Information for leaders and congregations UPDATES These bi-weekly UPDATES are shared so that leaders and congregations are aware of events and information taking place in LMC, agencies, fraternal organizations, congregations, and the broader church. These announcements are for your information and to share with others in your congregation through email (below is the link), weekly bulletin, monthly newsletter, Sunday morning announcements, church website, or Facebook. Use your discretion and share what your congregation will find helpful. https://mailchi.mp/f7f58e59ac02/news-from-lancaster-mennonite-conference-256167 | | LMC Office Events & Information | | | Fine Tuning the Body! Conference Related Ministries Seminar Friday, February 23, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Garden Spot Village, 433 South Kinzer Rd., New Holland, Pa.
join us for a day of interaction that challenges, strengthens, inspires, and propels Conference Related Ministries (CRMs) and congregations to develop deeper relationships and ministry collaboration.
In 1st Corinthians 12 Paul calls for parts of the body to value one another and start recognizing the need each has for the other. How can congregations and CRMs achieve peak performance and avoid amputation?
Speaker Phil Bergey will cast a vision for the relationships between area churches and agencies and will lead panel discussions of both pastors and agency CEOs. Conrad Kanagy will help unpack the data received from a survey of pastors and CEOs to develop ways of building collaboration between these two arms of the Church.
Click here to view and share the brochure.
Cost: $30.00 Includes continental breakfast, snacks, lunch, beverages, and handouts. Checks payable to Lancaster Mennonite Conference, Attn. CRM Seminar.
Register: Email jsantiago@lancasterconference.org | | Celebration of Church Life Friday, March 23, 7 p.m. and Saturday, March 24, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Weaverland Anabaptist Faith Community
210 Weaverland Valley Rd., East Earl, Pa. 17519
This gathering provides an opportunity for all ages to gather, grow and hear how the Holy Spirit is at work among our LMC congregations. Theme: Rebuild, Repair, Revive
Key Verse: Isaiah 61:4 - They will Rebuild the ancient ruins, Repairing
cities destroyed long ago. They will Revive them, though they have
been deserted for many generations.
| | Celebración de la Vida de la Iglesia viernes, Marzo, 7 p.m. y sabado, Marzo 24, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Weaverland Anabaptist Faith Community
210 Weaverland Valley Rd., East Earl, Pa. 17519
Esta reunión brinda una oportunidad para que todas las edades se reúnan, crezcan y escuchen cómo obra el Espíritu Santo entre nuestras congregaciones de LMC. Tema: Reconstruir, Reparar, Resucitar
Verso clave: Isaías 61:4 - Reconstruirán las ruinas antiguas, reparando ciudades destruidas hace mucho tiempo. Las resucitarán, aunque hayan
estado desiertas por muchas generaciones. | | Important Child Protection Policy Information As of November 28, 2017, the vendor Pennsylvania uses for the FBI Criminal Background Check is IDEMIA. IDEMIA uses IdentoGO Centers for fingerprint check processing. Pennsylvania's Child Protective Services Law (CPSL) generally requires that paid and unpaid persons who work directly with children undergo two state background checks (the Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance and the Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Check) and an FBI Criminal Background Check. Only volunteers who meet certain requirements qualify for a waiver from the FBI check, which requires fingerprinting. All applicants for an FBI check will be required to register on-line at the IdentoGO website. For more information, visit the Gibbel, Kraybill and Hess website: https://gkh.com/news/2018/01/child-protection-news/ | | Classified Ads LMC, congregations, agencies, fraternal and interested organizations, often post classified ads under the "Classifieds" tab on the LMC website. Click here to see the postings. | | Administrative Assistant for LMC STEP ministry program and LMC Office support The LMC Study and Training for Pastoral ministry program (STEP) is seeking a part-time administrative assistant to support the director in the day-to-day operations of this training program and provide additional LMC office staff support. STEP is a three-year, ministry-training program with approximately 30 students supported each academic year. LMC provides support to 180 congregations across 10 states, primarily in the northeast USA.
