Mosaic Mennonites

Missional - Intercultural - Formational

MCC Summer Service Program

MCC Summer Service Workers We’re Learning From

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by Jennifer Svetlik

In addition to hosting nine Mosaic summer Ambassadors, three other young people within Mosaic congregations participated in the MCC summer service program, a 10-week program for young adults of color in the U.S. that runs from June to August. The program encourages and strengthens leadership capabilities within young adults while nurturing a commitment to community engagement.  

Game time with the Peace Camp children.

Cheryne Yapcolin is a part of Philadelphia Praise Center. She applied for MCC summer service to expand her understanding of community service and to integrate her passion for worship with meaningful outreach. She also wanted to learn from new experiences and to see how she could contribute to her community according to her abilities.  

During the program, Yapcolin lead worship, organized community events, and supported the summer Peace Camp for the kids aged 7 to 11 years old, the youth retreat, and the Indonesian night market.  

“Balancing multiple responsibilities was quite challenging. Managing my time between work, personal matters, and ministry duties required a lot of organization,” reflects Yapcolin.  

She was surprised by the strong sense of community and support from members of her congregation and the MCC team. “This summer experience also showed me that people from different nations, races, cultures and backgrounds can understand and care for each other,” she says.  

When reflecting on her learnings from the summer, Yapcolin offered, “Leadership is about empathy, active listening, and empowering others to bring out the best in themselves. Leading with compassion and understanding helps build stronger teams and creates a welcoming community.” 

Lioe pictured in the front of the worship band. 

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Victoria Lioe is a part of Indonesian Light Church (Philadelphia, PA). She applied for Summer Service because she loves to contribute to her congregation and wanted to be able to do it more. 

Some of her projects this summer included leading worship, multimedia work, organizing events and leading the youth group. Each of these responsibilities allowed her to develop a diverse set of skills and contribute meaningfully to the community. 

She found spending time with the youth group especially rewarding, particularly when they shared funny stories about their lives and asked her for advice.  

“Summer service offered an excellent opportunity for personal growth and leadership development,” Lioe shared. “It allowed me to connect with like-minded individuals who share my values and beliefs, fostering both professional and personal relationships.” 

One of her learnings was “that my fears about potential outcomes can impact my effectiveness as a leader, creating barriers that hinder my performance,” she reflects. “I developed better multitasking abilities and learned the importance of addressing stress and anxiety while embracing challenges as opportunities for growth.” 

Lioe will continue to support her congregation this fall including in their annual retreat and with performances from the youth.  

This summer, Chile oversaw LA Faith Chapel’s clothes distribution.

George Chile is a part of LA (CA) Faith Chapel. He applied for Summer Service to expand his capabilities and be more productive and impactful. He had heard stories about MCC’s work and was eager to learn from the organization and apply it to his life, congregation, and community.  

Chile’s assignment for the summer was assistant organizer. He set up events but also was given ministry responsibilities. “I found myself doing things I never thought I would do. I went from seat warmer to getting involved in what it takes to run a church for a whole summer.” 

Chiles’ notion of responsibility and collective support was challenged when he was able to experience how many people came together to support one another and work on various tasks and events. The large outreach events and how they touched the broader community made an impression on him. 

“I was surprised by my ability to grow in focus and work collectively with others to get projects done,” Chiles reflects. He noted that growing in leadership takes time, but with a drive to serve God and touch people, anyone can make a difference. He was grateful for the opportunity to have new responsibilities and accountability.  

As he finishes his experience, Chiles is motivated to take risks and say yes to new experiences to learn and grow. “MCC provided me a space to nurture a Godly mindset and heart,” Chiles shares.  

Jennifer Svetlik

Jennifer is Editor & Development Coordinator 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. 

Age and Culture Should Not be a Barrier: Young People to Learn From This Summer, Part III

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Editor’s Note: This summer, six young adult interns have served Mosaic congregations. Five interns are participating in the Summer Service Program, a ten-week program for young adults of color sponsored by Mennonite Central Committee (MCC). This article highlights two of Mosaic’s summer interns. To read about the other four interns, read the first part and the second part of this series.

Spencer Garrison has spent this summer as a pastoral intern with Whitehall (PA) Mennonite Church and Ripple (Allentown, PA). He also has been serving with Ripple Community Inc, Ripple’s community center, sometimes helping in the kitchen and spending time with people. On Wednesday evenings, Garrison works in Ripple’s community garden and then helps distribute food to people in need. Some days, he helps the pastors lead worship or devotions.

