| "One memorable evening, I invited Shawn over for dinner when my daughters were around three and five years old. As we shared a meal and engaged in meaningful conversation, Shawn admitted, 'This is awkward,' expressing how out of place he felt. I could relate, recalling my own awkwardness during my first dinner invitation from Daniel and Joyce Miller while I was a student at Jubilee Ministries. This shared experienced helped us connect."
Michael Clancy, an urban missionary in Lebanon, PA and lead pastor at Freedom in Christ Fellowship, shares the story of his ongoing friendship with Shawn Connatser that resulted from his work with men transitioning from prison and programs back into society.
Today, Shawn serves as Michael's assistant pastor and is actively discipling other men. Meanwhile, Michael feels grateful for the Lord allowing him to be a part of this incredible transformative journey.
Read the full story Michael shared over on our website.
Thank you Michael for sharing this story! | | | Share Your Story
Story-telling is powerful; after all, sharing the Gospel—the greatest story of all—is at the heart of what we do as Christ-followers. If you have a story related to LMC, we'd love to hear it! Share online at our website. | | | Apply to STEP for Aug. 2025!
STEP (Study, Transform, Engage, Prepare) is a three-year, non-traditional ministry leadership training program. Over the three years, students journey together in a cohort-model. Upon completion, graduates earn 30 undergraduate credit hours from Eastern Mennonite University. For more information, visit our website.
| | Register Your Leaders for Fall Leadership Assembly!
Are you a credentialed leader or a part of leadership within your congregation? If so, you are invited to our Fall Leadership Assembly, held on September 24–27!
This year, Fall Leadership Assembly looks a little different, spanning four days to celebrate the 500th Anniversary of Anabaptism. Wednesday and Thursday will be a two-day APEST resourcing event; Friday evening will include the free RPO Expo, worship, and plenary speakers; and Saturday will include worship, plenary speakers, stories, and workshops.
Register today at lmcchurches.org/connections/fall-leadership-assembly/. Have a question? Email information@lmcchurches.org. |  | |  | SEED Church Leadership Program
Are you or do you know someone who has a heart to serve the church? Are they new to the United States? Is English is a second or third language? SEED is a three-year training program that offers Bible study and leadership and ministry training to equip church leaders to serve cross-culturally within the United States.
New classes start in September. For more information, check out this flyer, or contact Program Director Dawn Landes with any questions: cdlandes@habeckerchurch.com or 717-799-3900. | | Save the Date – Assembly 2026
We're excited to announce that Assembly 2026 will happen July 2–5, 2026 at Millersville University, Millersville PA! This new, conference-wide event is for EVERYONE in LMC. Together we will celebrate the work of God among us and mobilize for God's mission beyond us. This is for the whole family and youth groups; more information coming soon. | | | 
Renew: Anabaptist Sunday School Curriculum For the past several years, First Mennonite Church in Berne, IN has been publishing an Anabaptist Sunday School curriculum for adults called Renew, which is based on the International Lesson. Copies are available to all LMC congregations on a donation basis. Learn more by going to renewpublishing.org.
And, if your congregation is already using this material, Masthof Press is graciously offering to print copies for your congregation (prices listed below). For more information, email Dan at dan@masthof.com.
Prices:
Participant Guide - $2.00 each
Large Print Participant Guide - $4.30 each
Leader Guide - $4.30 - each | | | Capital Christian Fellowship's 100th Anniversary On October 24–26, Capital Christian Fellowship in Lanham, MD is hosting a Homecoming Weekend to celebrate its 100th Anniversary! Formerly Cottage City Mennonite Church, Capital Christian is excited to host this celebration filled with reunions, food, worship, and other activities. Are you or do you know someone who has a connection to Capital Christian's 100-year history? Invite them to join the festivities! | | |  LMC is in a season of growth! Since 2018, we have welcomed 133 new congregations into our conference. Despite this, donations over the years have remained about the same, and are now beginning to decrease. Would you prayerfully consider joining us in being a Spirit-led movement and donating to LMC? We are grateful for the opportunity to continue ministering alongside you. | | | From Our Resource Partners | |  | Advance The kingdom of God is advancing! Join EMM for a gap year—engage in three months of hands-on, cross-cultural discipleship training in Lancaster City, PA. Then serve five months in one of EMM's priority regions. Your life will never be the same. - Ignite your passion for knowing and following Jesus
- Explore your gifts and calling in a community setting
- Build meaningful relationships across cultures
- Serve others alongside seasoned mission workers
- Practice living your faith and sharing Christ's love as a team
Apply now at emm.org/advance. | | Volunteer Opportunities at Neighbors Community Center
The Neighbors Community Center at Hub450 (450 N. Prince St., Lancaster PA) is looking for volunteers for the following positions:
Child Care Assistant
Help to maintain a safe and fun environment for preschool children while their parents participate in our programs. Duties include setting up/cleaning up the play area, playing with the children, maintaining a clean environment, and monitoring the children to ensure that they play and interact with one another in a safe and appropriate manner. Wednesdays, 8:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.; Tuesdays and/or Thursdays, 9:15 to 11:45 a.m. and/or 5:45 to 8:30 p.m.
