Mosaic Mennonites

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A Lasting Gift for the Next Generation

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Introducing: The Marie Detweiler Fund for Next Generation Ministry

The Mosaic Board Executive Committee has approved the creation of a new ongoing fund that will nurture emerging leaders for years to come. The Marie Detweiler Fund for Next Generation Ministry has been created through with a generous estate gift from Bruce Brown, offered in memory of Marie Detweiler of Methacton Mennonite (Norristown, PA).

Though not recently a member of a Mennonite congregation himself, Brown grew up close to the Methacton Mennonite meetinghouse. His gift is a reminder that one person’s faithful life can ripple far beyond a single congregation or community. This fund transforms a memory of Marie into legacy and an opportunity for young leaders discerning their call.

The Methacton meetinghouse around 1975. Courtesy of the Mennonite Heritage Center.

Born in 1930, Marie Detweiler lived what many would call an ordinary life. A dietician at Grand View Hospital for 15 years, she was involved in the life of her church and financially supported her family. She served on the kitchen committee, where even her practical, innovative contributions, like organizing potluck meals with a simple but effective system according to last name, reflected her thoughtfulness and leadership.

Those who remember her describe a loving person who took a genuine interest in others. She and her family offered special music and singing. Her parents were plain-dressing and came from a conservative Mennonite background. Her life was marked by steady faithfulness within her community. It was, as one person described, “an ordinary life well lived.”

Marie died tragically in a car accident in 1976 at the age of 45. Mary Jane Hershey, a leader in Methacton at that time, was asked to write a reflection that was read aloud at her funeral, held at Souderton Mennonite. In it, Hershey wrote: “Her warm smile and happy chuckle were part of her pleasant manner… She had a knack of explaining diets to patients in an understandable way. Many times, she would take a single rose to a sick person and give a poem titled “A Rose.” … A coworker remembers that when her sister was critical before she died, Marie spent much time with her, prayed with her, and did much to comfort. Her coworkers remember her as a person who lived what she believed and shared her life willingly with others.”

A 1964 brochure from what was at the time called Worcester (Methacton) Mennonite, when Marie would’ve been about 34 years old. Courtesy of the Mennonite Heritage Center.

“During the past year she visited her niece in Jamaica… and spent time with the children singing choruses and teaching Bible stories. She also spent a week in Red Lake, Canada, teaching Bible School in the Indian Village on Pikanginkum Island. During the 10 weeks before Christmas, Marie taught children every Wednesday at Swamp Mennonite.”

Decades later, her witness continues to inspire. The establishment of this fund is a testament to how lives rooted in love and service can bear fruit long after they are gone.

The Marie Detweiler Fund is designed to support Mosaic-initiated projects focused on next generation ministry. In particular, the fund will help sustain and grow programs like Mosaic’s Summer Ambassadors, which offer young adults opportunities to explore ministry, leadership, and service in real-world contexts. These experiences are often pivotal, and shape calling, confidence, and connection to the broader church.

As Mosaic looks to the future, the need to invest in emerging leaders is as urgent as ever. The church is sustained both by the legacy of those who have gone before, and by those who are just beginning to step forward.

Contributions to the Marie Detweiler Fund for Next Generation Ministry will directly support the development of young leaders, ensuring that the faithful witness Marie embodied continues to take root in new generations.

GIVE TO THE MARIE DETWEILER FUND FOR NEXT GENERATION MINISTRY 

The 2026 Mosaic Summer Ambassadors has received more applications than ever before! The number of qualified applicants exceeds budgeted funds by over 50%.

Can you help us raise $15,000 to support these leaders?

Many of the Ambassadors come from under-resourced communities. This year, Mosaic will invite Ambassadors from Colombia and Mexico in addition to the United States and will host a formational retreat in Latin America.

Modest stipends allow these young adults to participate in this leadership development program for the summer. Ambassadors is tailored to Mosaic’s congregations and Conference-Related Ministries, including immigrant-majority communities, and this year is also welcoming two college students exploring ministry.

