#2  James Street Mennonite Church tomorrow!  Tim and Isaac will be along this time.  I have yet to worship in their sanctuary, even though I've been there a few times meeting as a member of Board of The Shalom Project, (see their Facebook Page to meet those serving this year) Service starts at 9:30. Looking forward to learning more about how church community is lived out in the Northwest area of Lancaster City.  

Reflections:

It was the first Sunday of Lent.  This particular morning, it took more effort than usual to rise out of bed. Due to Daylight Saving time, the expression “spring forward” wasn’t resonating with me.  :). Slow to go, I made my way. Me, with my husband Tim and our youngest son Isaac, found our way entering through the church doors without a minute to spare.  

A delightful, older (than me) woman, eagerly greeted us at the door.  We were escorted as short distance to a welcome table and invited to sign the guest book.  Pastor Stan was standing close by engaged in energetic conversation with a few church members and expecting us.  He extended a warm welcome indeed, as he caught my eye. Wonderful to see the Pastor enjoying his work!  A friend, Anne was also close by, and invited us to sit with her and her family. We followed her into the sanctuary.  Sean and Rita were there with their children - great to catch up with them. Haven’t seen them in a while!  

Worship

We settled into the pew as the worship band began with music from 2 guitars, violin, piano, and a female singer.  Words to the hymns were on the screen. What a gifted music ensemble! The female worship leader welcomed us with a detailed greeting naming special guests - college students, the newly married couple: Carmen and Nelson Okanya.  I felt like I was with family.  

We greeted each other, passing the peace as a music video played, allowing time for a bit of conversation.  I love the sociability of the Mennonite faith community!

The story time was a precious display of affection and energy.  The children were clearly familiar with their storyteller, vying for just the right “snuggle” spot with her.  After a story, the children were sent out into the congregation with their plastic cups to collect change for “My Coins Count”, and given a small bag of grapes as a snack to take back to their seats with them.  

Deuteronomy 26:1-19 was one of the scripture readings by young adult/college age students.  

I was quickly absorbed in the sermon as Pastor Stan began with a gripping story about a life rescue after a canoe capsized.  Leg cramps left a boy (Stan) helpless to save himself in the water. A friend, Tom, simply, saved him. Almost without a thought, Tom dove in and made the rescue.  This relates to God, who rescues the powerless. God’s simple generosity is for all of us.  The challenge: Tom had the gift of saving a life.  What are our good gifts we are offering in God’s service?  Is it our first, our best? We are thankful for those in the community who, in many ways, save others along the way.    

Sunday School Classes
After the service, Anne led us to the junior youth room.  When we walked in, they were all sitting with their heads down…Anne and I looked at one another and said "are they praying?" Nope… on their phones! :) Isaac knew a friend and stayed for class. Their youth pastor allowed me to share with them about the ACC retreat and get to know them a bit.  They were talkative and polite! Isaac enjoyed the scripture discussion and sharing time with the group.

Tim and I with Anne attended a second hour class where a Faith Story was being shared by a church member (journalist) who is now in a city council position.  Very encouraging to learn how God works in all of our lives.  

When talking with a lay person about their church’s relationship with ACC - they felt supported by the conference and thankful for the conference’s presence during a recent challenging time.  It’s moving through these struggles knowing others in your “extended” congregation are able to step in with guidance and prayer to make a tough journey a blessed one.  

In a Word: 
If I were to have one word for this congregation - it would be "Connectedness"

What stood out for me was how well they intentionally weave through the community both inside and outside the building.  They agree to rent their building space to nonprofit organizations in Lancaster City. They serve in many ways in the immediate neighborhood, and Pastor Stan clearly has trusted relationships with those in which he interacts with during the week while “at work” as pastor in the building as well as living in his community as a neighbor.  The many ministries that grow within his congregation are supported and alive.  

At the top and center of their website I found the words: “Loving God and Neighbor as Self - We envision being a gracious Christian community in a world that is increasingly polarized, offering a safe context where people are welcome to embrace our uniqueness and express their differences in an atmosphere of belonging.”  It was evident in many ways, they live out this profound vision. We all have something to learn about living connected in our diversity from James Street Mennonite Church.

#1 Landisville Mennonite Church

3320 Bowman Rd, Landisville, PA 17538

Ron Adams, Lead Pastor, Gina Burkhart, Associate Pastor

February 24, 2019

Discover the history of Landisville Mennonite Church. I learned of their new membership to the ACC conference was a welcome change for many. One personal story shared with me, was that 15 years ago, women were not allowed to stand on the same level on the platform in the sanctuary as men, to share an announcement or read scripture. Preaching or leading worship was not permitted. The rule was for the man to always be one step up from the women in the sanctuary. This year, they celebrated the ordination of a woman, who is a child of their church, growing up in their congregation. As a female seminary student in the Mennonite church, I'm inspired by their courage, wisdom and vision to embrace the God-given gifts of all their congregants equally. Listen to the sermon for Gina Burkhart's ordination service "Set Apart" by Sam Thomas.

Welcome:

Warm and attentive welcome this morning as I made my way through the rain into the front doors of church at 8:45am. I had dropped my friend MJ and my youngest son at the door to park the car. I was greeted with a friendly smile at the door and helpful directions for my umbrella and coat, and handed me a bulletin after my hands were no longer full. (awareness!) There was already a joyful conversation going on with MJ and Isaac with four other congregant members. Isaac was whisked away (at isaacs eager anticipation and leading) to the gym by one of the youth leaders. The youth had set up a mini-golf course with the donations for the food bank and they were taking a look.

Worship:

Worship service was intentional and meaningful. I especially appreciated seeing the Jr youth participating as worship leaders with their advisor. The excellent sermon shared by pastor Rob spoke to me in a unique way tying in Psalms with Jeremiah and a reminder we are to search for and include our lost sheep.  No matter what…

Two lay people talked with me about how well they appreciated the support and care they received from ACC in the recent past. One shared how valuable it is to have the support of a conference in place so that the church is not left out individually, on its own. They provide additional nurturing pastoral leadership when needed. The conference minister does an excellent job of providing prayerful support. I also engaged in friendly conversation with the congregational chair who is related to someone I know from my home congregation. For me, a Mennonite by choice, not by family relation, I was delighted to have a chance to participate somewhat in the “Mennonite Game”.

Gina Burkhart, associate pastor and seminary, friend led a tearful thank you to the outgoing worship team. They were presented with gifts of appreciation and generous applause.

One song that touched my heart was in the “black binder” #75 “Every Road” Lord I give you every road / guide my steps and take control / till the journey leads me home / Lord I give you every road. So fitting for the beginning of this journey for me. See my photo gallery for music and lyrics.

We lingered at coffee time in informal conversations about how the transition from LMC to ACC has impacted the congregation. Interesting observation: Many of the young families who chose to  leave grew up in the congregation. The few who stayed, have a common thread joining the church later and have obtained their higher education at a Mennonite institution.

Concluded my visit with a selfie with Pastor Ron and Ty, a young church leader, outside the library. I wish I didn’t already have a commitment, or I would have accepted the many personal invitations to the upcoming Winterfest meal and event. I certainly witnessed a vibrant Community Life happening on a day to day basis as they engaged with people (very much including me) around them.

A special thank you for Jeremiah’s personal invitation to visit. I truly felt God's love there.