Mosaic Mennonites

Missional - Intercultural - Formational

Articles

Deepening Relationships and Developing Leaders through Vibrant Mosaic

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by Danilo Sanchez

Since Mosaic Mennonite Conference launched Vibrant Mosaic, the first learning cohort of Mosaic congregations has been actively engaged in relationship development, intercultural transformation, and formation for mission.  

The 2025 cohort, announced in January, was selected based upon geography, established relationships, and language (English/Spanish). These inaugural five congregations are Peña de Horeb (Philadelphia, PA); Ambler (PA) Mennonite; Blooming Glen (PA) Mennonite; Faith Chapel (Los Angeles, CA), and Encuentro de Renovación (Miami, FL). Each congregation selected four lay leaders to participate in Vibrant Mosaic. 

Leadership Formation through Learning and Experimentation

Vibrant Mosaic focuses on developing leaders within congregations through three core pathways: learning cohorts, missional experiments, and specific resourcing for leaders of color. Learning cohorts participate in classes around Mosaic’s identity and three priorities (formational, missional, and intercultural). The learning cohorts commit to journey together for up to two years.  

At the end of the first year, after taking two of the classes, the congregations in the cohort are encouraged to launch a missional experiment based on insights from the class. To support these efforts, each participating congregation receives $5,000 in funding, with an additional $5,000 available for those continuing into a second year.  

Enhancing Curriculum for Intercultural Transformation 

The two classes offered in 2025 are Vibrant Relationships (which focuses on our intercultural priority) and Vibrant Identity (which focuses on our Mosaic identity). With guidance from Dr. Eric Law of the Kaleidoscope Institute, instructors redesigned their syllabi to include more intercultural practices and theory in their teaching. Dr. Law is the creator of the intercultural practice of “mutual invitation” used in Mosaic conference gatherings. This practice highlights power dynamics in conversations, uses a multi-voice circle process, and respects cultural differences.  

Dr. Law gave the instructors resources that were sensitive to cultural differences and suggested teaching methods that are less dominant-culture centered. Dr. Law encouraged instructors to invite participants to experience the content holistically and practice living it out. Dr. Law also offered strategies on facilitating bilingual gatherings in a way that better includes those who don’t speak the dominant language. Dr. Law’s insights have been essential to making Vibrant Mosaic what Mosaic needs at this time. 

Navigating Challenges with Intentionality 

Although the first course was originally scheduled for January, the Vibrant Mosaic team chose to delay the launch. Cohort members expressed confusion and uncertainty about the program’s goals, prompting the team to prioritize clearer communication and relationship-building. 

Rather than rushing ahead, the team embraced a posture of wisdom over urgency, ensuring that participants had a shared understanding of expectations before proceeding. This decision ultimately strengthened the cohort’s foundation. 

By June, the Vibrant Relationships class concluded with evidence of deepened relationships and applied learning. The Vibrant Identity class will begin in August.  

Participants have found the opportunity to develop relationships across differences to be a particularly meaningful aspect of Vibrant Mosaic.  

“Coexistence is more than simply being together; it’s about closeness. Through this closeness, our perspectives of others begin to shift, and we also change how others see us,” reflects Jocelyn Mendoza, Iglesia Menonita Encuentro de Renovación (Miami, FL). 

“Vibrant Mosaic has brought together people of different races, languages, and backgrounds; and through it we can come together, share, and be united in one mind and spirit.” 

Similarly, Eden Strunk of Ambler (PA) Mennonite shares, “One of the most impactful things for me has been the sharing of stories and experiences. Stories continue to develop and sometimes we get interwoven into other’s stories.”  

She continues, “With so much changing around us, it is important to have spaces like Vibrant Mosaic to learn and grow so we can open our hearts, minds, and souls to the work to which Jesus calls us.”  

Looking Ahead

The Vibrant Witness class (which focuses on our missional priority) is set for March 2026 in California and Vibrant Discipleship (which focuses on our formational priority) is set for May 2026 in Vermont. 