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Listening, Learning, and Leading Together at the March Board Retreat

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The Mosaic Mennonite Conference Board met March 27-28, 2026, in Lansdale, PA, for a retreat that included relationship-building, intercultural learning, and formal board work.

The weekend began Friday evening at the So Much to Give Inclusive Cafe in Skippack, PA, where board members shared a meal and time together. This retreat was the first time the whole board was together in person, with three new board members joining in 2026 and three in new roles.

Saturday morning opened with a time of equipping led by Intercultural Team staff members Danilo Sanchez and Jennifer Svetlik, focusing on discernment and awareness of power dynamics in leadership.

A time of equipping led by Intercultural Team staff members Danilo Sanchez and Jennifer Svetlik.

“Power dynamics are always operative, even when unacknowledged,” reflected Michael Howes, Chair of the Ministerial Committee (West Swamp Mennonite [Quakertown, PA]). “By reflecting on and naming how power operates in our Mosaic system, we’re able to use it in a responsible way – that is, to build the Kingdom.”

A restorative circle facilitated by Board Member Maati Yvonne brought the board together with the Inclusive Mosaic Leader Group for listening and conversation.

“We were grateful for the opportunity to share our concerns and the challenges of ministering fully with LGBTQIA+ members of our congregations in Mosaic, as well as the ongoing pain from past decisions,” shared Sandy Drescher-Lehman, pastor of Methacton Mennonite (Norristown, PA). Inclusive Mosaic is a group of over 30 Mosaic leaders from a dozen congregations that have met since 2023.

Lunch was shared at Dock Commons with Mosaic staff directors, featuring an Indonesian meal prepared by members of Indonesian Light Church (Philadelphia, PA).

In the afternoon, pastors and leaders from several congregations based in California, Florida, and southeastern Pennsylvania shared with the board about how the current political realities related to immigration are impacting their worship, leadership, and ministries. Board members prayed for the impacted pastors and communities.

“Throughout the entire retreat, the Holy Spirit manifested in a special way among us,” shared Board Member Haroldo Nunes (Resplandece Mennonite [Pembroke Pines, FL and hybrid]). “We reaffirmed our commitment to seek new ways to strengthen our support for the Latino brothers and sisters within the conference—walking alongside them in their times of need, praying for them, and doing everything possible to offer them care and hope amidst their suffering.”

In addition to this rich time of listening to Mosaic communities, the board spent time discussing a series of Spring Listening Sessions to continue two-way communication across the conference. These gatherings will be intentionally small, with 20 to 25 participants each, to create space for meaningful dialogue.

Scheduled sessions include May 16 at the Mosaic Conference office, May 19 at Philadelphia Praise Center, and May 26 via Zoom, with a gathering to be determined in California. A session was already held in Florida on February 21 during a pastors’ cluster meeting, with the Board Moderator and Assistant Moderator present. More information and registration is available here.

The board also spent time with Scripture and in prayer. Assistant Moderator Janet Panning offered a devotion on Philippians 1:9-10, highlighting the importance of discernment shaped by love, knowledge, and insight.

In board business, members acknowledged with appreciation letters received from Salford Mennonite (Harleysville, PA) and Nueva Vida Norristown (PA) New Life in response to “A Letter of Care and Commitment from Mosaic.” The board also reviewed and approved the Balance Sheet and Profit and Loss statements for the February 2025 through January 2026 fiscal year. The board expressed gratitude for the work of staff and acknowledged the positive financial situation.

In the Executive Minister report, Stephen Kriss shared updates on congregational transitions toward and away from Mosaic, summarized themes from annual staff conversation, and noted the interest among some staff in increased hours. He announced the addition of Rev. Dr. Calenthia Dowdy (Ambler [PA] Mennonite) as Director of Collaborative Ministries. Kriss also noted that Mosaic is preparing to apply for another Lilly Endowment, Inc. Grant.

