Mosaic Mennonites

Missional - Intercultural - Formational

Boyertown Mennonite Church

Beautiful Feet Upon the Mountain

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Nelson Shenk Retirement Celebration

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who brings good news. 

Isaiah 52:7a, NIV

The prophet Isaiah speaks of those who bring the message of good news, using the image of beautiful feet on a mountain. Pastor Nelson Shenk of Boyertown (PA) Mennonite Church has been one such person. This sentiment, and many more, were expressed at the retirement celebration for Pastor Nelson and June, his spouse, on January 30, 2022.

After 26 years of ministry at the church, the time had come for the next phase of Pastor Nelson’s life journey. This phase began by saying goodbye to what had been familiar for more than a quarter of a century at Boyertown Mennonite Church. Yet, underlying the farewell, was a strong affirmation that Jesus will continue on the journey with the congregation.

June and Pastor Nelson Shenk at the retirement celebration at Boyertown (PA) Mennonite Church after 26 years of ministry. Photo by Noel Santiago.

The congregation and others gathered on a beautiful, sunny, cold winter morning and were welcomed into a warm, friendly, welcoming sanctuary by God’s people gathered for worship and celebration. There was an air of excitement, anticipation, and gladness, mixed with sadness and grief, as the realization set in more deeply that this would be Pastor Nelson’s last Sunday as pastor.

The singing rang out with glorious praise; the sharing was heartfelt and genuine. The message brought a culmination to a sermon series, using the word BLESS as an acronym for the message of good news. Each letter represented an aspect of the good news and was preached by each of the leadership team members, demonstrating that the congregation has capable leaders to continue the work of ministry into the future … just as Nelson planned.

There was an air of excitement, anticipation, and gladness, mixed with sadness and grief, as the realization set in more deeply that this would be Pastor Nelson’s last Sunday as pastor.

With precautions for COVID, the church gathered for a meal and time of personal sharing following worship. There were many stories, many lives touched, and many wonderful memories and words of appreciation shared. Truly, Nelson was a beloved pastor, leader, mentor, and friend to many people, not just in the congregation but in the community as well.

The time together closed by acknowledging Acts 13:36, in which Luke states that David served the purpose God had for him. Nelson Shenk has served the purpose of God at Boyertown. Together, participants extended their hands to Nelson and June as the group prayed, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you” … as you continue to serve the purpose God has for you next. Blessings!

Pastor Nelson Shenk. Photo by Noel Santiago.

Giving Back/Devolviendo

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(Desplazarse por Español)

“We are creating something new,” shares Danilo Sanchez, Youth Formation Pastor with Eastern District and Franconia Conference. “We have been given permission to try new ideas, and see failures as learning experiences. It is freeing to have that space to be creative.” 

Danilo and family

Danilo has served in this role since February 2019 as the new youth formation team was being formed. The idea for this team emerged from a recent review of the conference’s youth ministry work, in which a geographic model would be used for staffing youth ministry which is currently focused on the Lehigh Valley, Lansdale, and Philadelphia. 

This unique model is something that Danilo really appreciates. “It is especially important to have conference ministers who can speak the language of the churches they accompany, and have a sense of cultural understanding,” Danilo shares. He sees the team’s work as strengthening the overall mission of the conference. 

A geographic, rather than centered, model has meant that regional gatherings for youth leaders can be more accessible. Many churches do not have a full-time youth pastor, so having regional gatherings with meetings that aren’t always during the workday can allow part-time and volunteer youth leaders to participate more easily. 

The churches that Danilo works with are mostly in the Lehigh Valley but also some Spanish-speaking and multicultural churches throughout the region. As a Youth Formation Pastor, Danilo provides resources to youth leaders and informs them of different events. On a quarterly basis he visits the congregations for worship and to meet with members of the church

The other members of the Youth Formation Team currently are Brooke Martin and Hendy Stevan Matahelemual. Together they plan events to engage youth and leaders in leadership development. This past September they organized a student leadership retreat, and they continue to stay in contact with those youth and plan for an expanded gathering next year. 

“As I look at my faith and leadership journey, I think back to the leaders in the church who developed me, challenged me and comforted me,” reflects Danilo. “I really appreciated that.” He is grateful that in his role as a pastor at Whitehall and Ripple he is able to give back to the youth in those congregations. When he was given the opportunity to also do that at the conference level, with a wider impact, he was glad to do so.

Danilo grew up near Reading, PA and was part of Boyertown Mennonite. It was a place that he felt included, welcomed, and encouraged to be a leader. He taught Bible study, helped to lead worship, and preached at least once in high school. These experiences encouraged him to think of himself as a leader in the church. It was in college that he began to sense a call to youth ministry. Nelson Shank, who is still pastor at Boyertown, connected him with Steve Kriss who at the time was Director of Leadership Cultivation for Franconia Conference. Danilo worked with Steve during his summers in college at Eastern University, and through that work got to know congregations throughout the conference. 

