Mosaic Mennonites

Missional - Intercultural - Formational

Articles

A Prayer for Unity

by

by Maati Yvonne

Mosaic Mennonite Conference Executive Board Member Maati Yvonne wrote and offered the following prayer to close the June 23 in-person board and delegate conversation.  

Four conversations (in English, Spanish, and Indonesian) in June and July will offer conversation and two-way communication for the future trajectory of partnership conversations with MC USA. Mosaic Conference Assembly delegates, credentialed leaders, and Mosaic committee members were invited to join.

Therefore, as a prisoner for the Lord, I encourage you to live as people worthy of the call you received from God. Conduct yourselves with all humility, gentleness, and patience. Accept each other with love, and make an effort to preserve the unity of the Spirit with the peace that ties you together. You are one body and one spirit, just as God also called you in one hope. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all, who is over all, through all, and in all. – Ephesians 4:1-6, CEB 

Heavenly Father, 

We come before you with humble hearts, acknowledging you as the One who calls us into your service. As our congregations’ Mosaic Conference delegates prepare to make decisions that affect their individual congregations and the wider Body of Christ, we ask for your presence to go before them, to surround them, and to dwell within them. 

Lord, as Paul urged in his letter to the Ephesians, may we walk worthy of the calling we have received—with all humility, gentleness, patience, and love. Bind us together in the unity of the Spirit and the bond of peace. Remind us that there is one body and one Spirit, just as we were called to one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all. 

Equip us, O God, with wisdom beyond our own understanding. Let Your truth guide every conversation, your grace cover every disagreement, and your Spirit lead every vote and decision. May we seek not personal agendas, but the good of the whole Body and the glory of your name. 

As we go forth representing our congregations, give us courage to speak truth in love. Strengthen us to stand firm in faith, and grow our compassion to listen with open hearts. May we serve our Conference and return home with peace in our spirits, confident that we have walked faithfully in our assignment. 

As we go forth, O Lord, we pray for all those headed to the MC USA Convention in July in Greensboro, NC, that they may be ambassadors of reconciliation, peacemakers, and truth-bearers. May we reflect the unity and love of Christ in all we do. Cover us, fill us, and use us mightily for your purposes in Mosaic Conference, in Mennonite Church USA and all over your Kingdom. 

In the powerful name of Jesus we pray, Amen. 

Maati Yvonne

Maati Yvonne Platts is a lifelong member of Nueva Vida Norristown New Life (PA). Maati is committed to anti-racism and is a facilitator with the Roots of Justice Anti Racism Organization. Committed to peacebuilding education, Maati has co-created a Restorative Justice Movement, called Restorative Norristown, which trains, equips and empowers youth and community residents in learning and implementing Restorative Circles.

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.     

Leading Through an Impasse (Or in the Wilderness)

by

by Stephen Kriss

For my 40th birthday, I traveled with a group of students to hike Mount Sinai. At the time, Sinai was experiencing a series of kidnappings and a significant decrease in the number of tourists. It was the best time and a precarious time to go. 

Though our guides had assured us our safety, at one stop along the way they ushered us quickly back into the bus due to a suspicious looking approaching vehicle. Our small tourist bus was accompanied by armed guards in a separate vehicle. This was the only time I’ve traveled abroad with a group and second guessed my decision to go. 

Creative Commons (Wikipedia)

Our hotel, seemingly empty except for our group, was foreboding and it felt like something could go awry at any moment. We were among the first wave of returning tourists and may have been the only U.S. American group there. 

The hike to Mt. Sinai is often done to catch the sunrise. It’s a trek up the mountain alongside other pilgrims–most walking, and some on camels or horses. Even in these riskier circumstances, there was a rush of people. I managed to find a few meaningful moments there and the group enjoyed the memorable experience. Afterward, we spent a lovely few days at a seaside resort near the Israeli border that provided opportunity to swim in the Gulf of Elat. 

