Annual Sessions 2015 (June 18-20) Indiana-Michigan ... · June 18 20, 2015, Indianapolis, Indiana Thursday, June 18 11:00 am 7:00 pm Registration open 11:30 am 12:15 pm Lunch 12:30

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Joyfully Following Jesus

Annual Sessions 2015 (June 18-20)

Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference Broadway United Methodist Church

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Schedule for Annual Sessions 2015 .................................................................................................................. 3

Procedural Rules for Delegates ........................................................................................................................ 4

Chapter 1 Conference Program ..................................................................................................................... 6

DELEGATES to INDIANA-MICHIGAN MENNONITE CONFERENCE, JUNE 2014 ................................................ 6

CONFERENCE PERSONNEL 2014-2015 .................................................................................................. 11

GEOGRAPHIC LOCATIONS OF CONGREGATOINS ....................................................................................... 13

MISSIONAL SEEDS GIVING CLUB MEMBERS .............................................................................................. 14

Chapter 2 Items for Discussion and/or Action ............................................................................................ 15

Annual Sessions 2014 Minutes and Proceedings ........................................................................................ 15

Gifts Development Team Report ........................................................................................................... 22

2015-2016 Spending Plan .................................................................................................................. 27

Chapter 3 Missional Leadership Team and Staff ........................................................................................ 29

-2015 .................................................................................................................. 29

Missional Leadership Team Summary Report 2014-2015 ............................................................................ 29

Administrative Team Report 2014-2015 ..................................................................................................... 29

Conference Staff Report by Greg Leatherman Sommers, conference administrator ...................................... 30

Chapter 4 Committees/Teams ..................................................................................................................... 32

Advisory Council 2014-2015 ...................................................................................................................... 32

Leadership Enhancement Team Report 2014-2015 ..................................................................................... 33

Ministry Credentialing Team Report: 2014-2015 ........................................................................................ 34

LEADERSHIP REPORT OF CREDENTIALED PERSONS May 6, 2014 May 5, 2015 ........................................ 34

Stewardship Team 2014 ............................................................................................................................ 36

Journey: A Conference-based Leadership Development Program................................................................. 36

Transitional Ministry Training Report 2014-2015 ........................................................................................ 37

Conference Historian Report 2014-2015 .................................................................................................... 38

History Project Report 2014-2015 .............................................................................................................. 38

Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Women 2014 January 1, 2014 December 31, 2014 ..................................... 39

The Corinthian Plan (MCUSA Report) 2014-2015 ....................................................................................... 40

Chapter 5 Conference Institutions .............................................................................................................. 40

Amigo Centre ............................................................................................................................................ 40

Bethany Christian Schools 2014-15 ............................................................................................................ 41

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Schedule for Annual Sessions 2015 IN-MI Mennonite Conference Annual Sessions

Broadway United Methodist Church June 18 20, 2015, Indianapolis, Indiana

Thursday, June 18 11:00 am 7:00 pm Registration open 11:30 am 12:15 pm Lunch 12:30 am 5:30 pm Workshops 6:30 pm 8:30 pm Pastor Appreciation meal (Non-pastors: dinner on your own) Friday, June 19 Breakfast on your own 8:00 am Registration opens 8:30 9:30 am Opening worship 9:45 11:45 pm Worshipful work 12:00 1:15 pm Lunch

General lunch Congregational Coaches Lunch

1:30 5:00 pm Worshipful work (30 minute break) 5:30 6:30 pm Dinner 7:00 8:30 pm Friday evening worship 9:00 pm Affinity conversations Saturday, June 20 Breakfast on your own 8:15 11:00 am Gathering and outings 11:30 1:00 pm Lunches

General lunch on

1:15 3:00 pm Worshipful work 3:30 4:30 Ending worship

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Procedural Rules for Delegates Adapted from the special rules approved at the beginning of the 2007 Mennonite Church USA Delegate Assembly held in San José, California. IN-MI constitutional provisions for decision making at Annual Sessions:

The conference shall seek consensus or broad affirmation in all decisions. Where available time does not allow for consensus or where circumstances are not deemed to require broad affirmation, the conference may proceed by majority vote.

A majority of votes cast shall determine any matter, except when the delegates agree otherwise or when otherwise provided in the constitution or bylaws.

A quorum shall consist of all properly recognized delegates present at a duly called assembly meeting.

Delegates representing IN-manner that allows for due consideration. Balancing these goals is typically difficult, especially in decision-making bodies as large as ours. Parliamentary procedure is used to help groups, especially large ones, balance the goals of timely action and due consideration. It does so by standardizing procedures through a system of rules that establish who may speak, about what, when, and for how long. Most people are not familiar with these rules and as a result tend to experience parliamentary procedures as cumbersome. So far no one has developed a less cumbersome and yet fair way to balance these competing goals. This document is adapted from the Procedural Rules for Delegates successfully followed at Mennonite Church USA Charlotte 2005 Delegate Assembly, and is an effort to make parliamentary procedure feel a bit more user friendly. . Basic rules In an effort to allow as many persons as possible to be heard, please follow these basic rules:

Only delegates may make motions or vote on them.

Do not address the assembly more than twice in a day on any one topic.

Before you speak a second time on one topic, make sure that no one else who has not yet spoken on that topic wishes to do so.

When you go to the microphone to address the assembly, wait to be recognized by the moderator. Once recognized, state your name and (if appropriate) the group you represent before making your remarks.

Only speak on behalf of a group if you have been specifically commissioned to do so.

In order to keep the discussion from becoming personal, always address the moderator rather than a previous speaker or someone else in the meeting.

Always speak respectfully. If you disagree with another person who has spoken, please describe that point of view with respect.

So that the group can put your remarks in context, always indicate whether you are speaking in favor of or against the proposal that is being discussed.

Parliamentary procedures commonly used During the delegate session, if you want to introduce a motion, raise a question, or extend discussion, please follow these procedures:

If you want to amend a main motion, limit or extend debate on a motion, or lay a motion on the table, you need to make a motion to that effect while the main motion is still under consideration. To do so, seek recognition from the moderator and then make the motion. (

To object to the consideration of a motion, call for a more precise vote, ask a question about parliamentary procedure or offer information on a question, first seek recognition of the moderator and

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then state your business.

To call for a recess, adjournment, or a question of privilege (to rectify some problem that is distracting the assembly, for instance), seek the recognition of the moderator and after recognition make the motion. ill ask you what the question of privilege is.)

Many motions require a second. This guarantees that at least one other person is interested in the proposal.

Any motion that comes from a committee does not need a second since the support of a committee already indicates that the body is interested in the motion.

any objection to ending discussion, then the delegate body will need to take a vote on your proposal to end discussion.

New motions and/or amendments to motions that are on the agenda We will conduct our business according to the following rules which are commonly used in large assemblies that must get their work done in a relatively short period of time.

Any motion that brings substantive business to the body must be taken to the moderator or moderator-elect before it can be brought to the floor. The purpose of this is to make sure that the assembly only takes time to consider clear and appropriate motions.

Likewise, amendments to resolutions that appear on the agenda must be presented to the moderator or moderator-elect before they can be brought to the floor for discussion. The purpose for this rule is the same as above.

For more specific information on the kinds of motions you can make and the rules that apply to them, see Roberts Rules of Order Newly Revised (10th edition). If you have questions about parliamentary procedure during the delegate sessions, we invite you to ask the designated parliamentarian about appropriate procedures during a break. We hope that the procedures described above will enable Annual Sessions to be times of discernment together. Come prepared to hear God's voice as we worshipfully work together.

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Chapter 1 Conference Program

DELEGATES to INDIANA-MICHIGAN MENNONITE CONFERENCE, JUNE 2014

Congregational delegates include:

1. All ordained and licensed ministers with active

congregational assignments: OM = Ordained Minister

LM = Licensed Minister DE = Deacon

2. One elder or comparable leader:

CC = Congregational Chair

CE = Chair of Elders

E = Elder 3. One delegate representing financial matters:

F = Financial rep 4. One delegate for each 150 members or fraction thereof:

D = Delegate

Ann Arbor Mennonite Church OM Chibuzor Ozor LM Mike Score F Virginia Ryan

Assembly Mennonite Church OM Dawn Yoder Harms OM Karl Shelly LM Lora Nafziger CC Keith Graber Miller D Joyce Hostetler D Linford Martin F John Nafziger

Belmont Mennonite Church/Neighborhood Flshp OM Larry Rohrer OM Amanda Yoder OM Russell Jensen CC Eldon Heatwole F Pete Gingerich

Benton Mennonite Church OM Doug Kaufman OM Brenda Meyer CC Lyn Buschert D Helene Hoover F Bruce Nofziger

Berkey Avenue Mennonite Fellowship OM Dan Schrock OM Marilyn Rudy-Froese LM Lois Stoltzfus Mast CC Greg Smucker D Beth Berry D Darin Short F Barbara Eichorn

Bethel Mennonite Church OM Joe Pendleton CC George Smith CE Wallace Yordy F Ryan Gnagey

Bonneyville Mennonite Church OM Dale Shenk LM Marcella Hershberger CC Kurt Eby F Don Stauffer

Burr Oak Mennonite Church OM Philip Leichty OM Virginia Leichty OM Debbie Voss CC Laura Nolen CE Rich Warne D Floyd Legler D Jim Marchand

F Juli Leichty

Carroll Community Worship Center OM Verlin Haarer E Jim Rowe F Jim Rowe

Cedar Grove Mennonite Church OM James Troyer CC Mike Sheppard E Douglas Troyer F Mike Sheppard D Susan E Barham

Church Without Walls OM Cora Brown OM Jonathan Brown D Louise Millsaps E Sabrina Gipson

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College Mennonite Church OM Daniel Yoder OM Marty Lehman OM Pamela Yoder OM Phil Waite LM Lee Dengler LM Susan Dengler LM Talashia Keim Yoder LM Wilfred Kanagy CE John Yordy D Beth Bontrager D James E Horsch D John Lapp D Ron Kennel

Community Christian Fellowship OM Sam Wilson

E Evelyn Mannn Carter E James Bell F Denise Colona

East Goshen Mennonite Church OM Merle Hostetler CC Tim Yoder CE Wilbur Hershberger D Cal Kaufman D Chris Holsopple Kauffman F Cindy Steiner

Emma Mennonite Church OM Gene Hartman CE LaMar Hochstedler

CC Julie Zehr E Larry W. Miller F Eric Hostetler

Fairhaven Mennonite Church CC Jennifer Hayes

D Barb Passwater E Keith Passwater F Duane Yoder

Faith Mennonite Church OM Deron Brill Bergstresser OM Kay Bontrager-Singer CC Emma Hartman D Luke Mast

D Sara Mast

Family Worship Center at the OM James Hochstetler CE Jeremy McLaughlin

Fellowship of Hope Mennonite LM Suella Lehman Gerber E Sylvie Gudin F Jim Norton D Verlin Miller

First Mennonite Church, Fort Wayne OM Peter Janzen CC Dave Pettigrew E Carolyn Vanice F Tom Meyer

First Mennonite Church, Indianapolis OM Steve Thomas (Transitional)

LM Shannon Dycus CC Erwin Boschmann CE Andrea Grotenhuis D David Hovde

D Hollins Showalter D Robert Walson E Lisa Schloneger

First Mennonite Church, Middlebury OM Kent Miller OM Derrick Ramer CE Robin Tahara Miller D Dennis Rheinheimer

D LuEtta Friesen D Weldon Friesen F Michael Ritchie

Forks Mennonite Church LM Phil Yoder

CC Dan Wolfer E Chuck Owens

Germfask Mennonite Church OM J D Livermore, Jr CE J D Livermore, Sr D Debbie Livermore F Joe Livermore

Good News Community Chapel CC Jan Esch D David Esch F Helen Bezzeg

Grace Chapel LM James H Nelson CC Renna Harness

Grand Marais Mennonite Church OM Stephen Post CC Bill Platt F Jay Aeschliman

Hilltop Mennonite Fellowship OM Dave Cadarette LM Mike Wilson E Linda Boyer F Nancy Behan

