernment the SCMC Affiliation Task Force recommends that SCMC pursue an affiliation with LMC (formerly Lancaster Mennonite Conference.) 

Next Steps:

The job of the Task Force was to assess our needs and expectations and to recommend the organization that they find to be the best fit. They have done that, and we thank them for their service. The next step is for each of us, as individual churches, is to get acquainted with LMC and determine if they are the best fit us individually. There will be a series of meetings throughout the spring and early summer to facilitate that process. In addition, new information and updates will be announced by email. If you would like to be included on this email list, please feel free to contact me.  

In Conclusion:

Please feel free to share this information in whatever way seems appropriate in your setting. Additional information regarding this important time in our lives will be sent in the coming weeks.

Please keep each other in your prayers as we move forward into the next chapter that God has planned for us.

Thank you, and God bless you and yours.

Phil Rosenberger

SCMC Network Chair

Affiliation Recommendation from the Affiliation Task Force

After numerous conversations and exploration with potential affiliation groups, along with insights gained from written surveys and direct discussions with congregational pastors and leaders in our Conference, we, the South Central Mennonite Task Force, recommend LMC (Formerly Lancaster Mennonite Conference) as the preferred affiliation partner. This decision was arrived at through a thoughtful and prayerful process that we are humbled to participate in.


The following is a brief overview of LMC and why we believe the NLT ought to pursue network affiliation further.


LMC is a fellowship of more than 270 congregations located in sixteen states and Central America – with member congregations in Mexico, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic. 

The missional vision of LMC is: 

A Spirit-led movement to:

● Make disciples of Jesus,

● Mobilize every member as a missionary, and

● Multiply faith communities locally and beyond!


While the Task Force found faithful love of Jesus and the desire to see churches grow spiritually and in faithful evangelism in all potential affiliation groups, LMC is the recommendation for a variety of reasons. Among them are: 

· LMC is guided by the “Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective” which has been SCMC’s guiding document since its adoption in 1995. 

· LMC is organized around districts making the absorption of SCMC into LMC structures seem a most natural process. 

· Approximately 50% of LMC congregations are majority non-white so that LMC will immediately provide support and belonging for kindred congregations that make up ⅓ of South Central Conference. 


For a brief introduction to LMC see the “LMC Profile” HERE or visit their WEB Site at: https://lmcchurches.org/

Your consideration of these recommendations is highly valued, and we look forward to the opportunity to further discuss and explore the potential affiliation with LMC. We ask that you continue to seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance in this matter, as we attempt to discern God’s will for the South Central Mennonite Conference.

SCMC Affiliation Task Force

Kurt Horst, Howard Wagler, Brad Roth, Kendra Horst, Kevin Santiago, David Roth

Mark your calendar now for the 16th annual MCC Comforter Blitz, March 4-6 just outside of Yoder, Kansas. If you can tie a knot, you can make a difference! Curious to find out more? Please check mcc.org/comforter-blitz or the Kansas MCC Comforter Blitz page on Facebook. The blitz takes place on Monday, March 4 from 9am-5pm, Tuesday, March 5 from 9am-9pm and Wednesday, March 6 from 9am-4pm at the 3605 East Longview Rd. Haven, KS. Questions? Please contact brociamueller@mcc.org.  

SUNDAY, January 14

Join Mennonite Church USA’s Nancy Kauffmann, Michael Danner and Glen Guyton for a webinar on Monday, Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. EST/4 p.m. PST, in which they will discuss the vision and direction of the new Safe Church ministry, share resources for congregations and conferences, and answer questions about the future vision for Safe Church advocacy in our denomination. View the PDF here: mennoniteusa.org/slide/safe-webinar-jan
Register here: mennoniteusa.org/registration-safechurch-jan22

Menno Snapshots

As the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to rage on, Chris Hoover Seidel, who is part of the Mennonite Spiritual Directors Network, reflects on how she has learned to handle her own grief, while also holding space for those grieving around her. Read her Menno Snapshots blog here: mennoniteusa.org/grief-work