We will soon form the second cohort, based on geography, established relationships, and language (English/Indonesian). If your congregation is interested in participating in the second cohort, please contact me, Vibrant Mosaic Co-Director Danilo Sanchez. 

Other aspects of Vibrant Mosaic include specific resourcing for Mosaic leaders of color through the Oasis Conference, as well as antiracism training. Vibrant Mosaic is made possible in part by a Thriving Congregations grant from the Lilly Endowment, Inc.  

Danilo Sanchez

Danilo Sanchez is the Leadership Minister for Intercultural Transformation for Mosaic Conference and co-director of the Vibrant Mosaic program. He lives in Allentown with his wife, Mary, and their two daughters. Danilo serves as a pastor at Ripple, where he leads in the areas of leadership development, discipleship, and teaching.

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 Danilo Sanchez, contact him at dsanchez@mosaicmennonites.org.   

August 2025 Board Meeting Summary

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On August 2, 2025, the Mosaic Mennonite Conference Board met in person in Lansdale, PA and online. Board member Kiron Mateti led a devotion around 1 John 4:15-19, a text which inspired the theme of “The Courage to Love”.

“Scripture gives us a simple truth—God is love, and perfect love casts out fear,” Mateti shared. “Like in my work as a software engineer, the simplest solution is often best. But we tend to complicate what could be clear and powerful.” 

As part of their reflection, the board read excerpts of an interview from Mennonite World Conference General Secretary César García titled “The Courage to Love,” and discussed three guiding questions:  

  • What do we mean by unity?
  • How is The Courage to Love guiding and shaping our thinking?
  • How can we recognize our weaknesses in the midst of an uncertain future? 

Strategic Plan and Program Updates  

The board reviewed feedback from the June and July Board and Delegate conversations, and reviewed updates on multiple initiatives tied to Mosaic’s strategic plan: 

“As we live into the strategic plan, we are finding more clarity in how we become, love, and live like Jesus together as Mosaic,” shared Conference Moderator Angela Moyer Walter.

“We are being mutually transformed by one another. This can be disorienting at times, and yet Jesus continues to faithfully lead and form us when we are faithful to the Spirit’s work amongst us.” 

Fall Delegate Assembly Preparation

The board reviewed the overall schedule for the Fall Delegate Assembly:  

  • Delegate Equipping Event: October 31, 2025, at Zion Mennonite Church (Souderton, PA)
  • Delegate Assembly: November 1, 2025, at Souderton Mennonite Church (PA)  

The board also approved a hybrid participation model for the Fall Delegate Assembly. Congregations and Conference-Related Ministries with a mailing address that is 300 or more miles from the Mosaic office in Lansdale, PA and who have named delegates that both the congregation and their lead minister have determined are unable to travel in person to the Mosaic Delegate Assembly on November 1, 2025 are permitted to participate in worship and delegate sessions fully. 

The board also shared updates and a time of prayer related to membership with Mennonite Church USA.

Welcoming New Congregations

Additionally, the board unanimously approved the request to receive three new congregations for membership with Mosaic Conference. They will be introduced in Mosaic News prior to the Fall Delegate Assembly:  

  • Iglesia Menonita del Cordero (Mennonite Church of the Lamb) of Brownsville, TX
  • Iglesia Menonita Fuente de Agua Viva (Fountain of Living Water Mennonite Church) of Los Fresnos, TX
  • Redemption Church of Bristol (PA)   

Board members who have visited these congregations shared their experiences and the relationships being built. 

Board Transitions and Committee Appointments

The board affirmed that Jim Musselman will serve a third term, which will begin in January 2026, as board secretary. 

