National News

GOSHEN, Ind. — A Franconia Conference native is participating in the Goshen College Orchestra during the fall semester, under the direction of Associate Professor of Music John Graulty.

Elena Histand, daughter of Steven and Bronwyn Histand of Telford, plays bass. The freshman collegiate studies major is a 2006 graduate of Christopher Dock Mennonite High School and attends Blooming Glen Mennonite Church.

The Goshen College Orchestra is a group that varies in size and repertoire, from chamber orchestra to full philharmonic dimensions. Formed in the 1950s, it has actively performed standard symphonic repertoire ever since. The group presents concerts of major orchestral works each semester. In addition, it accompanies the choirs, operas and student winners of the Concerto-Aria Competition.

Joint news release of Mennonite Disaster Service and Mennonite Central Committee

AKRON, Pa. – Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) and Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) express their deep sympathy and prayers for families affected by the Oct. 2 shooting at an Amish school in Nickel Mines.

Both organizations are in contact with Amish community leaders and are offering support through a joint response.

MCC and MDS are accepting financial contributions to assist the affected community. Contributions may be made by phone, by mail or online. (See information below.)

Contributions to the Amish School Recovery Fund will help the affected community with medical care, transportation, supportive care and other needs.

“We call upon churches to unite in prayer and support for the Amish community at this time,” said Kevin King, MDS executive director.

Ken Sensenig, assistant director of MCC East Coast, visited Amish community members after the shooting and said he is observing their resilience and is impressed with their response.

Families banded together to provide emotional support and tend to immediate needs, such as milking cows while parents rushed to the hospital, Sensenig said. Many non-Amish neighbors helped by giving rides to hospitals.

“What impresses me is how strong this community is in the face of terrible tragedy,” Sensenig said.

For more information, contact Scott Sundberg, director of communications for MDS, at (717) 859-2210, (717) 917-8827 or ssundberg@mds.mennonite.net, or contact Larry Guengerich, media/education coordinator for MCC, at (717) 333-2826 or lrg@mcc.org.

Tax-deductible donations can be made by calling MCC at (717) 859-1151, or MDS at (717) 859-2210. To donate online, go to mds.mennonite.net or mcc.org. To donate by mail, send checks to MCC or MDS at the following addresses with the words “Amish School Recovery Fund” in the memo line.

Mennonite Disaster Service
1018 Main Street
Akron, PA 17501

Mennonite Central Committee
21 S. 12th St.
P.O. Box 500
Akron, PA 17501

 

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Prayer and Reflection at Blooming Glen This coming Sunday evening, the Blooming Glen congregation will host a time of prayer and reflection in response to the shooting in the Amish school in Lancaster County this past Monday. How do God’s people keep hope and faith, and not succumb to fear, in the wake of such a horrific event? You are invited attend this opportunity to be prayerful in response to this tragedy. The time is 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 8, 2006.