At least 36 congregations within Mosaic Conference participated in the 2024 Mosaic celebration of “Pentecost Together / Bersama / Juntos.” The time together emphasized connecting across congregations of different cultural and theological perspectives to develop and deepen relationships.
The ways of connecting included worshipping together, pulpit exchanges, shared sermons, praying for each other, shared youth group time, shared worship teams, exchanging video greetings, fellowship meals, and more. Check out the highlights video, as well as a few reflections from participants, below:
“On Pentecost, the youth group from Salford (Harleysville, PA) got to go to Philadelphia Praise Center for worship. This opportunity gave me a chance to see how different cultures can be integrated into church life. One special thing about the service was the inclusive space created by the encouragement and participation from the audience. I loved how passionate all the PPC youth were in leading the singing. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and thought that the generosity and liveliness of the church community was a great example of seeing God move through people.” – Aubrey Gehman, Salford youth group
“On Pentecost, two very different churches came together and laughed, sang, ate, talked, and played. Yes, we are different people with different ways of doing church, but if neither is actually wrong, then it’s possible that in Christ there doesn’t have to be anything that keeps us apart.” – Susan Alloway, Director of Media & Worship for Redemption Church of Bristol (PA)
“Perkiomenville and Frederick (PA) met at Perk for a shared worship service followed by a potluck meal and talent share. Members of both churches formed a worship team. Pastors Grant Price and Mike Spinelli preached “podcast style” on the story of the Holy Spirit’s outpouring in Acts 2 and how we can live in the Holy Spirit’s power today. In the talent share, people were encouraged to bring hobbies or interests they pursued and display them for others to enjoy and ask questions about. This time was a great reminder of our congregations’ shared roots and shared power in the Holy Spirit.” – Pastor Mike Spinelli, Perkiomenville
“We learned that as we prayed together, ate together, shared experiences and concerns together, the differences in language and customs, the apprehensions, and self-consciousness didn’t matter. We had all we needed. The blessing of God’s Spirit rested in our hearts. We will do this again.” – SarahAlice Zimmerly, Homestead Mennonite
“When Whitehall (PA) asked if Lakeview (Susquehana, PA) would join them to celebrate Pentecost, we were delighted. It wasn’t long before we agreed that it was time for a road trip! We arrived wearing red, yellow, orange, and blue to match the Whitehall crowd. What a joy when we were also happily reunited with Lakeviewers who had moved away. We were quickly caught up in Pastor Melky’s exuberant welcome. We worshipped in English and Karen.The Whitehall Youth Dance Team worship dance was filled with grace. Lakeview’s pastoral minister, Sister Brigid, shared a challenging message. The service closed with a blessing and a prayer in Haitian Creole and downstairs we went to eat and connect. It was great fun!” – Dorrie Mininger, Lakeview Mennonite
Taftsville Chapel Mennonite Fellowship (Woodstock, VT) was happy to host members of the Mosaic Board and the Executive Minister. The scripture was 1 Cor 14:1-13 and the message included words from both Steve Kriss and Pastor Steve McCloskey. Kriss reflected on the movement of Mosaic congregations joining, leaving, and merging. McCloskey spoke of the hope of maintaining unity and integrity within the Body of Christ, globally and locally. Afterward, a potluck fellowship meal and rich conversation took place. – Pastor Steve McCloskey, Taftsville Chapel
