News & Events

Isaiah, Talk to me The Holy Spirit urged me to pray with the prophet Isaiah during Lent. It wasn’t the first time the Spirit nudged me to meditate with Isaiah. It happened 20 years ago when I was in Ethiopia. My ears were more fine-tuned to listen within that culture so foreign to me. I…

Why Worship Together? In the last two and a half years while I’ve worked for Virginia Mennonite Conference (VMC), one of the consistent highlights has been visiting, and worshiping with, our various congregations. There is something holy and moving about coming together and worshiping Jesus; as Jesus said, wherever two or three are gathered in…

Change is Imminent Today is a new day. I started my journey with Virginia Mennonite Conference (VMC) in August of 2020, moving across the country and across borders to make Harrisonburg our new place to call home.  My husband, Chad, accepted a new position at Ridgeway Mennonite. I did not have a job lined up,…

Transformation Versus Business As Usual. In Luke 6:46, Jesus asks, “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord’ and do not do what I say?” It’s a common phenomenon even noticed by nonbelievers: Many Christians profess allegiance to Christ but fail to apply his teachings to their lives. We may ask for salvation but resist transformation,…

The Still Point of the Churning World What is the reason your church exists? What is the surrounding neighborhood or community like? Who are the people who live and work around you? What do they fear and long for? The seven weeks from Easter to Pentecost is an opportune time to sharpen mission awareness and…

Bishop Leslie Francisco, III, district minister for Calvary District in Virginia Mennonite Conference. This message was prepared for the 2024 Winter Delegate Assembly at Waynesboro Mennonite Church on February 3, 2024. As I reflected on this gathering today and state of our conference the thought that kept coming to the forefront of my mind was…Hope…