English Language Assistant
Help teach English to non-native speakers using our provided curriculum. Assist the teacher with fun and interactive lesson plans, assess student progress, and provide constructive feedback to help our new neighbors improve their language skills. Tuesdays and/or Thursdays, 9:15 to 11:45 a.m. and/or 5:45 to 8:30 p.m.
Visit neighborslancaster.org/volunteer for more information and to apply. | | Housing Need
EMM's Advance program serves as a gap-year opportunity for young adults. As Advance grows, we are looking for creative ways to house young people in the general vicinity of Hub450 in Lancaster City, where our training takes place. Renting a large house (or two smaller houses) within walking distance 450 North Prince Street would be an ideal solution, though other options could also be an enormous blessing. We anticipate a cohort of 10–15 people for this fall (early September through mid-December). Please pray for this need and let Dave Houser know if you are able to help meet this need by emailing dave.houser@emm.org or by calling 717-898-2251. Thank you! | | Summer Benefit Concert Join Friendship Community on Friday, August 15 at 5:00 p.m. for a summer evening to remember! Enjoy an incredible lineup of local artists while making a meaningful impact; proceeds from the concert directly support individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism. Happens rain or shine! 1149 E. Oregon Rd., Lititz PA. Buy tickets at friendshipcommunity.net/summer-benefit-concert/. | | | Author Talk: Chain of Title Join Mennonite Life on June 26 at 7:00 p.m. for an evening with Christopher Scott, author of Chain of Title: An Adventure to Uncover the 350-Year Legacy of the Old Grist Mill. Held at the Mennonite Life Community Room (2215 Millstream Rd., Lancaster). No registration required. Learn more at mennonitelife.org/events. | | | Updated Edition: The Earth Is the Lord's An updated, third edition of The Earth Is the Lord's: A Narrative History of the Lancaster Mennonite Conference is available for pre-order until July 31. This book provides an understanding of Lancaster County and the part it plays in the history of Anabaptism. See more details at mennonitelife.org/eitl. | | | Now Accepting New Residents in Personal Care Landis Homes and Welsh Mountain Home currently have openings in their Personal Care areas. Both communities offer compassionate, high-quality support tailored to individual needs, with a range of pricing options to fit different budgets. Experience trusted care in welcoming environments where residents are treated with dignity and respect. Contact Landis Communities or Welsh Mountain Home today to learn more or schedule a visit. | | Landis Homes Seeks Volunteers Landis Homes relies on the compassionate support of volunteers to enrich the lives of residents through warm personal connections and attentive companionship. The Friendly Visitor program pairs volunteers with residents who cherish conversation, shared activities, or simply the comfort of a caring presence. Additionally, we deeply value Vigil Companions, who offer calm, comforting reassurance to residents during times when family may not be present, supporting their emotional and spiritual well‑being during sensitive moments. These meaningful roles not only uplift the residents, but also bring volunteers a profound sense of purpose, joy, and community. We invite you to join us in fostering connection, dignity, and companionship, one visit at a time. Please contact Volunteer Services at 717-509-5409 for more information. | | | ¿Quieres recibir las Noticias de LMC en Español? | | | ¿Quieres recibir Noticias de LMC en español? ¡Haga clic aquí para registrarse! | | | | | |
