Mennonite Church UsA - Atlantic Coast Conference

July - August 2009
Atlantic Coast Conference
Centered in Christ, Building Connections, Sharing God’s Love
Highlights
Mennonite Church USA
Columbus, Ohio
3 Pocomoke River
4 Maple Grove
5 Akron Mennonite
10 LMHS Soccer
Samuel Walters, associate pastor
at Grace Ubuntu Fellowship in
Lancaster was one of three ACC
appointed conference delegates.
Samuel represented ACC as all
conferences contributed oil into
one pot. More articles coming in
the next issue. Photo: The Mennonite.
Currents
Volume 30, Issue 3
Lois Ann Mast
Editor
ACC: Centered in Christ,
Building Connections,
Sharing God’s Love . . .
Jessica Shirk
Contributing Editor
Lois Whisler
Contributing Editor
Keith Wilson
Contributing Editor
ISSN 0199-7440
published bimonthly by the Atlantic
Coast Conference,
2257 Old
Philadelphia Pike,
Lancaster, PA
17602; currents@
atlanticcoast
conference.net
Currents seeks to
inspire and inform
how God is working in congregations
and related ministries of Atlantic
Coast Conference
of the Mennonite
Church USA.
Contributions of
stories from congregations, organizations, and photos
can be sent to:
Editor Lois Ann
Mast, 219 Mill
Road, Morgantown,
PA 19543-9516;
currents@atlantic
coastconference.net
All material for
publication in the
July-August 2009
CURRENTS
should reach the
editor by June 15,
2009.
Atlantic
Coast
Conference
2257 Old
Philadelphia Pike
Lancaster, PA 17602
1-717-394-8107
1-800-238-0126
2009
office@atlantic
coastconference.net
2
Currents
Our ACC mission statement calls us to
share God’s Love. At ACC’s spring meeting,
delegates approved a resolution to add a parttime church development coach to nurture
emerging congregations and to help older
congregations focus their witness. This was
an important step in our missional journey.
We celebrate ACC congregations
who planted new congregations in the past
and I believe that a key to future vitality is
for our congregations to continue to start
new congregations in obedience to the great
commandment and the great commission.
Recently I was inspired when I learned that
one of our congregations is dreaming about
starting six new congregations.
The Vision Dinner scheduled for
Tuesday, September 22, will provide financial
Welcome
Elizabeth!
Welcome, Elizabeth
Comeaux, ACC’s
new Finance Secretary, who started her
new position with
ACC as of May 7. Replacing Ann Schloneger,
Elizabeth will give leadership to managing the
financial record systems of ACC. Elizabeth is
a 1989 graduate of Christopher Dock Mennonite High School and is married to Jeff Comeaux, associate pastor of The Door Christian
Fellowship, a church plant meeting Sunday
mornings at the Lancaster Mennonite School
main campus auditorium. Elizabeth brings a
strong set of gifts and experience to ACC in the
area of financial systems. She and her husband
have three children and reside in the Leola area.
Elizabeth’s usual work schedule is on Thursdays. Words of welcome and encouragement
can be sent to [email protected]. Welcome, Elizabeth!
J. Richard Thomas, Conference Moderator
support to launch this new position to to help
us share God’s love across the street in our
communities through the birth of new Christcentered congregations. As congregational
budget’s are planned for 2010, we also ask you
to keep funding this new initiative in focus.
Please put the evening of September
22 on your schedule and also please keep the
church plantings now underway in your prayers.
Pray that we may be attentive to the Holy Spirit
so our congregations and ACC collectively are
guided in starting new communities of Grace,
Joy, and Peace, extending God’s healing and hope
to everyone around us.
- J. Richard Thomas, Ridgeview Mennonite
CURRENCY CORNER
All of us are on a missional journey, and
my prayer is that God will call to empower
us in such a way that result in us being
totally surprised at the wonders that God
has done! We are wealthy in relation to the
global community. God has entrusted us
with so much, and we can only enjoy it fully
as we generously share.
Receiving gratefully is the first act of
Christian stewardship. Are you grateful for
the daily blessings of God? Life is a gift from
God that is often taken for granted. Jesus is
a gift. In fact, all of our spiritual blessings are
gifts of grace.
What is God calling you to do with
the gifts that He has given to you? We need
to plant so that we have a harvest and are
able to give generously. May God bless each
ACC congregation as they share in their
community and with ACC.
$
- Nathan King, ACC Treasurer
Maple Grove Mennonite
www.atlanticcoastconference.net
Pocomoke River Church
. . . An Emerging Congregation
church
life
Pocomoke
River
Church
3047 Stockton
Road
Pocomoke, MD
21851
A new Mennonite Church is being planted in
the city of Pocomoke on the Eastern Shore of
Maryland. Earl and Pansy Sheats are the copastors of this effort that started in their home.
In October 2008 the group began meeting
in the Holiday Express Motel on Saturday
evening, but because of renovations, they were
forced to move to a meeting room at the Days
Inn. Their goal is to start a cell-based church
that reaches out to those who have not yet
committed their lives to Christ. So far there are
two cells: one for men and one for women. They
are systematically working through the Bible
with each member encouraged to read one or
more chapters each day. These Scriptures are
Co-Church
Planters:
Earl & Pansy
Sheats
410-957-2097
then the basis for the message each week and the
cell groups also focus on them for their study. This
work has been entirely self supporting from the
beginning and Earl and Pansy are to be commended
for their commitment to follow God’s call in
undertaking this effort. When I asked what we as
a conference could do to help them, they asked for
our prayers. - James Wenger
epsheats@
yahoo.com
pansysheats@
yahoo.com
. . . they may be
encouraged in
heart and united
in love, so that
they may have
the full riches
of complete
understanding,
in order that
they may know
the mystery of
God, namely,
Christ.
