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| Let me call you
by Marlene Bogard
O Holy One,
Who are you? As my path winds through the decades,
I wonder,
do you change? Or is it me?
One time I thought I knew. But now?
But I must try...
Let me call you creator.
In your image I live and breathe, I cry and laugh.
Let me call you sacred weaver.
You alone furnish warp and weft to shape a tapestry still unfinished.
Let me call you light of the world.
From early dawn until soft night, shimmering sky reminds me of your presence.
Let me call you blessed companion.
More than a friend, I need a confidante, confessor, a delight.
Let me call you wonderful.
There is no other One like you.
Let me call you deep peace.
I shall dive in and let your silky water of life comfort me.
Let me call you sustainer.
Upon you I lean, I rest, I am nourished.
Let me call you hallowed dancer.
I invite your Spirit to move in and out of my life, in rhythm and with grace.
My journey is one of naming you, listening for you, following you.
I am grateful.
Marlene Harder Bogard will conclude her role as Executive Director of Mennonite Women USA on July 31, 2018. She will continue to see God, follow Jesus and listen to the Spirit.
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Cyneatha Millsaps named new MW USA executive director
Mennonite Women USA is delighted to announce Cyneatha Millsaps of Markham, Illinois as their next Executive Director beginning September 1, 2018. She will replace Marlene Bogard who is retiring July 31, 2018.
"We are excited for her passion and desire to lead, empower and strengthen women. Cyneatha is ready to serve as a bridge builder with diverse groups as she draws upon her past experience with our ministries while embracing the Mennonite theology and practice," shares Kathy Bilderback, MW USA board chair.
Cyneatha has served as the lead pastor of a multicultural congregation just outside of Chicago and has been a columnist for The Mennonite. She is a community activist and advocate, focusing on the needs of women and children in the areas of violence, education and spiritual development. She is married to her loving husband of 25 years, Steven. Together they have seven children and 20 grandchildren.
Millsaps comments, "I am grateful for the opportunity to work with women from all walks of life. I believe we are at a critical time in the life of the church and the voice and leadership of women is vital for the next generation. I look forward to learning from women everywhere, sharing your wisdom and hope as we move forward together."
Bilderback adds, "We are very grateful for Marlene Bogard's leadership over these past three years, especially as she helped us celebrate our centennial. We appreciate the many gifts she shared with and for our organization and wish her all the best in her retirement."
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Time is running out!
As we were dreaming and planning our summer event, Mennonite Women USA and Dove's Nest knew we wanted to offer two things: practical resources and an intergenerational gathering.
Both are included in our planning. Now we need you, your daughters, mentees, nieces, granddaughters to register for our summer event: Empowering Women: Claiming Healthy Personal Boundaries.
Join us on July 26-27, 2018 at the Community Engagement Center at the University of Nebraska at Omaha in Omaha, Nebraska. This event is designed for girls ages 13-18 and adult women. Several scholarships are available.
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Every Day Worship now available!
Discover the rhythm of worship. Every day, every week, every year, there are ways to worship God. Every Day Worship inspires women to be worshipful people, not just people who worship. Using the elements of a worship service, author Carol Penner guides women invites women to dive deep into Scripture and faith through worship experiences.
Excellent for personal study, women's groups, retreat settings, and individual study and inspiration, this Bible study encourages women to worship every day.
Buy your copy of
Every Day Worship
here!
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Gifts to Honor & Remember
MW USA invites persons to share financially to support this ministry. Individuals are invited to
give in honor of or in memory of significant people in their lives. We recognize each gift that honors or remembers a relationship. These women were honored or remembered by a loved one who sent a gift to MW USA
since May 15, 2018:
- Alice H Jantzen in memory of Lisa Skidmore Sexton.
- Kathleen Springer in memory of Hilda Newcomer.
- Esther H Martin in memory of her mother.
- Karen Loganbill in memory of Shirley Loganbill.
- Eloise Plank in honor of Rhoda Keener.
- Barbra Gant in honor of Phyllis Hartzler Baumgartner.
- Jane L Hooley in memory of Nettie Hooley.
- Marie Harnish in honor of Florence Marie Rheinheimer Harnish.
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Marlene on Personal Boundaries
Here some final thoughts from Marlene Bogard about claiming your personal boundaries as she reflects on her own #metoo and #donewishing experience.
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Carren Atieno ordained
Remember Carren? She's a
former International Women's Fund recipient and was recently ordained in the Kenyan Mennonite Church. Carren received support from IWF from 2015-2017 and participated in Sister Care in Kenya in 2016. Becoming ordained is a huge accomplishment for a woman in Kenya! Congratulations, Carren!
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Healing resources strengthen personal boundaries
Interested in resources on domestic violence and sexual abuse from an Anabaptist perspective? See Rhoda Keener's most recent Timbrel article for more information!
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See what's happening on our social sites:
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