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“Almost Christian”
“Is Your Teen Almost Christian Part 2″ – The discussion will continue on the faith of our teens that began last November. Parents and youth workers, teachers and pastors are invited to a night of conversation and practical application led by Nate Stucky (PhD student, Princeton Seminary) on the new book, Almost Christian: What the Faith of our Teenagers is Telling the American Church. Hosted by Zion Mennonite Church on Thursday, April 14, 7:00 p.m. Check out the face book site “Is Your Teen Almost Christian?”

Training for VISTA Online
Franconia Mennonite Conference has subscribed to VISTA Online and therefore gives congregations the opportunity to have 24/7 access to the most dynamic set of demographic information resources available through VISTA Online. If you or your congregation has never used Vista Online, but would like to learn more about it, they are offering a free two-day seminar in Bethlehem, PA, May 3 – 4 at Moravian Theological Seminary.

The recent addition of the revolutionary new FirstView Maker, the Vista Online set of resources has been dramatically enriched. DAY 1 of this year’s training will provide an introduction to all of the features of the VISTA Online website to assist regional bodies as they do planning for new church development and other regional-level priorities, or work with existing churches to facilitate age level ministries, racial/ethnic ministries, capital fund drives, and other mission and ministry objectives. DAY 1 is designed to provide regional staff and volunteers with a basic understanding of VISTA Online and it will insure that attendees are familiar with the operation and benefits of each feature.

Participants need to attend DAY 1 in preparation for DAY 2. DAY 2 will provide an introduction to the features available on the Link2Lead website to assist local church leaders, and regional body staff as they work with these leaders, to learn who is in their communities, to assess the needs of the population, and to determine how those needs may translate into ministries, programs and services. The Day will include an interactive review of one of Percept’s core demographic reports, FirstView. Also included will be a brief introduction to the Ministry Area Profile, Context, and the Context Guide. DAY 2 is designed to provide regional staff and volunteers with a basic understanding of Link2Lead.com, FirstView, Ministry Area Profile and Context for their work with local churches.

Contact Franconia Mennonite Conference office if you have interest in attending this free seminar.

Upcoming Pastors’ & Leaders’ Breakfasts:

Thursday, March 17, 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. at the Mennonite Conference Center – “The Why, What & How of Social Media: Engaging Your Community in the Context that is Revolutionizing the Way the World Connects.” Donation of $6 is requested for breakfast.

Thursday, May 5, 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. Pastors’ & Leaders’ Breakfast at Methacton Mennonite Church. Andrew Bush, a member of the Methacton congregation, will present and lead a conversation on “Building or Burning Bridges: Searching for a Way Forward in Christian and Muslim Relations.”

Pastors’ Day at Christopher Dock

Christopher Dock Mennonite High School is hosting Pastors’ Day on Wednesday, March 23. All pastors are invited to attend the breakfast at 8:00 a.m. in the Longacre Center Commons. The focus of this year’s day will be on calling young people to ministry. Pastors are welcome to visit classes following chapel and have a complimentary lunch with students.

Pastors’ and Leaders’ Breakfast

Reminder: The March 17 Pastors’ and Leaders’ Breakfast (8:00 – 10:00 a.m. at the Mennonite Conference Center) is “The Why, What & How of Social Media: Engaging Your Community in the Context that is Revolutionizing the Way the World Connects.” Resource persons, Todd Hiestand and Scott Hackman, will lead in presentation and conversation about how social media has impacted the way people engage in relationships and how to use it well in your ministry, which is so relationally based. $6 donation for breakfast requested.

Looking Ahead: Two dates to save in your calendar

1. Thursday evening, April 14, 7:00 p.m., Nate Stucky will lead Part 2 of presentation and conversation on the topic, “Is your Teen Almost Christian?” based on a recent book by Kenda Creasy Dean. This evening event will take place at Zion Mennonite Church in Souderton. More details to follow.
2. Thursday, May 5, 8-10 a.m. Pastors’ & Leaders’ Breakfast at Methacton Mennonite Church. Andrew Bush, a member of the Methacton congregation, will present and lead a conversation on “Building or Burning Bridges: Searching for a Way Forward in Christian and Muslim Relations.”

The presentation will highlight the Bush’s experience of working in the Palestinian Muslim community on the West Bank for the last 12 years, and the effectiveness of coming as servants to Muslims neighbors rather than as antagonists. Is the Christian community willing to turn away from its historic animosity towards the Muslims and make the prophetic decision to serve in the character of Christ?
Prior to their ministry in the Middle East, Andrew and his wife, Karen, planted a church in Taos, New Mexico, and spent twelve years in Manila, the Philippines where they planted Harvesters Christian Fellowship which has established a notable ministry in the deepest slums of the city.
Andrew has been an ordained minister since 1984. He received his Doctor of Ministry degree from Princeton Theological Society. He holds graduate degrees in theology from the Ecole Biblique Français in Jerusalem, Israel and the Alliance Graduate Seminary in Manila, the Philippines. Andrew earned his B.A. in architecture at Princeton University.
Andrew teaches missiology at Eastern University, St. David’s, Pennsylvania, and speaks widely in churches throughout the United States, helping them to develop missional congregations and providing specific information concerning mission to the Islamic community. Andrew says, “The greatest challenge the church is facing today is the rapid rise of Islam around the world. As representatives of Christ we stand at a historic hour in which we have the opportunity to show the true love of Jesus to the Muslim world.”
3/3/11

