Mosaic Mennonites

Missional - Intercultural - Formational

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A Pilgrimage of Formation: The Call of Pastor Juan José Rivera (Seguidores de Cristo, Sarasota, FL)

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Pastor Juan José Rivera (right) sings together with Leadership Minister Marco Güete (left) and Tomás Ramírez (center, Luz y Vida Mennonite) at a Mosaic Florida pastors meeting in February 2024, at Pastor Secundino Casa’s ranch in Tampa.

The Lord called me to establish 25 churches, travel to different places, and form new leaders. 

As a youth in Honduras, I took a chance at serving as an altar boy in my Catholic church for a while. I wanted to confirm for myself that the Catholic church was the true one, and in a way, contradict the Evangelical church. However, when I noticed time and time again the priest could not answer my questions, and the Christian pastor always could, God began to call me to a different path. 

My conversion to Protestantism caused fights between my parents and me. They forced me to decide between them or my religion. I tried to explain, “it’s not religion, it’s Jesus,” but my mother kicked me out of her house. Thus, a pilgrimage began in my life. 

In my newfound independence there was of course the need to survive, but I did not want to leave the church. I began studying and obtained a bachelor’s degree in psychology at the National Autonomous University of Honduras (UNAH). 

There was a pastor and some church members who helped me complete my theological studies. I studied with the church Iglesia de la Santidad, where I was taught through a Bible institute not unlike today’s Anabaptist Bible Institute (IBA). Afterward, I went to seminary in Costa Rica for three years. 

I later taught as part of a missionary outreach program with Lancaster Mennonite Conference (LMC) and obtained a certificate from the Anabaptist Hispanic Biblical Seminary (SeBAH). 

While studying in the Semilla Seminary in Honduras, I was invited to work with LMC in the U.S. I arrived there in 1988 with my wife Elena and my children Isaac, Islia Edith, Jacer (born in Honduras), and later, my son Wolseley was born in New Jersey. 

In Camden (NJ) I established the church Iglesia Menonita Manantial de Vida (Fountain of Life) as an LMC church. I was a member of the council of Hispanic Mennonite churches in Pennsylvania and participated as coordinator of the Mennonite churches in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.  

Years later, I read in a Mennonite newspaper that they were looking for leaders to help consolidate a Mennonite church in Sarasota, Florida. I went to Sarasota with the goal of establishing the congregation, which consisted of newcomers. Marco Güete recommended that we join Mosaic Conference. 

This has been just a little of what I have done in my ministry. The theme of establishing congregations has been present in my life since I was young. God calls me to train leaders using Jesus’ method described in Matthew 28:19 (NLT): “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” 

Signs of Hope and the Butterfly Effect 

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by Margaret Zook

Amid so much violence, loneliness, and deep despair in our world, even in our church communities, I am asked by many, “How are you finding hope this year?”  

My response, usually, is that I have a large, loving family, the work of Mosaic inspires me, the small signs of spring assure me, and my congregation cares for the community. I follow the encouragement of Lizzie Moyer, the matron of Souderton Mennonite Homes (1927-1952), “Look to Jesus.” My trust in the Lord and the choice and freedom to follow in the path of Jesus, all these give me hope.   

But where is the hope in response to the world’s suffering?  

I see the hope in the depth, width, and impact of the Conference-Related Ministries (CRMs) in their communities.:   

  • On the porch of Ripple Community, Inc. in Allentown (PA) where the door opens to all with a snack, a bathroom, a table and a friendly hello.  
  • At the homes of Peaceful Living (Harleysville, PA) where belonging and acceptance are always present for people of all abilities.  
  • At Bike and Sol (East Greenville, PA) where the dedicated service center makes rebuilt bike magic happen. 
  • At Living Branches (Souderton, PA) where a friend is just a door away.  
  • In the village children of Honduras served by Healthy Niños and in the pastors of India accompanied by Peace Proclamation Ministries.  

This is hope in what Dr. Betty Pries calls “the butterfly effect.” The idea that the distant beating of butterfly wings over time and space may produce a whirlwind elsewhere in the world. Making a difference.   