My experience of Sinai was better in retrospect. While the sunrise hike and the resort were highpoints, what I remember most is the doubt I felt about bringing a group there at that precarious time. 

Creative Commons (Wikipedia)

There are parallels here with the Biblical story. The children of Israel asked, “Has God taken us to this wilderness to die?” Wandering in the Sinai for 40 years before entering the promised land sounds excruciating.  

The liminal space of “not yet” is hard to endure, especially in a culture with instant gratification and same-day delivery. In times of stress, change, and turmoil, we often long for quick answers when we actually need time: time to process and to be formed together. 

Leading with Mosaic Mennonite Conference in this season has involved, for me, some second-guessing and a lot of questions. How did we get here? What is God’s intention for us?   

How did we get here? What is God’s intention for us?   

I declared a few weeks ago that I was done trying to understand systems, whether our government, our church systems, or the Steelers’ decision to hire Aaron Rodgers. Sometimes these processes don’t factor in our perspectives or experiences, especially those of us who don’t regularly have access to points of power and decision-making. 

The reality is that we are almost always living in liminal space. That dash on a tombstone that marks the span of our life is full of experiences of here, but not yet.  

So here we are, many of us leading and wandering in a kind of wilderness. It’s a space and time that doesn’t always make sense to us. We face systems and powers that often seem misaligned with what we need for full individual and communal flourishing. And yet, it is in this space that we are formed. We become more fully ourselves, more fully the people God intends for us to be. It is here we can learn to exhibit the fruit of the Spirit, which requires patience, pruning, and care to grow.  

We lead in the midst of this process, though the fruit hasn’t fully arrived in us either. We watch for the kind of leaders this moment requires – voices and postures that may be different than those needed in other seasons. We pay attention to the ways that God provides.   

We recognize what is enough for our daily bread. We resist the urge to hoard. We might complain, but we strive not to turn toward building idols—those easy, familiar, most likely ungodly answers that would make it all make sense.  

There are hard questions in front of us. There are not easy answers. There will be menacing encounters and beautiful sunrises along the way.  

The process of becoming God’s people and representing the reconciling love of Jesus in this time will be full of paradox–requiring strength, power, and humility.  

The way will emerge. The Way, The Truth and the Life is always in front of us, behind us, beside us and even within us. So, in these in-between times, how are we preparing to embody that Way—in our flesh, blood, heart, mind, soul, and strength—both individually and together? 

Stephen Kriss

Stephen Kriss is the Executive Minister of Mosaic Conference.

Mosaic values two-way communication and encourages our constituents to respond with feedback, questions, or encouragement. To contact Stephen Kriss, please email skriss@mosaicmennonites.org  

Serving with a Heart for God’s Kingdom: Ambassadors We’re Learning from the Summer Part I

by

by Javier Márquez

Editor’s Note: This summer, 14 young adult Ambassadors are serving in congregations and ministries across Mosaic Conference. This article highlights three of these Ambassadors, and in the coming weeks, you will be introduced to the other Ambassadors.   

This summer, George Chile, 19 years old, a participant in the Mosaic Mennonite Conference Ambassadors, is dedicating time to serve God and his congregation, LA (CA) Faith Chapel with a heart full of purpose and passion.

“I want to make an impact guiding youth and leading a movement for Jesus,” he shares. 

As an Ambassador, Chile is serving in various ministries within his congregation, including working in the congregation’s labor department with church equipment, and assisting at Samaritan home—a housing project for unhoused individuals. He is also stepping in wherever else he is needed, demonstrating flexibility and willingness to serve. 

One of the most meaningful lessons he’s learned this summer is the value of offering himself fully to God. “Time and energy are nothing compared to the love God has for you, and it is worth giving to God,” he reflects.

Through his dedication and heartfelt service, Chile is growing in faith but helping to bring the presence of the Kingdom of Heaven into every act of service. 

This summer, Marciella Shallomita, a 22-year-old recent college graduate, is serving God by walking alongside the youth of her congregation, Nations Worship Center (Philadelphia, PA). As an Ambassador, Shallomita is combining her organizational gifts and heart for ministry to make a lasting impact. 

