| 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, weekly bulletin, monthly newsletter, Sunday morning announcements, church website, or Facebook. Use your discretion and share what your congregation will find helpful. |
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Awareness & Training Making Church a Safe Place for All Lancaster Mennonite Conference has two programs in place to assist congregations in meeting the obligations of the Pennsylvania State Requirements for Child Protective Services. By December 31, 2015, all employees of organizations that have direct contact with children must comply with the legislature for the new Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Law. If your congregation has not taken steps to bring your credentialed leaders into compliance, please contact the LMC Office as soon as possible for assistance in understanding what must be done. Volunteers in your congregations who have direct contact with children have until July 1, 2016 to be in compliance. What steps has your congregation taken to comply with the PA Child Protective Services Law?
Pastors, Spouses, and Ministry Leaders Retreat February 28 - March 3 Evana Network is hosting a pastors retreat in Lake Placid, FL February 28-March 3. The retreat will be a time of rest, recreation, and encounters with God through worship gatherings, prayer ministry, and new friendships. Reggie McNeal and Wes Furlong will be keynote speakers, bringing energy, wisdom, and experience to our main sessions. We also have an exciting lineup of gifted leaders for our seminars. Please check out this link for more details: <evananetwork.org/retreatinfo>
Celebration of Church Life "We See New Life" Friday, March 18, 7 p.m. Saturday, March 19, 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Lancaster Mennonite School, 2176 Lincoln Hwy E., Lancaster 17602 All are welcome to attend! Click here for more information
Celebración de la Vida de la Iglesia "Vemos Nueva Vida"
viernes, 18 de marzo, 7 p.m. sábado, 19 de marzo, 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Lancaster Mennonite School, 2176 Lincoln Hwy E., Lancaster 17602 ¡Todos son bienvenidos a asistir! Para mas información, haz clic aquí
Opportunities to Start New Churches or Missional Communities Hershey, PA. Lancaster Mennonite Conference envisions one or two new churches or missional communities in the Hershey, PA area. The region of interest encompasses a triangular area from Harrisburg, PA in the west to Lebanon, PA in the east to Elizabethtown, PA in the south. Individuals or couples interested in learning more about this opportunity should contact Clair Good at clair.good@gmail.com. Candidate(s) must be willing to move into the region and work and play in the area. Personnel for the project would need to be bi-vocational. Elizabethtown district leadership and Church on the Other Side would provide resourcing and oversight.
New Jersey. Lancaster Mennonite Conference envisions one or two new churches or missional communities in southern New Jersey. The region of interest encompasses a triangular area from Vineland, NJ in the south to Camden, NJ in the north to Commodore Barry Bridge in the west. Individuals or couples interested in learning more about this opportunity should contact Tim Darling at nmpastor@juno.com. Candidate(s) must be willing to move into the region and work and play in the area. Personnel for the project would need to be bi-vocational. Philadelphia district leadership and Church on the Other Side would provide resourcing and oversight.
Orientation for Newly (or Recently) Credentialed Leaders Tuesday, April 19, 2016, 7:00-9:30 p.m. Lancaster Conference Office |
LMC Agency Events & Information
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Eastern Mennonite Missions  Summer service opportunities: Kingdom teams Join a U.S. congregation for one week this summer in reaching out to and serving its unique community. Kingdom teams are usually five days in length and include both discipleship training and ministry activities. Stay tuned for specific summer 2016 opportunities! For more information visit emm.org/kteams or contact Angie Breneman at 717 898-2251 ext. 266. Oportunidades para servir durante el verano: equipos del Reino (Kingdom teams) Únase a una congregación de los Estados Unidos por una semana este verano alcanzando y sirviendo a su comunidad única. Los equipos del Reino (Kingdom teams) duran normalmente cinco días e incluyen entrenamiento de discipulado y actividades de ministración. ¡Manténgase sintonizado para oportunidades específicas en el verano de 2016! Para obtener más información, visite emm.org/kteams o póngase en contacto con Angie Breneman en el 717 898-2251, ext. 266. Join EMM's core prayer team We at EMM believe that God is calling us to "ridiculous" amounts of prayer. We're looking for intercessors willing to commit to one hour of EMM-related prayer each week. These intercessors will receive a bi-weekly email with one or two priority prayer requests to help guide their prayers. No meetings are required. For more information, visit emm.org/pray or contact Troy Landis at 717 898-2251 ext. 245. Únase al equipo central de oración de EMM Nosotros en EMM creemos que Dios nos está llamando a "ridículas" cantidades de oración. Estamos buscando intercesores dispuestos a comprometerse a una hora de oración por asuntos de EMM cada semana. Estos intercesores recibirán un correo electrónico quincenal con una o dos prioritarias peticiones de oración para ayudarles a guiar sus oraciones. No se requiere asistencia a reuniones. Para obtener mayor información, visite emm.org/pray o póngase en contacto con Troy Landis en el 717 898-2251, ext. 245. |
Pastors Breakfast Tuesday, February 9, 7:30 a.m. - 9 a.m. Rutt Building Community Room
Mennonite Children's Choir of Lancaster Spring 2016 Concert Series Sunday, April 3, 4 p.m. Lititz Moravian Congregation, Lititz
Saturday, April 9, 7 p.m.
