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Upcoming Workshop
Come to the Mennonite Conference Center on Thursday, June 11 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. for the workshop Child Sexual Abuse: A Universal Approach to Prevention and Offender Management led by Michael Stinson, Director of Prevention Services at the Joseph J Peters Institute (JJPI). JJPI Prevention Services’ core program is built on a public health model aimed at providing communities and service providers the capacity to recognize the social and behavioral indicators that are present in situations that lead to, or end in, child sexual abuse. This program is designed to shift the primary responsibility of preventing child sexual abuse from children to adults. Within this discussion, we will address issues involving offenders in the community, community safety standards and concerns, and integrating convicted offenders back into a social and community context.

Conference Center hours during Columbus
The Mennonite Conference Center will be open for reduced hours from June 29 - July 3 due to the Mennonite Church USA Convention in Columbus. Office hours will be as follows:
Monday, June 29 - Thursday, July 2 : Open 9 a.m. - noon
Friday, July 3 : CLOSED for the Fourth of July

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Thank you for your prayer support of Mennonite education. The Mennonite Education Agency has posted new Prayers for Faith and Learning for the month of June at www.MennoniteEducation.org/PRAYERS.

Karen’s Place, the coffee shop ministry of Doylestown Mennonite Church, will be open on Saturday, June 6 from 7:00 – 10:30 p.m. for its 9th Annual Hawaiian Night with prizes, giveaways and a “Best Dressed Hawaiian Contest”! The evening will feature the pop/rock fusion Eddy Mann Band. Admission is free. Donations collected will go to Mennonite Disaster Service to benefit hurricane victims in the Gulf area. Bring canned fruit, vegetables, or soup for the New Britain Baptist Food Larder and get a free coffee or hot tea! For more information, please call the church office at 215-345-6377 or visit www.karensplace.org.

“Travel the Ancient Silk Road” on a storytelling journey across Central Asia with Richard and Jewel Showalter on Saturday, June 6 at 7 p.m. at Deep Run East Mennonite Church. Richard Showalter, president of Eastern Mennonite Missions (EMM) and his wife, Jewel, will share experiences from their 3 month journey across Central Asia. Enjoy their photo presentation as they share their cultural experiences, discover the history of the Christian Church in Asia, and hear stories of modern local believers. The Rice family will share about their plans to serve long-term in this region with EMM; learn about their vision and ways that you can partner with them to make a difference in Central Asia. Light refreshments will be served. Contact wildricefamily@gmail.com for more information.

The Worm Project is hosting its 2nd Annual FREE International Meal at the Franconia Heritage Restaurant, on Wednesday, June 10 at 6 p.m. Not able to donate? Come anyway! Bring friends. The passion of the Worm Warriors is contagious! Registration required at 215-723-5513, Ext. 136, or to cgood@franconiaconference.org by Friday, June 5.

The June prayer gathering of Franconia Conference will be held on Tuesday, June 16 from 7 - 9 p.m. at the Dayspring Counseling Center of Penn Foundation, Sellersville. Come to learn about the ministry, worship together, connect with one another and prayer-walk on the beautiful campus. Come and be blessed as we pray for this significant ministry in our community!

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A mostly silent overnight retreat, Becoming like Christ: Familiar blessings, blowing Spirit, is being offered from 6 pm Thursday evening, June 25 through 4 pm on Friday, June 26. Led by Dawn Nelson, pastor of Methacton Mennonite Church, and Barbara Shisler, the retreat will include short input sessions on three themes exploring gifts of Mennonite spirituality: “gelassenheit,” or letting go, the everyday sacred and encountering Jesus – the “I AM.” There will also be ample time for reflection, journal writing and walking in the woods.

The retreat will be held on the beautiful grounds of the Mariawald Renewal Center in Shillington, PA. Call 610-584-4080 or 215-256-9606 to register. The cost is $75 per person, which includes two meals and overnight lodging (bring your own breakfast). Come to be renewed and refreshed as you step away from the daily challenges of life. Registration will close on June 1.

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Join the Worm Warriors at a free international meal hosted by The Worm Project on June 10 at 6 pm at the Franconia Heritage Restaurant (click here for directions). This is the second free meal the Worm Project has held at the Franconia Heritage Restaurant.

Come learn about how the Worm Project has expanded in the past few months, sending shipments to North Korea, Sudan, Zimbabwe and Burundi. Learn about amazing precedent Burundi is setting by reaching the entire country, children and adults, with the 7.8 million pill shipment being sent to Burundi along with four other medical interventions.

The Worm Project estimates that each pill, which costs less than two cents, will save 5 lbs of food from the worms over a six month period, 25 lbs during the three year treatment period, all for less than a dime.

