A great cloud of witnesses

Clyde G. Kratz

The writer of Hebrews states, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who…

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Leaders needed!

Clyde G. Kratz

As part of the Listen and Learn Initiative, whereby I sought to visit with each lead pastor in Virginia Mennonite Conference, I had a startling discovery: two-thirds of the 60 lead pastors whose birth date is on record in my office will turn 70 in the next 15 years. Broken down in five year increments,…

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Eastern Carolina congregations collect ‘alternative taxes’ for CPT peace work

District congregations do not always agree with one another. Along with discussing how we may be at variance with one another, the district council for Eastern Carolina District decided to focus on one way our congregations are united: we are called to live Christ’s peace, and we are frustrated by our complicity in the United…

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Youth workers to explore “The Changing Face of Youth Ministry” with Rachel S. Gerber

In the movie, The Fellowship of the Ring, Galadriel the elf queen says a classic line about the changes happening in Middle Earth. She says to Frodo, “The world is changed. I feel it in the water. I feel it in the earth. I smell it in the air.” In a similar way this is…

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