| "Whether it's a desire for marriage, a longing for a child amidst infertility, the provision of a new job, the desperate yearning for healing, a relationship with a loved one to be restored—and the list could certainly go on—we all know the struggle of hoping for something we do not have. And I wonder how many others have, like me, considered giving up hope, because having no hope seems less painful than longing for something that is never received. This week's readings for Advent look forward to the Day of the Lord, when Jesus will return, punish sin and wickedness, and restore the earth back to complete wholeness (shalom)—its proper order. Isaiah 2:1–5 illustrates the new kingdom the Lord will establish, while Matthew 24:36–44 cautions believers to be ready, as no one knows when this day will come."
In this advent reflection, Mercedes Thomas offers her thoughts on how to hold onto hope for the promised future kingdom that is already but not yet—and how to balance hope and reality for the things that are not promised.
Read the full reflection for week one of Advent here. | | | Share Your Story
Everyone has a story. We'd love to hear how the Lord is speaking to you, how the Spirit is at work in your congregation, or how you're experiencing life transformation. Share your story online at our website.
| | |  | Assembly '26 & YouthCon Registration is Now Open!
Early-Bird Cost Grid - Ends Feb. 28
Adult/YouthCon Full Conference Package: $320
Elementary Child Registration: $290
Baby/Toddler (age 4 and younger): $80
Cost includes lodging for 3 nights and 3 meals/day; for elementary children and baby/toddler, cost includes childcare
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Adult One Day Pass: $50
Adult Two Day Pass: $100
Cost includes one meal per day
Early-bird registration ends on February 28, with regular conference costs going into effect March 1.
Save your spot and register today! If you have any questions, please email assembly@lmcchurches.org. | |  | Live Nativity at Willow Street Mennonite
Willow Street Mennonite Church invites you to our LIVE NATIVITY, an event enjoyed by all ages, on December 20, 21 and 24. Journey with us down a luminary lit path to a stable in Bethlehem (a nearby barn), see live animals, and hear the story of Christ's birth. Step back in time and reflect on the simplicity and significance of that first Christmas night. Presentations are approximately every half hour from 5:30–8:00pm. FREE; donations welcome for "Haitians Helping Haitians for Christ." For more information, visit our website or call 717-464-2422, ext. 1. | |  | Cross-Cultural Christmas Carols and Stories
Celebrate the season with families at Habecker Mennonite Church (451 Habecker Church Rd, Lancaster, PA) as they share carols and stories in English and Karen on Sunday, December 21 at 3 pm. A free-will offering will help the youth group attend Winter Retreat at Camp Hebron and YouthCon 2026. If you are unable to attend in person but would like to support Habecker's cross-cultural youth ministry, give online here or use the QR code. All gifts are tax-deductible and deeply appreciated. | |  | Winter Bible School – Mark 14-16
Join the Winter Bible School class to discuss the final chapters of Mark. Classes will meet seven times for an hour and a half each session. Attendance can be by Zoom or in-person at the LMC office (450 N. Prince St., Lancaster PA).
Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m., starting on January 13 OR
Thursday mornings at 10:30 a.m., starting January 15
Register by January 6th by contacting William Higgins at whiggins@lmcchurches.org or 17-293-5246 ext. 121. | | LMC Offering Schedule 2026
If your congregation uses designated offerings on each Sunday, we've put together a guide to help you in your planning. We encourage you to consider LMC in your congregational giving. Your giving helps sustain the ministries and new life springing forth from our congregations.
Find the Offering Schedule here. | | |  LMC is a Spirit-led movement to:
• Make disciples of Jesus
• Mobilize every member as a missionary
• Multiply faith communities locally and beyond | | | From Our Resource Partners | | French, Japanese, Spanish, and now American Sign Language
Are you learning or fluent in one of these languages and want to practice your language skills with others? Neighbors Community Center at Hub450 hosts monthly Conversation Cafes, with an opportunity to make new friends while speaking and listening (or signing!) with others around a shared interest of language. Find details at neighborslancaster.org/.
(Neighbors Community Center is a program of Eastern Mennonite Missions) | | Art Auction & Gala
Join Friendship Community on February 26, 2026 for their 23rd Annual Art Auction & Gala. The event will take place at Eden Resort (222 Eden Rd., Lancaster PA) from 4–8:30 p.m. More details coming soon. | | | Research Online with Mennonite Life
Did you know you can access tens of thousands of documents and images on Mennonite Life's website? Whether you're researching your family's genealogy, looking for Anabaptist hymnals or songbooks, or trying to find archival photographs, Mennonite Life has the resources to help you. While some resources are for members only, many others are available to the general public. Start your research at mennonitelife.org/research/. | | | | Landis Homes joyfully celebrated the 40th anniversary and rededication of the West Bethany Chapel. We are grateful to all who have come to this space to share with residents or attend concerts and memorial services. The new space is brighter and includes stronger sound and lighting equipment. To see images from the service of rededication, please go to https://bit.ly/LHChapel. | | | ¿Quieres recibir las Noticias de LMC en Español? | | | ¿Quieres recibir Noticias de LMC en español? ¡Haga clic aquí para registrarse! | | | | | |
