Ruth Lapp Guengerich spent several days in Newton, KS sharing her wisdom, experiences, knowledge, and files with new executive director, Marlene Bogard. Ruth completed almost four years of service for MW USA as co-director, job sharing with Rhoda Keener. 

 

Ruth said, "These have been an amazing four years, of serving women across the MC USA, collaborating with Rhoda Keener, who had served as executive director for 11 years. We became friends in the course of our almost weekly phone calls and many, many emails about our work. I learned so much about job sharing, about the incredible work of this organization, and the women across the church who care deeply about MW USA. This work was a blessing beyond my imagination. Now I am very pleased that Marlene Bogard has felt called to this work. Her energy, creativity, commitment and passion for women will not only sustain but inspire new vision into this organization."

 

Marlene shares, "I am deeply grateful for the work that both Ruth and Rhoda have done with Mennonite Women. I have much to learn, and will be grateful for all the new friendships and connections I will make. All for the glory of God!"

 

Rhoda Keener will continue as Sister Care director. "I certainly welcome Marlene to this new role," Rhoda says. "I believe she will bring new resources and ministry for women in the church. It has been a real privilege to work with Ruth over the past four years. I wish her well in retirement. I look forward to continuing with the Sister Care seminars."

On March 20 and 21, I participated in Sister Care at Goshen College. Sister Care is a program of Mennonite Women USA (MW USA) that travels locally-as well as globally-presenting women-specific seminars on healing and care for women. The seminar I participated in, piloted by Goshen College, was the first Sister Care specifically focused for college students. 

Shina Park and Angeliky Santos attended the pilot Sister Care seminar.

Beth Martin Birky, professor of English and Gender Studies and MW USA board member, coordinated the event.

 

Carolyn Heggen and Rhoda Keener, the creators and organizers of the Sister Care seminars, worked with a focus group in April 2014 to adapt the program to fit the needs of college students.

 

I was fortunate enough to be a part of this group, along with a few other Goshen College students and faculty members.

 

Read Maggie's full reflection.