We are looking for a dedicated, detail-oriented, administratively gifted, technologically savvy person willing to support the ministry and mission of the LMC fellowship of churches. Current knowledge of Google Classroom a major plus, but willingness to master this educational platform a must. Basic bookkeeping will be a small part of the job. Bring your considerable knowledge and experience in various office software programs to help support our team. This interim position is for one year with the potential to renew. College degree preferred but not required. For more information or to apply (letter of interest and resume), send email to brutherford@lancasterconference.org. | | Youth Workers Monthly Breakfast On the 4th Tuesday of each month, youth ministry workers gather at 8:00 a.m. at Lyndon Diner in Lancaster, Pa. to share ideas and, encourage and support one another through conversation and prayer. Anyone involved with youth ministry in any way in Lancaster Mennonite Conference is welcome! Please RSVP on the LMC Youth Workers FB page if you are coming. www.facebook.com/groups/LMCYouthWorkers | | Congregational Events & Information | | Habecker Mennonite Church Karen Music Benefit Concert Saturday, March 10, 6 p.m., Habecker Mennonite Church
451 Habecker Church Rd., Lancaster, PA 17603
You are invited to come hear a variety of singing groups from our local Karen community, including traditional Karen choir music, children's voices, and various ensembles. We hope you will also enjoy participating as we sing a few songs simultaneously in both the Karen and English languages.
Eight Karen students from our congregation also sing in the Mennonite Children's Choir of Lancaster (MCCL) and five of them are hoping to accompany MCCL on their Concert Choir tour in June. A freewill offering will be received at this Benefit Concert to help with the costs of the choir tour. Thank you for your interest and support! Go to habeckerchurch.com for more information.
Click here to view and share the flier. | | | Maple Grove Mennonite Church | | LMC Agency Events & Information | | Welcoming Refugees: an evening of prayer and sharing  Have you welcomed refugees to the U.S. through language-learning, sharing meals, friendship, and more? "Welcoming Refugees: an evening of prayer and sharing" is a time to gather with others who are involved in local cross-cultural relationships. Share your experiences, support each other, and pray for one another. Connect with others who share your heart, knowing that your acts of service and friendship are part of something bigger. This event takes place on Thursday, February 22, 6-8 p.m., at EMM's meetinghouse in Salunga, Pa. No registration needed. Learn more at emm.org/welcomingrefugees. Dándole Bienvenida a Refugiados: una noche para orar y compartir ¿Le ha dado bienvenida a refugiados a los Estados Unidos a través de la enseñanza del idioma, compartiendo comidas, su amistad, y otras cosas más? "Dándole Bienvenida a Refugiados: una noche para orar y compartir" es una oportunidad para reunirse con otras personas que están involucradas en relaciones interculturales en la localidad. Los participantes compartirán sus experiencias, se apoyarán mutuamente y orarán los unos por los otros. Haga conexión con otros que comparten su corazón, reconociendo que sus actos de servicio y amistad son parte de algo más grande. Este evento tendrá lugar el jueves, 22 de febrero, de las 6 a las 8 p.m., en el meetinghouse de EMM en Salunga, Pa. No necesita registrase. Obtenga más información en emm.org/welcomingrefugees. Soul Care Retreat Are you tired? Just going through the motions? Hitting "walls" that prevent growth in your walk with Jesus? In our busy, noisy world, the Soul Care Retreat is an opportunity to get away, recover your life, and become who God has made you to be.
Join retreat leaders Gwen and Stephen Smith of Potter's Inn, a soul care ministry in Colorado, and Kaylene and Jimm Derksen, EMM staff who have received certification in soul care from Potter's Inn and Fuller Seminary. Learn about spiritual formation, Scripture and the soul, spiritual disciplines, and stages of spiritual life. Devote time to walking with Jesus in "the unforced rhythms of grace" (Matthew 11:29, The Message).
The Soul Care Retreat is April 18-21 at the MCC Welcoming Place in Akron, Pa. Online registration open January 12-March 20; $385/person including meals, lodging, and materials. Space for 18 participants. Learn more and register at emm.org/soulcare. Retiro de Cuidado del Alma
¿Se siente cansado? ¿Haciendo las cosas pero sin esencia? ¿Confrontando "barreras" que le impiden crecer en su caminar con Jesús? En nuestro mundo ocupado y ruidoso, el Retiro de Cuidado del Alma es una oportunidad para apartarse, para recuperar su vida y convertirse en lo que Dios planeó para usted al crearle.