The CRMs beat their wings over the world to bring hope, healing, education, and belonging to their communities.  

Every small act of showing up well for one another, leading with kindness, and sowing small seeds of hope makes a difference. “Make a difference in someone’s life every day,” encouraged Kathryn Kulp, former Administrator at Hatfield Home (1969-1987, now The Willows, part of CRM Living Branches).  

These small acts of love, one person at a time, may be the butterfly wings’ whirlwind. While these acts won’t stop the wars, violence, or climate crisis, they bring peace to the people that they touch.  

Doing their best in what they’ve been called to do, working with what is available, our CRMs create community, connections, and support. They are butterfly wings of caring, loving, and sharing that whisper hope into the community. They give me hope for our church and our future.  

Will you join me in praying for the leaders of our CRMs (from the Voices Together hymnal, #968)?          

God who calls you to this ministry,  

grant you grace, joy and endurance 

Guide and empower you for service 

Fill you with the gifts you need 

And may the one whose love unites us as the body of Christ  
strengthen us to live and proclaim the gospel together.   

voices together hymnal, #968

This reflection was inspired by one written by Dr. Betty Pries in December 2023.  

Margaret Zook

Margaret Zook is the Director of Collaborative Ministries for Mosaic Conference. She and husband, Wib, are members of Salford Mennonite Church and live in Harleysville, PA.

Supporting Indonesian Families of Children with Disabilities in Philadelphia

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by Hendy Matahelemual

Amid Philadelphia’s hustle and bustle, an extraordinary initiative has emerged that aims to be an information and support hub for families with children with disabilities. This project, known as the Indonesia Cares for Children with Special Needs (PIPA) Project, was initiated by three inspiring women: Britannia Worotikan, Ernie Budy, and Lusiana Soegianto. They unite their strength and passion to provide support for Indonesian immigrant families with children with disabilities living in Philadelphia. 

(from left to right) Lusiana Soegianto, Ernie Budy and Britannia Worotikan. Photo by Hendy Matahelemual.

The PIPA project is rooted in Britannia Worotikan’s personal experience. After the COVID-19 pandemic, Britannia taught in a preschool that had children with disabilities. She has a certificate in teaching special education. From that experience, Britannia realized that access to resources and support for children with disabilities is abundant in Philadelphia. After consulting with Pastor Aldo Siahaan (Philadelphia [PA] Praise Center [PPC]), Britannia took the initiative to form a community that could provide support for Indonesian immigrant families in Philadelphia. 

During her journey, Britannia met Lusiana Soegianto and Ernie Budy, two women who have experience and a deep understanding of the needs of children with disabilities. Not only do they have personal experience as parents, Ernie and Lusiana have also worked at Elwyn, an early intervention organization for children with autism, and intellectual and developmental disabilities.  

Children activities. Photo from PIPA’s Facebook Page.

Although the pandemic delayed their plans, PIPA persisted. They launched PIPA with their first meeting in March 2023. They meet every month, covering topics according to the needs of the group, such as education, legal issues, benefits, transition to adulthood, and preparation for college. 

One of the obstacles faced by immigrant families with children with disabilities is language barriers. Many have difficulty accessing information or getting support from the city government. PIPA seeks to remove those barriers by providing support, liaising between families, and teaching that children with disabilities are not taboo or shameful. 

Apart from their monthly meetings, PIPA also provides a WhatsApp group which offers 24/7 support, and a Facebook group to promote communication and connection. With support from PPC, PIPA is open to anyone, with an approach that is more community-oriented than faith-based. 

One of the education class in PIPA. Photo from PIPA’s Facebook Page.

PIPA’s existence at PPC means that more families with children with disabilities feel comfortable bringing their children to Sunday school. This increases disability awareness within the PPC community. 

When asked about PIPA’s vision and goals, Worotikan stated, “To educate and increase awareness. There are 13 categories of special needs, and we can share the knowledge we have with each other.”  

PIPA’s monthly meeting in Philadelphia Praise Center.

Budy added, “I hope this group can be sustainable and continue to support each other as needs grow in our community.” 

With a strong spirit and determination, PIPA brings hope and enlightenment as a support for families in Philadelphia who have children with disabilities. 