“Being an Ambassador is a good way to help my church in behind-the-scenes ministry, along with the regular ministry that I’ve previously and will continue to help with,” she shared. 

As an Ambassador she will coordinate youth service projects and organize a youth retreat. She hopes to strengthen the spiritual and communal life of the church’s younger generation. 

Shallomita’s approach to leadership reflects the values of servant leadership and fellowship. “I will serve together with the youth to help the congregation and broader community. The youth will be able to understand the true meaning of a church as fellowship with others, as Jesus intended.” 

“So far, I’ve learned administrative work and communications—planning and coordinating with the youth, retreat center, and other leaders in the church,” she said. 

Shallomita asks the Mosaic community to join her in prayer for the youth she is walking with this summer: “Please pray that God will help them understand and build a personal relationship with Jesus. Through the service and fellowship they’ll participate in this summer, pray that they can be more on fire for God.” 

Hensley Ducasse, a 24-year-old participant in the Ambassador Program, is serving his congregation, Homestead (FL) Mennonite and community with compassion, leadership, and vision. 

“My passion for Jesus Christ motivated me to become an Ambassador,” Ducasse shared. 

One of his bold goals for the summer is to open a food bank in the local community, to provide nourishment to those in need and serve as an invitation to connect with the church and experience God’s love. Ducasse is also planning to host sporting and gaming events for children and young adults—creating spaces of fun, community, and spiritual growth. 

“I’ve learned how to lead by listening and how to lead by example,” he reflects.  

Ducasse extends an open invitation to the Mosaic community: “I am taking prayer requests from anyone in need.” 

Ambassadors Gather for First Meeting

Many of the Ambassadors who gathered on Zoom for the first formation meeting of the summer.

On June 5, the 2025 cohort of Mosaic Conference’s Ambassadors gathered for the first time to officially launch their summer journey of service and leadership. This program offers young adults (ages 18–24) practical ministry experience in their local communities, helping them grow in their calling and commitment to God’s Kingdom. 

Led by Javier Márquez and Danilo Sánchez, the meeting began with greetings and team introductions, followed by a time of prayer and mutual encouragement. The devotional, based on 1 Timothy 4:12, reminded participants that youth is not a limitation but a calling to be an example in word, love, faith, and action. The reflection encouraged Ambassadors to live out their service with integrity, sensitivity, and courage—trusting that even small acts can reveal God’s Kingdom. 

One of the most enriching parts of the gathering was a group dialogue, where the young adults shared their motivations, hopes, fears, and dreams for the summer. Hearing one another helped build connection, empathy, and the assurance that they are not alone on this journey. It was a meaningful time of vulnerability, hope, and shared vision. 

The meeting closed with a sending prayer, commissioning the group into a season of growth, service, and transformation. We encourage each Ambassador to give their best, trusting that God will guide and use them powerfully to impact their communities! 

Javier Márquez

Javier Márquez is Associate for Communications and Community Engagement for Colombia. 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 share your thoughts or send a message to the author, contact Javier at jmarquez@mosaicmennonites.org. 

Ministerial Committee Update – June 2025

by

The Ministerial Committee makes decisions on ministry credentials and policies that promote the support, health, and training of credentialed leaders and safe church practices for congregations. They meet quarterly to act on recommendations from the credentialing committee, review and revise current policies around credentialed leaders, and provide leadership in cases of misconduct.    

Report from the June 4, 2025, Ministerial Committee Meeting 

Committee Actions  
Credentialing

Licensed toward Ordination (LTO) – grants the person all the privileges and responsibilities accorded to an ordained person, except to ordain someone else. This license is issued for a three-year period with the purpose of testing the inner and outer call to ministry, further discerning of ministerial gifts, abilities and aptitude and may or may not lead to ordination.    

