STAND IN THE GAP

Western District Conference empowers its Anabaptist/Mennonite congregations to:
Witness and invite others to faith in Jesus Christ, Dwell in just and loving relationships, and Connect to God's mission in the world.

Invitation to: Mennonite Church leaders, Western District and South Central Pastors

From: WDC Peace and Social Concerns Committee (Eric Buller, chair, Curtis Ediger, Lois Harder, Judy Johnson, Moses Mast and Harold Regier) and the planning committee (Lois Harder, Doug Krehbiel, Jim Ostlund, Marty Troyer) for,

STAND IN THE GAP:
Sunday, April 2, 2006
Newton High School
An event to strengthen and train High School aged Christians
for life in a violent and complex world.

Each of you is cordially invited and heartily encouraged to attend this event. Below is the schedule:

10:00 Worship with singing, scripture, prayer and message by: Lynn Miller peace activist, storyteller and committed Jesus-follower.

12:00 home-cooked lunch prepared by volunteers from the Eden Mennonite Church

1:00 Stories of non-violent acts that really work. Non-violence training by: Jessica Phillips CPT member, peace-maker, committed Jesus-follower.

3:00 Shalom Shimmy in down-town Newton. Starting from Military Park, silent walk to the court house.Service of singing, speaking and anointing/blessing.

4:00 Dismiss

Your role? We would like to invite you to attend the entire event, to be present with our High School youth as they worship and learn real, non-violent techniques and methods for dealing with conflict in our world. If it's not possible for you to attend the entire event, we especially invite you to join us from 3:00 to 4:00 as we walk (shimmy) silently and wrap up the day with a blessing/anointing for each participant. Our youth need to experience their church leaders walking with them in solidarity of this important piece of their Anabaptist education. Would you be willing to help administer the blessings/anointing for each student to empower them to use their God-given peace-making gifts at this event? It could be a transformative, life-changing time for the students, and for YOU! Please let us know by March 20 whether you can attend. Thank you for your prayerful consideration.

Lois Harder (316)687-4151
Doug Krehbiel (316) 283-6300
Jim Ostlund (620) 345-8320
Marty Troyer (620) 327-4885