News & Events
Virginia History Book Project Kicks Off Again as Groups Agree to New Parameters
From left: Gerald Brunk, Harold Huber, James Rush, Jim Hershberger, (standing) Simone Horst, and Elwood Yoder. Joining via Zoom are Tim Jost and Ken Seitz. Representatives from the Virginia Mennonite Conference Historical Committee and the History Book Committee met with the Shenandoah Valley Mennonite Historians at Eastern Mennonite University’s Sadie Hartzler Library on August 27…
Read MoreBack to the Fairgrounds for the 2021 Relief Sale
The 2021 Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Relief Sale is scheduled for October 1 and 2. After the 2020 virtual Relief Sale, we are hoping to be back at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds this year. The extent the relief sale can be in-person will depend on safety guidelines at the time. We may, for example, have…
Read MoreMEDITATION ON ISAIAH 61:4-9 – God Still Promises to Restore
They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations. Strangers will shepherd your flocks; foreigners will work your fields and vineyards. And you will be called priests of the Lord, you will be named ministers of our God. You will…
Read MoreEMU, 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…
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