#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.