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Holdeman Mennonite Church OM Bj Leichty OM Randy Detweiler CC Robert Newcomer CE Bonita Schrock D Vernard Guengerich F Jim Gerber F Lee Leatherman

Hopewell Mennonite Church OM Joel Short CC Dan Grass

CE Tim Stoner D Jim & Cathy Gingerich D Virgil Stoltzfus F Jay Bechtel

Howard-Miami Mennonite Church OM Ben Schlegel OM Sarah Schlegel CE Craig Miller CC Marjorie Bontrager

D Harold Mast F Linda Miller

Hudson Lake Mennonite Church OM Esther Lanting D Joan Griffith CC Amy Schrock CE Les Gnagey F Nedra Gnagey

Iglesia Menonita del Buen Pastor OM David Araujo CC Jose Tomas Vallejos CE Rafael Barahona D Ruth Vega F Samuel Ascencio

Kalamazoo Mennonite Fellowship LM Will Fitzgerald E Barbara Dunham D CarolSue Borkholder

F Janine Byler

Kern Road Mennonite Church OM David Sutter OM Janice Yordy Sutter CE Murray Weaver D Mabel Boyajian-Migliaro D Philipp Gollner F Kay Reist

Lake Bethel Mennonite Church LM Mike Brudney CE Martin Franke D Martha Brudney D Patricia Franke

E June Cattell F Mary Franke

Liberty Christian Fellowship OM Brian Wills CE Lowell Myers F Lowell Leinbach

Locust Grove Mennonite Church OM Bill Beck CE Ross Weber D Bill Wickey

D Cheryl Mast D Richard Oswald F Brian Oswald

Maple River Mennonite Church OM Chris Rasper CP Heidi Burkhart CC Patricia Brubacher D Jacob Snider F Stan Kauffman

Marion Mennonite Church OM Char Roth OM Ron Roth E Albert Stutzman

Mennonite Fellowship of Bloomington OM Kelly Carson CC Angela Moore CE Virgil Sauder

D Andrea Martinie-Eiler F Sue Ramseyer

Michigan Avenue Mennonite Church OM Scot Wilson CE Troy Gundev F Donna Pietruck

Morning Star Church OM Gladys Maina OM Simon Mungai D Tom Hines

Naubinway Christian Fellowship OM Tim Miller CC Bruce Gustafson D Steve Miller F DeWayne Evans New Foundation United in Christ Mennonite LM Shawn Lange LM Tyrone Taylor D Leandrea Lange F Tantra Taylor

New Hope Community Church of Midland OM Harold (Denny) Heath CE Lewis Davis E Larry Yoder F Fay Vancise

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Ninth Street Community Church OM William Scott, Jr LM Rex Jones F Delores Gnagey D Lorman Heilig

North Goshen Mennonite Church OM Izaete Nafziger OM Mark Schloneger CC Michael Yeakey CE Bob Steury F Harlan Stoltzfus

North Leo Mennonite Church OM Marshall Anderson D Angie Miller D Randy Miller

North Main Street Mennonite Church OM Ruben Chupp CC Steve Yoder F Bruce Slabaugh Olive Mennonite Church OM Kevin Yoder OM Sharon Yoder OM Veva Mumaw CC Sue Martin CC Sid Richard

CE Ben Martin CE Nathan Horner D Steve Klotz E Erin Richard

Paoli Mennonite Fellowship LM Matthew Pflederer LM Rebecca Kauffman CC Doris Weaver

CE Mary Beth Gibbons D JoAnn Borntrager F Jamey Sullivan

Parkview Mennonite Church CP Tillie Graber

CE Mary Jo Van Sickel D Tom Andrews D Grace Whitehead F Sylvia Bontrager

Peace Community Mennonite Church F Bonita Eileen Childs D Theodore Myles

Pine Grove Mennonite Church OM Tom Schwartz

CE Harold Vogt E Eldon Christophel

Pleasant View Mennonite Church OM Ron Diener OM Tyler Hartford CC Myron Miller CE Forrest Miller D Andy Rohrer D Bruce Sellers DE Norm Maust F Roger Martin

Prairie Street Mennonite Church OM J Nelson Kraybill OM Frances Ringenberg LM Carolyn Hunt CC Paula Killough CE Carolyn Smith

D Gerald Shenk D Tracey Weirich

Rexton Mennonite Church OM Tim Miller CC Laurie Wyse

D Frances Jones F Kathleen Livermore

Shalom Mennonite Church OM Dagne Assefa LM Brian Bither CC Wilma Bailey CE Carl Rhine D Kristin Metzler-Wilson F Robert Love

Shore Mennonite Church OM Carl Horner CC Duane Sharp CE Kathy Troyer E Neal Frey F Jeff Mowery

Sunnyside Mennonite Church OM Amy Kratzer OM Melissa Fisher Fast

OM Terry Zehr CC Ruth Stoltzfus CE Don Jantzi F Jim Neff

Talcum Mennonite Church OM Orlo Fisher CE Larry Ritchie F Dorothy Fisher

True Vine Tabernacle OM Nancy Rodriguez-Lora CE Conrad Hochstetler F Evon Castro

Valparaiso Mennonite Church OM Mario Bustos CE Marv Yoder E Wilma Cender F Jay Guengerich

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Walnut Hill Mennonite Church OM Dan Miller OM Jane Stoltzfus Buller

LM Brent Siegrist CC Jolene VonGunten CE Roger zum Felde D Glenn Slabaugh

DE Ruth Brown F Jolene VonGunten

Wasepi Mennonite Chapel LM Doyle Miller LM Randy Miller

Waterford Mennonite Church OM Cindy Voth OM Lyle Miller

OM Neil Amstutz LM Gilberto Perez LM Velma Swartz D Barbara Hodel D Gary Chupp D Janet Shoemaker E Sheldon Swartz F Jim Fisher

Wawasee Lakeside Chapel OM Brad Cox OM Harlan Steffen CE Linda Stuckman

F Ray Swartzendruber

Wildwood Mennonite Church CC Jonathan Miller D Leighton Miller D Ken Hollinger

D Janice Wagner F Suetta Hollinger

Yellow Creek Mennonite Church OM Harold Yoder OM Jason Ramer OM Wes Bontreger CC Deanna King CE Scott Hartman D Stan Kulp D Truman Weaver D Willie Miller F Daryl Yoder

Congregational Coaches Elmer Wall, serves Hudson Lake; attends Silverwood James Armstrong, serves Burr Oak; attends Valparaiso James Gerber serves Naubinway, Rexton, Wildwood; attends Maple River James Troyer, serves Grand Marais; attends Cedar Grove

Jane Stoltzfus Buller, serves Assembly; attends Walnut Hill Janice Yordy-Sutter, serves Walnut Hill; attends Kern Road Leonard Wiebe serves Bonneyville, East Goshen, Kern Road; attends Eighth Street Mary Lehman Yoder serves Prairie Street; attends Assembly

Mike Zehr serves Holdeman, Olive; attends Belmont Neil Amstutz serves Yellow Creek; attends Waterford Regina Shands Stoltzfus serves Belmont, Belmont Flshp.; attends Assembly Ron Guengerich serves College; attends Silverwood

Ron Kennel serves Benton; attends College Steve Slagel, serves North Goshen; attends East Goshen Wes Bontreger, serves Sunnyside; attends Yellow Creek

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CONFERENCE PERSONNEL 2014-2015

Missional Leadership Team Jane Stoltzfus Buller, moderator, Walnut Hill

(11/2011-15 affm)

Gene Hartman, moderator-elect, Emma (13/2013-15 affm)

Aimee Mayeda, secretary First, Indianapolis (10/2014-15 affm)

George Thompson, treasurer, Waterford (10/2013-16 affm)

Rebecca Kauffman, Paoli (11/2015-18 affm)

Advisory Council Northern region Rex Jones, Ninth Street (15/2015-18 affm) Mike Wilson, Hilltop (14/2014-17 affm)

Eastern region

Ben Hunsberger, Emma (14/2014-17 affm) JD, Smucker, Waterford (12/2012-15 affm)

Western region Mario Bustos, Valparaiso (09/2014-17 affm)

Don Rohrer, Sunnyside (15/2015-18 affm)

Central region Tyler Hartford, Pleasant View (10/2013-16 affm)

Velma Swartz, Waterford (15/2015-18 affm)

Southern region Gladys Maina, Morning Star (10/2013-16 affm) Peter Janzen, First, Fort Wayne (11/2015-18 affm)

African-American representative Dagne Assefa, Shalom (10/2013-16 appt)

Amigo Centre representative

Cliff Brubaker (2011 appt)

Bethany Christian Schools representative Jim Buller, Walnut Hill (2014 Bethany appt)

Evangelism/service representative Eleanor Kreider, Prairie Street (09/2015-18 appt)

Hispanic representative Izaete Nafziger, North Goshen (09/2015-18 appt)

IN-MI Conference resource advocate

Justice/Peace representative Ross Martinie-Eiler, Menn Flsp of Bloomington

(14/2014-17 appt)

Mennonite Church USA CLC representative Shannon Dycus, First Mennonite, Indianapolis

(13/2013-16 appt)

Nurture representative Mary Birkey, Howard-Miami (10/2013-16 appt)

Youth representative Derrick Ramer, First Mennonite, Middlebury (12/2015-18 appt)

Conference Staff Dan Miller, conference pastor, Walnut Hill (09/2015-18)

Doug Kaufman, conference pastor for leadership transitions, Benton (09/2013-16)

Greg Leatherman Sommers, conference administrator, North Goshen (10/2013-15)

Vanessa Kelleybrew, administrative assistant, IN-MI (11/2011- )

Janelle Martin, bookkeeper, Benton (13/2013-15)

Regional Pastors Northern Region John Powell, Shalom (13/2013-16)

Eastern Region

Brent Eash, Prairie Street (southern half) (13/2013-15 affm)

John Powell, Shalom, Ann Arbor (northern half) (13/2013-16 affm)

Western Region Russell Jensen, Belmont Neighborhood Fellowship,

(Jan. -Jun. 2015)

Central Region

David Araujo, Iglesia del Buen Pastor (14/2014-15 affm)

Southern Region Mary Mininger, Menn. Flshp. of Bloomignton

(12/2012-15 affm)

Search Team for Regional Pastors Ruben Chupp, Church Life Commission rep, North Main St Dan Miller, conference pastor, IN-MI conference rep,

Walnut Hill

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Commissions and Committees Ministry Credentialing Team (MCT) Kevin Yoder, chair, Olive (12/2013-16 affm)

Bill Beck, Locust Grove (10/2013-16 appt) Angy Moore, Menn. Flshp. of Bloomington

(13/2013-15 affm) June Alliman Yoder, College (10/2014-17 appt)

Marilyn Rudy-Froese, Berkey Avenue (13/2013-15 affm)

Michigan Credentialing Subcommittee (MCT appt) Bill Beck, Locust Grove (10/2013-16 appt) Anna Troyer, Cedar Grove (12/2012-15 appt)

Janice Wagner, Wildwood (13/2013-16 appt)

Leadership Enhancement Team (LET)

Suella Gerber, chair, FOH (12/2012-16 affm) Brenda Lazzaro Yoder, Emma (13/2013-16 appt)

Marshall Anderson, North Leo (13/2013-16 appt) Rhonda Yoder, Sunnyside (14/2014-17 appt) Jeff Mumaw, Olive (11/2012-15 affm)

Stewardship Team Cindy Steiner, East Goshen (12/2012-15 affm) Dirk Wolfer, Pleasant View 10/2012-15 appt) Rose Shetler, Waterford (14/2014-17 affm)

Verlin Miller, FOH (12/2014-17 affm) George Thompson, Waterford (10/2013-16 affm)

Mennonite Women (MW) Shirley Bustos, president, Valparaiso (2013-2015)

Heidi McHugh, vice-president, Sunnyside (2013-2016) Joy Detweiler, treasurer, Holdeman (2014-2017) Wendy Nice, secretary, Pleasantview (2014-2017)

MW Regional representatives: Barb Gerber, northern, Maple River (2009-2015) Denise Colona, eastern, Community Christian Flshp (2014-2017) Sharon Rohrer, western, Belmont (2013-2016)