“We must give back to the community what we have learned. By sharing knowledge and information in the Indonesian language, we can help each other,” said Soegianto. 

Hendy Matahelemual

Hendy Matahelemual is the Associate Minister for Community Engagement for Mosaic Conference. Hendy Matahelemual was born and grew up in the city of Bandung, Indonesia. Hendy lives in Philadelphia with his wife Marina and their three boys, Judah, Levi and Asher.

Sharing Joys and Challenges with PPMI in India 

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by Danilo Sanchez

At the end of January, I was privileged to join a trip to India with Peace Proclamation Ministries (PPMI), a Conference-Related Ministry. The Conference was grateful to receive the invitation to join Paulus, the founder of PPMI, on this trip and invest program funds for staff to participate. Since 2011, PPMI has sent teams to India to offer eye clinics, borewells for drinking water, and especially to host pastors’ conferences and women’s conferences that teach biblical knowledge and encourage a witness to people of other religious faiths. 

Pastors and their spouses gather for a day of Bible learning with PPMI for the first time in the town of Mancherial. 
Danilo Sanchez, left, hands out a pair of prescription eyeglasses to someone who needs them. 

On this trip, we traveled to three regions in south-central India to encourage pastors and their spouses in their ministry. Our focus was leadership, discipleship and looking at Jesus through the scriptures. For the first time, PPMI was able to host a gathering for pastors and spouses in the rural town of Mancherial. About 10 pastors and spouses joined for the day to hear sermons about faith during persecution and how to build up God’s church. We passed out prescription eyeglasses and got to hear about what God is doing in that region. A church building had recently been rebuilt after heavy floods had washed it away, and we were able to talk with the pastor and pray for the building. 

In the town of Khammam, we celebrated with a church that had received help for electrical work from PPMI. We sang worship songs in the Telugu language and raised our voices in thanksgiving. The sounds of praise from voices, drums, and tambourines echoed off the walls. The faith and joy of the people was refreshing to my spirit.  

Danilo Sanchez, center, offers teaching from the scriptures at a church in the town of Khammam. PPMI supported the electrical work for this church building.
Pastors and their spouses who were present for a teaching gathering with PPMI in the town of Khammam.

The next day, we met with 35 pastors and their spouses for a day of teaching. The pastors were deeply encouraged and challenged. One pastor shared that he was struggling with God’s call for him, but this gathering confirmed God’s presence in his life. Another pastor shared that he was ridiculed by unbelievers because he had been struggling financially for many years. But the pastor did not become discouraged; as he remained faithful, so did God. Now his ministry is growing, and he is giving God all the praise.  

The final town we visited was Kondapalli. There we celebrated with a church that was dedicating an addition to their building which would allow the pastor to live there and save his family money. There was also a room for bible study or teaching children. These additions were possible because of PPMI’s support. We enjoyed a delicious meal with the church community.  

Danilo Sanchez, center, cuts the ribbon for the dedication of an addition to the church building for a community in the town of Kondapalli.
The church community in the town of Kondapalli gathers for a meal to celebrate the dedication of their church building’s addition.

The next day we gathered with 10 pastors and spouses for our final teaching gathering in Guntur. Once a month the pastors of this area gather to pray for each other, share updates, build relationships, and grow in faith. The PPMI pastor network is strong and growing.  

As a member of the Conference staff, I was grateful to preach to and teach these pastors and their spouses. Many of them were about my age and we shared similar joys and challenges. My own faith was challenged and renewed. The trip broadened my intercultural capacity, and I gathered new insights for the intercultural work of the Conference.  

Pastors and their spouses who were present for a teaching gathering with PPMI in the town of Guntur.

The relationship with PPMI as a Conference-Related Ministry helps expand our Conference’s global mindset. I invite you to continue to pray for our brothers and sisters who are trying to live as faithful witnesses in India, because we need them, and they need us. 

Danilo Sanchez

Danilo Sanchez is the Leadership Minister for Intercultural Transformation for Mosaic Conference. Danilo Sanchez lives in Allentown with his wife Mary and two daughters. He is a pastor at Ripple and leads in the areas of leadership development, discipleship, and teaching. Danilo also works part-time with the housing program of Ripple Community Inc as the Community Life Director.

