by Javier Márquez
Mosaic Mennonite Conference’s annual delegate Assembly is a space where pastors, delegates, and leaders from congregations, Conference-Related Ministries (CRMs), and partners come together to worship, learn, discern, and strengthen the bonds that unite us as a community. Each year, this gathering represents a collective effort of hospitality, participation, and mutual commitment by congregations who are sending delegates.
With the hope of reducing barriers for congregations and ministries to participate, Mosaic
Conference has announced the availability of Assembly Travel Grants to help offset transportation and lodging expenses for delegates participating in the Fall Assembly.
The grants are intended to support newer congregations or communities currently facing financial challenges. While all congregations and CRMs are encouraged to participate actively in the Assembly, travel costs do not affect everyone equally. Some congregations must travel long distances or incur significant expenses to send their representatives. This financial assistance is intended to help ensure the participation and representation of the full diversity of the Mosaic community.
The application process will be simple. Each congregation or CRM should first estimate the travel expenses for its delegates. If a financial gap remains, they may apply for a grant using the official forms available on the Assembly Travel page. The deadline for submitting applications is August 15 and congregations and CRMs may apply after naming their delegates. Award notifications will be sent on September 1, and funds will be distributed to congregations and ministries before September 15.
Travelers may book accommodations where they prefer. However, Mosaic has established a courtesy block of rooms at a discounted rate if reserved prior to October 1st. Local congregations are also encouraged to extend hospitality to visiting delegates, whether by sharing transportation or to host and gathering to share a meal.
The annual Assembly is a reminder that we do not walk alone. Every congregation, regardless of its size or context, has an important voice within the Mosaic family. The Assembly Travel Grant represents an invitation to continue building community, hosting one another, sharing resources, and participating together in the mission God has placed before us.
Javier Márquez
Javier Márquez is Associate for Community Cultivation and Leadership Development. He is an Anabaptist Colombian pacifist and poet. He is based in Bogota, Colombia.
Mosaic values two-way communication and encourages our constituents to respond with feedback, questions, or encouragement. To contact Javier Márquez, please email jmarquez@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.
This post is also available in: Español (Spanish)
This post is also available in: Español (Spanish)