God of the changing seasons
God of the changing seasons
by Marlene Bogard


God of the changing seasons, transform my life.
  
This November,
Let me open my heart to the grey skies - really, again?
Let me smile through the rain-like tears.
Let me know you are still here.   
  
This fall,
Let me wonder about the gusty wind - why the hurry?
Let me breathe again, slowly, deeply.
Let me know you are all around me.
  
This autumn,
Let me crunch through layered leaves - such memories!
Let me rake up my worries and bag them.
Let me let me know you are present.
  
This season,
Let me delight in the colors that linger - thank you!
Let me sing to the flying geese.
Let me praise the maker of seasons.
  
God of the changing seasons, transform my life.

     
Marlene Harder Bogard is the executive director for Mennonite Women USA. . Marlene cares deeply about Christian faith formation in all stages of life and is drawn to help folks develop ways of  connecting with God in creative and meaningful ways. Her background includes serving on the Dove's Nest board, Spiritual Director training, and teaching youth ministry at Bethel College in North Newton, Kansas.
EMU Sister Care Video

On Saturday, November 4, Eastern Mennonite University women gathered at Parkview Mennonite Church in Harrisonburg, Virginia to participate in a Sister Care Seminar. 

Presenters included: Marlene Bogard, Celeste Thomas, Teresa Boshart Yoder and Melody Pannell.
Photos from Sister Care in India and Nepal

Rhoda Keener and Carolyn Heggen presented a 3.5 day Sister Care leaders' training in Nagpur, India Oct. 19-22 for 35 women from across India and Nepal.

Photos from Bethesda Women's Ministries

On Tuesday, October 24, 2017, Marlene Bogard, executive director for Mennonite Women USA, visited Bethesda Women's Ministries in Henderson, Nebraska.

Bethesda has a thriving women's ministry.
#GivingTuesday

After Black Friday and Cyber Monday, join the international #GivingTuesday movement! 

Your gifts to Mennonite Women USA will go towards our International Women's Fund, which supports women pursuing theological education around the world.
Partnership with Ten Thousand Villages

Mark your calendars! MW USA is partnering with the Ten Thousand Villages shop in Pasadena, California during the holiday shopping season. 

All you have to do is mention our organization's name during checkout! Ten Thousand Villages will then donate 15% of your total purchase to Mennonite Women USA. Thank you in advance for your support!

Pasadena Dates: Fri., Nov. 17 - Fri., Dec. 1
Christmas Gifts for every Mennonite Woman on your list!

Our Mennonite Women USA shop is full of goodies for all Mennonite Women! 

Deck out your friends and family with Centennial T-Shirts! Give your bookworms a copy of Circles of Sisterhood, a subscription to Timbrel or one of our Bible Study Guides. Or empower everyone on your list with the gift of Sister Care materials!
Sitting in the Silence by Tonya Detweiler

Board member Tonya Detweiler reflects on the importance of silence and stillness. While Tonya is more comfortable staying busy, her pastoral team challenged her to practice stillness and listening.

In Motion with Marlene: Shhhhhh

From Fall Timbrel 2017, executive director Marlene Bogard shares about the importance of listening in Sister Care Seminars and in everyday life.

Mennonite Women USA | office@mwusa.org | 316.281.4396  | mwusa.org
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