News
What’s under the surface in your neighborhood?
What’s under the surface in your neighborhood? In Harrisonburg, Virginia, part of the answer would be shale and limestone underneath the rich topsoil. But, examining the stories under the surface of Harrisonburg brings forth glimpses of urban renewal, communal and individual resilience in the face of segregation and structural racism, and ongoing efforts at truth-telling…
Repacking and racial justice
In February, it will have been two years since the creation of the VMC Racial Justice Task Force (RJTF). Two years, in the stream of Christian history, or world history, or even compared to the course of a lifetime, is not a particularly long time – and this is something we need to remember even as…
45 Years: Daniels Run Peace Church Celebrates
On September 25 Daniels Run Peace Church (the former Northern Virginia Mennonite Church), had a special Sunday morning worship service to CELEBRATE 45 YEARS OF CONGREGATIONAL LIFE. Former founding pastors Loren and Earlene Horst were present for the celebration, and former pastors Pearl Hoover (Hartman) and Earl Zimmerman brought greetings/memories prerecorded, and former pastor Karl…
Changing Seasons
The cooling temperatures and golden, red leaves herald that change is in the air. As much as we might want to hold onto summer—or any season for that matter— we must let go of long, warm, greenly glorious days to stay in sync with what God has in store for us. Thankfully, we can carry…
Pathways Fall 2022 now online
The printed copy of Pathways is returning. However, the digital is available now. Click on e-magazine below or download the pdf.
iCLT News – June Miller
from June MillerDirector of Administration and Communications From Office Manager and Strategic Marketing to Acting Conference Executive, I am now settling into my role on the iCLT as the Director of Administration and Communications at 0.75 FTE. My responsibilities include: Administration including assembly planning, Credentials Committee, Leadership Enrichment Committee, Congregational Life Committee, fundraising. Finance including…
iCLT News – Duane Beck
from Duane Beck Consultant to Pastors on Leadership and Local Ministry The interim Conference Leadership Team seeks to help congregations, pastors, and leaders thrive. We are in an experimental leadership phase. Your feedback, questions, and suggestions are welcome to help shape our work. I carry the role of Consultant for Pastoral Leadership and Local Congregational Mission….
iCLT News – inaugural issue
from Craig Maven Minister of Administration and Church Relations This is the inaugural entry of what the interim Conference Leadership Team hopes is a twice monthly communication. Our goal is to communicate what the iCLT is discussing, doing, and experiencing. The team members are: Bishop Leslie Francesco, June Miller, Maren Hange, Duane Beck, Caleb Schrock-Hurst,…
VMC Leaders Respond to Call for Guidance
Dear Virginia Mennonite Conference pastors, leaders and delegates, Grace, joy and peace to you this beautiful fall day, from our loving God, our Lord Jesus Christ, and the animating, sustaining Holy Spirit. Conference leaders from the Faith & Life Commission (FLC), Conference Council (CC) and the interim Conference Leadership team (iCLT) met together on September…
Transitions and Appreciations
Just like a congregation is not a building but the gathered body within, Virginia Mennonite Conference is a network of people who serve faithfully in so many ways. It is a living organism that changes over time, even as we remain rooted in God’s steadfast love and a common vision for mission. Change can be…
The Holy Spirit Gives Gifts: Trissels Mennonite Church at 200
An address given to Virginia Mennonite Conference, July 15, 2022, under the oaks at Trissels Mennonite Church, using Acts 2:1-4; 14-21; Video of the address. The Holy Spirit empowers congregations for ministry, service, and witness. When the believers at Pentecost received the Spirit, they moved out from their Jerusalem home base. Spirit-empowered mission is my…
Delegates Focus on (RE)PACKING at Summer Delegate Assembly
The past several years have been challenging for Virginia Mennonite Conference. Most obvious have been the extended difficulties of navigating COVID-19, but in the past year, VMC also had a crisis of leadership resulting in investigation and resignation of the Executive Conference Minister. Some congregations have left the Conference. The recent resolutions passed at…