We are looking forward to a new kind of annual gathering this summer, which also has a new name. We will gather in Indianapolis at Mara Christian Church of America, Indiana on June 7-8 for Summer Fest 2024. Mark your calendars and plan to attend this celebratory and worshipful weekend! Registration will be coming soon.

We want to continue to celebrate the new things that God is doing in, with, and through us following Summer Fest (formerly Annual Sessions). As a way to support those who will be present at Summer Fest and to include those who are not able to attend, we will again be providing worship resources and a pre-recorded sermon for use on June 9 (or whenever suits your congregation best). It should become available in late-April or early-May. Keep your eyes open for it in your inbox or on our the Summer Fest webpage!

• Spirit movement in our worship and conversations at the in-person gathering for Spring Summit 2024. Prairie Street Mennonite Church graciously welcomed us and invited us into meaningful worship. AMBS senior Steven Lowe preached a powerful sermon that set the stage for delegate conversation about our proposal of inviting youth and young adult delegates to join conference gatherings. Spring Summit will also convene tomorrow morning, this time via zoom.
• The work of IMMC bookkeeper and administrative assistant Michelle Cabanaw. Michelle creates and analyzes financial reports, ensures legal requirements compliance, processes financial contributions, and pays our bills. She capably manages payroll and tax payments and recently realized the cost of outsourcing payroll is nearly identical to what we would soon be paying for our QuickBooks payroll program, because of their price hike. So we’re switching to outsourced payroll, which will free her time for other office tasks. Michelle’s eye for detail and drive to make things better is a gift we continue to celebrate at IMMC!   

• Joanne and Sharon connected with many pastors and potential pastoral applicants February 19-22, when they attended Pastors and Leaders at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary.
• Sharon joined the leadership team of Parkview Mennonite Church (Kokomo) and their congregational coach Russell Jensen for their quarterly meeting on Wednesday, March 6.
• Joanne preached at Shalom Mennonite Church on February 18^th.
• Joanne met with the Conference Ministers from Ohio, Central District, and Illinois for the Mid-States Conference Meeting on February 19^th.

• Sharon met with 8 search guides on Wednesday, March 13 to review the updated manual that will resource them as they walk with pastoral search committees.
• Benton, North Goshen, and First Mennonite (Indianapolis) search committees are preparing to receive Ministerial Leadership Information forms (MLIs). Sharon has been connecting with potential applicants for these ministry openings. We invite you to join in praying for Spirit guidance as search committees review MLIs and begin conversations with applicants.   

Summer camp registration is open! Get more information on dates and registration at www.amigocentre.org/amigo-summer-camps

Want to work at Amigo for the summer?  We are still looking for counselors, kitchen staff, lifeguards, and more!  Contact Colton Eby at colton@amigocentre.org for more information.

Upcoming Adult and Intergenerational Programs:

• April 5-7: Men’s Retreat – Creating Stories of Hope: Finding Healing in the Male Journey
• April 12-14: Scrapbooking, Quilting, and Crafting Retreat #2
• May 3-5: Women and Girls’ Retreat – God brings Peace in the Storm and Beauty from Ashes

To register for any of these programs, visit amigocentre.campbrainregistration.com

In her Anabaptist World post for the month of March, Conference Co-Minister Joanne encourages us to consider the five things we might give up for lent (it’s never too late to consider fasting). Check out the Five Things Friday Roundup: Give Up These Things for Lent.