Mosaic Mennonites

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The Israelites, Haiti, and the Lamb of God

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by Sam Charles

The narrative of the Israelites’ enslavement in Egypt is one of the most compelling and well-known stories in the Bible. It resonates profoundly with Haiti’s history, when we consider the Haitian people’s subjugation by the French in what was then called the colony of Saint Domingue. Just like the Israelites were forced to live in slavery for centuries, the Haitian people also suffered under harsh conditions.  

The Israelites found themselves in a state of desolation and despair, with no human hope for escaping their situation any hope for escaping oppression (c.f. Frame, 2013). When they cried out to God, God listened and intervened, delivering them from the oppressive forces. This deliverance is a testament to the Lord’s benevolence, responsiveness to his people’s needs, and faithfulness to his promises. 

One of the most important parts of this story is the slaughter of a lamb. The Israelites were told by God through Moses to kill a lamb and spread its blood on the sides and tops of their doorframes. This act protected them from the final plague in Egypt. The lamb, which had to be a year old and without defects, symbolized innocence and purity. This sacrifice wasn’t just about physical protection—it also marked the beginning of their journey to spiritual, social, and political liberation (c.f. Exodus 12:1–14). 

This paschal lamb served as a prototype for Jesus Christ, who was cruelly executed on the cross. Jesus selflessly sacrificed his life to bear the sins of humanity and take upon himself the burden of our collective guilt. 

The prophet Isaiah said, “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him and by his wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5, NIV).  

This assertion may seem perplexing or contradictory. It suggests that Jesus’ wounds, his suffering and death can heal our inner pain—our guilt, shame, and moral failures. Yet, we recognize Jesus as the Lamb of God, who through his death, facilitated the spiritual liberation of all who believe in him. John 1:29 says,” Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world”. (NIV) 

Happy Passover! 

Samuel Charles

Samuel Charles is the pastor of Bethel Worship and Teaching Center in Levittown, PA and a member of Mosaic’s Intercultural Committee.

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 Week in America as Strangers and Aliens

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by Stephen Kriss

“Are you a US citizen?” 

“Yes.” 

“Travel safe and have a good night.” 

On the highway between San Antonio and Harlingen, there’s a border checkpoint. I’ve driven through this checkpoint before and been stopped and checked thoroughly. This time I was asked a simple question and invited to keep it moving under the setting Texas sun. I had flown into San Antonio and driven to visit with two former South Central Mennonite Conference congregations near the border who are seeking membership in Mosaic. 

Since the beginning of the year, I have spent significant work time navigating the changing immigration landscape. This has included paying attention to the vulnerability of the hundreds of persons in Mosaic Conference congregations who are not yet citizens of the USA. They are from dozens of countries. They have a variety of visas and statuses. Our growth as a conference has largely been comprised of 1st and 2nd generation immigrants. With the rapid changes in immigration enforcement, sometimes menacing rhetoric, and traumatizing stories told by the media, recent immigrants are on high alert. 

According to recent research, one out of 18 members of evangelical churches in the U.S. are at risk or are household members of those at risk of deportation based on the current enforcement practices and policies. Many recent immigrants are Christian. The reality of shared faith binds us together in ways that should complicate our thinking as Jesus followers living in the U.S. 

The future of U.S. Christianity relies on the vibrant faith of recent immigrants who are establishing new churches, renovating older church facilities, and bringing authenticity and global-mindedness to our ongoing faith expression and practices. 

As Anabaptists, we have a sensitive history with migration. Our Conference readily traces our story to the migrations of German-speaking families to Philadelphia almost 400 years ago. While we could rely on the invitation of William Penn for our settling (at least sometimes), we didn’t have the permission of the Lenape who we settled alongside.   

We maintained for generations a set of distinct identities while the U.S. American experiment played out over the next centuries. Historic Mennonites are now a deeply embedded part of the American story, having reaped the benefits of citizenship and land holding, capitalism and mutuality for generations.   

My citizenship is both a privilege of birth and a responsibility. Privileges are not meant only for my individual good. I can easily pass through a checkpoint with my light skin, blue eyes, and graying hair. As a son of Appalachia and of Slovak immigrants, I recognize that while all our individual decisions can have consequences, our privileges do too. 

For those of us who proclaim the reconciling love of Jesus in a broken and beautiful world, in this holy week can join Jesus as he weeps over Jerusalem. We can find ourselves in the story of Jesus’ Passion, as the disciples earnest in their desire to see the kingdom come in the ways that would restore Israel’s greatness. We can see our own betrayal of Jesus embodied in Judas and in Peter. We can join again in faithful and disoriented weeping with the Marys and Salome. 

And we can prepare for the surprise and ultimate hope of resurrection that brings us true freedom. In duty, we join the women at the tomb with a sense of dread and responsibility. As we wait, we may find ourselves surprised and overcome in the ways the Spirit shows up.   

