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!

You can access your 2024 Assembly Packet [HERE]

In it you will find:

1.     Agency Reports: Each year we ask the various agencies that we interact with to submit a report. Some of those reports will be given verbally during the Assembly, but some agencies choose to send in a written report. You can see those written reports in the Agency Reports folder.

2.     Delegate Business: One aspect of our Assembly is to conduce delegate business. This year’s delegate agenda includes approving a new budget, affirming several leaders to leadership positions, and a Resolution to affiliate with LMC. Information on all of these topics can be found in the Delegate Business folder.

3.     Teaching Session: This year our theme is “Here I Am, Send Me” and guest speaker is Brad Brisco. In this folder you can find information about Brad and a few introductory details on the topic he will be covering.

I encourage you to acquaint yourselves with the information in the 2024 Assembly Packet.

Some additional information will be added to the packet in the next few days, so you might want to check it again just before assembly.

Blessings, and see you in a few days

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

Tonia Martin is planning a Healthy Boundaries Training 201 on June 3, in South Texas. It will be held at New Life Christian Center in San Benito from 10:00 am-3 pm with a break for lunch at a local BBQ. Please bring your books from the last session.

Regarding the Affiliation of SCMC with MC USA

to be considered at our 2023 Summer Assembly,

July 21-23 at Pleasant Valley Mennonite Church in Harper, KS.

After focused listening to the constituency of South Central Mennonite Conference (SCMC) it seems clear that the majority of SCMC congregations no longer find affiliation with Mennonite Church USA (MC USA) to be helpful, desired, or consistent with our core beliefs and practices.

Therefore, the Network Leadership Team (NLT) recommends the following:

Resolved that:

1. SCMC will begin a process of dis-associating from MC USA to be completed on or before October 31, 2024.

2. SCMC will facilitate the process of finding and opting into another Anabaptist / Mennonite conference, network or organization by providing resources and assistance beginning immediately and will complete that process by October of 2024.

ELKHART, Indiana (Mennonite Education Agency) – The Hispanic Ministries seminary program of the Mennonite Education Agency (MEA) was recently awarded a $9,000 grant from The Schowalter Foundation.

This grant will enable the Seminario Bíblico Anabautista Hispano (SeBAH) to offer an online continuing education course this September entitled, “The Journey of the Bible in the Spanish Language.” The course is designed for Spanish-speaking Anabaptist Mennonites.

Marco Güete, director of MEA’s Hispanic Ministries programs, is thrilled with this award. “It is a privilege to bring this course to Spanish speakers in the Anabaptist Mennonite Church,” he said. “The course will offer a historical resource of great value that will enrich the students’ knowledge of the scriptures. This project would not have been possible without the support of The Schowalter Foundation.”

Arlan R. Yoder, president of The Schowalter Foundation, echoed Güete’s remarks. “The Schowalter Foundation Board was pleased to support this project that will provide important and relevant biblical teaching resources for the benefit of many people within the Hispanic Mennonite churches,” he said.    

Carlos Martínez García will be the instructor and wrote the textbook for the course. He credits Casiodoro de Reina and Cipriano de Valera, Protestant reformers who played important roles in the translation of the Bible into Spanish in the 16^th century. A member of the Mennonite Church of Mexico, Martínez García is a founding member and researcher at the Centro de Estudios del Protestantismo Mexicano (the Center for the Study of Mexican Protestantism) and is a lecturer and author. He prefers to be known simply as “a reader who writes.”

The course will include six weeks of interactive, online instruction via video conferencing with written resource material, videos, and graphics. The Schowalter grant endowed the production of Martínez García’s textbook, “Brevísma Historia del Extenso Viaje de la Biblia Hacia el Idioma Español,” (Brief History of the Bible’s Extensive Journey in the Spanish Language), and a series of 24 videos.

Mennonite Education Agency is headquartered in Elkhart, Indiana, and is the education agency of Mennonite Church USA, the largest Mennonite denomination in the United States. By partnering with schools and educational programs and helping them flourish, MEA works to strengthen Mennonite Church USA through education. To learn more about MEA’s mission and work, visit www.MennoniteEducation.org.

The Schowalter Foundation was established in 1954 from the estate of Jacob A. Schowalter, a Mennonite from Newton, Kansas. The Foundation supports initiatives that follow the Mennonite convictions of service and missions, peacemaking and social concerns, and other programs and projects carried out by Mennonite Church USA and the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, as well as Mennonite higher education institutions. To learn more about the life and legacy of Jacob A. Schowalter and The Schowalter Foundation’s mission and grants, visit www.schowalterfoundation.org/. 

The press release is attached and can also be found online at https://www.mennoniteeducation.org/news-events/news/.

