Welcome to weNote, a monthly collection of announcements and information we want to share with you and invite you to share within your congregation.

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It’s hard to imagine a world where everyone looks, acts, and speaks in the same ways. Where thoughts and ideas are prescribed to “classify” you as in or out. Where there is the notion that there is only one correct way of thinking and being. Yet that is what we are increasingly experiencing in both secular and religious communities.

The current issue of the “Anabaptist World” covers the Mennonite World Conference Assembly in Indonesia. Representatives from 44 nations gathered this year after last year’s postponement due to the pandemic. I can imagine God’s pleasure at the diversity and unity in worship during the assemblies. Clearly this global collection of Anabaptists challenges the idea that there is only one way to be an Anabaptist in this world.

MLT has the goal of becoming more interculturally competent. Each of us has completed an Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) and is preparing an Intercultural Development Plan (IDP). My goal is to use this opportunity with my accountability partner to become more aware of how my responses in words and actions can improve my intercultural awareness and responses.

I have been blessed to be part of a diverse family and faith community. Out of our differences I have found strength and encouragement. Still there is more work to be done. I am not fully aware of the ways I relate across cultures. My prayer is to be open to God’s direction in whatever circumstances I am faced to extend God’s love, grace, and mercy to all those with whom I interact. To recognize and break down walls and barriers that I may have constructed either knowingly or unknowingly. To learn more about being a brother in Christ open to the Holy Spirits leading in the local global community.

By Duane Yoder, MLT Treasurer

  • Summer changes in routines, the return to school-year rhythms, and God’s Presence throughout.
  • The joint worship service of Elkhart area Mennonite churches held at Prairie Street Mennonite on July 24 and the generous offering of $1631 that was collected for La Posada Immigrant Aid.
  • A culture of call at Berkey Avenue Mennonite Fellowship. Over time, Steph Wieand has been shoulder tapped with invitations to consider seminary and given numerous opportunities to exercise ministry gifts within her congregation. On August 7, Steph was credentialed and installed to join the pastoral team.  

  • All Teams Retreat, a gathering of all leadership teams in IN-MI Mennonite Conference will have their annual gathering at College Mennonite Church on September 16-17.
  • Joanne preached at Walnut Hill Mennonite Church on August 7 and will be at College Mennonite On September 4th
  • Sharon was at Hudson Lake Mennonite Church on July 24 and at Berkey Avenue on August 7 to officiate installation services.
  • During the month of July, Sharon had contact with 10 congregation in various stages of pastoral leadership transition.  

  • Journey Program will kick off their fall semester September 9-11 at Amigo Centre. IMMC currently has 2 students in the program
  • LET continues to be in conversation with the Corinthian Plan about the connections between pastoral growth and wholistic pastoral wellness. This will result in some updates to the Framework for Pastoral Growth sometime next year
  • Billy Funk has been called to serve half-time on the pastoral team at Berkey Avenue Mennonite Fellowship, beginning in September.
  • Ministry Credentialing Team arranges for peer mentors to meet with new pastors for their first two years of ministry. Recently Paula Killough agreed to serve as pastor peer mentor for Becky Helmuth, who is serving as transitional pastor at Hudson Lake.

  • Amigo Park – Is open! Call to check for availability. Phone: 269-651-2734 – leave a message for Caz and Sheila.
  • AMIGO POSITIONS AVAILABLE: We are taking applications for Program Director, Food Service Director, and a cook!  If you or someone you know has interest in any of these positions, please reach out to us by calling us at 269-651-2811 or emailing Jessica at Jessica@amigocentre.org.
  • Register now! Amigo Bike Michiana for MCC is scheduled for September 16-18. If you would like to become a sponsor, contact mandy@amigocentre.org. To register or for additional information, go to our web site: https://www.amigocentre.org/amigo-bike-michiana.html
  • Amigo Scrapbooking, Crafting and Sewing Retreats. Online registration is now open for the dates listed below. See the web for additional details.
    • September 22-25
    • December 1-5
  • October 3-5, 2022, Amigo Centre will host Transitional Ministry Training for individuals interested in leading congregations through a process of preparation for a new chapter of leadership. Visit tmt.amigocentre.org for additional information, or contact Amigo Centre at 269.651.2811.

“As members of MC USA, we commit to growing as communities of grace, joy and peace without barriers so that God’s healing and hope flow through all of us to the world regardless of ability.”

At a special Mennonite Church USA (MC USA) delegate session on May 30, 2022, the MC USA Accessibility Resolution passed unanimously, without votes against or abstentions. This resolution is almost seven years in the making, and we hope it will mark a shift in the Mennonite Church towards greater disability awareness and accessibility.

In order to lead congregations in carrying out the concepts and commitments in the resolution, we are releasing the Study Guide for the MC USA Accessibility Resolution, written by Joanne Gallardo for ADN. Joanne is conference minister of Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference of MC USA in Goshen, Indiana.

The study guide, found below, is a resource for congregations to understand and implement ideas from the resolution. The guide has specific materials, reflection questions, and information for congregational use over the course of four weeks.

Berkey Avenue Mennonite Fellowship has started a group for parents or guardians of LGBTQ+ children in Goshen-area Mennonite congregations. An introductory meeting will be held at Berkey on Saturday, August 27, from 9:00 to 11:00 am. The focus of this meeting will be to introduce ourselves to each other and to discuss the group’s vision and goals. For more information, please contact Sarah Morrison at sjhigley@gmail.com.

  • 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.

If you would like to list an opportunity here, please contact the Conference Office.

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