Caring for Others: The call of José Andrés Mendoza (Encuentro de Renovación, Miami, FL) 

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Transcribed and translated by Andrés Castillo

José Andrés Mendoza and his family.

I came from Honduras to the U.S. with the dream of returning to my country to start a business after two years, but my stay was prolonged. 

I was introduced to the Mennonite church through my wife, Mirtza, who was a part of Encuentro de Renovación congregation in Miami, Florida. At that time, the church had existed for about five years. 

I started studying through Instituto Bíblico Anabautista (Anabaptist Biblical Institute) because I wanted to know more about God. A brother from the church named Nicho motivated me to grow in my spiritual life. 

After a year of attending Encuentro, I married Mirtza. Soon after, I was invited to be a leader in the church. I didn’t know what gifts the church leaders saw in me. 

Suddenly, theological differences arose in the church. The pastor at the time preached the prosperity gospel, which some of us didn’t agree with. This caused the church to split. The pastor left, took most of the people with him, and we were left with five or six members. 

Seeing the need, God pushed me into pastorship. If God had given me the option, I would not have chosen to be a pastor, but for one reason or another, nobody else was able to take on the responsibility. I had a desire to care for others—I did home visitation with my wife—but I had never thought about doing it with the title of “pastor.”  

Encuentro restarted with the members that remained. Some leaders from the Southeast Mennonite Conference and Homestead Mennonite Church helped us with ideas for how to continue as a church. We continued evangelizing and inviting people, and the church started to be filled again. 

Although I have been actively pastoring, sometimes I have doubts if God has called me to ministry. I wonder, “Why didn’t God call someone more prepared?” 

In my initial role as an interim pastor, I suffered from a partial facial paralysis. The doctor asked me, “Do you worry? Are you stressed? Something caused this.” I realized that I was trying to solve other people’s problems, ones that were out of my control. 

In 2020, the pandemic came, bringing another new beginning to the church. A couple of years later, we received another blow: a new Florida law that forced many of our congregants to flee the state.  

Today we have a congregation of about 20 members. Some are long-time members, and some are new. Past events have helped us understand that the church belongs to God, not to us. When we realize this, we can rest and know that there is hope, that someday, God will multiply our church. 

At Encuentro de Renovación we believe in mutual transformation carried out through companionship and communion. It is a multicultural church that faces difficulties, but we share in meals and other activities. We also provide an opportunity to give feedback after the sermons, which are not given only by me. 

My wife Mirtza and I have three daughters: Jocelyn (29), Johanna (27) and Marlyn (26). We like to read, watch movies and go for walks in the park. 

Remembering Anthonia Chibuzo Onye

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Mosaic Conference celebrates the life of Anthonia Chibuzo Onye (May 18, 1971 to Jan. 12, 2024), who had previously served as assistant pastor, deaconess, and member of LA (CA) Faith Chapel.  

More recently Onye had served as a regional minister for Southern California for Pacific Southwest Mennonite Conference (PSMC), on the Mennonite Mission Network board of directors, and the founder of “In the Loving Arms Ministries.” (learn more in the article from Mennonite Church USA celebrating Onye’s life) 

LA Faith Chapel hosted her homecoming service on Saturday, Feb. 24. Pastor Ertell Whigham was in attendance, and reflected, “It was an honor to represent Mosaic Conference during the Celebration of Life of LA Faith’s Pastor Sister Anthonia Onye. LA Faith Chapel’s celebration of the life and ministry of Pastor Onye was a spectacular witness to the transformative impact of a faithful servant of God.  

From the tribute shared by her son Chibike, to the commendations from others, her life and call to ministry in the church, community, and secular profession garnered words of appreciation such as “loving, wise, honorable, faithful, and committed”. 

Whigham continued, “The intercultural representation of those present was striking, as was the expressed appreciation for Pastor Onye and LA Faith’s relationship with our Anabaptist community. LA Faith Chapel is a resource for leadership development and community ministry and is a special gift to Mosaic Conference.” 