Rebecca Sommers, central, College (2014-2017)

Conference-Owned Organizations Amigo Centre Board Cliff Brubaker, exec director, (11/2011 - appt)

Bill Miller, vice-chair, Locust Grove (11/2014-17 appt) Kathy Yeakey Nofziger, North Goshen (13/2013-15 affm) Kim Huffman, Clinton Frame (09/2012-15 affm) Brian Oswald, chair, Locust Grove (08/2013-16 appt)

Rick Schwartz, Yellow Creek (12/2012-15 appt) Dennis Rheinheimer, First, Middlebury (09/2013-16 appt)

Jill Wade, Zion-Archbold, OH (09/2012-15 appt) Steve Yoder, North Main Street (11/2014-17 affm) Sheila Troyer, Clinton Frame (09/2013-16 appt)

Bethany Christian Schools Board Tim Lehman, head of school (July 1, 2015) Jim Buller, interim head of school, (Jan.-Jun 2015) Barb Smucker, Berkey Ave (08/2013-16 appt) Bob Yoder, confernce liason (14/2014-15 appt)

Dave Hawkins, treasurer, Clinton Frame (07/2013-16 affm) Jim Alvarez, chair, Berkey Ave (09/2014-17 appt) Joanna Woolace, (14/2014-15)

Marsha Busenitz King, Yellow Creek (09/2012-15 affm) Michelle Horning, secretary, Eighth St (11/2011-14 appt) Nathan Penner, (14/2014-17) Rachel Lehman Stoltzfus, Forks (07/2013-16 appt)

Rex Hochstedler, (14/201-2016) Sharon Yoder, asst chair, Olive (09/2012-15 appt)

Conference Historian

John Bender, Prairie Street (14/2014-17 appt)

MCC Great Lakes Rep Brenda Meyer, Benton (07/2013-16 appt)

Conference Program Planning Committee Cheryl Beachey, chair, North Goshen (13/2013-16 appt) Beth Bontrager, College (12/2012-15 appt) Bill Miller, Locust Grove (11/2014-17 appt) Greg Sommers, staff, North Goshen

Gifts Development Team Randall C. Miller, chair, Walnut Hill (12/2012-15 affm) Bruce Nofziger, Benton (14/2014-17 affm)

Sarah Schlegel, Howard-Miami (12/2012-15 affm) Tantra Taylor, New Foundation United in Christ (13/2013-16 affm)

Personnel Committee Clare Schumm, College (09/2014-17 appt) Marge Schrag, Menn Fellowship of Bloomington

(13/2013-16 appt) Marty Lehman, chair, College (15/2015-18 appt)

Krista Daniels, Waterford (13/2013-16 affm) Len Harms, MLT liaison, Waterford (10/2014-15 appt)

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GEOGRAPHIC LOCATIONS OF CONGREGATOINS Regions and area councils

Northern Region (13 congregations; 3 area councils)

Upper Peninsula Northern MI East Central MI Cedar Grove Hilltop Bethel Germfask Maple River Grace

Grand Marais Michigan Ave Naubinway New Hope Community Church of Midland Rexton Ninth Street Wildwood

Western Region (17 congregations; 3 area councils)

Swa-Nee Lake Kouts Elkhart Holdeman Burr Oak Belmont Prairie Street Hudson Lake Hopewell Belmont Neighborhood Flsp Sunnyside

Kern Road Valparaiso Church Without Walls True Vine Tabernacle North Main Street Fellowship of Hope Olive New Foundation United in Christ Menn Flsp Yellow Creek

Central Region (15 congregations; 2 area councils)

Goshen Middlebury-Bristol Assembly Faith Bonneyville

Benton Family Worship Ctr First, Middlebury Berkey Ave Iglesia del Buen Pastor Forks College North Goshen Pleasant View East Goshen Walnut Hill

Waterford

Eastern Region (14 congregations; 3 area councils)

Southeast MI Southwest MI LaGrange Ann Arbor Kalamazoo Emma

Community Christian Liberty Lake Bethel Good News Locust Grove Marion Peace Pine Grove Shore Wasepi Wawasee Lakeside

Southern Region (12 congregations; 3 area councils)

CAMFELL Kentucky/Tennessee Fort Wayne First, Indianapolis Paoli Talcum Carroll

Howard-Miami Parkview Fairhaven Menn Flsp of Bloomington Shalom First, Fort Wayne Morning Star North Leo

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MISSIONAL SEEDS GIVING CLUB MEMBERS

as of May 6, 2015

Kenneth & Deborah Blount

Patricia Brubacher

Timothy & Sharon Burkholder

Kelly Carson

Karl J Cender

Eldon C Christophel

Brent Eash

Rachel S Fisher

Alvin & Delores Graber

Leonard Harms

Gene & Cindy Hartman

Virgil & Margaret Hershberger

Suetta Hollinger

Peter Janzen

Nelson Kraybill

Alan & Eleanor Kreider

Wendell J Lantz

Dean A Linsenmeyer

Nelson & Mary Martin

Walter Massanari, MD

Rod & Martha Yoder Maust

D. Richard Miller

Daniel Z Miller

Randall Miller

Roberta A Miller

Verlin Miller

J Larry & Norma Jean Neff

James (Jim) L Neff

Roger E Neumann MD

Esther Shaum

Wilbert & Juanita Shenk

Rose & Leonard Shetler

Mark & Vicki Smucker

Jacob Snider

Greg L Sommers

Daniel & Cindy Steiner

Victor & Marie Stoltzfus

Jane Stoltzfus Buller

David Sutter

The Mennonite Foundation, Inc

George & Karen Thompson

Dirk Wolfer

Richard & Nancy Yoder

Orville & LaJane Yoder

Pamela S Yoder

Michael M Zehr

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Chapter 2 Items for Discussion and/or Action

Annual Sessions 2014 Minutes and Proceedings Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference

June 20-21, 2014, Goshen College Campus, Goshen, Indiana

Joy Detweiler, Recorder

Friday, June 20, 2014, 1:15pm

1. Opening worship: Brent and Trina Siegrist

(Walnut Hill) were worship leaders. Song leader

was Jane Stoltzfus Buller (Walnut Hill) along with

musicians from Walnut Hill. Brent and Trina led the

roll call to open the 2014 Annual sessions. Dan

Miller, Conference pastor, spoke on the theme

scripture I John 4:7-

Worshipful Work 1, 2:30pm:

2. Welcome and Opening comments: Beth

Bontrager (College) led in gathering songs and

opening prayer. Jane Stoltzfus Buller (Walnut Hill),

moderator, convened the session with lighting of

the oil lamp that was given to her by Wes

Bontreger (Yellow Creek) as he passed the

Annual

Sessions. In her welcome, Jane noted how Annual

Sessions have changed over the years as stated in

her moderator report. Jane mentioned ways of

communication that will be used throughout the

sessions: 1) Table wisdom sheets that a scribe

should be using; 2) Note cards on the table for

individuals to use; 3) Red, yellow & green cards to

be used for taking a pulse.

3. Personal introductions around the tables: Time

was spent in conversation around the tables

answering the questions: Name? Congregation?

Where have you found joy in following Jesus (either

personally or congregationally)?

4. Greetings and staff introductions: Phil Waite,

pastoral team leader (College Mennonite Church)

and Gilberto Perez, senior director of intercultural

development and educational partnerships (Goshen

College) welcomed delegates to the Annual

sessions. Jane Stoltzfus Buller made Conference

staff introductions.

5. Delegate Action 1: Acceptance of 2013 Annual

session minutes. Motion by Tim Miller

(Rexton/Naubinway) and seconded by Ruben

Chupp (North Main St.). No discussion. Minutes

were approved.

6. Delegate Action 2: Gifts development team

Randy Miller (Walnut Hill) presented the people

who are to be affirmed. Delegates filled out the

ballots that were in their folders. Ushers collected

the ballots.

7. Recognition of new/deceased leaders Doug

Kaufman led in a candle lighting ceremony in

remembrance of pastors/leaders who passed away

in the past year: Don King (Clinton Frame), and

Alan Leinbach (North Pointe Fellowship). New

pastors/leaders who have joined Conference

churches within the past year were recognized by

Doug. (see pages 44-45 of the report book)

8. Jane reported that a portion of the funds from

the sale of North Pointe Church building in Warsaw

will be used for fostering new church planting

efforts.

8. Kevin Yoder, Ministry Credentialing Team:

Report to the delegate body that Assembly

Mennonite Church and Karl Shelley (pastor) made

the decision to bless a same-sex relationship in

May 2014. There was a meeting this morning

(Friday, June 20) of the Ministry Credentialing

Team to review and discuss this decision by

Assembly. Kevin reported on this meeting and told

reviewed. Karl and Assembly have agreed to yield

to the review. Kevin asked for the continued

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prayers for wisdom for the process. Jane led in

prayer.

9. Stewardship commission report: George

Thompson, conference treasurer, spoke about the

current fiscal year (2013-2014). (See pages 29-30

of the report book.) Congregational giving was

down (through May 2014) but individual giving,

missional seeds giving and other income was

greater than projected. He noted the fiscal year

runs from July 1 to June 30. They are projecting

that by the end of the fiscal year the ending

balance will be $17,643 in the red.

10. Advancement Update and presentation of

2014-15 Spending plan: Brad Sommer introduced

the offering of a free web seminar that will help

churches provide for congregational needs

(information will be on the Conference website).

The 2014-15 Spending plan is essentially the same

that was presented at the regional delegate

meetings. It is a balanced plan because of major

cuts in committee support and office maintenance.

Recent changes may affect staff income levels, but

their precise impact is yet to be seen. The MLT

made the decision that staff will not be cut within

the next year. Brad mentioned that the stewardship

team has been frugal in working on the spending

plan. A time was given for questions for the

stewardship team.

Peter Janzen (First Mennonite, Fort Wayne)

how much will the conference save by

not paying travel expenses for committee

meetings? $5000.00 is what they are

proposing they will save which is half of

een.

Aimee Mayeda (First Mennonite,

Indianapolis) if there is a deficit this

year, what is the plan for covering that

deficit? There are cash reserves that will

be drawn from. 69% of the budget goes

to staffing expenses.

The moderator invited the delegates to indicate by

colored cards their responses to the proposed

spending plan for 2014-15. Action was delayed

until Saturday afternoon.

Hopewell Mennonite (Kouts) for the grant that they

received from the IN/MI Capital Fund Grant.

13. Amigo Centre report: Gene Hartman, moderator

elect, introduced Cliff Brubaker (director) and

Cheryl Mast (outdoor coordinator) from Amigo

Centre for their annual report. Cliff reported on the

St. Joe week which gives the gift of camp to local

children who often come from broken situations.

Cliff requested that churches remember St. Joe

week in their prayers next week as it is a difficult

week. Cheryl shared three short stories of work

with boys (from Goshen Middle school) through the

E3 (Engaging, Empowering, Equipping) program.

Each of the boys will have mentors who will walk

with them through three years of Jr. High. It was

emphasized how important this program can be in

the life of a young boy who comes from a

disadvantaged background.

14. Gene Hartman introduced the delegate travel

pool offering. A question was raised by a delegate:

Was it by design or was it a slip up to not offer

local lodging for those who traveled from a

distance? Dan Miller answered the question and

noted the complexity of making those

arrangements.

15. Affinity Groups as part of conference structure.

PLANT Network: An affinity group exists for church

leaders interested in new church development.

Contact the office for more information. Also,

several local churches (East Goshen, College

Mennonite, Eighth Street, North Goshen Mennonite

and Waterford) have been working with Mennonite

Disaster Service to rebuild a parsonage and church

building in New Orleans for Faith Temple

congregation. The original buildings were

destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Jane gave a

blessing to Gladier Dalton from Faith Temple in

New Orleans.

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16. Delegate Action 3: Acceptance of withdrawal of

Clinton Frame Mennonite Church from IN-MI

Conference. The motion was presented to the

delegate body:

Motion: Based on the recommendation of the

Ministry Credentialing Team and the Missional

Leadership Team, we accept with sorrow the

decision of Clinton Frame Mennonite Church to

withdraw membership from IN-MI Mennonite

Conference and release them with our blessing. We

intend to continue to relate to this sister

congregation, and are hopeful about their intention

to affiliate with another Mennonite Church USA

area conference, remaining in a denominational

relationship with us.

