November has seen two frustrating (is that the right word?) developments in Anabaptist-land .  On November 1, Mosaic Mennonite Conference, a regional conference centered in Eastern Pennsylvania, voted to discontinue membership in Mennonite Church USA.  Although not explicitly named as the reason, Mosaic has been considering this ever since denominational delegates…

Mutual aid is the voluntary exchange of resources to support members of a community.  It is based on solidarity, trust, and a belief in the dignity of all.  Mennonites have a rich history of mutual aid practices, including an early form of insurance that came to be called Mennonite Mutual…

For many years, our congregation’s Mentoring Program has helped young people deepen their faith and feel more connected to our church community. Beginning around 6th grade, youth have the opportunity to be paired with an adult mentor who walks alongside them as a listening ear and fellow companion on their…

Earlier this year Leadership Team (LT) began discussing the possibility of creating a new part time pastoral position.  Several intersecting factors have prompted this discussion.  A primary one is a desire to be proactive.  LT sees a healthy and active congregational culture and has wondered if now is the time…

Last evening 11 of us sat in a circle of chairs at the front of the dimmed sanctuary.  The Transitions group has met for the last two months and this was the closing ritual.  Each person brought items that symbolize what is ending in their life and what is emerging. …