MDS 50th anniversary celebration set for Hesston, Kan., June 2 to 4

Mennonite Central Committee
Saturday, 8 January 2000

AKRON, Pa. - The largest gathering of Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) supporters in its history is expected to descend on the Hesston (Kan.) College campus on June 2 to 4 for a 50th anniversary celebration and three days of reminiscing, worship and fellowship.

Under the theme of "Celebrating the Vision," participants will meet members of the first Sunday School classes who started MDS in 1950, as well as hear speakers like Peter Dyck, Peter Wiebe, Robert Kreider and Millard Fuller. A Friday evening fellowship banquet will be held at the state fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kan., with room for all interested in attending. There will be workshops, displays, tours and an MDS golf tournament. The new MDS book, The Hammer Rings Hope, will be released and available at a special celebration price. The event will conclude with an outdoor worship service on the Hesston College campus on Sunday morning, June 4, followed by a picnic lunch commemorating the "picnic" where MDS was born.

Everyone is welcome to attend this event, which is being held in conjunction with the 2000 MDS all-unit meeting, but advance registration is required. A packet of program and registration information has been mailed to MDS contact people. Information can also be found on the MDS website, www.menno-disaster-service.org or requested by contacting Lois Leinbach, registration chair, at MDS 2000, PO Box 396, Hesston, Kan.67062, by phone (316) 327-8448 or email . Information may also be obtained through MDS Akron.

Early registration is encouraged in order to receive preferred housing options, as well as assure seating in the main auditorium. Registration deadline is April 15, 2000.

For more information, or to contact Mennonite Central Committee, see their website at: www.mcc.org