IMMC is Looking for Volunteers

Are you looking for a way to use your time to benefit the work of God in our conference? From time-to-time we have simple but time-consuming tasks that we could use some help with. This might include preparing handouts for an event, assembling mailings, organizing items, or other tasks like these. With limited staff time, it would be a blessing to know of those in the Elkhart County area willing to be on an on-call volunteer list. There would be no set hours or required times to work, just a willingness to receive requests and respond with your availability. If you are willing or are looking to learn more, please contact Clayton at the Conference Office. Thanks for considering!

Upcoming Events

Mark these events on your calendars and plan to participate!

• June 7-8: Summer Fest will be an in-person gathering for anyone in IMMC held in Indianapolis.
• June 9: Conference Sunday is a package of content that can be used in congregations following Summer Fest.
• September 13-14: All-Teams Retreat is a gathering for fellowship, team-building, and visioning for all of those on IMMC leadership teams.
• September 25: Compassionate Leadership Webinar is for pastors and leaders in IMMC’s congregations.
• November 22-24: Pastor Gathering is a retreat and equipping time for pastors in IMMC’s congregations.

MDS Opportunity

Mennonite Disaster Service will be working in Westside Chicago neighborhoods beginning May 3rd. Volunteers will be working in homes affected by flooding in July, 2023. 

The work will include removing damaged belongings and fixtures, such as drywall and flooring, and performing mold remediation. The work will be conducted on Fridays and Saturdays, as well as Memorial Day, recruiting daily volunteers within driving distance of Chicago. 

This will be a cooperative effort with a number of disaster response organizations. The work involves energy but not advanced skills or construction knowledge. Youth who are 14 years or older and accompanied by parents/adults are welcomed. Volunteers should plan to get dirty, bring their own lunch for the day. Water and snacks will be provided. 

The days currently being scheduled are:

• May 3,4
• May 10,11
• May 17,18
• May 24, 25
• May 27, 31
• June 1

If interested and available, please contact George Kalopisis at cookcounty@mds.org.

Practical Leadership Training in Fall 2024

AMBS’s new Practical Leadership Training modules are designed to help pastors, lay leaders, community leaders and leaders of nonprofit organizations increase their capacity to provide effective Anabaptist leadership in a variety of settings. You can select the modules that are best suited to your interests and needs.

The modules — which vary in depth, length and format — focus on four areas: administration, leadership, contextual engagement and well-being.

Learn more or download the one-page flyer to share and post.

Restorative Justice Peace Camp

Are you, or a young adult you know, passionate about justice, healing, and community? Come be a part of our weeklong journey into the heart of restorative justice (RJ) in the vibrant city of Chicago, May 26-31!

MCC young adult Peace Camps are opportunities for young adults to explore dynamics of social change, experience personal transformation and apply Anabaptist, Biblical foundations of peace and justice to real world issues.  Spaces that offer healing, hope, and practical tools for actively building a different world are sorely needed amid the violence and disconnection present today. Young adults are tasked with forging a different course ahead—one that can bring about true healing, transformation, and repair to our communities, the Earth, and beyond. 

Next month, we are hosting a Peace Camp focused on restorative justice in one of the country’s restorative justice centers – Chicago! From May 26-31 we will explore creative ways to create transformative change in individuals and communities. Specifically, participants can expect the following:

• Understanding RJ as a movement and lifestyle: Dive into the heart of RJ and learn how to integrate RJ practices into your daily life.
• Hands on learning: Immerse yourself in RJ through experiential activities.
• Engaging with experienced practitioners: Witness RJ practitioners’ work firsthand and explore RJ in real-life.
• Exploring faith and justice: Learn about accountability, healing, and restoration within justice system.
• Expressing justice creatively: Unleash your creativity for justice through art and music.

Peace Camps are one way to encourage and support the next generation of the Church to live out an active faith as peacemakers. MCC covers all costs of travel, lodging and meals beyond the $250 registration fee. We encourage churches, schools, families and friends to support participants in the registration fee where possible. This is an opportunity not to be missed, so tap someone on the shoulder or, if you are a young adult, come join yourself!

Feel free to contact us if you have questions or concerns you’d like to talk through. Otherwise, head over to our website to register. Don’t miss the incredible opportunity to put theory into practice with an MCC young adult Peace Camp!