Sharon Williams, Norristown, Pa., believes that Bible study is an important part of Christian life and discipleship. That’s why she’s looking forward to her new assignment as editor of Adult Bible Study, produced by Mennonite Publishing Network (MPN).
For Carol Duerksen, Hillsboro, Kan., being named editor of Purpose magazine is an “exciting opportunity to help people find ways to make their faith practical for their daily lives.”
Williams and Duerksen replace retiring James E. Horsch, who has edited Adult Bible Study and Purpose since 1984. They begin their new assignments in October.
“Studying the Bible with fellow believers in the faith community is an important spiritual discipline for Anabaptists,” says Williams. “My goal is to assist leaders and Bible study groups as they engage God’s story and vision, challenging their personal lives and congregational mission.”
Williams holds a double degree in Christian education and music from Messiah College and a master’s of divinity degree from Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary. She has served two co-pastorates and as a conference staff person for Franconia Mennonite Conference. Williams is currently minister of worship at Nueva Vida Norristown New Life Mennonite Church. She is also a member of the congregation’s Stand Together Ministry Team, which works at deepening the congregation’s understanding of anti-racism and cultural bias to strengthen the church’s mission.
Duerksen, a member of Tabor Mennonite Church near Newton, Kan., edited With Magazine for 18 years and is a writer and editor for Gather ‘Round, as well as other Christian education curriculum. With her husband, Maynard Knepp, she co-authored nine self-published Amish novels and two children’s books. She also wrote a devotional book, Now It Springs Up, with Michele Hershberger and Laurie Oswald Robinson.
“My hope is that Purpose will be able to share many stories and poems that are both lively and inspirational and that a variety of readers will grow in their faith and consider their time well-spent with this little magazine,” Duerksen says. “A story is the best way to make a lesson for life memorable.”
Adult Bible Study provides a quarterly study of the Bible from an Anabaptist perspective. Lessons are based on the International Bible Lessons for Christian Teaching by the Committee on the Uniform Series. In addition to weekly lessons, Adult Bible Study also offers daily Bible readings, a weekly online essay and suggested resources for additional study.
Founded in 1968, Purpose is a monthly magazine that features inspirational articles, illustrations and verse that encourage Christians in their daily walk with Christ, along with regular columns on food, peace, humor and resources for faithful living.
For more information about Adult Bible Study, visit www.mpn.net/abs. For more information about Purpose, visit www.mpn.net/purpose. MPN can also be reached by phone at 1-800-245-7894 (U.S) or 1-800-631-6535 (Canada).
Mennonite Publishing Network is the publishing agency of Mennonite Church USA and Mennonite Church Canada, providing materials that equip the church to experience and share the gospel from an Anabaptist perspective.
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.