December 23, 2020 

Dear Delegates,  

The Winter Delegate Virtual Session & Assembly on February 6 is quickly approaching. Even though a 

screen will separate us, we look forward to seeing your faces and hearing what Sarah Bixler has for us in 

the keynote address on Racial Justice. In line with the theme, we will launch Racial Justice Initiative and 

the introduction of Task Force. Up for action are the proposed by‐law changes and the Strategic Plan.  

Presented in the Summer 2020 Assembly, the strategic plan has now had feedback from each district. 

Little has changed. Any edits were for clarity only. The substance of the document has not changed. 

Before disseminating the updates, approval is required by Conference Council, which meets January 21. 

On Friday the 22nd, the approved version will be sent to delegates and available on our website.  

At its September meeting Conference Council discussed problems encountered by the Gifts Discernment 

Committee in its effort to find persons willing to serve in the role of Moderator, because of the length of 

the term and number of attendant duties; in the role of Treasurer because it includes mandatory service 

on the Conference Council Executive Committee; and in the role of Gifts Discernment Committee 

members because of the length of the term (five years).  According to our constitution, delegates 

require a 30‐day written notice of any substantial changes to our by‐laws. In light of the expiration dates 

of the current Moderator (8/31/23) and Assistant Moderator (8/31/21), it seemed like an appropriate 

time to proceed with the changes.  This model reduces the time commitment of key leadership roles of 

the conferences. 

Conference Council has approved the recommendations brought by the Constitution and By‐law 

committee. Please take time to review. In February, the changes will be brought to the delegates for 

action. An approval in February will allow the Gifts Discernment Committee to bring a candidate to the 

summer sessions.  

Registration for Assembly will begin January 9 and available on our website. Please feel free to contact 

me if you have questions.  

Yours in service because of Christ,  

 

Richard Early 

Moderator, Virginia Mennonite Conference 

klinesmill@gmail.com 

1/22/2021

Called to Racial Justice Winter Delegate Assembly Agenda February 6, 2021

Note: The Virtual Delegate Assembly will be recorded. This recording includes items that are shared in Chat. Chat Room will be monitored when open.

7:45 a.m. Prelude (Selections from Voices Together hymnal)

8:00 a.m. Welcome – Moderator Richard Early

8:05 a.m. Worship (Selections from Voices Together hymnal)

8:30 a.m. Devotion by Sarah Bixler – “From Servant to Friends”

8:45 a.m. Conference Business – Richard Early, Moderator

8:50 a.m. Summer Assembly Minutes – Jim Hershberger (Delegate Action: Approve Minutes)

8:55 a.m. Gifts Committee Action (Delegate Action: Approve VMMissions Board Member)

9:00 a.m. Introduction of Recommended Changes to Conference By-laws – Joe Longacher

Proposed action Take the action (Delegate Action: Changes to By-laws)

9:15 a.m. Strategic Plan Introduction and Updates – Moderator

9:20 a.m. Breakout Groups Discuss Strategic Plan Groups will be assigned 1 of 5 Priority Goals for reflection

1. What excites you about the plan? 2. How do you see your congregation living into the plan? 3. How do you see yourself living into the plan?

10:00 a.m. Breakout Group Reporting In

10:25a.m. Action to approve Strategic Plan and report next steps (Delegate Action)

10:30 a.m. Break

10:45 a.m. Welcome Back – Moderator

10:50 a.m. Introduction of Racial Justice initiative

Introduction of mandate, Task Force Members, three stories

11:20 a.m. Reflection in Silence

11:30 a.m. Guided Lament and Confession

11:40 a.m. Statement of Hope

11:45 a.m. Closing Worship (Selections from Voices Together hymnal)

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DelegateActions

Doyouapprovethe2020SummerAssemblyMinutes?Yes No Contact minutes@virginiaconference.org with any questions or concerns.

AsrecommendedbyVMMissionsandaffirmedbyConferenceCouncil,doyouaffirmChrisJohnsontoserveasaVMMissionsboardmember‐at‐largeforatwo‐yearterm?Yes, I affirm Chris Johnson to serve on the board of VMMissions. No, I do not affirm Chris Johnson to serve on the board of VMMissions. Contact giftscommittee@virginiaconference.org with any questions or concerns. DoyouapprovetheproposedBy‐Laws?Yes, I approve. No, I do not approve. Contact bylaws@virginiaconference.org with any questions or concerns. AsrecommendedoftheStrategicPlanbyConferenceCounciltodelegates,doyouapprovetheStrategicPlan?Yes, I affirm the Strategic Plan. No, I do not affirm the Strategic Plan. Contact moderator@virginiaconference.org with any questions or concerns.

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July 18, 2020 Virginia Mennonite Conference Assembly Agenda and Minutes Zoom Session: This session was held using Zoom meeting technology. Delegates and visitors gathered in virtual time and space using computers, cell phones and other technology. Prelude music provided by David Berry 8:20 a.m. Worship in song created by Jerry Holsopple using various singers and languages. Welcome by Clyde Kratz explaining the theme of the assembly from Colossians 3:17. Elroy Miller welcomed everyone and reviewed the agenda. Read from HWB #666, calling us to live faithfully to the Word of God followed with additional songs, What is this Place, Open the Eyes of my Heart, Beloved, God’s Chosen and Scriptures describing unity, the ministry of reconciliation, in various languages by various singers. Ron Byler presentation: Ron described MCC efforts from the beginning in 1920, to feed the hungry and walk alongside those suffering from war and famine. MCC’s 100 year anniversary is based on II Cor 5:19-20. He described current efforts in Ukraine, Nepal, India to assist and walk with those suffering from natural disasters, war and famine. He mentioned that the first meat canning was done in VMC churches in 1946. MCC PAX program was begun with support from Virginia Mennonites. Missional Story: These were stories of Virginia Mennonites who have served in Vietnam, Mozambique and many other places; as well as people who have served in Virginia from other countries through MCC programs. These stories provide a vibrant narrative of learning and serving together across cultural divides through faith in Jesus. Strategic Planning Task Force – David Brubaker Elroy reviewed the process of strategic planning based on meetings in the districts led by the task force. The final draft was received by Conference Council in the June 20, 2020 meeting and is presented today for the delegate assembly to receive this document also. Delegates are invited to provide feedback and then for approval in the Feb. 2021 delegate session. The final document continues with the vision and mission statement of VMC and MC USA. The document developed 5 new goals.