“The fact that the board occasionally meets face-to-face and can eat and fellowship is important to me,” shared Conference Moderator Roy Williams (College Hill Mennonite [Tampa, FL]). “It is not as efficient from a programmatic point of view, but we need some of those inefficient experiences to bond together as a team.”

The retreat concluded with a spirit of laughter and connection.

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 Gentle Prophet Among Us

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In Loving Memory of
HUBERT SCHWARTZENTRUBER (1929-2026)

Hubert Schwartzentruber, longtime Mennonite pastor and conference leader, died March 25, 2026, at the age of 96. His life and ministry left a lasting imprint on Franconia Conference and the broader Mennonite church, particularly through his advocacy for urban ministry, inclusion, and faithful presence among those on the margins.

Schwartzentruber served in a wide range of leadership roles across his lifetime, including as Conference Minister and Overseer for Franconia Mennonite Conference. In that role, he called congregations to greater awareness of their contexts and responsibilities, especially in urban settings. His earlier pastoral work in St. Louis helped shape a theology grounded in liberation and grace, nurtured through relationships.

Those who worked alongside him remember both his conviction and his humility. Mike Derstine, pastor of Plains Mennonite (Hatfield, PA), recalled a defining moment at a Franconia Conference Delegate Assembly in the 1990s, when Schwartzentruber “pleaded with tears… to not cut off Germantown Mennonite from our membership.” Derstine noted that his oft-repeated conviction, “Every congregation is a gift from God to their community,” continues to be a helpful reminder to respect and honor the broad diversity that exists within Mosaic Conference.

Pastor Ertell Whigham, former Franconia Conference Executive Minister, reflected on Schwartzentruber’s personal character, saying, “What I primarily remember about my brother is his humble commitment to unity and collaboration, his willingness to risk comfort and safety for the purpose of sharing the Gospel with others, and his capacity to listen patiently beyond what was being said.”

Throughout his ministry, Schwartzentruber served in many leadership roles and pastored congregations including Spring Mount (PA) Mennonite, Interim Pastor of Plains Mennonite, and as Chaplain for the Conference-Related Ministry Souderton (PA) Mennonite Homes.

A lifelong learner, artist, and advocate for justice, Schwartzentruber brought together faith, creativity, and action. He championed the dignity of all people, encouraged simple and responsible living, and remained deeply committed to the church’s calling in the world.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, 10-11 am at Plains Mennonite, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11 am (the service will be livestreamed).

Read Schwartzentruber’s full obituary here.

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 Courage to Bring Our Full Selves

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by Wayne Nitzsche

“Father God, you are the author of every language and painter of every skin tone. The Composer of every song sung in every land… May we be free to bring our full selves… may our differences never be walls of separation but windows through which we see more of your truth.”

This opening prayer from Intercultural Team member Jaye Lindo set the tone for Mosaic Conference’s webinar, “When We Belong: Bringing Our Full Selves.”

Danilo Sanchez, Leadership Minister for Intercultural Transformation, moderated the meeting. Panelists were Samantha Lioi, Interim Pastor at Perkasie (PA) Mennonite; Hendy Matahelemual, Pastor of Indonesian Light (Philadelphia, PA); and Sergio Nava, leader in Resplandece Mennonite (Pembroke Pines, FL and hybrid).

Lindo’s prayer beautifully grounded the session in the team’s goal: to name and address barriers to belonging within our broken and beautiful world and within our conference. Building trust and exploring what it means to live into Mosaic’s vision of a “centered- set” conference—where commitment to the way of Jesus is at the center—were key themes. While much has changed in recent years within Mosaic, leaders acknowledged that many still struggle to feel they truly belong and can bring their full selves.

Sanchez introduced two visual frameworks to guide the discussion. The “cage of oppression” names forms of marginalization such as racism, ableism, sexism, and heterosexism. The “wheel of power and privilege” illustrates how power is concentrated and how people experience varying access to it. Together, these tools help us reflect on where we, and others, are situated within systems of power and limitation.