Colossians 2:2
Currents
3
Learning
from
our past
Maple
Grove
Mennonite
Church
549 Swan Rd.
Atlgen, PA
19310-0480
New history
book on
Maple sGrove
Mennonite
Church.
Maple Grove Mennonite, 1909-2009
To Celebrate 100 Years
A day of celebration is planned at the Maple Grove
Mennonite Church on August 16, 2009, to commemorate
100 years of God’s faithfulness to the charter members of
1909, and His continuing faithfulness to current members
today.
The day, beginning at 9:30 a.m., will include a traditional worship service (traditional attire optional), drama,
slides, recorded messages of former pastors, displays, food,
and music.
On the day of the celebration, the new book, Celebrating 100 Years, co-authored by Melba King and Cathy
Case, will be available. The chapters in this book reflect the
subjects of importance to Maple Grove Mennonite Church
over the years: The History, The Bible, The Music, The
Youth, The Missions, The Fires and Revivals, The Leaders,
and The People. Many photographs, copies of programs,
announcements, deeds, and other items appear throughout
the book.
If you cannot attend the celebration and would like a
copy of this book, please send $15.00 plus $5.00 shipping
and handling to: Maple Grove Mennonite Church, P. O.
Box 480, Atlgen, PA 19310.
Elmer Mast with oil lamp from
the original church building.
Maple Grove Celebrates 100 Years
~ August 16, 2009 ~
9:30 a.m. - Traditional Sunday School with John Smucker,
guest teacher
10:30 a.m. - Traditional Mennonite worship service with
Linford King, guest speaker
12:00-1:00 p.m. – Lunch followed by afternoon activities
5:00-6:00 p.m. – Evening meal
The new Maple Grove Amish Mennonite
Church in 1909.
4
Currents
6:30 p.m. - “Parade of Music” featuring music through the
decades
Learning
from
our past
Akron Mennonite
To Celebrate 50 Years
Akron Mennonite Church will celebrate
50 years as a congregation on the weekend of
September 26-27, 2009. The celebration began in January 2009 with a Mennonite Youth
Fellowship supper as it may have looked in
1959. A 50th year anniversary logo was created
to use on church letterheads and 50th anniversary tee shirts. On Sunday, May 24, the
worship service was patterned after the first
service in the Brownstown Fire Hall on October 4, 1959. Edgar Stoesz (charter member)
preached the sermon and all the hymns were
sung acapella style.
Gerald Kaufman wrote a book chronicalling the history of AMC and Bob Wyble
interviewed charter members, congregational
chairs and current pastors to produce a video
giving an oral history of AMC.
The culminating event will take place
on the weekend of September 26-27. The
Saturday evening program will feature music
PILGRIMS ON A JOURNEYtAkron Mennonite Church, 1959-2009
Ponilgrims
a
Journey
from soloist Kristin Sims, the Spare Parts
male quartet, Dave Martin and Jacqueline
Glick, the AMC young women’s trio and
senior women’s trio. Nancy Heisey (current
President of Mennonite World Conference)
will preach the sermon in the Sunday morning service scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m.
Current members of AMC, past
members, and friends are invited to join us
on September 26-27 to celebrate this milestone of Akron Mennonite Church. Please
contact Bob Wyble (committee chair) at
[email protected] if you have questions.
- Bob Wyble, Akron Mennonite
1311
Diamond St.
Akron, PA
17501
Pilgrims on a Journey . . . a new book by Gerald Kaufman
Pilgrims on a
Journey by Gerald
Kaufman is the story
of Akron Mennonite
Church established in
1959. Over these 50
years, many members
have served at MCC
headquarters, at MDS, and other Mennonite
agencies in Lancaster County. Many had lived
overseas. This is a story of a rather diverse
group of persons who came from many
different Anabaptist streams. In recent years,
persons have come from other denominations
and ethnic groups.
AMC was an outgrowth of Monterey
Mennonite Church established in 1946 and a
member of the Eastern and Ohio Conference.
Eventually AMC and other congregations
A SOCIAL HISTORY
BY GERALD W. KAUFMAN
Members of Akron Mennonite Church worshiped at
Monterey Mennonite Church until 1959.
Akron
Mennonite
Church
in the region formed the Atlantic Coast
Mennonite Conference.
Many positive qualities occurred at
AMC over the years—a deep commitment
to service, peace, and justice, simple living,
and an unflinching loyalty to the Anabaptist
tradition are described. Challenges that
confronted AMC—an aging demographic,
significant turnover of members, and a
decline in the importance of membership and attendance, are also addressed.
It is a story of a Pilgrim people who
have attempted to follow Christ. The narrative
and the pictures provide a perspective on that
50-year journey. A video produced by Bob
Wyble and included with this book highlights
charter members and former congregational
chairpersons who share their memories of
AMC.
Akron
Mennonite
Church
today
Currents
5
News &
Notes
News,
notes, and
announcements
may be sent to
Currents editor,
Lois Ann Mast
219 Mill Road
Morgantown,
PA 19543;
or e-mail to:
currents@
atlanticcoast
conference.net
“Finding God in Our Conversations” is the
Keynote for the Woman and Preschool
Assembly scheduled for Monday, October 26,
2009, from 9:00-12:30 at Neffsville Mennonite
Church. Beth Jarrett will share the keynote
address. The cost of $10.00 also includes one
workshop and lunch. Childcare is complimentary. Please call Marcy High at 717-283-9852
with any questions.
Note the change of address for Hope Community Fellowship in Phoenixville, Pa. In
the 2008 ACC Annual Report, two addresses
were listed with the HCF listing. The 244 Hall
Street address is the only valid address. (The
366 Bridge Street address is no longer valid.)
A new edition (fifth) of MCC’s mediation
and facilitation training manual pro-
vides theories, communication exercises, and
tools for conflict analysis that can help bring
about healing and positive transformation in
situations of conflict, injustice, and violence.