1. Renew relations with God and each other 2. Missional outreach in local churches 3. Support local leaders in church growth and missional outreach 4. To hear voices of people of color, women, youth and differently abled 5. Provide assistance to local congregations in their missional efforts

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Breakout groups were randomly assigned: Themes included story exchanges to stimulate ideas and ministry in local churches, who will lead these efforts? If this is accepted then conference leadership will help develop action plans to carry out these goals. Districts will discuss these 5 ideas and give feedback by October. Worship session: Missional Stories from Virginia Mennonite Missions. This included songs such as Come thou Fount, Total Praise, then testimony from Juan Jose and Cecilia Lagos who with his family are planting a Hispanic church in Winston Salem city and Forsyth County in North Carolina, the Iglesia Cristiana Renueva. Their goal is to form groups of up to 10 adults. They receive discipleship training and upon growing to more than 10 members divide and continue to train and form new believers. They meet people where they are in the challenges of life and share the Good News in practical and spiritual ways. Their groups are growing, meeting needs, forming disciples of Jesus, forming leaders who are evangelists, prophets. God has met their needs and they give thanks for the support of the church. Motion 1: That the delegates accept the report from the Strategic Planning Task Force. Motion 2: That the delegates accept the minutes from the Feb delegate session. Gifts Committee Report: The Gifts Discernment committee reported Richard Early as the candidate for new VMC conference moderator. This nomination is the result of asking a number of women and men representing the diversity VMC represents. Break at 10:00: Richard Early shared details of his life and ministry with the whole group. His vision includes VMC and District leadership resourcing and assisting each congregation to live into the goals that fit their strengths. The delegates affirmed Richard Early as new moderator: We had a prayer for Richard as he assumes this role. 10:30 Second Session Worship: Piano by David Berry and songs by Keri Jobe, The splendor of the King and others by various singers. Invitation by Clyde Kratz to donate to MCC, VMC and VMMissions Ron Byler presentation: Challenge us to clothe ourselves with Christ and do everything in the name of Christ. Stories from Korea of war relief in the 50’s and 60’s and now with peacebuilding work among the churches in South Korea and famine relief in North Korea. MCC supports churches in Congo who assist displaced persons and communities in agriculture and food

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security. He outlined programs in Cambodia, Lebanon, the US Mexico border and other places, including COVID-19 responses. Missional Story: VMMissions story of Mike and Risha Metzler shared their story of a multicultural couple leading a multicultural church plant in Harrisonburg. Their vision is a multicultural church that illustrates the Biblical vision of people from all nations coming together to worship and follow Jesus. VMMissions Report: Aaron Kauffman, VMMissions President, shared responses to COVID-19, and an update on new board members including the executive committee. He lamented the sudden and untimely death of Steve Leaman, who served as development staff. He also noted the retirement in the next months of Janet Blosser who has served 30 years as staff, board member and missionary. He reports 3 new staff; Abe Hartzler, development and communications, Tom Yoder, Karen Yoder serving as directors of programs. VMMissions joined the Evangelical Council of Financial Accountability recently. Aaron reported long term endowment steady growth as well as strong donations this year. New initiatives include increased work on racial reconciliation, local initiative includes partnerships with Hispanic and other churches, support for LAC in Albania relief for earthquake victims, strengthening support for business start ups in areas who share a Christian witness and strengthening local church small group growth. Alfonso and Milagros Alvarado shared their work and commitment to plant a church, Iglesia Monte Moriah, that meets at the Grace Mennonite Fellowship meeting house. Their passion is to preach, teach and form disciples of Jesus, obedient to Jesus teaching and who will in turn teach others and help persons hear and live out the Good News. Race Relationships within Virginia Mennonite Conference: Alicia Manning and Clyde Kratz explained the process of bringing together a conversation to discuss race relations in VMC. Alicia described the process and discussions to begin to change race relations in VMC. The first was a race relations letter that named 5 changes VMC can make to remove racist structures in VMC. The second were 5 changes white church leaders can make to create a church that moves away from racist policies. The letter did not use theological language deliberately to avoid opportunity for delay for changes. The letter is not affiliated with the Black Lives Matter movement but does of course name the fact that black lives do matter given the oppressive racial history in this country. Alicia described the need to make changes in our own lives, homes and churches to move to relationships marked by equity. Faith and Life Commission Report: Joe Longacher reported on the process of the meeting and letter Alicia Manning described above. He highlighted the appointment of an antiracist task force that CC approved and then Faith and Life approved to work toward reconciliation in our race relations.

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Motion 3: That the delegates affirm the report led by Alicia Manning and Clyde Kratz and support naming an antiracist task force. There will be a report to Conference Council at its Sept 19 meeting. Commissioning: Clyde Kratz and Aaron Kaufman led a commissioning service and prayer for VMMissions staff and workers as well as the new VMC moderator Richard Early. At 12:00, Clyde Kratz closed the meeting with a benediction asking God to bless the ongoing work of change and renewal of VMC.

