The Mosaic Mennonite Conference Board met March 27-28, 2026, in Lansdale, PA, for a retreat that included relationship-building, intercultural learning, and formal board work.
The weekend began Friday evening at the So Much to Give Inclusive Cafe in Skippack, PA, where board members shared a meal and time together. This retreat was the first time the whole board was together in person, with three new board members joining in 2026 and three in new roles.
Saturday morning opened with a time of equipping led by Intercultural Team staff members Danilo Sanchez and Jennifer Svetlik, focusing on discernment and awareness of power dynamics in leadership.
“Power dynamics are always operative, even when unacknowledged,” reflected Michael Howes, Chair of the Ministerial Committee (West Swamp Mennonite [Quakertown, PA]). “By reflecting on and naming how power operates in our Mosaic system, we’re able to use it in a responsible way – that is, to build the Kingdom.”
A restorative circle facilitated by Board Member Maati Yvonne brought the board together with the Inclusive Mosaic Leader Group for listening and conversation.
“We were grateful for the opportunity to share our concerns and the challenges of ministering fully with LGBTQIA+ members of our congregations in Mosaic, as well as the ongoing pain from past decisions,” shared Sandy Drescher-Lehman, pastor of Methacton Mennonite (Norristown, PA). Inclusive Mosaic is a group of over 30 Mosaic leaders from a dozen congregations that have met since 2023.
Lunch was shared at Dock Commons with Mosaic staff directors, featuring an Indonesian meal prepared by members of Indonesian Light Church (Philadelphia, PA).
In the afternoon, pastors and leaders from several congregations based in California, Florida, and southeastern Pennsylvania shared with the board about how the current political realities related to immigration are impacting their worship, leadership, and ministries. Board members prayed for the impacted pastors and communities.
“Throughout the entire retreat, the Holy Spirit manifested in a special way among us,” shared Board Member Haroldo Nunes (Resplandece Mennonite [Pembroke Pines, FL and hybrid]). “We reaffirmed our commitment to seek new ways to strengthen our support for the Latino brothers and sisters within the conference—walking alongside them in their times of need, praying for them, and doing everything possible to offer them care and hope amidst their suffering.”
In addition to this rich time of listening to Mosaic communities, the board spent time discussing a series of Spring Listening Sessions to continue two-way communication across the conference. These gatherings will be intentionally small, with 20 to 25 participants each, to create space for meaningful dialogue.
Scheduled sessions include May 16 at the Mosaic Conference office, May 19 at Philadelphia Praise Center, and May 26 via Zoom, with a gathering to be determined in California. A session was already held in Florida on February 21 during a pastors’ cluster meeting, with the Board Moderator and Assistant Moderator present. More information and registration is available here.
The board also spent time with Scripture and in prayer. Assistant Moderator Janet Panning offered a devotion on Philippians 1:9-10, highlighting the importance of discernment shaped by love, knowledge, and insight.
In board business, members acknowledged with appreciation letters received from Salford Mennonite (Harleysville, PA) and Nueva Vida Norristown (PA) New Life in response to “A Letter of Care and Commitment from Mosaic.” The board also reviewed and approved the Balance Sheet and Profit and Loss statements for the February 2025 through January 2026 fiscal year. The board expressed gratitude for the work of staff and acknowledged the positive financial situation.
In the Executive Minister report, Stephen Kriss shared updates on congregational transitions toward and away from Mosaic, summarized themes from annual staff conversation, and noted the interest among some staff in increased hours. He announced the addition of Rev. Dr. Calenthia Dowdy (Ambler [PA] Mennonite) as Director of Collaborative Ministries. Kriss also noted that Mosaic is preparing to apply for another Lilly Endowment, Inc. Grant.
“The fact that the board occasionally meets face-to-face and can eat and fellowship is important to me,” shared Conference Moderator Roy Williams (College Hill Mennonite [Tampa, FL]). “It is not as efficient from a programmatic point of view, but we need some of those inefficient experiences to bond together as a team.”
The retreat concluded with a spirit of laughter and connection.
Mosaic values two-way communication and encourages our constituents to respond with feedback, questions, or encouragement. To share your thoughts or send a message to the author(s), contact us at communication@mosaicmennonites.org.
The opinions expressed in articles posted on Mosaic’s website are those of the author and may not reflect the official policy of Mosaic Conference. Mosaic is a large conference, crossing ethnicities, geographies, generations, theologies, and politics. Each person can only speak for themselves; no one can represent “the conference.” May God give us the grace to hear what the Spirit is speaking to us through people with whom we disagree and the humility and courage to love one another even when those disagreements can’t be bridged.