Why do we gather in large group events? For a shared experience that forms us as a body, but also for individual interactions and experiences that lead to learnings, questions, or aha moments that each person takes with them. So in one event, there are many experiences, and many aha moments or nuggets to chew on going forward. Here three delegates share highlights of their experience at Summer Fest this year, held June 12 to 13 at Kern Road Mennonite Church in South Bend, Indiana.

Erica Mast, Belmont Neighborhood Fellowship

During the first sermon by Nathan Toews, I was deeply moved by the scripture from Amos 5:21–24: “I hate, I despise your religious festivals; your assemblies are a stench to me. Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them… But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” This passage reminded me that even when we are faithful and do everything “right” on the surface, none of it matters if we aren’t actively participating in the process of bringing about justice. As church leaders and members, it is our responsibility to make room for justice rather than remaining indifferent to it.

Guided by this calling and my own journey as an immigrant in this country, I chose to attend the session titled “Immigration, Church, and Community Connections” led by Adriana Ortiz. This conversation was incredibly timely, addressing how we can stay prepared to face the unjust conditions currently impacting our nation. Learning how to support the defenseless and cry out for justice from a place of peace truly strengthens the spirit of our members. Ultimately, this conference was not only an incredible learning experience but also a beautiful time of worship and mindfulness.

Erica attends Belmont Neighborhood Fellowship and serves on BNF’s steering committee.

Miranda Pfahler, Waterford Mennonite Church

I enjoyed being one of two youth delegates at Summer Fest. This was a new experience for me, but it’s something that I’ll be open to doing again. The highlight for me was getting to connect to other congregations in the Indiana/Michigan area. I get nervous when connecting with new people, but I felt super welcomed during Summer Fest and was able to connect openly.

I attended the workshop called “Jesus, the Kingdom, and Social Change.” I chose it simply

because I studied the profession of social work in undergrad, and I enjoy learning about social change and understanding ways to create change. The speakers talked about the difference between “Power With” and “Power Over.” This challenged me to think outside the box when it comes to the word “power.” We as Mennonites think of power as taking charge. The speakers explained that as advocates, they create relationships with local churches who organize together. In one example, they got the mayor to come to an event to show what needs to be changed. This was an example of “power with” and not “power over.” Since I am a huge advocate for change, I really appreciated the perspective that power can be a positive subject too.

Being a case manager at the biggest mental health provider in Elkhart and St. Joe County, and now transitioning to being a special education paraprofessional in the schools, I will continue to think about what I learned at this workshop. It’s important for me to think of power in a positive way, and to know that Jesus showed power with people and not over people.

Miranda attends Waterford Mennonite Church where she is the social event coordinator for the young adult fellowship.

Jeshua Franklin, Kern Road Mennonite Church

I used to think that large gatherings required me to meet as many people as possible, get to know who’s who, and make the most of the time to experience everything. As an introvert, I often left events feeling like I’d fallen short. In recent years, I’ve found value in the single conversation, the one new acquaintance, or perhaps a particular line from a sermon or devotion to keep chewing on.

This year at Summer Fest, that meant a conversation about the Anabaptist Climate

Collaborative. I’m learning a lot lately about what we, as individuals and communities, can do about climate change. Climate change can feel overwhelming, and I am constantly challenged about how my habits as an American consumer contribute to it. Small conversations like the one at Summer Fest help me find meaningful ways to reconsider how I impact the world. As we reflect on the theme verse from Amos of letting righteousness be like an ever-flowing stream, we know that sometimes removing just a little debris (real or metaphorical!) can radically free up the flow of water. I’m thankful for gatherings like Summer Fest where we are formed in the way of Jesus, creating channels for justice to roll down into every corner of the earth.

Jeshua attends Kern Road Mennonite Church and is the board secretary for IMMC.