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Proposed By-Laws Changes 1 Virginia Mennonite Conference 2 Winter Delegate Assembly 3 February 6, 2021 4 5 Introduction: At its September meeting Conference Council discussed problems encountered by 6 the Gifts Discernment Committee in its effort to find persons willing to serve in the role of 7 Moderator, because of the length of the term and number of attendant duties; in the role of 8 Treasurer because it includes mandatory service on the Conference Council Executive 9 Committee; and in the role of Gifts Discernment Committee members because of the length of 10 the term (five years). According to our Constitution, delegates require a 30-day written notice of 11 any substantial changes to our by-laws. In light of the expiration dates of the current Moderator 12 (8/31/23) and Assistant Moderator (8/31/21), it seemed like an appropriate time to proceed with 13 the changes. This model reduces the time commitment of key leadership roles of the 14 conferences. 15 16 This document contains the existing By-law for each item. The underline is the new language; 17 the crossout is the deleted material 18 19 Moderator and Moderator Elect Roles 20 21 ARTICLE II: OFFICERS 22 Section 1. Elected Officers 23

Conference officers shall be: 24 1.1 Moderator; 25 1.2 Assistant moderator; Moderator-Elect; 26 1.3 Secretary; 27 1.4 Treasurer. 28

These officers shall be elected by Conference Assembly from a ballot presented by the Gifts 29 Discernment Committee of Conference. The moderator shall be elected in the first year of the cycle, 30 the assistant moderator and treasurer in the second year and the secretary in the third year. 31

32 Section 2. Terms of Office 33

Terms of office shall be three years two years for the moderator and moderator-elect, and three years 34 for the treasurer and secretary. The treasurer and secretary Officers may serve a maximum of two 35 consecutive full terms. Terms of office shall coincide with the Conference year. 36

37 Section 3. Duties 38

3.1 The moderator shall: 39 3.1.1 Act for the purposes of Conference as “president” to perform generally accepted functions 40

of the office of president on behalf of the Virginia Mennonite Conference. 41 a. Convening the moderator-elect and secretary in order to carry out the designed duties 42

of the Conference Council Executive Committee, delineated in Article VIII, Sections 43 1.1.1. and 1.1.2; 44

b. Providing counsel to the Executive Conference Minister on leadership, legal, and 45 personnel matters facing the Conference. 46

3.1.2 Assist the Conference in determining and articulating vision and mission; 47 a. Initiating a discernment process with Conference Council periodically to review the 48

vision and mission of the Conference; 49

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b. Communicating the vision and mission through written presentations in Conference 50 publications, i.e. Pathways and the Annual Report. 51

3.1.3 Serve as a spokesperson for Conference; 52 a. Articulating the strategic initiatives and official policies of the Conference to 53

constituency upon request by a District or congregation; 54 b. Encouraging the Faith and Life Commission and credentialed ministers in their 55

respective roles within the Conference. 56 3.1.4 Preside over all sessions of Conference Council and Conference Assembly. 57

a. Reviewing and being familiar with the agenda and supporting documents for Conference 58 Council members and Delegates; 59

b. Reviewing the minutes of Conference Council and Conference Assembly for accuracy 60 of information and experience; 61

c. Conducting the Delegate Assembly as Moderator within the stated procedures of the 62 Conference. 63

3.1.5 Serve as a member of the Mennonite Church USA Constituency Leaders Council by: 64 a. Attending and representing Virginia Mennonite Conference by providing counsel 65

consistent with Conference discernments. 66 67 3.2 The assistant moderator-elect shall: 68

3.2.1 Act for the purposes of Conference as “vice president” to perform generally accepted 69 functions of the office of vice president on behalf of the Virginia Mennonite Conference. 70

3.2.2 Serve as a member of Conference Council and its Executive Committee. 71 3.2.23Provide counsel to the moderator; 72 3.2.34Substitute for the moderator in the moderator’s absence; 73 3.2.45Chair meetings at the request of the moderator; 74 3.2.56 Serve as ex-officio member of the Constitution Committee. 75

3.3 The secretary shall: 76 3.3.1 Keep and distribute accurate minutes of all proceedings of Conference Council, Conference 77

Assembly and other conference-related meetings; 78 3.3.2 Correspond on behalf of Conference as requested by Conference Council. 79

3.4 The treasurer shall: 80 3.4.1 Chair the Conference Finance Committee; 81 3.4.2 Regularly review investment decisions for conference assets. 82 3.4.3 Provide financial advice and reports to Conference Council and Assembly as requested. 83 84

Treasurer Modification 85 86 ARTICLE VIII: COMMITTEES 87 Section 1. Standing Committees 88

1.1 Conference Council Executive Committee 89 1.1.1 Composition/Appointment 90

The Conference Council Executive Committee shall consist of the Conference 91 Moderator, Moderator-Elect, and Secretary. the four elected officers of Conference. The 92 Moderator shall chair the committee and the secretary record minutes of its meetings. The 93 Executive Conference Minister shall serve as staff member for the committee. 94

1.1.2 Duties 95 1. Develop agendas for Conference Council in advance of their quarterly meetings. 96 2. Develop draft agendas for delegate meetings for approval by Conference Council. 97 3. Make decisions, or complete assignments, delegated by Conference Council. 98 4. Act on urgent or emergency requests which may arise between Conference Council 99

meetings. 100

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5. Initiate a triennial performance review for the Executive Conference Minister, to be 101 led by the Chair of the Faith and Life Commission. 102

1.1.3 Tenure 103 Members shall serve in keeping with their elected or appointed terms. 104

105 Gifts Discernment Committee 106

107 1.2 Gifts Discernment Committee 108

1.2.1 Composition/Appointment 109 The Gifts Discernment Committee shall consist of five six members appointed by 110 Conference Council. The chairperson shall be designated annually by Conference 111 Council. 112

1.2.2 Duties 113 1. Through an appropriate process, discern persons within Conference with gifts, time 114

and calling to serve as members of Conference commissions and committees as 115 required by the Constitution and Bylaws along with other appointments for which 116 Conference Council may request assistance. 117

2. Present a list of such nominees to the Conference Council for review and approval. 118 3. Recommend to the Conference Assembly, upon approval of Conference Council, 119

persons to serve as officers of Conference. 120 4. Contribute to the appointment process for officers and members-at-large of VMM 121

through having the chair of the Gift Discernment Committee to serve on the Gift 122 Discernment Committee of VMM. 123

5. Monitor appointments for breadth of representation and to avoid conflicts of interest 124 that might be created by having individuals serving in more than one capacity. 125

6. Maintain a master list of Conference appointments to Conference offices, 126 commissions and committees, recording the length of term and termination date. 127

1.2.3 Tenure 128 Members shall serve five-year three year staggered terms. terms with one member being 129 appointed annually. No more than two consecutive terms may not be served. 130 131

Virginia Mennonite Conference Strategic Plan  

Submitted June 1, 2020 (Revised July 1, 2020) 

Revised Following District Feedback (December 15, 2020) 

Approved by Conference Council (January 21, 2021) 

 

Mission Statement: 

Virginia Mennonite Conference equips pastors, lay leaders, and congregants for worship and 

service, and to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to neighbors near and far. 

