God’s Spirit movement among us at our Annual Sessions gathering June 9-10 at Amigo Centre. Experiencing God in nature, in worship, and in our conversations together was a great blessing! Clayton Gladish’s amazing attention to detail as he coordinated every aspect of this event did not go unnoticed. Thank-you!
The persons who said “YES!” and conference delegate affirmation for them to begin serving on various conference leadership teams. We are deeply grateful for the wisdom, passion, and experience that is shared with us by these volunteers!
Dave and Janice Yordy Sutter and their 35 years of effective ministry at Kern Road Mennonite Church on June 11. Sharon Yoder and Kern Road’s congregational coach, Phil Waite, participated in their farewell service; Joanne Gallardo participated in the celebration as a member of Kern Road.
Joanne and Sharon met with Fairhaven Mennonite leaders via zoom on May 16 to discuss congregational coach possibilities and pastoral leadership needs for their congregation.
Joanne attended STAR (Strategies for Trauma and Resilience) training through EMU’s Center for Justice and Peacebuilding on May 18 via Zoom.
Joanne served as moderator for MCUSA’s “What to Expect at the Delegate Assembly” Zoom webinar on June 1.
Sharon connected with Transitional and Interim ministers for their quarterly zoom meeting on June 2.
Sharon traveled to Pinckney, MI June 3-4 to visit with Jan and David Esch and worship with them at Good News Community Chapel.
Joanne Gallardo and MLT member Steve Slagel met with Wildwood Mennonite leaders via zoom on June 7.
Ministry Credentialing Team (MCT) had meaningful conversation with Sophie Lapp Jost, hearing her reflections about her pastoral ministry and upcoming ordination. Sophie is a pastor at Bammental Mennonite Church in Germany and will be ordained by Joanne Gallardo at College Mennonite Church on July 16.
At our May meeting, MCT listened to several painful stories from past credentialing interviews. Terri Geiser provided pastoral presence for our team as we listened, acknowledged our wrongdoing, tearfully released our guilt, and were overwhelmed by God’s amazing grace. If you, or anyone you know, has been harmed by our credential practices, we invite you to share your story with us. We want to create spaces for healing and release as we continue our reparation process. See the letter from MCT here.
Leadership Enhancement Team is pleased to welcome Dr. Barb Slagel and Craig Oury to Leadership Enhancement Team, affirmed by delegates June 10.
In light of last month’s report, the above, and the discussion at Annual Sessions, we want to celebrate that we have received contributions from congregations and individuals this week that will significantly close the gap between income and expenses.
Summer Camp:
June 18-July 28
Day camp, overnight camp, and family camp options are still available.
Registration for summer camp is now live.
Click here to register with our new and streamlined camp management system.
These creative retreats are open to all who wish to scrapbook, craft, quilt, or sew in a community setting. A full 6 or 8 foot table with power will be provided for every guest. Cutting and ironing stations will be available in the quilting/sewing work area.
Working on your projects next to friends, new and old, is a great way to fellowship and live into our calling as co-creators with our Creator. Enjoy the peaceful setting in the woods at Amigo. Weather and season permitting, enjoy a guided hike, a pontoon ride, bird watching, a campfire, and kettle corn, among many other amenities. Devotions/blessings at meals and an optional, casual Sunday morning worship service will also be available. These retreats will run from Friday through Sunday. As usual, Thursday and Monday are available as add-ons. Register here!
MCC Bike Michiana:
September 15-17
Conference Co-Minister Joanne Gallardo writes monthly for the Anabaptist World. Recently. Joanne highlights five LGBTQ and Black-owned businesses founded by Black and queer leaders in the latest edition of the series. Read more in her article on Five Things Friday roundup: Pride.
The Center for Justice and Peacemaking at Eastern Mennonite University is hosting a virtual open house next week on Wednesday, June 21. Hear about the Masters and Graduate Certificate programs and explore how you can impact your community.
Mennonite Mission Network is seeking a Staff Accountant (Full-time, In office, Hybrid or Remote). The Staff Accountant will oversee budget development and monitor budget performance. This position will also be the liaison between finance and other departments and work teams and cross-train to cover other finance functions as necessary. If further interested or to apply, you may visit us at www.MennoniteMission.net/about/Employment. Please email Mennonite Mission Network – Human Resources if you have additional questions at staffrecruitment@mennonitemission.net.
Mennonite Mission Network has several employment opportunities listed on their employment page.
Mennonite Education Agency lists openings throughout Mennonite-affiliated schools on their employment page.
Explore pastoral opportunities in Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference and beyond on MC USA’s Pastoral Openings list.
