Mosaic Mennonites

Missional - Intercultural - Formational

Conference Board

Mosaic Conference explores ministry partnership as Program Entity of MC USA

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At its January 2025 meeting, Mosaic Conference’s Board decided to explore becoming a Program Entity with Mennonite Church USA (MC USA). “Program Entity” status is designated by the MC USA bylaws to “arrange for the delivery of programs and services that carry out specific churchwide goals. [Program Entities] cooperate and network with other parts of the church around common goals.” 

Mosaic would be the first MC USA conference to shift to a ministry partnership via a Program Entity status. Everence and Mennonite Health Services are both currently named as program entities and listed as ministry partners on the Mennonite Church USA website.   

During November 2024’s annual Assembly, Mosaic’s delegates empowered the Board to work with MC USA in developing a plan that would allow Mosaic Conference to establish a “robust partnership” with MC USA. The approved action called on the Board to bring recommended bylaw amendments to the 2025 delegate assembly. 

Since the delegate action in November, Mosaic’s leadership has been gathering information and having conversations with MC USA leaders to explore the option of developing a ministry partnership as a Program Entity. Mosaic Conference moderator Angela Moyer Walter and assistant moderator Roy Williams met with MC USA moderator Jon Carlson and moderator-elect Marty Lehman leading up to MC USA’s Executive Board (EB) meeting on February 8 and have communicated with Carlson by email since the meeting. 

Lehman and Moyer Walter have since met to begin drafting a set of shared agreements integrating feedback from MC USA’s Executive Board, Mosaic staff and Board, and sibling MC USA conferences. Mosaic desires to collaborate with MC USA around core priorities including youth faith formation, intercultural leadership development, and church planting accompaniment. Additionally, Mosaic’s leadership hopes to explore ways to partner through shared values and mutual relationships, rather than transactional services. MC USA and Mosaic leadership will continue to discuss the implications on how members of Mosaic will participate in the life of Mennonite Church USA as a Program Entity. 

At the request of the denomination to work alongside other MC USA conferences, Moyer Walter shared about this proposal with conference moderators in a January meeting; direct conversations with the leadership of other conferences have been ongoing. “I value the healthy dialog we are having with many of our sibling conferences,” reflects Moyer Walter. “They have encouraged us to continue the good work that God has begun in Mosaic.” 

My Hopes and Prayers for 2024

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by Angela Moyer Walter

It is with great hope and anticipation that I greet you, Mosaic Conference, as your Conference Moderator, in this new year of 2024. What might God do among us this year? What surprises will come our way? What joy might we experience together?  

Mosaic Conference is called to embody the reconciling love of Jesus to our communities, and we do this in a myriad of ways. 2024 is pregnant with opportunities and hopes. I hope that we bear witness to the powerful Spirit of Christ, beyond our own desires. I also hope we gather to celebrate and rejoice, as well as support one another in times of grief, loss, and hardship. My prayer for us is that we tune our hearts and minds to hear God’s voice amidst all the joys and hardships, even when that voice is a quiet whisper, and the path isn’t clear. May we trust in God’s faithfulness to us amidst the twists and turns we may experience.   

Many of us wonder how our congregation or Conference-Related Ministry fits into the larger mosaic of our Conference. We may ask, “Is my piece valued by the whole? Are some pieces bigger than others?”  

My hope is that we are reminded of Jesus’ words to his disciples when they were quarreling about who was more important.

Jesus said, “You know that…officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant.” (Matthew 20:25-26, NLT). May we all see ourselves as vital parts in the body of Christ; whether we are the digestive, circulatory, or excretory system, all are important. We need not fight over who is most important or best, but rather work together to build one another up to function as one body, the body of Christ as God has created us to be.  

God has gifted us all and through baptism, we have been grafted into this body of Christ that we call Mosaic Conference. This beautiful mosaic is not the same without each particular piece. My hope in 2024 is that we each find our place in the mosaic, while also valuing the other pieces that are different from us. 

At our Mosaic Annual Assemblies, we have celebrated God’s Chesed and Emet, powerful kindness and faithful truth. Pastor Hyacinth Stevens encouraged us at this past Assembly to take bold risks because we have the promise of God’s faithful Chesed and Emet with us. Jesus told the disciples to not put new wine into old wineskins. So, in 2024, may we embrace the new wineskins that God has faithfully provided.  

Stay tuned for the next stage of the strategic plan, which will be coming out in the next few weeks, for specific ways in which we can bear witness to Christ’s call to us. And may we listen to the ways God is speaking to us like in our drumming at Assembly to, ‘Listen to one another and play your part!” 