We speak of the possibility of what we know and have seen. We find others who come running with us (like Peter and John) to find out that resurrection power is still living among us as we face these days with eyes wide open. And we say these words again in the midst of fear and in the midst of hope for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all. 

Christ is risen. Christ is risen indeed. Even in America. 

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.

Ministerial Committee Update – March 2025

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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 March 5, 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.   

  • Beverly Benner Miller – Plains (PA) Mennonite (Associate Pastor)  

Change in Status/Transitions 

Transfers 

  • Matthew Peterson – Deep Run East (Perkasie, PA), from Ohio Conference to Mosaic Conference
  • Mim Book – active without charge, from Mosaic Conference to Atlantic Coast Conference
  • Jim Lapp – retired, from Mosaic Conference to Atlantic Coast Conference 
     

Reactivated 

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 Mennonite Conference. Mosaic Conference is not responsible for the actions of a person holding this status.   

  • Tim Moyer, Bally (PA) Mennonite 

Committee Discussions  

Credentialing Renewal Status – The committee reviewed the status of the credential renewal process, noting with gratitude that through the diligent work of conference staff and the prompt response of our credentialed leaders, all but three credentialed leaders in Mosaic Conference have completed this process.  The committee discussed next steps for the outstanding individuals.   

Process Regarding Misconduct Allegations – The committee discussed its process for responding to allegations of misconduct and/or credentials leaders acting at variance with conference policies. The committee reviewed proposed amendments to our current process and will continue refining these proposals in the coming months.   

Addressing abuse – a brief discussion of the ongoing work of our Addressing Abuse Committee. There are currently no active allegations of abuse. 

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.

Anabaptism at 500: What Anabaptism Means to Me – April 2025

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As Mosaic Mennonite Conference commemorates the 500th Anniversary of Anabaptism in 2025, each month we will share a variety of Mosaic voices reflecting on the question, “What does Anabaptism mean to me?”  

Submission from

Angela Moyer Walter, Mosaic Conference Moderator

On Commemorating Anabaptism at 500 this year:

I value the opportunity to celebrate the witness to a separation of church and state in order to bear witness to God’s upside down kingdom; the testimony to the power of nonviolent love; the commitment to service and simplicity; an emphasis on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus; and building shalom in our relationships with God, others, self, and all of creation.

It is also an opportunity to acknowledge and lament the ways in which we have created conflict and violence through misuses of power via colonialism, racism, classism, and sexism and commit to the work of transparency, reconciliation, and restoration that the Spirit of Christ empowers us for.

Lastly, this year’s celebration creates an opportunity for us to pause and listen to and observe the Spirit’s leading. What unexpected places might she lead us? What surprises may be in store for us? I commit to following wherever the Spirit leads.  

Submission from

Letty Cortes Castro, Centro de Alabanza de Filadelfia (PA)

(English Translation Below)

El anabuatismo para mí significa fortalecer la fe a través del testimonio de los reformadores del siglo xvi, quienes dieron su propia vida por defender su fe. El anabautismo es compartir con otros la importancia de ser puentes de paz y reconciliación en medio de la violencia; es vivir un estilo de vida basado en el ejemplo de Jesús, ayudando a los más vulnerables compartiéndoles el evangelio, llevándolos a reconocer que necesitan un Salvador, pero también enseñándoles a salir adelante en su vida personal (hay un proverbio chino que dice enséñale a pescar y comerá el resto de su vida).  

El anabautismo es compartir en comunidad las escrituras, los valores y la ética moral donde hombres y mujeres deciden voluntariamente ser seguidores y discípulos de Jesús, mostrando su compromiso y obediencia, haciendo público su deseo de ser bautizados como adultos por decisión propia. Pertenecer a una comunidad cristiana anabautista es hacer una misión integral donde son atendidos todos los miembros desde el anciano hasta el más pequeño, cubriendo sus necesidades espirituales, físicas y emocionales, basados en las escrituras  donde el enfoque es Cristo céntrico, el discipulado, el servicio, la alabanza  y la preparación teológica.  

English Translation:

Anabautismo (Anabaptism), for me, means strengthening faith through the testimony of the 16th-century reformers who gave their lives to defend their faith. Anabautismo is about sharing with others the importance of being bridges of peace and reconciliation in the midst of violence; it is about living a lifestyle based on Jesus’ example, helping the most vulnerable by sharing the gospel with them, leading them to recognize that they need a Savior, but also teaching them how to overcome challenges in their personal lives (there is a Chinese proverb that says, “Teach them to fish, and they will eat for the rest of their lives”).  