The March 17 Pastors’ and Leaders’ Breakfast (8:00 – 10:00 a.m. at the Mennonite Conference Center in Harleysville) is “The Why, What & How of Social Media: Engaging Your Community in the Context that is Revolutionizing the Way the World Connects.” Resource persons, Todd Hiestand and Scott Hackman, will lead in presentation and conversation about how social media has impacted the way people engage in relationships and how to use it well in your ministry, which is so relationally based.

About the presenters:
Todd Hiestand is a Bi-Vocational Missional Pastor in the emerging world of innovative church work. He is the principle designer for 343design as well as the Cultural Architect of MyOhai a Consultancy focused on innovative marketing through online platforms and mediums. Todd directs the communications for Ecclessia Network. Todd sits on the board of Lemonade International and creates their integrated communication strategies using social media platforms.

Scott Hackman is a Bi-Vocational Leader. He is Movement Architect for MyOhai a Consultancy focused on innovative marketing through online platforms and mediums. Scott is a Community Catalyst through the Open Hand Initiative and Co-Founder of One Village Coffee. Scott and his wife are members at Salford Mennonite Church. They have a 16-month-old daughter. Scott is currently finishing a degree from EMS in Congregational Leadership with a focus on Local Mission.

Summer Courses
Attached is the brochure for two Summer Courses offered by Eastern Mennonite University at the Lancaster location. Both courses can be either audited or taken for credit. The course “Old Testament Text in Context” will meet the requirements for the Gateway course on Biblical Survey and Interpretation. The other course is a timely course as we work at change in our congregations.
As pastors you might also share this with members of your congregation who might have interest.
Thanks for giving this attention.
Noah Kolb
Pastor of Ministerial Leadership

Next Pastors and Leaders Breakfast: Thursday, March 17, 8:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Social media tools are an important way to connect to young adults. Join Scott Hackman and Todd Hiestand for a presentation and conversation around using social media for your congregation or ministry. More information to follow next week. $6 donation for breakfast requested.

Teaching on Intercession
Pastors: A unique opportunity is available for intercessors and those interested in learning more about intercession. Beginning Sunday, February 13, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Franconia Mennonite Conference Center, Noel Santiago, will share teaching on this important gift in the life of the church. You are encouraged to tap a few people in your congregation to attend this teaching which will be continued on March 13 and April 3, both Sunday evenings. You are also encouraged to consider attending yourselves for greater understanding and a blessing.

Pastors’ and Leaders’ Breakfast with the Moderators: Pastors and Conference Related Ministry leaders are invited to attend a breakfast at the Mennonite Conference Center, Thursday, February 17, from 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. Moderator John Goshow and Assistant Moderator Miriam Book welcome you to a time of conversation about the board’s recent decisions and appointment of Ertell Whigham as Executive Minister of Franconia Mennonite Conference. Bring your questions and counsel for a time of open conversation about the changes and future direction.

Teaching on Intercession
Pastors: A unique opportunity is available for intercessors and those interested in learning more about intercession. Beginning Sunday, February 13, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Franconia Mennonite Conference Center, Noel Santiago, will share teaching on this important gift in the life of the church. You are encouraged to tap a few people in your congregation to attend this teaching which will be continued on March 13 and April 3, both Sunday evenings. You are also encouraged to consider attending yourselves for greater understanding and a blessing. Contact Sandy Landes, Prayer Ministry Coordinator, for more information.

Lunch with Conrad Kanagy
You are invited to lunch and conversation with Conrad Kanagy, Tuesday, February 15, 11:45 a.m. at Biblical Seminary, 200 N. Main Street, Hatfield, PA. Dr. Kanagy has just completed a global survey of Anabaptists in Asia, Africa and Latin American and would like to share this information with pastors in our area who might be interested. Lunch is free. Registration is required. Contact Biblical Seminary at 215-368-5000 x158 or bbarkley@biblical.edu to sign up.

Damascus Road Anti-Racism Analysis Training
One of the core values that Franconia Mennonite Conference and the Mennonite Church USA has committed to, is becoming a multi-cultural church. One tool available to congregations on this quest is the Damascus Road Anti-Racism Analysis Training. It offers an in-depth analysis of how power and identity shape us as a people and as a church. It opens a whole new way of understanding the Kingdom of God in the Anabaptist perspective.

The 11th Annual Damascus Road Anti-Racism Analysis Training is Friday – Sunday, February 25 – 27, at Philadelphia Mennonite High School. Will you come, with leaders of your congregation and our conference, to lay a new foundation and understanding for the transformation that God has for us? More information and registration details can be found at www.FranconiaConference.org (under the Resources tab).