Garrison grew up on a farm in West Salem, Ohio, and wanted a broader cultural experience this summer than his rural upbringing. In high school, Garrison became interested in Spanish and speaking with people who were different than him. While studying Spanish and business at Bluffton (OH) University, he noticed something that bothered him.

“Our chapels [at Bluffton] aren’t very diverse,” he said. Kingdom building is an important part of Garrison’s faith. “I don’t want culture or language or anything to be a barrier to enter the Kingdom. Everyone deserves a chance to come see what it’s all about.”

Garrison described another challenge for him: wanting to do work that matters in a short amount of time. He has learned to emphasize “restorative practices, not just charity work.” Living with and talking to people are indispensable to him while ministering.

In June, Garrison attended a COVID-19 trauma healing workshop for Mosaic leaders. He felt a good sense of community, however, he was the youngest person there, as well as the youngest person working at Ripple and Whitehall this summer. Like race, culture, or language, he doesn’t want age to be a barrier to serve and learn. Young people are a large, under-used force, and he hopes that they will be more involved in future Mosaic activities.

Garrison is a whiz at music production, loves to worship, and enjoys hiking, singing, and playing guitar. He also plays baseball for Bluffton University.

Rachel Hannanto is a Summer Service Program intern, serving as a Sunday school teacher’s aide, at International Worship Church in San Marino, CA. Hannanto is supporting five to seven years old this summer. Since children are not yet vaccinated for COVID-19, Hannanto’s work has primarily been done remotely. She researches and creates content for basic biblical stories that emphasizes wholesome deeds, assigns homework, requests talent videos (song, dance, etc.), and gives weekly presentations through Zoom.

Originally she felt challenged to simplify concepts and condense her vocabulary in her ministry to children. However, while working through these challenges, she discovered that the children are much smarter than they get credit for from adults.

International Worship Church is Hannanto’s home church, where her father, Pastor Buddy Hannanto, has pastored for over 25 years. Hannanto says she is proud to support and serve in her church.

Hannanto has learned that positive energy and confidence in your leadership can truly impact others. “Always approach the next opportunity that comes your way with courage and optimism,” she says. Hannanto has always believed that her goals will ultimately revolve around good people she loves and can laugh with. “I want to be a radiating, confident leader who can aid those who are overlooked and in need,” shares Hannanto. “The people you spend time with and create memorable relationships with … are what matters most.”

Hannanto and has an education background from Graziadio Business School at Pepperdine University. She is developing a pollinator-friendly backyard, directly supporting the endangered Monarch Butterfly population. She enjoys tending her garden, eating sushi, reading or watching anything in the horror genre, and swimming.

Young People to Learn From This Summer, Part II

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Editor’s Note: This summer, five young adult interns from Mosaic Conference are participating in the Summer Service Program, a ten-week program for young adults of color sponsored by Mennonite Central Committee (MCC). This article highlights two of those interns. Read last week’s article to learn about two other interns.   

Syerafina Himawan (center in yellow shirt), summer intern at Philadelphia Praise Center, assists with Peace Camp. Photo by Philadelphia Praise Center.

Syerafina Himawan, 18, was born in Jakarta, Indonesia and raised in south Philadelphia, PA. She attended Folk Arts – Cultural Treasures (FACT) Charter School in Chinatown, where she could connect with Asian-American peers. She later graduated from Central High school in north Philadelphia, where she began a Fellowship of Christian Athletes club.

Himawan’s work this summer is at Philadelphia Praise Center (PPC), her home congregation. Earlier this summer, she worked at PPC’s Peace Camp for three weeks, a day camp for children. Peace Camp participants interacted with kids from the community, heard Bible stories, and listened to guest speakers. A highlight for Himawan was seeing how the kids grew spiritually within three weeks.

Since Himawan grew up at PPC and attended camps as a child, she knows the impact camp can have on a child’s life. PPC did not have Peace Camp last year, due to the pandemic, and she wanted to be part of bringing it back.

Planning the camp was a challenge, Himawan says, because she struggles with organization and doesn’t always find it easy to ask for help. This year’s number of participants was low, due to COVID-19. For Himawan, this made her realize that spreading the message of Christ’s peace was even more important than ever.

