Join us for this year’s Spring Summit (formerly Regional Meetings) on either March 19 at Fairhaven Mennonite Church (Fort Wayne, IN) or on March 26 via Zoom.

Find out more and register today!

Also, don’t forget to mark your calendars for Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference’s Annual Sessions on June 17-18, 2020 in Elkhart, IN. Registration coming soon!

• Opportunities to gather as IMMC – a community of congregations – in pastoral cluster groups and as delegates in our upcoming Spring Summits.
• Neil Amstutz’s ministry as lead pastor at Waterford Mennonite Church for 17 years. Sharon Yoder preached at his last service there on January 30.
• The commitment and volunteer time of our conference leadership teams to carry out the vision and mission of IMMC.   

• Joanne preached February 6th at Benton Mennonite Church.
• Joanne participated in the Journey weekend learning event at AMBS. A huge thank you to Susannah Larry for helping us learn more about the Bible’s origins and interpretations.
• Joanne – connecting with staff and MLT members to do IDI.
• Sharon has been connecting with a variety of pastors who are considering ministry transitions and with congregational leaders who are preparing for pastoral searches.
• Sharon and Joanne have had several conversations with pastors interested in connecting with IMMC. We’re grateful to network with Mennonite Mission Network’s SENT program as we navigate these conversations.

• Leadership transition conversations have increased in recent weeks. In January, Sharon had contacts with several pastors considering ministry transitions and had contact with 8 congregations in various stages of transition.
• Volunteer Search Guides have been walking with 4 different pastoral search processes. We’re grateful that they can be a face for conference and for the wisdom that they share in these processes.
• LET blesses Ben Bowman as he goes on sabbatical, and Kent Miller has graciously offered to chair in the interim

• Save the Date: Amigo Women and Girls Retreat is scheduled for March 18-20, 2021. Speaker is Leandrea Lange from New Foundation United in Christ Fellowship, Elkhart, Indiana. Theme:  God Brings Peace in the Storm.  The worship team from Yellow Creek Mennonite Church will be leading worship during this retreat. Registration is open now. Check the web for additional information or email Mandy@amigocentre.org
• Amigo Scrapbooking, Crafting and Quilting Retreats. Registration is now open for the dates listed below. Smaller group size this year, due to covid. See the web for additional details. Covid vaccine required for retreat dates below. Smaller retreats may be scheduled for those without the vaccine. Call to schedule your group today!
  • March 3-7
  • April April 7-11
  • September 22-25
  • December 1-5
• Save the Date: Amigo Bike Michiana is scheduled for September 16-18. Additional details coming soon.

Bethany Christian Schools Hires Elementary Principal

Bethanny Christian Schools in Goshen announces the creation of a position to lead their newly expanded elementary school. Current Bethany 6th grade teacher, Juanita Hershberger has accepted the position of elementary principal and will oversee this new section of the school, forming a comprehensive curriculum for its elementary program.

The school first began as a high school in 1954 and gradually added lower grades.  For the past decade, Bethany has offered an exceptional education for students in grades 4-12.  This year Bethany opened a third grade for the first time, and will open grades 1 and 2 this fall. Plans are underway to eventually add kindergarten as well.

“What’s happening at Bethany is wonderful, and we just want to be able to share that with more families, and their young children,” said Head of School Tim Lehman.  “We are so excited to expand the opportunities young children have here– to be known and loved, to grow at their own pace, and learn the skills that prepare them for life. These are valuable experiences we can offer our community’s children, and it’s our privilege to do this work.”

Several years ago, Hershberger earned a Masters in Administration Education degree from Lamar University, while continuing to teach full time. She is a beloved teacher with a calm, kind demeanor and dedication to student success. Parents often remark on her patience with students, active lesson plans, and commitment to each child’s individual well being.

Lehman looks forward to seeing Hershberger share these strengths across a full elementary program, guiding teachers in their growth and helping Bethany share its mission with a younger group of students.

“I know that Mrs. Hershberger shares our holistic vision for an education that prepares students to participate in God’s work in the world,” said Lehman.  “She does this by caring deeply about each of her students. This, together with her expertise and administrative training, has prepared her to be an excellent principal.”

“The leadership at Bethany is strong and has a vision I am excited to be a part of– for our students to be known, loved, and prepared to serve in our world now and after leaving Bethany,” said Hershberger. “Our teachers are committed to providing a holistic education to our students using innovative methods. I want to continue to give teachers that agency to meet each student where they are.”

Hershberger will join current principal Hank Willems, who is to continue on as upper school principal.

Regarding his new administrative partner, Principal Willems said, “Mrs. Hershberger has been an outstanding teacher at Bethany and will continue to positively impact our school in her new role of principal.  She brings outstanding leadership to our faculty and staff, but even more importantly brings valuable relationships with our students.  I look forward to working closely with her, and learning from her.”

Joanne is a monthly contributor to the Anabaptist World online. Check out her 5 Things Friday Roundup: Survival Mode.

• Berkey Avenue Mennonite Fellowship is looking to hire a pastor or pastors to join the congregation’s pastoral team. Depending on potential candidates’ gifts and availability, this job description (1.0 FTE) may be adapted to create two or more positions. View the job description.
• 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.