Newly approved members of the Credentials Committee are:  

  • Tomás Ramírez (Iglesia Menonita Luz y Vida [Orlando, FL]) – moving from Ministerial
  • Kevin Opett (Church of the Good Samaritans [Holland, PA])
  • Hilda Vinces (Iglesia Menonita Ebenezer [Souderton, PA])
  • Viviana Ávila (Resplandece Mennonite [Pembroke Pines, FL, Colombia, and hybrid])  

“The board took a number of historic and seemingly ordinary actions that represent the changing realities of what it means to be Mosaic,” reflected Executive Conference Minister Stephen Kriss.  

“These include ensuring that there are enough Spanish-speaking committee members to work with our credentialing processes, creating guidelines for virtual participation in our fifth Mosaic Delegate Assembly, and granting membership to two Texas congregations and a Bucks County (PA) congregation. The decisions represent who we are and who we are becoming as a mosaic of people and communities in the way of Christ’s grace, justice and peace.” 

Looking Ahead 

The next board meeting is scheduled for September 15. Following that meeting, more details will be shared about the Fall Delegate Assembly. The board invites continued prayers for wisdom in discernment during this time.  

Following the Sept. 15 board meeting, delegates will be asked to attend the delegate preparation sessions. Stay tuned for dates and locations that will be released soon! 

Mosaic values two-way communication and encourages our constituents to respond with feedback, questions, or encouragement. To contact the author(s) of this article, please email communication@mosaicmennonites.org.

Bringing Healing and Hope: Ambassadors We’re Learning from the Summer Part III

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by Javier Márquez

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

Elizabeth Martinez, a 25-year-old Mosaic Conference Ambassador, is discovering new dimensions of leadership and spiritual growth as she serves at Homestead (FL) Mennonite. 

“I wanted to be more active in my role as a follower of Christ,” Martinez shares. “That desire to serve led me to take this journey with the Lord, stepping out of my comfort zone to grow personally and spiritually.” 

This summer, she is using her creativity and compassion to organize guided painting workshops that include fellowship, reflection, and healing through artistic expression, with Christ at the center. She is also supporting the church’s prayer services. 

“Healing, humility, and hope and values of the Kingdom of God expressed in these events,” she explained. “Both painting and prayer invite us to look inward and allow the Holy Spirit to lead our worship.” 

“I’ve learned it’s okay to rely on God when I don’t have all the answers, and I’m learning to have patience with myself and to trust in the abilities God has given me,” Martinez reflects.  

Though moments of self-doubt and lack of resources have tested her, she remains rooted in her faith. “Even when I feel overwhelmed, I know I’m not alone. I understand now, in a deeper way, the struggles faced by the prophets and the importance of taking refuge in God’s wisdom.” 

Martinez asks the Mosaic community to join her in prayer for her congregation: “Homestead is a small, aging congregation. I’ve been called to encourage my local community to seek the Lord. Please pray that the Lord would have mercy on us, and that we would see new life and growth. Pray especially for the Guided Painting Workshop—that we would have a strong turnout and that God would be glorified.” 

At just 19 years old, Lincoln Matonti is making an impact in his community as a Mosaic Conference Ambassador. Motivated by a sense of calling and supported by Redemption Church of Bristol (PA), Matonti responds to observed needs with creativity, joy, and faith-filled leadership. 

Matonti is collaborating with his church to create meaningful connections with neighbors through a unique film club outreach. This gathering invites people into thoughtful conversations about faith, community, and the role of the church. He is also helping renovate the basement space beneath the church building, transforming it into a welcoming environment for children. 

“I’ve learned a lot about the needs around me,” Matonti reflects. “I know my passion for serving the community comes from God and not myself.” 

Matonti invites the Mosaic community to join him in prayer for the people of Bristol: “Pray that their hearts would open as they hear the good news and that they would be moved to seek God.” 

Josiah Marrero became an Ambassador to build deeper relationships with the children in his community while introducing — or strengthening — their understanding of God. Marrero serves at the Crossroads Community Center (Philadelphia, PA) in the Fairhill neighborhood, where bikes are more than a pastime; they’re a signal that summer has arrived. 

