News & Stories
Missional Conference challenges participants
Immediately prior to Annual Conference Assembly, the Ohio Conference held a Missional Conference with Alan and Debra Hirsch at Kidron Mennonite Church. One hundred forty-two people from across the Conference participated in this event. During six different sessions, speakers Alan and Debra Hirsch challenged participants to look more closely at Jesus, discipleship, mission, and sexuality. “How do we know we…
Cliff Brubaker takes on new assignment
The Ohio Conference Leadership Team has agreed to employ Regional Pastor Cliff Brubaker for a special half-time assignment beginning in April. Since September 2016 Brubaker has been serving half time as regional pastor and half time with the Year of Covenant process and focusing on trust-building between congregations and the Conference. That second half-time position concluded at the end of…
Delegates affirm direction statement
Delegates overwhelmingly affirmed a direction statement presented by the Ohio Conference Leadership Team at the 2017 Annual Conference Assembly (ACA) of the Ohio Conference. Those gathered at Central Christian School in Kidron on March 24-25 numbered 217, including delegates from 46 congregations. Ninety-three percent of delegates affirmed the Leadership Team’s direction statement for Ohio Conference. Vote totals were as follows:…
What happened at CLC this time?
In this episode of the Ohio Conference Cast, hosts Thomas Dunn and Bill Seymour talk to Ohio Conference’s representatives to the Constituency Leaders Council (CLC), Jessica Schrock-Ringenberg, Ralph Reinford, and Bob Sauder. They discuss what happened at the March meeting of the CLC and they preview the Future Church Summit, which will take place at the denominational convention in Orlando…
ACA wrap-up – Hope for the future
“We have a lot of work ahead of us, but it’s exciting work.” So says co-host Thomas Dunn in this episode of the Ohio Conference Cast podcast. Thomas and his co-host, Bill Seymour, take a few minutes to reflect on happenings at the 2017 Ohio Conference Annual Conference Assembly (ACA). They talk about ACA with someone fairly new to Ohio…
Talking with Alan and Debra Hirsch
In this episode of the Ohio Conference Cast, hosts Bill Seymour and Thomas Dunn talk with Alan and Debra Hirsch, the presenters at Ohio Conference’s missional conference. They discuss broadening our understanding of ministry roles, bi-vocational ministry, the future of the church and the Hirsches’ impression of the people they have met in the Ohio Conference. https://media.blubrry.com/3716337/ohiomennoniteconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/12_03_24_Alan_Debra_Hirsh_Submitted-1.mp3Podcast: Play in new window…
Missional Conference Musings from Joel Shenk, Hannah Troyer, and Karla Minter
Ohio Conference Cast hosts Bill Seymour and Thomas Dunn talk with three participants of the Ohio Conference’s missional conference featuring Alan and Debra Hirsch. https://media.blubrry.com/3716337/ohiomennoniteconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Tom-and-Bill-hear-from-Hannah-and-Karla-and-Joel-final.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadSubscribe: RSS
Delegate News – Spring 2017
We look forward to seeing you at ACA As we count down to the start of Annual Conference Assembly and the Missional Conference with Alan and Debra Hirsch, this issue of Delegate News includes some vital information for delegates. We look forward to seeing you in Kidron this weekend! Leadership Team taps Cliff Brubaker for new assignment The Ohio Conference Leadership Team…
MC USA Convention to include Future Church Summit
Every two years, at the Mennonite Church USA convention, the Delegate Assembly convenes to tend to the business of Mennonite Church USA. However, at the convention in Orlando, Florida — July 4-8, 2017 — the role of delegates will be anything but business-as-usual. This year the denomination will be trying something new — the Future Church Summit — in conjunction with…
MMN seeks Service Adventure leaders
Do you enjoy mentoring young adults and living in community? Service Adventure is looking for unit leaders for their Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Jackson, Mississippi, units. The two-year term begins in late July. If you or someone you know is interested, please contact Susan Nisly at SusanN@MennoniteMission.net or visit www.MennoniteMission.net.