All are welcome but registration is required. Please register by June 5 to Claude Good at cgood@franconiaconference.org or 215.723.5513 EXT. 136.

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At its April meeting, the Executive Board approved a final job description for the new Executive Director. The description was significantly shaped by feedback the Search Committee received from many persons across the church. A priority for the committee has been to engage all of Mennonite Church USA in this process. Dave Sutter, committee member said “It is our goal to conduct this search in a way that models our theology of being an organic body where all parts work together for the common good.”

In its meeting, the Search Committee reflected on what was learned through this intensive listening process. Many persons expressed gratitude, and some surprise, for a process that is committed to authentically include and listen to all parts of the church. To be as inclusive as possible, search committee members made phone calls to young adults, adult members in the pew, conference leaders, executive board staff and former moderators. Other persons responded online to the invitation to send their perspectives to the Search Committee. Some just wanted to let the committee know they are in prayer for the search process and Mennonite Church USA during this time.

Some persons wanted the Executive Director to be a pastor while others wanted a “corporate type CEO.” Overall, the committee heard that people want someone with the heart of a pastor and the skills of a CEO. There was affirmation for an individual with the ability to “initiate and lead sustainable change.” The committee heard the desire for all parts of the denomination to effectively work together and be inspired by an Executive Director who calls us to walk together on the missional journey we are traveling, guided by the Holy Spirit.

Other modifications included changing the need to work out of the Newton or Elkhart office from essential to desirable and including a sense of humor as an essential quality. This was the fourth revision of the job description based on input from a variety of sources. The Search Committee appreciates the time, thoughts and prayers offered as part of the process. To see the final job description click here.

As the search committee travels further along the discernment journey, committee members again request the prayers of everyone in the church. Often in the listening process committee members heard that this is a significant time in the life of the church and choosing the person God is preparing for this position is a critical decision. The committee heard a yearning to effectively and creatively move forward in bold witness to healing and hope through Jesus Christ. Committee chair Ed Diller said “We are so grateful for the counsel and prayers we have received. Now we ask you to pray for the committee as discernment continues and also to pray for the person whom God is already calling to this position.”

Members of the Search Committee include: Moderator-elect Ed Diller (chair) of Cincinnati, Ohio; Glen Guyton of Yorktown, Va.; Charlotte Hardt of Mount Vernon, Wash.; Sue Miller of Middlebury, Ind.; Juanita Nuñez of Ocoee, Fla.; Patty Shelly of Newton, Kan.; David Sutter of South Bend, Ind.; J. Richard Thomas of Lancaster, Pa.; and Keith Weaver of Reinholds, Pa. Moderator Sharon Waltner of Parker, S.D., is an ex officio committee member of the committee.

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From Bluffton University:

Bluffton University students, alumni and friends recently gathered for the institution’s annual May Day and commencement festivities, May 1-3. The institution’s 109th commencement ceremony, held on May 3, recognized 297 graduates—the largest class to leave Bluffton. This year’s commencement speaker was Dr. Ronald J.R. Mathies, former long-time executive director of Mennonite Central Committee and acting president of Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo, Ontario. He presented “Signposts of Security: Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges.” Prior to the students receiving their diplomas, Mathies was given an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.

Students from your area include:

Elyse Renee Burckhart, daughter of Brian and Diane Burckhart, Telford, Pa., has earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. Burckhart is a member of Souderton Mennonite Church in Souderton.

Jessica Leigh Cassel, daughter of Galen and Loralee Cassel, Quakertown, Pa., has earned a bachelor’s degree in religion with a minor in psychology. Cassel is a member of Souderton Mennonite Church in Souderton.

Rachelle Diane Landis, daughter of Robert and Nancy Landis, Telford, Pa., has earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and intervention specialist. Landis is a member of Souderton Mennonite Church in Souderton.

Brittany Joy Zeigler, daughter of Daniel and Lucinda Zeigler, Telford, Pa., has earned a bachelor’s degree in food and nutrition, with a minor in wellness. Zeigler is a member of Souderton Mennonite Church in Souderton.

For more information visit www.bluffton.edu.

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The June prayer gathering of Franconia Conference will be held on Tuesday, June 16 from 7 - 9 p.m. at the Dayspring Counseling Center of Penn Foundation, Sellersville. Come to learn about the ministry, worship together, connect with one another and prayer-walk on the beautiful campus. Come and be blessed as we pray for this significant ministry in our community!

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The Agape Cafe for young adults is scheduled for Sunday, May 31 at Boyertown Mennonite Church. The couple “Taking Motion” (www.takingmotion.com) will perform. Come any time between 7 and 10 p.m. and enjoy an evening of fun, food, and fellowship.