Dan Miller introduced the motion and recognized

the sadness and sorrow that this withdrawal brings

to the Conference body. He made the correlation

to two siblings that now live in two different

houses. A clay pot has been set in the corner of the

delegate room for messages of

appreciation/farewell to be given to Clinton Frame.

A time was given for questions.

Phil Waite (CMC) Interested in process.

Is there a precedent for congregations

moving from one conference to go to

another? Will more conversation need to

happen?

is a document that MC USA has in place

(North Goshen) This has been a matter

of prayer for their congregation since last

fall and the question was raised this past

our conference and join another

Dan answered in two pieces (he gave

caution about standing and judging

are a wide variety of beliefs within the

conference churches; Clinton Frame is

looking for another conference where the

focus is more on mission.

Richard Yoder (Berkey Ave) Are there

other congregations within the conference

who are thinking of making this same

break or have similar convictions about

yes there are

congregations with similar convictions

which are noted by the signing of the

transformation letter that was circulated

earlier this year. Dan has not had

conversations with any other

congregations who are considering

leaving.

Will Fitzgerald (Kalamazoo) Curious if

on the table? Can delegates vote no?

Answer: The way that the conference is

organized, when a congregation wants to

become a member, there must be delegate

action. So when a congregation wants to

become disaffiliated with conference,

there must be delegate action.

Beth Bontrager (College) Does a

congregation need to be released from one

conference before it can be affiliated with

another? Nancy Kauffmann answered that

IN-MI Mennonite Conference will hold the

congregation and credentials up to a year

to see if the congregation moves forward

to join another conference. After a year,

Harold Bauman (College) In past years

when congregations left, the delegates

heard from not only the conference

leadership but also from congregational

leadership. Is there someone here to speak

from the congregation?

Terry Diener (Clinton Frame) Took the

time to speak to the decision that Clinton

Frame congregation has made to leave IN-

MI Mennonite Conference. He said the

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question that has been raised about

leaving one conference to join another

conference is the main question people

from the church have been asking their

leadership team. The answer to that

question will depend on how MC USA

moves in the next few months/year. This

decision came about because of the

congregational identity concerning who

they are associated with.

colored cards asking the question: are you ready to

act on this motion? It was a mixed response with

many yellow and a few red cards shown. Question

was raised about moving forward with the number

of red cards. Tim Burkholder, one of the red card

holders, felt that some table conversation might

help before the motion is approved. Rhonda Yoder

used a red card because it feels like Clinton Frame

been as vocal as other parts of conference. Another

delegate felt it was a rushed decision. MLT and

leadership has been working on the fact that the

conference body is a diverse body and the Unity &

Variance group will be addressing this in their

future work. Jane suggested that an action be

made in the third delegate session. Harold Bauman

(College) addressed the fact that conference is

reviewing credentials of Assembly and that there

are other conferences and denominational leaders.

He feels that rushing into decisions feels like a

cultural push and that we rush too many important

decisions. His concern is that we are not giving

enough time for the various groups to follow

through with their work and that we want to make

decisions without waiting. His word of advice is to

have patience.

Friday, June 20, 2014, 7:00pm

17. Worship: Music led by the Benton Mennonite

congregation. Neil Amstutz (Waterford) served as

Gingrich and Aaron Lehman. There was recognition

of three Journey graduates: Claudia Granados

(College), Renna Harness (Ninth Street) and Mike

Wilson (Hilltop). Julia Gingrich (Prairie Street)

the worship time. There was an ice cream social

after worship served by North Goshen Mennonite

youth.

Saturday, June 21, 2014, 8:45am Worshipful Work, session #2 18. Opening singing and prayer led by Beth

Bontrager.

19. Jane greeted the delegates and introduced the

Schloneger (North Goshen) is chair. In his

introduction, he stated with passion that he is NOT

afraid of the future of the church but he is excited

about the future! Even the future of Mennonite

Church! We need to be reminded of where we

place our hope in Jesus Christ. He envisions a

three step process: 1) look at & examine all the

are not of one mind on many issues and dialogue is

helpful. How in the midst of differences will we

testify to our faith in Jesus? There is work and

challenges ahead but we need not be afraid for the

future of the church. Other members of the U & V

Task Group are Will Fitzgerald (Kalamazoo),

Jennifer Hayes (Fairhaven), Mandy Yoder (Belmont)

and Joe Liechty (Berkey Ave.). Colossian Forum

Mark introduced two men (Michael Gulker and Rob

Barrett) involved with this group which is another

way that God has been at work. Mark shared how

the Unity and Variance Task Group can help the

church gather around difficult issues to bring

greater clarity to our unity. We need to ask

foundational questions: What is our level of

commitment to each other? What do we hold in

common? Why this? Why are we together as

congregations of IN-MI Mennonite Conference?

Mark has been anxious about this gathering this

morning. Part of him wants to give delegates a

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detailed plan so that they will feel that the time

together has been worthwhile. All of the

discussions must be framed as worship true

worship is done not to receive something in return,

not because we want to be strengthened or

entertained; worship happens when we realize we

are in the presence of the living God.

ip

and prayers of confession. He spoke of the

what is happening within our conference with

gave a meditation based on I John 4:7-12. Time

was given for table discussion around the

questions: As a part of Indiana-Michigan

Mennonite Conference, are you committed to

testifying to Jesus as Lord over our conflicts and

differences? What gives you pause about living into

such a commitment? As individuals and

congregations, what common values and goals do

we share that would allow us to continue our

commitment to encourage each other and to

joyfully follow Jesus together?

Worshipful Work Session #3, 3:15pm

Beth Bontr

21. Dan Miller introduced members of the Mara

Christian Church from Indianapolis. Kevin Yoder

(Olive, Ministry Credentialing Team) presented their

request to join Indiana-Michigan Mennonite

Conference to the delegates. Brian Bither (Shalom)

has been relating to the church and offered a

prayer for the Mara Church. Dan challenged the

delegate body to find ways to relate to this church

over the next year. Next year at Annual Sessions

they will be affirmed as an affiliate.

22. Delegate Action 5: 2014-15 spending plan vote.

Bill Scott moved, Will Fitzgerald seconded. Voting

was done by ballot. The delegates passed the

spending plan by 97.5%.

23. The MLT presented the motion from Worshipful

Work session 1. Jane called for discussion on the

Clinton Frame motion.

Harold Bauman (former delegate from

College) suggested a motion concerning

the Clinton Frame withdrawal. There was

discussion about whether or not this is a

valid amendment - Cal Kauffman (moved)

and John Hofstetter (second) that we

should move to pass as an amendment

denominational position that marriage

consists of one man and one woman with

a public covenant; that with much

patience and prayer we await the

completion of the current process

involving congregations and conferences

and the MC USA general board; and that

we encourage Clinton Frame to delay the

implementation of their decision until the

current processes are completed. There

was much discussion from the delegates

before a vote was taken for the

amendment. By showing of the colored

cards, the amendment was defeated.

Jane called for the affirmation of the original

motion. The motion passed. This was followed by

a time of silence and prayer.

23. Report on the Gifts Development team slate

affirmation and presentation: Randy Miller (Walnut

Hill) reported that the persons presented by the

GDT were strongly affirmed. Randy named the

persons who are finishing a term with a conference

appointment and those who are beginning

appointments. He blessed those serving on

conference committees with a prayer.

24. Bethany Christian School Report: Allen Dueck,

outgoing principal, presented the annual report on

BCS. He spoke about Bright Time camps that are

offered in early June. There is a technology

initiative on digital literacy and sustainability.

Much work is happening on the building: installing

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a new roof and a new geo-thermal well system;

along with more efficient lighting and solar panels,

this will save BCS thousands of dollars. They are

trying to be more intentional about teaching the

students the reasons we serve and how service

enriches our lives. The new Principal will be Hank

Willems which is the position vacated by the

assistant principal. As of July 1, new titles are in

place: Assistant principal will be Principal and the

Lead Administrator will be Head of School. There is

a search committee in place to find a new Head of

School. Bethany is blessed with a strong faculty

and capable and balanced administrative team as

well as a great school board. Allen thanked the

delegate body for the prayers, personal

encouragement and the many ways that churches

support Bethany as he has experienced through the

years.

25. Dan Miller introduced two more groups that are

seeking involvement with IN-MI Mennonite

Conference. The first is the Goshen House church

led by Cal Kauffman (East Goshen). The second is

Ruben Santos (Restauración) and he was

introduced by Gilberto Perez and Nelson Kraybill.

Prairie Street MC and Restauración are working on

ways that the two congregations can continue to

learn from each other.

26. Dan Miller presented an update about the John

Howard Yoder discernment process. Previously

sealed documents that were held by IN-MI

Mennonite Conference were opened and read

reports from a psychologist, correspondence; and

notes from the disciplinary committee. The group

recommended redacting names and identifying

information of women and releasing all the

documents; with one caveat of getting legal review

on the psychological reports. On June 7, MLT

accepted the recommendations. Copies of the

documents have been given to the historian.

Conference staff will continue to bring updates on

the process to the delegate body. Dan invited

delegates to speak after the session with either him

or Sara Wenger Shenk about the update.

27. Jane introduced an experiment with table

discussion in thinking about MLT and how they

have been working on various issues, she asked the

tables to answer the question: As a table group,

what wisdom to you offer conference leadership for

the 2014-15 year? Each table was asked to

offer leadership teams. Time was given for tables

to talk together. When microphones were opened

for sharing of wisdom, there were very good ideas

shared from the tables. There was strong

affirmation for the MLT and their work; and a

challenge to the delegates to keep seeking God

and what Conference is being called to. The

written pieces of wisdom were gathered by ushers

and will be posted on the Conference website.

28. Resolution of thanks: Jane Stoltzfus Buller presented a resolution of thanks on behalf of the Conference Program Planning Committee.

What a blessing this gathering has been. In addition to the people you have seen up front, there are quite a number of people working on this gathering since last fall up to and through this weekend. A huge thank you to all who have played a part in hosting these annual sessions!

College Mennonite has been a generous and gracious host. Thanks to Jean, Jessica, and College Mennonite kitchen staff, and to the Goshen College cafeteria staff. We appreciate the care and attention you gave to providing for the wonderful and healthy meals good food and wonderful service! Our gratitude also goes to Cynthia Good Kaufmann and Tia Johnson from the Goshen College Events office for their many hours of support and coordination. We also acknowledge the contributions of the hands-on media staff, Prashanda Dickson and Joel Jimenez. If you heard a speaker, saw a presentation, or spoke into a microphone, you know the importance of their contribution.

Volunteers make this gathering possible. They are :

Health Workers- Cheryl Blaum, Lorna Classen

A-V Coordination - Brooke Rothshank

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Childcare Providers - Hannah Snyder, Troy Risser, Donna Risser, Luke and Sara Mast, Joanna Epp, Seth Krabill

Recording Secretary Joy Detweiler

Conference Resource Advocate (vacant)

Annual Sessions Parliamentarian John Buschert

Worship Leaders Brent Siegrist, Trina Siegrist, Neil Amstutz, Phil Waite

Song Leaders - Jane Stoltzfus Buller, Lyn Buschert, Lee Dengler

Musicians - Linda Lehman Thomas, Lyn Buschert, John Buschert, Grant Martin, Dave Hartzler, Eddie Martin

Worship Visuals Jo-Ann Brant

Ushers - Jeff Kauffman, Wilbur Hershberger, Ken Mullet, Sheril Mullet, José Ortíz, Missy Kauffman, John Schrock, Dick Yoder, Nancy Yoder, Darrel Hostetler, Marian Hostetler, Merv Helmuth, Tessie Molina, Wilhelm Molina

Communion Servers - Cindy Voth, David Araujo, Gene Hartman, John Powell, Julia Gingrich, Kay Bontrager-Singer, Mary Mininger, Marty Lehman, Dan Miller, Dawn Yoder Harms, Gilberto Perez, Lydia Nofziger, Jane Stoltzfus Buller, Mary Mininger, Mike Yordy, Safwat Marzouk

Gluten-free communion bread - James Nelson Gingrich

Thanks to the conference prayer teamJoy Detweiler, Grace Whitehead, Cindy Voth, and Harold Mast, who set aside time

in their days to saturate these annual sessions in prayer;

We appreciate Waterford, North Goshen, East Goshen, and the College Mennonite congregations for welcoming, worshiping with, and feeding delegates for tomorrow morning;

Thanks to conference staff members Vanessa, Janelle, Rachel, Doug, Dan, Brent, Gilberto, John, the other Jon, and Mary the hard-working people who put in many hours of work preparing for, praying for, and hosting this event.