“I was excited to help call other young leaders and participate in their development” Danilo remembers. “I am also happy to help strengthen the work of the conference.” 

When asked about his free time, Danilo responded, “I don’t have too much free time, but I make sure to keep sabbath.” During his first year as a pastor, he found it a challenging discipline to practice, but was encouraged by other pastors, especially Rose Bender at Whitehall, to prioritize it. As he has added different roles to his work and feels pulled in various directions, Danilo has embraced self-care and sabbath, and encourages others to do so as well. 

During his sabbath time, Danilo likes to get out of the city for the day. Danilo also enjoys playing worship songs on his guitar, simple woodworking, and spending time with his two young daughters. They enjoy playing legos or going on walks.

“El aspecto más gratificante de este rol es que estamos creando algo nuevo. En la conferencia estamos en una nueva era de formación.. Se nos ha dado permiso para probar nuevas ideas y ver los fracasos como experiencias de aprendizaje. Es liberador tener ese espacio para ser creativo ”, comparte Danilo Sánchez, Pastor de Formación Juvenil de la Conferencia de Franconia.

Danilo ha desempeñado este cargo desde febrero de 2019 mientras estaba formando el nuevo equipo de formación juvenil. La idea para este equipo surgió de una revisión reciente del trabajo del ministerio juvenil de la conferencia, en el cual se empezaría a utilizar un modelo geográfico para el personal del ministerio juvenil que actualmente se localiza en Lehigh Valley, Lansdale y Filadelfia. .

Este modelo único es algo que Danilo realmente aprecia. “Es especialmente importante tener ministros de la conferencia que puedan hablar el idioma de las iglesias a las que acompañan y tener un sentido de comprensión cultural”, comparte Danilo. Él ve el trabajo del equipo como el fortalecimiento de la misión general de la conferencia.

Un modelo geográfico, en lugar de centrado, ha significado que las reuniones regionales para líderes juveniles pueden ser más accesibles. Muchas iglesias no tienen un pastor de jóvenes a tiempo completo, por lo que tener reuniones regionales, reuniones que no siempre son durante la jornada laboral, puede permitir que los líderes juveniles de medio tiempo y voluntarios tengan facilidad para participar. Las iglesias con las que trabaja Danilo se encuentran principalmente en el Valle de Lehigh, pero también hacen parte algunas iglesias multiculturales y de habla hispana de toda la región. 

Como pastor de formación juvenil, Danilo proporciona recursos a líderes juveniles y les informa sobre diferentes eventos. Trimestralmente visita las congregaciones para adorar y reunirse con miembros de las iglesias.

Los otros miembros del Equipo de Formación Juvenil actualmente son Brooke Martin y Hendy Stevan Matahelemual, y juntos planean eventos para involucrar a los jóvenes y líderes en el desarrollo del liderazgo. En septiembre organizaron un retiro de liderazgo estudiantil, y continúan manteniéndose en contacto con esos jóvenes y planean una reunión ampliada el próximo año.

 “Al mirar mi viaje de fe y liderazgo, pienso en los líderes de la iglesia que me ayudaron a  desarrollar, me desafiaron y me consolaron, realmente aprecié eso ”, reflexiona Danilo. Está agradecido de que en su papel de pastor en Whitehall y Ripple pueda retribuir a los jóvenes de esas congregaciones. Y cuando tuvo la oportunidad de hacerlo también a nivel de conferencia, con un impacto más amplio, se alegró de hacerlo.

Danilo creció cerca de Reading, Pensilvania y fue parte de la iglesia menonita Boyertown. Era un lugar en el que se sentía incluido, bienvenido y alentado a ser un líder. Enseñó estudio bíblico, ayudó a dirigir la adoración y predicó al menos una vez en la escuela secundaria. Estas experiencias lo alentaron a pensar en sí mismo como un líder en la iglesia, y fue en la universidad cuando comenzó a sentir un llamado al ministerio juvenil. Nelson Shank, quien todavía es pastor en Boyertown, lo conectó con Steve Kriss, quien en ese momento era Director de Cultivo de Liderazgo para la Conferencia de Franconia. Danilo trabajó con Steve durante sus veranos en la universidad de Eastern University, y a través de ese trabajo conoció a las congregaciones durante toda la conferencia.

“Estaba emocionado de ayudar a llamar a otros líderes jóvenes y participar en su desarrollo. También estoy feliz de ayudar a fortalecer el trabajo de la conferencia ”, reflexiona Danilo.

Cuando se le preguntó acerca de su tiempo libre, Danilo respondió: “No tengo mucho tiempo libre, pero me aseguro de guardar el día sabático”. Durante su primer año como pastor, encontró una disciplina difícil de practicar, pero se animó por otros pastores, especialmente Rose Bender en Whitehall, para priorizarlo. A medida que ha agregado diferentes roles a su trabajo y se siente atraído en varias direcciones, Danilo ha abrazado el autocuidado y el sábado, y alienta a otros a hacerlo también.

