The most recent issue of Peace and Justice News (PJN) on Immigration is now posted on the Peace and Justice Committee’s website at http://www.easterndistrict.org/pjn0805.pdf. PJN is published 3 or 4 times a year by the Eastern District and Franconia Mennonite Conference Peace and Justice Committee.
Perkasie Mennonite Church will host a special meeting of Committee for Peace Action (CFPA) open to the community on Tuesday, May 20 at 7:15 p.m. A local Muslim, a Jew, and a Christian who participated in an inter-faith tour to Israel and Palestine will share “Listening From the Heart,” a response to what they heard about creating peace there. The speakers are very excited about sharing this life-changing perspective.
Christian guitarist and songwriter Christopher Wright will be in concert at Spruce Lake Retreat on Sunday, May 25, at 7 p.m. The concert, open to the public, is part of Memorial Day Weekend events at Spruce Lake. The concert takes place in Lakeview Program Center. Tickets can be reserved for $5.00 in advance by calling 800-822-7505 or bought for $8.00 at the door. For more information and future concert information, visit www.sprucelake.org.
All are invited to a free outdoor movie night at Swamp Mennonite Church on Saturday, May 31 at 8 p.m. The movie, “Facing the Giants” will be shown. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket to view this inspiring movie. Free refreshments will be provided. In case of inclement weather, the movie will be shown indoors. For directions or more information, visit www.swampmennonite.org.
Employment Opportunity
The Children’s Center at Dock Woods, operated by Salford Mennonite Child Care Centers, a ministry of Salford Mennonite Church is seeking a Director. Qualifications include an Early Childhood Education or related degree and teaching experience. Send resume to Musselmana@salfordmc.org or call Anna L. Musselman at 215-256-6421, ext. 116, for more information.
MMA, a national faith-based financial services organization, recently awarded Arlin D. Lapp its President’s Award at its national conference in South Bend, Ind. Lapp earned MMA’s highest honor in his role as Mennonite Foundation Eastern Regional Representative.
Based in Telford, Pa., Lapp has served MMA for 20 years, the majority of it with Mennonite Foundation.
The President’s Award was given by MMA President Larry Miller to recognize an individual who provides excellent and responsive service and gives members a unique and valuable experience with MMA. The award honors someone who represents “the face” of MMA and advances the vision of helping people integrate their finances with their faith.
“This was not something I was expecting and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve in this way,” Lapp said.
“Arlin has shown an outstanding ability to be the face of MMA,” Miller said. “His professional work and his everyday practice of using his talents to serve others is an inspiration to his colleagues, his community, and MMA as a whole.”
A graduate of Ursinus College, Lapp is married to Janet, a retired middle school guidance counselor. The couple has 4 children and 9 grandchildren.
MMA helps people integrate faith and finances through its expertise in insurance and financial services. Rooted in the Anabaptist faith tradition, MMA offers practical stewardship education and tools to individuals, congregations, and organizations. To learn more, visit www.MMA-online.org or call (800) 348-7468.
The multicultural and bilingual congregation is beginning a number of new ministries and outreach initiatives in the community and beyond. Under its “Acts 2 Ministry,” the congregation is developing a discipleship and housing ministry for single women; is a site for the Benefit Bank; serves as a host of ASSETS Montco, a small business training program; is strengthening its global mission connections; and developing “Kingdom entrepreneurship” to support future ministries. Plans for “Enlarging Our Place in God’s World” also include renovations of five properties owned by the congregation. The three-year capital campaign is earmarked for $670,000, with a long-term goal of $2 million.
Services will be held Sunday, May 18 at 10:45 a.m. and 2 p.m., and the Acts 2 Ministry and the recently acquired New Life Plaza will be dedicated during the second service. Both services will be held outdoors, at 25 East Marshall Street in Norristown.
The church, which will celebrate its 18th anniversary in July, began when three Norristown congregations, First Mennonite, Bethel Mennonite and Fuente de Salvación, decided to merge. It is pastored by Marta Castillo, Angel Tamayo and Ertell Whigham, Jr.