With gratitude from the Conference Program Planning Committee, thank you! Therefore, be it resolved that we, the delegates of the Indiana Michigan Mennonite Conference, express our gratitude for the planners, volunteers, and leaders of the 2014 Annual Sessions. 29. Safwat Marzouk, associate professor of Old Testament at AMBS, spoke on obstacles that make us stumble as we strive to love one another and

Christ can help us on our journey as we deal with these obstacles.

30. For Sunday morning, four congregations invited delegates to worship with them: College, East Goshen, North Goshen and Waterford.

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Gifts Development Team Report Randy Miller, Chair

The Gifts Team started the year in September at the all leaders retreat at Amigo with the members who were present.

We have since had monthly conference calls starting in October. Time between meetings was devoted to contacting

those who are identified for certain positions. We are again grateful for the ten people (four men, six women) who

have renewed commitments for another term and the eight (three men, five women) who were willing to accept new

appointments. A number of positions are still in process at report time.

I am especially grateful to the members of the GDT who have capably served this past year: Bruce Nofziger, Sarah

Schlegel, Tantra Taylor, and Dan Miller, lead conference minister. Because there are limits to our knowledge of whom

across the conference is gifted for which tasks, we rely on a database that has been built from the gifts inventory forms

on your tables. In 2014 only one of these forms was returned at the conference sessions. We would be delighted to

expand our knowledge base with your help in identifying persons having gifts appropriate for the assignments. Thank

you.

FOR APPOINTMENT BY THE MISSIONAL LEADERSHIP TEAM

Advisory Council

Eleanor Kreider, Evangelism/service rep., Prairie Street Mennonite, Elkhart, IN (09/2015-

2018; appointed)

Current Occupation: Retired

Congregation/Conference/Churchwide experience: England; Advisory Council - IN MI Conf; worship and nurture - local congregation; leader in JOURNEY program; writer; speaker

Family: Husband, Alan Kreider; son, Andrew Kreider

Interests or Hobbies: Music; reading

Share your most joyful time in your Christian walk with the Lord: I love to lead worship at JOURNEY weekends - with Scripture, informal testimony and song, especially because of the multi-cultural setting. This prefigures worship "around the throne of God and of the Lamb",as John anticipates in Revelation 21 and 22.

Izaete Nafziger, Hispanic rep., North Goshen Mennonite, Goshen, IN (09/2015-2018;

appointed)

Current Occupation: Associate Pastor (part time position)

Congregational/conference/churchwide experience: Advisory Council, Indiana/Michigan Conference

Family: Husband,Tim Nafziger; son, Natan 16 years old and daughter, Alaiza 14 years old

Interests/Hobbies: I like to visit people, cook Brazilian food, and do interpretative worship dance.

Share your most joyful time in your Christian walk with the Lord: After I

was baptized, I attended a discipleship class for 12 days; at the end, the pastor

sent us out 2 by 2 to proclaim the good news of Jesus. On that day, I was sure

that, with joy in my heart, I wanted to tell people around me what our Lord has

done in my life.

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Derrick Ramer, youth rep., First Mennonite, Middlebury, Middlebury, IN

(12/2015-2018; appointed)

Current Occupation: Pastor

Congregational/conference/churchwide experience: Derrick is in his 12th year of pastoral ministry

Family: Married to Michelle and have two sons, Dominic and Zeke

Interests/Hobbies: I enjoy athletics, whether participating or spectating and riding

my motorcycle.

Share your most joyful time in your Christian walk with the Lord: Walking with

others as they grow in their faith brings me much joy. I love when I can actually

see light bulbs going on for people as they gain a better understanding of faith and

walking with Jesus.

AMIGO BOARD LIAISON

Leonard Harms (Len), Waterford Mennonite Church (10/2015-2016; appointed)


Congregational/conference/churchwide experience: Stephen Minister, Amigo Board, past member of Interfaith Board

Family: Wife Loanne, son David and his wife Sara who live in New Orleans

Interests/Hobbies: gardening, exercise, baking including artisan breads, member of Michiana Master Gardeners Association

Share your most joyful time in your Christian walk with the Lord: Two things

that bring me great joy are being outside with nature in the early morning and

someone sharing inistry.

BETHANY CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS BOARD

Sharon Yoder, Olive, Elkhart, IN 46517 (2015-2015; appointed)

Current Occupation: Co-pastor at Olive Mennonite Church with husband Kevin.

Congregational/conference/churchwide experience: Taking classes at AMBS.

Served as interim CPLT

Family: Husband Kevin (pastor and farmer) and three daughters: Ana, Alita,

Alena

Hobbies: Cooking, visiting with friends, hosting guests, tandem biking, I love

opportunities to learn about other cultures and food is a great way to do it!)

Share you most joyful time in your Christian walk with the Lord:

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LEADERSHIP ENHANCEMENT TEAM

Alan Kreider, Prairie Street Mennonite, Elkhart, IN


Congregational/conference/churchwide experience: missionary in England; teacher at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary; Sunday school teacher

Family: Married to Eleanor Kreider; son Andrew Kreider

Interests/Hobbies: walking, reading, playing ping pong, listening to music, eating

Brief statement (please keep to 1-2 sentences). Share your most joyful time in your Christian walk with the Lord: Praying every morning with Eleanor and on Friday with our inner-city neighborhood group - The Little Company of Jesus; also participating in communion with sisters and brothers at Prairie Street, which happens too infrequently!

PERSONNEL COMMITTEE

Marty Lehman, College Mennonite, Goshen, IN (15/2015-2018; appointed)

Current Occupation: Administrative Pastor

Congregational/conference/churchwide experience: Associate Executive Director, Mennonite Church USA, Executive Board (2004-2014); CEO, Adriel Inc., (2002-2004); Mennonite Board of Missions/Mennonite Mission Netword (1998-2002); Goshen College (1987-1998)

Family: Married to Rex Hooley

Interests/Hobbies: enjoy reading, gardening, cooking, quilting

Share your most joyful time in your Christian walk with the Lord : One of my joys has been working in many Mennonite Church USA organizations where I have been able to learn from many others.

DELEGATE AFFIRMATION

ADVISORY COUNCIL

Peter Janzen, southern region rep, First Mennonite, Ft. Wayne, IN

(11/2015-2018; affirm by southern region delegates)

Current Occupation: Pastor at First Mennonite Church, Fort Wayne, IN/Staff Chaplain at St. Joseph Hospital, Fort Wayne, IN

Congregational/conference/churchwide experience: MDiv (1991) AMBS, Level II Clinical Pastoral Education, Ordained for Institutional Ministry (MCEC) and Ordained for Ministry, MCUSA and IN-MI Mennonite Conference

Family: Wife: Jennifer; Daughter: Katharina

Interests/Hobbies: Reading Science Fiction novels and biographies

Share your most joyful time in your Christian walk with the Lord : After waiting 36 hours, my wife Jennifer said "Yes!" to marrying me! I think I bounced into the air higher than I ever had before or since!

BETHANY CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS BOARD

Marsha King, Yellow Creek, Goshen, IN 46526 (2015-2018; affirm by delegates)

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GIFTS DEVELOPMENT TEAM

Randall C. Miller, Walnut Hill, Elkhart, IN (11/2015-2018 affirm by delegates)

LEADERSHIP ENHANCEMENT TEAM

Jeff Mumaw, Olive Mennonite, Elkhart, IN, chair (11/2015-2018 affirm by delegates)

Current Occupation: Congregational/conference/churchwide experience: I have served as a pastor,

teacher and trainer in a variety of settings. Family: d we have three children: Karla, Austin, and Joseph. Interests/Hobbies: I enjoy soccer, working in the garden, traveling, reading and

spending time with my family.

MINISTRY CREDENTIALING TEAM

Angy Moore, Mennonite Fellowship of Bloomington, Bloomington, IN

(13/2015-2018)affirm by delegates)

Current Occupation: Law Student Congregational/conference/churchwide experience: Former Intermenno Trainee,

Chair-Elect of Mennonite Fellowship of Bloomington, member of the IN-MI Conference Ministry Credentialing Team

Family: I have a wonderful extended family, but I don't have any family that lives with me

Interests/Hobbies: Music, reading, cooking, and British television

Marilyn Rudy-Froese, Berkey Avenue, Goshen, IN (13/2015-2018 affirm by delegates)

Current Occupation: Pastor Congregational/conference/churchwide experience: I have been a chaplain in a

long-term care facility, been a pastor in 2 congregations, chaired the Leadership Council for Mennonite Church Eastern Canada, am on the AMBS Pastors Week

Planning Committee, and am a coach for Mennonite Church Canada's Transition into Ministry online program.

Family: married to Allan Rudy-Froese and mother to Ben, Jacob and Abby

Interests/Hobbies: reading, quilting, gardening and drinking tea with friends. Share your most joyful time in your Christian walk with the Lord: The times

when I am able to walk with someone as they discover how God is calling them and when I am invited into someone else's life--these are sacred times and fill me with joy.

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MISSIONAL LEADERSHIP TEAM

Rebecca Kauffman, Paoli Mennonite Fellowship, Paoli, IN

(15/2015-2018; affirm by delegates)

Current Occupation: Co-pastor of Paoli Mennonite

Congregational/conference/churchwide experience: In churches I attended prior to becoming a pastor, I served on leadership team, as worship leader, song leader, and adult SS teacher. As a young adult I volunteered with Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) in New York City as an intern at the MCC United Nations liaison office, and later served on the board of MCC Alberta.

Family: Husband, Andrew Blount

Interests/Hobbies: Hiking and exploring the natural beauty of southern Indiana; gardening and preserving; singing; keeping in touch with family and friends.

Brief statement (please keep to 1-2 sentences). Share your most joyful time in your Christian walk with the Lord: A joyful, life-giving time in my Christian walk was when I was part of a young adult group that supported one another by praying, eating, playing, studying and talking together. Listening to and creating music with others continues to inspire and bring joy to my faith walk.

STEWARDSHIP TEAM

Cindy Steiner, East Goshen, Goshen, IN 46765 (12/2015-2018; chair, affirm by delegates)

Current Occupation: Most recently employed as office manager at New Horizons Aviation, Inc.

Congregational/conference/churchwide experience: Served as a Sunday school teacher, treasurer, MYF sponsor, elder, and currently serve as Finance Commission chair and advocate for Everence at East Goshen.

Family: Married to Dan Steiner and we have two sons and daughters-in-law, and two adorable grandchildren

Share your most joyful time in your Christian walk with the Lord. My recent most joyful time was when my father passed away several years ago. Yes, there was much sadness, but through salvation we have the promise of everlasting life with Jesus! I was filled with comfort and joy by holding on to this promise that my father professed throughout his life.

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Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference

2015-2016 Spending Plan

CONFERENCE FIRSTFRUITS TO MC USA

A 12% tithe of congregational contributions to conference goes to support denominational work. Calculations do not include other income, which is why our tithe is a lower percentage of the spending plan.

11.2%

MISSIONAL LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Leadership Training

Ministry Inquiry Program

Seminary Student Assistance

.7%

EMPOWERING MISSIONAL LEADERS

Ministry Staff Resources to Congregations: Professional staff

Conference Pastor Conference Pastor for Leadership Transitions Regional Pastors

Networking expenses

44.7%

MISSIONAL COMMUNITY EXTENSION

Mutual Aid - Corinthian Plan 2.3% The Corinthian Plan

COMMUNITY-BUILDING RESOURCES

Publications, incl. contracted editor/writers Pastor/Congregation in Crisis Pastoral Family Assistance Program Resource Library Youth Resources

8.6%

NURTURING AND SUPPORTING THE VISION

Board and committee expenses: Missional Leadership Team Advisory Council Ministry Credentialing Team Leadership Enhancement Team General Assembly Del. Travel (1/2 of alt. yr.)

