A Postcard and a Prayer from 
Mennonite Women USA:  September 2016
 
  Idling
by Berni Kaufman

Here it is, Lord. September.
     ... and the frenzy begins. 

An invitation to increase hours at work,
A challenge to enhance production,
     ... and I want to idle.

The church requests program leadership,
A committee encourages greater involvement,
     ... and I want to idle.

The family questions loyalty,
Friends desire more presence,
     ... and I want to idle. 

WHAT ARE YOU CALLING ME TO, LORD?

I'm shifting into gear
     My foot is poised on the accelerator
          Pedal to the metal, Lord ...

LET'S GO!

Berni Kaufman
of  Moundridge, Kansas, is the executive assistant for 
Mennonite Women USA. The prayer was written in reflection at Western District Conference Women and Girl's Retreat at Camp Mennoscah
SISTER CARE IN THE NEWS
In August, Sister Care co-presenters Rhoda Keener and Carolyn Holderread Heggen wrote about new Sister Care initiatives in east Africa for The Mennonite.

According to the article, about 90 women from across the continent came to Kenya and Tanzania to participate in Sister Care seminars where they learned about healing from trauma. 

Read Keener and Heggen's piece here >

In an earlier piece published in the Mennonite World Review, Keener and Heggen - along with some of the African women who helped coordinate the seminars - were interviewed about the unique challenges of bringing Sister Care to Africa. 

NEW + NOTEWORTHY
     

Big Idaho Adventure
 
Earlier this month, Mennonite Women USA's executive director, Marlene Bogard, and board chair, Kathy Bilderback spent time with three women's groups in Idaho.

Need a Bible Study?
 
Mennonite Women USA's latest Bible study guide, Faith Travels, is available for purchase on the MW USA website. Written by theologian Marlene Kropf, it's sure to be a hit with any women's group.

Fall 2016 Timbrel

The next issue of Timbrel focuses on women's health and will include articles on maternity and mental health. If you don't want to miss out, be sure to subscribe to Timbrel!


Have a blessed month!

Sincerely,
Mennonite Women USA staff