Únase a los líderes de retiro Gwen y Stephen Smith de Potter's Inn (un ministerio de cuidado del alma en Colorado), y Kaylene y Jimm Derksen, miembros del personal de EMM que han recibido la certificación en el cuidado del alma de Potter's Inn y Fuller Seminary. Aprenda acerca de la formación espiritual, la Escritura y el alma, las disciplinas espirituales, y las etapas de la vida espiritual. Aparte tiempo para caminar con Jesús en los ritmos no forzados de la gracia (Mateo 11:29).
El Retiro de Cuidado del Alma se llevará a cabo del 18 al 21 de abril en el Welcoming Place de MCC en Akron, Pa. El registro online ha sido extendido hasta el 4 de abril; $385/persona, incluyendo alojamiento, comida y materiales. Hay espacio para 18 participantes. Obtenga más información y regístrese en emm.org/soulcare. Kingdom Teams Young people: this summer, you can serve refugees in Lancaster, Pa.! Kingdom Teams (or K-Teams) offer youth groups the opportunity to engage in cross-cultural missions within a local context during the summer. Spend five days serving refugees alongside local partners in Lancaster, Pa., and growing as a disciple of Jesus.
To learn more about serving on a K-Team in summer 2018, visit emm.org/kteams or contact Angie Earl at 717 898-2251 ext. 266 or angiee@emm.org. Kingdom Teams (Equipos del Reino) Jóvenes: ¡Este verano, ustedes pueden servir a los refugiados en Lancaster, Pensilvania! Kingdom Teams (o K-Teams) ofrecen a grupos de jóvenes la oportunidad de participar en misiones transculturales dentro de un contexto local durante el verano. Pase cinco días sirviendo a los refugiados al lado de asociados locales en Lancaster, Pensilvania, y creciendo como discípulo de Jesús.
Para aprender más acerca de servir en un K-Team en el verano de 2018, visite emm.org/kteams o póngase en contacto con Angie Earl en el 717 898-2251 ext. 266 o angiee@emm.org. Sacred Space: a sensory gospel Prepare your heart for the season of Lent by experiencing the power of the gospel anew. Sacred Space is a walk-through sensory gospel experience that goes beyond words, engaging all the senses in an immersive, moving expression of creation, sin, salvation, and restoration. Broaden your experience of the gospel story in fresh and unforgettable ways.
Sacred Space will take place at 450 North Prince Street, Lancaster, Pa. 17603, on February 13 and March 16, at your choice of 6 or 7 p.m. on both dates. Learn more and register at emm.org/sacredspace. Espacio Sagrado (Sacred Space): una experiencia sensorial del evangelio Prepare su corazón para la temporada de cuaresma experimentando de nuevo el poder del evangelio. El Espacio Sagrado es una experiencia sensorial del evangelio que va más allá de las palabras, involucrando todos los sentidos en una envolvente y conmovedora expresión de la creación, del pecado, de la salvación y la restauración. Amplíe su experiencia del contenido del evangelio en formas frescas e inolvidables.
El Espacio Sagrado (Sacred Space) tendrá lugar en el 450 North Prince Street, Lancaster, Pa. 17603, el 13 de febrero y el 16 de marzo, en su elección de las 6 o las 7 p.m. en ambas fechas. Obtenga más información y regístrese en emm.org/sacredspace. | |  Winter Bookfest Discover quality used books from the most popular categories of the summer Bookworm Frolic such as children's books, fiction, and history. This sale runs from 3 to 8 p.m. on Thursday February 15; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, February 16; and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 17. Festival Invernal de Libros Descubre libros usados de calidad de las categorías más populares del Festival de Libros en el verano tales como libros para niños, ficción e historia. Esta venta se llevará a cabo de 3 a 8 p.m. el jueves 15 de febrero; 9 a.m. a 8 p.m. el viernes, 16 de febrero; y de 9 a.m. a 4:30 p.m. el sábado 17 de febrero. The Illuminated Letter Learn how to write in the distinctive style of fraktur in this class taught by Emily Smucker-Beidler from 9 a.m. until noon on Saturday, March 3. The class costs $70 for members / $80 for non-members. Materials are included in the tuition. Register by February 23 at lmhs.org or by calling 717-393-9745. La letra iluminada Aprende a escribir en el estilo particular del fraktur en esta clase enseñada por Emily Smucker-Beidler de 9 a.m. a 12 p.m. el sábado 3 de marzo. El precio de la clase es $70 para miembros y $80 para no-miembros. Los materiales están incluidos en el precio. Inscríbete para el 23 de febrero en lmhs.org o llamando al 717-393-9745. | |  Church Partnerships Lancaster Mennonite School is excited to share a new, extraordinary opportunity for families and churches to partner together to provide scholarships for students at LM.
