By Bob Yoder, moderator 

This time of year the work of the MLT intensifies as we reflect on the March delegate meetings, hold two different all-day meetings in April and May, finalize plans for the series of pre-Annual Sessions webinars in early June and the June Annual Sessions. Then, we look forward to our annual retreat in August, where we start the “conference year cycle” all over again by reflecting on the past year and establishing goals for the year ahead, while keeping in mind our long-term future. 

 Several other significant changes will also occur this summer: I will “pass the conference Moderator baton” to Brenda Meyer, and two of our staff (Dan Miller, Conference Pastor & Anna Board, Administrative Coordinator) will move on from their ministries with us.

 So much change in so little time. So many opportunities to lose track of so many important details. But so many opportunities for the Spirit to breathe anew. This last point is one reason why I relish change. Yes, I love history and tradition and consistency, but through those I have witnessed the Spirit’s leading when we yield ourselves to the Spirit.

 I am finishing my seventh year on the MLT. Twenty years from now I will look back on my time with the MLT and remember the significant and intense changes, but I will also remember how a group of volunteer leaders fervently yielded themselves to the Spirit’s leading. This is my main takeaway of this experience in  conference leadership. I am forever blessed.

Becoming One – Annual Sessions 2021 takes place June 18 and 19. Come and join in the worship, seminars and the beauty of Amigo Centre! Registration is currently open. Check the website for updates.

* the Spirit being sent on Pentecost (May 23 this year) and the Christian church’s birthday. We give thanks for the Spirit’s work among us forming new communities of grace, love and peace; transforming the world God loves with the good news of Jesus.

* increasing numbers of vaccinations and what looks like a beginning decline in the number of COVID cases.

* April 14 Zoom call for pastors with Gloria Hood and Ted Danielson, two mental health practitioners in the Indianapolis area, talking about “Pastors responding to mental health needs as congregations resume in-person worship.”

* that Steve Slagel will be installed as transitional pastor at Holdeman Mennonite Church on May 30, 2021. Sharon Yoder and congregational coach Tim Lichti will officiate.

*The Leadership Enhancement Team met with current and potential congregational coaches on May 12 (Zoom) for a time of training and equiping.

*Anna Board and Dan Miller will meet with participants in the Michigan Pastors/Leaders Summit on May 13 (Zoom).

* Dan Miller attended two virtual events in April: Lombard Peace Center’s Advanced Clergy Clinic April 19-21, and MMN’s annual SENT Conference (church planting) on April 22-23.

* Dan shared about IMMC’s Congregational Coach position with two different conference ministers who expressed interest in creating something similar in their system.

* SAVE THE DATE: Delegate webinars for Annual Sessions will be held via Zoom on June 2 and June 9 at 7pm. More information to be sent in coming weeks.

* Piedra Viva Mennonite Church pastoral team members Naun Cerrato and Rolando Sosa met with members of Ministry Credentialing Team on April 30 to prepare for their potential welcome as an IMMC congregation at annual sessions in June.

* In April, Sharon Yoder had contact with leaders and/or search guides for nine congregations who are in various stages of leadership transition.

* Sharon, with assistance from volunteer Cindy Steiner, has been updating ministry credential records. We’re grateful when credentialed leaders inform us of changes in contact information.

Thanks to your generosity our income for the month of April was $7,255 above expectation.  Our expenses were $1,048 below expectation.  Our income year-to-date is $10,461. – Jim Norton, IMMC Bookkeeper

• Amigo Centre is looking for their next Executive Director. This full-time position is responsible for the oversight of all programming, administration and maintenance of Amigo, offering strategic vision toward the future. This position also includes publicly representing Amigo Centre and finding various ways to strengthen support for Amigo within its diverse constituency. Qualified applicants will demonstrate strong leadership skills of leading and managing an organization. They will have a passion for transformative faith experiences and a gift for working with people, including excellent communication skills. Letters of interest and resumes can be sent to amigosearch@amigocentre.org. Join us in praying for Amigo and the search process as we discern a new Executive Director.
• RETREAT TO AMIGO: If you are looking for a way to get out of the house and have a safe place to stay, consider coming to Amigo! By using the Retreat Center and West Shore Lodge we have created six small designated suites to limit contact with people outside of your group. Meals and staff led activities available, and limited access to the Activity Center. When’s the last time you just sat and listened to the birds, Sandhill cranes and geese communicating around a lake… or watched the chipmunks and squirrels play… it’s very entertaining! Bring your family and we will provide the space for you to relax and play. Call 269-651-2811 or email us at info@amigocentre.org
• Amigo Park is taking reservations for summer 2021 (mid-May to mid-October). We look forward to a more normal summer at the Park, including the availability of the bathhouse. Call or email to inquire about availability soon. Phone: 269-651-2734 or email: amigopark@amigocentre.org
• SAVE THE DATE! 24th Annual Amigo Centre Golf Scramble will be June 5, 2021 at 8 am. Registration is open and we have room for 9 more teams. If you are interested in joining and want registration information feel free to contact Amigo Centre at 269-651-2811 or email Mandy@amigocentre.org.
• Summer 2021 Day Camp registration is open as well as Family Camp (new this year)! Day Camp will run Monday-Friday June 21 through July 16. Family Camp will run Sunday evening through Thursday morning from July 18-29. Register online at amigocentre.org or call 269-651-2811. Contact colton@amigocentre.org for more information.
• Scrapbooking, Crafting and Sewing retreat update: we are currently only able to accommodate small groups. Instead of our normal large gatherings, the scheduled dates are limited due to providing all participants with a single room. We set groups of friends up in smaller areas to work (masks are still required inside). We are scheduling May 13-16, May 20-23, and May 27-30 for small groups of crafters who are interested in working at Amigo. Here’s your opportunity to finish up those last minute graduation gifts! Call 269-651-2811 or email Mandy@amigocentre.org to sign up.
• Amigo Bike Michiana scheduled for October 8-10, 2021. Our speaker will be Dr. Sibonokuhle Ncube, founding Executive Director/National Coordinator of the Brethren in Christ Compassionate and Development Services in Zimbabwe, currently studying at AMBS. In fall of 2018, Dr. Ncube was part of a Global South Voice Speaking Tour of the Great Lakes region, co-sponsored by MCC and the Center for Sustainable Climate Solutions. Here’s a story about our project: https://mcc.org/stories/addressing-conflict-caused-limited-resource Visit our web site for registration and additional information.