All are invited to worship; for more information call 610-279-5433
Esta congregación intercultural y bilingüe esta entrando en una nueva temporada de ministerio y evangelización en la comunidad de Norristown y mas allá. Bajo su Ministerio de Hechos 2, la congregación esta desarrollando discipulado/ministerio de vivienda para mujeres solteras, convirtiéndose en un sitio para el Banco de Beneficios, siendo anfitriones de ASSETS Montco (un programa de entrenamiento para pequeños empresarios) fortaleciendo su misión global de conexiones y desarrollando “Empresas de Reino” para apoyar ministerios futuros. Planes para “Agrandando Nuestro Lugar en el Mundo de Dios” también incluyen renovaciones para 5 propiedades de la congregación. La campaña de recaudación inicial de tres años esta destinada para alcanzar $670,000 con una capitalización eventual de $2 millones.
Servicio de Dedicación se efectuara el domingo, 18 de mayo, 10:45 a.m. y 2 p.m. Ambos servicios serán efectuados al aire libre en el 25 East Marshall Street. El segundo servicio incluye la dedicación del Ministerio de HECHOS 2 y la mas reciente adquisición de New Life Plaza Nueva Vida at 25 East Marshall Street.
Nueva Vida Norristown New Life también estará celebrando su 18vo aniversario en julio. La congregación empezó una unificación intencional de 3 congregaciones anteriormente de Norristown —First Mennonite, Bethel Mennonite y Fuente de Salvación. Es miembro de la Conferencia Menonita de Franconia e Iglesia Menonita USA. El equipo Pastoral esta formado por Marta Castillo, Angel Tamayo y Ertell Whigham, Jr.
¡Todos están bienvenidos a alabar el Señor con nosotros! Para información llame al 610-279-5433 ; www.norristownnewlife.com
Managing Holy Restlessness: Releasing young adults toward their dreams
How do we, as pastors, understand the younger generations in our congregations? How do we help them discern what to do with their lives? Come join a conversation led by Walter Sawatzky and Jessica Walter on Thursday, May 22 from 8 – 10 a.m. at the Mennonite Conference Center to explore how pastors can support young adults struggling to manage their holy restlessness. Please register for this Pastor’s Breakfast by May 18, by contacting Jessica Walter at jwalter@franconiaconference.org.
Woods Tea Company is a frequent performer on PBS and performs fiery Celtic tunes, bluegrass, sea shanties and folk songs with equal skill. The Vermont-based group tours the country offering a mixture of lively and dry New England humor. The band consists of Howard Wooden, Mike Lussen, and Tom MacKenzie, who play instruments ranging from banjos, bouzoukis and bodhrans to guitars, ukuleles and the hammer dulcimer. They’ve been labeled as “America’s hardest working folk group” by National Public Radio. Click here for a sample of their music.
Ivan Stiles performs a unique blend of traditional and contemporary folk music, including intricate fiddle tunes, old-time favorites, jigs and reels of the British Isles, traditional ballads and original songs on the autoharp, mountain dulcimer, bowed psaltery and musical saw. He is also an instructor, author and the co-founder of Autoharp Quarterly magazine. He has taken first place at the International Autoharp Championship, the World Autoharp Championship and the Great Lakes Championship. In 2000, he was inducted into the Autoharp Hall of Fame. Ivan has a great sense of humor; watch him perform “Cwazy”click here
The Perkasie Patchwork Coffeehouse is located in the Perkasie Mennonite Church hall at 4th and Chestnut Street in Perkasie, Pa. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the performance will begin at 7:30. Tickets are $9 for adults, $7 for ages 65 and older, $4 for students ages 13 and older, and children under 12 will be admitted for free. Refreshments will be sold. For directions or more information, go to www.perkmenno.org or call 215-723-2010.
Only a few more days until Penn View Christian School’s 47th Annual Country Fair and Auction with Chicken Barbecue! The event will be held on Friday, May 16 and Saturday, May 17. Please plan on attending and enjoying all the good food, family fun, and community fellowship. Delicious chicken barbecue and strawberry pies will be served both days. The All-You-Can-Eat Country Breakfast is served from 7 -11 a.m. on Saturday morning and features an appearance by “Screwball”, the Reading Phillies mascot. There is free shuttle bus parking from Franconia Mennonite Church. Visit www.pennview.org for more details and to preview all the beautiful quilts!
All are invited to the Mennonite College Fair at Christopher Dock Mennonite High School on Monday, May 12. At 7 p.m. Dr. James Brenneman, President of Goshen College, will speak on the topic of “Quality with Soul: On Choosing a Mennonite College or University.” At 8 p.m. Michele Hensley, Director of Financial Assistance at Eastern Mennonite University, will lead a seminar on college financial aid. Admissions counselors and professors from Bethel College, Bluffton University, Eastern Mennonite University, and Goshen College will be available to address questions related to the admissions process. Kim Dryer, representing Mennonite Central Committee, will also be on hand to answer questions about mission opportunities with MCC. Visit www.dockhs.org for more information or call 215-362-2675.