Rockhill Mennonite Community is holding a Senior Health & Wellness Fair on Thursday, May 28 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room. Discover the latest trends in health and wellness, and how to maintain a healthy lifestyle in mind, body and spirit. Collect all the vendor stamps to be eligible for a chance to win a luxurious prize! During the fair, RMC Independent Living Resident Edna Kruse will be signing copies of her book Pouring Out Memories: Forty Years in Japan from 10 a.m. to noon outside the Gift Shop. For more information, call Renee Patterson at 215-257-2751, ext 211.

The Worm Project is hosting its 2nd Annual FREE International Meal at the Franconia Heritage Restaurant, on Wednesday, June 10 at 6 p.m. Not able to donate? Come anyway! Bring friends. The passion of the Worm Warriors is contagious! Registration required at 215-723-5513, Ext. 136, or to cgood@franconiaconference.org by Friday, June 5.

Zion Mennonite Church is having a blood drive from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 18. Call 215-723-3592 to make an appointment. Zion Mennonite Church is located at Front Street and Cherry Lane in Souderton.

A mostly silent overnight retreat is being offered from 6 p.m. Thursday, June 25 through 4 p.m. on Friday, June 26. Led by Dawn Nelson and Barbara Shisler, the retreat will be held on the beautiful grounds of the Mariawald Renewal Center in Shillington, PA. Call 610-584-4080 to register. The cost is $75 per person, which includes 3 meals and overnight lodging. Come to be renewed and refreshed as you step away from the daily challenges of life.

The Anabaptist Learning Institute (ALI), a program of the Mennonite Schools Council (MSC), is offering the course Understanding the Roots of Community at two locations this summer. This three credit graduate course explores the theology and history of the Anabaptist movement, inviting students to articulate the significance of this movement for themselves. Alan Kreider (AMBS) will lead the class at Christopher Dock Mennonite High School on June 15 – 20. Paul Zehr (EMU) will lead the course at Lancaster Mennonite High School on June 15 – 19. The Anabaptist Learning Institute is designed to provide an intentional Christ-centered orientation and professional education program for teachers, pastors and other leaders. For more information on the course, visit www.mennoniteeducation.org or to view a brochure, click HERE.

Germantown Mennonite Historic Trust has a large 2-bedroom apartment available immediately (900 sq ft) on the campus of the Historic Mennonite Meetinghouse in the Germantown section of Philadelphia. Rent is $780/month, which includes heat, water and hot water. Tenant pays cooking gas & electricity. Apartment has a private entrance on Pastorius Street. Ample street parking. If interested, please contact Liz Einsig Wise, Executive Director, at 267-240-7966 or gmht@meetinghouse.info.

Job/Volunteer Opportunities

Bethany Birches Camp seeks male counselors, volunteers, camp shepherds (similar to a camp pastor) and a chef. Position descriptions online at www.bethanybirches.org. Praise God for the ongoing provision of so many people to fulfill many other roles!

Laurelville Mennonite Church Center has a Volunteer Guest Services position opening. This position is preferably a one year assignment. Responsibilities include serving/hosting guests while they are on campus for their church retreats, conferences, seminars, etc. Volunteers receive on-campus room and board and a stipend for services. Insurance is a negotiable item. Starting date as early as July or as late as September. For more information contact LMCC at www.laurelville.org or 800-839-1021.

Rockhill Mennonite Community is in need of good quality yarn. If you have any you would like to donate, please call Edie Landis at 215-257-2751, ext 210.

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The Anabaptist Learning Institute (ALI), a program of the Mennonite Schools Council (MSC), is designed to provide an intentional Christ-centered orientation and professional education program for teachers, pastors and other leaders. ALI seeks to unify the Anabaptist community under a common set of educational experiences that encourage dialog about faith and values.

Understanding the Roots of Community* is a three hour graduate course that explores the theology and history of the Anabaptist movement, inviting students to articulate the significance of this movement for themselves. Some guiding questions are:

Who are the Anabaptists?
Where do they come from?
What is the story?
What do Anabaptists believe?
How do I fit into or respond to this story?

This course will be offered June 15-19, 2009 at two locations:

Dr. Alan Kreider will teach this class on the campus of Christopher Dock Mennonite High School. Understanding the Roots of Community will meet Monday through Friday, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 4-5 p.m. and Saturday, 8:30-11:30 a.m.

Paul Zehr, Brinton Rutherford, Sara Wenger Shenk, & John A. Lapp will teach this class on the campus of Lancaster Mennonite Schools. Understanding the Roots of Community will meet Monday through Friday, 8:00 – 4:30.

For more information and to register visit the Mennonite Education Agency website at www.mennoniteeducation.org or download the brochure here.

*Act 48 Credit for Pennsylvania teachers will be available for both courses.

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