The manual is designed to give peace-building
knowledge and skills necessary for working in
conflict transformation and restorative justice
for individuals, churches, institutions, communities, and systems. More than a third of the
contributors are new from previous editions.
To obtain the manual, go to mccstore.org, or
phone toll free 888-563-4676. The manual
which is truly a reference volume is $64.99
plus shipping and handling.
Vanessa Hershberger,
Akron Mennonite Church,
is majoring in peace, justice,
and conflict studies at
Goshen College and this
summer is participating
in the Goshen College
Study-Service Term (SST)
in Nicaragua with 22 other
Vanessa
students. The group left for
Hershberger.
Nicaragua on April 29 and
Credit: Brenda
will return to the U.S. on
Burkholder.
July 28. The first six weeks
were spent in language study in Jinotepe, a city
outside the capital of Managua. During the
second half of the term, students were placed in
service assignments around the country where
they are living with native host families. Web
updates and photos from the group are available
from Goshen College’s SST Web site: www.
goshen.edu/sst/nica09.
Andy Dula (Blossom Hill Mennonite) was re-
cently elected as chair-elect of the Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) Board of Trustees.
Susan Godshall (Blossom Hill Mennonite)
is currently the EMU board chair and will
complete six years as chair next June 2010 after
serving for 12 years on the board. Both Andy
and Susan are graduates of Lancaster Mennonite School with Susan graduating from EMU
in 1965 and Andy graduating from EMU in
Happy Birthday, Bethel!
Congregational chairperson, Lois
Whisler (middle), accepts Bethel’s
Quilt Pieces History, from historian
Rosemary Shenk (right). After thanking Rosemary for the gift, Lois presented it to librarian Marge Shank (left)
sto add to Bethel’s library.
6
Currents
Bethel Mennonite Church, Gettysburg, Pa.,
celebrated a birthday—their 70th—with a gift, cake
and punch that congregational historian, Rosemary
Shenk, provided. During the worship hour on May 31,
Rosemary gave a brief history of the congregation before
presenting a scrapbook of memories that she compiled.
She is working on a second volume for the collection.
In May 1939, six families met for Sunday school
and became the core group naming themselves Bethel
Mennonite Church. A.J. Landis, the first pastor, traveled
weekly from Lancaster to Mummanburg to shepherd
the fledging flock. Two of those original people are still
Bethel members: Elizabeth Schmidt and Martin Shenk.
Cake and punch were enjoyed after the service as
folks reminisced and learned more about their church’s
roots.
- Lois Whisler, Bethel Mennonite
Flying Solo
In Mennonite circles, until a few
decades ago, the expectation for young
adults was to finish high school (maybe)
and then settle down, marry, and raise a
family shortly thereafter.
The next generation permitted a term
of voluntary service and perhaps college,
followed by settling down, marrying, and
raising a family.
The current generation of young
Mennonite adults has stretched the
boundary even further, by moving from
rural to urban communities and pursuing
post-graduate education . . . before settling
down, marrying, and raising a family.
What becomes of those who do not
fit that mold—the young adults who settle
down but do not marry (and probably do
not have children)? Where is their place
in a church family, especially in its social
settings?
The answer differs for each individual,
but it generally requires extra effort for a
“single” to find a niche.
From finding a seat in the sanctuary
to joining a small group, “settled singles” risk
the discomfort of being a third wheel, of
causing difficulty in seating arrangements
by creating an odd number, or of convincing
couples that it really is okay to talk about
marriage and family life in front of them.
How does your church family
integrate singles into the fabric of its social
life? Are most of your activities based on
the nuclear family, or is the emphasis on the
family of God? Ideally, churches call their
members to join ministries that suit their
gifts, not their marital status.
Singles should not apologize for their
presence, but neither should they wait
for an invitation to join church activities.
While sweetheart banquets and motherdaughter craft nights might be out, book
clubs and fellowship committees rarely
require a partner. As for me, I would rather
risk a little rejection than pout alone on the
sidelines.
- Jessica Shirk, Ridgeview Mennonite
Here in Me
by Jeanette Good Christophel
Rejoice! The Kingdom of God is near!
Or is it here?
Near . . . here. Near here.
Jessica Shirk
“I would rather risk a little
rejection than
pout alone of
the sidelines.”
- Jessica Shirk
. . . married to Kevin Christophel. They attend Zion
Mennonite Church, Birdsboro, and are the parents
of three teenage children: Hannah, David, and Joel. 
Jeanette lives in inner-city Reading, and is a bilingual
assistant at an elementary school. This poem was
inspired by a book called The Divine Conspiracy by
DallasWillard.
How near?
Near as brown sparrows that dust-bathe in the sun-warmed garden.
Near as bees that glide among snowy pear blossoms.
Near as the gray puppy that luxuriates in the balmy sunshine,
then rushes an indifferent squirrel.
Near as the spring breeze, an impossible concoction of warmth and chill.
FRESH
Water
Jeanette Good
Christophel
How here?
Here in every aspect of nature, His creation.
Here in every creature’s heart that does His bidding.
Here . . . Near is not enough. Be . . .
Here . . . in me.
Currents
7
Rising
tide
Keith Wilson
The
burden
evaporates
and the
anxiety is
replaced
with a
Holy Ache
to serve
and to
love.
Saved from or saved for?
For those who understand the term,
Atonement Theology, you may be aware
that it is a fundamental part of Christian
orthodox understanding of our relationship
to God. Debate over what this means
has been hot for centuries, and I have no
interest in diving into the fray. Instead I
want to look at the peripheral issue of sin,
and its reality and influence in our lives.
Are we merely saved from or are we
saved for? I think that how we answer this
question and where we see the emphasis
matters greatly. I won’t speculate or
theologize on what the nature and existence
of divine punishment is; tortuous fire,
mere separation from the Creator, simple
extinguishment of essence. What, today, can
we do about that other than theorize? Now, that we are forgiven, the only
reality about sin that matters (practically,
not theologically) is the earthly reality.