3.1%

SUPPORTING LEADERSHIP EMPOWERMENT

Office staff Benefits for all employees

17.9%

CARE OF FORMER LEADERS

Retired Ministers Medicare Supp.

Retired Ministers Supplement

1.2%

MINISTRY LOGISTICAL SUPPORT

Rent Utilities Office supplies

10.3%

28

Notes:

This draft spending plan implements the previously announced MLT decision to reduce expenses by $100,000. This has been an educated guess about how changes in congregational affiliation might impact income.

Conference leadership continues to monitor income and expenses.

2014-2015

Spending

Plan

2014-2015

Actual

(Through 2/28)

Proposed

2015-2016

$ Change from

2014-15% Change

INCOME446,450$ 259,064$ 346,450$ (100,000)$ -22.4%

24,150$ 17,899$ 29,750$ 5,600$ 23.2%

470,600$ 276,963$ 376,200$ (94,400)$ -20.1%

EXPENSE53,577$ 31,418$ 41,577$ (12,000)$ -22.4%

2,500$ 200$ 2,600$ 100$ 4.0%

222,487$ 146,234$ 165,744$ (56,743)$ -25.5%

14,500$ 9,970$ 8,612$ (5,888)$ -40.6%

22,725$ 10,264$ 31,700$ 8,975$ 39.5%

7,150$ 4,742$ 11,500$ 4,350$ 60.8%

99,702$ 58,746$ 66,231$ (33,471)$ -33.6%

12,000$ 2,224$ 4,500$ (7,500)$ -62.5%

35,850$ 20,302$ 38,000$ 2,150$ 6.0%

470,491$ 284,100$ 370,464$ (102,177)$ -21.7%

109$ (7,137)$ 5,736$

CARE OF FORMER LEADERS

MINISTRY LOGISTICAL SUPPORT

TOTAL EXPECTED EXPENSE

BALANCE


EMPOWERING MISSIONAL LEADERS

MISSIONAL COMMUNITY EXTENSION

COMMUNITY-BUILDING RESOURCES



CONFERENCE FIRSTFRUITS TO MCUSA

Proposed 2015-2016 Spending Plan

Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference

CONGREGATIONAL SUPPORT FOR CONFERENCE

INDIVIDUAL GIFTS AND OTHER EXPECTED INCOME

TOTAL EXPECTED INCOME

CONFERENCE FIRSTFRUITS TO MCUSA11.2%


.7%

EMPOWERING MISSIONAL LEADERS44.7%

MISSIONAL COMMUNITY EXTENSION2.3%

COMMUNITY-BUILDING RESOURCES8.6%


3.1%


17.9%

CARE OF FORMER LEADERS1.2%

MINISTRY LOGISTICAL SUPPORT 10.3%

2015-2016 Spending Plan Allocations

29

Chapter 3 Missional Leadership Team and Staff

2014-2015

submitted by Jane Stoltzfus-Buller, moderator

After two years of serving as Moderator-elect and now two as Moderator, it is with a real sense of humility I

write this report. What might one say after four years of many meetings, many decisions- some difficult and

some obvious, many relationships-both new and old with faithful people over our geographic area and many

? I offer two observations.

First, I note that over the years, the consistent theological and ecclesiological diversity represented around the

tables that I have had the privilege to sit with in our conference circles are truly representative of who we are as

a conference of congregations. Our leadership teams regularly find their discussions and decisions grow out of

vigorous and fruitful difference. It would seem to many, as I listen around our conference that the expectation

of how God works is to bring us all to the same understandings and to the one possible way. As I sit with our

t mong us in our diverse views. This is both a

gift and a challenge as we seek just and peaceful ways forward. I wonder: Is this the Holy Spirit of God behind

this diversity? If so, what is being invited for the people of God as we seek to be faithful communities of those

who follow Jesus and become the growing Kingdom of God in the midst of a broken world?

Secondly, in the four years of serving on the Missional Leadership Team, I note how the Holy Spirit guides and

leads us to the work needed to be done. Sensitivity to what we are hearing and seeing amidst our

congregations has led us gently at times, intensely at others, to particular work each of

served. low a chosen

path to the next. The work of the Unity and Variance Process came out of our need to understand the diversity

referred to in the first paragraph. This process continues under the guidance of the Task Group with Mark

Schloneger the chair. The review of our structure and how it serves us took much of our time last year. We

recognized the way our conference structure evolved and evolves and wanted to listen and respond to what the

Holy Spirit is saying to us for the present time. The review, and I would in

as Conference Pastor, became an important resource for our work this year as we were led to make difficult

choices to simplify our staffing structure and our budget. Although this was a difficult decision and included

some tough staffing decisions, which we are aware will change how we are conference together, we are

grateful for a sense that through it all the Holy Spirit has been present and has been leading us.

Missional Leadership Team Summary Report 2014-2015

Administrative Team Report 2014-2015 by Dan Miller, conference pastor

There are many good things happening in congregations across conference. While we cannot take credit for

them, we are glad to be serving in a conference where congregations genuinely seek

This is the environment we want to nurture as we joyfully follow Jesus and cultivate a missional imagination in

every congregation.

Much work is taken with the normal activities of keeping an organization going, responding to inquires and

anticipating useful resources. Both emotion and time were taken with the realignment of congregations, as

some congregational processes took congregations into variance regarding affirming same-sex relationships;

30

and other congregations contemplated withdrawal to distance themselves from that affirming stance. We are

trying to engage a broader range of conference leadership with congregations rather than after decisions are

made.

In an effort to address anticipated changes in affiliation, Missional Leadership Team set priorities for staffing

and led the way in staffing changes. They set three priorities for staffing: credentialing, connecting and

celebrating. Conference Administrator, Communications Coordinator and three Regional Pastor positions are

being discontinued. When the changes take place, Administrative Team will cease to exist, and there will be

more emphasis on the overall staff team. We hope to utilize several weekly volunteers to help with front office

duties so Vanessa can give time to other projects. We are anticipating changes in responsibilities and are

beginning to shift so we work through glitches while Greg is around. Communication, advancement/finances,

Annual Sessions planning and area council connections across northern Indiana are among the main

adjustments.

Delegate meetings, for example, had limited staff present. While the decision had been made last year to have

only two meetings in 2015, it looks doubtful we will return to five regional meetings.

Administrative Team kept IN-MI constructively engaged in the John Howard Yoder discernment process. Dan

historical research. The Missional Leadership Team has approved giving $10,000 to the victim fund being set

up.

Regional Pastors have actively engaged congregations, bringing support and challenge. Staff retreat increased

the connection between office and regional staff and it is especially bitter to change a team that is still

growing in strength and cooperation.

Connections beyond conference are also beneficial: mid-states leadership and retreats, Constituency Leaders

Council, Exponential, Conference Ministers meetings, calls with conference finance people, connections with

conferences relating to Chin congregations.

Staff will continue to lead toward the vision affirmed by delegates and the goals set by Missional Leadership Team. This time offers us the opportunity to re- inue in the ways of even the last five years. We want to lead in ways that honor Jesus and help us engage the world God loves. Feel free to continue calling the conference office for assistance. We may need to point you more often in directions to do your own research or contacts. That will be difficult, but we are in a different time and the Spirit of God will lead us as we find our way. Conference Staff Report by Greg Leatherman Sommers, conference administrator

Staff transitions:

This past year has been one of relatively high staff turnover and major staffing-related decisions:

Interim regional pastor (and former conference moderator) Brent Eash is treated for cancer.

Marcella Hershberger joined staff as interim conference administrator July 28, 2014.

Gilberto Perez ended as interim regional pastor for the central region July 30, 2014.

David Araujo joined staff as the regional pastor for the central region August 1, 2014.

Greg Sommers started his sabbatical August 8, 2014.

Rachel Denlinger ended as communications coordinator August 15, 2014.

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Jon Brown left his position as regional pastor for the western region August 31, 2014.

Chris Rahe started as interim communications coordinator September 4, 2014.

MLT decides to cut $100,000 from spending plan for 2015-2016 at leadership retreat September 5.

Greg Sommers returned from sabbatical November 8, 2014.

Most staff persons learn of plans to cut $100,000 from spending plan at November 10, 2015 retreat.

MLT decides, at their November 15, 2014 meeting, to reduce ministry staff from 2.5 to 2.0 full time equivalents (FTE), and support staff from 2.5 to 1.0 FTE. MLT forms a team of three (conference pastor, MLT member, and stewardship chair) to develop a staffing plan, which includes soliciting feedback from current staff.

Team of three meets with staff November 18, 2014 with updates from MLT meeting. The team asks for individual employees to prepare staffing suggestions by December 9, when the team plans to meet with individual staff persons.

Marcella Hershberger ended as interim conference administrator November 24, 2014.

Chris Rahe ended as interim communications coordinator December 15, 2014. Greg Sommers takes on these additional duties while waiting for reconfiguration decisions.

Russell Jensen joined staff as the interim regional pastor for the western region January 1, 2015.

MLT representatives meet with staff January 20, 2015 to announce positions will be eliminated at the end of June: regional pastor positions for eastern, western, and central regions; communications coordinator and conference administrator.

Staff works together to plan and prepare for these changes. o Given the difficulty and inefficiency of hiring for a position that only has 6 months left, Greg continues

to cover most communications tasks. Conference subcontracts with Laurie Oswald Robinson to provide editorial and writing services for Gospel Evangel.

o Spend time developing a list of tasks that will have to be dropped in light of decreased staffing. o Focus on documenting and training to tasks that will be shifted to remaining staff.

Special Project: John Howard Yoder

The conference administrator spent a lot of time conducting research, checking with stakeholders, consulting an attorney, compiling documents, and coordinating teams to review and redact sealed records for the historian appointed by MC USA to document AMBS, conference, and Mennonite Church responses to allegations of abuse by John Howard Yoder. Archive staff persons Colleen McFarland and Tillie Yoder were of great help in thiMennonite Quarterly Review.

Planning retreats

Conference staff met at College Mennonite Church for a semi-annual all-staff retreat on May 19, 2014. We reviewed our purpose, received updates from MLT representatives, discussed current projects, and set goals for the 2014-15 year.

The office staff gathered at Berkey Avenue for a planning retreat October 14, 2014. Discussions about the coming year included staffing, congregational connections, and a revised communication strategy.

The office and regional staff participated in a semi-annual planning retreat at Amigo Centre on November 10, 2014. MLT moderator Jane Stoltzfus Buller joined the retreat in the afternoon to ask how current positions connect to congregations, discuss the spending plan reduction, and how conference can support congregations with fewer resources. Then Chris led a discussion of how to revamp communications. Staff planned to build on work done by the stewardship team and advancement process, developing concise talking points that the MLT and others can take to churches Sunday mornings.

32

Publications

Conference added Facebook and Twitter accounts to augment the website as our presence on the internet.

The Gospel Evangel was published six times over the past year. Issues included articles highlighting Annual Sessions and other delegate activities, local ministry projects, resources for congregations, and regular reports from the Missional Leadership Team.

Our electronic newsletter, weLink, was published monthly. Interim communications coordinator Chris Rahe set it up to publish automatically from content posted to the conference website designated for the weLink.

The Events and Announcements email newsletter containing news from outside the conference has been discontinued. Items that would have been in Events and Announcements are now on the conference website.

Technology

Conference hosted a special web seminar on financial development for congregations in July. We invited senior/lead pastors, treasurers and finance team members, board members, business persons, congregational chairs, and youth pastors from all of our member congregations to join in one of two sessions. Participants received resource and presentation materials prior to the event. Rich Gerig from Advancement Associates and Brad Miller from Everence were co-presenters. They responded to questions submitted email or via the teleconference website, and answered them at the end of the training. Video for both sessions is available on the conference YouTube channel.