Looking for an inexpensive, fun activity for the family? Methacton Mennonite Church is hosting a FREE movie night on Friday, May 16. They will be showing “The Adventures of Milo and Otis.” The show begins at 6:30 p.m. with free popcorn and beverages. For more information, visit www.methactonmennonite.org.
Nueva Vida Norristown New Life is “Enlarging Our Place in God’s World!” All are invited to Dedication Sunday, May 18, 10:45 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to celebrate what God is doing for, with, and through us. Both services will be held outdoors on East Marshall Street with a fellowship meal, children’s activities, and vision tours between the services. The second service includes the dedication of the ACTS 2 Ministry and New Life Plaza Nueva Vida. For more information, call 610-279-5433.
Zion Mennonite Church will be hosting the annual Couch Derby on Sunday, May 18 at 2 p.m. This is a fun-filled event where students decorate and modify couches and race them against other youth groups. This year’s contestants will include youth from 12 different congregations. All are welcome to come and cheer on the youth!
Vincent Mennonite Church in Spring City will be hosting a “Young Adult Conglomerate” Softball/Homerun Derby to be held in the church pavilion on Saturday, May 24 at 5 p.m. The Derby will begin at 5 p.m. followed by hotdogs and burgers at 6 p.m. There will be a worship service with music and a message at 7 p.m. The purpose of this event is to create a space where young people in our area can worship the Lord and fellowship as one. Bring your gloves and invite your friends. If you plan to attend, please bring a snack to share. Come for some of the time, or all the time! All are welcome! Call Rich Lindberg at 484-941-4923 for directions or for more information.
The Joyful Hearts chorus from Myerstown, PA will present a program at Providence Mennonite Church on Sunday, May 25 at 7 p.m. For more information or directions, call the church office at 610-489-8179. Everyone is welcome.
Volunteer and Job Opportunities
Mennonite Disaster Service has several urgent volunteer needs for the summer. A project director is needed for a youth project in July. The summer youth projects (June 8 – August 16) also urgently needs construction managers, cooks, office managers, and experienced crew leaders. Use your leadership and construction skills to encourage our youth to serve others. For more information, call 800-241-8111 or visit www.mds.mennonite.net.
Grace Mennonite Church in Lansdale, PA is looking to fill two paid staff positions. The first is a part-time maintenance position with hours Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The second position is Coordinator of Congregational Services. This is a part-time position (approximately 20 hours/week). If you are interested in learning more about either of these positions, contact Al Richter at 215-723-3900, ext. 108 or call the church office at 215-855-7718.
All are welcome to Evening Song and Prayer at Perkasie Mennonite Church on Sunday, May 11, from 7 – 8 p.m. Using music from the Taizé community in France, as well as hymns of the church, we gather in a candlelit atmosphere for scripture, song, silence, and prayers for our world, communities, and loved ones. For directions, visit www.perkmenno.org or call 215-257-3117.
Penn View Christian School’s 47th Annual Country Fair and Auction with Chicken Barbecue will be held on Friday, May 16 and Saturday, May 17. The event promises good food, fun for the entire family, and lots of community fellowship. An exciting time with the “Donut Man” LIVE in concert begins on Friday evening at 7 p.m. There is free shuttle bus parking from Franconia Mennonite Church. Bring your whole family and share in all of the fun! For additional details and to preview the beautiful quilts, visit www.pennview.org.
Karen’s Place, the coffee shop ministry of Doylestown Mennonite Church, will be open on Saturday, May 17 from 7:00 – 10:30 p.m. featuring the acoustic rock Dan Harney Band. There is no admission charge. For information, call the church office at 215-345-6377 or visit www.karensplace.org.
The Perkasie Patchwork Coffeehouse will feature Woods Tea Company, an acoustic group that performs Celtic, bluegrass, sea shanties, and American folk songs on a variety of instruments on Saturday, May 17. The opening act will be champion autoharpist Ivan Stiles. Join us in the Perkasie Mennonite Church hall. Doors open at 7 p.m. with performances beginning at 7:30 p.m. Adults $9, Adults over 65 $7, Students 13 and up $4, 12 & under free. Refreshments will be available to purchase. For more information, visit www.perkmenno.org or call 215-723-2010.
