News
Renewing our commitment to follow Jesus
The work of Virginia Mennonite Conference’s Restructuring For Mission (RFM) committee is underway. The goal is to enhance VMC’s capacity to equip leaders in our Conference and churches “for worship and service and to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to our neighbors” (VMC’s mission statement). The Restructuring For Mission committee met six times…
Journey Forward brings new beginnings
Virginia Mennonite Conference is where it all began for me in 1993. At least it is where my journey began in the Mennonite church. I am appreciative to the men and women of this great conference who welcomed me and introduced me to the Anabaptist faith. Now it is my turn to give back to…
Delegates weigh in on proposed structural changes and release two congregations
Congregational delegates of Virginia Mennonite Conference gathered for Winter Delegate Session at Waynesboro Mennonite Church, where they heard from the chair of the Polity Task Force, provided feedback in table groups and open microphone, and were introduced to the Restructure for Mission Committee, the group that is working on implementing the Polity Task Force’s recommendations….
New VMC mission statement affirmed
During the Winter Delegate Session in February 2018, delegates affirmed VMC’s new mission statement: “Virginia Mennonite Conference equips pastors, lay leaders, and congregants for worship and service, and to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to neighbors near and far.” The vision statement is the same as Mennonite Church USA’s, and was affirmed at…
VMC welcomes new bookkeeper
Virginia Mennonite Conference is delighted to welcome Pramila Robinson as its quarter-time bookkeeper. She begins April 5, 2018.
Editorial: Connecting the dots
In the Fall 2017 issue of Pathways, Executive Conference Minister Clyde G. Kratz made the case for sabbaticals for pastors, including his particular three-month sabbatical at the end of the year. During these months, I have accepted the assignment to fill in for him on a part-time basis, to connect some of the dots which…
Walking with USA Ministries: Letting ourselves be built, by being instead of doing
If we can become something by doing something, can we become more by doing more? When I first returned to Harrisonburg after years of missionary service in Southeast Asia, I experienced a time of disorientation, like many people returning from a longer time of service. Faults in my foundation became exposed when I left my…
Reconfiguring the Conference structure
Early on in my social work career, I was introduced to the notion of self-care and rest. Growing up as I did on a dairy farm, I was mostly indifferent to its meaning. Getting up early to do farm chores—whether I was tired or not—was not optional. We (my dad, my brothers and I) just…
Finding the Sabbath in sabbatical
For many years I’ve been blessed to serve in congregations that give priority to offering sabbaticals to its pastors. Yes, Mennonite Church USA congregations get a not-so-subtle nudge from the denomination. A recommended sabbatical policy is written into pastoral support guidelines. Congregations may choose whether to follow the guidelines, and not all do. Even in…
Register for “Joy in the Journey,” the 2018 VMC Ministry Retreat
Credentialed leaders and their spouses are invited to a weekend VMC Ministry Retreat. There will be activities and input from Bob Briscoe, WCRC Director.