News
Virginia 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…
After 33 Years, Elwood Yoder Is Ready to “Re-Wire”
After 33 years of teaching history and Bible classes at Eastern Mennonite School, Elwood Yoder is ready to “re-wire” — not retire — for a new chapter of history making. In this chapter, Yoder will focus full time on his loves of research, writing, and church history. He will partner with historian Steve Nolt…
Do You Understand the MC USA Resolution Process?
There is often a lot of anxiety when it comes to preparing for our biennial Delegate Assembly. Of course, this anxiety is related to the potential resolutions. And yes, our processes have not always been easy to follow nor our leadership transparent, but we hope to journey forward better. The general sense is that the…
Mennonite 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…
Online Pastors and Leaders Event at AMBS Explores How to Thrive in the Pandemic
(Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary) — A year after the COVID-19 virus reached the shores of North America, leaders of churches and church institutions continue to imagine new ways of ministering amidst the difficulties and demands of living through a pandemic. Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS) in Elkhart, Indiana, sought to give these leaders an…
Ted 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,…
Learn 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.
Volunteerism 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…
Amazed at God’s Provision and Blessing
Here at Williamsburg Christian Retreat Center, we have been continually amazed at the ways the Lord has continued to bless our organization throughout this unique year. We had a very successful summer camp season and have experienced a high level of donor support. In each department, our staff have learned how to adapt and…
The Importance of Relationships and Community at Pleasant View, Inc.
During a pandemic, how do you safely celebrate fifty years of growing supports for individuals with disabilities from a six-person group home to the multifaceted supports we provide to over 160 individuals throughout Harrisonburg and Rockingham County? How do you come together as a community and foster the important relationships that helped Pleasant View become…
VMRC: Expanding Connections Amid a Pandemic
Nine months into the COVID-19 pandemic, we at Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community (VMRC) are more accustomed to mask-wearing, temperature screenings and physical distancing than we were in the spring. The processes put in place to keep residents and staff healthy such as meal delivery and wellness center visits by appointment feel smooth and streamlined. Around…
Responding to Our National Trauma
Dear Credentialed Leaders of Virginia Mennonite Conference, I confess that I am dismayed by the events in Washington, DC reported by national and international news agencies. This is a disturbing and sad time in the midst of what has historically been a peaceful leadership transition of our government, and it may be easy to place…