News & Events

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…

Pilgrims on a Journey Maren Tyedmers HangeMinister of Formation and Soul Care We are at the beginning of a new year and through the first seasons of the church calendar. With what expectations, dreams and worries do you enter and journey into this year? I have been drawn into the journey of the Magi at…

Webinar Monday, February 12, 7pm Gain insight helpful principles  in getting pastors, lay leadership, and church members in a more harmonious working relationship where ministry grows.  Register Here Effective Church Leadership How well is your church leadership working? Who is responsible for what in your church? Are there clear lines of communication and decision making?…

“11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up” Ephesians 4:11-12 When We Come Together This fall, the interim Conference Leadership Team (iCLT) has advocated for a renewed focus on our…