“I am using my love for bikes to connect with the youth,” he shares. “I want to invite them to experience God’s love and show them God will never turn them away.” 

With only one bike available for about ten children to share, Marrero finds himself modeling patience while encouraging the children to do the same. Whether riding bikes or playing basketball, every moment becomes an opportunity to grow in grace. 

“The youth are looking for someone to guide them, whether they realize it or not. I know, because I was them not that long ago,” he says. His experience as an Ambassador is also motivating him to spend more time in Scripture and live out the lessons he’s learning. 

Marrero invites the community to join him in prayer for North Philly — for ongoing donations to support the work at Crossroads Community Center, for the protection of the youth and their families, for their neighbors beyond Fairhill, and for the provision of another bike to keep spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. 

A personal recommendation nudged Myron Tucker toward becoming an Ambassador. “Mr. Joeven told me about the opportunity and that I’d be a great fit because of who I am and how I carry myself,” Tucker recalls. That invitation was an affirmation of the leadership, passion, and heart for service Tucker was already showing in his community, College Hill (FL) Mennonite.  

Myron has experienced spiritual growth, formed meaningful connections, and embraced the joy of representing his congregation and culture. “What I’ve enjoyed most is being able to connect with people who share similar passions but come from different backgrounds and cultures. It’s helped me appreciate my own identity even more,” he shares. 

Tucker sees this summer as an opportunity to strengthen his sense of calling. “I want to be a light to other young people. Being an Ambassador helps me understand how to do that with purpose and direction.” 

Ambassadors Hold Second Online Gathering 

On July 11, the Mosaic Summer Ambassadors gathered online for connection, reflection, and encouragement as participants paused to share how God has been at work through their service. 

The meeting began with a warm welcome and check-in led by Javier Márquez, who expressed gratitude for the Ambassadors’ commitment and presence in diverse communities. “We’ve heard stories of your courage and learning. This space is for reconnecting and encouraging one another as we continue,” he said. 

After an opening prayer, each Ambassador shared their current place of service and one important moment in recent weeks—whether joyful, challenging, or transformative. The time encouraged vulnerability as Ambassadors heard echoes of their own journeys in each other’s stories. 

The devotional, led by Hendy Matahelemual, centered on Galatians 6:9 and reminded participants not to grow weary in doing good. The reflection emphasized that small acts of kindness and service matter and carry eternal weight. Ambassadors shared moments that had challenged and shaped them spiritually and emotionally during their time of service. 

In a group dialogue on learning and growth, the Ambassadors explored what they’ve discovered about themselves, their faith, and their evolving role in their communities and congregations. It was a powerful exchange filled with insight and honesty. 

Throughout the meeting, the Mosaic Conference leadership felt renewed excitement and gratitude for this program. It is a deep joy to know that each Ambassador is not only serving with joy, but also becoming a spark for meaningful conversations and transformation in the places where they’ve been sent. 

The gathering concluded with final announcements and a prayer of blessing. Our Ambassadors continue their journey grounded in faith, full of purpose, and surrounded by a community that believes in them. 

Javier Márquez

Javier Márquez is Associate for Communication 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(s), contact Javier at jmarquez@mosaicmennonites.org.      

A Glimpse of Life Across the Globe

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by Becky Bergey

Colorful sarees, the sound of continuous horns tooting, the taste of masala dosa in the morning and the smell of jasmine flowers in my hair are sights, sounds, tastes and smells that will always remind me of India. 

This first trip to India changed many of the ignorant impressions that I had of this unique and beautiful country. Our friendship with Paulus and Sumatha over the past 10 years had provided us with numerous invitations to join them in a trip to India. Finally in February, Ron and I joined them in traveling in and around Hyderabad, India to attend a five-day PPMI conference and meet the pastors and spouses who are part of PPMI. 

