| 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. |
| | LMC Office Events & Information
|
Save the Date Church Violence: Thinking Ahead Wednesday July 20, 7:00-9:30 pm Lancaster Mennonite Conference office 2160 Lincoln Hwy E., Lancaster, Pa. 17602 The MSNBC headline in 2015 read, "Charleston shooting part of long history of violence against churches."An earlier USA Today headline in 2013 was similar: "Churches boost security as violent incidents grow." With a string of tragedies over the last decade in church sanctuaries, cathedrals, and other locations of faith ministry, many faith-based organizations are offering educational resources to help reduce or prevent violence from occurring. Lancaster Mennonite Conference will offer a seminar on this troubling aspect of contemporary life to help churches think ahead to the unthinkable. Church Violence: Thinking Ahead will take place on Wednesday, July 20 at the Lancaster Mennonite Conference offices, 2160 Lincoln Highway East. The seminar, featuring law enforcement and church leaders, will convene at 7:00 pm and end by 9:30 pm. The event is free and open to the public.
Pastor Tracy Brown (retired State Police) will provide a peace church context for the presentation by Trooper Waleska Gonzales of the Pennsylvania State Police. Trooper Gonzales will provide practical suggestions to reduce threats and describe resources available to churches to increase personal and property safety. The approach of the evening will encourage thoughtful responses rather than fearful reactions. A Lancaster city policeman may also speak. A time for question and answer is scheduled for the evening.
Pastors, church board members, church trustees, and others interested in the subject are encouraged to attend. A small packet of printed resources will be available to attendees. Light refreshments will be served. Please RSVP Joselyn Santiago (jsantiago@lancasterconference.org) to reserve a space for this seminar.
Schools, government offices, businesses, churches, and synagogues to name a few have experienced violence at their locations. Some reports suggest violence occurring at faith-based locations has increased over the last decade. As a result many places have responded with education, training, and security measures to increase the safety of the people on the premises. If you want to learn more about this subject, set aside the evening of July 20. Awareness & Training Making Church a Safe Place for All Volunteers in your congregations who have direct contact with children have until July 1, 2016 to be in compliance with the new Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Law of 2014. If your congregation needs help with this process contact the Conference office. We have tools available to help you make that transition and develop a child protection policy.
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. December 31, 2015 was the date for all employees of organizations that have direct contact with children to be in compliance. LMC 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. LMC Pastoral Openings If you are interested in a pastoral position at one of the LMC congregations, click here to see what positions are available. You can also go onto our website http://www.lancasterconference.org/ and click on the Pastoral Openings link.
Classified Ads LMC and LMC agencies, fraternal organizations, and congregations, often post classified ads under the "Classifieds" tab on the LMC website. Click here to see the postings. |
LMC Agency Events & Information
|
Eastern Mennonite Missions  Save the date! Celebrate summer with international culture and flavor at EMM's biggest event of the year! Join us on Saturday, July 9, 2016, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., at the Hans Herr House in Willow Street, Pa., to enjoy EMM's 21st annual Global Fair: an open-air missions and culture festival. Each year, thousands of people meet the world through international activities like henna tattoos, African dance, or friendly alpacas. And there is always delicious international food! Come talk to mission workers and hear their stories about God's work in different countries around the world. Go on free tours of Hans Herr exhibits. For more information, visit emm.org/globalfair or contact Jessica Fellenger at 717 898-2251 ext. 235.
¡Tome nota de esta fecha! ¡Celebre el verano con sabor y cultura internacional en el mayor evento del año de EMM! Únase a nosotros el sábado, 9 de julio de 2016, de 11 a.m. a 3 p.m., en la Hans Herr House, Willow Street, Pa. para la 21ª Feria Global anual: un festival de misiones y culturas al aire libre. Cada año, miles de personas experimentan el mundo a través de actividades internacionales: tatuajes de henna, danza africana, amistosas alpacas. Y, por supuesto, la apariencia y olores de comida internacional son siempre una gran atracción. Venga y platique con obreros de misiones y escuche sus historias acerca de la obra de Dios en diferentes países alrededor del mundo. Y disfrute tours gratuitos de las exhibiciones de la Hans Herr House. Para obtener más información, visite emm.org/globalfair o póngase en contacto con Jessica Fellenger en el 717 898-2251 ext. 235.
Join us for commissioning Be part of encouraging new and reappointing EMM missionaries by sending them off to their assignments with blessings. Join us on Sunday, July 10, 6:30-8 p.m., at Willow Street Mennonite Church, Willow Street, Pa. An ice cream social will follow the service. For more information, visit emm.org/commissioning or contact Jessica Fellenger at 717 898-2251 ext. 235.