Durante su tiempo de reposo le gusta salir de la ciudad por un día. A Danilo también le gusta tocar canciones de adoración con su guitarra, trabajar la madera con sencillez y pasar tiempo con sus dos hijas jugando legos.

Congregational Profile: Boyertown Mennonite Church

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by Nelson Shenk, Boyertown congregation

Boyertown (PA) Mennonite Church began in 1780 as an extension of nearby Bally Mennonite Church to accommodate folks who lived in the Boyertown (Colebrookdale) area. For many years they shared ministerial leadership and even alternated meeting houses. As of 1847, we have been operating as our own entity completely separate from Bally but still a sister congregation in Franconia Mennonite Conference.

The Boyertown community is a mainly blue-collar town although it is also a bedroom community for the King of Prussia area as more people move westward along the Route 422 corridor. Our membership is drawn mostly from the Boyertown, Gilbertsville, and Pottstown area, although we do extend well beyond that with some of our members.

Outdoor Worship

Our mission statement is “to be a Christian community of healing and growth.” We work at that by ministering to folks who have come to us with some significant issues in their lives such as divorce, blended families, drug and alcohol abuse, and incarceration. We attempt to be “family” to each other through consistent nurture and support.

We plan regular “Family Days” events that appeal to a wide range of ages so that we interact on many different levels. Other strong means of connections are found in senior fellowship, men’s and women’s Bible studies, small groups, monthly prayer meetings, men’s and women’s retreats and an active group of quilters. As a small congregation we believe that healing and growth happens best in these contexts where we get to know each other in-depth.

Knotting Blitz

We tend to be very informal in our structure and our interactions. We have drawn in folks of all stripes and backgrounds, including those on disability, ex-offenders, farmers, educated professionals, truck drivers, factory workers, child care workers, mechanics, teachers, and many retired folks. In our diversity what everyone has in common is a love of Jesus and a desire to share that love with a wide variety of folks. We also strive to encourage a world-view through missions support and monthly giving projects.

Men’s Retreat

Our local congregational ministry is filled with joys and sorrows. We have seen both great successes in healing and growth while experiencing devastating losses. We realize that God has called us to be present with one another in ministry as we leave the results up to him.

One amazing story from the past two years centers on a woman and her daughter who were undocumented citizens from Mexico. She had married a man from our church and they had two children together when she and her daughter decided to take the necessary steps to get their green cards. When the mother returned to Mexico for the final step in the process she did not receive her green card and had to stay in Mexico for over a year. With much prayer and petitioning, however, she eventually got her green card and is now back home with her family and they are moving on in praise of what God and our congregation did for them.

Church Bazaar

One struggle we face on a regular basis is finding enough folks to carry on the tasks of ministry. So often the same people are called on to lead us, and that can result in burn out, so please keep us in prayer. We call on God to send us workers because the need is great.

Boyertown Mennonite Church asks for your prayers, that God would continue to raise up younger folks to take the places of older leaders in the church who have passed away.

 

A Family Reunited

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by Nelson Shenk, Boyertown congregation

Gaby & Kyle with their daughters

In 2005, Maria Gabriella (Gaby) left a dangerous living situation in Mexico and came to the United States to make a better and safer life for herself and her two-year-old daughter Citlalli.  In doing so, she and her daughter came as undocumented persons.  She eventually met and married Kyle Rhoads, who grew up at Boyertown Mennonite Church.  They had 2 daughters, Isabel and Kylene, and settled in Bechtelsville as a happy family unit.

They were attending our church for several months when Gaby and Citlalli decided to apply for their green cards so they could be here legally. That involved returning to Mexico and having an immigration interview at the U. S. Embassy.

In October 2017, she and her daughter returned to Mexico with trepidation.  Her daughter was approved and returned home to Bechtelsville in November, but Gaby was denied.  After the denial of her visa in the interview, she had to re-apply for a waiver.   In February 2018, her husband and 2 younger daughters visited her, and two-year-old Kylene stayed in Mexico with her mother.

Many phone calls were made to lawyers and politicians on her behalf.  Many people at Boyertown church wrote letters requesting her return so the family could be together.

Gaby reapplied and, after spending many months waiting, she went through the interview process again, including another medical exam and paying more money.  After 15 months away from her husband and daughter, her visa was finally approved in October 2018.  She and Kylene arrived home on January 24. 

On January 30th, a big celebration was held at church for her safe return.  Christopher Friesen, a member of the Germantown congregation, works for the law firm that processed Gaby’s paperwork.  He and Gaby finally met as we celebrated that day, which was another joyous occasion.

Gaby’s family is once again living as a family unit in Bechtelsville.  There are still some on-going complications with paper work, so please keep the family in prayer as life goes on and there are adjustments to be made. Our church family at Boyertown praises God for a good outcome for Gaby’s family.