She knows that Mosaic Conference stands for diversity, and her interactions with the Conference have been meaningful. She hopes more awareness about Mosaic will spread to young people and church members. In early July, Himawan attended MennoCon 2021 in Cincinnati, OH, describing it as “more intimate” than past years due to attendance restrictions.

Himawan enjoys sports, especially field hockey. and reading young adult fiction. She will begin studying political science at Drexel University in Philadelphia in the fall.

Marciella Shallomita (far left) teaches at Nations Worship’s VBS. Photo by Andrés Castillo.

Marciella Shallomita, 18, is a member of Nations Worship Center in Philadelphia, PA. She was born in Jakarta, Indonesia and moved to Philadelphia when she was eight. This summer, she is working with her church’s Vacation Bible School (VBS) program, which runs Tuesday through Friday. The children experience Bible stories, lessons, and worship led by Pastor Beny Krisbianto.

In 2019, Shallomita experienced the success of her church’s VBS the first year it was held and was looking forward to its second year before the pandemic prevented it. As Nations Worship planned its VBS for this year, Shallomita was eager to return. During the pandemic, she learned how to play the guitar and cajon, in order to assist with worship.

Although VBS can be tiring, Shallomita feels a responsibility to help, as a member of Nations Worship Center. Serving at church is a part of living for her. It’s something Shallomita has grown up with, and she has learned that she’s not just serving her church, but also her community.

On Saturdays, Shallomita participates in a kids’ zoom meeting and youth service. She assists Pastor Beny and Pastor Angelia with worship for Azusa St. Prayer Tower, a 24/7 broadcast that connects churches from Indonesia, the US, and Canada. On Sundays, she plays on the worship team and interprets sermons for non-Indonesian speakers.

Although she spends a lot of time during worship on stage, playing the keyboard and other instruments, Shallomita values behind-the-scenes work. “You don’t have to be seen in order to do it,” she emphasizes.

Shallomita enjoys music, volleyball, tennis, and badminton. She recently graduated from Dock Mennonite Academy in Lansdale, PA and will attend Eastern Mennonite University In Harrisonburg, VA to study biology and neuroscience.

Young Adults Take Lead in Times of Trouble

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by Cindy Angela, Digital Communication Associate

Over the summer months, four young adults worked as summer service workers in four Mosaic Conference congregations.  Graciella Odelia (Nations Worship Center, Philadelphia PA), Christopher Jong (Philadelphia Praise Center, Philadelphia PA), Ser Luther (Whitehall congregation, Allentown, PA), and Alex Padilla (International Worship Church, San Gabriel, CA) participated in a ten-week program through Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) that helps young adults of color in the U.S. cultivate their leadership skills within their community.

Graciella Odelia distributed groceries in South Philadelphia with the help of Mosaic Shalom Fund.
Photo provided by Graciella Odelia

As the needs in the community shifted due to the pandemic, the summer workers and their supervisor had to quickly adapt their plans to better serve their community.  “My job for this summer was supposed to be coordinating a vacation Bible school for the children in my church. But because of COVID-19, that didn’t work out,” Graciella Odelia explained.

Instead, Odelia produced videos for Nations Worship Center virtual church service, organized Zoom meetings, and helped pack groceries and deliver them to families in need.  “God called me to serve the church and to help my community during this difficult time,” Odelia reflected.

Christopher Jong distributed free clothes in South Philadelphia this summer.
Photo provided by Christopher Jong

Christopher Jong echoed the same sentiment. Jong was born in Philadelphia but was raised in Indonesia. He moved back to the US when he was 17 years old. Being a summer worker helped him reconnect to his South Philadelphia roots. “PPC [Philadelphia Praise Center] was the first church I was introduced to when I reached the US and I felt connected to the people ever since,” Jong recounted.

Initially, Jong was to organize a summer camp that got cancelled. So Jong and his supervisor, Pastor Aldo Siahaan of Philadelphia Praise, had to adapt and make new projects for Jong to work on. “We created projects such as grocery shopping service, free care package distribution, translation services and many more,” Jong explained.

Screen capture of a video interview with Ser Luther

Summer worker, Ser Luther, worked with the Whitehall congregation in Allentown, PA. During the week, Luther helped out at Ripple Community Inc’s (RCI) Community Building Center. On the weekends, he helped the Whitehall congregation with various tasks for their Sunday service. He prepared PowerPoint presentations, managed Zoom meetings, and even led worship services.

