Mosaic Mennonites

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Searching for Sabbath

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by Margaret Zook

“Be careful to keep my Sabbath day, for the Sabbath is a sign of the covenant between me and you from generation to generation.”

– Exodus 31:13a, NLT 

As a child, I understood sabbath to mean that Sunday was for worship and to rest, in community. After going to church, visiting over dinner and reading were both permitted, but organized sports and shopping were not. Worship was rich with singing, bible stories, and friends. Rest was defined as “not working.”  

Yet, women did the cooking and clean up for whomever would be invited for Sunday dinner. It was a time when daughters were in a transition point, with growing freedom to imagine there could be more. Sabbath was a time to learn about God, not a tradition bound to.   

“On the seventh day God… rested from all his work.”

– Genesis 2:2, NLT 

It was during the middle years of my life that I had the freedom to imagine what Sabbath could be, beyond Sunday attendance in worship and Sunday meal making. During the period of my life that involved education, marriage, children, and career, Sabbath meant a search to discover a personal “vertical” relationship with God. Sabbath was time found–a moment of quiet, a walk, a church in which to belong, a sermon, a talk, a prayer time. Sabbath was to live as someone who belongs to the Lord.  

“Then Jesus said to them, ‘The sabbath was made for humankind, and not humankind for the sabbath; so the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath’.”

– Mark 2:27-28, NRSV 

As the years have passed, Sabbath freedom now becomes a recognition of how my time on earth is finite; I’m facing my mortality. I now find Sabbath as delight, grace for reflection, and flexibility for unexpected opportunities. I see Sabbath as an invitation to observances and disciplines that bring God closer, and to discover things that nourish a soul and give respite from the demands of the everyday. Sabbath is to hold and to learn for what God has for today.   

“Remember the sabbath day and keep it holy.”

– Exodus 20:8, NRSV 

For all stages of life’s journey, I leave you with a few Sabbath ideas. Plan to set apart time for Sabbath, turn off technology, be present in community worship, engage in restful activities, spend time with loved ones, meditate on all of God’s creation, and make time for thoughtful prayer.  

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.

After Assembly, Three Congregations Vote on Affiliation with Mosaic Conference  

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At the Mosaic Conference Assembly in November, the delegates were asked to vote on the following ballot: “To affirm, with gratitude, the work and recommendation of the Pathway Steering Team to establish a robust partnership with Mennonite Church USA, and to bring recommended bylaw amendments for delegate discernment at the 2025 Mosaic Conference Assembly.”  The vote passed with 71% affirmation, which means that Mosaic Conference leadership will be working toward defining a relationship of partnership with Mennonite Church USA (MC USA).   

Following Assembly, the leadership of three Mosaic Conference congregations sought to discern their own relationship with Mosaic and Mennonite Church USA. Perkiomenville (PA), Swamp (Quakertown, PA) and Vincent (Spring City, PA) all had congregation votes related to affiliation with Mosaic Conference between November 10 and December 8.  

Perkiomenville

“When Mosaic announced a two-year Pathway plan at Assembly in 2022, Perk Church agreed to wait for the results of that process,” shared Mike Spinelli, Lead Pastor of Perkiomenville. “Church leadership understood that the 2024 recommendation from the Board did not result in a clear break from MC USA and asked for another year of processing.”  

Perkiomenville’s leadership called for a congregational meeting prior to the 2024 Assembly to give delegates guidance for voting. At that meeting, a member of the congregation moved for a resolution to disaffiliate with the Mosaic Conference since the vote this year was not a clear move toward leaving MC USA.  

This resolution was voted on at Perkiomenville’s annual business meeting two weeks later. “Discussion around the resolution included voices asking that the congregation not pass it and give Mosaic Conference one more year. This resulted in a vote that fell below our 67% threshold for major church decisions,” Spinelli shared. “As such, Perk Church will be a member of Mosaic through this year and will reconsider its ties to Mosaic when the new proposal is made in 2025.” 

Swamp 

Following the 2024 Assembly, Swamp’s Assembly delegates unanimously recommended to the Church Board that Swamp would leave Mosaic Mennonite Conference and shared this with the congregation. At Swamp’s member meeting a few weeks later, the Church Board shared a proposal, which had their unanimous recommendation, to “end Swamp Mennonite Church’s affiliation with Mosaic Mennonite Conference.”   

The text of the proposal indicates Swamp’s desire not to be an independent church and recognizes that a decision about future affiliation with a different conference will take time.  

