Weekly Word December 19-23
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” – Luke 2:11-14 (ESV)
We pray God’s blessings, peace, and safety over your family as you celebrate the season.
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You Are A Leader! You might not think of yourself as a Leader, but you really are. All of us are influencing those around us. The question is, “Are you a Good Leader?” South Central Mennonite Conference has an opportunity for you to improve your Leadership Skills through a partnership with the Kansas Leadership Center (KLC). Learn more about KLC at https://kansasleadershipcenter.org/
From KLC’s Website: “Leadership is a skill that can be developed through learning and practice. The principles and competencies covered at KLC can help anyone hone the skills needed to successfully confront problems that exist in organizations and communities. KLC is different in that it focuses on helping people from all positions, backgrounds and sectors learn the same four competencies of leadership.”
Grants for classes at KLC are available through SCMC. Contact the Conference for more information or to apply for a grant. (please note, these grants are only available to Kansas residents)
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SCMC is looking for a new representative to serve on the board of Camp Mennoscah. If you are aware of families or individuals in your church who have appreciated the services of the camp, please encourage them to volunteer.
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The Kansas MDS (Mennonite Disaster Service) Unit is sponsoring a Learning and Service trip to Jennings, Louisiana, January 28-February 4, 2023. Participants will leave on Saturday traveling to New Orleans, staying overnight, learning about long term recovery from disasters and visiting Laura Plantation on Sunday. Your cost will be one night lodging, two tours we will take and meals on the days we travel. MDS is covering the transportation, meals and lodging while on the MDS project in Jennings. We will be rebuilding homes with MDS from Monday through Friday. To make your reservations or for more information contact Cleo Koop at cleohkoop@gmail.com or call 316-282-0797.
You will find a complete list of current volunteer opportunities with Mennonite Disaster Service here.
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Project Coordinator-Burkina Faso / Voir la version française ci-dessous MCC is seeking a Project Coordinator responsible for mentoring and building capacity of local partners towards greater independence and sustainability and, alongside the MCC Burkina Faso Country Representatives, will assist in all planning, monitoring, and evaluating activities for various projects related to conservation agriculture, peace building, education, health, and emergency assistance. If you or someone you know might be interested, read more and apply by December 31, 2022 at mcc.org/burkina.
Seed Guatemala-El Salvador Coordinator (Español abajo) MCC is seeking a Seed Coordinator who will coordinate the second SEED Cohort for Guatemala and El Salvador. This position involves the planning, organization and implementation of a service, reflection and peacebuilding program with an intercultural team of young adults in the complex and enriching context of Guatemala and El Salvador. This position will be based in Guatemala and will be supervised by the MCC Representatives for Guatemala and El Salvador. If you or someone you know might be interested, read more and apply by December 31, 2022 mcc.org/guatemala.
MCC Christmas Giving! Give gifts of comfort and joy and help meet the basic needs of our global neighbors this Christmas. Choose from unique gifts such as goats, bees, backpacks and more. Give at mcc.org/delight, call 888.563.4676 or visit the MCC Central States office in North Newton, KS at 121 E. 30th Street. With each gift you can get a card and insert explaining the project. These gifts (from $10-$4,000) make wonderful hostess/teacher gifts, stocking stuffers and are ideal for those on your Christmas list that are hard to shop for!
MCC Material Resources Center in North Newton critically low on inventory: An MCC kit cannot be shipped until every single item for the kit is assembled, but some supplies are so low that kits cannot be processed for shipping. You can help by helping to fill the following needs: New infant onesies and sleepers (3-12 month sizes); shampoo (20 oz or more), thin sanitary pads (28 count minimum) and dark colored bath and hand towels. Buy online and ship it to MCC or bring item to MCC in North Newton (121 E. 30th St, North Newton, KS 67117). Questions are always welcome, please contact katemast@mcc.org or 316.283.2720. A full list of MCC kit contents can be found at mcc.org/kits.
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AMBS (Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary) has announced the Co-Directors of their new Doctor of Ministry (DMin) in Leadership program.
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The Twelve Days of Christmas are happening on Facebook! Go to https://www.facebook.com/campmenno and look at the many gifts of Camp Mennoscah. We thank you, God, for the people who make Camp Mennoscah possible and for the many gifts we receive when we are there. (No Facebook account is needed.) Have a safe and wonderful Christmas!
Other events and happenings:
- Year-end donations must be received or postmarked by December 31st to count as 2022 donations. Online donations make it easier for those last minute gifts. Each gift helps Camp Mennoscah encourage campers and guests to follow Jesus Christ and seek God’s peace.
- Interviews for Summer Staff Starting Soon! We are seeking stunning summer staff to fill the following leadership positions for the 2023 summer: crafts, lifeguard, music, nature, office, and grounds. These positions are typically filled by college-age students, are summer-long and receive a stipend. Let us know who you think would make a great summer staffer at Camp Mennoscah. It’s a summer of fun, service and faith formation!
- Do you have a hankering for a giant bonfire? Camp Mennoscah has several burn piles and tall grass areas that need to be burned. This takes several people, a full day and cooperating weather. Burning hasn’t been done for a few years and we’d like to have the piles and tall grass done for safety reasons. Call 620-297-3290 or email office@campmennoscah.org to volunteer.
- Help us Plan for the Future! A seven-question survey will help us know how camp is used and what you would like to see in the future. Click here to tell us what you think!
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Discover Your Anabaptist Filter
Registration is now open for KNOW JESUS, an overnight retreat for 6th – 8th graders on February 4 – 5 at Hesston College! At Know Jesus, students can learn more about their Anabaptist roots through worship, service, and interactive activities. As a way to put our faith into action we will be raising funds for Numana prior to Know Jesus and then packaging meals during the retreat. To register, click here. More registration information is available here and you will find bulletin inserts, flyers and graphics about Numana here. Contact Melissa Landis at 215-896-4808 or email melissahlandis@gmail.com for more information or with any questions.
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Our office will be closed the week of December 26-30. It will reopen on Monday, January 2nd, 2023.
Don’t forget to send us any announcements that you would like shared with your fellow SCMC churches!
Posted on December 23, 2022 in Weekly Word