Luther’s supervisor, Danilo Sanchez (of RCI) observed, “Halfway through the summer I noticed a change in him. He became much more comfortable talking with new people at the center and public speaking.”

Alex Padilla led children’s Zoom Sunday School for International Worship Church in California.
Photo provided by Alex Padilla

Meanwhile in California, Alex Padilla balanced online classes at the University of Colorado while also being a summer worker for International Worship Church (San Gabriel, CA). Padilla has been attending International Worship Church for a few years, where Pastor Buddy Hananto saw his potential and asked him to be a summer worker.

One of Padilla’s favorite tasks this summer was creating a virtual Sunday school class. “It was an incredibly valuable experience to be a teacher of faith to the next generation,” he shared.

This summer, these young adults may have taken on different roles and responsibilities, but all of them learned to lead, to adapt, and to keep trusting God in times of trouble.

Summer Interns to Serve and Learn

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by Jennifer Svetlik, Salford congregation

Listening for God’s calling. Serving their home communities. Learning from new communities. Cultivating pastoral skills. These are some of the hopes that six interns bring to their time of service and formation with Franconia Conference this summer. They come as part of the MCC Summer Service Program, the Ministry Inquiry Program, as well as the Conference’s own summer placements.

As part of the MCC Summer Service Worker Program, Jessica Nikomang will work at Philadelphia Praise Center. This summer she will direct a Vacation Bible School (VBS) for kids ages 5-12 as well as work with the Indonesian community around the church and her neighborhood, providing translation support and other help. After the summer, she will begin studies at the Community College of Philadelphia as a first-generation college student in pursuit of her dream to be a school counselor.

This will be Rebecca Yugga’s second summer serving at the Crossroads Community Center in partnership with her home congregation, West Philadelphia Mennonite Fellowship. Rebecca studies Nursing and Spanish Language/Hispanic Studies at Eastern Mennonite University (EMU). She will be planning activities for children and build on leadership skills and strategies she cultivated in the program last year.

Graciella Odelia

Graciella Odelia will serve at Nations Worship Center, which has been her home church since 2013 and where she is an active member of the worship team. Graciella studies Biology and Chemistry at Eastern Mennonite University. She will be organizing the summer VBS program in July and August at Nations Worship Center.

“Seeing kids excited to worship God makes me look forward to what God has in store for the next generation. By participating in the MCC Summer Service program, I hope to discover how God can use me in His church,” Graciella shares.

Andrés Castillo

As the Conference’s summer placement, Andrés Castillo, a member of Nueva Vida Norristown New Life, will serve as a communication intern for the conference. Andrés studies English at West Chester University. More of his writing, photography, and videos will be shared on our website throughout the summer. Andrés is excited to make connections in his communication work between Christ’s teachings and the social issues about which he’s passionate.

Justin Burkholder, who attends Deep Run East, will be working with the conference’s south Philadelphia Indonesian congregations. He will be serving with the peace camp at Indonesian Light Church as well as summer VBS programs at other congregations. Justin is in Intercultural Studies at Palm Beach Atlantic University.

“I grew up traveling into Philadelphia just for ball games or cheesesteaks and I was disconnected from the lives of people living in the city,” Justin shared. “I am looking forward to building relationships and learning what it looks like to serve the church and community in South Philly.”

As part of the Ministry Inquiry Program, Luke Hertzler, who studies Bible, Religion and Theology at EMU, will be working with Whitehall and Ripple Allentown congregations. Luke will help at Ripple’s Community Building Center and garden and test out gifts on Sundays at both Ripple and Whitehall.

“We hope Luke will bring new ideas and energy. Right now we are forming gift groups at Ripple and I hope Luke can give some direction to this new model,” Danilo Sanchez, co-pastor for Ripple Allentown shared. “Internships are important to Ripple because we care about raising up leaders. Ripple is a different kind of Mennonite church and we like to show young adults that pastoring and church can take a variety of forms.”

Summer interns are an important part of Franconia Conference’s commitment to leadership cultivation. “Each year it is a gift to interact with this next generation of leaders. We learn alongside them and contribute to their formation in the way of Christ’s peace,” Franconia’s executive minister Steve Kriss shared.

We are grateful for and look forward to sharing more about the work that these six young people will offer Franconia Conference this summer!