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…

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Christian Conquest Ministries founder dies

Paul L. Gaskins, 71, died on January 3, 2013. Bishop Paul was founding pastor of Christian Conquest Ministries in Washington, DC (Potomac District) with his wife Belinda. Paul nurtured relationships with other ministries from Maryland, South Carolina, North Carolina, Michigan, Virginia and India, forming the Leadership Fellowship conference. Many from these groups gathered to say…

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Conference facing significant staff changes

Significant changes in leadership for Virginia Mennonite Conference will happen in 2013. Three administrators will terminate their positions: Jason Gerlach as Conference Youth Minister, Owen Burkholder as Conference Minister, and Sarah Bixler as Conference Coordinator. Conference Council has appointed a “Task Force for a Financially Sustainable VMC” which will bring recommendations to Conference Council in…

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VMC meets expenses, thanks to congregations

For the first time in six years, VMC reports a year-end surplus instead of a deficit. We are overjoyed and grateful for God’s goodness and your generosity! This exciting news is largely due to an increase in giving from congregations. From September 1, 2011, through August 31, 2012, congregational giving accounted for over half of…

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Organic Church Planters’ Greenhouse

Neil Cole

An excellent opportunity to continue to learn and grow as followers of Jesus is coming up soon. On October 19-21, Virginia Mennonite Missions and Mennonite Hispanic Initiative (MHI) will host an “Organic Church Planters’ Greenhouse” intensive training with Neil Cole from Church Multiplication Resources (CMAR), held at Harrisonburg Mennonite Church. A Greenhouse is a three-day…

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Visit to showcase Mindanao peacebuilding

Dann and Joji Pantoja

Harrisonburg has the rare opportunity to host MCC Canada Witness workers, Dann and Joji Pantoja, from October 2 to Oct 6. There will be a special event at Grace Mennonite Church, 7:00 pm, on Wednesday, October 3, to hear them share about their work with Peacebuilders Community in the conflicted region of Mindanao, Philippines. As…

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Election Day Communion seeks to unify a diverse church

Every day is filled with choices, some of which have a greater impact on our lives than others. Every day we must choose what to wear and what to eat. Every day we must choose whether or not to follow Jesus. On November 6th, citizens of the United States will be invited to make another…

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“Close Encounters of the God Kind” at Middle School Retreat

Middle school youth in grades 6-8 and adult sponsors are invited from all Conference churches to the Virginia Mennonite Conference Middle School Retreat, September 22–23, 2012, at Smith Mountain Lake. Join us for a weekend of worship, faith stories, energetic activities, and friendship building! The retreat is held at the W.E. Skelton 4-H Educational Conference…

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Organic church planters’ Greenhouse event coming to Harrisonburg

An excellent opportunity to continue to learn and grow as followers of Jesus is coming up soon. On October 19-21, Virginia Mennonite Missions and Mennonite Hispanic Initiative (MHI) will host an “Organic Church Planters’ Greenhouse” intensive training with Neil Cole from Church Multiplication Resources (CMAR), held at Harrisonburg Mennonite Church. A Greenhouse is a three-day…

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