Panelists spoke candidly about their experiences. Matahelemual and Nava highlighted the daily realities immigrants face in navigating language and cultural barriers. The panelists affirmed the progress Mosaic has made in strengthening intercultural competence and prioritizing it across the conference.

Lioi, speaking as a queer pastor, shared that the lack of clarity around where queer people stand in Mosaic has been harmful. “I feel like my best bet is to be invisible—that it’s the best I can hope for.” she said.

Nava expressed appreciation for Mosaic’s efforts to bring people together and live into its name. He emphasized the importance of staying rooted in Christ: “We want to build a church that is strong because we share a common surrender to Christ.”

Sanchez reflected on both progress and possibility: “We have come a long way and worked hard, but there is still room to grow. If Jesus is at the center, how might we embrace differences around queer inclusion as we have around racial and cultural differences?”

Lioi invited us to examine both visible and hidden forms of power. Understanding where we hold power, and where we are vulnerable, creates opportunities to share power and build trust. Honesty and openness, she noted, help us better understand one another and love each other more fully.

In closing, panelists offered words of encouragement and challenge. Matahelemual said, “Breathe. Tell your story. Take care of your people.” Nava reminded participants, “Because of Christ’s redemptive work, we are beloved, no matter our past. In Christ, we are limitless.”

Lioi shared, “My dream for Mosaic is that we would really truly celebrate each other in the fullness of who we are… so we can embrace the fullness of each person’s humanity, and that we wouldn’t have to leave anything at the door for that to happen.”

I urge you to watch the webinar. I was encouraged by the honesty, vulnerability, and gentle caring spirit of each of the panelists. Thank you, Intercultural Team, for leading us in this countercultural and Spirit-filled work with courage and faith in God’s redemptive work among us.

Wayne Nitzsche

Wayne Nitzsche is Bridge Pastor of Salford Mennonite in Harleysville, PA, and former pastor and member of Perkasie (PA) Mennonite.

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.   

Gathering with South Texas Congregations Strengthens Fellowship and Shared Mission

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by Javier Márquez

On February 28 and March 1, congregations from South Texas came together for a meaningful gathering including pastors, their spouses, and lay leaders. This meeting is one of the twice-yearly visits to accompany, listen to, and strengthen faith communities. On this occasion, Marco Güete, leadership minister for Mosaic Conference was present with the group.

There was a strong sense of closeness and fellowship, where leaders openly shared their experiences, challenges, and hopes. Prayer was a constant throughout the gathering, along with times of dialogue and shared fellowship meals.

In early March pastors from South Texas and Mexico met at Iglesia Menonita del Cordero (Brownsville, TX) with Mosaic staff for equipping sessions utilizing the Mosaic Priorities Guide. Photos courtesy of Marco Güete.

One of the most special moments was the introduction of Pastor Mileton Viveros, who lives in Matamoros, Mexico, just south of the border with the U.S. Viveros is a Mennonite leader and graduate of SeBAH (the Hispanic Anabaptist Biblical Seminary) and IBA (the Anabaptist Biblical Institute), and he currently leads a ministry for children and youth in his home called “The Society of Tomorrow: Sanctuary for the Lord.” During the meeting, participants prayed for him and for his calling to establish a church in that place.

Reflecting on the experience, Viveros shared: “It was very pleasant. We attended as guests with my wife and children. It was beautiful to connect and share with the brothers and sisters, to hear what the churches are doing and the challenges they face. It was very strengthening, and it was a surprise to be invited to Mosaic Conference.”

As part of the gathering, Güete also shared an introduction to the Conference’s Priorities Guide, creating space for reflection on the path congregations are called to follow together in community. In addition, on Sunday he was invited to preach at Iglesia Menonita del Cordero (Brownsville, TX), where he shared a message based on the book of Ruth.

The gathered leaders expressed their gratitude for the visit with Mosaic Conference. This kind of accompaniment is deeply meaningful; it strengthens a sense of belonging and fellowship. “This kind of visit is very important, so we do not feel alone, but welcomed,” it was noted during the gathering.

