| Information for leaders and congregations UPDATES These UPDATES are shared so that leaders and congregations are aware of Biblical Classes 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, weekly bulletin, monthly newsletter, Sunday morning announcements, church website, or Facebook. Use your discretion and share what your congregation will find helpful. | |  | LMC, a fellowship of Anabaptist churches, is pleased to announce the retirement of Moderator L. Keith Weaver following twenty-two years of faithful service. Keith and Joanne Weaver were honored at retirement celebrations for Keith's twenty-two years of faithful service as LMC Moderator. Keith gave himself selflessly to the cause of the church and the coming of God's Kingdom among us. Bishops and leaders held a special service on Saturday, September 24 at Stumptown Mennonite Church during Fall Leadership Assembly. A drop-in dessert reception was held on Sunday, September 25 at the Hub 450 in Lancaster. With joy, friends and family from near and far gathered to give thanks for the many years of service. A painting titled, New Day, was commissioned by LMC Districts as a gift to Keith & Joanne which captures the essence of their life and ministry. Artist Brenda Bland painted the landscape of the farm where they spent many years of life with their children. Prophetic words to Keith and Joanne were written into the landscape. The frame was handcrafted by Ervin Stutzman. Their children provided the wood for the frame from the Bedford county family cabin.
For the next three to five years, a four-person Bishop Elders Team will provide executive leadership to continue the ministries of LMC. During this season of change and transformation, Bishop Keith Blank, Bishop Rodney Martin, Bishop Marcia Mylin, and Bishop Tuyen Nguyen are committed to leading LMC in learning new ways of thinking and behaving as a Spirit-led movement multiplying disciples, missionaries, and faith communities. They will ensure that effective leadership is in place for the Conference Executive Council (LMC governing board), the Bishops' Council, and the LMC staff team by facilitating further discernment about governing structures that best support a Spirit-led movement of multiplication.
Keith Weaver states, "The wisdom of calling a Bishop Elders Team became more evident as my retirement approached. This team has a depth of spiritual maturity to lead LMC in being a disciple-making movement following the leading of the Holy Spirit. Each one on the team brings a balance of spiritual gifts and aptitudes to create amazing synergy. Under their leadership, along with the Board of Bishops and the Conference Executive Council, LMC is certain to continue experiencing the spiritual and organizational transformation needed to realize our mission vision."
He concludes, "JoAnne and I are deeply grateful for the blessing it has been to have served our Lord along with so many wonderful people in LMC and beyond. We look forward to where the Holy Spirit will lead us in this next season of our lives." ~ | | Educational Programs for Churches | | Explore Your Life Purpose with Discovery | | | What is Discovery? Discovery is an eight-session class that will help followers of Jesus connect in a deeper, fuller way with God and his plans for their life. The experience is for anyone seeking a deeper walk with Jesus & includes young adults, pastors, leadership teams, emerging leaders, teachers, church boards, and elder teams. Discovery seeks to help Christians hear the voice of God, better know themselves and plan for growth toward what each person hears God calling them to do. In this respect, Discovery is both basic discipleship and leadership training. If you would like to offer Discovery in your congregation contact the LMC office for help in getting the study up and running. Please contact Felixa at the LMC office (717) 293-5246 ext.100 email fvdekunkle@gmail.com or William at ext. 121 or email whiggins@lmcchurches.org for more information. | | Kairos course
October 3-7
Hub 450, 450 N Prince St, Lancaster, PA 17603
Kairos is a nine-session interactive study of the Purpose and Plan of God for His people and His world from Genesis to Revelation.
This course guides participants to a biblical worldview and to live as a world Christian. It uses a unique combination of facilitated introductions, reading, videos, group discussions, special activities, and prayer for unreached peoples. Kairos is one of several mobilization tools produced by Simply Mobilizing, Inc., located in the Philippines.
Kairos is for all Christians at any point in their journey with God. It is not a "missions" course. It is an opportunity for all God's people to have their worldview transformed and aligned with God's heart for the nations. He has called us all to play a part in His mission, and there are many different roles to fill.
The registration fee ($125) covers materials, refreshments, and lunches. For questions, please contact Krystle Thorne. | |  Is your faith community aware of how the aging of the American population is affecting your area now and in the coming decades? Might you have resources, buildings, or other tools to be part of the solution in providing housing and services to those in your community who do not have the financial resources to move to traditional retirement communities? Landis Communities offers speakers with experience in these areas who can come and think with you about creatively engaging in this missional effort. Speakers are available at no cost for in-person or online conversations with church groups. Please contact Larry Guengerich, Director of Communications and Engagement for more information. LGuengerich@Landis.org or 717-381-3526. | | | | | |
