News & Events
Consultation on Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective
As a student at Eastern Mennonite Seminary (1986-1989), I was introduced to One Lord, One Church, One Hope and One God: Mennonite Confessions of Faith written by Howard John Loewen and published as a text-reader by the Institute of Mennonite Studies. It is compilation of numerous confessions produced by Anabaptist-Mennonite communities. Having participated in a…
Read MoreAaron Kauffman selected as VMM president
Virginia Mennonite Conference congratulates Aaron M. Kauffman, of Harrisonburg, Va., on his selection as the next president of Virginia Mennonite Missions. He was chosen by Virginia Mennonite Missions’ (VMM) 15-member Board of Directors as their next president at the October 18-19 meeting. Kauffman has extensive local and international mission experience serving most recently as VMM…
Read MorePark View’s blitz packs more than 1,500 kits
Peyton Erb (left) works in the assembly line putting MCC school kits together. A lot of congregations put school kits together for distribution by Mennonite Central Committee (MCC). But how many produce more than 1,500? That was a recent experience on Sunday, August 18, when nearly a hundred assembly-line volunteers packed a total of 1,562…
Read MoreConfession consultation event
Credentialed leaders of VMC are invited to a consulation on the Confession of Faith in Mennonite Perspective. Hosted by Waynesboro Mennonite Church, the consultation will be Friday, November 8, from 9 am to 3 pm at the church (1801 Monroe St., Waynesboro, Va.) George R. Brunk III and Owen Burkholder will be our two resource…
Read More“It didn’t feel like a gathering of older people…”
Reflections on Conference Assembly, July 25-27, 2013 at Eastern Mennonite School, Harrisonburg, Va. That second-hand quote from a younger adult who attended VMC Assembly as a first-time delegate indicates that indeed, participation in God’s kingdom is timeless. The speakers, workshop leaders, and testifiers engaged us with the wonder that God has been, is, and will…
Read MoreVMC introduces Clyde G. Kratz as Executive Conference Minister
On June 26, VMC’s Conference Council announced its selection of Clyde G. Kratz as the new Executive Conference Minister. On September 1, Clyde will succeed Owen Burkholder, who has nurtured the conference faithfully for 18 years. This new role incorporates executive responsibilities that were previously part of the Conference Coordinator position, which Sarah Bixler vacates…
Read MoreVMC Assembly to explore Holistic Christian Witness
What is God doing within each of us, among our churches and around the world? This summer’s Conference Assembly will engage the third priority of Mennonite Church USA’s Purposeful Plan, “Holistic Christian Witness.” Together we will explore Look What God is Doing! Signs of Christ’s Kingdom Among Us. Has your congregation created its Assembly poster…
Read MoreLearning 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…
Read MoreChristian 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…
Read MoreConference 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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