The proposal also stated that during this transition period, “the congregation and its leaders may still partner with Mosaic for the sake of holding pastoral credentials, participating in the health insurance plan, and gaining counsel from the assigned Mosaic Leadership Minister.”

The vote passed by 92 percent. Details about the timing of Swamp’s departure from Mosaic Conference are still to be determined. 

“This is an especially difficult decision. We love Mosaic,” shared Lead Pastor Nathan Good in an email to Mosaic leadership. “We have invested time, energy, and resources, especially over the last decade. We have many important relationships within Mosaic. And the reality is that we agree with the Mosaic body on most things. There were many tears at our congregational meeting and at our Board meeting [prior to the vote].” 

Vincent 

On December 8, Vincent congregation moved toward disaffiliation with Mosaic, with a vote passing by 77 percent. It was initiated after a recommendation from the congregation’s elders stating ongoing disagreements with Mosaic Mennonite Conference. The ballot suggested that bylaws would be adjusted in January and that the congregation would move toward exploring new conference affiliations in 2025. The full disaffiliation would be recognized by Mosaic after the bylaw change is affirmed. 

“We recognize that some historic Mosaic congregations feel discomfort maintaining any connection to Mennonite Church USA. There is some tension around ongoing discernment about human sexuality within our Conference as well,” commented Stephen Kriss, Executive Minister. “I appreciate that these congregations remained in relationship with Mosaic while the Pathway process moved over the last two years. We honor their decisions and discernment. And we regret the potential loss of long-time member communities.”  

The Heart of Worship

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by Josh Meyer

I was recently asked to define worship in exactly six words. After a bit of thought, I offered the following answer, “Seeing God accurately and responding appropriately.” Anytime we get an accurate glimpse of who God is and are moved to respond, that’s worship. My friend, music director, and worship theologian Helen Eastburn puts it this way, “Worship is drawing near to God as God draws near to us.”

Another definition, offered by my former seminary professor, suggests that “the inner essence of worship is to know God truly and then respond by valuing God, treasuring God, prizing God, enjoying God, being satisfied with God above all earthly things. And then that deep, restful, joyful satisfaction in God overflows in demonstrable acts of praise from the lips and demonstrable acts of love in serving others for the sake of Christ.”   

I love how this definition emphasizes that: 

  • Worship begins with God  
  • Worship leads to deep, restful, joyful satisfaction in God  
  • Worship leads to praise from our lips  
  • Worship leads to acts of love in serving others  

Particularly in a consumeristic culture that trains us to evaluate experiences based on their enjoyment or benefit to us, I’ve found it helpful to be reminded that worship is not primarily about us. 

  • Exalting God is not about what we get out of it; it’s about choosing to praise and trust God regardless of our circumstances because we have faith that God is good. 
  • Worship is about giving God glory, not seeking to receive something for ourselves. We’ve already received – which is why we worship. Worship is a response. We’ve received the good news of Jesus Christ, the suffering, sacrificial love of a Father who sends the Son, and who sends the Spirit, so that we might be saved…in this life and in the age to come.
  • Worship is always, ultimately about God. 

A few years ago, I read a short post by pastor reflecting on the nature of worship.   

For the last three years I have had the immense privilege of serving in Honolulu. Yes, that Honolulu, in Hawaii. The one where the sun shines most every day, the temperature is always perfect, and the ocean is just a short walk away. What’s ironic about this is that I was born and raised in Anchorage. Yes, that Anchorage, in Alaska. While 7-year-olds here in Honolulu were learning the importance of sun safety and SPF, I was learning (the hard way) why not to lick the school flagpole in the middle of winter. Sometimes I feel like my life is one big contrast.  

Perhaps that is why I love the picture of worship in Leviticus 9:23-24. “When the people saw it (the Glory of God), they shouted for joy and fell facedown.” The people of Israel saw the glory of God and their appropriate response was to shout with joy AND fall facedown to the ground. It seems like the ultimate dichotomy, exuberance and contriteness, celebration and reverence.  

What an amazing visualization of this response to who God is, the worshipper bowing face to the ground but alight with a radiant smile! This paradox is our appropriate response to God. It’s not one or the other. It’s not even a balance between the two. It is both sides in all their fullness, together becoming our answer to the question of how we will respond to a glimpse of who God is.  

May we do that together as a people of faith across Mosaic Conference.  

May we see God accurately and respond appropriately.  

May we draw near to God as God draws near to us. 

May we bow in reverence and celebrate with joy.  

Josh Meyer

Josh Meyer is a Leadership Minister for Mosaic Conference.