Paul has much to say about sin and its
perplexing cycles and he also suggests that
these choices are their own punishment.
In Romans 1:26-27, he explains that God
simply allows people to go their own way,
being “given over” to their sin, and therefore
finding the ultimately empty and bitter
lasting much longer than the enticing sweet.
Gerald May, a Christian psychiatrist
and researcher on addiction and spirituality,
writes that, “Theologically, sin is what turns
us away from love—away from love for
ourselves, away from love for one another,
and away from love for God.” As we run the
hamster wheel of the Romans 7 cycle, we
experience the inherent punishment that
must exist for free will to be more than an
illusion. We move away from all forms of
love. We are lost and given over and in need
of a savior. So let us take joy in surrendering
this frustration daily that we might realize in
our lives what we are saved from that slavery
for something. This is the working out of
our salvation.
When this spiritual request is
answered, as it always is, the peace and rest
which God’s will affords can break forth in
our lives. It is then that we discover what we
are redeemed for and it is in this discovery
that our hearts will feel at rest and be at
home; where we will suddenly see needs
around us toward which the Holy Spirit
leans with compassion and love. Something
in our created make-up is like the velveteen
rabbit (for those of you who remember the
story). We long to be needed and used. Our
souls are not at rest simply by praying the
sinner’s prayer and accepting a static and
past-tense salvation.
As I admit and surrender to God my
need for salvation from the hell of my own
making here and now, the burden evaporates
and the anxiety is replaced with a Holy Ache
to serve and to love, completing the grand
cosmic spiritual transaction which makes
up the mystery of our entire existence: the
triangular relationship connecting our own
spirit, the Spirit of God our Creator, and the
spirits of the human beings in our midst. So
we are given over to a desire and a yearning
which is the opposite of desires accurately
called lusts. We are given over to our desire to
know God and know one another in spiritual
intimacy. This is what we are saved for.
- Keith Wilson,
ACC Administrative Assistant
Grace Ubuntu Fellowship
European Heritage Tour
July 16-August 2, 2010
~ Anabaptist sites in Switzerland, Germany, and France
~ Passion Play at Oberammergau
~ Rhine River cruise, Dachau Concentration Camp, . . .
Write for a free full-color itinerary tos Lemar and Lois Ann Mast,
210 Mill Road, Morgantown, PA 19543-9516; mast@masthof.
com; 610-286-0258.
8
Currents
Marriages
Births
Juliana Lan Berg born May 22,
2009, dau. of Fred and Beth Berg
(Akron Mennonite).
Jose Diaz (Hopewell, Reading)
married May 30, 2009, to Kristi Walls
(Hopewell, Reading).
Aaron Joseph Mast born May 1,
2009, son of Darrell and Lisa Mast
(North Baltimore Mennonite).
Willis Horst (Akron Mennonite)
married May 8, 2009, to Ethel
Stoppard.
Amy Rohrer (Ridgeview Mennonite)
was married on June 27, 2009, to
Harrison Huber.
Send births, marriages,
and deaths to:
Currents Editor
Lois Ann Mast
219 Mill Road
Morgantown, PA 19543
or e-mail:
currents@atlantic
coastconference.net
June 30-July 5
MC USA Assembly
and Youth Convention
Columbus, Ohio,
on the theme “Breathe
and be Filled.”
For information, call
toll-free 866-866-2872;
or visit www.Mennonite
USA.org
July 14-19
Mennonite World
Conference Global
Assembly
Asuncion, Paraguay
Theme: “Come Together
in the Way of
Jesus Christ”
July 25
Lancaster County
Dream Ride Tour
Ride for 15, 30, 62.5,
or 100 miles for Friendship Community
Contact Mike Stoltzfus
at 717-656-2466, #106;
www.dreamridprojects.
org
July 20
Parkinson’s Support
Group Picnic
12:30 p.m.
Westview Community
Eric Meyers (Cedar Grove
Mennonite) married May 22, 2009,
to Sabrina Rutherford (Cedar Grove
Mennonite).
Alexis Sauder (Forest Hills
Mennonite) married June 6, 2009,
to Jason Rutt (Stumptown
Mennonite).
Justin Shenk (Akron Mennonite)
married May 22, 2009, to Valerie
Showalter.
Room, Landis Homes
1001 East Oregon Road
Lititz, PA
717-509-5494
July 28
Memory Loss
Support Group
7:00 p.m.
Warwick Room of the
Heritage, Landis Homes
1001 East Oregon Road
Lititz, PA
717-581-3939
August 1
Camp Deerpark
Homecoming
Festival
Activities and games
for adults and children;
plenty of food and fun!
No charge, but make
reservation by calling
877-754-8669; guests
@campdeerpark.org
August 17
Parkinson’s Support
Group Meeting
2:00 p.m.
Westview Community
Room, Landis Homes
1001 East Oregon
Road, Lititz, PA
717-509-5494
Deaths
Andrew Clark Barnes, son of
Thadaus and Charlotte (Beiler)
Barnes, was stillborn on
June 3, 2009.
Nolan Good, 76, (Holly Grove
Mennonite) died June 2, 2009, the
son of Kenneth and Kathryn (Brunk)
Good, and husband of Mildred
(Detwiler) Good.
ACC Currents accepts advertising from ACC members and
Anabaptist-related organizations
at the following rates:
THANKS
for sending
items to
keep
connected!
2”x2” size = $50.00
3”x3” size = $75.00
4”x4” size = $100.00
Camera-ready artwork should
be sent to [email protected]
along with your name and
address so that an invoice can
be mailed to you.
August 25
Memory Loss
Support Group
7:00 p.m.
Warwick Room of
The Heritage,
Landis Homes
717-581-3939
Camp, Ephrata, Pa.
Rachel Swartzendruber-Miller, speaker.