Equipping, Mennonite Church USA’s quarterly email newsletter for pastors and leaders features resources submitted by MC USA conferences, congregations, agencies, entities/ministry partners, constituency groups and affiliated schools and colleges. Subscribe to Equipping here: mennoniteusa.org/mc-usa-subscribe

Sunday, January 21

Subscribe to PeaceMail to receive Mennonite Church USA’s blogs, together with news and resources in one weekly email. Subscribe to PeaceMail here: mennoniteusa.org/PeaceMailSubscribe

Menno Snapshots

Joanna Gerber Pinkerton, a member of Hope Mennonite Church, experienced a holy threshold in Glendalough, Ireland, through the story of St. Kevin, who chose gentleness over violence. Read her Menno Snapshots blog here: mennoniteusa.org/holy-thresholds

Sandra Montes-Martinez, associate conference minister of Western District Conference, shares how she has experienced culturally diverse congregations flourish with the practice of gratitude and cultural appreciation. Read her Menno Snapshots blog here: mennoniteusa.org/cultivating-gratitude

Sunday, January 28

Menno Snapshots

Eric Massanari, executive conference minister for the Pacific Northwest Mennonite Conference, reflects on his time at the 2023 conference ministers retreat in Banff, Alberta, Canada, learning about what nurtures healthy ministry leaders. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/healthy-ministry-community

The MEA Job Board has been updated! To view open positions across Mennonite education visit www.MennoniteEducation.org/employment.MEA’s online Job Board is updated weekly and distributed to congregations, conferences, schools, and constituents across Mennonite Church USA and beyond. Schools partnered with MEA can list their job openings at no charge. Others with connections to Mennonite Church USA can post a job ad for a small fee. Contact editor Jolene VonGunten at jolenev@MennoniteEducation.org to list your job opening or to subscribe.

Mennonite Education Agency is headquartered in Elkhart, Indiana, and is the education agency of Mennonite Church USA. Rooted in Anabaptist convictions, MEA’s purpose is to strengthen Mennonite Church USA by helping fulfill its educational mission.

To learn more about MEA’s mission and work, visit www.MennoniteEducation.org.
Anabaptist World Fellowship
January 2024Hello friends,May you experience the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ as we enter this new year.Anabaptist World Fellowship Sunday (AWFS) takes place on January 21. Is your congregation participating this Sunday or at another time in the coming weeks?If yes, you will be joining with many churches around the world who are celebrating the goodness of God under the theme: MOSAIC: Becoming a part of God’s bigger picture.This theme was chosen and developed by the churches of Latin America, who provided the worship resources: interpretive notes on biblical texts, testimonies of God’s provision in Christ, Spirit inspired prayers for the church and world, and worship songs that originate in the Global South.
Worship resourcesWe have multimedia resources including videos for worship and a children’s story to mark your participation. These resources can be used at any time.Click here for AWFS resources
Celebration map
We want to share your celebration with the family by adding your location to the celebration map. Please send the following to info@mwc-cmm.org: the name of your congregation the address of your congregation’s worship gathering place your church’s website URL (if applicable) (optional) Tell us your story: Will you have a special speaker from another part of the world? Will you sing songs from the Assembly songbook? Will you practice the children’s activity? Will you have any other special activities to celebrate being part of the body of Christ in the Anabaptist tradition? Email us
2022 Year in ReviewMennonite World Conference has produced a “2023 Year-in-Review” video that features stories from the global church and how God has moved in the life of our global communion and how we are invited to be part of God’s mission. This video is available for download.We encourage you to share this video with your congregation on AWFS, or at any time that is suitable for your community.View
Online Prayer Hour: 19 January 2024We invite you to participate in MWC’s Online Prayer Hour (19 January 2024) when we remember and pray for our sisters and brothers in Christ – from all nations and languages and cultures and races. We are one in Christ, and we demonstrate that unity as we pray with and for one another.Register
We welcome your comments, photos and reflections about AWFS to share with other members of our global faith family. Send photos and stories to photos@mwc-cmm.org.photos@mwc-cmm.org
One LunchMennonite World Conference also invites a special offering to be taken for the global Anabaptist church movement on Anabaptist World Fellowship Sunday.One way to think about this offering is to invite every member to contribute the cost of at least one lunch in their own community to support the networks and resources of our global Anabaptist church family.Donate
César García, General SecretarySignature of César García
Gerald Hildebrand, Regional Representatives CoordinatorSignature of Gerald Hildebrand