Submissions sought for new hymnal
In 2016, with excitement and anticipation, the Mennonite Worship and Song Committee began developing a new collection designed to succeed Hymnal: A Worship Book (1992), and supplements Sing the Journey (2005), and Sing the Story (2007). One aspect of building a collection is the call for new and original work. The Mennonite Worship and Song Committee is calling on authors…
A good neighbor
The Ohio Conference Cast is continuing to highlight stories of congregations engaged in mission in their local settings. In this podcast episode, hosts Bill Seymour and Thomas Dunn talk with Craig Strasbaugh and Kris Nussbaum of Kidron Mennonite Church about the blessings and challenges of ministry in a local trailer park. https://media.blubrry.com/3716337/ohiomennoniteconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Kidron_Nussbaum_Final_01-1.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadSubscribe: RSS
Delegate News – Winter 2017 #3
One regional meeting remains Our thanks go out to all delegates who have attended the regional meetings at Tedrow Mennonite Church and Crown Hill Mennonite Church. The final regional meeting for delegates will take place on Tuesday, March 7, at Oak Grove Mennonite Church in West Liberty, beginning at 6:30 p.m. ACA registration deadline is near Have you registered for…
How to process difficult decisions
How can congregations work through difficult issues together? In this episode of the Ohio Conference Cast, hosts Bill Seymour and Thomas Dunn talk with pastor Doug King of Tedrow Mennonite Church and congregation member Lynn Miller. They learn about the process Tedrow Mennonite has used to work with questions about affiliation. https://media.blubrry.com/3716337/ohiomennoniteconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/17_02_22_Tedrow_Working_02.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadSubscribe: RSS
Dollars, Donuts, and Milk – Missional Stories from the Northwest
In this episode, Ohio Conference Cast hosts Thomas Dunn and Bill Seymour travel to a regional meeting in Northwest Ohio at Tedrow Mennonite Church. They hear stories of mission from members of three congregations — Salem Mennonite in Elida, Lockport Mennonite in Stryker and Central Mennonite in Archbold. https://media.blubrry.com/3716337/ohiomennoniteconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/NW-Regional-Gathering-Podcast-Final.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadSubscribe: RSS
Delegate News – Winter 2017 #2
Regional delegate meetings begin this week We are looking forward to meeting with you at our regional meetings beginning this week. Meeting dates are as follows: Feb. 21 — Tedrow Mennonite Church in Wauseon Feb. 23 — Crown Hill Mennonite Church in Rittman March 7 — Oak Grove Mennonite Church in West Liberty The meetings will begin at 6:30 p.m.…
Where are we going next?
In this episode of the Ohio Conference Cast, hosts Thomas Dunn and Bill Seymour discuss the Leadership Team’s proposed direction for Ohio Conference, which includes a strong focus on mission. Delegates will be learning about this statement at regional meetings. Joining Thomas and Bill for this discussion are members of the Ohio Conference Leadership Team and Stewardship Ministry. https://media.blubrry.com/3716337/ohiomennoniteconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2017-02-15-13.34-Stewardship-Ministry-Team-meeting_01.mp3Podcast: Play…
Youth Venture is accepting applications
Explore what God is doing around the world through Youth Venture, a short-term service and learning program of Mennonite Mission Network. Teams of youth and adult leaders will join local ministries in Belfast, Benin, Detroit, and Perú for two to three weeks this summer. These formational experiences are geared for young people ages 14-22. Space is filling up fast, so…
Pastors meet in Toledo for Year of Covenant discussion
Thirty-nine people representing 29 congregations participated in the Year of Covenant Meeting for Pastors on Feb. 2 at Toledo Mennonite Church. Pastors met in groups for discussion, led by Regional Pastor Cliff Brubaker. See http://bit.ly/YofCPhotos for pictures from that meeting.