 

Vision Statement: 

God calls us to be followers of Jesus Christ and, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to grow as 

communities of grace, joy and peace, so that God’s healing and hope flow through us to the 

world. 

 

As disciples in Virginia Mennonite Conference, we embrace faith with action as both biblical 

and faithful. We nurture community and individual relationships; we practice mutual 

accountability to one another. We strive to become people of peace and support patterns of 

peacemaking among us. We challenge ourselves to speak of our hope in Jesus Christ in all 

settings and engage in missional outreach. We extend mutual aid to congregations and peoples 

in and outside of the Conference. 

 

Values Statements: 

As Virginia Mennonite Conference, we value… 

Worship that celebrates the transformative power of God 

Listening and learning together in communities of discernment 

Discernment that includes Biblical and theological discourse 

Ethical conduct 

Service to others and compassionate care that brings healing and builds peace 

Diversity of cultures and peoples, and various expressions of faith within an Anabaptist 

perspective. 

Partnership with Mennonite Church USA and other Christian groups 

 

Priority Goals: 

For the next five years (2021‐2025), we propose the following goals to achieve our mission and 

vision… 

1. To renew relationships with God, each other, and creation 

2. To engage in missional outreach 

3. To support leaders and multiple modes of ministry while adapting to new realities. 

4. To hear the voices and welcome the leadership of people of color, the differently‐abled, 

women, and youth 

5. To provide mutual aid or counsel to struggling congregations 

Goal 1: To renew relationships with God, with each other, and with creation 

Objectives: 

1.1 Identify a Bible study or theme verse each year for common study by all congregations in 

the conference. (For the first year, we recommend John 1:1‐14). 

1.2 Include a time of discernment for every major conference or district decision‐making 

process, ideally in a setting that includes times of informal fellowship, spiritual reflection, 

and immersion in nature. 

1.3 Organize a “sibling congregation” program that matches each congregation in the 

conference with another congregation in the same or a differing district. The paired 

congregations would be asked to plan one joint gathering each year, ideally in a natural 

setting. 

1.4 Utilize MCUSA resources for renewing  revitalize relationship with creation. This would 

serve to build relationships among pastors from multiple districts. 

 

Goal 2: To engage in missional outreach 

Objectives: 

 

2.1 Practice the discipline of listening to God and the Holy Spirit to discern where God is at work in our own and other communities. 

2.2 Assist each member to speak of the reason for their faith from an Anabaptist perspective, 

and encourage each member to share the story of their faith journey and its development 

in a Sunday School or small group setting and the world. . 

2.3 Nurture a culture of evangelism and instill it in everything that congregations do—their 

vision, their budget, their staff, and programs including starting with children and youth. 

2.4 Train every believer to make disciples from an Anabaptist perspective, using programs from 

Virginia Mennonite Mission’s Cultivate Discovery Bible Studies, and Mennonite Mission 

Network’s Missional Discipleship Initiative and Sent Network.  

2.5 Evaluate existing programs through the lens of producing fruit of multiplications redesigning 

outreach efforts to achieve multiplication.  Design new rhythms within congregations to 

encourage outreach efforts. Begin by evaluating if existing programs are producing fruit of 

multiplication or just maintenance. 

2.6 Embrace participation in existing global missional programs that are effective, from both 

VMMissions and MMN. 

 

Goal 3: To support leaders and multiple modes of ministry while adapting to new realities 

Objectives: 

3.1 Equip credentialed leaders with an orientation to the Conference, ministry assessment 

tools, resource events that focus on ministry  formation, publicize inner healing and 

deliverance ministry opportunities and  mandate critical resource eventscontinuing 

education. 

3.2 Provide opportunity for all credentialed leaders (pastors, special ministries, youth 

ministries) to be involved in resourcing, discernments, and conference life. 

3.3 Provide an orientation to delegates to better understand the role of Conference and to establish effective decision‐making processes for delegates at Conference Assemblies. 

3.4 Equip lay leaders through resources and networking to fulfill their congregation’s vision and mission. 

3.5 Develop a working group to identify, encourage, and begin to equip, future congregational pastors for ministry within VMC and the denomination. 

 

Goal 4: To hear the voices and welcome the leadership of people of color, the differently‐

abled, women, and youth 

Objectives: 

4.1 Name the culture of Virginia Mennonite Conference that has historically privileged white 

men in leadership and tolerated systemic racism; and commit to building a diverse and 

inclusive culture. Be intentional about having anti‐racism training and sermons in every 

congregation annually. 

4.2 Use the goal of pursuing welcoming diverse leadership as a guide to choose future 

moderators, task forces, committees, and conference minister to work in mutual 

relationship. 

4.3 Encourage districts and congregations to choose their delegates with Objective 4.2 in mind 

and provide networking opportunities for how they are meeting this objective. 

4.4 Choose accessible buildings for the differently‐abled, provide translation for non‐English speakers, sign language for the deaf, and table guidelines for the table leaders. 

4.5 Orient youth to Conference by requesting each congregation send Choose one or two or more youth to expose them to Conference Assembly each yearone year and then extend an 

invitation to serve as a delegate the next year. 

      

Goal 5: To provide mutual aid or counsel to congregations desiring help 

Objectives: 

5.1 Encourage Districts to form a Congregational Support Task Force (CSTF) to assist 

congregations in need. The District Minister, the District Chair, and the Executive 

Conference Minister shall recommend to congregational leaders a CSTF. The purpose of the 

task force shallwill be to create resource assessments, respond to specific needs for a 

congregation, and oversee the administration of support. 

 

5.2 Tasks of the Congregational Support Task Force:  Meet together to discuss requests prior to meeting with a congregation in question. 

