What a Celebration weekend for Allegheny Mennonite Conference! The annual Celebration of Congregations and Conference was held August 5-7 at Laurelville Retreat Center. Over 100 people attended the weekend, filled with worship, fellowship, honoring a long-time conference children & youth minister, physical labor, singing, and, of course, food. Featured speakers - Jennifer Davis Sensenig (Community Mennonite, Harrisonburg, VA) and Cindy Lapp (Hyattsville Mennonite, Hyattsville, MD)
– addressed the weekend theme – “And Be Thankful,” as part of Saturday evening and Sunday morning worship. Community Mennonite Church led the worship experiences along with Walking Roots Band members Seth Crissman, Greg and Kristina Yoder.
During the delegate session on Saturday morning, the Conference distributed nearly $1 million to its 16 congregations. The funds were part of the proceeds 
Allegheny received from the sale of the International Guest House (IGH) in Washington D.C. In the spirit of “radical trust,” congregations are encouraged to use the funds for God’s work of hospitality, welcome, peace, and justice as part of the IGH legacy. Congregations will be asked toshare their stories over the next several years about their process and any programs or collaborations that grew or expanded through these gifts.
On the cusp of retirement, Joy Cotchen, Conference Minister of Children and Youth for the past 23 years, was roasted by Dave Mishler and J. Lorne Peachey. Many others shared in person and by via video how Joy has influenced their lives. Unfortunately, Joy was unable to attend in person due to Covid (!), but she was able to attend virtually. Allegheny honors and thanks Joy for her almost quarter century of dedicated ministry.
(pictures by Enos and Carolyn Tice)