The central computer server was running an operating system from 2003, which would go out of service later in 2015. Once we determined that the existing server hardware would not have adequate resources to run a newer operating system, staff solicited estimates and awarded a contract for a new server. Staff also successfully applied to the Tech Soup program, which provides software to nonprofits at a greatly reduced price.

Chapter 4 Committees/Teams Advisory Council 2014-2015 by Gene Hartman, Moderator-elect, chair The Advisory Council met twice this past year. Both meetings were a Friday evening to Saturday afternoon

retreat held at Amigo Centre in Sturgis, Michigan.

The September meeting was a joint meeting with the other IN-MI Mennonite Conference leadership teams. At

this joint meeting the Advisory Council met as a group for a couple of hours Saturday afternoon. The items

discussed were:

1) Unity and Variance Discernment Group (UVDG) This discussion included the proposal and job description for the UVDG including how the Advisory Council members could help their respective congregations see the UVDG as important and take their work seriously.

2) Budget This discussion centered on the drop in conference income and the resulting cuts that needed to be made. The budget had been reduced over the last number of years but still needed to be significantly reduced due to continuing unrest within the conference. The possibility of staffing cuts was a large part of this discussion.

The January meeting offered a time of sharing positive congregational stories as well as items for discussion

around the following:

33

1) Each member provided a story of how their congregation or area of representation was involved in their local community. Examples included working with local schools, Bible studies, food pantries, helping the homeless, Vacation Bible School, local mission trips, and immigration work. Overall there was praise to God who supplies all our needs.

2) Peace Resolution This discussion concerned the proposed resolution coming to the MC USA convention in July. There was no overall consensus on the proposal but there was a general feeling that something should be said from the denomination and that the proposal was useful for awareness.

3) Visioning possibilities for IN-MI Mennonite Conference A number of suggestions were made as to how Conference might move forward given the uncertainty that exists. While not reaching any concrete answers, the Advisory Council wrestled with this question and provided input to the Missional Leadership Team.

4) Unity and Variance Discernment Group An update from UVDG was given. 5) John Howard Yoder (JHY) An update was provided. Concern was expressed for the abused women as

6) Budget and Staffing An update was provided. Concern was expressed for those whose jobs were

being terminated. It was suggested that volunteers could help with the ongoing work of the conference office.

Each discussion of the various topics ended with prayer for the respective people involved.

Leadership Enhancement Team Report 2014-2015 by Suella Lehman Gerber, chair

We began our year in September at the Leadership

Retreat at Amigo Centre. For the first time, all staff

and leadership teams met for a common retreat

which Jane Stoltzfus Buller (MLT) and Suella Gerber

(LET) planned and led. We spent our time together

encourages

us to do so. For those new in their leadership roles,

the weekend served, unexpectedly, as an

orientation to the work of staff and each team. We

also looked at how and where the different teams

and staff relate to congregations and each other.

After years of talking about a name change for

overseers, we have officially changed the name to

congregational coaches.

but we felt it was important to move away from a

term that is linked to slavery and plantations.) LET

members met with CCs in the fall to hear from

them about their work with pastors and

congregations. While the relationship looks and

works differently in each congregation, what is

consistent is that pastors value and appreciate their

CC.

Because we wanted to have a better sense of the

theirs, we invited the RPs to talk about their work.

Like congregational coaches, RPs each work

differently, depending on the congregations and

their needs. In order to connect more closely with

RPs in some of our overlapping work, Suella now

joins their bi-monthly phone meetings.

For a number of years, LET has talked about how credentialed pastors might be supported and encouraged in the ongoing growth and development that is necessary to remain effective leaders in their congregations. After meeting with the Ministry Credentialing Team to test our sense of direction, we are in the early stages of creating a structure that will guide such a growth and development process. We will provide more information on this initiative in the coming months, planning to fully introduce this framework in the coming year.

34

Ministry Credentialing Team Report: 2014-2015 by Kevin Yoder, chair

We gathered 13 times in the last year to shepherd the credentialing process of pastors in the conference. We

were involved in processing 13 ordinations and four licensing requests which involve interviews with each

candidate. We are blessed to hear how God has called and equipped individuals to lead in ministry in our

conference.

We coordinated mentor relationships with four new pastors and offered suggestions for

overseers/congregational coaches to two congregations. The Michigan Credentialing Subcommittee conducted

a number of interviews and approved licensing for several pastors in Michigan churches.

MCT reviewed three congregational requests to join conference. The Mara Christian Church continues to court

at relationship with conference and is interacting with local congregations in Indianapolis.

In the last year we have walked with three boundary crossing cases of credentialed leaders following the

guidelines from MCUSA.

MCT met with Leadership Enhancement Team to outline continuing education expectations for credentialed

leaders. Responsibility for pastor mentors and congregational coach assignments will be moved from MCT to

LET following conference in 2015.

MCT has planned a boundaries seminar for pastors at conference in 2015. Melissa Hofstetter is the presenter.

Marilyn Rudy-Froese has given primary leadership to planning the event.

Doug Kaufman consistently meets with the committee who are comprised of Bill Beck, June Alliman Yoder, Marilyn Rudy- .

LEADERSHIP REPORT OF CREDENTIALED PERSONS

May 6, 2014 May 5, 2015

Ordained Jun 22 Dave Hathaway, Clinton Brick Mennonite Church, Goshen, IN Jan 11 Susan Dengler, College Mennonite, Goshen, IN License Toward Ordination Oct 26 Carolyn Hunt, Prairie Street Mennonite, Elkhart, IN Nov 20 Anne Mitchell, Prairie Street, Elkhart, IN, chaplain Apr 12 Kelly Bates Oglesby, Parkview Mennonite, Kokomo, IN License Extension Mar 29 Shawn Lange, New Foundation, Elkhart, IN (until 3-29-16) May 6 Veva Zimmerman Mumaw, Olive, Elkhart, IN (until 5-6-16) Jun 24 Rebecca Kauffman, Paoli, Paoli, IN (until 6-24-16) Jun 24 Matthew Pflederer, Paoli, Paoli, IN (until 6-24-16) Aug 26 Marcella Hershberer, Bonneyville, Bristol (until 8-26-16) Sep 2 Brent Siegrist, Walnut Hill, Goshen, IN (until 9-2-16)

35

Nov 21 Rex Jones,Ninth Street, Saginaw, MI (until 11-21-16) Dec 16 Velma, Swartz, Waterford, Goshen, IN (until 12-16-16) Jan 20 Shannon Dycus, First Mennonite, Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN (until 1-20-17) Mar 3 Lora Nafziger, Assembly, Goshen, IN (until 3-3-17) New Pastoral Leaders Beginning Date Installation Date Jun 02 Derrick Ramer, First, Middlebury, IN Jun 02 Aug 03 4 Steve Thomas, transitional, First, Indianapolis, IN Aug 03 4 Sept 28 4 Gwen Gustafson-Zook, College, Goshen, IN Sept 28 4 Oct 26 Carolyn Hunt, Prairie Street, Elkhart, IN Oct 26 Jan 30 Kenzie Intemann, Marion, Shipshewana, IN May 31 Mar 1 Randall C. Miller, interim, Forks, Middlebury, IN Apr 20 Kelly Bates Oglesby, Parkview Mennonite, Kokomo, IN Apr 20

Congregational Coach Assignments Jan 13 Elmer Wall, Hudson Lake, New Carlisle, IN Credential Transfer May 20 4 Gerald Shenk, from Virginia Conference May 20 4 Sara Wenger Shenk, from Virginia Conference May 20 Shawn Gerber, from Virginia Conference Sept 16 Ryan Ahlgrim, to Virginia Conference Oct 24 Todd Gusler, to Lancaster Completion of Ministerial Assignment Nov 16 4 Keith Reynolds, Fairhaven, Ft. Wayne, IN, pastor Aug 30 4 Brian Wills, Liberty, IN, interim pastor Apr 13 Steve Slagel, East Goshen, Goshen, IN, pastor Apr 29 Willie Kanagy, College, Goshen, IN, pastor Credential Ending since congregation leaving Jun 30 Linda S. Miller, Clinton Frame, Goshen, IN, pastor Jun 30 Sheila Troyer Jun 30 Anita Yoder Jun 30 Danny Yoder Jun 30 Matthew Yoder Aug 1 Ed Warner, Stutsmanville Chapel, Harbor Springs, MI, retired pastor Oct 1 14 David Hathaway, Clinton Brick, Goshen, IN, pastor Deceased Pastors Weyburn W. Groff, 92, member of College Mennonite Church, Goshen, IN passed away Thursday, October 2, 2014. His wife Thelma preceded him in death in 2010. Weyburn is survived by three daughters, a son, a sister, and a brother. He and his deceased wife, Thelma, spent 20 years as Mennonite missionaries in India. Weyburn was a founder of Union Biblical Seminary in Yeotmal, Maharashtra where he served as faculty in Christian education. Weyburn served as pastor of Floridale Mennonite Church in Ontario. He also served at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart as faculty in Christian education and as registrar. He retired in 1989. Harvey Chupp, 77, member of Emma Mennonite Church, Topeka, IN passed away Friday, February 13, 2015. His wife Carolyn survives along with two daughters and a son; seven grandchildren, three brothers and four sisters.

36

Over a span of 30 years, Harvey served as pastor four Mennonite congregations (Burr Oak, Gospel Hill, Shore and North Goshen). He was also instrumental in helping to create Menno-Hof, the Depot and Menno-Clinic India. Harvey also served as overseer of several Mennonite churches and on three Mennonite Central Committee boards. After retiring from pastoral ministry, he became owner of the Bread Box Bakery in Shipshewana and the Pie Pantry in Goshen. Millard C. Lind, 96, member of Goshen College Mennonite Church, passed away Saturday, April 25, 2015. He is survived by his children and their spouses; 18 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. Millard was a graduate of Goshen College in 1942 and received a Th.D. from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in 1964. He served as a pastor, writer, editor and, notably, as a teacher. He was a professor of Old Testament at Goshen Biblical Seminary and its successor, Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminaries, from 1959 until his retirement in 1998. Among his published writings are a study of Old Testament warfare, "Yahweh Is a Warrior" (1980), and of capital punishment, "The Sound of Sheer Silence and the Killing State" (2004). Stewardship Team 2014 by Dirk Wolfer, interim chair

A brief overview regarding Stewardship for 2014-2015 is as follows:

Rose Shetler joined our team in July and has been a great addition

Conference hosted a financial development webinar in July that was attended by a number of

congregations. Rich Gerig from Advancement Associates and Brad Miller from Everence were co-

presenters

Facilitated the distribution of $39,500 to Hopewell Mennonite in August from the Capital Grant fund.

This fund is available to congregations to assist in building projects

Four members of the stewardship team attended a leadership retreat in September that was held at

Amigo Centre

Due to a job transfer, Brad Sommer resigned, which left us without a chairperson for a few months

We were not as hands on with the spending plan as we normally are MLT took a more active role,

due to the projected $100,000 decrease in income to Conference for 2015-2016

Despite a lesser role in the spending plan, we continued to monitor income and expenses on a monthly

basis

Greg Sommers has been valuable to our work on Stewardship and he will be greatly missed as his role as Conference Administrator comes to an end on June 30. Journey: A Conference-based Leadership Development Program by Jewel Gingerich Longenecker, Associate Dean for Leadership Education at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary 35 people were involved in the Journey program

during the 2014-2015 year, including 18

participants and 12 mentors. Three participants

and two mentors were from Central District

Conference, nine participants and seven mentors

were from Indiana-Michigan Conference, and six

participants and three mentors were from Illinois

Conference. Indiana-Michigan Conference

participants were: Denise Colona and mentor Faith

Carpenter; Brian Martin and mentor Dave Sutter;

Shawn A Lange, Sr. and Tyrone Taylor and mentor

Keith Kingsley; Carol Honderich and mentor

Eleanor Kreider; Leighton Miller and mentor James

Troyer; Leandrea Lange and Tantra Taylor and

Gretchen Kingsley; Emily Hostetler and mentor Wes

Bontreger.

