We have entered into the time of waiting for Jesus’ birth. We yearn for “the year of the Lord’s favor.” We join our voices with many who look for “a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit.” May Christ be born anew in your heart and life during this season. Staff pray for the congregations of Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference. If we can pray for you, please let us know and we will include your request in the Tuesday morning staff worship.
Vanessa Kellybrew is out of the office, following the death of her grandmother last week. We extend our condolences to her in this loss.
Dan and Doug recently returned from the annual meeting of area church/conference ministers from Mennonite Church Canada and Mennonite Church USA. It is always a privilege to meet with people who follow Jesus and love the church. These are people who carry pastors and congregations in their hearts and desire the best for them. Worship and deliberation are energetic and filled with conviction.
Following the Missional Leadership Team meeting on November 15, staff have been adjusting to the news of spending cuts for the 2015-2016 fiscal year beginning in July 2015. Dirk Wolfer, of the Stewardship Team, met with MLT and is a member of a working group (along with Bob Yoder and Dan Miller) assigned to bring a staffing proposal to the next MLT meeting in January.
Also this month were meetings of the Journey board, Stewardship Team, Ministry Credentialing Team and Leadership Enhancement Team. We are grateful for the work being done by these groups.
On Saturday Dan meets with the John Howard Yoder discernment group as an active listener. He has worked on a church wide statement about sexual abuse for convention in Kansas City.
Between Thanksgiving and New Years, congregations are occupied with activities of the season. However, we continue to be available as necessary.
Central office closings for Christmas and New Years
Over the holidays the conference office will be opened on Mondays and closed:
- Dec 23, 24, 25 and 26 over Christmas, and
- Dec 30, 31, Jan 1 and 2 over the New Year Holiday.
- The office resumes regular hours on Monday, January 5, 2015.
~ Dan Miller
