Laurelville Mennonite Church Center Blessed to partner with

Laurelville Mennonite Church Center
Blessed to partner with Allegheny Mennonite Conference
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ACH YEAR THE LAURELVILLE STAFF is challenged with a theme. “Being the right
person, doing the right thing” was placed before the staff, at the beginning of 2012. As
the center pushed forward with ministry, the staff interacted with each other and guests,
to fulfill the year’s theme. Laurelville is delighted to minister to the Allegheny congregations,
year after year, and there are a number of notable opportunities that can not be overlooked.
• For the 2012 Summer Camp, we hosted 250 youth during the six week program. This was
a considerable jump in numbers and it can not go with out noting the outreach that John
Denlinger put forward through the community, either through his involvement in the
Mount Pleasant Rotary and ministerium. Summer camp was co-directed by Anna Weaver
and Joseph Spory, for the final summer of Climbing the Mountain: A Lifetime Journey.
• The Values-based Leadership Program is continuing to be strong, and full. In February of 2013,
we graduated 41 as they leaned from various successful Mennonite business men and women.
Our 2013-14 class will begin October 8-10, 2013 and spaces are still available.
• We continue to look forward to Sno-Kamp and the junior high retreat that Joy Cotchen leads
each year. It is a great opportunity hosting for the youth to connect with God and each other,
outside of summer camp.
• In March, the Allegheny Mennonite Conference hosted a retreat for 28 pastors, spouses and
children. This is a gift from the conference to the pastors. The weekend was restful, worshipful
and meaningful.
• Over the past two years, Laurelville has gained much more of a presence in the community.
We have hosted a number of community gatherings, including a Christmas luncheon, Rotary
dinner, Thursday morning coffee hours and our highly-anticipated summer kick-off, which
includes the official opening of our pool. Along with these hosted events, we have assisted the
local ministerium with meals during their Lenten series.
• In October, John Denlinger submitted his resignation to the board, effective January 1. John
stayed on staff through the winter months as the search committee joined with Mennonite
Health Alliance to search for a new Executive Director. In late March, Michael Yoder accepted
the position and joined the staff, officially, May 20. He and his wife, Stephanie, will be living
on campus for the summer with their four children Austin, Carson, Lindsey and Grant and
hope to be in a home by the end of August.
Our year was a successful year as we worked together to be the right people and do the right thing. As
we are well in to 2013, the staff and board seeks the Lord “for such as a time as this”. Stay up to date
on our progress at Laurelville.org/breezes.