Reflections on Seven Years with Mosaic Conference

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by Mary Nitzche

In the spring of 2017, I was invited to serve as Associate Executive Minister beginning July 1. For nearly five years I served in this role until my successor, Marta Castillo, began in February 2022. Since then, I have been gradually letting go of some responsibilities while assuming new roles. February 2022, I began a two-year administrative role with the Mosaic Board and Executive Committee. In January 2024, I was invited to a one-year interim Leadership Minister role with Hendy Matahelemual for our three Indonesian congregations in California. One role I continued throughout my tenure with Mosaic was serving as Leadership Minister for the Alpha, Fairfield, and Taftsville congregations. At the end of September, I will be fully retiring. (No more asks, Steve!)

As I reflect on my seven years with Mosaic Conference, relationships that formed brought me gratitude, joy, and challenge. 

Gratitude

I am so grateful for the team of colleagues I worked alongside. I value the comradery, and unique gifts, perspectives, and wisdom they each bring to our team.  

Each time I was ready to release responsibilities, one of our staff members was prepared and willing to assume the role. I am so grateful for competent, committed, and younger leaders who are serving well as I let go. The vision for developing younger leaders is bearing much fruit. 

I am grateful for our conference priorities, particularly nurturing intercultural connections. The diversity of our staff and member congregations reflects our intentionality and hard work of welcoming and becoming more culturally sensitive. 

Joys

Relationships with colleagues, pastors, conference and congregational leaders, and leaders within Mennonite Church USA (Conference Ministers and Constituency Leader Council members) has been an invaluable gift. 

Leading two groups, women pastors and leaders and chaplains has been gratifying.  I witnessed the care, support, and encouragement given to each other as they faced opportunities, challenges, and transitions in their ministry settings. 

Assisting new leaders through the credential process was tedious and inspiring, especially hearing their stories of call to ministry. Participating in or attending their licensing and ordination services, reminded me of the Holy Spirit’s mysterious and holy activity in calling, preparing, and empowering leaders to serve in a variety of ministry roles and settings. 

Interviewing women who were first to be credentialed in our conference (Franconia, Eastern District, and Mosaic) and representing different cultural groups has been another holy experience.  

Challenges/laments

As the credentialing process became more complex given the nuances of our growing cultural diversity, I realized it was time for me to make room for someone more gifted and experienced.  

Conflict over theological differences was also beginning to wear on me even though, from our origins as Anabaptists, this has been an ongoing struggle. 

While I cherish all the relationships, new understandings gained, and rich experiences of the last seven years, it is time to retire. In each step of my long discernment process toward retirement, I recognized my priorities were shifting. The demands of the work physically, emotionally, intellectually, and interculturally were beginning to stretch me in body, mind, and spirit. 

Thank you, Mosaic Conference for the privilege of serving in a variety of roles with your trust and support each step of the way. 

Mary Nitzsche

Mary Nitzsche is a Leadership Minister for Mosaic Conference. She and her husband, Wayne, are Midwest natives. They have two adult daughters, Alison and Megan, sons-in-law, Michael and David, and two delightful grandchildren, William and Audrey. Mary enjoys spending time with family and friends, walking, knitting, sewing, and cooking.

Cultivating Next Generation Leaders 

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by Stephen Kriss

Within the first weeks in my role as executive minister of Franconia Conference, one of the predecessor communities of Mosaic Conference, then-moderator John Goshow (Blooming Glen [PA]) told me to begin to look for my successor. John told me that while I wouldn’t get to choose my successor that I should build a team in such a way that the successor would be nearby. He remarked that within Franconia Conference leadership was usually cultivated within. That had been true in my experience; every person in executive leadership roles had either worked in the Conference before or grown up within a Franconia congregation. 

I thought to myself, “This is how 300-year-old communities keep their legacy alive.” And I began the slow work of constructing a team that includes the diversity of who we are, expanding on that as our Conference has grown and changed to become Mosaic. This invitation gave me permission to seek out young leaders alongside experienced leaders. Currently we have a staff of nearly 25 persons with a mix of strengths, gifts, and backgrounds. I feel privileged to lead alongside them. 

The invitation to cultivate next generation leaders is what initially brought me to Franconia Conference. In 2005, the Conference recognized a need to support next generation leaders (then the millennial generation in their 20s). We listened together, visited colleges, developed initiatives, and laid the groundwork for what would become today’s Ambassadors program. The process opened the doors for next generation pastors and leaders across the Conference.  Never did I imagine that it would also mean I would be leading a community called Mosaic. 

