Global Delegate Activities Tom Eshleman, LMC’s Global delegate, provided an update on his activities. LMC recently hosted Willi Hugo Perez and Kelbessa Muleta. Perez is president of the graduate school, Semilla, in Guatemala. Muleta is the Vice President of Mesereta Kristos Church in Ethiopia. Both men gave reports of the things God is doing in their regions. Tom noted the appointment of two new International Partner Delegates: Steve… Read More
Funding of LMC Ministries Support for LMC ministries in 2018 has been strong. As December approaches those wanting to make a gift for supporting missional multiplication in LMC are encouraged to do so. With LMC joining Mennonite World Conference, there will be an expectation for financial support from LMC to MWC, which will increase the LMC budget. The connection with MWC will greatly expand global relationships and the already… Read More
Finding a Better Way — LMC Legacy Foundation Over 60 years ago, Lancaster Conference Mennonites responded to atrocities in state mental hospitals with the call to “find a better way” to care for persons with mental health needs. The call became action as the Mennonites built and staffed Philhaven Hospital growing it to a highly respected faith based state of the art behavioral healthcare facility. Early in 2016, LMC released their ownership of… Read More
LMC Name Change Lancaster Mennonite Conference is in process of adapting its branding to begin using “LMC” as its official name. Although still operating legally as Lancaster Mennonite Conference, it will also be known as LMC.
Maple Grove Maple Grove Mennonite Church, Belleville, Pa., recently affirmed by 97% the recommendation to join Lancaster Mennonite Conference. The pastor at Maple Grove is Alan Kauffman. The Board of Bishops took action in October to receive the congregation. They will be publicly recognized at the March Celebration of Church Life.
Franklin Conference Update Franklin Conference leaders passed a decision to join Lancaster Mennonite Conference on September 27 by a 92% vote. The congregations will be incorporated into LMC as Franklin District. The district has 14 congregations in Pa. and Md.
Constitutional Change Vote On September 21 at the Fall Leadership Assembly, credentialed leaders approved with a 100% vote a series of changes to the LMC constitution. The changes included stylistic, editorial, and substantive changes. The changes included the replacement of the prior Executive Committee with the new Conference Executive Council, which now serves as the governing body of the Conference between sessions of the Leadership Assembly.
New Bishops James Sutton began as bishop in the new Eastern Ohio District, which has five congregations. James Sutton’s vision is to encourage pastors and congregations to continue and advance the work of Christ, the work of disciple making and kingdom building through personal prayer and evangelism, public proclamation and invitation, and engagement with our communities through “good Samaritan” works of love and compassion. He lives in… Read More
Mark Wenger Departs Leadership of STEP Dr. Mark Wenger ended his leadership of the STEP (Study and Training for Effective Pastoral ministry) program on June 28 after 13 years of dedicated service. He provided the formative leadership of this new program in its early years, which placed it on a firm financial footing. As STEP gained momentum, Wenger provided mature guidance that included a complete curriculum refresh two years ago and… Read More
STEP Graduation On May 13, 13 students graduated from STEP, the three-year leadership-training program. Each student received a Certificate in Pastoral Ministry from Eastern Mennonite University. This graduating class brings the total number of STEP graduates to 105. The graduates were Maurice Baruti, Lanny Dinh, Richard Dinh, Matthew Eberly, Rodney Horst, Charles Lauver, Jaye Lindo, Anthony Martin, Matthew Martin, Jeff McLain, Jill Miller, Tibebu Shanka, and June… Read More