  • Dave Moyer – Zion Mennonite (Souderton, PA) 
  • Michael Marpaung – Ark of Christ (Westminster, CA) 

Ordination – grants the person the full range of ministerial privileges and responsibilities. This is a long-term, leadership ministry credential appropriate for all pastors, area conference ministry staff, chaplains, missionaries, evangelists, and those determined by the church to have a continuing ministerial-leadership role in, and on behalf of, the church.  

  • Kevin Opett – Church of the Good Samaritans (Holland, PA) 
  • Jaye Lindo – 7 Ways (Bowie, MD) 
  • George Makinto – Los Angeles Faith Chapel 
  • Mukarabe Makinto – Los Angeles Faith Chapel

Transfers

  • Karl McKinney – Nueva Vida Norristown New Life (PA), from Illinois Conference/LMC to Mosaic Conference 

License Extension – An extension of the 3-year license towards ordination for credentialed leaders who need additional time for the process. 

  • Gary Alloway  
  • Dania Hernandez  

Retired – held by those who have retired from active ministry. The credentialed leader must be over the age of 55 to hold this status. This credential is valid for performing ministerial functions and is to be exercised in consultation with Mosaic Conference. Mosaic Conference is not responsible for the actions of a person holding this status. 

  • Samuel Claudio Sr. 

Inactive – held by those who have been without a ministerial assignment for more than three consecutive years. 

  • Mary Beth Benner  

Withdrawn – is given when a ministry credential is ended for non-disciplinary reasons 

  • Michael Clemmer is currently serving with LMC (Lancaster) and they hold his credentials. 
Pastoral Transitions 
  • Jordan Luther, Methacton (PA) Mennonite, joins the pastoral team. 
  • Carl Walcott, North Tampa (FL) Mennonite will go on sabbatical for his health 
  • Roy Williams will pastor at North Tampa Mennonite. 
  • Lydia de Jesus, Luz y Verdad (Lakeland, FL) is on a two-year sabbatical for her health. 
  • Artemio de Jesus, Luz y Verdad (Lakeland, FL) is in a pastoral position during Pastor Lydia’s sabbatical. 
  • Wayne Nitzsche, Salford (PA) Mennonite, bridge pastor 
  • Dave Greiser, Salford (PA), moves to Active without Charge  
  • Haroldo Nunes will move from ministry at Seguidores de Cristo (Sarasota, FL) to Resplandece Mennonite (Pembroke Pines, FL/Colombia/hybrid) 

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.      

Be My Witness

by

2025 MOSAIC FALL DELEGATE ASSEMBLY THEME 

“Those who had gathered together asked Jesus, “Lord, are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel now?” 
Jesus replied, “It isn’t for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has set by his own authority. Rather, you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Acts 1:6-8 CEB

at Souderton (PA) Mennonite Church  
November 1, 2025 9am – 4:30pm  
Primary Preacher:  Dr. Meghan Larissa Good 

In May the Mosaic board affirmed the scripture for the 2025 Mosaic Fall Delegate Assembly, which highlights the theme:  Be My Witness.

Our focus will be on the present realities and future of Anabaptism, while recognizing 500 years of Anabaptism in 2025.  

“Our guiding scripture reminds us that we are called to be witnesses for the gospel in our churches and in our communities,” shared Danilo Sanchez, Mosaic Leadership Minister for Intercultural Transformation.  

“As our planning team discussed possibilities for the theme this year, there was a sense of being called together by God and being sent out by God, which fits well with our Mosaic identity.” 

We are very pleased to welcome Dr. Meghan Larissa Good as the primary preacher for the Delegate Assembly worship.  

Good is currently the Faculty of Record for Teaching Leadership in the Doctor of Ministry program at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary. She is a frequent speaker and workshop leader around such topics as biblical hermeneutics, contemporary preaching, and the peacemaking role of the church in an age of polarization. 

Her latest book Divine Gravity: Sparking a Movement to Recover a Better Christian Story explores contemporary distortions in how the Christian story is told that have left many people adrift or deconstructing their faith and suggests how a recentering of theology on Jesus can revitalize the Christian movement for generations to come. 

