Around 100 delegates, youth, and attendees from around a dozen Mosaic Mennonite Conference congregations participated in the biennial convention Mennonite Church USA (MC USA), Follow Jesus ‘25, held July 8-12 in Greensboro, North Carolina.
The delegate assembly was held on July 11, where delegates discussed and voted on resolutions including an updated Churchwide Statement on Immigration, a Prevention and Accountability Resolution; bylaw changes that move the Mennonite Education Agency into the structure of MC USA under the executive board, and give the MC USA Executive Board the authority to recommend the termination of executive directors of churchwide agencies; and a slate of nominees for the Executive Board. All of these proposals were approved by the delegates. MC USA also announced the start of a process of “reimagining the church”, with outcomes to be brought to the 2027 delegate assembly.
Beyond the business decisions, Mosaic participants emphasized how the week offered spiritual nourishment and connection, as well as lament and absence.
“For the first time, it felt somewhat like a family reunion,” shared Calenthia Dowdy, Interim Executive Director and Trainer for Roots of Justice and member at Ambler (PA) Mennonite, who attended representing ROJ among other anti-oppression groups. “The Women in Leadership Beholding It Together summit was a holy time of sharing space with women from many backgrounds, and throughout the week ROJ was affirmed by many attendees for our early resistor work.”
Brenda Shelly of Blooming Glen (PA) Mennonite found rest and rejuvenation: “This was my sixth convention, and more than any other year, I appreciated the spirit of togetherness. Toddlers and senior saints worshipped side by side, tackling difficult topics and singing as one body.”
Cindy Angela, Director of Communication for Mosaic and a pastoral team member at Philadelphia (PA) Praise Center, spoke of the value of connecting with other area conferences. “Mutual transformation happens when we listen to each other,” she said. “Hearing from different perspectives and connecting with Mosaic members in a new context was impactful.”
“My experience at the Mennonite Church USA Convention was deeply refreshing—spiritually, emotionally, and relationally,” shared Mosaic Leadership Minister Marco Güete. “But I also noticed the absence of many racially and culturally diverse participants. Compared to previous conventions, the gathering felt less representative of the diversity and richness of our church.”
That absence was palpable for other leaders, too. Mosaic Executive Minister Stephen Kriss shared, “While I always enjoy renewing relationships with colleagues from across the Mennonite world, I was aware of who was missing from Mosaic in this gathering and felt the awkwardness of being in the space in a difficult time in our relatedness with Mennonite Church USA.”
He continued, “The vibrant BIPOC presence from Mosaic communities was noticeably absent along with representation from some of our largest congregations. There were no delegates from our Florida or California communities.”
Mosaic Conference sent only half of its normal conference-level delegation.
“I felt God’s Spirit with me as I listened to people share their truths with me and responded with compassion and understanding to their stories of pain and mistrust over denominational decisions,” shared Mosaic Executive Committee member Maati Yvonne. “In terms of the seminars, the ones on peacemaking felt particularly insightful to bring back to my home congregation.”
Others also returned home with new ideas and energy for their communities. Brent Camilleri, Associate Pastor at Deep Run East (Perkasie, PA) Mennonite, shared how their youth are now energized to form a Creation Care group. “Pastor Leslie McLendon’s message in the final worship–‘the scroll is still open’–challenged us to continue proclaiming the good news.”
With over 120 seminars offered throughout the event, attendees engage in 60-minute sessions covering a wide range of topics and interests.
For Josh Landis of Zion Mennonite (Souderton, PA), the worship services, seminars, shared meals, and fellowship offered a persistent theme: “We’re at a pivotal time. The church can no longer be ‘the quiet in the land’ or comfortably lukewarm. We are called to clarity—to align not with the powerful, but with the gospel of Jesus in Luke 4.”
Mosaic values two-way communication and encourages our constituents to respond with feedback, questions, or encouragement. To share your thoughts or send a message to the author(s), contact us at communication@mosaicmennonites.org.