Strasburg Mennonite Church, Strasburg
Sunday, April 17, 6:30 p.m.
Westminster Presbyterian Church, Lancaster
Sunday, April 24, 4 p.m.
Akron Mennonite Church, Akron
Prelude Music will participate.
Sunday, June 12, 7 p.m.
Mt. Gretna Tabernacle, Mt. Gretna
For additional information, contact |
Annual Music Night Listen to music from across the diversity of the Mennonite world during Annual Music Night, featuring the talented Kravets family from the Ukraine, an a capella mixed ensemble from the Mennonite Heritage Chorale, the young local Weybright duo, and more! The concert is at 7 p.m. on Saturday, February 6, at Neffsville Mennonite Church. Tickets are $20 for individuals, $15 for students, $15 per person for families of three or more. Register at lmhs.org or by calling (717) 393-9745. Tickets available at door while they last.
Noche de Música Anual Disfruta de música a través de la diversidad cultural del mundo menonita con la familia Kravets de la Ucrania, un grupo mixto de canto a capella del Coro Herencia Menonita, un dúo de los hermanos jóvenes Weybright, y más. El concierto es a las 7 p.m. el sábado 6 de febrero de 2015, en Neffsville Mennonite Church. Los boletos son $20 por persona, $15 para estudiantes, y $15 por persona en familias de tres o más. Regístrate en lmhs.org, o llamando al (717) 393-9745. Los boletos estarán disponibles el día del evento mientras duren.
Winter Bookfest Find quality used books from the most popular categories of the annual Bookworm Frolic. This midwinter sale runs from 3 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, February 18, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, February 19, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, February 20. It will be held in the multipurpose room of Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society. No registration required. Open to the public.
Festival de Libros Ven y encuentra libros usadas de las categorías más populares del Festival de Libros (Bookworm Frolic). La venta será entre las 3 a 8pm el jueves 18 de febrero, las 9am a 8pm el viernes 19 de febrero y las 9am a 6pm el sábado 20 de febrero. Se llevará a cabo en el salón multi-propósito de la Sociedad Histórica Menonita de Láncaster. No se requiere inscripción. Abierto al público.
Pa. German Dialect Classes Open for registration now! Beginner classes run Thursdays, 7 to 9 p.m., from March 10 through May 12. Intermediate classes are on Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., March 12 through May 14. To register,visit www.lmhs.org/classes or call (717) 393-9745.
Clases del dialecto alemán de Pensilvania ¡Regístrate ahora! Clases para principiantes se llevarán a cabo los jueves, 7-9 p.m., del 10 de marzo al 12 de mayo. Clases avanzadas se darán los sábados de 10 a.m. a 12 p.m., 12 de marzo al 14 de mayo. Para registrarte, visita a www.lmhs.org/classes o llama al (717) 393-9745.
Amish Quilts: A Social History Learn about the origin and influence of Amish quilts with Janneken Smucker, a fifth-generation Mennonite quiltmaker and author of Amish Quilts: Crafting an American Icon. She will relate the stories of local quiltmakers and explore how the commercial success of Amish-branded goods has influenced Amish artisans. Hosted on Monday, March 28, 7 p.m., at Ridgeview Mennonite Church. This event is free and open to the public.
Las colchas amish: historia social Aprende sobre el origen y la influencia de las colchas amish con Janneken Smucker, de la quinta generación de colchadoras menonitas y autora de Amish Quilts: Crafting an American Icon. Ella narrará cuentos sobre colchadoras locales y discutirá cómo el éxito comercial de productos marcados amish han influenciado a las artesanas Amish. Se llevará a cabo el lunes 28 de marzo, 7 p.m., en Ridgeview Mennonite Church. Este evento es gratuito y abierto al público.