September 3
Friendship Community
9th Annual Golf Classic
Lebanon Valley
Golf Course
Myerstown, Pa.
Register by calling
Betty Hess at
717-656-2466, ext. 165;
email: bhess@friendship
community.net
September 12
Fellowship Day &
Chicken Barbecue
Auction, Children’s
Acitivities, Flea Market
Starting at 9:00 a.m.
Landis Homes
1001 East Oregon Road,
Lititz, PA
717-569-3271
September 18-20
ACC Fall Youth
Retreat
Refreshing Mountain
Connections
September 22
ACC Vision Dinner
6:15 p.m.
“Enlarging our Tent”
by Steve Shenk, EMM Yoder’s Restaurant,
New Holland, Pa.
Contact Keith
Wilson at
717-394-8107
October 2-3
Sister Care Seminar
Best Western Hotel,
Middletown, Pa.
Led by Rhoda Keener
Register with Ruth Ann Martin, 336 Sun Valley Drive, Leola, PA 17540.
October 26
Woman and Pre- school Assembly
Neffsville Mennonite
Beth Jarrett will share
the Keynote address.
$10.00 includes lunch.
Complimentary
childcare. Call Marcy High at 717-
283-9852.
Events
& More
Activities and
events may be
sent to Currents
Editor:
Lois Ann Mast
219 Mill Road
Morgantown,
PA 19543;
or e-mail to:
currents@
atlanticcoast
conference.net
Currents
9
Youth News
From Kenya to Pennsylvania . . .
Brook Musselman recently returned
home from serving a YES term in Kenya,
Africa. He was involved in personal contacts
in homes, playing soccer with kids, teaching in
a local school, participating in church worship,
teaching, preaching, and even had the privilege
of calling together pastors from two different
tribes distrustful of each other after post-election turmoil and inviting them to dialogue as
brothers in Christ.
The following is an experience that Brook
wrote about prior to coming home. “There is
a young couple living here in Chepolet named
Alfio and Mary whom we were introduced to
through a very good friend and church member. When we first met Mary in January, she
was having complications with her pregnancy
and was feeling very sick when we visited their
home. We came at the request of our friend
Rose, gave a short sermon, prayed over the family and their home, and moved onto the next
home. Apparently, after our visit and prayer,
this woman’s pain went away and didn’t return
as it had been in the habit of doing.
“After this, our presence was very much in
demand at this household. We were told that
every time we go over to Rose’s for lunch or a
Lancaster
Mennonite
High School
and Christopher Dock
Mennonite
High School
played in the
f irst-ever Pa.
Interscholastic
Athletic postseason game!
LMHS won
2-1 in double
overtime on
May 29!
Photo: Linda
Wingard
10
Currents
visit, we are not allowed to return home without
visiting Alfio and Mary. Every time we dropped
in to say hello on our way home, they would sit
us down, chat with us for awhile and bestow
gifts of green vegetables and guavas to eat for
dinner.
“Taylor and I continue to play football with
Alfio and his buddies every Saturday evening.
He has even started coming to church, and has
been taking on responsibility by helping with
administration and leading the service. It is really terribly exciting.
“Anyway, Mary’s child was born last week
and she and her husband decided to name the
newborn after one of us, so on Wednesday after
lunch we went over for the naming ceremony.
First, they put the four names: Stefan, Colin,
Taylor, and Brook, on individual slips of paper.
They then rounded up the baby’s older brother,
who was completely naked and screaming at the
top of his lungs from fear of these white creatures, and asked him to choose a slip of paper.
The word ‘Taylor’ appeared on that paper that
the terrified child chose and from that moment
on the little guy was called Taylor.”
- Brook Musselman
Zion Mennonite, Birdsboro
First post-season soccer game between
Mennonite High Schools
2009-2010 Women’s Sabbath Retreats
Voice Lessons: Mother-Daughter
Challenges is the theme for the 2009-2010
three-retreat series which meets Saturdays
10:00-4:00 at the Forest Hills Mennonite
Church.
When daughters befriend mothers, or
mothers, as exemplars, pioneer difficult terrain,
both are forever changed. This requires intentional practice. Voice lessons do.
Throughout this series we will learn
along with three mother-daughter duos who
speak with renewed voice as they find their way
together.
Mark these dates and watch for exciting
details:
~ Saturday, November 7
~ Saturday, January 30
~ Saturday, March 13
Envisioned by a gathering of Anabaptist women in ministry, this retreat series
welcomes women of all ages to rest, reflect,
and remember Whose we are. The Saturday
retreats offer input, silence, personal nurture,
and fellowship. A light lunch is provided. For
more information and registration forms, contact Sharon Kraybill at (sjkraybill@paonline.
com, 717-293-9641) or Mary Lou Weaver
Houser ([email protected]),
717-872-2848).
Women’s
Events
Voice
Lessons:
MotherDaughter
Challenges
Coming
Soon
Training for Effective Lay Caring in the Congregation
How can women more effectively minisnonite Women Leaders Tell Their Stories
ter to needs of other women? How do we set
(Herald Press, 1999). Prior to MW USA,
boundaries? What is helpful (and unhelpful)
Rhoda worked as a teacher and mental health
to those needing care? How am I called to care?
counselor and administrator. Her education
These questions and more will be
includes a B.S. in English secondary educaanswered at the Sister Care
tion; a Masters in mental
Seminar, hosted jointly by
health counseling, and a
ACC and Lancaster ConferCertificate of Theology from
ence Mennonite Women, to
Associated Mennonite Biblibe held on Oct. 2-3, 2009,
cal Seminary. Rhoda and
at the Best Western Inn &
her husband Bob are parents
Suites, in Middletown, Pa.
of three adult children and
Sessions will include worship,
grandparents of three little
Bible study, skill training, and
boys.
interactive activities. ParticiThe seminar will begin on
pants will receive a manual of
Friday, October 2, at 7:00
resources that can be shared
p.m. and conclude on Saturwith others.
day, Oct. 3 at 4:30 p.m. Cost
Rhoda Keener, execufor the seminar is $45 per
tive director of Mennonite
person and includes lodging,
Rhoda Keener
Women USA, will lead the
breakfast, and lunch, and all
seminar. She says: “I believe
seminar materials. Scholarwomen’s ministry provides a unique gift to the
ships are available. For more information,
church in service, healing, and outreach. The
please contact Donna Mast, at 717-917-8452.