As with a deaconal needs assessment, meet with the requesting congregational 

representatives to discuss not only their request but also learn about the financial, 

social, and historical backdrop of the congregation. 

Meet together to discuss the facets of the presenting situation and underlying 

factors. Consider the congregation’s transparency and cooperation with the 

assessment discussion. Decide whether to move forward with steps of assistance. 

In cooperation with the congregation, create a set of recommended steps for 

betterment of the underlying situation. 

Oversee the administration of support and implementation of the improvement 

steps or recommend a specific mission support team to do so. 

Respectfully Submitted to the Conference Council by Members of the Strategic Planning Task 

Force: James Akerson, Deb Horst, Moriah Hurst, Clyde Kratz, Armando Sanchez, David Brubaker 

(facilitator), with input from Pearl Hartman and Aldine Musser during sabbaticals of Deb Horst 

and Moriah Hurst. 

Next Steps in the Strategic Planning Process Virginia Mennonite Conference

July 2020 through June 2025

Background: Conference Council authorized the formation of a Strategic Planning Task Force at its March 15-16, 2019 meeting. The mandate of the task force was as follows:

The Strategic Planning Task Force’s mandate is to design and implement a strategic planning process with input from all key stakeholders. The strategic planning process will build on VMC’s mission and vision, and develop strategic initiatives for the next three to five years.

Task Force members were James Akerson, Deb Horst, Moriah Hurst, Armando Sanchez, and Clyde Kratz, with David Brubaker serving as consultant to the process. (Pearl Hartman and Aldine Musser served on the task force during the spring sabbaticals of both Deb and Moriah.) Members of the task force met with all eight districts in the conference, as well with partner agency heads and business leaders. After coding the input from the listening sessions, the task force presented five themes to delegates at the Winter Delegate Session on February 1, 2020. Based on additional feedback from delegates and further discernment, the task force drafted a strategic plan and presented it to Conference Council on May 16. With additional comments from Conference Council, members of the task force revised the document and presented a final draft to Conference Council on June 30, 2020. On July 18, 2020 meeting in a virtual Conference Assembly, the delegates of Virginia Mennonite Conference met in random breakout groups to discuss the Strategic Plan. Following the discussion, delegates voted to receive the Strategic Plan. Districts were given the task of reviewing the Strategic Plan and provide written feedback to the Executive Conference Minister by November 30, 2020. The Executive Conference Minister reviewed the feedback and made some edits based on district feedback. David Brubaker received the feedback, the proposed edits, and validated the edits as being consistent with the district feedback. Conference Council members received the edited Strategic Plan and briefly reviewed at their December 17, 2020 meeting. At the January 21, 2021 Conference Council meeting, the members affirmed the edits and recommended the Strategic Plan be presented to the delegates of Virginia Mennonite Conference. Future Timeline: The proposed Strategic Plan for the next five years is coming to the delegates on February 6, 2021, with a recommendation to the delegates from Conference Council to adopt it. March to May 2021: VMC Staff and District Ministers develop an Action Plan to implement the goals and objectives of the Strategic Plan.

July 2021 to June 2025: Strategic Plan implemented according to the timeline in the Action Plan, with annual monitoring and an evaluation at the end of the implementation period.

Summary. The delegates of Virginia Mennonite Conference are being invited to take an action to adopt the Strategic Plan. During the virtual Winter Delegate Session on February 6, 2021, there will be opportunity to hold a discussion concerning the Strategic Plan. The primary discussion in breakout groups will focus on the ways in which the Strategy Plan elicits excitement, and an opportunity to discuss ways to imagine living into the plan. The delegates will not be given opportunity to make additions or edit the Strategic Plan, but their action is to adopt it as presented. While members of Conference Council recognized that our Strategic Plan process occurred during the coronavirus pandemic, there is excitement that our Strategic Plan provides a framework for launching our faith communities into a strategic effort to be the people of God. We anticipate congregational leaders will find ways to implement the Strategic Plan and assist our Conference to fulfill its desires to serve God and our communities in faithful and intentional ways. Clyde G. Kratz Executive Conference Minister

Racial Justice Task Force. What do we hope to achieve through a task force:

To equip members of our congregations to form inter-racial and inter-cultural friendships in their community.

To learn about the level of racism that exists within Virginia Mennonite Conference, an Anabaptist/Mennonite culture, and the patterns within our organization that limits non-White participation at all levels of leadership;

To develop leadership strategies to address the racism that contributes to non-White individuals from excelling among us;

To equip Conference leaders, credentialed leaders, and lay congregational leaders in understanding and addressing issues of racism that impacts their ministries

The work of the Task Force

a. Assess VMC’s history concerning race relationships and provide a written report of their findings to Conference Council and the Delegate Assembly. There are stories of positive and negative actions by leaders and members concerning race relationships. These need to be heard. This may be where deep listening occurs by a group of people, but these stories can also be recorded and shared with our constituency.

b. Make specific recommendations to Conference Council to eliminate racist language from Conference documents and policies at all levels of the organization.

c. Provide advocacy to include non-White members on Conference planning committees on personnel selection for all committee appointments.

d. Make recommendations concerning governance practice within VMC to incorporate non-White leaders.

e. Facilitate training programs in racial sensitivity, racial consciousness, and anti-racism and inclusion for Conference Staff, Conference Council members, and members of the Congregational Life and Faith and Life Commissions.

f. Require all key leaders of Conference, Conference Staff, and credentialed leaders to take the Intercultural Cultural Development Inventory - http://mennoniteusa.org/what-we-do/undoing-racism/intercultural-development-inventory/

g. Facilitate the development of a mandatory training program for all credentialed leaders in racial sensitivity, racial consciousness, and anti-racism and inclusion.

h. Ask each congregation to provide training on racial sensitivity, racial consciousness, anti-racism, and inclusion, using materials and training programs recommended by the Task Force.

Racial Justice and Equality Leader (1/4 time staff person)

The Racial Justice and Equality Leader shall lead and facilitate Virginia Mennonite Conference’s Anti-Racism mandates.