Dr. Meghan Larissa Good

“Delegate Assembly is a joyful space to gather and hear the stories of Mosaic,” shares Conference Moderator Angela Moyer Walter. “Come see old friends and meet new ones. Embodying the reconciling love of Jesus looks different in each of our congregations and communities, and when we gather, we create a beautiful tapestry that is a testimony of God’s faithfulness, love, and power.” 

On Friday prior to the Delegate Assembly, a time of equipping will be offered.  

This year, the Fall Delegate Assembly is being planned by a team that includes Stacey Mansfield (Mosaic Administrative and Hospitality Collaborator); Jaye Lindo (Mosaic Hospitality Coordinator); Cindy Angela (Mosaic Director of Communications); Danilo Sanchez (Mosaic Leadership Minister for Intercultural Transformation); Stephen Kriss (Mosaic Executive Minister); Maati Yvonne (Mosaic Board Executive Committee); Joel Horst Nofziger (Mennonite Historians of Eastern PA); and Makinto (LA Faith Chapel).  

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.      

Rooted in Love, Reaching Across Borders

by

Reflections from Anabaptism@500 and the Global Youth Summit

by Brendan Sagastume

From May 29 to June 1, I had the amazing opportunity to participate in the 500th Anniversary of Anabaptism in Zurich, Switzerland, followed by the Mennonite World Conference Global Youth Summit, which took place in a small town in southern Germany.  

The Anabaptism@500 event was a full day of connection and reflection. We took part in smaller workshop sessions on a variety of topics, historical walking tours, exhibits, performances from different choirs, and a powerful worship service. The day was centered around the theme of “The Courage to Love.” 

After writing notes and prayers, youth gather to pray over the world as a whole. Photo by Brendan Sagastume.

One of the sessions I attended was titled “Testimonies of Hope.” I heard moving stories from people who chose to love others in circumstances that made it incredibly difficult to do so. One of the most impactful insights shared by a speaker was, “The courage of love is the courage to overcome shame; to reach out to someone you feel you cannot embrace.”  

As I talked with others who attended different sessions, it was inspiring to hear the wide range of ideas, stories, and lessons being shared. The main worship service took place in the historic Grossmünster church, with live streams happening simultaneously in three other churches across Zurich. Nic Morales (Souderton [PA] Mennonite) and I were fortunate to be among the last people allowed into the Grossmünster. Even though our view was obstructed, the experience of being in that space and worshiping alongside everyone there is something I will never forget. Throughout the day, I was reminded of some of the core values of Anabaptism: a deep commitment to seeking God, reconciliation, nonviolence, and, of course, love. 

Worship service at the Global Youth Summit led by young anabaptists from Asia. Photo by Brendan Sagastume.

The next day, Nic and I made our way to Germany for the Global Youth Summit. After a few train delays and cancellations, and an unexpected 30-minute uphill hike, we finally arrived at the Schönblick Christian Guest Center in Schwäbisch Gmünd.  

Each morning and evening, we were led in worship by groups from different continents, followed by a speaker. Worshiping in such a wide variety of styles and languages was an incredible experience. After each session, we broke into small groups to reflect on what we had heard. There were also plenty of opportunities to attend workshops, play games, or simply hang out and talk with others.  

Danisa Ndlovu sharing during the Testimonies of Hope workshop session. Photo by Brendan Sagastume.

What struck me most throughout the weekend was how much I had in common with other young Anabaptists from around the world. Despite our different upbringings and the physical distance between us, we all share a deep desire to seek God, love others, and create a world with peace at the center. 

To close out the weekend, we shared communion in small groups and then came together to pray for the world. It was deeply moving to witness the many ways people were praying over different regions and concerns.  

Attendees from around the world gather before the day begins at the Grossmünster church. Photo by Brendan Sagastume.