Stronger giving puts Conference in the black
Following stronger-than-normal giving during January, the Ohio Conference’s operating balance is in the black for the first time during this fiscal year, according to figures supplied by Conference Financial Coordinator Stan Helmuth. Congregational giving in January totaled $42,964, the largest monthly amount for this fiscal year. Total receipts for the month were $46,729, including giving from congregations and individuals. Expenses…
Janice Hershberger to speak at Day of Inspiration
Ohio Mennonite Women’s Day of Inspiration will take place Saturday, April 8, at Crown Hill Mennonite Church in Rittman. Featured speaker Janice Hershberger will focus on the theme “Invitation to Rest,” based on Matthew 11:28-30. Several workshops will be offered. Janice Hershberger has an M.A. in pastoral counseling from Ashland Theological Seminary. She has been a clinical counselor for more…
Jessica breaks things
Back in a November podcast, Ohio Conference Cast hosts Bill Seymour and Thomas Dunn learned that one Ohio Conference pastor, Jessica Schrock-Ringenberg, had addressed the Constituency Leaders Council (CLC) of Mennonite Church USA.* Jessica spoke to the CLC as one of four co-authors of a paper titled “An Appeal for Healing and Hope for the Future of Mennonite Church USA…
Central Christian seeks school superintendent
Central Christian School is seeking an energetic and visionary leader to serve as superintendent beginning July 2017. Central Christian School is an equal opportunity employer offering a Christ-centered education within the Anabaptist-Mennonite tradition. The ideal candidate for this position will demonstrate a clear commitment to Anabaptist faith and practice; serve as spokesperson for the school; and advance the mission and…
Conference seeks youth for ‘Step Up’ program at MC USA Convention
This summer’s Mennonite Church USA convention will feature a new program, Step Up, aimed to get youth engaged in the discussions and work of the larger Mennonite Church. Each conference is encouraged to nominate three regular church attendees, incoming sophomores in high school and older, to be involved in this program. Youth will receive preparation for being a part of the delegate…
Three regional meetings scheduled
Ohio Conference has scheduled three regional meetings for delegates to Annual Conference Assembly. The meetings will take place at these locations: Feb. 21 — Tedrow Mennonite Church in Wauseon Feb. 23 — Crown Hill Mennonite Church in Rittman March 7 — Oak Grove Mennonite Church in West Liberty All three meetings will begin at 6:30 p.m. and last about an…
Central Christian to host ACA
Central Christian School in Kidron will host the 2017 Ohio Conference Annual Conference Assembly (ACA) March 24-25. “Who is my Neighbor?” will be the theme of this year’s Assembly. The theme is based on Luke 10:25-37. This year ACA will be preceded by a missional conference at Kidron Mennonite Church featuring Alan and Debra Hirsch. Registration for ACA will begin…
Who are Alan and Debra Hirsch?
By Jacob Dodson Pastor Wooster Mennonite Church One of the highlights of the Year of Mission is the pre-ACA missional training event with Alan and Debra Hirsch. You may have seen their names in missional books or Ohio Conference publications, but here is some biographical information about them. Alan was born in South Africa and grew up in Cape Town.…
Missional conference to precede ACA
During the Ohio Conference Year of Mission (2016-17), the Conference has been encouraging people to think about how they and their congregations can participate in God’s mission right in their own communities. This March, as part of this mission emphasis, Ohio Conference is sponsoring a Missional Conference with Alan and Debra Hirsch. The conference will take place at Kidron Mennonite…
How Alan and Debra Hirsch influenced me
By Jason Rissler Church Planter Cross Connections Having Alan and Debra Hirsch with us in Ohio Conference for two days is a true gift. My life and ministry have been tremendously enriched by their ministry. One of my first interactions with Alan Hirsch was in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, as Alan spoke with Lancaster Conference leaders and Mennonite church planters. He put…
Worship resourcing seminar coming this spring
Sonnenberg Mennonite Church in Kidron will host a worship resourcing seminar on Saturday, May 6. Primary speaker for the day will be Rachel Miller Jacobs, assistant professor of congregational formation at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, Indiana. In addition to her work as a professor, Rachel Miller Jacobs is a spiritual director. She was the resources coordinator for Leader,…