Racial Justice and Equality Leader is supervised by the Executive Conference Minister. The term of service is a two year assignment. The Executive Conference Minister in

consultation with Conference Council will evaluate progress of transformation on racial justice and equality within the Conference and determine next steps for the position.

Approved by Conference Council 200919

Delegate Session Presenters

SarahBixler Sarah Ann Bixler teaches at Eastern Mennonite Seminary while completing her PhD in practical theology at Princeton Theological Seminary, with an emphasis on Christian education and formation. Her dissertation, advised by Dr. Kenda Creasy Dean, explores adolescent belonging in Mennonite congregations and engages ideas from attachment theory and spiritual friendship. While at Princeton Seminary, Sarah worked in administrative roles with Princeton's Center for Church Planting and Revitalization and the Iron Sharpening Iron: Leadership Education for Women Clergy project. Sarah is deeply committed to both robust scholarship and the ongoing formation of faith communities, and she has more than a decade of ministry and teaching experience. Her background includes work as a youth minister at Zion Mennonite Church (Broadway, VA), teacher at Eastern Mennonite Middle School, administrator and youth minister for Virginia Mennonite Conference, EMU residence director, Herald Press curriculum writer, and founding member of Eastside Church in Harrisonburg. Sarah and her spouse, Benjamin Bixler, enjoy parenting their three school-aged children. DeannaR.Reed Deanna Reed serves as mayor of Harrisonburg, Va. She was sworn into office for Harrisonburg City Council in January 2017, and then selected by her fellow council members as mayor. Becoming mayor of Harrisonburg made her the first African American female mayor in Harrisonburg’s history. In 2019, Mayor Reed was selected by her colleagues to serve a second term as Mayor, and won reelection in November 2020 to a new term from 2021-2024. Mayor Reed currently serves as the program director for On the Road Collaborative, a non-profit youth empowerment organization that serves more than 300 middle school and high school youth annually. On the Road Collaborative, helps set students on the road towards high school, college and successful careers. Beyond her leadership and achievements serving the youth, Mayor Reed is a member of Word Ministries Christian Outreach Church. She has served as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. for over 32 years and serves on the advisory team for Iota Alpha Chapter of James Madison University. Mayor Reed is currently working on a Bachelors in Education at Liberty University. She has a diploma from Harrisonburg High School and previously attended Radford University.

CedricA.Moore,Jr.,DSL Dr. Moore brings more than a decade of leadership and managerial experience in health services to his work with Spectrum Transformation Group. In 2009, Dr. Moore was appointed by Virginia Governor Timothy Kaine to serve on the Governor’s Advisory Board of Child Abuse and Neglect. Dr. Moore is a member of the Family and Children’s Trust Fund committee. He has a solid reputation in community relationship-building and has been instrumental in strategic development initiatives for a variety of the region’s private for-profit and non-profit healthcare organizations. Dr. Moore played an integral part in managing a residential program to national certification status, which was the first in Virginia with this distinction. He graduated from Eastern Mennonite University with his Bachelor’s degree and has remained an active part of this community by serving as the Vice President of the Alumni Committee. Dr. Moore has his Masters of Business Administration as well as his Doctorate of Strategic Leadership. He is a member of the International Leadership Association and Society for Human Resources Management. He and his wife, Dr. Melinda Moore, started Spectrum Transformation Group in 2010 to provide quality evidence-based treatment to individuals across the lifespan with Autism Spectrum Disorder as well as individuals with mental health concerns. BishopLeslieW.FranciscoIII Bishop Leslie W. III and his wife, Dr. Natalie Francisco, currently serve as Overseers of C3 – Calvary Community Church, in Hampton, Virginia, after decades of serving as Lead Pastors. Together they have etched their mark into the Hampton Roads area with the establishment of a Daycare, Christian Academy, Bible College, television and radio ministries, and the planting of multiple churches throughout the U.S. and abroad. Expanding upon the pastoral vision of his father, Bishop Leslie Walker II, Bishop L.W. Francisco III has become one of the greatest influencers within the Tidewater area. While spiritual awakening and nourishing are crucial, he aims to challenge and nurture all facets of people, equipping the minds of God’s children to be well-rounded members of society. A powerhouse preacher, mentor, and entrepreneur, Bishop Francisco believes we are called by God to be “legacy makers and curse breakers,” fully tapping into the potential placed within us. He believes that it is never too late to chase dreams, or rise above mediocrity in life. Upon his children transitioning from childhood to adulthood he sought out his pilot’s license and made a promise to himself that he would not only speak all over the world, but would enjoy the view from the skies as well.

Virginia Mennonite Conference is pleased to use selections from the new Voices Together hymnal as part of our Winter Delegate Session 2021. Learn more about the hymnal at http://voicestogetherhymnal.org/.

A list of songs and available lyrics in chronological order are provided below.

PRELUDE MUSIC

Let’s Walk Together Words: Laurie Zelman and Mark Miller; Music: Mark Miller; © 2007 Abingdon Press (admin. Music Services). Voices Together #6 Performed by: Hesston College Bel Canto Singers Praise to the Living God Public domain Voices Together #204 Performed by: Menno Singers Rain, Come Down Words and Music: Shawn L. Kirchner © 2003 Santa Barbara Music Publishing, Inc. Voices Together #634 Performed by: Hesston College Bel Canto Singers Enviados somos de Dios (We Have Been Sent by God) Text: © 1998 José Aguiar. Arr.: © 2003 Augsburg Fortress. Voices Together #771 Performed by: Hesston College Bel Canto Singers

Total Praise Words and Music: Richard Smallwood © 1990 Bridge Building Music and T. Autumn Music. Arr.: © 2010 Bridge Building Music and T. Autumn Music (admin. CapitolCMGPublishing.com). All rights reserved. Used by permission. Voices Together #633 Performed by: Calvary Community Church (C3) worship team

WORSHIP

Touch the Earth Lightly Text: Shirley Erena Murray (New Zealand), © 1992 Hope Publishing Co. Music: Swee Hong Lim (Canada); arr. Tamryn Parker-Carver (USA), © 2005 Hope Publishing Co. Voices Together #145

