We are looking forward to a new kind of annual gathering this summer, which also has a new name. We will gather in Indianapolis at Mara Christian Church of America, Indiana on June 7-8 for Summer Fest 2024. Mark your calendars and plan to attend this celebratory and worshipful weekend! Registration will be coming soon.

We want to continue to celebrate the new things that God is doing in, with, and through us following Summer Fest (formerly Annual Sessions). As a way to support those who will be present at Summer Fest and to include those who are not able to attend, we will again be providing worship resources and a pre-recorded sermon for use on June 9 (or whenever suits your congregation best). It should become available in late-April or early-May. Keep your eyes open for it in your inbox or on our the Summer Fest webpage!

• The visioning work of Ministry Leadership Team (MLT), our conference board. We were blessed with inspiring conversation at our meeting Saturday April 6, as we developed ideas proposed by the Intercultural Working Group to continue growing intercultural competency in IMMC. We were also energized as we developed plans for the potential of youth delegates to join our annual Summer Fest in June. Watch your email for delegate opportunity to vote on the youth delegate proposal.  
• The ministry of conference co-minister Joanne Gallardo. Joanne’s love and passion for the church to become God’s loving presence in the world is a gift to IMMC! She coordinates efforts of Growing our Intercultural Witness and met with more than 20 people in the past 6 months to review Intercultural Development Inventories (IDIs) and discuss growth plans. She also meets with pastors in cluster group meetings, works with Leadership Enhancement Team to facilitate growth and development of pastors and lay leaders, and works with Gifts Development Team to call new persons to serve on conference leadership teams. Joanne loves writing and preaching and welcomes your invitations to preach.

• Joanne and Sharon attended Constituency Leaders Council held at College Mennonite Church March 21-22. Joanne served as one of the worship leaders during the sessions.
• Sharon met with Kern Road Mennonite Church during their formation hour on March 24 to review congregational priorities in preparation for their upcoming pastoral search process.
• Sharon attended the Good Friday service hosted by Elkhart Mennonite Churches at Belmont Mennonite Church on March 29.
• Joanne attended the funeral and Sharon went to visitation for Bob Schloneger, a retired pastor, teacher, and mentor who served as a congregational coach and volunteer search guide for IMMC. Bob, a member of Berkey Avenue Mennonite Fellowship, passed away on March 25. 
• Joanne met with the Leadership Discernment Team of MCUSA in late March.

• Healthy Boundaries (HB) training is required for credentialed leaders every 3 years. Other congregational leaders are also encouraged to take the training. See the MC USA website for HB 101 and 201 trainings coming in April, May, and June: Healthy Boundaries Training – Mennonite Church USA (mennoniteusa.org)
• New pastor salary guidelines for 2024-25 are available on the MC USA website Pastor Salary Guidelines for 2023-2024 – Mennonite Church USA (mennoniteusa.org). MC USA and IMMC encourage congregations to follow these guidelines as closely as financially possible, to communicate your commitment to quality leadership and show support for your pastor.
• LET conducted a Congregational Coach training in early April. Another training will be held in the fall.

May 3-5: Women and Girls’ Retreat – God brings Peace in the Storm and Beauty from Ashes 

Register soon – the registration deadline for this retreat is April 21!  Scholarships are available.To learn more and register, go to www.amigocentre.org/women-and-girls-retreat

Summer camp registration is open! Get more information on dates and registration at www.amigocentre.org/amigo-summer-camps.  Want to work at Amigo for the summer?  We are still looking for counselors, kitchen staff, lifeguards, and more!  Contact Colton Eby at colton@amigocentre.org for more information.

June 1 – Amigo Centre Golf Scramble Fundraiser – Registration is live!  Get more details and register at www.amigocentre.org/amigo-golf-scramble

This month, Conference Co-Minister Joanne Gallardo wrote about the origins of our favorite Easter traditions for the Five things Friday roundup. Check it out here.

The next virtual meeting of the Mennonite Public Educators group is on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at 7pm Eastern. This group is intended for all Mennonite education professionals working in public school settings.

These conversations are moderated by public school teachers who are Mennonite. The conversation topic will be “Simple ways to show our faith.”

Registration is required. Email info@MennoniteEducation.org to receive registration information.

Check out the most recent Gospel Evangel newsletter.

Read it here.