Sister-Care manual developed out of my own
Registration deadline is August 15,
journey and spiritual growth needs as well as
2009, and space is limited. To register please
listening to many women’s stories.”
email Ruth Ann Martin at: razmartin@fron
Rhoda co-edited with Mary Swartley
tiernet.net.
the book She Has Done a Good Thing: Men
- Donna Mast, Forest Hills Mennonite
Sister
Care
Seminar
---Register now!
Currents
11
CHURCH
LIFE
Nolan Good
Credit: Kendra Rittenhouse
ACC
Leadership
Transitions
Remembering Nolan Good
I first met Nolan Good in the early 1980s
when I served ACC in Youth Ministries. I
remember Nolan seeking me out during a
delegate session, and taking a few minutes
to encourage me. Nolan had an incredible
passion for the church—building established
churches and developing new congregations. 
His passion drove him to participate actively
in ACC events even though he lived quite a
distance from the majority of gatherings.
  The years have slid by, but the encounters
with Nolan have grown and become a wonderful part of life. He had this way about him; he
would slide up beside me and give me that big
ole’ grin and ask, “So, how you are doing Merv
. . . and what is happening with our youth?” We
had this uncanny way of bumping into each
other while traveling. There were occasions
when walking through an airport I would look
ahead, and there he was! Just amazing; then we
would sit and chat a bit, and then get on our
planes, continuing on our way.
  Like many others, my family was blessed
at the “Good” table for a meal, snack, or a cold
ice tea. One such occasion many years ago
included fresh crabs, a feast that our young
daughter, Karen, had never previously experienced.  It was an eye-opening experience
that changed her taste buds forever.  After
that night she was no longer satisfied with a
quick stop at McDonalds. Oh no, she wanted
seafood! I liked to tease Nolan about how 
much money he cost me with that “free” meal!
  In recent years, I have related to Holly
Grove as their Conference Minister, and have
had many opportunities to work alongside
Correction: David Bartow (Becky)
completed his intentional interim pastorate at
North Baltimore (Md.) Mennonite Church
on June 7, not April 30, as stated in the last
Currents issue.
Robert “Bob” Petersheim (Cindy) was
installed as pastor at Conestoga Mennonite
Church, Morgantown, Pa., on May 31, 2009.
Prior to accepting this assignment Bob served
as an intentional interim pastor in a number of
Franconia Conference member churches. Bob
also served as a previous pastor at Ridgeview
Mennonite Church, Gordonville, Pa.
12
Currents
Nolan and other leaders. Those encounters
with Nolan made the trips to the Eastern
Shore more enjoyable. 
  Nolan followed his passion and pursued it
as he lived life. Perhaps the best way to remember Nolan is for each of us to take our Godgiven passion, and pursue it in the same manner that Nolan did! That would bring glory to
God and honor the life of Nolan Good.
        - Merv R. Stoltzfus, Ridgeview Mennonite
 ~ ~ ~
Descriptive expressions heard during
Nolan’s funeral were revealing: Encourager—he could have been named Barnabas;
Gracious Hospitality—he welcomed people
and put them at ease; Mediator and Bridge
Builder—he was always working to help
people get along, connecting people with each
other locally and globally; Joyful Jokester—he
brought laughter and smiles into all situations;
Churchman—active interest and participation in the mission and ministry of the church;
Loyal Follower of Christ—all the above were
blended into his passion for Jesus and his relationship with Him.
His presence will be missed. The laughter,
the practical jokes, the warmth of his personality, and the generous, graceful acceptance of
others will be a larger loss than all the official
roles he played. We hear the echoing words of
one of his longtime favorite, and recently sung,
solos, “I sing because I’m happy, I sing because
I’m free . . . ”
- Verle Brubaker, Pastor
Holly Grove Mennonite
 
 
James Wenger (Faith)
terminated a 15-month
intentional interim assignment with the Conestoga Mennonite Church,
Morgantown, Pa., on May
10, 2009. James and Faith
are yet determining their
availability for another
interim pastor assignment while doing some
travel this summer including attending Mennonite World Conference in Paraguay.
- Warren L. Tyson
ACC Executive Conference Minister
Conference
Related
Ministries
CHOICE
BOOKS
PA
C HOICE B OOKS
Choice Books (CB), an inter-Anabaptist book evangelism ministry, set a new
annual sales record by purchasing/selling
5,551,036 books in 2008, making 2008
the 23rd consecutive year of sales growth.
Choice Books of Pennsylvania, one of eight
regional CB Distributors purchased/sold
378,520 books of the 5.5 million books.
Originally organized as Life-Line Books in
1962, Choice Books currently purchases/sells
approximately 462,586 books per month,
15,208 books per day, 633 books per hour,
and over 10 books per minute nationwide!
Customer comments received throughout the year encourage Choice Books staff
in fulfilling the organization’s mission “of
sharing the ‘good news’ of Jesus Christ in the
general marketplace through inspiring and
wholesome reading material.” A reader from
Lewistown, Pa., wrote, “Once I started reading
this book, I did not want to put it down. It is
an answer to prayer for me. I thank God for
the author and for your company that made
this book available to me in my travels.”
After reading That’s My Son a lady from
Strasburg, Pa., wrote “I picked up your book
from a CB display at the local grocery store.