When traveling to a place where I cannot speak the language of the area, there are certainly challenges in getting to know people. I would have loved to speak Telugu to communicate freely with the women, but after five days with this group it was surprising to see the friendships that can be formed and communication that can be expressed without many words. Women who initially seemed very different from me seem not-so-different after spending several days together.

Several interpreters provided us with the ability to hear stories from the pastors. It was great to see and hear the love and respect that they have for Paulus and Sumatha – and the love that Paulus and Sumatha have for their people in India. Both the pastors and spouses appreciate the opportunity they have at these conferences to connect with others. In an area of the world where Christian churches are not as plentiful as they are in southeastern PA, this opportunity to be encouraged by other believers who worship the same Lord is treasured!

Pastors Babu, Kumar and Manek were extremely helpful to our team of seven from the US:  Paulus, Sumatha, Joe Manickam, Robert Null, Ron, Jessica and I.

Our last day as we left Khammam toward Hyderabad, we attended a dedication service for a church involved in PPMI that was recently constructed. When we arrived, the building was already packed with people coming to celebrate the dedication of this new place of worship. The white concrete church was simple but beautifully constructed with windows and ceiling fans to keep it somewhat cool on a 90-degree day (at least for as long as the electricity was on).  

As usual, the people of the church community were welcoming and generous, providing a meal for us after the dedication service and ribbon cutting. While most of our team was comfortable from the start of our trip eating as Indians do with their hands – Robert, Ron and I usually reached for the few utensils that were provided. As we were served a meal of rice and goat curry without any utensils, I somewhat welcomed this last opportunity to eat this meal with my hands (also thankful knowing that this forced opportunity was easier for me at the end of our stay than it would have been at the beginning). Here on our last day the meal was delicious, as usual, and we felt honored to celebrate and thank the Lord with them for God’s provision of this beautiful place of worship.

The commitment to faith and sacrifice that we saw in these men and women of India, was remarkable and unfamiliar to us who have the resources and freedom that we too often take for granted. This first trip will probably not be my last – I was privileged and blessed to have the experience of spending this time with fellow believers across the globe.

Becky Bergey

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.   

Mosaic Leaders Explore Jesus-Centered Leadership at Regional Gathering

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by Rose Bender Cook

Over a dozen Mosaic Mennonite Conference staff and leaders traveled to Delaware during the last weekend of June to a Jesus Collective Regional Conference. Founded in 2019 in Canada, Jesus Collective is a relational network of churches, organizations, and individuals who use an Anabaptist lens to center their faith and lives around Jesus.  

Given our work at Mosaic with the centered-set model and our emphasis on Jesus as center of our faith, we were curious to hear their perspective on Jesus-centered leadership, and how this approach intersects with power, justice, and conflict. 

Photo by Jesus Collective

The event was different than what I expected. Jesus Collective embraces a many-voiced, participatory approach. Rather than a series of lectures, the conference offered a conversational format: interviews, multi-voiced presentations, and space for small group discussion. Rather than providing answers, they invited us on a journey of shared discovery. There was time to wonder, to imagine, and to pray. 

One of the most intriguing aspects for me was to consider how holding Jesus as the center of our faith can be lived out in our congregational decisions, budgets, and in navigating differences.  

In the conversation around Jesus-centered power, Marlena Graves and Leonard Dow answered questions about their experiences. Dow shared that during his time as pastor of Oxford Circle Mennonite in Philadelphia, PA, he utilized a tool from Andy Crouch’s book Strong and Weak: Embracing a Life of Love, Risk and True Flourishing. The model calls Christian leaders to embrace the authority God has given them while also being vulnerable and taking risks, so that those they lead might flourish rather than be controlled.  

Graves shared how she was called by God to use her influence as a writer to advocate for justice when immigrant families were being separated at the U.S. border. Her story reminded us that we often have more power than we realize and that Jesus may call us to use it in disruptive, surprising ways that challenge unjust systems. 