Click the links below, for more information.
Church Partner Letter
New Matching Options | |  Memory Loss Support Group Meeting Please mark your calendars from the next meeting of the Memory Loss Support Group, Tuesday, February 27 from 7-8:30 p.m. The session is titled "Benefits of Occupational Therapy" and the speaker will be Michele Sipel, OT; who is the Director of InHome Services at Landis at Home. The meeting will take place in the Warwick Room, Heritage Special Care Center at Landis Homes. For more information call 717-581-3939 or email supportgroups@landishomes.org. The Memory Loss Support Group meets the last Tuesday of each month. The group organized for support and information is co-sponsored with the Alzheimer's Association of the Greater Pennsylvania Chapter. It is free and open to the public. General Volunteer (14 years old & Up) Complement Landis Homes staff by honoring and enriching the lives of residents in their daily activities by escorting residents by wheelchair, assisting Life Enrichment staff with crafts and games, sorting mail, driving the campus shuttle, assisting in the Adult Day Services programs, grocery shopping at Oregon Dairy or serving as a volunteer cashier in our stores.
Caring Teens Program (14-17 years old) 10 week summer program from June through August for teens to engage with our Health Care and Personal Care residents, assisting staff with a variety of activities.
The possibilities are endless! Stop in at the office to find out more or you can email volunteer@landishomes.org or call 717-509-5409. Visit our website
www.LandisHomes.org/volunteer. Horizons magazine One of the best ways to learn what is happening at Landis Homes is to read the Horizons magazine. You can find an online version of the newest issue at HorizonsWinter2018. The issue contains information about Pathways Institute for Lifelong Learning ® classes, updates on construction of the Learning & Wellness Center and information about a series of "Lunch and Learn Seminars sponsored by Landis Homes and Everence. If you would like to be added to the mailing list for this publication, please call 717-381-3550. Clergy Breakfast Will be held Thursday, April 19 in the West Community room at Landis Homes. To RSVP contact Larry Guengerich at LGuengerich@landiscommunities.org. | | LMC Fraternal Ministries Events & Information | | | Camp Hebron Women's Retreat, February 23-25, 2018
Looking for spiritual refreshment? Escape the circus at home and reconnect with God at Camp Hebron's annual Women's Retreat featuring speaker LaRie Miller. You can expect great worship and messages, delicious food, comfortable lodging, plenty of time to enjoy activities and relax Come by yourself, bring your family, bring a friend or bring your small group, all ladies are welcome! Motel-style lodging and meals in Sylvan View Retreat Center. Single Occupancy - $220/person; Double Occupancy $175/person; Triple Occupancy - $160/person. www.camphebron.org/womens-retreat or contact the office at info@camphebron.org or 717-896-3441. | | | Garden Spot Village Seminar for local pastors February 26, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., The Chapel
Dr. Leith Anderson will speak Monday, February 26 during a morning seminar entitled "Pastoring in the best of times and the worst of times." Local pastors are invited to this free half-day seminar, which will start with a complimentary breakfast at 8 a.m. For more information, click here.
Click here to view more events at Garden Spot Village. | | | No Longer Alone Ministries Family Support Group Fourth Sunday of every month, 3-5 p.m.
Rossmere Mennonite Church, 741 Janet Ave, Lancaster
FSG brings Christian support for families and friends of loved ones with mental illness. There are informative topics to enhance insight and understanding of mental illness. Meetings are normally held on the fourth Sunday of each month from 3- 5 p.m. at Rossmere Mennonite Church, 741 Janet Ave, Lancaster. Educational program runs from 3-4 p.m.; Share and Care Groups meet from 4:10-5 p.m.
Click here for more information. PATHS to Discovery Support Group PATHS participants experience fellowship, encouragement, and mutual support for their personal journeys with mental illness. Click here for more information. Groups meet twice a month at the following locations: - First and third Tuesday of each month from 2-3:30 p.m. at Aspire Community Center, 45 E Main St, Mt Joy.
| | Churchwide and Other Events & Information | | | Everence Stewardship University Saturday, March 3, 2018, Calvary Church More than 30 workshops focusing on holistic stewardship.