I Will Sing Text: Nathan Grieser (USA), 2014, rev. 2018 Music: Nathan Grieser © 2014 Nathan Grieser Voices Together #389

All Who Are Thirsty Text and Music: Brenton Gifford Brown (UK) / Glenn Robertson (South Africa) © 1998 Vineyard Songs Voices Together #49 Could It Be That God is Singing Text: Becca J. R. Lachman (USA), © 2004 Becca J. R. Lachman, rev. 2018. Music: Southern Harmony (USA), 1854; arr. Alice Parker, © 2008. Voices Together #42 How Can We Worship Caesar’s Cross Text: Sarah Kathleen Johnson (Canada), © 2009 Music: David Ashley White (USA), 2001, © 2002 Selah Publishing Co., Inc. Voices Together #308 Seeds © 2017 The Walking Roots Band. Voices Together #777 CLOSING WORSHIP MUSIC

The Church of Christ Cannot Be Bound Text: © 2006 Greg Scheer Performed by: Hesston College Bel Canto Singers Voices Together #392 We've come this far by Faith © 1963 Manna Music, Inc. Administrators: ClearBox Rights, LLC Voices Together #599 When We Walk with the Lord Public domain. Performed by: C3 Hampton (Calvary Community Church) worship team Voices Together #570 Here by the Water Music and Lyric by Jim Croegaert © 1986 Rough Stones Music Voices Together #629 Nothing Can Separate Us Text: Unknown Music: © 2008 James E. Clemens Voices Together #171

PRELUDE SONGS 1. Let's Walk Together

Words: Laurie Zelman and Mark Miller; Music: Mark Miller; © 2007 Abingdon Press (admin. Music Services). Voices Together #6 Performed by: Hesston College Bel Canto Singers

Let’s walk together for a while and ask where we begin to build a world where love can grow and hope can enter in, to be the hands of healing and to plant the seed of peace, singing welcome, welcome to this place. You’re invited to come and know God’s grace. All are welcome the love of God to share 'cause all of us are welcome here; all are welcome in this place. Let’s talk together of a time when we will share a feast, Where pride and power kneel to serve the lonely and the least, And joy will set the table as we join our hands to pray, Singing welcome, Let’s dream together of the day when earth and heaven are one, A city built of love and light, the new Jerusalem, Where our mourning turns to dancing, every creature lifts its voice! Crying welcome!

2. Praise to the Living God

Public domain Voices Together #204 Performed by: Menno Singers

Praise to the living God! All praised be the Name, who was, and is, and is to be, is still the same; the one eternal God, ‘ere all that now appears, the First, the Last, beyond all thought through timeless years!

God’s spirit flowing free, high surging where it will— in prophet’s word it spoke of old— is speaking still. Established is God’s law, and changeless it shall stand, deep writ upon the human heart, on sea, or land.

God plants eternal life within the human soul. God’s love shall be our strength and stay, while ages roll. Praise to the living God! All praised be the Name,

who was, and is, and is to be, is still the same!

3. Rain, Come Down Words and Music: Shawn L. Kirchner © 2003 Santa Barbara Music Publishing, Inc. Voices Together #634 Performed by: Hesston College Bel Canto Singers Come, rain, come down, come, rain, come down, Heaven’s tears of mercy, come a-runnin’ down. Say no words, it is too soon, say no words out loud. But wrap your quiet arms around, hide us in your cloud. Come wash away this grief and pain, and let all hearts be clean. And bring the fairest flow’rs to meet the sorrows we have seen. A little lower than the angels we were born to be, Yet which of all the creatures knows this misery? Come, rain, come down, come, rain, come down, Heaven’s tears of mercy, come a-runnin’ down.

4. Enviados somos de Dios (We Have Been Sent by God)

Text: © 1998 José Aguiar. Arr.: © 2003 Augsburg Fortress. Voices Together #771 Performed by: Hesston College Bel Canto Singers No lyrics available.

5. Total Praise

Words and Music: Richard Smallwood © 1990 Bridge Building Music and T. Autumn Music. Arr.: © 2010 Bridge Building Music and T. Autumn Music (admin. CapitolCMGPublishing.com). All rights reserved. Used by permission. Voices Together #633 Performed by: Calvary Community Church (C3) worship team

Lord, I will lift my eyes to the hills Knowing my help is coming from You Your peace You give me in time of the storm You are the source of my strength You are the strength of my life I lift my hands in total praise to You You are the source of my strength You are the strength of my life I lift my hands in total praise to You Amen, Amen, Amen, Amen Amen, Amen, Amen, Amen You are the source of my strength You are the strength of my life I lift my hands in total praise to You Amen, Amen, Amen, Amen Amen, Amen, Amen, Amen

WORSHIP SONGS

1. Touch the Earth Lightly

Text: Shirley Erena Murray (New Zealand), © 1992 Hope Publishing Co. Music: Swee Hong Lim (Canada); arr. Tamryn Parker-Carver (USA), © 2005 Hope Publishing Co. Voices Together #145 Touch the earth lightly, use the earth gently, nourish the life of the world in our care: gift of great wonder, ours to surrender, trust for the children tomorrow will bear. We who endanger, who create hunger, agents of death for all creatures that live, we who would foster clouds of disaster-- God of our planet, forestall and forgive! Let there be greening, birth from the burning, water that blesses and air that is sweet, health in God's garden, hope in God's children, regeneration that peace will complete. God of all living, God of all loving, God of the seedling, the snow and the sun, teach us, deflect us, Christ reconnect us, using us gently, and making us one.

