Editorial
Transitions and Appreciations
Just like a congregation is not a building but the gathered body within, Virginia Mennonite Conference is a network of people who serve faithfully in so many ways. It is a living organism that changes over time, even as we remain rooted in God’s steadfast love and a common vision for mission. Change can be…
Read MoreSt. Augustine: The Bellies Of The Poor Are Safer Storehouses Than Our Barns
In light of an ever more desperate refugee crisis, what does it mean to love God with everything we have and to love our world neighbors as we love and look after ourselves? Each year multiple donors make cash, check and credit card contributions for refugee relief at the Virginia Mennonite Relief Sale‘s “Sharing Our…
Read MoreA Pastoral Reflection on the MC USA Special Delegate Session
In light of the recent votes at the Special Delegate Session of Mennonite Church USA, I’m writing with a pastoral word as I imagine the strong mix of emotions some of you may have on receiving news about the delegate assembly—the retiring of the membership guidelines, affirmation by a little over half of the delegates…
Read MoreTakeaways from My Sabbatical
In the final week of a three-month sabbatical, I was surprised how excited I was to return to the work of Virginia Mennonite Conference. Looking back to the beginning of the sabbatical, I realized the extent of my exhaustion and fatigue, and my somewhat fragile emotional state. The timing was perfect to undertake my sabbatical…
Read MoreCalled to Serve
Without congregations, Virginia Mennonite Conference cannot exist. Our bottom line is serving the church. In a strategic planning meeting last fall, I was working with Clyde and Jon to understand who and what we are. One of the duties of Conference Council (by-law Article IV, 3.3) is to project vision, define direction, and promote unity.…
Read MoreResponding to Our National Trauma
Dear Credentialed Leaders of Virginia Mennonite Conference, I confess that I am dismayed by the events in Washington, DC reported by national and international news agencies. This is a disturbing and sad time in the midst of what has historically been a peaceful leadership transition of our government, and it may be easy to place…
Read MoreChristmas Greetings from the Executive Conference Minister
Members and friends of Virginia Mennonite Conference, As we close out this calendar year, a year that was like no other in my lifetime, I am continually reminded “God is Love.” All of our pastors, congregational leaders, leaders of conference ministries, and leaders of conference endorsed ministries have demonstrated a high level of resilience during…
Read MoreCaring Leaders
I have a collection of coffee mugs. I have one from Michelin Tire, from the time when I changed truck tires for Moyer Packing Company, the largest beef packer on the East Coast. I have a series of coffee mugs of major league baseball teams that I purchased at games. I have Eastern Mennonite College…
Read MoreVirginia Conference Welcomes June Miller
Virginia Mennonite Conference is delighted to announce our new Office Manager and Marketing staff person, June Miller. While June’s academic portfolio demonstrates a penchant for an acting career in a theatre, she has utilized her gifts and skills in various roles in a congregation, mission agency, and a conference. June worked for Mennonite Church Canada…
Read MoreRacial justice and equality
The Conference Council of Virginia Mennonite Conference is forging ahead with a leadership initiative on racial justice and equality. This leadership initiative emerged following the death of George Floyd and the subsequent and ongoing cultural awakening to the realities of systemic racism in American society and the church. Alicia Manning, a member of C3 (formerly…
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