Únase a nosotros en nuestra reunión de comisión de misioneros Sea parte de nuestra reunión para animar a los nuevos y los reenviados misioneros de EMM enviándoles a sus asignaciones con bendiciones. Únase a nosotros el domingo, 10 de julio de las 6:30 a las 8:00 p.m., en la Willow Street Mennonite Church, Willow Street, Pa. Una reunión social con helado se llevará a cabo después del servicio. Para obtener mayor información, visite emm.org/commissioning o póngase en contacto con Jessica Fellenger en el 717 898-2251, ext. 235.
Mission internships: not just for young adults EMM recognizes the significance of God's calling on individual lives, whether that means serving locally or cross-culturally. If you are a baby boomer (born between 1946-1964) with a desire to serve in missions, then EMM would love to discern with you what a short-term (4-12 month) assignment could look like. At a point in your life when our culture tells you it's time to sit back, take it easy, and watch the world go by, EMM has a different message! To meet over a cup of tea or coffee and share your vision and heart to serve, contact Sherrie Ober at 717 898-2251 ext. 269. For more information,visit emm.org/internship. Internado de misiones: no sólo para los adultos jóvenes EMM reconoce la importancia del llamado de Dios en la vida de cada individuo, ya sea para servir localmente o en otra cultural. Si usted es un baby boomer (nacido entre 1946 y 1964) con el deseo de servir en misiones, a EMM le encantaría discernir con usted la apariencia que podría tener una asignación a corto plazo (de 4 a 12 meses). En un punto de su vida en el cual nuestra cultura le dice que es tiempo de sentarse, descansar y ver el mundo pasar, ¡EMM tiene un mensaje diferente! Para reunirse para tomar una una taza de té o café y compartir su visión y su corazón para servir, póngase en contacto con Sherrie Ober en el 717 898-2251 ext 269. Para obtener mayor información, visite emm.org/internship. |
Folk Art Fun for Kids and Adults: Native American Beadwork Discover the fun of Native American beadwork on Wednesday, July 22, 2016, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. This class is designed for children ages 10 and up with an accompanying adult. Register online at www.hansherr.org or by phone at (717) 464-4438. The class costs $25 per person; the registration deadline is July 15, 2016.
Divertido Arte Folclórico para Niños y Adultos: Ensartando Cuentas para Joyas Nativoamericanas Descubre lo divertido que es crear joyas con cuentas al estilo nativoamericano el miércoles 22 de julio, 2016, de 9:30 a 11:30 a.m. Esta clase está diseñada para niños de 10 años en adelante con un adulto acompañante. Regístrate en el Internet en www.hansherr.org o por teléfono al (717) 464-4438. La clase cuesta $25 por persona; la registración termina el 15 de julio, 2016.
Tour to Puerto Rico: Island of Enchantment Join us on a five-day tour to Puerto Rico exploring Mennonite history and popular attractions on the Island. The tour will be held from Thursday, October 20, to Monday, October 24. Cost per person is $2,175. Price of the tour includes airfare, motor coach, lodging, seven meals, and site tours. A $500 deposit is required by July 15 for registration. Full payment due by August 15. Interested persons can learn more and register at www.lmhs.org or by calling 717-393-9745.
Gira a Puerto Rico: Isla del Encanto Únete a una gira de cinco días a Puerto Rico para explorar la historia menonita y visitar lugares populares en la Isla. La gira se llevará a cabo de jueves, 20 de octubre a lunes, 24 de octubre. El costo por persona es de $2,175. El precio incluye boleto de avión, autobús, hospedaje, siete comidas, y giras locales. Se requiere un depósito de $500 para el 15 de julio para la registración. El pago completo se requiere para el 15 de agosto. Personas interesadas pueden aprender más sobre el viaje y registrarse en www.lmhs.org, o llamando al 717-393-9745.
Music in the Orchard Come to the 1719 Hans Herr House & Museum for the third summer concert on Saturday July 9, 6 pm. It will feature the Celtic and American folk music of Seasons and an opening by Native American band Raven Sun. Tickets are $8 for adults on concert day at the site. Children under 12 are free.
Música en el Huerto Ven a la Casa Museo de Hans Herr de 1719 para el tercer concierto el sábado 9 de julio, 6 p.m. El acto principal será de música céltica y folklórica americana con el grupo Seasons, y el conjunto nativoamericano, Raven Sun, para abrir. Boletos cuestan $8 por adulto en el día del concierto en el local. Los niños menores de 12 entran gratis.