During the service, Whigham offered a resolution which read, in part, “We, the Executive Team of Mosaic Mennonite Conference…express our condolences and respect in memory of our sister in Christ, Anthonia Chibuzo Onye. 

We express our love and sympathy to sister Anthonia’s family, Pastor Chuwang Pam and his wife, Pastor Grace Pam, the pastors of LA Faith Chapel, and the brothers and sisters of LA Faith Chapel. We mourn with those who mourn, and we celebrate the life of our sister, whose testimony of a life lived in Christ’s footsteps, impacts the lives of those in this congregation, this community, Pacific Southwest Mennonite Conference, Mennonite Church USA, and beyond. 

May the testimony of her love for Jesus, commitment to peace, justice, reconciliation and service in the name of Christ continue to ripple out to those who need salvation and bring repentance and transformation in the name of Jesus. May the legacy of love she showed to her family, the church and the larger community continue to challenge us to love the Lord our God with all our hearts, our souls, and our strength and to love our neighbors as ourselves. 

May the community of faith today be encouraged by the words of 2 Corinthians 1:3,4 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”  

Responding to God’s Call: Donella Clemens

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by Eileen Kinch

When Donella Clemens was nominated to be the Mennonite Church’s moderator-elect in 1990, she took time to pray and think. She was the first woman to be nominated for this position, and she knew some people might not appreciate it. But, as she pointed out in Franconia Conference News at the time, “The call came from the church; therefore, it must be the church’s issue to deal with, not mine.” 

Clemens grew up in Belleville, Pa., in what had been the Conservative Mennonite Conference, now Rosedale Network. Her uncles were in leadership positions, and two of them were bishops. They strongly believed that if the church calls someone to do something, one must say yes; the voice of the church is as the voice of God. So Clemens said yes to the invitation to be the Mennonite Church’s moderator. 

She also said yes to other invitations. She became Franconia Conference’s first woman moderator in 1997. She was also the first woman board chair of Christopher Dock Mennonite High School (now Dock Academy).  

“Countless times I was the only woman on a committee,” she said. Sometimes she suggested ideas and the men did not listen. Then a man on the committee would make the same suggestions, and the rest of the committee implemented them. At times Clemens felt resistance from men but chose to interpret the resistance in a productive way. Her background in social work helped her navigate that resistance on many occasions. 

Donella Clemens, left, with her granddaughter, Katherine. Photo provided by Donna Clemens.

Clemens never sought leadership roles; they came to her. “I … feel so strongly that it’s out of God’s call on my life, that these calls came…. It’s what God put in front of me.” 

During her time as Franconia Conference moderator, Clemens felt it was God’s direction that Eastern District and Franconia Conference work together. 

“Jesus so clearly talks about having us come together…to work together and to be a light that loves each other,” Clemens said in a recent interview. She enjoyed the many committees that formed between members of Franconia Conference and Eastern District Conference around common interests and activities. One committee involved passionate librarians from each conference. 

Donella Clemens, bottom right, with her husband Wayne, bottom left, and grandchildren, at Christmas 2023. Photo by Donella Clemens.

A challenge for Clemens during her time as Franconia Conference moderator was discussion around homosexuality that resulted in Germantown being removed fromout Franconia Conference. The way people were treating each other at the time “was much worse than any decision that we would make” as a conference, she said.  

Clemens hopes that energy that goes into division can instead be put toward the love of Jesus. When the body of Christ comes together and learns to know each other through the love of Jesus, Clemens said, “everyone benefits.” 

Clemens served briefly as Franconia’s delegate to the General Board of the Mennonite Church. In 2000, she joined the Franconia Conference Ministry Team for six years and worked with Pennsylvania congregations Blooming Glen, Plains, Perkasie, and Deep Run East, as well as the congregations in Vermont. 

Since then, she served on the board of what is now called Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary. She has helped congregations with pastoral searches. She has also served on numerous committees and the ministry team at Perkasie (PA) Mennonite, her home congregation.  

We are grateful for Donella Clemens’ work to help lay the foundation of what would become Mosaic Conference, as well as to encourage others to respond to the call of God and the church. 

