Posts Tagged ‘2013’
Learning 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 MoreYoung adults say:
Why VMC young adults love the church Caring and supportive community Diverse relationships of friendship and unity A place of belonging A place to fit in (even if I’m broken or different) I’m genuinely wanted as a family member I find Jesus at work, changing the world through the Spirit and through loving people I…
Read MoreMHI launches second church plant
On Nov. 17, 2012, Mennonite Hispanic Initative successfully launched a second Iglesia Discipular Anabaptista (IDA) church-plant. The new IDA is hosted by Community Mennonite Church in Harrisonburg, Va. Community joins two other Mennonite Latino churches: Iglesia Discipular Anabaptista, at Harrisonburg Mennonite Church, led by Pastor Byron Pellecer, and Iglesia Enciende Una Luz in Northern District…
Read MoreReflections from 5+ years at Virginia Mennonite Conference
Reflecting on my work at Virginia Mennonite Conference over the past five years, I remember the annual retreats-how much joy middle school students experience in a game like Capture the Flag, and the significant impact that quality speakers and worship leaders have in the lives of youth. I’m gratified that VMC has offered the Senior…
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…
Read MoreParenting Project engages Waynesboro Mennonite Church
Waynesboro Mennonite Church recently engaged in a presence ministry activity, blessing us as much as the people with whom we were serving. As part of the Parenting Project, several families who had poor relationships with their teen-aged children had been ordered to take a 10-week course, one night a week, both parents and teens, with…
Read MoreCultivating healthy sexuality in our conference
It was months in the planning. Representatives from the Congregational Life Commission and the Faith & Life Commission pondered how to model a way of talking about healthy sexuality in the congregational setting. One hundred people from 24 congregations gathered at Waynesboro Mennonite Church on Saturday, November 3, to worship, listen, share around tables, and…
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