Angela Moyer Walter

Angela Moyer Walter is Moderator of Mosaic Conference, Co-pastor at Ripple Church in Allentown, PA, and an occupational therapist at Good Shepherd Rehabilitation. She enjoys long summer evenings with family and friends and watching the Philadelphia Phillies.

Mosaic Conference Board appoints first California member, Lucy Hannanto Parsono

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CONFERENCE BOARD UPDATES

At the March 20, 2023, hybrid board meeting (Lansdale office-based and Zoom-based) the Mosaic Conference board named Lucy Hannanto Parsono to an unexpired position. She will be filling the vacancy left by Kris Wint, pastor at Finland Mennonite Church.  Wint’s term ended when Finland congregation withdrew from Mosaic in the fall of 2022. 

Hannanto Parsono is an elder at International Worship Center in San Gabriel, CA. She and her husband, Alfred, live in Hacienda Heights, CA. They are the parents of a daughter and have three grandchildren who also live in southern California. Lucy was born on the island of Sumatra but grew up in Tangerang, on the island of Java near Jakarta in Indonesia. Lucy’s parents converted to Christianity from Buddhism, though she was raised in the church. She moved to California in the 1980s and now runs an import/export business dealing mostly with trade between the U.S. and Indonesia. 

In her discernment to join the Conference board, she felt encouraged by family and mentors who said, “This kind of work is your life.” Lucy loves to find opportunities to serve in the church and sees this as another way to serve and to learn within the Mosaic community. Lucy receives strong affirmation for her role from Leadership Ministers Aldo Siahaan and Jeff Wright and her brother, Buddy Hannanto, pastor at IWC. 

Board reorganizes, sets budget and affirms new positions at January meeting

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BOARD UPDATES

Mosaic Conference Board met on January 30 in a hybrid session with members joining from the Lansdale (PA) offices as well as on Zoom from Vermont, Florida and California. The first meeting of the new year often includes some elements of reorganization. The board meets on a bi-monthly basis usually in a hybrid format with some members on Zoom while others are present together. 

This was the first board meeting for Emmanuel Mwaipopo from Nueva Vida Norristown New Life congregation, who now serves as the Intercultural Committee chairperson. Angela Moyer Walter (Ripple congregation, Allentown, PA) began her term as moderator following Ken Burkholder’s term (Souderton congregation). Roy Williams (College Hill congregation, Tampa, FL) moved from his role as intercultural committee chair to assistant moderator. Moyer Walter and Williams were both affirmed in their roles at the Mosaic Annual Assembly in November 2022.   

The board affirmed the addition of Rose Bender Cook from Whitehall congregation in Allentown, PA to the Ministerial Committee. 

The board approved a budget of over $1.084 million for 2023-24, balancing increased contributions from properties, partners, and individual donors with decreased congregational giving. Staff adjustments include increased time for the pathway process and for Spanish language capacity, along with young adult leadership formation initiatives. This represents a slight increase from the $1.070 million budgeted for 2022-23.

The board acknowledged the decision of Mennonite Bible Fellowship of Morris, PA to suspend membership in Mennonite Church USA while remaining a full member of Mosaic Conference. 

Mosaic Annual Assembly was set for November 4, 2023, at Souderton (PA) Mennonite Church.  More details will be available soon, including theme and speaker for our annual gathering time together.   

The next board meeting is set for March 20, 2023. 

Burkholder Finishes and Reflects on Moderator Role

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By Eileen Kinch

On December 31, 2022, Ken Burkholder concluded his three-year term as Mosaic Conference moderator. In this role, Burkholder gave leadership to the Executive Board, the Executive Committee, and the Conference Assembly.

Prior to being moderator, Burkholder served on the former Franconia Conference Board. “Ken has steadily and graciously led us through our reconciliation process and through a global pandemic, in the midst of complicated denominational relationships,” said Steve Kriss, Executive Minister of Mosaic Conference.  

COVID-19 has defined Burkholder’s time as moderator. His term began in January of 2020, and the lockdown came in March. The Mosaic Executive Board quickly switched from in-person meetings to meetings over Zoom.  Two of the three Conference Assemblies that Burkholder led also took place virtually. “Leadership is about planning and setting a clear vision,” Burkholder pointed out, “but it also requires flexibility to adjust to unexpected situations, such as a pandemic.” 

Mosaic continues to experience the wide-ranging effects of COVID-19. Burkholder observed that current tensions in Mosaic Conference are not new; the same tensions were already present in the former Franconia Conference. Mennonite Church USA (MC USA) actions and COVID-19, however, accelerated these tensions. The polarized, divided atmosphere “raised the temperature and level of anxiety,” and the lack of face-to-face communication made the tensions harder for people to handle. “We need to be talking together, taking communion, and praying together,” Burkholder said. Mosaic needs to heal from the disruption of fellowship. 

