News & Events
EMU, VMC Youth Council Hosts MYF Gathering
1) Moriah Hurst, a member of the VMC Youth Council, gives youth instructions for the photo scavenger hunt. | 2) Brian Martin Burkholder, University Chaplain and Director-Office of Faith and Spiritual Life at Eastern Mennonite University, welcomes the youth. | 3) Youth look for a clue at the EMU water tower. | 4) A small…
Read MoreMEDITATION ON ISAIAH 61:1-3 – What If We Are The Losers?
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour and the day…
Read MoreDelegates Approve Nominees for Leadership Positions at Summer Conference Assembly
Sara Wenger Shenk CONFERENCE MODERATOR-ELECT “I would love for the conference to be known for our open-hearted hospitality, trustworthy communication and non-anxious, courageous faith,” Sara Wenger Shenk writes. She is currently retired after serving in theological education as teacher and administrator, most recently as president of Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Elkhart, Indiana, 2010-2019 and earlier…
Read MoreDelegates Approve Three Departures and Welcome New Congregation at Conference Assembly
Virginia Mennonite Conference said goodbye to three congregations at its annual Conference Assembly held virtually on June 12, 2021, and welcomed a new congregation into full membership. Delegates also approved the nomination of Sara Wenger Shenk as Moderator Elect, beginning September 1, and several other leadership roles. The congregations choosing to leave Virginia Mennonite Conference…
Read MoreSara Wenger Shenk Nominated as Virginia Mennonite Conference Moderator-Elect
Sara Wenger Shenk has been nominated to be the next Virginia Mennonite Conference Moderator. She is currently retired after serving in theological education as teacher and administrator, most recently as president of Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Elkhart, Indiana, 2010-2019 and earlier at Eastern Mennonite Seminary as Associate Professor of Christian Practices and Associate Dean from…
Read MoreVirginia Mennonite Conference Hires Caleb Schrock-Hurst as Racial Justice and Equity Leader
Caleb Schrock-Hurst has been hired as the Virginia Mennonite Conference Racial Justice and Equity Leader, a new quarter-time position. In this role, Caleb will support the work of the Racial Justice Task Force as they facilitate the Conference’s anti-racism mandates: to equip members, to learn about existing racism, to develop leadership strategies, and to equip…
Read MoreMennonite Church USA Updates Ministerial Misconduct File Sharing Protocols
Mennonite Church USA (MC USA) has updated its ministerial misconduct file sharing protocols to allow MC USA agencies and related entities to inquire about past misconduct of credentialed leaders, according to Michael Danner, Mennonite Church USA Associate Executive Director of Church Vitality. The previous MC USA policy, introduced in 2017, allowed denominational staff to share…
Read MoreTed Talks: Cultivating Creativity Amid the Coronavirus
No one likes to be upstaged, no matter how well-meaning and worthwhile the activity that is being outdone. This feeling especially rings true for veteran actor and playwright Ted K. Swartz of Harrisonburg, who has dealt with frequent unexpected script changes in his 34-year career. In 1987, Ted, then a student at Eastern Mennonite University,…
Read MoreLearn More About the VMC Racial Justice Task Force
Learn about members of the Racial Justice Task Force and see stories and other content shared about the Racial Justice Initiative at Winter Delegate Session, February 6, 2021.
Read MoreVolunteerism Fuels Patchwork Pantry Food Ministry
Every Wednesday morning, you’ll likely find Sam Moore at the same location doing a bevy of tasks – all out of love of service to others. On this particular day (Feb. 24), Sam, along with Len Carroll and Daryl Peifer, were unloading and checking some 6,000 pounds of food from Blue Ridge Area Food Bank…
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