No images? Click here

MCC In Touch

The top stories from MCC

Welcome to 2024! Let’s take time to reflect on the incredible stories supporters like you made possible. Here are five of the most-read stories of 2023:

A group of three women sewing a quilt

#5 Peace is more than a wish when Women Talk

“One of the central tenets of the Christian faith is to love both our neighbour and our enemy. But how? That is the question the characters in Women Talking wrestle with. It is also the question I face. How do we love ourselves, our neighbours and God, even in the face of incredible harm?”

Read Anna Vogt’s reflection on the Academy award-winning film Women Talking and what it means to love one’s enemies.

Pastor Sally speaking over Zoom
Pastor Ashraf speaking over Zoom
Omar speaking over Zoom

#4 Message from Palestinian Christians

MCC recently asked Palestinian Christians what they want Christians from around the world to know about Palestine and Israel, in light of the siege of Gaza.

The Christian church in Palestine is small but resilient. Here are some of their thoughts for brothers and sisters in the West.

A group of children playing with toys in a shelter

#3 Through conflict, life carries on

Damaged infrastructure around Ukraine leaves people without power for hours every day. School programs for kids were put on hold for months, their classrooms turned into shelters. Families were forced to pick up their lives in an instant, leaving everything behind. And despite it all, life carries on.

Emily Loewen reflects on her visit to local MCC partners in Ukraine that are providing food, shelter and education to Ukrainians displaced by the Russian military invasion.

Four women standing for a photo

#2 MCC responds to earthquakes in Syria

When the Feb. 6 earthquakes struck in Syria, MCC began to work with long-term partners in Aleppo and surrounding areas to meet urgent needs. Local partners have since opened shelter centers in churches and community buildings and provided emergency food, shelter, hygiene, sanitation supplies and trauma counselling.

In addition to meeting immediate needs, MCC continues to work with partners to determine longer-term projects and responses.

A man and woman handing a man emergency supplies

#1 “Can you help us help?”

In the midst of increased violence and devastation in Gaza, MCC-partner Al-Najd Developmental Forum (Al-Najd), is focusing its energy on how they can best aid their neighbors. Despite the incredible danger around them, Al-Najd has distributed bedding and emergency food rations to more than 230 families.

Learn more about MCC’s response in Palestine and Israel and how you can support our local partners working in Gaza.

Your giving trends in 2023

#1 Syria earthquake response
#2 Ukraine conflict response
#3 Drilling wells in DR Congo
#4 Gaza crisis response
#5 Clean energy projects in Zimbabwe

Give today

That’s a wrap for 2023!

Thank you for joining us in 2024 as we continue to share God’s love and compassion for all through relief, development and peace.

Grace and peace,

Michelle Armster, Executive Director MCC Central States 

Upcoming events

Feb. 4-9, South Texas Immigration-focused Learning Tour

March 4-6, MCC Comforter Blitz, Yoder Kansas

WDC Stories

Seeking Peace in Israel-Palestine
Statement from the WDC Israel Palestine Task Force

As people committed to nonviolence, MennoPIN and the Israel Palestine Task Force of Western District Conference (Mennonite Church USA) strongly condemn the current violence carried out both by Hamas and by the Israeli military. MennoPIN and the WDC Israel Palestine Task Force urge an immediate ceasefire between Hamas and Israel and call on the United States and the wider international community to support a diplomatic solution to the situation at hand.