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Landis Communities
Art Reception Landis Homes is hosting an art reception February 4 featuring local artist Andy Smith, The exhibit will consist of a mix of original watercolor paintings and prints, with a variety of subjects from landscapes to still life. The opening reception, to which the public is welcome, will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. onThursday, February 4, in the Harvest View lobby and galleries at Landis Homes, 1001 East Oregon Road, Lititz. In case of inclement weather a snow date is set for February 11. Janet Eberly will provide live music. The exhibit will continue to be on display through April 2016. For more information, visit www.landishomes.org or call 717-381-3550.
 Pathways Institute All those age 55+ are eligible to take part in the Pathways Institute for Lifelong Learning held at Landis Homes. The mission of Pathways Institute for Lifelong Learning is to foster with persons age 55+ a quest for lifelong learning that enriches the mind and spirit, to pursue wisdom, service and understanding. It is a partnership between Landis Homes and Messiah Lifeways. Click here for more information or by calling 717-381-3577.
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LMC Fraternal Ministries Events & Information
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Saturday Evening Concert Series February 20, 7 p.m., Chapel The 2015-16 season continues with an evening of high-quality entertainment performed by Temple Avenue Jazz. For information, call 717-355-6000.
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Camp Hebron Complimentary Pastor Retreats Friday February 19 - Sunday February 21 Theme: Balance in the circus of life- thriving amid the tension. Seek spiritual refreshment this weekend with times of worship and bible messages while enjoying great conversation around delicious food. Bring yourself or your ladies group from church for a great weekend featuring speaker Carol Cool. Discover Nature: A Weekend Retreat for Families Friday April 29 - Sunday May 1 Take time away from our technology driven society and appreciate God's grandeur through activities like Guided Hikes, Nature Crafts, Bird Watching, and Educational Workshops about Wildlife and other topics. Many lodging options available. |
Centering Prayer Retreat Kairos School of Spiritual Formation will hold a Centering Prayer Retreat on Saturday, Feb 20th at Blossom Hill Mennonite Church, from 9:00 to 3:30 pm. Centering Prayer is a simple prayer form of silence, that makes space for the still small voice of God. For more information and to register visit the Kairos website www.kairosjourney.org
Sabbath Space For Clergy, Chaplains and Other Leaders KAIROS: School of Spiritual Formation is offering monthly weekday retreats in a contemplative context for pastors and ministry leaders to grow spiritually and to enhance their ministries in the practice of spiritual formation. Sabbath Space retreat days, offered September through May, provide rest and reflection away from the work of ministry, encourage personal spiritual growth, and increase awareness and understanding of the art and ministry of spiritual guidance in the church or ministry setting.
Through the study of literature, the experience of group spiritual direction, theological reflection, and presentation of case studies out of the settings in which they provide leadership, participants will enhance their own spiritual journey, as well as more effectively care for the soul of their congregation or ministry community.
Continuing Education Units available for this retreat. |
Churchwide and Other Events & Information
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| Church World Service Lancaster Are you a pastor, small group leader, or devoted congregant who likes to stay up-to-date on local refugee needs? Please join our new Church Newsletter where Christine Baer, Congregational Resource Developer, will keep you informed of local stories, highlights, and volunteer/donation needs. Click this link to subscribe to the CWS Lancaster newsletter: https://confirmsubscription.com/h/j/513D5A180330BF33or e- mail Christine at cbaer@cwsglobal.org to subscribe. |
The Reasons To Believe chapter of Lancaster, PA invites everyone to join them at Stumptown Mennonite Church the third Thursday of every month for documentary films, lectures, and lively discussions about how the latest scientific discoveries are intersecting with Biblical truths. Meetings run 7-9 PM. For more information, call Will Charles: 717-330-0901. |
Wednesday, February 10, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Dixon University Center, Harrisburg Evangelical Seminary will be hosting a seminar in Harrisburg addressing fresh ways to combat extreme poverty. The goal of the seminar is to discuss ways to use the marketplace to enable those trapped in extreme poverty to sustain themselves long term. Our keynote speaker is Peter Greer of Hope International, with additional workshops by Imagine Kind, Ten Thousand Villages, and HumanKind Water. Information is also available on our website evangelical.edu/poverty or contact Ken Nafziger for more information at knafziger@evangelical.edu |
Mount Clare Christian School Winter/Spring Give-A-Thon for Mt. Clare Christian School Did you know that there is an evangelistic Christian School in the Anabaptist tradition in inner-city Baltimore? Mt. Clare Christian School (MCCS) is a ministry of Wilkens Avenue Mennonite Church, located in an under-resourced urban community of Southwest Baltimore City. Our school is funded largely by donations from churches and individuals. The portion of tuition that school families pay is $25 per month per child, allowing us to reach the children in our target community. Our mission is to provide a quality, Christian education for children in the Mt. Clare Community. Over 70% of our students are from Non-Christian backgrounds. Would you join us in helping with our Mount Clare Christian School Winter/Spring Give-A-Thon? We are currently seeking 50 new monthly partners in the amounts of $50, $75, and $100 per month to help us strengthen our funding base and allow us to impact more students in this community. To sign up as a monthly partner in our Winter/Spring Give-A-Thon or for more information visit mountclarechristian.org/donate |
Mennonite & Brethren Marriage Encounter Restore, Rekindle, and Renew Take a break from 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 8 - March 21, this series will help you to restore communication, rekindle the romance, and renew commitment. For more information or to apply visit marriageencounter.org or call 717-569-5676.