This is some of the church’s most important discipleship work. I am always inspired by young leaders who chose to invest in the church. I value the sometimes-tough questions they ask.  The church both needs and can withstand rigorous questions and doubts. Jesus met Thomas’ doubts with an invitation to engage. My life has been changed by working alongside those millennials who have challenged and inspired me. 

We are now pivoting to the next generations: Gen Z and Gen Alpha. Some of the questions they face are entirely new, spurred on by technology and the interconnected nature of the world around us. Jesus continues to call leaders, sometimes those we don’t expect. 

Our shared work of creating a context where next generations can choose to follow Jesus and respond to the “call within the call” means taking postures of humility and care, alongside creating brave spaces where it’s safe enough to try and do, to sometimes succeed and sometimes fail.  

This summer I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Brendan Sagastume who was shared between Mosaic and his home congregation, Perkiomenville (PA), though the Ambassadors program which wrapped up last week on retreat in Tampa, FL. Brendan’s quiet and efficient steadiness helped me to become a better leader, learning how to listen well, to invite, and to respond.   

Cultivating next generation leaders is essential transformative work. Until the reign of God comes fully, in each generation we must navigate how to embody the reconciling love of Jesus in our broken and beautiful world by calling younger persons to serve and lead alongside of those of us who are more experienced. This is the work of discipleship. And the way is made together toward God’s future. 

Stephen Kriss

Stephen Kriss is the Executive Minister of Mosaic Conference.

Set Apart

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by Noel Santiago

While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.

Acts 13:2, NIV 

In this text, the leaders of the early church gathered in worship and fasting. Amid this gathering, the Holy Spirit calls for Barnabas and Saul to be set apart for the work of Jesus.   

Today, we too participate in acts of “setting apart” on various fronts, although we think more in terms of “calling” or “being called”. The first and foremost of these is when we place our faith and trust in Jesus Christ and reorient our lives around the mission of God. This is an act of being “set apart” to God where we begin the journey of following Jesus as Lord in all of life. 

Throughout our Anabaptist history, we have recognized the call of God on people’s lives and have used various methods to recognize, call, and set apart these people for service to God. From choosing by lot, to shoulder tapping, and seeking to develop a Culture of Call, to credentialing processes that include filling out Ministerial Leadership Information forms, references, and interviews, God’s calling is discerned and recognized in a diversity of ways. 

On Sunday, June 2, 2024, Iglesia Nueva Vida Norristown New Life (PA) was joined by Providence Mennonite (Collegeville, PA) to celebrate the recognition of one of these being set apart. It was the ordination and installation to ministerial office of Pastor Nering Huete at Iglesia Nueva Vida Norristown New Life. Pastor John Holsey of the Providence congregation brought the message from this passage   

Pastor Nering was born in Tegucigalpa, Honduras where he ministered in a variety of church settings, ultimately in the Mennonite Church of Tegucigalpa. In 1984 the Lord called him to be the pastor of Iglesia Menonita El Buen Pastor in Lancaster, PA. Later he served as a chaplain in Chester County, from where he retired. 

However, God still had more for Pastor Nering. God again called him into ministry at Mosaic congregation Iglesia Menonita Ebenezer in Souderton, PA and now at Iglesia Nueva Vida Norristown New Life. His partnership with Providence came about as a new Partner in Ministry formed there called Iglesia Menonita Jesucristo Viene. 

The gathered body prays over Pastor Nering. 
The gathered body prays over Pastor Nering. 

On this day, however, the community of faith gathered in worship, prayer, scripture reading, preaching of the word and celebration of covenant making as we recognized, affirmed, and set apart Pastor Nering for the work of ministry. Family, friends, and sisters and brothers in Christ gathered around him in prayer and together, we all recommitted ourselves to the work of Jesus’ ministry.  

Of course, we did do one thing a bit differently than the early church in the Acts 13 passage; we had a wonderful time of fellowship afterwards with food from a variety of different countries. To God be the glory! 

Noel Santiago

Noel Santiago is the Leadership Minister for Missional Transformation for Mosaic Conference.

A Mother’s Capstone Project

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by Cindy Angela

The first weekend of May I traveled to Harrisonburg, VA for the first time, to celebrate my graduation at Eastern Mennonite University (EMU). I finally completed my Master’s degree in Transformational Leadership from EMU’s Center of Justice and Peacebuilding (CJP). As my family and I made the five-hour drive from Philadelphia, it felt surreal that I was finally at the finish line. 

It has taken me three years to finish this program since I only enrolled part-time while also working for the Conference. I also became pregnant with our son during my last year and took a semester off. While it has not been easy, I was determined to finish well.  

