Mennonite Central Committee is celebrating 100 years of serving in the name of Christ in 2020. Weve Come This Far by Faith is a celebration open to the public to celebrate the past 100 years but to also look ahead toward the next 100 years. Please join MCC to celebrate this milestone on Feb. 29 at 7:30 p.m. at the Shari Flaming Center for the Arts on the campus of Tabor College, Hillsboro.
Officially, MCC was formed when representatives of various Mennonite and Mennonite Brethren groups met in July 1920 in Elkhart, Indiana. However, there was a small but important meeting in Hillsboro, Kansas, that took place before the Elkhart gathering, explained Michelle Armster, executive director of MCC Central States. Stories of family and friends suffering from hunger back in southern Russia (present-day Ukraine) had reached the Mennonites and Mennonite Brethren in Kansas. As concern grew, it was determined that something had to be done.
Representatives of the various groups came together. Five men met at the home of P.C. Hiebert in Hillsboro - located where Tabor College now stands - on July 19-20, 1920 to inspire and solidify cooperation and unity on this mission, and to work out plans and strategies. After two days of deliberation it was agreed to call a joint meeting of all the Mennonite relief organizations, in Elkhart, Indiana, a short week later, on July 27, 1920, wrote Peggy Goertzen, the Director of Center for Mennonite Brethren Studies in Hillsboro.
MCC started to respond to a particular need of a particular group. However, that began to evolve almost immediately upon arrival in 1920 due to the challenging and changing war taking place in Russia. The MCC workers were not deterred from their mission, but instead met the challenges with faithful courage. In the 100 years since, many have walked in their footsteps, following the example set out by Jesus. In 2020, MCC follows the example of Jesus with over 1,000 workers serving in more than 50 countries around the world.
The centennial celebration will feature a reflection by Michelle Armster on MCC, Weve come this far by faith, based on adaptations from Hebrews 11. Armster said, The history of MCC is about how human people felt that they were responding to Gods call to feed hungry people. Could/Would they ever have imagined that, 100 years later, MCC continues to respond to people in need in the name of Christ?
Money raised at the event will support MCCs New Hope in the Name of Christ campaign that is raising money for special international and domestic projects.
As guests arrive, they are welcome to bid on a variety of silent auction items. A reproduction Mennonite Feeding Station sign from MCCs post-World War II feeding programs in Germany will be available for a suggested donation, also.
Turning 100 is a big deal and were looking forward to kicking off this centennial year with this celebration, Michelle Armster said. There are countless people who have given their time and money over the past 100 years to support MCC and for that we are thankful! Were excited to see what the next 100 years bring.
See more here:
MCC celebrates 100 years with Feb. 29 event - The Hutchinson News
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