Engaged Encounter Take a break from wedding planning and spend a weekend away with your fiancé(e)at the February 19-21 Engaged Encounter focusing on your upcoming marriage! 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 apply.
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Go Beyond Breakfast Wednesday, February 24, 7:30 a.m. (previous meetings were postponed) Harvest Bible Chapel Lancaster 609 Prospect Street Lancaster, Pa 17603 We will talk about about finding service opportunities and working together. Also, Putting action to this mornings breakfast conversation, we are looking forward to presenting a Go Beyond statement of gospel faith. This will serve to unite and protect our movement even further as we do good works to glorify Christ. Go Beyond 2016 will be May 15-22. For more info and to register for the breakfast Click Here! |
Flourish "Taster": Next Steps in Missional Living Wednesday, February 24, 7-8:45 p.m. "Your Life is Your Mission" Thursday, February 25 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. "Next Steps for Missional Leadership" & Thursday evening dinner, 5-7 p.m. Friday, February 26, 9-11:30 a.m. All sessions will be held at Mount Joy Mennonite Church, 320 Musser Rd, Mount Joy PA 17552 (except Thursday evening dinner; location to be announced) Click here for more information |
Beyond Ourselves Benefit Concert Lancaster's Beyond Ourselves chamber ensemble is teaming up with Lancaster Mennonite School's Campus Chorale and Sopa Sol to present their ninth benefit concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, February 28, at James Street Mennonite Church. The entire freewill offering will go toward an education program in Nepal, which is part of Mennonite Central Committee's Global Family program. It will benefit a trade school that helps students develop useful job skills so they can remain in their communities and provide for their families. Link for the project
The Beyond Ourselves musicians are saxophonist Ryan Kauffman, violist Christy Kauffman, pianist Rosemary Blessing, and clarinetist Doris Hall-Gulati. The LMS Campus Chorale, the high school's select choir, is directed by Marcella Hostetler. Sopa Sol's musicians include Daryl Snider, voice and guitar, and Frances Crowhill Miller, voice, violin and hang (a new instrument that originated in Switzerland).
The three music groups will perform separately and then combine for a piece arranged by composer Neal Harnly, a Juilliard trained pianist who is a physician at Norlanco Family Medicine in Elizabethtown. In addition, the four Beyond Ourselves musicians and Sopa Sol will perform a piece arranged by Jonathan Ragonese, composer, arranger and saxophonist, who lives in New York City. Ragonese attended the Manhattan School of Music and developed an early childhood music program at Explore + Discover Learning Center in Manhattan.
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Everence Stew U 2016 Save the date! Saturday, March 12, Registration 8 a.m. Lancaster Mennonite School
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Museum of the Bible Lancaster Event Sunday evening, May 15 There will be an evening public event here in Lancaster introducing the new Museum of the Bible located in Washington, DC. There is no charge for the evening but tickets are required. The purpose of the new museum that will open in 2017 is to invite all people to engage with the Bible through four pillars: research, travel exhibits, education, and a museum currently under construction in Washington, DC. In April free tickets for the event will be available. Here is the MOTB web site: www.museumofthebible.org |
Mennonite Healthcare Fellowship Annual Gathering Attention Healthcare Workers! Registration is now open for Mennonite Healthcare Fellowship's Annual Gathering, June 17-19, 2016 in Estes Park, CO. Plan now for this weekend of workshops, worship, networking, and sharing together with other healthcare professionals. Visit www.mennohealth.org/annual-gathering-2016 |
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