Bookworm Frolic The annual Bookworm Frolic is rapidly approaching. Come out to 2215 Millstream Road, Lancaster, PA, between Wednesday, August 10 and Friday, August 12 (9 a.m. to 7 p.m.) and Saturday, August 13 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.), to purchase your favorite used books and support the Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society.
Festival de Libros El Festival de Libros anual se aproxima rápidamente. Ven a 2215 Millstream Road, Láncaster, PA, entre miércoles 10 de agosto y viernes 12 de agosto (9 a.m. a 7 p.m.) y sábado 13 de agosto (9 a.m. a 4 p.m.), para comprar tus libros usados favoritos y así apoyar la Sociedad Histórica Menonita de Láncaster. |
 Homestays Needed for LMS Students Lancaster Mennonite School has several new international students that will be arriving in August and will be needing host family arrangements. The largest group is coming from China, and several local agencies are looking for host families this fall. Two Nigerian students that have connections with the Mennonite Church in Nigeria will be attending the high school. For these two students, the school is looking for Mennonite families that are willing to host for a low fee. If you have interest in opening your home to an international student, please contact Christy Horst at horstcl@lancastermennonite.org or 717-299-0436, ext. 312. |
Landis Communities
 Residential Suites Available Landis Homes Residential Suites Available. Are you tired of cooking and cleaning and want fewer responsibilities? Landis Homes currently has standard-sized Residential Suites available in Westview and Homeview. They include all three meals, housekeeping, laundry and an emergency pendant or wristband. Suites are conveniently located close to the dining rooms, general store and chapel as well as other amenities so you don't need to go outside to enjoy activities on campus. There is no advance fee required. To learn more about living in a Residential Suite, please call Residency Planning at 717-581-3935.
Memory Loss Support Group The Memory Loss Support Group will meet July 26 at 7:00pm in the Warwick Room at Landis Homes, 1001 East Oregon Road, Lititz, PA 17543. The group is designed to provide support and information and is co-sponsored with the Alzheimer's Association of the Greater Pennsylvania Chapter. It is free and open to the public. The July 26 meeting is titled - "What We Have Learned: Our Experiences in Caring for Those with Dementia." from a panel of Landis Homes staff. For more information contact Landis Homes at 717-581-3939.
Landis Homes Fellowship Day |
LMC Fraternal Ministries Events & Information
|
Paint Night July 22, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Village Square Park Come for a great time among friends and return home with a fabulous painting that you created. No artistic ability required. $35 per person includes all art materials, instruction and a Starbucks specialty drink. Class size limited. Adults only.
|
Camp Hebron Complimentary Pastor Retreats |
Kairos Guided Silent Retreat Schedule for 2016-2017 Our monthly themes serve as gentle guides towards a deepening and transforming experience of God's loving presence. Each retreat weekend will offer brief (optional) input focused on that month's theme. However, the primary focus will be the retreatant's individual journey (unique needs, desires, and prayer). Spiritual direction is provided at no additional cost.
The themes for 2016-2017 are taken from the book
Lost in Wonder by Esther deWaal.
| DATES | THEMES | | September 9-11, 2016 | Wonderment | | October 7-9, 2016 | Silence | | November 4-6, 2016 | Attention | | December 3, 2016 | Advent Day | | January 6-8, 2017 | Change | | February 3-5, 2017 | Dark and Light | | March 3-5, 2017 | Lenten Journey | | April 7-9, 2017 | Mystery | | May 5-7, 2017 | Gift |
* Register for a full weekend or for Saturday only. *
Cost
$275 Weekend Friday - Sunday (see packages below) This option includes "room & board" - 2 nights and 6 buffet style meals. The weekend begins with dinner, Friday, 5:45 p.m. and concludes with lunch on Sunday. $75 Saturday Only (1-Day) This option includes arrival at 9 .m. - lunch (served at Noon) - and departure at 4:00 p.m. For more information and to register for these retreats, visit the Kairos website www.kairosjourney.org. |