These spaces continue to affirm the commitment to walk together as the church, sharing the mission, supporting one another, and discerning God’s work in each context.

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.

Eternity

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by Ruth Baugher Palmer

Editor’s note: This reflection is drawn from the 2026 Souderton (PA) Mennonite Lenten Devotional Guide and reprinted with permission. The devotional, titled Breathing Light and Life: Stories Shaped by Jesus contains daily reflections on the Gospel of John, through Easter Sunday, and was written, illustrated, and edited by many members of the congregation.  

Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.

John 19:25
Michelangelo’s Pieta, by CC BY-SA, via Wikimedia Commons

Scripture for Friday, April 3, 2026: John 19:23-42

What was this moment like for Mary, the mother of Jesus? Despite what we are told, death is not “a natural part of life.” Jesus’ murder on a cross held agony, terror, and final desperate gasps for breath. No – Death is an offense.

In early January, I was with my mother-in-law the night she died. I sang to her the old hymn, “Face to Face with Christ My Savior,” praying the Lord would take her gently. In the morning, she was gone. I felt relieved that our sweet Mimi got her wish to “just slip away.” Yet I felt outraged as I came to her deathbed that morning. Nothing left of her vibrant 93 years but a corpse – cold, rigid body and gaping mouth. The poem Dylan Thomas wrote for his dying father, “Rage, rage against the dying of the light,” was now personal.

My own dear grandmother passed away at 90. The pastor at her funeral looked out at our grieving family and said, “You had Helen a good, long time.” He seemed to be scolding us into thankfulness. As if gratitude for her life precluded grief at her death.

The morning of his mom’s death, my husband walked around her house saying, “The absence of her presence is so big.” Why does every death—even those of “natural causes” seem wrong? Why does the death of someone in their nineties still feel too soon?

Ecclesiastes 3 declares, “To everything there is a season…a time to be born, a time to die,” yet later in the same chapter we find the missing clue: “God has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart.”

There we have the human condition—burden, beauty and mystery. Could it be that we weep at a 90-year-old grandmother’s dying and are appalled at seeing a lifeless body because we know—deep in our bones—that we weren’t meant to die? Rather, we were created in the image of our eternal, relational God—and meant to live in a garden forever in sweet communion with God and each other. St. Paul declares, “The last enemy to be destroyed is death.” (1 Cor. 15:26). Death is not “natural,” and deep in the human heart we know it.

So yes, I will weep for loved ones lost—the severing of the bonds of love. And I will rage at death’s robbery. But I will not despair. For I know the grave does not get the last word.

Easter is coming.

Ruth Baugher Palmer

Ruth Baugher Palmer is Vice President of Program Development at Lakeside Educational Network and attends the Movement and Meditation ministry at Souderton (PA) Mennonite.   

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.   

Holy Imagination and the Comedy of Resurrection

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by Stephen Kriss

Slavoj Žižek, a Slovene philosopher, suggests that the Christian story is about comedy over tragedy. I have been caught up in this idea for years. Often the way we tell the story of our faith relies on the tragic, with a focus on death and sin more than life and resurrection. Žižek insists that what makes the Christian story real is its insistence on life over death.

Comedian Trevor Noah suggested in a recent interview that the church often lacks imagination. In many of our current realities, including what we see each day in the news, there is a strong pull to return to what used to be rather than to imagine a faithful and flourishing way forward. I do not believe in inevitable progress, a steady march toward something better. But I do believe that faith, hope, and love pull us forward toward God’s comedic conclusion: life over death, belonging over alienation, flourishing over failure, peace over violence.

The challenge for me, and for the church, is to trust God for that conclusion and to live toward it in our daily lives. This happens in tangible ways, like how we greet a stranger, and in more abstract ways, like our images of God and how we understand atonement.