Click here for more information. | | | Friends of Shirati Annual Banquet Saturday, March 10, 2018, 6 p.m. The Gathering Place, 6 Pine St
Mount Joy, Pa. 17552
More information to come... | | Mennonite & Brethren Marriage Encounter Marriage Encounter
Take a break from the many daily distractions and take time to focus on your spouse and your marriage. Restore, Rekindle, Renew marriage enrichment helps you do just that. Meeting each Monday evening from February 12-March 26, this series will help you to restore communication, rekindle the romance, and renew commitment. There is also still room available at our February 9-11 Marriage Encounter weekend. For more information or to apply, visit marriageencounter.org or call 717-569-5676. Engaged Encounter Kenbrook Bible Camp, Lebanon, Pa.
Take a break from wedding planning and spend a weekend away with your fiancé(e) at our February 16-18 Engaged Encounter focusing on your upcoming marriage! Learn more about each other as you learn about communication, how to deal with stress in marriage, how to make your marriage last a lifetime, and more! Visit our website www.marriageencounter.org, send us an email love@marriageencounter.org, or give us a call at 717-569-5676 for more information or to register. | | Mennonite Central Committee Healing Communities Training
Join MCC and the Pennsylvania Council of Churches on March 17 at Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist in Lebanon, Pa., from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to learn essential information and perspectives on the criminal justice system, current issues and the impact of crime on victims, offenders and families.
Clergy and congregations alike are invited to take part in this training to gain resources and dedicate time to develop a customized congregational action plan suited to their congregation.
For more information on this event, visit mcc.org/events. | | New York City Council of Mennonite Churches Convention, May 5, 2018
NYC families will enjoy a day of reconnecting with God and sisters & brothers at Camp Deerpark, NY. For more information contact Moderator, Omar Guzman, 646-847-8603.
Click here to view and share the flier. | | | Parish Resource Center Re-imagine VBS Thursday, February 22, 10 a.m.-11:30
Parish Resource Center, 2160 Lincoln Hwy E., Lancaster, Pa.
Many people can reminisce about attending Vacation Bible School – the silly songs and games, Bible stories, and perhaps choosing to follow Jesus for the first time. VBS can be a formational experience for children, yet is it time for your church to re-imagine the way you do VBS?
This workshop is geared toward church staff members and volunteers of churches who have never done VBS, haven't done VBS for years, and those who do VBS every summer.
Click here for more information, or to register. | | | REVIVE Coaching Church Leaders REVIVE is a ministry of Journey Mennonite Church that offers coaching to pastors and leaders who are pursuing church transformation and leadership development.
Click here to view the REVIVE Cohort Packet. Click here to visit the REVIVE website. | | | Rooting for the Underdog Churches Striving Against the Odds Saturday, March 17, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
New Life Community Church, 64 East North St., Carlisle, Pa.
A day of storytelling, teaching, and mutual encouragement—to root for the
underdog, for churches choosing to push back against daunting odds.
Presenters stir hope and offer tools for pastors and people in challenged and/
or under-resourced churches. Break-out sessions allow leadership teams,
clusters of pastors, and denominational cohorts to interact throughout the day.
Cost is $35 per person. Click here to register. | | | Samaritan Safe Church Circle of Hope: For Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse Circles of Hope are safe places to which we invite survivors to share common ground with other survivors. Together, we will look at the way that our lives have been shaped not only by our stories of trauma, but by our own strength, struggle, and resilience. By exploring God's healing truth and hope through conversation and creative expression, we will consider the many ways that the dark or dormant periods in our lives can give way to growth and new life.
The Circles will be co-facilitated by trauma-trained therapist, Lisa Hanna Witmer, MSW, LSW, and Deb Helt, Senior Safe Church Facilitator & Congregation Support Specialist. Group size will be limited to 8 participants and the cost for the series is $125 for all 6 sessions. Some need-based scholarship assistance is available on request. Meetings will be held at Samaritan Counseling Center (1803 Oregon Pike, Lancaster, Pa.) from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on the following Thursdays: March 8 & 22, April 5 & 26 and May 3 & 17.
To register or for more information contact Deb at 717-560-9969
or email at Dhelt@scclanc.org. | | | Want more events?
Click on the button below. Also, like us on Facebook! | | | | |
