The Conference Board supervises the business of the conference, including conference committees, and does strategic planning to ensure that the conference is maintaining alignment with its vision and following the lead of the Spirit into areas of growth and change.
Report from the August 15, 2026, Board Meeting
Welcome and Devotion
Haroldo Nunes led a centering devotion from Ephesians 1:15-19, focusing on thanksgiving, service, and the honor of serving God through Mosaic’s work.
Preparing for the Fall Delegate Assembly
The board approved the schedule for Mosaic’s annual Delegate Assembly, which will take place November 7, 2026, at Souderton (PA) Mennonite. The centering Scripture for this year’s assembly is Psalm 116:1–2: “I love the Lord because he hears my requests for mercy. I’ll call out to him as long as I live, because he listens closely to me.”
Saturday’s Assembly will include speakers Marco Güete (Mosaic Leadership Minister), Grace Pam (LA [CA] Faith Chapel), and Brent Camilieri (Deep Run East Mennonite [Perkasie, PA]), with worship led by Hendy Matahelemual and Marina Setyati (Indonesian Light Church, [Philadelphia, PA]).
A pre-Assembly gathering on Friday evening, Nov. 6 with dinner and worship, titled, “Celebrating the God Who Listens to Us!” will take place at Zion Mennonite (Souderton, PA).
The board also encouraged continued exploration of delegate preparation gatherings as opportunities for Christ-centered relational connection.
Welcoming New Congregations and a Conference-Related Ministry
The board unanimously approved three requests for membership in Mosaic Conference. These new members will be introduced more fully in Mosaic News before the Fall Delegate Assembly:
- Hope Chapel in Temecula, CA
- Iglesia Menonita Casa de Oración (House of Prayer Mennonite Church) in Garcia, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
- Destiny’s Daughters in Harrisonburg, VA, joining as a Conference-Related Ministry
“It is a joy to welcome all who have chosen to be part of this Mosaic we are building as we live out Revelation 7:9 together. Our diversity is our treasure!” reflected board member Jenny Alderfer. “We greet all with open arms and great love, as old friends,”
Financial Review
The board received and approved the 2025 financial review presented by Bruce Thomas of Detweiler Hershey, which was characterized by Thomas as healthy. Board members expressed appreciation for the work of the Finance Committee, Treasurer Paulus, and Detweiler Hershey in stewarding Mosaic’s resources. Congregational giving, grant funds, and property-related contributions have remained strong.
“Mosaic Mennonite Conference is financially stable, with valuable property and investments, little debt, and adequate cash available to meet its current needs,” reflected board member Lindy Backues after hearing the report.
“The main challenge is to ensure that regular income covers regular expenses over the long term, especially by finding new rental income, and increasing ongoing support from congregations and donors in the years ahead.”
Leadership Transitions and Nominations
The board also spent time discerning upcoming leadership transitions. Roy Williams (College Hill Mennonite [Tampa, FL]) has announced his resignation as moderator effective December 31, 2026, citing health concerns.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to Roy and his family during this difficult time,” shared assistant moderator Janet Panning (Plains Mennonite [Hatfield, PA]). “We have greatly appreciated his steady and wise conference leadership.”
The board then unanimously called Assistant Moderator Janet Panning to serve as moderator beginning in January 2027, pending affirmation by the delegates at the Fall Assembly.
“Roy’s style, his personality, his long Mennonite legacy, and the gifts he brings have shaped us in particular ways, and that’s something we’ll really miss,” shared Executive Committee member Maati Yvonne.
She continued, “Having a seasoned woman like Janet, who will be able to step up in Roy’s absence, feels like it will be a smooth transition. And looking for a new assistant moderator feels like it will be easy, because there are strong leaders among us.”
The Nominating Committee is now working with the Board toward a board member ballot for the Delegate Assembly to include new moderators and additional board members.
These changes represent a significant transition for the Conference Board. The board and staff are attentive to the opportunities and challenges that accompany this transition and are seeking to move through it with care and discernment.
Executive Minister Updates
Stephen Kriss reported that a yearlong young adult leadership program, an extension of Ambassadors and MCC Summer Service, funded in part by Mennonite Central Committee, will begin this fall with six participants.
Kriss also shared several staff transitions and changes in responsibilities. Brendan Sagastume will take on the role of Assembly Registrar with Sue Conrad Howes’ departure from the staff. Jeff Wright is increasing his time as Leadership Minister of Special Initiatives, and Marco Güete, Javier Márquez, and Paulus Thalathoti have each increased their time with Mosaic. Staff responsibilities continue to evolve in response to the needs of congregations and the wider conference.
The next Conference Board meeting is scheduled for October 12, 2026.
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.