Liberty Ministries will host an Open House and concert on Sunday, May 18 from 3 – 6 p.m. There will be prizes, fun for the children, good food, tours of the facility, information booths, opportunities to volunteer, a live D.J., and much more! The Christian Blues Band, Obadiah, will perform at 6 p.m. on the grounds of Liberty Ministries. If it rains, the concert will be held at New Eden Fellowship. Everything is free of charge. For more information or directions, visit www.libertyministries.us.
Souderton Mennonite Church is looking for someone to interpret the 11:15 a.m. Sunday worship service once or twice a month for those who are hearing-impaired. If interested, please contact Sandy Drescher-Lehman at 215-723-3088, ext. 17.
The current issue of The Mennonite is chalked full of Franconia Conference writers on the theme of evangelism. It’s unusual that a single issue of the Mennonite Church USA’s official magazine would feature this many writers from within a single constituency. According to Gordon Houser, associate editor for The Mennonite, the articles were submitted at different times and collected toward the issue’s theme.
The issue includes “Can we embrace evangelism and peace?” which was previously published as a Franconia Conference staff blog by Gay Brunt Miller, Director of Collaborative Ministries. Greg Albright from Whitehall (Pa.) Mennonite Church, who is a student at Swarthmore College in Philadelphia’s Main Line suburbs, tells of his experiment with “Confessional Evangelism” on campus. The third article is from Vic Sensenig, who is currently serving with Mennonite Central Committee in Indonesia and is a member of Souderton (Pa.) Mennonite Church. Sensenig explores the perspectives of new atheism and possible Christian response.
Conference Executive Minister Noel Santiago suggests, “Perhaps the Holy Spirit is re-enlivening part of our historic practice of discipleship with the same radical evangelistic witness that had significant impact in the world of the 16th century Anabaptists.” Santiago also highlights that these three articles come from persons in congregations with active initiatives to cultivate relationships with neighbors, friends and persons not currently professing Christian faith or involved in the life of the church. He asks, “What might this suggest about our missional future?”
Miriam F. Book and James M. Lapp were installed as pastors at Salford Mennonite Church on March 30. Mim will serve as lead pastor and James as preaching pastor.
Miriam, who was born in Lancaster County, Pa., came to Salford in 2000 as an associate pastor. Mim was ordained in 1992 at Belmont Mennonite Church, Elkhart, Ind., and serves on the boards for Goshen (Ind.) College and Dock Woods Community in Lansdale, Pa. She is a graduate of Eastern University and received her pastoral training at London Bible College and Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, Ind. She worked overseas for eleven years with Eastern Mennonite Missions.
Jim is a graduate of Eastern Mennonite College, Harrisonburg, Va., and AMBS. He received his D.Min from Drew University in Madison, N.J. He was ordained in 1963 and served most recently for eleven years as conference pastor for Franconia Mennonite Conference. He will serve part-time, focusing primarily on preaching.
This will not be the first time Mim and Jim have worked together; both served many years as executive staff for the Mennonite Church General Board. They married in 2000.
Regular attendees and guests filled the sanctuary for the special installation service. Family of Mim and Jim provided the offertory music; Donella Clemens, Franconia Conference Minister, led the pastoral commitments; and Salford members as well as visiting friends of Mim and Jim offered words of blessing. Richard and Ruth Weaver, spiritual directors from Ephrata, Pa., administered the anointing of oil; and Salford’s adult and children’s choirs provided additional music.
Guest preachers for the service were Bob and Enid Schloneger, a retired husband-and-wife pastoral team who served at Blooming Glen Mennonite Church from 1999 to 2007. They now reside in Smithville, Ohio.
During the service, Mim voiced her desire to lead the congregation in fulfilling the purposes of God for the church; and following the example of Jesus, to be a person of love. Jim expressed his wish to help the congregation exemplify the purpose, presence and power of God in its mission in the world. Both are committed to lead the Salford congregation to live out Salford’s vision to be “a joyful, learning community eager to live and share the peaceable way of Jesus.”
Salford Mennonite Church, established in 1728, has approximately 400 current members and is located in Harleysville, Pa.
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The multicultural and bilingual congregation is beginning a number of new ministries and outreach initiatives in the community and beyond. Under its “Acts 2 Ministry,” the congregation is developing a discipleship and housing ministry for single women; is a site for the Benefit Bank; serves as a host of 