It couldn’t have come at a better time. Lately,
my three sons were making me want to pull
out my hair and scream. I have read many
books about raising sons and your book was
by far the best! Thanks for making this book
available . . . it totally changed my outlook
on my sons. Instead of losing my temper, it
helped me remain calm and realize that my
sons will model what they see in my life. It is a
book that I know I will refer to many times in
the years ahead!”
Ray Brubaker, Executive Director of
Choice Books of Pennsylvania says, “We see
God at work in the books we sell and praise
Him for the way the ministry is making a
difference in the lives of people.”
Each year, Choice Books recognizes
the highest retail volume accounts in various
retail categories. This year CB of Pennsylvania
serviced the following retailers who were the
top CB retailers in their respective categories
nationwide:
• Hotel/Motel – Willow Valley, Lancaster,
Pa., sold 2,759 books, $25,784 retail from four
displays.
• Independent Supermarket – Shady Maple
Farm Market, East Earl, Pa., sold 3,050 books,
$36,702 retail from two displays.
• Restaurant – Shady Maple Smorgasbord,
East Earl, Pa., sold 6,829 books, $85,890 retail
from seven displays.
Choice Books operates through a network of eight regional CB Distributors who
work cooperatively with a central office in
Harrisonburg, Va. The organization employs
about 250 staff and volunteers and services
more than 9,700 displays scattered across the
continental U.S., Hawaii, and Puerto Rico.
Choice Books sells both English and Spanish
language inspirational Christian books.
Displays can be found in supermarkets, mass
merchandise stores, airports, drug stores,
travel centers, gift shops, army and air force
bases and a variety of other retailers.
For more information about Choice
Books, please visit their website at www.
choicebooks.org.
121 South
Main Street
Manheim,
PA 17545
Phone
717-665-3933
Fax
717-665-3059
E-mail
info@
pa.choice
books.org
Web site
www.choice
books.org
Currents
13
Conference
Related
Ministries
Kairos
School of
Spiritual
Formation
Kairos
2160 Lincoln
Highway East #13
Lancaster, PA
17602
www.on-thejourney.org
As a Christian
organization with
Anabaptist roots,
Kairos provides
programs in
spiritual formation and spiritual direction from
September to May
in weekend retreats.
Other opportunities
include day retreats
and experiential
prayer sessions
in congregational
settings.
14
Currents
[email protected]
717-669-2957
School of Spiritual Formation
Momentary Gratitude
Kairos’ school year ended in May with
Susan Classen’s encouragement to go back
home to our individual worlds with hearts
filled with gratitude. From thankfulness
expressed in Psalm 136, she asked us to
write our own psalm of gratitude. How are
we grateful to God for steadfast love that
endures forever?
Sharon Landis, recent graduate
in Kairos’ Spiritual Direction Training
program, wrote in an article published in
The Mennonite (May 5, 2009) that despite
her dislike of gathering eggs in a stinky
chicken house, she learned to be grateful.
She says, “Gratitude and love warm me from
within, then radiate outward.” As we learn
to pray in the mix of life, we are brought to
our center of gratefulness where God lives.
Landis goes on. “When I step back from
my current problems and become receptive
to God, to how I want to be prayerfully
present to each moment, there is a beautiful,
spacious quality to my life. I notice how rich
I am with friendships and opportunities.
When I am present and grateful, finding the
hidden gifts in each moment, life is full of
joy.”
Gratitude spills over into our work
if we are mindful of the opportunities
that present themselves. Small nonprofit
organizations like Kairos and the
conference, if you will, are experiencing
the economic downturn keenly. If we
focus only on our steep challenges, we will
become anxious and worried. However,
if we implement the spiritual practices
that Sharon talks about, even our work
undergoes transformation from anxiety to
gratefulness.
“Give thanks to the LORD, for God
is good, for God’s steadfast love endures
forever” (Psalm 136:1).
Learn how to better implement
spiritual practices through retreats at Kairos.
Check the website (www.on-the-journey.
org) or call the Kairos office 717-669-2957.
We will help with your questions and guide
you in choosing a retreat that’s right for you.
- Mary Etta King, Executive Director
Kairos: School of Spiritual Formation
ACC Conference Related Ministries . . .
Black Rock Retreat
1345 Kirkwood Pike
Quarryville, PA 17566
Phone: 800-858-9299
Fax: 717-786-6022
E-mail: main@blackrock
retreat.com
Web site: www.blackrock
retreat.com
Spreading the gospel of Jesus and
strengthening His church through
retreat facilities, summer camp
programs, and outdoor education
programs.
Camp Deerpark, Inc.
200 Brandt Road, P.O. Box 394
Westbrookville, NY 12785
Phone: 845-754-8669
Fax: 845-754-8217
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: www.campdeer
park.org
A ministry of the New York City
Mennonite churches, founded in
1969. Mission is to empower youth
to serve Christ in the city. Summer
children’s camps.
Camp Hebron
957 Camp Hebron Road
Halifax, PA 17032
Phone: 800-864-7747;
Fax: 717-896-3391
E-mail: hebron@camp
hebron.org
Web site: www.camphebron.org
Changing lives since 1957, this
camping and retreat ministry offers
a variety of overnight camps and
year-round events for all ages where
people connect with God, nature,
and each other.
forming communities of worship
among all peoples.
Friendship Community
1149 East Oregon Road
Lititz, PA 17543
Phone: 717-656-2466
Fax: 717-656-0459
E-mail: gstoltzfus@friendship
community.net
Web site: www.friendship
community.net
A non-profit, Christian ministry
serving people with developmental
disabilities. Since 1972, Friendship
offers residential services, training in
daily living skills, and social services.
Garden Spot Village
433 S. Kinzer Ave.,
New Holland, PA 17557
Phone: 717-355-6000
Fax: 717-355-6006
E-mail: info@gardenspot
village.org
Web site: www.gardenspot
village.org
Carriage Homes, Cottages, Apartments, Assisted Living, Memory
Support, Skilled Nursing Households, Adult Day Services, Garden
Spot Village At Home, Center for
Health.