We need to be talking together, taking communion, and praying together

KEN BURKHOLDER

Yet there were joys and accomplishments for Burkholder amid the challenges. The Shalom Fund, a mutual aid effort during the pandemic that raised $217,945, was a “terrific testimony to the community … [and to] God’s faithfulness.” The Board was also able to meet in person, but outside, at Spruce Lake Retreat in July 2020 to form Mosaic’s mission and vision statement, as well as to affirm that Mosaic was to be missional, formational, and intercultural. Burkholder was glad that the Board affirmed these biblical and Anabaptist values. 

Ken leads with a tangible love for God and the Church…

ANGELA MOYER WALTER

“Ken leads with a tangible love for God and the Church,” said Angela Moyer Walter, Mosaic’s incoming moderator. “He listens well, laughs readily, and understands the complexities of church leadership. During difficult times, he is humble, honest, and open to the leading of the Spirit.” 

Although Mosaic faces challenges, Burkholder remains hopeful in what God has done, what God is doing, and what God will do. He hopes that Mosaic Conference will focus on where it is united, which is in its vision to embody the reconciling love of Jesus in a beautiful and broken world. He looks forward to focusing primarily on his pastoral team role at Souderton (PA) Mennonite Church.  

Mosaic Conference extends it sincerest thanks to Ken Burkholder for his work and trusts that God will be working through him in his future endeavors. 

Eileen Kinch

Eileen Kinch is part of the Mosaic communication team and works with editing and writing. She holds a Master of Divinity degree, with an emphasis in the Ministry of Writing, from Earlham School of Religion.

Listening Task Force Recommendations Presented to Board

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The Mosaic Listening Task Force culminated their work by presenting findings and recommendations to the Mosaic Board last week. The recommendations, which were received and affirmed, emerged out of weeks of listening, praying, and reflecting on feedback collected from Mosaic congregations and Conference related ministries.  

The nine recommendations, which can be described as prayerful, relational, transparent, and transformational, are intended to guide the Board as they lead us through this time and into Mosaic’s future.  In this way, the recommendations can be seen as an opportunity that has grown out of a complex challenge.  The nine actions ask us to fast and pray, discern, walk together, clarify, focus on what unites us, build relationships across differences, communicate with MCUSA, plan, and roll out. 

Mosaic Listening Task Force members will be present at upcoming Assembly scattered sessions, in which the Mosaic family can further reflect and discern together. The Task Force recommendations are linked here for all to review before our upcoming gatherings. 

Watch the video in English, Spanish and Indonesian:

Mosaic Board Affirms, Laments, and Moves

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by Emily Ralph Servant

On Monday, September 26, Mosaic Conference’s Board met for their bimonthly meeting. Over the course of a packed agenda, the board acknowledged and lamented the loss of two Mosaic congregations, welcomed and affirmed a new congregation and Conference Related Ministry (CRM), blessed an outgoing board member, and moved on the recommendations of the Listening Task Force. 

Acknowledging Losses

On July 24, Covenant Community Fellowship (Lansdale, PA) voted to withdraw from Mosaic Conference, effective immediately, in response to Mennonite Church USA delegates’ decision to retire MC USA’s membership guidelines and to adopt “A Resolution for Repentance and Transformation.”  Likewise, Finland Mennonite Church (Pennsburg, PA) voted on August 28 to withdraw from the Conference, effective September 30.  Both congregations are entering into a time of discernment about future affiliation; for the next year, Mosaic Conference will continue to hold the credentials of their pastors until the congregations’ next steps have been determined. 

“I have appreciated working with the leadership of both Covenant and Finland congregations,” reflected Leadership Minister Noel Santiago.  “I am grateful for the ways they have pursued God’s Kingdom among us and I’m saddened that we’ll miss who they are and the gifts that they bring to our Conference community.” 

I am grateful for the ways they have pursued God’s Kingdom among us and I’m saddened that we’ll miss who they are and the gifts that they bring to our Conference community.

NOEL SANTIAGO

Finland’s Lead Pastor, Kris Wint, has served on the Conference Board as a member-at-large since 2016.  The Board offered words of appreciation and prayed with Wint, whose board departure came as a result of Finland’s decision. “I’ve appreciated Kris’ heart for Christ, passion for God’s kingdom work, his strong convictions, and willingness to ask challenging questions,” shared Moderator Ken Burkholder, Souderton (PA) congregation.  “He’s been an asset on the Board, having served well.  We will miss his voice.” Wint’s Board position will be filled by an affirmation of delegates at Mosaic’s Assembly on November 5. 

