MWR : Loss, transition

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March 15, 2010 issue

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Tags: Congregations

Loss, transition

Whitestone Mennonite Church, Hesston, Kan.

By Correspondent

People from our congregation left for a nine-day service trip to Guatemala Nov. 11.

There they joined several other churches in an interdenominational service project called Sharefest. Daniel Bran, a graduate of Hesston College and pastor of Iglesia Biblica, a church in Guatemala City, invited the group down to share in the ministry of sharing the love of God with the Guatemalan people through working alongside them in service projects at city parks, a public school and in several churches.

Derek Yoder, our youth pastor for more than seven years, resigned in December. He, his wife, Joy, and children Cedon, Caryn and Callie moved to Cassopolis, Mich., to volunteer at Camp Friedenswald.

Bruce Hostetler, interim lead pastor, died Jan. 21 after a heart attack. He had served at Whitestone since June. His wife, Cheryl, has returned to Milford, Neb., their hometown. It has been a difficult and sad time for his family and for our church family.

We are grateful to all who filled the pulpit during this time of transition. Hearts 4 Him, a men’s singing group from Newton, spent an entire worship service with us on Feb. 7. Dennie Jantzi is currently serving as interim lead pastor.

Whitestone has called Kurt Horst of Somerset, Pa., to be lead pastor. He and his wife, Elaine, will move to Hesston in the next few months.

On Jan. 23 we were all invited to a birthday celebration for Irene Weaver’s 100th birthday. Her family planned a wonderful afternoon, complete with a short program and communion.

Whitestone continued its Angel Food Program. Families and individuals are welcome to order quality frozen and fresh food at a reduced cost.

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