Our Mosaic mission and vision remind us that the world is both broken and beautiful. Our life together reflects this tension. The diversity of who we are, and who we are becoming as God’s Mosaic people, stretches our patience and challenges our assumptions. The Anabaptist concept of discipleship calls us into a lifelong posture of learning to follow Jesus. It is not a one-time confession at baptism but a continual way of life.

John Paul Lederach suggests we need communities that are hubs, or evidence, of what is possible with the peaceable away of Jesus. (c.f. The Moral Imagination: The Art and Soul of Building Peace). In earlier generations, Mennonites described this as being “contrast communities,” visible expressions of the good news shaped by the Holy Spirit. In the Catholic tradition, Dorothy Day’s work among the poor manifests this model in all its loveliness and imperfection.

These days, we sometimes resemble the surrounding culture, shaped by political voices and economic realities. Yet there are practical ways to live into the upside-down kingdom, where the first are last and the last are first. There are also new ways still waiting to be imagined, grounded in our 500-year-old practices and responsive to a polarized, post-pandemic world.

Consider a few invitations that reflect resurrection life. Mutual aid that crosses boundaries, such as the Shalom Fund, offers care to vulnerable people across our communities. Generosity in the face of scarcity cultivates abundance instead of fear.

Love of neighbor that moves beyond words. This winter, I visited one of our newer immigrant congregations. The pastor shared during worship, “What I appreciate about being part of Mosaic is that we are not only about saying the right words. We put action behind those words.” When we wonder whether someone counts as our neighbor, Jesus’ answer is almost always yes. (Boundary work is a topic for a different article).

Investing in children, youth, and young adults expresses trust that faith will endure into the next generation. We are called to create open and meaningful spaces where young people can encounter the story of Jesus, ask hard questions, and grow in spaces that are safe enough to be brave. Whether through children’s time in worship, athletic coaching relationships, or programs like Mosaic’s summer Ambassadors (which once again this year is seeing record numbers of applicants), these investments reflect hope and the promise of new life.

The basic act of showing up for worship in a broken and beautiful community reminds us of comedy over tragedy. Gathering for worship with people who are similar to and different from us stretches and shapes us. Our worshipping communities are meant to both console the brokenhearted and to challenge the comfortable. The ways we show up together matter and should (I rarely use that word) change us.

Finding ways to move toward both/and rather than either/or. How do we allow the Spirit to break down barriers between us? In a time marked by division, both/and invites humility and possibly confidence. We are both progressive and conservative, citizen and alien, protestant and catholic1, careful and risk-taking. Living within these tensions opens us to transformation as we trust the wisdom of Scripture and the Spirit’s work among us.

Our invitation as followers of Jesus is to live in ways that are more than words, that mumble (when that is all we can manage) or proclaim boldly (when God provides the strength), that Christ is risen indeed. Life conquers death.

  1. protestant and catholic intentionally lowercase in reference to Walter Klassen’s Anabaptism: Neither Catholic nor Protestant, which he later suggested might have been better titled with “both/and.”  ↩︎

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.

Strengthening Shared Mission with Mennonite Partners

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Mennonite Mission Network and Mosaic Mennonite Conference have set new pathways for partnership as Wil LaVeist, PhD, senior executive for advancement at Mission Network has been appointed as the liaison between the two organizations.

LaVeist is responsible for the Mission Network division that includes the Development and Marketing and Communication departments. A former journalist before joining Mission Network, LaVeist has executive level experience in community relations and outreach with major companies, nonprofits, and churches. He is also a member of the board of trustees at the Lincoln University of Pennsylvania.

“We are grateful for our ongoing relationships with Mission Network and look forward to continuing shared mission and engagement,” states Stephen Kriss, executive minister for Mosaic Mennonite Conference. “Mission Network has been a long-term trusted partner with Mosaic communities.”

Marisa Smucker, executive director for Mission Network comments, “We have been in close partnership with Mosaic Mennonite Conference and its congregations for many years. It is a blessing to be able to continue on this missional journey together.”

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.