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be part of these two events. Being surrounded by such a diverse and passionate community of believers reminded me of the beauty and depth of the Anabaptist tradition. Thank you to everyone who made this experience possible. It is one I will carry with me for a long time. 

Brendan Sagastume

Brendan Sagastume is a member of Perkiomenville (PA) Mennonite. He is studying at Messiah University and is a part of Mosaic’s 2025 Ambassador Program.   

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.      

A Foretaste of Heaven Through Intercultural Worship at Anabaptism@500

by

by Rashard Allen

A little over two years ago, I was asked to serve as the Music Coordinator for the Anabaptism@500 Celebration in Zürich, which occurred on May 29, 2025. The role included choosing five musical ensembles, one representing each continent where there are Mennonite World Conference member churches.  

The role also included serving as co-worship leader for the 100th Anniversary of Mennonite World Conference (MWC) in Schwabish Gmünd, Germany on May 25, as well as being part of the worship team for the closing worship service on May 29. While I knew it was a great honor to be asked, I could not have known what a life-changing experience serving in this role would be. 

The groups chosen for the event were the Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) Chamber Singers from Virginia (North America); The Indonesian Anabaptist Pe(R)forming Arts (TIARA) from lndonesia (Asia), Agape from Paraguay (South America), The Eastleigh Fellowship Center Choir (EFC) from Kenya (Africa), and Songs of Peace from Switzerland (Europe). Each group performed two concerts, one indoors (at the Predigerkirche or Friedenskirche) and one outdoors (in front of the Grossmünster cathedral), on May 29th.  

Additionally, all the groups participated in the closing worship service at the Grossmünster, with each group helping to lead at least one congregational song, as well as singing the anthem “We Want Peace”, which was written by Dennis Thielmann from Songs of Peace.  

The EMU Chamber Singers (front) with the other featured ensembles.
The EMU Chamber Singers (front) with the other featured ensembles.

The indoor concerts were filled to capacity, with each group reflecting their unique expression of Anabaptism culturally and in musical style, while the outdoor concerts were a beautiful addition to the overall festive atmosphere of the historic day in Zürich.  

TIARA creatively mixed traditional Javanese music with more modern Indonesian and Western musical styles. EMU’s concert seamlessly weaved American, European, Latin American, and African music into a beautiful tapestry of choral music, all while staying true to the overall theme of the event: “The Courage to Love”. EFC masterfully sang an exciting program of traditional four-part East African choral music, complete with dancing and African drumming. Songs of Peace presented a lovely three-part liturgy based on the themes of “Faith, Hope, and Love”, with an acoustic, percussion-heavy style that is sweet and whimsical. Agape finished the day of indoor presentations with an exciting, high-energy pop-rock concert with Latin flair. All of the concerts, regardless of the music style or language, faithfully represented the wide breadth of what Anabaptist music is now.  

The closing worship service is available on MWC’s YouTube channel in English, French, Spanish, and German. The concerts will be available to watch online in the coming weeks. All these groups are featured as part of the Global Anabaptist Music Ensembles Playlist on YouTube.  

The five ensembles were housed together at the Bienenberg Hotel, which is also an Anabaptist theological seminary in Liestal, Switzerland, about an hour from Zürich. There, we ate together, worshipped, and rehearsed together, and were bussed to and from Zürich together. In the process, the Holy Spirit united and bonded us together in ways none of us could have anticipated.  

Dr. Rashard Allen, top left.

Not only was beautiful music made, but lasting relationships were formed across cultures and languages. We learned each other’s songs, along with each other’s stories, and each other’s hearts. We even wrote songs together with brothers and sisters from multiple continents at our songwriting workshop the day after the Zürich event. Instagram Reels featuring mashups of each other’s songs were being made at the hotel, on the bus, and in Zürich.  

Rich conversations were had between people who had never previously met but now are inextricably linked together. I have often said that when we get to heaven, we will worship together with every person in Christ who has ever lived, complete with all their varied traditions, songs, and expressions. The days we spent together felt like a foretaste of what we can expect when that day comes for us, a beautiful snapshot of the mosaic that is the Kingdom of God. 