Eileen Kinch

Eileen Kinch holds a Master of Divinity degree, with an emphasis in the Ministry of Writing, from Earlham School of Religion. She and her husband, Joel Nofziger, who serves as director of the Mennonite Heritage Center in Harleysville, live near Tylersport, PA. They attend Methacton Mennonite Church. Eileen is also a member of Keystone Fellowship Friends Meeting in Lancaster County.

Supporting Mosaic Leaders in Holistic Wellness

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by Jennifer Svetlik

“Pastors are a gift to the church. Our role as a broader church community is to steward those gifts,” reflects Franco Salvatori, Stewardship Consultant at Everence. “For us at Everence, that means helping pastors find a healthy work-life balance and financial freedom in the context of their calling in God’s kingdom.”  

On March 3-4, 2024, 80 people, including more than 40 credentialed leaders, their spouses, and other Mosaic leaders from California, Florida, and Pennsylvania participated in a “Mosaic Leadership Day Away” in scenic Lambertville, NJ along the Delaware River.  

The Day Away was aimed at supporting pastors and their spouses in prioritizing holistic wellness, and was sponsored by Everence’s Pastoral Financial Wellness Program, funded, in part, by the Lilly Endowment Inc. 

The time of fellowship and retreat opened with a dinner and multi-instrumental, inspiring entertainment by Makinto (LA [CA] Faith Chapel) and Friends. Participants were drawn into the story as they laughed, reflected, and danced with gusto.  

The following day offered times of energetic, multilingual worship led by Dr. Rashard Allen (Neffsville [Lancaster, PA]), Laura Leatherman Alderfer (Salford [Harleysville, PA] and Methacton [Norristown, PA]), and Cindy Angela, Director of Communication (Philadelphia [PA] Praise Center). A prayer team from Zion (Souderton, PA) was onsite to pray for leaders, their families, and their ministries, and a time of anointing was offered.  

Associate Executive Minister Marta Castillo and Leadership Minster for Missional Transformation Noel Santiago led sessions focused on Sabbath Rest. The sessions included small and large group reflection on sabbath practices in times of unrest and stress, Jesus as Lord of the Sabbath, and how the Spirit moves us to receive the gift of rest.  

Rest was also part of the Day Away, with massage sessions available, and an extended break that allowed participants to walk and explore the town.  

“Being a new pastor, I was glad to meet other pastors within Mosaic and share what we have in common as the Body of Christ,” shared Joe Brooks, pastor of College Hill Mennonite (Tampa, FL). “I received a very warm welcome, and I really enjoyed the music! I am grateful to further my leadership training and to think about how our church life and financial lives are connected.”  

Two sessions were offered on financial and holistic wellness, and one-on-one sessions with Everence Financial Advisors were also made available to participants. 

“Pastors face unique challenges when it comes to financial wellness, in their own lives, and the dynamics of their conversations,” shared Everence Managing Director Randy Nyce during a presentation on Developing Financial Wellness. “Pastors are not trained as nonprofit leaders, yet they often find themselves needing to function that way, knowing how to read balance sheets and raise funds.”  

“I found the financial sessions most interesting,” shared Dania Maritza Hernández, pastor of Peña de Horeb (Philadelphia, PA). “It is very important for pastors to understand how to do business; it allows us to have a stronger vision for our congregations’ future and the work God has called us to.”  

The final session was led by Leonard Dow, Everence Vice President of Community and Church Development, on Developing Holistic Wellness. Drawing from Zec 4:10, Dow invited leaders to pay attention to the “small beginnings” that God is birthing in our communities, that will bring God honor.  

As pastors and leaders left to return to their congregations and ministries, they felt refreshed, more connected to others in ministry, and more resourced for their work.  

Jennifer Svetlik

Jennifer is Communication Associate/Editor for Mosaic. She grew up near Houston, TX and spent a decade living in intentional community in Washington DC, before moving to Lansdale, PA with her spouse, Sheldon Good. She is a graduate of the University of Texas and Washington Theological Seminary. She serves as Children’s Faith Formation Director at Salford Mennonite (Harleysville, PA). Jenn has two elementary-school-aged children and loves biking, camping, gardening, and vermicomposting with her family.