Personally, I found myself drawn to the broader questions being asked about the church and what God is doing in the world. So often, my focus is narrowed to the needs of my congregation or our conference. This gathering invited me to zoom out. 

Leaders from Jesus Collective voiced a shared sense that we may be living through another reformation—one that, like the upheaval of the 1500s, will reshape institutions and power structures. Unlike revivals or renewals, reformation can be painful. It can feel as though the foundations are shaking. 

A diagram that Leonard Dow used during his seminar to explain Jesus-centered exercise of power.  

In the 16th century, the printing press sparked a technological revolution that changed everything. Today, we face an equally disruptive wave of technology: the internet, social media, smartphones, and AI. Information—true and false—moves rapidly across the globe. How will the church respond? 

In the first reformation, the Bible became accessible and was rediscovered by everyday people. Jesus Collective believes that in this era of change, the Spirit is inviting people to rediscover the Jesus of the Gospels. Institutions and formulas have had their day. 

The invitation was to pay attention to where the Spirit is moving and join God’s mission in the world, recognizing that it may look quite different than we expect. God is always doing a new thing. 

Rose Bender Cook

Rose Bender Cook is the Leadership Minister for Formation and the Mosaic Institute Director. She is also a pastor at Whitehall (PA) Mennonite Church.

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 Rose at rbender@mosaicmennonites.org.   

A Devotional That Invites Reflection, Creativity, and Community

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This spring our congregation gave a copy of Drawing Near to each of our 17 college graduates. Others in the congregation have already used this beautiful book for their Lenten devotional practice. Drawing Near: A Devotional Journey with Art, Poetry, and Reflection,—edited by John D. Roth and Mosaic Conference staff person Eileen Kinch—is one of several books released by Herald Press to commemorate 500 years of Anabaptism. 

©MennoMedia

The title Drawing Near holds a thoughtful double meaning. I sense it refers to the literal inclusion of drawings throughout the book and helps readers draw closer to scripture, God, and themselves. Each of the 40 entries includes a linocut-style illustration originally commissioned for the Anabaptist Community Bible, a poem by an Anabaptist poet, a set of reflection questions, and blank space for journaling—inviting deep engagement. 

Those who notice the physical qualities of a book will appreciate this one. The paper is thicker and more opaque than that of the Anabaptist Community Bible, and the gold on the cover matches the satin ribbon bookmark. Each entry features a unique small gray dinkus that separates the text from the space where the reader is invited to write. 

One of the most powerful features of the book is the set of reflection questions accompanying each entry. A poet in our congregation whose work appears in the collection remarked, “I’m not sure who wrote the reflection questions, but you can tell they were written by a poet.” These prompts invite contemplation and close attention, drawing the reader into deeper dialogue with the visual art and poetry. 

For example, the reflection questions for the poem “Shiphrah and Puah (Selah)” invite us to read the poem aloud to hear the alliteration and rhyme, to contemplate the art as an inspiration for prayer for contemporary midwives of all kinds, bringing new life into the world, and to “say their names,” evoking a “modern form of resilience and resistance.” 

In the questions for reflection on Julia Baker’s gorgeous poem “Lydia” the questions help us understand how the poem works on us. They invite us to consider the role of color in poetry and in our prayer. We’re invited to consider our own lives as we contemplate in the final stanza “…her heart opens / even more/ to his Call, / till the whole cloth / is baptized into a lavish Yes.” And we’re invited to write a poem or prayer about colors.  

Poems like “The Tale of Abigail” help us focus on biblical characters and stories that may be less familiar to us. 

I asked one of the poets in the collection about her process for this book. Knowing she is a prolific and spiritually grounded writer, I assumed she might have drawn from her existing work. She replied, “Oh no. I spent a lot of time focused on this scripture passage and artwork. I had conversations with another poet about it. And I’m still spending time with it. I’ve written a second poem based on my text. And I’m making my way through the book slowly, savoring it, writing poems in response to other scriptures and artwork. I still haven’t read the whole book.”  She added that it was an honor to be invited to be in the company of these other Anabaptist artists and poets. 