No Longer Alone Ministries 25th Anniversary Banquet and Auction: Celebrating the Journey Calvary Church, 1051 Landis Valley Road 5:45 p.m. Fellowship and Silent Auction; 6:30 p.m. Program and Live Auction Speaker: Amy Simpson, author of the award-winning Troubled Minds: Mental Illness and the Church's Mission, knows the trauma and bewilderment of mental illness in her family. She reminds us that people with mental illness are our neighbors and our brothers and sisters in Christ. Showing the path to loving them well and becoming a church that loves God with whole hearts and whole souls, Amy will encourage her listeners with the strength we have and with minds that are whole as well as minds that are troubled. September 16 On the Frontlines: Supporting Families and Parishioners with Mental Illness 9:00 - 3:30 pm at Calvary Church, Lancaster, PA Although most don't realize it, people in ministry are at the front lines of mental health care. They need support from others with professional training in addressing mental health problems. They also need to sharpen their own knowledge and skills. Seminar presenter Amy SImpson, author of the award-winning Troubled Minds: Mental Illness and the Church's Mission, will offer specific ways people in caring ministries can respond to the needs of individuals and families affected by mental illness. This seminar is co-sponsored with Faith -Based Health Ministries Network, EMU-Lancaster Campus, and Philhaven. Audience: clergy, nurses, social workers, and other professionals. Cost: $35; lunch included; CEU's available Registration: online at www.nlam.org (early July) or mail to NLAM office September 17 Bike Lancaster Calling all bike enthusiasts! Come celebrate NLAM's 25 years by participating in Bike Lancaster (formerly the Dream Ride) on Saturday, September 17, in Millersville. No Longer Alone needs riders and sponsors. Contact Ken and Marilyn Langeman, NLAM Bike Lancaster Coordinators at 717-859-3840 or kmlangeman@hotmail.com.FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP 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 3:00 - 5:00 pm at Rossmere Mennonite Church, 741 Janet Ave, Lancaster. Educational program runs from 3-4pm; Share and Care Groups meet from 4:10-5pm. Upcoming groups: July 24 - Problem-Solving Mental Health: "What's next?", Dr. Harold Kraybill, Psychiatrist; Heather Hostetter, LGH August 28 - Anxiety Disorders, Carla Kouterick, Family Resource and Counseling Center September 25 - MHA, Gretchen Gaudioso, Client and Family Advocate; Mental Health America PATHS TO DISCOVERY SUPPORT GROUP PATHS participants experience fellowship, encouragement, and mutual support for their personal journeys with mental illness. Presently three groups, facilitated by a professional staff member, meet at the following locations: First Thursday of each month from 11 am - 12:30 pm at NLAM location, 630 Janet Ave, Room B103, Lancaster Second Wednesday of each month from 11 am - 12:30 pm at The Salvation Army, 121 S Queen St, Lancaster. Third Thursday of each month from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm at The Factory Ministries, 3098 Lincoln Hwy E, Paradise. Monthly Discussion Topics: July - Rest and Relaxation; August - Mind, Soul and Spirit; September - Accountability |
November 5, at Midway Church of the Brethren New this year, the first hour from 6-7 pm will be a social hour where you can shop the silent auction and sit around tables enjoying coffee and dessert with friends old and new. The program will begin at 7 pm and will include a ministry update, stories from the inside, a presentation by Dave Musser, LMFT, and a live auction. Returning to the live auction this year with be a wallet filled with tickets, gift certificates, cash and other fun items. Would you like to help make the Coffee & Dessert Night an amazing success? Here's what you can do. - Plan to attend and bring some friends! Online registrations will begin in September.
- Contact our office at 717.274.3950 to learn how you can promote this event at your church.
- Donate a gift certificate, gift card, event tickets, cash, or other items that fit in a wallet. Donations may be sent to or dropped off at our office at 100 Forney Road, Lebanon, PA 17042.
- If you have an item or idea for our silent auction, contact our office at 717.274.3950 to speak with our auction chairperson.
- Be a sponsor of this event or advertise in the event program. Click here for details.
Whatever you do, don't miss this event! |
Congregational Events & Information
|
East Petersburg Mennonite Church Sunday, July 31 - Thursday, August 4, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. East Petersburg Mennonite Church will be hosting a unique cross cultural Vacation Bible School experience designed by Wycliffe Bible Translators; at 6279 Main Street in East Petersburg, PA. All Children, five years of age through 6th grade, are invited to experience a firsthand glance into a world that is much different than our own through Wycliffe's "Summer Around the World." This experience runs from July 31st to Aug 4th and will happen in the evenings from 6:30pm to 8:30pm.
"Summer Around the World" is a five-day program where kids get to travel the world with Kate - a Wycliffe missionary kid - and her best friend, Mack. Each day focuses on a different region: Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Pacific. Kids will learn about different languages and cultures, meet characters from different countries, play international games, make unique crafts, and so much more. Most importantly, they'll learn how much God loves his children, no matter what language they speak.