MennoPIN and the Israel Palestine Task Force likewise recognize that the Hamas attack was not unprovoked. For decades the people of Palestine have been oppressed by the violence and occupation of Israel’s form of apartheid that includes home demolitions, child detentions, separation walls, settler colonialism and violence, seizures of land and controls over water and food supplies. And Gaza has been an open-air prison where Israel controls how much water, electricity and food Gazans can have. The extreme measures taken by the recent Netanyahu ultra-right government have made life increasingly hostile for Palestinians. The praxis of U.S. one-sided and national interest driven diplomacy and unwillingness to effectively address the apartheid reality have contributed deeply to these extreme measures. Additionally, the Biden administration’s attempts to normalize diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel have become the final straw for the militant Palestinian resistance. Ultimately, hopelessness breeds violence.

We pray for leadership that has the courage to address the problems, injustices and racism that perpetuates this violence. We especially pray for wisdom and restraint between Hamas and the Israeli government.

LEARN, PRAY, JOIN

MC USA seeks to educate on topic of ending gun violence

ELKHART, Ind. (Mennonite Church USA) — Mennonite Church USA (MC USA) has launched”
Learn, Pray, Join: End Gun Violence,” an initiative to bring awareness to the complex issue that
intersects with poverty, racism, discrimination, criminal justice, education and the environment.
Approximately 118 people per day die by gun violence in the U.S. and according to statistics
from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more Americans died of gun-related
injuries in 2021 than in any other year on record.
“Our Anabaptist faith means prioritizing responses that reject the use of violence and
acknowledging the justice issues through advocacy, education as well as compassion and
support to those affected by gun violence,” said Lorraine Stutzman Amstutz, MC USA
denominational minister of Peace and Justice. “We need to use our voice to advocate and
explore solutions to the prevalence of gun violence within our communities,” she added.
This “Learn, Pray, Join: End Gun Violence” initiative calls Anabaptists to understand this crisis
through the lens of faith and seek ways to bring God’s hope and healing to hurting communities,
through education, disarming practices, advocacy and standing as a visible witness for peace.
During October and November, MC USA will seek to engage people in the initiative by offering
resources, prayers and ways to care for those harmed by the effects of gun violence in our
communities. MC USA’s “Learn, Pray, Join” initiatives seek to create opportunities across the
church to deepen understanding around a common topic and to come together in prayer and
support.
MC USA will host two webinars around the topic of gun violence, beginning with “Anabaptist and
U.S. Gun Culture” on Oct. 12, 2023 at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. Join the webinar as panelists
explore the issues that drive today’s violent gun culture in the U.S. and examine how our
Anabaptist faith informs our response. Host Lorraine Stutzman Amstutz, denominational
minister of Peace & Justice, will lead this conversation with theologians Malinda Berry, Ph.D., of
Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, and Andrew Suderman, Ph.D., of Eastern Mennonite
University. Register here:
https://MCUSA.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_O7dXmKkQShWjEFuNWZbs3g

Through “Learn, Pray, Join: End Gun Violence,” MC USA is providing members with:  
 Opportunities to learn about gun violence through a variety of resources, including
congregational study materials, books, videos, webinars and more. In addition, leaders
from MC USA will contribute blogs over the next several weeks, which will explore how
gun violence harms people and society, how churches are responding and how their
Anabaptist faith values are compelling them to do this work.
 An invitation to pray for repentance for participating in a culture of systematic violence
and for a new vision of peace and justice.
 A call to join by ministering to those harmed by gun violence and a call to advocate for
more just policies.
For more information on “Learn, Pray, Join: End Gun Violence,” visit the online resource page
throughout the campaign at: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/lpj-end-gun-violence
Subscribe to PeaceMail, MC USA’s weekly email newsletter, and follow MC USA on social
media (Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) and YouTube) to view resources,
blogs and more throughout October and November.
Mennonite Church USA is an Anabaptist Christian denomination, founded in 2002, and a
recognized peace church. Members seek to follow Jesus by rejecting violence and resisting
injustice. MC USA’s Renewed Commitments state the following shared commitments among its
diverse body of believers: to follow Jesus, witness to God’s peace and experience the
transformation of the Holy Spirit. MC USA is comprised of 15 area conferences and more than
470 congregations across the United States. MC USA is part of Mennonite World Conference, a
global faith family that includes churches in 60 countries. Mennoniteusa.org