It would not be hyperbolic to say that this may have been the most significant intercultural worship experience of my life. It was remarkable to witness all these musicians, about 80 in total, embrace being together and sharing with one another., I am still in awe of the fact that God gave me the opportunity and honor of coordinating such an event.  

It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and one for which I will be forever grateful. After all, the next time we celebrate another 500 years of Anabaptism, we will all be in heaven celebrating for eternity. 

Dr. Rashard Allen

Dr. Rashard Allen is the Director of Music and Worship at Neffsville Mennonite (Lancaster, PA). He is a graduate of the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies (Doctorate of Worship Studies) among other institutions. He has over 25 years of professional experience in worship ministry in Presbyterian, Methodist, and Mennonite churches and served in Pentecostal, Non-Denominational Bible, Episcopalian, and AME Zion churches. In 2022, Dr. Allen was a member of the International Ensemble for the Mennonite World Conference Assembly in Indonesia. He is also the Director of the Global Worship Training Project for Faith and Learning International, having led seminars on Worship and Indigenous Songwriting in Uganda, Tanzania, and Ghana.   

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 Holy Spirit’s Movement in Mosaic Congregations at Pentecost and Beyond

by

A few weeks prior to Pentecost 2025, Sandy Drescher-Lehman, Pastor of Methacton (PA) Mennonite, reached out to 13 other Mosaic pastors, asking them to share how they see the Holy Spirit alive in their congregation. Many of them wrote back, and Mosaic communication staff reached out to some additional pastors for their congregations.  

On Pentecost Sunday, Methacton lit a candle and prayed for many Mosaic congregations who had shared about where the Holy Spirit was moving in the congregation.

Here are the responses of some of the congregations, along with a few photos of other joint Pentecost worship services. 

The Holy Spirit is alive among us in welcoming the congregation into a new day of multiplying our pastoral leadership as the congregation has unanimously invited Jordan Luther to become a co-pastor with me, beginning June 1. We’re excited about how the Spirit will use the combination of our ages, giftedness, interests and vision to lead us into the weeks and years ahead in mission and ministry. – Sandy Drescher-Lehman, Pastor of Methacton (PA) Mennonite 

We have experienced the Holy Spirit’s nurture and care through provision and some new and committed members. We have enjoyed partnering with multiple Mosaic congregations and the two Spanish speaking congregations that also use our building. A new intergenerational Bible study on Wednesday nights has been a blessing. Our Friday prayer team not only prays for our congregational members but has been called on to pray for many beyond our doors. And God keeps surprising us with new situations and people we didn’t know to expect or pray for. – Rose Bender Cook, Pastor of Whitehall (PA) Mennonite 

God is sending more children to our Sunday school, so that we need a bigger space for them. Many individuals take part in serving the community. The Spirit is comforting many families who are vulnerable. They show up every Sunday, praising Jesus and are active in the church.  – Aldo Siahaan, Pastor of Philadelphia (PA) Praise Center 

Ambler (PA) Mennonite worshiped with the Church of the Good Samaritans (Holland, PA). Pastors Michelle and Jacob Curtis (from Ambler) and Pastor Kevin Opett (from Good Sam) each preached one part of a three-part sermon and co-led communion on Pentecost Sunday.
The two congregations’ leadership groups prayed for each other.