2. I Will Sing Text: Nathan Grieser (USA), 2014, rev. 2018 Music: Nathan Grieser © 2014 Nathan Grieser Voices Together #389 I will sing with you, my family; will you sing with me? I will sing with you, my family; will you sing with me? The notes won’t always come out as I’d like, but I will learn to see the log in my own eye. God, I’ll surrender. Bring us together, bring us together. I will sing with you, my neighbor; will you sing with me? I will sing with you, my neighbor; will you sing with me? My words will be imperfect, but I’ll try. Bringing my assumptions to the light, I’ll pray,

God, I’ll surrender. Bring us together, bring us together. I will sing with you, my rival; will you sing with me? I will sing with you, my rival; will you sing with me? Difference is a place where God is found. In seeking peace, we’re walking onto holy ground. God, we surrender. Bring us together, bring us together. We will sing our song together; sing in harmony. We will sing our song together, whether two or three. Jesus feels our pain; he sets us free. The Spirit’s given us this song of hope to sing: God, we surrender. Bring us together, bring us together. Bring us together, bring us together.

3. All Who Are Thirsty

Text and Music: Brenton Gifford Brown (UK) / Glenn Robertson (South Africa) © 1998 Vineyard Songs Voices Together #49 All who are thirsty All who are weak Come to the fountain Dip your heart in the streams of life Let the pain and the sorrow Be washed away In the waves of his mercy As deep cries out to deep, we sing Come Lord Jesus, come (x4) All who are thirsty All who are weak Come to the fountain Dip your heart in the streams of life Let the pain and the sorrow Be washed away In the waves of his mercy As deep cries out to deep, we sing Holy Spirit come (x4) Come and breathe on us again Come and breathe on us again

Come and visit us again Come and visit us again As deep cries out to deep As deep cries out to deep As deep cries out to deep We sing Come Lord Jesus, come (x4) Come and breathe on us again Come and breathe on us again Come and visit us again Come and visit us again The Spirit and the bride say come The Spirit and the bride say come Come Lord Jesus Come Lord Jesus, come Make way for the King of glory Make way for the King of glory Open up you gates, open up you gates Let the King of glory in (x3)

4. Could It Be That God is Singing

Text: Becca J. R. Lachman (USA), © 2004 Becca J. R. Lachman, rev. 2018. Music: Southern Harmony (USA), 1854; arr. Alice Parker, © 2008 Voices Together #42 Could it be that God is singing and these notes are my reply to the God-light warm within me, joining earth and sea and sky? Surely mercy has a cadence—I can feel it in my soul! Surely justice builds a chorus, making all God’s children whole! Have you carried heavy silence, have you let old sorrows win, or proclaimed psalms of forgiveness, but not offered them within? Oh, the Spirit, she was singing, even when we could not hear her abundant streams of living, waiting for us to come near. Hallelujah for my Jesus, for his life’s surprising course! May I, too, live bold resistance to injustice, hate, and force. Surely peace, it has a cadence, asking all of what we bring! And if music is God breathing, take a holy breath and sing!

5. How Can We Worship Caesar’s Cross

Text: Sarah Kathleen Johnson (Canada), © 2009 Music: David Ashley White (USA), 2001, © 2002 Selah Publishing Co., Inc. Voices Together #308 No lyrics available.

6. Seeds © 2017 The Walking Roots Band Voices Together #777 These seeds you have sown In our hearts and in our bones Cover them with your love Use our hands, use our feet To show your love and your peace And cover us Cover us Cover us with Love.

CLOSING WORSHIP SONGS

1. The Church of Christ Cannot Be Bound Text: © 2006 Greg Scheer Voices Together #392 Performed by: Hesston College Bel Canto Singers The Church of Christ cannot be bound by walls of wood or stone. Where charity and love are found, there can the church be known. True faith will open up the door and step into the street. True service will seek out the poor and ask to wash their feet. True love will not sit idly by when justice is denied. True mercy hears the homeless cry and welcomes them inside. If what we have, we freely share to meet our neighbor’s need, then we extend the Spirit’s care through ev’ry selfless deed. The church of Christ cannot be bound by walls of wood or stone. Where charity and love are found, there can the church be known.

2. We've Come This Far By Faith

© 1963 Manna Music, Inc. Administrators: ClearBox Rights, LLC Voices Together #599 Performed by: Menno Singers We've come this far by faith Leaning on the LORD Trusting in His Holy Word He never failed me yet Oh' can't turn around We've come this far by faith Don't be discouraged when trouble comes into your life He will bear your burdens And remove all our misery and strife And that's why Just the other day I heard a man say He didn't believe in God words But I can truly say the Lord will make a way because He, He's never failed me yet.

3. When We Walk with the Lord Public Domain Voices Together #570 Performed by: Calvary Community Church (C3) worship team When we walk with the Lord In the light of His Word, What a glory He sheds on our way; While we do His good will, He abides with us still, And with all who will trust and obey. Trust and obey, For there’s no other way To be happy in Jesus, But to trust and obey. Not a shadow can rise, Not a cloud in the skies, But His smile quickly drives it away; Not a doubt or a fear, Not a sigh or a tear, Can abide while we trust and obey. Not a burden we bear, Not a sorrow we share, But our toil He doth richly repay; Not a grief or a loss, Not a frown or a cross, But is blest if we trust and obey. But we never can prove The delights of His love, Until all on the altar we lay; For the favor He shows, And the joy He bestows, Are for them who will trust and obey. Then in fellowship sweet We will sit at His feet, Or we’ll walk by His side in the way; What He says we will do; Where He sends, we will go, Never fear, only trust and obey.

4. Here by the Water Music and Lyric by Jim Croegaert © 1986 Rough Stones Music Voices Together #629 Soft field of clover Moon shining over the valley Joining the song of the river To the great giver of the great good As it enfolds me Somehow it holds me together I realize I’ve been singing

Still it comes ringing Clearer than clear And here by the water I’ll build an altar to praise Him Out of the stones that I’ve found here I’ll set them down here Rough as they are Knowing You can make them holy Knowing You can make them holy Knowing You can make them holy I think how a yearning Has kept on returning to move me Down roads I’d never have chosen Half the time frozen Too numb to feel I know it was stormy I hope it was for me learning Blood on the road wasn’t mine though Someone that I know Has walked here before

5. Nothing Can Separate Us Text: Unknown Music: © 2008 James E. Clemens Voices Together #171 Nothing Nothing Nothing Nothing Nothing can separate us From the love of God