Anabautismo is about sharing scriptures, values, and moral ethics in community, where men and women voluntarily choose to be followers and disciples of Jesus, demonstrating their commitment and obedience, publicly expressing their desire to be baptized as adults by their own decision. Belonging to an Anabaptist Christian community is engaging in integral mission, where all members, from the elderly to the youngest, are attended to, covering their spiritual, physical, and emotional needs, based on scriptures with a Christ-centered focus on discipleship, service, praise, and theological preparation. 

Submission from

Jenny Fujita, Blooming Glen (PA) Mennonite 

I’m finishing seminary and the last student left in my Anabaptist studies program. That sounds like bad news but it’s not. My classes are now so thoroughly Anabaptist that we no longer need a program named after what we’re learning. Students and professors consistently share examples of faith communities that revolve around Jesus and strive for reconciling peace. Today, Anabaptism is transdenominational. It is not ours alone.  

For 500 years Anabaptists have been living out the risky love of God together with discipline, perseverance, joy, and sometimes pain. The rooster did not crow even once for the early Anabaptists.  

Today, I am being formed by Anabaptists around me — extraordinary people who don’t even know how special they are. They humbly give kidneys to strangers, tell Pennsylvania Dutch tales about a simpler time, plant trees, raise money for deworming medicine for the world’s children, minister to veterans with moral injuries, host hymn sings as an act of worship, store hundreds of copy paper boxes in their garage for annual school kit assemblies, buy shoes in bulk to send to Honduras, visit lonely elders, deliver roasted chickens to the doorsteps of the sick and grieving, knit prayer shawls, bring farm surpluses to hungry families, and more. 

I witness these acts of radical love every day, and the world is noticing, too. Onlookers are magnetized by the authentic ways Anabaptists follow Jesus’ example. What could be more attractive (and necessary) in today’s world? 

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.

Dr. Joseph Manickam to Support Mosaic Conference in Partnership Development

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Dr. Joseph Manickam, Executive Director of Arelti, has begun a six-month contract (February-August 2025) to support Mosaic Mennonite Conference with partnership development. 

In early February, Manickam accompanied a delegation to visit Conference-Related Ministry Peace Proclamation Ministries International in India. He has been asked to also meet with other global and U.S. community-center based Conference-Related Ministries. He will also support the Mosaic Conference Board in conversations about partnership with other Mennonite organizations, as well as provide accompaniment to Mosaic Executive Ministers and priority team leaders. 

“We are asking Dr. Manickam to help us continue to deepen intercultural awareness and think about partnerships in ways that aren’t colonial or paternalistic,” shared Executive Conference Minister Stephen Kriss. 

“His experience as the son of mission workers from India to Thailand; with Pacific Southwest Conference in California; and in leading Mennonite organizations are all valuable as the Conference tries to understand the possibilities that exist in partnerships outside the U.S. in ways that are healthy, mutual, and strengths-based.” 

Kriss continued, “Joe’s work with Mosaic Conference comes at a critical time as we discern and navigate our relationship with Mennonite Church USA and work to define what a robust partnership could look like.” 

Mosaic Mennonite Conference occasionally works with outside consultants to navigate critical issues and changing contexts, as it did with Grovider to develop the current strategic plan. 

When asked why Dr. Manickam agreed to this work, he responded, “I continue to believe in the church’s ability, as broken as it may be, to transform our communities toward a greater alignment with God’s Reign on this earth.”  

“I look forward to networking and connecting with Mosaic’s missional energy. Mosaic is in a space of missional curiosity right now, and I sense this curiosity is aligned with the movement of the Holy Spirit around the world,” he continued.  

Manickam will also serve as the keynote speaker at the upcoming Oasis gathering for Mosaic Pastors of Color in May, on the topic “Living as Diaspora People.” 
 
Dr. Joseph A. Manickam was born in Chiang Mai, Thailand to Paul and Mano Manickam, missionaries sent by the Church of South India to Thailand in 1958. The youngest of six children, Joseph grew up in a family deeply committed to seeing God’s Love translated into the local context crossing social barriers of many forms as he and his family continually swung between a South Indian home, a western school system, and living among the Thai people. Joseph married Wanda Wyse in 1994 in Yoder, Kansas and they have two children. Manickam is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Arelti, a nonprofit organization focused on walking with the oppressed to foster hope through the transformation of communities on the margins. 

He served as the ninth president of Hesston College in Hesston, Kansas, and as Director of the Institute of Religion, Culture, and Peace and faculty member for Peace Studies at Payap University in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Previously he served in Thailand for three years with Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Canada as Director of the Central-Southern and Northeast Asia Program, and earlier in his career, he was Director of the MCC Asia Program and Associate Director of the Center for Anabaptist Leadership in California. 

