DELEGATE ASSEMBLY 2026
Mosaic Mennonite Conference’s annual Delegate Assembly on November 7, 2026, at Souderton (PA) Mennonite Church offered a glimpse of what it means to be Mosaic: worshiping across languages and cultures, engaging in honest conversation across differences, and continuing to seek how the reconciling love of Jesus shapes shared practices and life together.
The day’s theme, We Love the Lord, drawn from Psalm 116:1-2, was introduced through Scripture read in five of Mosaic’s languages. Worship was led by Hendy Matahelemual and Marina Setyati of Indonesian Light Church, alongside nine others from Mosaic congregations (view the full worship here). A multi-voiced sermon from Pastors Brent Camilleri of Deep Run East Mennonite (Perkasie, PA), Marco Güete of Resplandece Mennonite (Pembroke Pines, FL and hybrid), and Grace Pam of LA (CA) Faith Chapel reflected the diversity of voices and experiences that make up the conference.
“As churches that are spread across the country and around this globe, as this conference body that we are, may our strength come from the joy that we find in God, and the joy that we share in our relationships with each other here…,” Camilleri shared. “May that joy start here today as we worship, pray, and learn together.”
The Assembly also welcomed three new member communities: Hope Chapel (Temecula, CA), Iglesia Menonita Casa de Oración (García, Nuevo León, Mexico), and Destiny’s Daughters, a Conference-Related Ministry in Harrisonburg, VA. The gathering also honored leaders who had died during the past year and offered a prayer of blessing and release for congregations who left Mosaic over the past year. Twenty-one credentialed leaders were recognized and offered anointing to anyone who wished to receive it.
For many, the day was an opportunity to deepen relationships. “I enjoy these gatherings primarily as a way to see old friends and make new ones,” shared Dr. Calenthia Dowdy, Mosaic’s Director of Collaborative Ministries, who attended Assembly for the first time. “Pastor Grace Pam’s impromptu altar call was inspiring, as was seeing the variety of Conference-Related Ministries and the energy in the exhibit hall.”
Opening the delegate session, Executive Committee member Maati Yvonne acknowledged a significant chapter in Mosaic’s life, including difficult decisions, congregational departures, and new communities joining the conference. Amid uncertainty in the church and wider society, Maati invited delegates to continue discerning how God is leading Mosaic forward.
The Assembly also marked an important transition in Mosaic’s leadership. Delegates affirmed five incoming board members and committee chairs, who will begin their terms in January 2027, and expressed gratitude for those completing their service.
Executive Minister Stephen Kriss described the moment as significant, noting that “organizationally we’re moving into our second generation of board members.” Janet Panning, incoming Moderator, reminded delegates that Mosaic is their conference, emphasizing the importance of their connections, knowledge, and wisdom in shaping its future.
“I feel good about the progress Mosaic has made through changing and challenging situations,” Cory Longacre (Souderton [PA Mennonite]), who has served as Finance Committee Chair since Mosaic’s formation, shared after Assembly. “I’m grateful to be part of an organization that cares about its people and is attentive to their needs.”
Georgette Kouttjie-Perez, from Ark of Christ (Westminster, CA), who was affirmed by delegates to join the Board in 2027, later reflected: “I’m looking forward to visiting and building relationships with the church families of Mosaic. Attending the Assembly was a wonderful glimpse of our fellowship.”
The Assembly also connected delegates with the wider Anabaptist community. Dr. Nelson Okanya brought greetings from Mennonite World Conference, which serves 110 national church conferences in 60 countries through worship, fellowship, service, and mission. He invited Mosaic to participate in the global Assembly planned for 2028 in Tanzania.
Through a video, delegates got to learn a bit more about Vibrant Mosaic and the impacts of its first two years.
In the afternoon, delegates and guests turned to focused conversations about Mosaic’s shared life and commitments. Breakout sessions explored the Church Together statements Grace and Truth, Going to the Margins, Faith and Life, as well as Mosaic’s 2026 pastoral letter on immigration, and intercultural worship and prayer.
Participants were invited to consider how high expectations and gracious hospitality, as referenced in Mosaic’s Clarifying Our Center document, can shape our relationships and shared practices. Feedback from the sessions will inform the 2027 review of the Church Together statements outlined in the Pathways strategic plan.
The conversations surfaced both appreciation and concerns. In the Grace and Truth discussion, Ministerial Committee Chair Michael Howes reported that some participants valued having shared theological commitments articulated in a conference statement, while others named the pain some have experienced related to human sexuality and belonging.
Board member Jenny Alderfer reflected on the Faith and Life conversation, noting the value of bringing people together to build relationships, grow together, and connect across differences, including differing interpretations of Scripture.
Reporting on Going to the Margins, board member Lindy Backues highlighted questions about whose experiences are welcomed, how congregations can learn from one another, and what it means to accompany people whose lives differ from their own. Participants considered how Mosaic’s centered-set approach can help communities acknowledge differences while remaining connected.
Panning and board member Haroldo Nunes reported on the immigration conversation, focusing on how congregations can support one another and share reliable information. Participants expressed interest in meeting more frequently to learn from one another and strengthen their responses.
Interpretation throughout the day made it possible for more people to participate fully. In the afternoon, Associate Executive Minister Marta Castillo highlighted Mosaic’s interpreter trainings and efforts to build a community of interpreters, expressing gratitude for those who offer their gifts so that more voices can be heard.
Pastor Rigoberto Negrón of Iglesia Menonita del Cordero (Brownsville, TX), welcomed as a Mosaic member congregation in 2025, reflected on the sense of belonging he experienced. “For us, the Assembly was a great experience. We felt as though we had been a part of Mosaic for many years. All of us who attended want to return next year.”
Beyond the Assembly’s formal business, the day offered opportunities to strengthen relationships across the conference and with partner organizations. Friday evening’s “Celebrating the God Who Listens to Us!” brought participants together for worship, and fellowship. On Sunday, Mosaic leaders and guest preachers visited congregations in southeastern Pennsylvania.
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.
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