We felt the Spirit’s nudge as we coordinated a second annual End Gun Violence walk and Memorial to the Lost t-shirt display with Zwingli UCC in Souderton. It was a rainy day, and we were wondering if attendance would be low, but at least 100 people came out to join publicly witness for peace and to write letters advocating for reasonable gun control legislation. The diversity of the group, and the various faith traditions represented, reminded us that in a time of division and polarization, a testimony shines through when we work together to proclaim peace and justice. – Mike Ford, Pastor of Zion Mennonite (Souderton, PA)  

We’ve seen the Holy Spirit leading us to fruitful partnerships and connections with our neighbors and local organizations as we’ve hosted the reopening of the Ambler Community Fridge in March.  – Michelle Curtis, Pastor of Ambler (PA) Mennonite 

We have been experiencing the Holy Spirit’s nudging us to spend the fifth Sundays as an opportunity to be more involved in community engagement. In March our members visited six mostly Mosaic congregations. We hope the fifth Sundays can continue to grow and that others can find it to be a fruitful way of discovering what the Holy Spirit is doing in the community and throughout the world. – Bev Benner Miller, Pastor of Plains Mennonite (Hatfield, PA) 

Homestead (FL) Mennonite and Encuentro de Renovación (Miami, FL) celebrated joint worship on Pentecost Sunday.
Homestead (FL) Mennonite and Encuentro de Renovación (Miami, FL) celebrated joint worship on Pentecost Sunday.

We have been experiencing the movement of the Spirit through the voices and energy of our children. They ask good questions, share their enthusiasm during worship, and bless us with their artwork on our bulletins each Sunday. I’m also experiencing the Spirit move through our older persons and the way they share about God’s faithfulness in the past that gives us hope for our future. – Laura Alderfer, Director of Music at Salford (PA) Mennonite 

Refuge has experienced the Spirit when we explore gospel stories together. Every time we gather, even when we feel tired or stressed, we experience the Spirit’s whisper through the stories of Jesus, imaginative prayer, and silence. We see the things we hear from God taking root in our lives and neighborhoods—changes in our relationships, ways of relating to our community, and expectations of ourselves. Often, we hear God reminding us we are loved! – Emily Ralph Servant, Pastor of Refuge (virtual)

At Alpha we know that the Holy Spirit is alive and well in our church in the ways God is revealing our spiritual gifts and reconnecting us to our community. 
At Ripple we know the Holy Spirit is at work in our church in the many ways we witness and experience transformation in the lives of our members and in our own lives. – Charlene Smalls, Pastor of Ripple Church (Allentown, PA) and Alpha (NJ) Mennonite 

I see the Holy Spirit at work in our congregation by changing people from the inside out—healing hearts and shaping lives. – Stephen Zacheus, Pastor of Jemaat Kristen Indonesian Anugerah (Sierra Madre, CA)  

Resplandece Mennonite (Pembroke Pines, FL, Colombia, and hybrid) gathers for worship on Pentecost Sunday.

I see repentance and a longing to pray and draw closer to God and others, regardless of ethnicity, race, or background. As the Holy Spirit moves, we have added more prayer meetings to our schedule and church collaboration.  – Hendy Matahelemual, Pastor of Indonesian Light Church (Philadelphia, PA) 

I know the Holy Spirit is alive and well through guidance, comfort, and inspiration. As a very small congregation, it’s easy to question whether you are valued and even to wonder if you will make it another year. Yet in times of struggle there have been glimpses of the Spirit’s encouragement, in the form of a small group new folks joining the congregation, new possibilities for connecting with our community, and people’s willingness to share their gifts with the church and try new things. The congregation is actively pursuing physical upgrades to make the meetinghouse more accessible, which will allow the space to be a “meetinghouse” for church and community.  – Chris Nickels, Pastor of Spring Mount (PA) Mennonite 

God’s Spirit is stirring in many ways at Souderton Mennonite: we celebrate Spirit’s work within our women’s Bible Studies and in the lives of loved ones who are passing to their eternal home; we celebrate the addition of new families, young adults and friends from various countries in Africa; and we look forward to an interdenominational worship service in the Souderton Park.  – Jenifer Erikson Morales, pastor at Souderton (PA) Mennonite 

Our congregation is blessed with prayer warriors. It is a gift to see and feel the Holy Spirit at work as we pray for each other, our families, the community, and the world. Our time of Selah, reflection, and sharing during our “Words From The Lord” time in our service enriches our lives. – Beth Davco, pastor at Wellspring Church of Skippack (PA) 

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.