After more than two years of preparation, La Posada Immigrant Aid, a new faith-based immigrant legal aid center located in Sunnyside Mennonite Church in Elkhart, Indiana, is open for business, largely due to the support and collaboration of several Mennonite Church USA affiliated churches, conferences, schools, organizations and individuals. Read the story here: mennoniteusa.org/news/county-immigrant-aid

The third Global Mennonite Peacebuilding Conference and Festival will bring together Mennonite practitioners, artists and theologians from around the world to learn, share and discuss their work for peace. Join this international gathering June 15-18 at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Virginia on the theme “Coming Together: The Journey of Faith and Peace.” Learn more and register here: mennoniteusa.org/emu-peacebuilding-conference

#MennoCon23
Mennonite Church USA is hosting a collaborative Youth & Young Adult Climate Summit, July 7, 2023, at the Kansas City (Missouri) Convention Center. The event will bring together experts in climate change, spiritual activism and social justice to explore the ways that young people ages 14 to 25 can put their faith to work to address the spiritual and human crisis caused by climate change. Register here: mennoniteusa.org/news/climate-summit

Menno Snapshots
Linda Gehman Peachey, a member of Mennonite Church USA’s Women in Leadership steering committee, is haunted by a question asked in Chanequa Walker-Barnes’ book, “I Bring the Voices of My People.” She asks: “What does it mean to know that a system is evil and to participate in it anyway?” Read her Menno Snapshots blog here: mennoniteusa.org/haunted-question

After attending Mennonite Church USA’s Hope for the Future Conference as a representative for Bethel College, in North Newton, Kansas, Josué Coy Dick had an enriching experience. He observed that the conference gave him an optimistic energy about the future of the Mennonite church. Read more about his time here: mennoniteusa.org/we-are-the-church

Super SOOPers spend their retirement sharing their gifts

NEWS /

Larry and Maxine Miller sit together atop the Nanih Waiya Mound in Mississippi. Photo provided.

By Zachary Headings

Wednesday, August 24, 2022

To celebrate World Senior Citizens Day, August 21, we honor two incredible SOOP participants: Larry and Maxine Miller, who have spent their retirement years serving others in many capacities. Even though we honor these SOOP participants on this day, we emphasize that SOOP is for people of all ages!

Since retiring in 2007, Larry and Maxine Miller have been caretakers at a guest house. They have also served with Mennonite Mission Network’s Service Opportunities with Our Partners (SOOP) multiple times. SOOP is a program designed to offer flexible service terms for individuals and families of all ages. Whether you want to serve for two weeks or four months — or even longer — SOOP has diverse and rewarding opportunities.

The Millers started the Mashulaville Dormitory, a hospitality house in their hometown, Macon, Mississippi. “SOOP kind of came to us,” Larry Miller said. SOOP offered placements at Mashulaville, which led the Millers to interact with Arloa Bontrager, the director of SOOP, on a regular basis.

Larry and Maxine Miller’s first SOOP assignment was 14 years ago, at the International Guest House in Washington, D.C. Since then, they’ve served with numerous other Mission Network partners, including their current placement at Menno-Hof in Shipshewana, Indiana.

Menno-Hof is an information center “that teaches visitors about the faith and life of Amish and Mennonites.” The Millers begin their days by unlocking the doors, turning on displays and preparing the place for visitors. When the public arrives, the Millers act as tour guides and help visitors learn more about Amish and Mennonite heritage.

The Millers are retired elementary school teachers, but they would claim that they still teach. Once a teacher, always a teacher, is the Miller’s philosophy.

One of the best parts of their service assignment is the opportunity to meet people, the Millers said. Whether it’s meeting Menno-Hof visitors or having dinner with Amish “cousins,” as the Millers call them, the Millers relish the opportunity to connect with more of the family of God.

When they are not serving with SOOP, the Millers spend their time in Mississippi, where they have lived for half a century. They describe their life there as a road of adventure, decisions and disappointments. During those 50 years, the Millers have seen the incremental development of civil rights in Mississippi — with so little progress and many backslides. Since the pandemic began, they’ve seen the quality of education plummet. “It’s better than it was 50 years ago, but it’s not anywhere near where it should be,” Larry Miller said.

Seeing these trends in their home state is part of their inspiration to serve — to give back and share what they’ve learned.

 “SOOP has been really good [for us],” Maxine Miller said. “… it’s an opportunity to come away. We really enjoy it.” She went on to say that, for them, even teaching is a way of service.

 One of the most meaningful experiences they’ve had at Menno-Hof was with a couple from the Niagara Falls area. They were exploring their newly found Anabaptist faith, having recently come out of the Wesleyan tradition. The Millers became surrogate parents for them, visiting them at their campsite, having conversations and answering questions. The couple returned home with greater empowerment in their faith and are now attending a Mennonite church. “Sometimes you really hit the jackpot,” Larry Miller said.

“SOOP allows us to gear down and still be productive,” Larry Miller said. “We’re carrying our load, but we’re not in the fast lane anymore. We’re not coasting.”