We are a community of congregations, Centered on Jesus, Guided by the Holy Spirit, Acting Through Grace, Love and Peace, Engaging the world God loves. None of this would be possible without the contributions from our congregations and your generous gifts. The funds given to conference contribute to fulfilling the mission and vision of conference in practical and meaningful ways!

We are so grateful for all who give to IMMC. Our Missional Seeds Giving Club is a way in which individuals can contribute to the work of IMMC. As a special gift for those who give on Giving Tuesday 2023, we will send you a unique Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference grocery tote bag to everyone who gives $100 or more, or sets up a a monthly donation.

Watch your inbox on November 28 for a link to give!

• “Look I’m doing a new thing; now it sprouts up; don’t you recognize it? I’m making a way in the desert, paths in the wilderness.” Our theme for this year, these words from Isaiah 43:19 invite us to watch and celebrate how God’s Spirit is moving among us.
• “This was the best one yet,” one pastor stated after Pastors Gathering 2023 at Amigo Centre last week. A relaxed schedule, worship, conversation circles, generous laughter, and plenty of good food created space for IMMC pastors to experience deep connection with God, self, one another, and creation.

• Joanne Gallardo and Sharon Yoder joined about 35 conference ministers, regional ministers, and staff from Mennonite Church Canada and MC USA in Banff, Alberta, Canada November 9-13. Conversations were rich; the commitment of this group to empower pastors and leaders in the church was invigorating.
• Sharon will be at Parkview Mennonite Church November 18-19 to interact with the congregation and preach in their morning worship service.
• Joanne is preaching via Zoom at Wildwood Mennonite on November 19^th
• Joanne and Sharon attended Constituency Leadership Council (CLC) via Zoom on October 27^th.
• Joanne continues to debrief the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) with IMMC team members

• Nathan Graber-McCrae will conclude his ministry at North Goshen Mennonite Church at the end of November. Izaete Nafziger will continue serving as pastor, with Nick King joining as interim pastor beginning in December. Sharon will be with the congregation November 26 as they mark this transition.

Greetings from the Amigo Centre Board. We invite you to join us on Thursday, December 7 at 6:00 pm at East Goshen Mennonite Church, (2019 E Lincoln Ave. Goshen, IN 46528) for our annual Friends of Amigo benefit dinner, with a delicious meal prepared by the Mounsithiraj family and a time of sharing some inspiring stories and Camp updates.

Please RSVP to the Amigo Centre Office at (269) 651-2811 or by email to Board Member, Addie Leaman, at addie.leaman@gmail.com

Conference Co-Minister, Joanne Gallardo, reflects on the changing of the seasons as she writes Five things Friday roundup: when seasons change.

Cultivating unity within faith communities can be difficult when cultural pressures are divisive. As the next iteration of the former School for Leadership Training, Shalom Academy 2024 offers a place to learn and reflect on the practices that move congregations past divisiveness and toward peace, both within their walls and in their larger communities. Keynote speakers and workshops give fresh perspectives on justice-inspired shalom, small group facilitators offer spaces to connect around shared interests, and new-this-year excursions provide for relaxation and recreation with friends both old and new. Make plans to start your 2024 ministry inspired and renewed by attending Shalom Academy, January 8-10, 2024.

You can view the website to learn more about the event or to register.

Author, Jacob Elias writes, “During our time as pastors of Parkview Mennonite Church (2001-2011) Lillian and I became acquainted with Dorothy Word, a retired teacher who in retirement wrote articles for Kokomo Tribune as a guest columnist. I compiled and edited a selection of these columns into a book that was published by Wipf & Stock last month. I am hoping that pastors and churches in the Indiana Michigan conference will become acquainted with this resource for intercultural awareness and antiracism training. I have some copies available ($10 per copy).”

Contact Jacob Elias.