VMC Assembly to explore Holistic Christian Witness
What is God doing within each of us, among our churches and around the world? This summer’s Conference Assembly will engage the third priority of Mennonite Church USA’s Purposeful Plan, “Holistic Christian Witness.” Together we will explore Look What God is Doing! Signs of Christ’s Kingdom Among Us. Has your congregation created its Assembly poster yet? The poster at left is an example of how VMC is “pointing to Christ’s kingdom.”Design: Jon Trotter Photo: Sarah Bixler Worship speakers Loren Horst and Nelson Okanya, along with Bible study leaders Carmen Schrock-Hurst …
Learning to listen to the quiet and unexpected voices
Although I have sensed a call to ministry since a young age, I have never felt qualified. I saw myself as too quiet, too slow to respond to crisis, too unsure of myself, and not authoritative enough in decision-making. How could God possibly use someone like me? Last summer, I had the privilege of interning with the Eastern Carolina District of Virginia Mennonite Conference as part of my field training for Duke Divinity School. This internship gave me the opportunity to explore a calling into pastoral ministry by following the …
Young adults say:
Why VMC young adults love the church Caring and supportive community Diverse relationships of friendship and unity A place of belonging A place to fit in (even if I’m broken or different) I’m genuinely wanted as a family member I find Jesus at work, changing the world through the Spirit and through loving people I see God’s powerful kingdom I join God’s movement through the loving service and worship of the church . What VMC young adults long for in the church Greater openness, vulnerability, transparency More opportunities to participate …
MHI launches second church plant
On Nov. 17, 2012, Mennonite Hispanic Initative successfully launched a second Iglesia Discipular Anabaptista (IDA) church-plant. The new IDA is hosted by Community Mennonite Church in Harrisonburg, Va. Community joins two other Mennonite Latino churches: Iglesia Discipular Anabaptista, at Harrisonburg Mennonite Church, led by Pastor Byron Pellecer, and Iglesia Enciende Una Luz in Northern District led by Pastor Armando Sanchez. Pastors Marvin & Mariana Lorenzana lead the establishment of this plant. “We are committed to planting a whole family of Latino churches in the area of Harrisonburg,” Lorenzana said. “These …
Reflections from 5+ years at Virginia Mennonite Conference
Reflecting on my work at Virginia Mennonite Conference over the past five years, I remember the annual retreats-how much joy middle school students experience in a game like Capture the Flag, and the significant impact that quality speakers and worship leaders have in the lives of youth. I’m gratified that VMC has offered the Senior High Retreat as an opportunity to bring youth together on a regular basis. God ministered to me in numerous ways while organizing retreats, mostly with the opportunities to talk with persons working with youth at …