Spending time with Drawing Near and a pen may draw out unexpected gifts.

Gwen Groff

Gwen is credentialed by Mosaic Mennonite Conference. She was pastor of Bethany Mennonite (Bridgewater Corners, VT) for 24 years. She is currently serving as an interim pastor at Community Mennonite in Harrisonburg, Virginia, an Allegheny Mennonite Conference congregation. She is a spiritual director and a parent of two adult children. 

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.   

Following Jesus Means Becoming Intercultural

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by Sharon K. Williams

Editor’s Note: Faith and Life Gatherings are designated meetings for credentialed and retired leaders in Mosaic Mennonite Conference to study scripture together and build relationships across the conference. The next Faith and Life Gathering will take place on September 25 and will focus on another of Mosaic’s priorities.  

Mosaic Conference’s Faith & Life team recently invited credentialed pastors and leaders to reflect on our intercultural priority (Mosaic’s two other priorities are being formational and missional).  

We reflected on Jesus’ encounter with the Syrophoenician mother (Matthew 15:21–28). We noted Jesus’ willingness to playfully engage with this Gentile woman who stood strong in her faith—that she and her people could access the same blessings from God as the Jewish believers. Jesus even affirmed her in flipping the script with her bold sassiness! We marveled at the transformation that happened for them both because of their willingness to stay engaged with each other.   

We also reflected on Paul’s teaching that “there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, because the same Lord is Lord of all, who gives richly to all who call on him” (Romans 10:12). This biblical affirmation is well known, but what challenges does it hold for us today?   

As we examined the scriptures, reflected on our ministry experiences, and prayed together, we noted the following: 

  • Culture is a way of life shared by a group of people who are bound together by ethnicity, food, values, religion or theology, politics, and many other aspects. A deeper dive into a perceived culture often reveals diversity within a culture.   
  • In the past, as Franconia Conference and Eastern District embraced their missional calling, we had to start learning how to minister across cultures.  
  • Being intercultural is different from being multicultural. We need to be aware of and respect the values that people of other cultures hold. We can recognize our culture and others’ cultures without judgment, by giving and receiving, and experiencing mutual transformation.  
  • God works through intercultural encounters to shape us and our communities. An important part of intercultural ministry and relationships is to not minimize differences between cultures but to curiously embrace the differences and be open to the transformation that can happen. 
  • Being intercultural takes work. We must seek ways to develop curiosity about other cultures as we build relationships. Then we will recognize the image of God in ourselves and others.  
  • Being intercultural includes doing the long-term, hard work of being antiracist. We must learn to recognize systemic racism and its dynamics and work together to create different ways of ministering together and respecting others. It requires commitment to stay in the struggle. 
  • Being intercultural requires the daily practice of empathy, humility, and flexibility. 

The group curiously raised these questions: What is the vision for the conference’s intercultural priority? What are our expectations? How can this priority strengthen our conference and beyond? 

Love like Jesus, preach the character of Jesus—and be transformed. 

What can we do? Loving like Jesus transforms our relationships with him and others. Preaching the character of Jesus can help us move beyond our propensity to be difficult or stuck in our ways. Like the Syrophoenician mother, people are looking for authentic transformation and healing and will cross cultural boundaries when they find it.  

We need to lean into the character of Jesus, set aside our norms, and look for the transformation. Sometimes we miss it because we operate by our blind spots. What draws our attention and what might we be missing? We must preach Jesus and be as caring and loving as him so we can recognize what is happening. We must be willing to hear and acknowledge each other and their truth.  

Intercultural transformation is a mystery, and it is beautiful! Let us press forward to learn together and receive what God has for us. 

Recommended resource

The New Testament in Color: A Multiethic Bible Commentary, edited by Amy L. B. Peeler, et al, InterVarsity Press, 2024.  