Cindy Angela, with Dave Mansfield (Vincent [Spring City, PA]), Chidi Ihezuoh (LA Faith Chapel) who completed Master’s degrees in Christian Leadership, and Dr. Lindy Backues (Philadelphia Praise Center) who is on the EMU faculty. Photo by Emily Ralph Servant.
Cindy Angela at EMU commencement day with her family. Photo provided by Cindy Angela.

To complete the degree, we were required to make a capstone presentation, which is supposed to sum up our experience of the program. It was hard to decide how to condense years of learning into a one-hour presentation. 

After deliberation and prayer, I realized that my capstone project needed to be three things: connected to my work, embracing my new identity as a mom, and a creative outlet.  

It finally occurred to me: I wanted to write a children’s book for my son, Noah. 

Deciding to Write a Children’s Book 

Reading to Noah is one of our favorite activities to do together. Granted, my nine-month-old can’t read yet, but I wanted this book to go beyond introducing shapes, colors, or numbers. I thought about what kind of concepts I want my son to learn. I thought about what kind of mother I want to be. 

I kept coming back to the idea of the fruits of the Spirit as mentioned in the Epistle to the Galatians. 

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23, NIV 
 

Choosing a Topic 

I wanted my children’s book to be more specific than talking about the fruits of the Spirit in broad terms. I started thinking about what it means for me to bring these fruits into our shared work in bringing transformation and reconciliation to this world. 

I reflected on conflict and disagreement, something that seems to be omnipresent, even within our Conference. After many sleepless nights and writing during middle-of-the-night feedings, my children’s book was born: When Everybody Just Disagrees: A Tale for Little Peacebuilders. 

The book talks about how conflicts are unavoidable, and how we can control how we act and react. I presented my book and the creation process as my capstone presentation (full video here). 

Cindy’s children’s book, with her son Noah in the background. Photo by Cindy Angela.

I am happy that I now have this book I can read with my son and share with him as he grows older. I hope that these simple words can inspire him in how transformation can happen through disagreements.  

I will carry this with me as I depart from the program and continue finding my place in our shared work as God’s instruments for peace and reconciliation. 

You can read the book here. 

Cindy Angela

Cindy Angela is the Director of Communication for Mosaic Conference. She attends Philadelphia (PA) Praise Center, and she lives in Philadelphia with her husband, Andy and son, Noah.

Gifted Differently, by God’s Design

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by Stacey Mansfield

Do you ever feel like there is a common theme running through your life for a season? Let me explain my question a little better: Do you ever notice that over a course of days or weeks a specific phrase or concept shows up in a variety of seemingly unrelated places?  

My most recent experience of this started in a conversation with a friend who shared how many people within a specific group had conveyed to her independently that they felt like outsiders. Later that night, as I read the next few pages of a book I have been slowly reading, it described someone feeling like an oddity within their community despite a shared culture. When similar stories were highlighted in a podcast I was listening to the next day, I recognized that I needed to take some time with God to listen and understand more. 

The passage that I was drawn to was Romans 12. 

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2a, NIV 

The feeling of being an outsider, like an outlier in a plot graph of data points, is uncomfortable. Whether we feel separated from others because of the way we speak, how we look, our affinities, the choices we have made, or even the losses we have experienced, it hurts.  

Most of us can still feel the painful sting of being an outsider at some point in our lives. Others of us face this situation regularly. Are we ready to seek out Christ’s healing and take the difficult path of restoration? How are we allowing Christ to transform and renew our minds?  

We frequently shape our lives towards comfort; I wonder what uncomfortable spaces we need to humbly walk into? Are we able to notice and connect with those who feel like they are on the outside looking in? This seems particularly poignant with Mosaic’s missional, intercultural, and formation priorities shaping not just ministry but everyday life. 

“For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” Romans 12:4-8, NIV 

These verses remind me that we are different, and gifted differently, by God’s design. In each facet of our lives, we do not need to be surprised that there are significant differences among us.  

“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” Romans 12:13, NIV 

May we engage one another as Christ calls us to. May we not just notice those who feel as though they are outsiders, but thoughtfully set out to edify, collaborate with, and enjoy those around us. 

I encourage you to continue reading Romans 12 and notice the many other verses that relate to feeling like an outsider. For a light-hearted approach that can lead to deeper  conversations on this topic, check out Pixar’s short film, For the Birds, with a friend, your family, or small group. 

Stacey Mansfield

Stacey Mansfield is the Administrative & Hospitality Collaborator for the Conference.