All participants gathered at Amigo Centre for the

fall Weekend Learning Event. Eleanor Krieder led

37

Prayer is the Wall of Faith:

Listen to the Early Church Praying Back the

Promises of God: Listen to the Anabaptists

Draw Near to God and God Will Draw Near to

You Eleanor Kreider also led worship sessions

throughout the weekend, assisted by Bob Rosa. It

was a time of great learning, worship and

friendship-building. Saturday afternoon cohort

sessions included opportunities for participants to

work on their personal timelines, take personality

inventories, and explore spiritual direction. Mentors

and mentees also met together to work on and

update their learning covenants.

Following the fall gathering, participants each

studied a unit from the AMBS curriculum, Leading

. As part of these studies they carried

out a wide variety of ministry tasks in their

congregations and communities. They met with

their mentors, typically bi-weekly, to discuss the

study materials and their experiences in ministry.

The spring Weekend Learning Event focused on

Leadership for a Missional Church in three parts led

by David Miller. Eleanor Kreider and Bob Rosa

served as worship leaders. The participants

reported much learning and deep appreciation for

the learning community that has developed among

these sisters and brothers in Christ. Each mentee

submitted a reflection paper focused on his/her

learning from the previous unit of studies in

, and each mentor submitted

reflections on the learning of his/her mentee.

Following the spring Weekend Learning Event

mentor-mentee pairs again met bi-weekly to

discuss a unit of the

curriculum and to reflect on their ongoing ministry

experiences.

The Journey Board continues to play a vital role in

keeping the program running in good form. The

Journey Board chair is Philip Leichty until the end of

April, after which we will have a new chair.

Members are: Ardean Friesen (CDC) and Phil

Bontrager (Indiana-Michigan). Staff people from

partnering organizations are: Lois Kaufmann

(Conference Minister, CDC), Dan Miller (Conference

Minister, Indiana-Michigan), Jewel Gingerich

Longenecker (Associate Dean for Leadership

Education, AMBS), Rebecca Slough (Academic

Dean, AMBS). Regular attendee from Illinois

Conference is Roland Kuhl, Conference Minister

Liaison for Journey.

According to our Journey participants and alumni, Journey is a tremendous opportunity for pastors, emerging pastors and other emerging leaders. If someone you know wants to develop ministry gifts or is exploring a call to ministry, please encourage them speak to Lois Johns Kaufmann about whether the Journey program might be the right next step.

Transitional Ministry Training Report 2014-2015 by Gary Martin Transitional Ministry Training, in partnership with Amigo Centre and in consultation with Mennonite Church USA Leadership Development, provides:

assessment and resources for discerning a call to transitional ministry,

training of transitional ministers and conference leaders, and

continuing education and support for transitional ministers and conference leaders. The 2015 assessment and training event was held March 9-13, with eleven participants representing Indiana Michigan, Central Plains, Franconia and Eastern Canada conferences. Gary Martin and Tim Lehman were the primary trainers, with Dan Miller and Cliff Brubaker each leading several sessions.

38

The 2016 training will take place April 4-8, at Amigo Centre. Additional information and registration forms are available at amigocentre.org. Transitional Pastors Group, a continuing education and support group serving IMMC, Illinois Mennonite Conference and Central District Conference, meets quarterly at the IMMC office. Approximately 10 transitional ministers or conference leaders regularly participate. Transitional Ministry Training values its networking relationship with IMMC.

Conference Historian Report 2014-2015 by John Bender, conference historian Every congregation that makes up Indiana

Michigan Mennonite Conference sits on gold. Every

conference-

equals memory, found only by digging deep to

where it all started.

find both gold and dross. Both are vital elements of

truth. No congregation has a sweet, perfectly

sparkling story, whether past, present or future. Yet

God has seen fit to entrust the church with sharing

Christian faith, being reconciled and reconciling

communities, worshiping God alone, living our

faith in the here and now

joyfully in the world God patiently and lovingly

took the trouble to give us.

During the year I took small steps in digging for

gold in my congregation, Prairie Street Mennonite

Church. I joined two others, Alan Kreider and Becky

Schaller, who was part of the Elkhart VS Unit, in

doing an oral history project that mined the

congregation s memory of its life in the 1960s and

1970s. We gave a preliminary report as part of a

four-

will report during this year on our process and

findings and how other congregations might want

to do something similar or, alternately hear from

you on how you are uncovering the story of the

lives and times that animated your congregational

life.

celebration, named after our founding pastor, calls

music, migration, mentoring and media. Again,

please let me know how your congregation

refreshes and sharpens your unique memory.

Mary Swartley has shepherded the development of

the new conference history, written by Rich

also an account of

the dross that is part of our humanity in being the

church. I eagerly await the completed Crossroads

and Boundaries: A History of Indiana Michigan

Mennonite Conference being available by our

summer sessions 2016.

Memory matters. Stay calm and dig for gold.

History Project Report 2014-2015 by Mary Swartley

The good news on our Indiana Michigan History Project is that in February we received word that our

manuscript has been accepted by the Studies in Anabaptist Mennonite History group. The title is: Crossroads

and Boundaries: A History of Indiana Michigan Mennonite Conference with Rich Preheim as author. This group

has encouraged some additional work on the manuscript which Rich is already giving attention to.

The SAMH history group recommends it to Herald Press for publication, and we have been in touch with Amy

Gingerich who is suggesting that we have the final draft to her by October 1. Some of the work that needs to

39

be completed before October 1 includes appendices, and photo selection. The projected date for release is May

1, 2016. At least we have hope that it will be available by June 2016.

To give you a tiny excerpt from the manuscript, I am including a quote from the last paragraph of the text as it

now reads:

But there is another pattern in the annals of the church, one without ups and downs. It is the constancy

t the steadfast 1 For those who choose to follow

and try to serve God, that is the most important history lesson of all.

Thank you to all of you for your patience. I hope the book will serve the conference well in telling some of the stories of our past years, and guide us into the future 1 Psalm 103:17a Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Women 2014

January 1, 2014 December 31, 2014 by Shirley Bustos, president

IN-MI Mennonite Women sponsored the following gatherings in 2013:

1) On April 27, the Northern Spring Gathering took place in the U.P., with the Grand Marais congregation

serving as host. Margaret Hershberger gave a slide presentation of her trip to China. Barbara Gerber

spoke on the topic God Encounters: in Scripture and the Present Day.

2) On May 4th, the Goshen area Spring Gathering was hosted by Belmont Mennonite Church. Our speaker

was Bethany Swope, presenting the topic: Hospitality in the Frenzy. She focused on the story of Mary

and Martha from the bible. Eleanor Kreider served as song leader.

3) A luncheon was held on June 8th at College Mennonite Church, in conjunction with IN-MI Mennonite

Conference. Denise Colona, an Elder at Community Christian Fellowship in Detroit and a Journey

Program member, shared her life story and her vision for ministry. Sharon Rohrer, soloist, sang the

.

4) 103 women gathered for the annual retreat at Amigo Centre on October 11-13. Jackie Wyse-Rhodes

spoke on the topic Naomi, Ruth, and Or

faithfulness. Jackie

she discussed their lives. Kristin Kauffman served as song leader. We were blessed with wonderful

weather for this weekend of relaxation, inspiration, fellowship and delicious meals.

Like us on Facebook! We have created a Facebook page and hope to increase our number of friends. Find us at Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Women. Congregations are invitactivities. God has graciously supplied women to fill offices. Vice-President Judy Yoder completed her term. Heidi McHugh is our new Vice-President. Secretary Gwen Hernley is completing her final year of service. Wendy Yoder Nice is our new secretary-elect. Melanie Miller resigned as treasurer when she moved out of state. Joy Detweiler has agreed to step into that role. Barb Gerber continues as Northern Rep. and a member of the executive committee. God has graciously supplied our need for women to serve in these positions.

40

The Corinthian Plan (MCUSA Report) 2014-2015 by Duncan Smith, director

The Corinthian Plan (TCP) is now in its sixth year

serving Mennonite Church USA congregations,

conferences and their employees. TCP provides

health coverage, life insurance and long-term

disability coverage and optional dental and vision

coverage. As in past years, participation in The

Corinthian Plan remains stable. There has been

some loss in overall participation, but there has

also been new congregations joining.

So far,

has not had a huge impact on The Corinthian Plan

(TCP). Several possible reasons: for the type of

health coverage TCP remains competitive in most

United States markets. TCP also offers Life

Insurance, Long Term Disability, and Accidental

Death and Dismemberment. There is also the

mutual aid factor, especially supporting

congregations (through subsidies). Since its

inception in 2010 The Corinthian Plan has

shared$2.17 million from the Fair Balance Fund,

funded by TCP congregations contributing $10 per

average attendee. Finally, there the desire to

participate in a pool of MC USA congregations,

supporting those in good and challenging health

situations.

Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference continues

to be a strong supporter of The Corinthian Plan.

Currently, 30 congregations carry health coverage

with an additional 6 that are waiving health

coverage. An additional 7 participate but do not

have active coverage. Conference staff are also on

the health plan.

The Corinthian Plan is seeking to emphasize health

and wellness for everyone. At your annual meeting,

you can participate in a walking challenge. For TCP

participants, find out more about the Wellness

Incentive at the booth or website

http://mennoniteusa.org/what-we-do/the-

corinthian-plan/.

Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference is

represented on the Benefits Board by Ken

Hochstetler (new Everence CEO), Steve Garboden

and Dave Weaver. Others on the board are Yvonne

Sieber (Hesston, KS), Marcy Engle (Harrisonburg,

VA), Marlin Groff (Lancaster, PA), and Hal Loewen,

chair (Phoenix, AR).

In Indiana-Michigan you can contact Joe Christophel (574-361-2948), TCP Area Representative, or you can look for him at your conference meeting. Go to our website to find out more http://mennoniteusa.org/what-we-do/the-corinthian-plan/. Duncan Smith, TCP Director can be reached at 316-281-4255.

Chapter 5 Conference Institutions Amigo Centre

http://mennoniteusa.org/what-we-do/the-corinthian-plan/




41

Bethany Christian Schools 2014-15

by Jim Buller, interim Head of School

e church and around the

Campaign for Sustainability

major renovation including geothermal wells, new heating and AC work, and a new metal roof with significant improvements to insulation were completed in phase one work, that will allow major savings in energy costs for years to come.

Continuing this project was helped by a $100,000 grant from the Indiana Energy Commission, that will allow phase 2 work for solar panels and a wind turbine to further expand savings, as well as learning opportunities for students in creation care.

Transitions and opportunities

Each year schools go through a period of adjustment as some personnel move on, and new ones join. Bethany experienced a very significant mid-year adjustment as long term Head of School Allan Dueck retired December 31, 2014. With the naming of Tim Lehman to the position beginning July 1, 2015 the interim period for second semester has been good because of a strong Administrative Team, excellent leadership in the faculty, and a very supportive Board throughout the process.

Most years find change in faculty, and this is true of Bethany as well. We will say goodbye this spring to Nathan Swartzendruber (Choral director) Craig Mast (Spanish teacher) will be moving with wife and 2 daughters back to Kidron Ohio to be closer to

blessing in their transitions, and are very pleased we have been able to attack strong and capable new teachers for these roles.

Faith-based education

Dr. Ginny Birky of George Fox University completed her post-doctoral research on Mennonite High Schools with several key strengths overall, and specific information for each of the schools where she was able to complete her research:

o Positive feelings about the school students and parents report a high degree of satisfaction about participation in and with the school.

o Holistic mentoring: repeated words of caring and community; living in the reality of adults who truly are passionate about their work and vision for youth.

o Faith development: giving space and dedicating time to important questions of formation, in class, on the athletic field, or on stage it is essential to what we do.

Thank you for supporting Bethany this year. Your counsel and financial support as well as your prayers and

encouragement are vital enabling Bethany to continue equipping students for Christian discipleship in the

church and around the world.

rer), Rex Hochstetler, Michelle Horning, Marsha King, Barb Smucker, Rachel Lehman Stoltzfus, Bob Yoder, and Sharon Yoder (chair)

Documents

Annual Sessions 2015 (June 18-20) Indiana-Michigan ... · June 18 20, 2015, Indianapolis, Indiana Thursday, June 18 11:00 am 7:00 pm Registration open 11:30 am 12:15 pm Lunch 12:30