Kairos School of
Spiritual Formation
121 S. Main Street
Manheim, PA 17545
Phone: 717-665-3933
Fax: 7171-665-3059
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: www.choicebooks.org
2160 Lincoln Highway East #13
Lancaster, PA 17602
Phone: 717-669-2957
E-mail: Kairos@
on-the-journey.org
Web site: www.on-the
journey.org
As a Christian organization with
Anabaptist roots, Kairos provides
programs in spiritual formation and
spiritual direction from September
to May in weekend retreats. Other
opportunities include day retreats
and experiential prayer sessions in
congregational settings.
Eastern Mennonite
Missions
Lancaster Mennonite
Historical Society
Choice Books PA
53 West Brandt Blvd.
P.O. Box 458
Salunga, PA 17538-0458
Phone: 800-876-2251
Fax: 717-898-8092
E-mail: [email protected]
Serving together to create trans-
2215 Millstream Road
Lancaster, PA 17602
Phone: 717-393-9745
Fax: 717-393-8751
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: www.lmhs.org
Mission is to educate and inspire
Mennonite families, congregations,
and the broader community through
promotion of the history, beliefs, and
lifestyle of the Mennonite expression
of the Anabaptist tradition. Offers
educational programs and a library/
archives, bookstore, and museum.
Lancaster Area Council of
Mennonite Schools
(LACMS)
2176 Lincoln Highway East
Lancaster, PA 17602
Phone: (717) 299-0436
LACMS is a geographical organization of elementary and secondary
schools whose adminstrators work
collectively to strengthen the Mennonite expression of Christian faith
in the schools and who meet
regularly to inspire and resource one
another.
Lancaster Mennonite
School (LMS)
2176 Lincoln Highway East
Lancaster, PA 17602
Phone: (717) 299-0436
Fax: (717) 299-0823
E-mail: thomasjr@lancaster mennonite.org
Web site: www.lancaster
mennonite.org
Serves over 1,500 students at four
campuses:
• Kraybill Campus, PreK-8
• Lancaster Campus, 6-12
• Locust Grove Campus, PreK-8
• New Danville Campus, PreK-6
Landis Homes
1001 E. Oregon Road
Lititz, PA 17543
Phones: 717-569-3271
717-581-3935
Fax: 717-569-5203
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: www.landishomes.org
Serving aging adults and their families by honoring and enriching their
lives in a Christ-like community.
Services include residential living,
assisted living, healthcare, rehab,
adult day care services, special care
for persons with memory loss, athome care, and child day care.
Mennonite Home
Communities
1520 Harrisburg Pike
Lancaster, PA 17601
Phone: 717-393-1301
Fax: 717-509-2823
E-mail: mhash@mennonite
home.org
Web site: www.mennonite
home.org
A continuing care retirement
community (CCRC) providing
care to senior adults with a tradition
of care spaning 100 years. Services
include cottage and apartment
residences, assisted living, health
care, and rehabilitative therapies.
No Longer Alone
Ministries
630 Janet Ave.
Lancaster, PA 17601
Phone: 717-390-4891
Fax: 717-390-4894
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.nlam.org
No Longer Alone Ministries, as
an expression of Christ’s love,
provides supportive caring services
to individuals experiencing
significant mental illness and
their families.
Reservoir Hill
House of Peace
(RHHP)
2401 Eutaw Place
Baltimore, MD 21217
An outreach ministry of the North
Baltimore Mennonite Church
(NBMC) that includes a
Mennonite Voluntary Service unit,
Asylum Seekers Housing Network,
Kids on the Hill, and other community programs, as well as housing
for residents committed to the
mission of RHHP.
Tel Hai Retirement
Community
1200 Tel Hai Circle, P.O. Box 190
Honey Brook, PA 19344
Phone: 610-273-9333
Fax: 610-273-4141
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: www.telhai.org
Tel Hai is a nationally accredited,
nonprofit provider of services for
senior adults. For over 50 years, they
have provided health care, housing,
and services to enhance residents’
quality of life in cottage and apartment residences, assisted living,
Adult Day Services, health care,
and rehabilitative therapies.
Currents
15
The 35th annual Middle School Mennonite Schools Council (MSC) Choir Festival Concert was held at
Lancaster Mennonite School on May 8, 2009, culminating with a public concert in the evening. The 400
voices were directed by Andrea Brubaker, minister of worship at Mellinger Mennonite Church. The middle
school students represented 11 schools: Belleville Mennonite; Ephrata Mennonite; Gehman’s Mennonite;
Greenwood Mennonite; Hinkletown Mennonite; Juniata Mennonite; Lancaster Mennonite—Kraybill,
Lancaster, and Locust Grove campuses; Linville Hill MennoniteLititz Area Mennonite; Manheim Christian Day; and West Fallowfield Christian. Photo: Fern Clemmer
Join us the
first Friday
night of
each month
for
Youth
2
Youth
4
Him!
16
Currents
Two years ago, our youth group at
Emmanuel Mennonite was blessed with a
new youth room. It was actually the old
sactuary of our church and it was much bigger
than what we needed for youth group.
We felt that God gave us this room to
share with other youth in the community and
also other youth groups, so wse decided to host
a “teen hang-out night.” It takes place the first
Friday night of every month from 7:00 pm. to
10:00 pm. We play basketballm volleyball, pool,
ping-pong, and other table games.
At 8:30 p.m. we meet in our new youth
room to have a time of worship including a
devotional, and yes lots of snacks.The youth
of Emmanuel Mennonite chose the name 
“Youth 2 Youth 4 Him” for this special evening. We want this night to be a time that
youth can talk and encourage each other while
they are just hanging out and having fun. We
invite your youth group to join us! Please call
717-733-6208 with any questions. 
- Darren Bishop, Lay Minister
of Youth and Young Adults, Emmanuel Mennonite Church