Sharon K. Williams

Sharon K. Williams serves as the minister of worship with the Nueva Vida Norristown (PA) New Life Mennonite congregation. 

Mosaic values two-way communication and encourages our constituents to respond with feedback, questions, or encouragement. To contact the author(s) of this article, please email communication@mosaicmennonites.org.

Hispanic Mennonite Church Cancels In-Person 2025 Biennial Meeting

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The Hispanic Mennonite Church will hold a virtual 2025 Mennonite Biennial Assembly on August 30, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

by Adriana Celis for MenoTicias, translated and reprinted with permission.

In 2025, the Hispanic communities that make up the Mennonite Church in the United States are facing a profoundly challenging reality due to the tightening of immigration policies under the current administration. These policies have created an atmosphere of fear and vulnerability that directly affects congregations. This tense climate has not only led to a decrease in attendance at services, but it has also had a devastating emotional, spiritual, and economic impact—especially on families with children. 

Churches now face an ethical and pastoral dilemma: how can they continue being spaces of welcome and refuge without exposing their people to harm? Some congregations have moved their services online, sacrificing the warmth of in-person fellowship in order to protect their members.  

However, they have discovered that necessity fosters creativity: new forms of care, solidarity, and accompaniment are emerging. This crisis has awakened a stronger spirit of collaboration, crossing denominational and cultural boundaries, and reinforcing the conviction that caring for immigrants is a central calling of the Gospel.  

MenoTicias had the opportunity to speak with Pastor Sergio Nava, part of the pastoral team at Resplandece Church (Pembroke Pines, FL, Colombia, and hybrid), who shared some of the challenges they are currently facing. 

The 2025 Biennial: Discerning Wisely and Acting with Love 

Precisely because of this context, the 2025 Mennonite Biennial Assembly takes on a special significance. This event, held every two years, brings families of faith together to share, learn, make key decisions, and renew their commitment to God’s mission. 

Now more than ever, faith communities need a space to gather. However, after deep pastoral discernment and considering current risks—raids, unrest, surveillance—the Executive Board decided to postpone the in-person gathering that was to be held in Dallas, TX. Instead, they will hold a virtual Biennial on August 30, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Eastern Time), with a one-hour break. 

Far from being discouraged, they believe that virtual gatherings do not limit the Spirit’s movement. They hope this Assembly will be a profound space for prayer, formation, and renewal of Hispanic leadership. They are not victims of the system; they are sons and daughters of the King, called to plant the Kingdom of God with creativity, courage, and faith—regardless of the format. 

What Do We Need to Learn… and Unlearn? 

Nava shares that this moment is also an opportunity to question their dependencies, rethink strategies, and trust more radically in the God who sustains them. They need to unlearn the idea that their success depends solely on others. It is time to cultivate a spirituality that renews hope and pushes them to bear one another’s burdens, as taught in Galatians 6:2. 

They also need to unlearn discouragement. While they are facing complex theological and social challenges, they cannot fall into resignation. It is necessary to return to the Word, to the voice of God, which remains a sure guide in uncertain times. 

Why Participate? Because It’s Our Home, Our Voice, Our Mission 

Nava says the invitation to every individual, congregation, and leader in the Hispanic Mennonite Church to register (stay tuned for new information and login link) and actively participate in the 2025 Biennial is not just about sharing information. It’s about influencing decisions, strengthening networks, praying together, and discerning the next steps with clarity. 

On a personal level, Pastor Nava says the Assembly renews spiritual encouragement. On a congregational level, it strengthens their bonds and mission. On a denominational level, it ensures the prophetic voice of Latino communities is heard and contributes to building a more diverse, compassionate, and faithful Church—true to the message of Jesus. 

This is a time to remember, to lift our eyes, and to move forward—trusting that the God of justice and mercy continues to walk with us. 

Adriana Celis