Click here to view the Facebook page. |
Churchwide and Other Events & Information
|
| Alleghany Mennonite Historical Association Sunday, July 17, 6:30 p.m. Phil Gehman from Greer, SC will speak on the subject: "A Tale of Two Traditions: A Presbyterian's Search for His Mennonite Heritage" at an outdoor meeting at the 1855 Allegheny Mennonite Meetinghouse, 39 Horning Road, Mohnton. There will be special music by the Stumptown Men's Quartet. Please bring a lawn chair. For more information, e-mail jgsen@windstream.net or call 717-278-8459. |
ARMS (Association of Retired Ministers and Spouses) Annual Fall Retreat October 25-26, 2016 at Black Rock Retreat Center For LMC Leaders w/Retired Credential or Active Credential 65+ & Spouses. "Winds of the Spirit in Mission" is the Retreat Theme. The main speakers are John Ruth and Nelson Okanya, and will feature singing by Black Rock Retreat's "Maintaining Praise" and picturesque travel scenes by Jay & Lois Garber. Ruth will explore the influences that provided the impetus for early Lancaster Area Mennonites to become engaged in mission outreach to their neighbors. He'll also review the "Winds of the Spirit" that moved our congregations to embrace a high priority on sending many missionaries internationally with a strong commitment of prayer and financial support. Okanya will share the current "Winds of the Spirit" in mission happenings around the world and stateside. He will also offer new vision for the future of international missions with a primary focus on visionary missional engagements in local communities. The cost remains $66 per person; includes four meals, one night's lodging, and use of the camp.
Click on links below for more information. |
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. |
Creating Congregational Cultures of Generosity Saturdays, Sep. 17 and Nov. 19, 2016, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Lititz COB Church, 300 W. Orange St., Lititz, Pa. Creating Congregational Cultures of Generosity (CCCG) is a two-day interactive seminar, demonstrating how pastors and ministry leaders can unearth and energize congregational generosity by exploring the significant and necessary steps to creating lasting cultural change within a congregation.
Registration fee for the seminar is $150 per ministry team that includes a pastor and two or three leaders. Each attendee must also purchase the participant workbook for $45. Space is limited. The deadline to register is Aug.15, 2016. Contact Kevin Nofziger at kevin.nofziger@everence.com or Kay Weaver at kweaver@one-cob.org for more information.
Click on the links below for more information regarding the two-day CCCG event.
Explore End-of-life matters Friday, November 18, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Brethren Village Wolfe Auditorium/Welcome Center 3001 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, Pa. 17606 Everence, Brethren Village and Atlantic Northeast District of the COB are offering an End-of-life workshop to help people think and talk about important issues concerning their last wishes. Peace of mind often comes from knowing your wishes are understood and your family will know what to do when the time comes.
Cost is $20 (payable at the event to Everence Financial. This fee goes toward providing the End-of-life manual. Brethren Village will provide lunch and snacks.)
Click here to view the workshop flyer. |
Heart 4 Muslim Conference Save the Date Saturday, October 8, 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Calvary Baptist Church 123 West 57th St, Manhattan, NY
Click here for more information. |
Mennonite & Brethren Engaged Encounter Focus on our upcoming marriage Take a break from wedding planning and spend a weekend away with your fiancé(e) focusing on your upcoming marriage at our next Engaged Encounter at Kenbrook Bible Camp August 5-7.! 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. |
"Children of the Day" by Beth Moore Sessions repeated 3 times each Thursday, total of 9 weeks. September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 and October 6, 13, 20, 27. Choose your time: 9-10:30 a.m., or 2-3:30 p.m., or 6-8:30 p.m. Study on I & II Thessalonians: Covers a variety of topics, including family, prayer, ministering to others, and prophecies. Walks you verse-by-verse through the passages, one chapter of the Scripture each session. Varying levels of participation available. No cost for the class. Home study books available at $15.99 (highly recommended). |
Women's Regional Assembly Saturday, November 12, 8 a.m. - 12 noon Stumptown Mennonite Church 2813 Stumptown Rd, Bird-in-Hand, Pa. The New kind of event... 21 different workshops led by 21 young Anabaptists including a few grandmothers. Leaders within 21 different regional churches and hoping they each bring 5-10-20 friends/neighbors. Time for Christian inspiration... many opportunities for new friendships and helpful resources! Contact #s for details of the event, including the 21 workshop titles, names of 21 leaders, and schedule: 717-656-7878, office@stumptownmc.org, http://stumptownmc.org/get-connected/wra/ |
| | | | Enjoy God
Encourage Others
Equip Disciples
Engage the World
|
|