Welcoming New Members

At the same meeting, the Board accepted into membership a new congregation, Iglesia Evangélica Menonita de Oración y Adoración (Evangelical Mennonite Church of Prayer and Worship) in Northeast Philadelphia.  The congregation, pastored by Nicolas Sandoval, began as a prayer meeting five years ago and grew into a congregation that continues to prioritize prayer and evangelism, virtual connections, and street outreach. Sandoval had previously been a pastor of Iglesia Menonita Ebenezer, a Mosaic congregation in Souderton, PA. “IEMOA brings joy, energy, and faithfulness into this new relationship with Mosaic,” observed Associate Executive Minister Marta Castillo.  “They are ‘us’—an Anabaptist, Jesus-centered, Spirit-led community of believers that seek to share the Good News for the growth of God’s kingdom.” 

They are ‘us’—an Anabaptist, Jesus-centered, Spirit-led community of believers that seek to share the Good News for the growth of God’s kingdom.

MARTA CASTILLO

The board also accepted Amahoro International as a new Conference Related Ministry (CRM).  Amahoro, led by George and Mukarabe Makinto (part of the pastoral team of Faith Chapel, Los Angeles), is a humanitarian organization that provides hope and community for Burundian refugees in Uganda. The conference CRM committee is looking forward to partnering with Amahoro moving forward, said Margaret Zook, Mosaic’s Director of Collaborative Ministries. “The mission of Amahoro, as agents of peace and reconciliation, is living out the Good News of Jesus and resounds with Mosaic’s mission and vision.”  

Mosaic delegates will vote to affirm the acceptance of these two new communities at the November 5 Assembly.  

Affirming Recommendations

The Board received and affirmed the recommendations of the Listening Task Force, which was formed in July to listen to each Mosaic community and ministry and to provide direction for further discernment at Assembly on November 5.  The task force shared an overview of what they heard in their conversations with Mosaic congregations and CRMs and provided guidance for the Board in designing a path forward.  The executive committee of the Board is finalizing a proposed action for delegate discernment in November.  This action, along with the full recommendation of the Listening Task Force, will be released in a special edition of Mosaic News next week. 

The Board’s next meeting will be on November 21. 

Emily Ralph Servant

Emily Ralph Servant is the Leadership Minister for Formation and Communication for Mosaic Mennonite Conference. Emily has served in pastoral roles at Swamp and Indonesian Light congregations and graduated from Eastern Mennonite Seminary.

Just Put One Foot in Front of the Other

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Reflections from the Mosaic Conference Board

To say we have experienced change in the past year is a tremendous understatement. It was a year that brought change globally, nationally, locally, and personally. Some changes were welcomed and celebrated; others were lamented. Whether positive or negative, change is disorienting and often requires adjustments.

Take, for example, a scene from the movie, Santa Claus is Coming to Town. In the movie, a character known as the Winter Warlock is transformed by a gesture of love from Kris Kringle. The Warlock’s frozen demeanor is melted away into a gentle, loving grandfather-figure who asks to be called, “Winter.” 

Winter Warlock and Kris Kringle from Santa Claus is Coming to Town (Bass, J. & Rankin, A. (directors), 1970). No copyright infringement is intended.

After experiencing change, and, in this case, a really positive one, “Winter” wonders how to navigate forward. Kris Kringle simply responds, “Just put one foot in front of the other.” Though disoriented by the change, “Winter” learns to walk in this new identity, stumbling a little at first, but moving forward nonetheless. 

I was reminded of the words of the psalmist, “The Lord makes firm the steps of the ones who delight in him; though we may stumble, we will not fall, for the Lord upholds us with his hand” (Psalm 37:23-24, NIV). This seems like a helpful posture for us all as we consider the changes we have experienced and what it means to move forward together. 

We had many changes in the creation of our new Mosaic Conference. This was a positive change worth celebrating to be sure, yet it will still create some aspects of change that may be disorienting. 

As a Board we recently wrestled through one of these changes. We considered what Conference Assemblies will look like moving forward. What is the best way to meet as a conference with members so geographically dispersed? What role does technology play? At what level can technology assist in providing meaningful, sustainable, and cost-effective gatherings? 

These are not questions that will be answered overnight. In fact, they are more likely to be discovered as we keep our focus where it belongs: delighting together in Christ, focusing our eyes on Him, and then placing one foot in front of the other. We are sure to stumble from time to time but when we do, the LORD will uphold us with his hand and keep us moving forward.