Dr. Manickam earned a B.A. in Communications from Goshen College (Goshen, Ind.) and an M.A. and Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary (Pasadena, Calif.). He has also previously served on the boards of The Mennonite and Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (Elkhart, Ind.), and his academic interests include Race/Ethnic Studies and Interreligious Engagement. Manickam’s relational abilities and his strong intercultural competency have been common threads in his work. His doctoral dissertation at Fuller focused on “A Study of Race, Culture and Ethnicity in Mennonite Church USA.”

Mosaic values two-way communication and encourages our constituents to respond with feedback, questions, or encouragement. To interact with this article, please email communication@mosaicmennonites.org.

March 2025 Mosaic Conference Board Report

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Mosaic Conference Moderator Angela Moyer Walter and Assistant Moderator Roy Williams report on the March 26, 2025 board meeting, including updates on the strategic plan, Spring Assembly gatherings throughout April, continued conversation with MC USA on ministry partnership, the dates for the Fall Assembly, and announcing the next Conference Assistant Moderator.

Mosaic values two-way communication and encourages our constituents to respond with feedback, questions, or encouragement. To interact with this article, please email communication@mosaicmennonites.org.

Two Congregations Leave Mosaic Conference

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In 2025, there have been two congregations that have left Mosaic Conference.  

Vincent Mennonite (Spring City, PA) voted on December 8, 2024, to leave the Conference. The vote passed by 77% and disaffiliation was pending a vote to amend the congregation’s constitution in January. A constitution amendment passed on January 26, 2025, to reflect the December vote to disaffiliate from Mosaic Conference.  

Mosaic Conference continues to hold the credentials of Pastor Dave Mansfield.  

Salem Mennonite (Quakertown, PA) voted on February 23, 2025, by a 92% majority to withdraw from Mosaic Conference. In a letter dated March 9, their leadership team wrote, “This decision stems from theological differences, which we initially outlined in a letter sent to the Conference Board in July 2022.”  

As Salem seeks affiliation with another conference, their leadership said they would remain in touch with their Leadership Minister Noel Santiago. Mosaic will maintain the credentials of Bruce Eglinton-Woods and Bob Helverson for up to a year.  

“I deeply appreciate the leaders and members at Salem and their dedication to God’s kingdom work in Quakertown and beyond,” reflected Santiago. “I’m also grateful for how they’ve kept Mosaic Conference leadership involved and allowed this process to unfold to this point. I sincerely desire God’s best for them as they follow their calling and ministry.”  

Swamp Mennonite (Quakertown, PA), which voted last fall to end its affiliation with Mosaic Conference, has not determined a departure date as it discerns its affiliation with a different conference.  

Executive Minister Stephen Kriss shared, “We lament these decisions of changed relationships with sibling communities. We celebrate what God has done through our shared ministry together and we release them to pursue the Spirit’s call for their communities. And we continue to trust the reconciling love of Jesus.” 

Creating Spaces for Ministry: Glenn Nemath Joins Mosaic as Director of Real Estate

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by Brendan Sagastume

“I believe real estate is more than just managing properties, it’s about creating spaces that allow ministries to flourish and communities to grow,” shares Glenn Nemath (Blooming Glen [PA]), who serves as the Director of Real Estate for the FMC Properties Board of Mosaic Mennonite Conference (the property-holding company of the Conference). 

In this role, Nemath helps steward Mosaic’s properties, ensuring they serve the needs of congregations both now and for future generations. “This position allows me to use my gifts in real estate and business while supporting my calling to walk with Jesus Christ,” he reflects. “It also feeds my conviction to serve others.” 

Nemath has been engaged with Mosaic Conference for more than two decades, offering his expertise in various capacities since 2001. Over the years, he has supported congregations, served on the Properties Board, and participated in search committees, always seeking ways to help faith communities thrive.  

Recently, Nemath was chair of the FMC Properties Board, and Conrad Martin served as Director of Finance and Director of FMC’s Properties Board. Martin retired from his roles with Mosaic Conference in October 2024. After Nemath moved into the role of Director of Real Estate, Bryan Hunsberger (Souderton [PA] Mennonite) became the chair of the FMC Properties Board. 

A natural problem solver, Nemath thrives on finding creative solutions—whether in real estate, business, or everyday challenges. “I think outside the box and look at challenges as opportunities to create something better,” he shares. 

In this role, Nemath looks forward to collaborating with others to ensure Mosaic’s properties are well-managed and continue to bless the communities they serve. “I want to help create spaces that support ministry and bring people together in meaningful ways,” he says. 

Originally from Horsham, PA, Nemath now resides in Doylestown, PA. Outside of his work with Mosaic, he enjoys real estate investing, boating, biking, and exploring great food. He also makes time for live performances, whether concerts, theater, or other events. 

Brendan Sagastume

Brendan Sagastume is an Intercultural Communication Associate for Mosaic Conference.

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