Allegheny Miscellany

ALLEGHENY MISCELLANY
BY: DAVID MISHLER, CONFERENCE MINISTER
VOLUME 22 - DECEMBER 2019

#1 – Giving Tuesday
Our goal was to have 50 persons donate an average of $20 to raise $1,000 in our first venture into Giving Tuesday. We have a matching gift for the first $1,000 raised. The results? 22 persons donated $1,325 through our donation button. So, our first Giving Tuesday raised $2,325 with the match. This is a great baseline from which to grow into the future! Thank you to everyone who participated.
One of our hesitations to begin a Giving Tuesday event is the potential confusion with our annual year end appeal letter. Many of you will receive a letter in the next few days, if you haven’t already, as part of Allegheny’s regular snail mail campaign each December. The clash of two practices is yet to be seen. We are trying to reach different audiences and generations, but we realize there will likely be some overlap. Forgive us if we contact you more than you would like in this era of experimentation. Give until it feels good in either case!
Allegheny is growing and serving more and more people because of our posture on inclusion and diversity. We so much appreciate your support and encouragement in our work in this corner of God’s world.

#3 – Welcoming West Philadelphia Mennonite Fellowship!
On November 2, Franconia Mennonite Conference released West Philadelphia Mennonite Fellowship to pursue an affiliation with another conference of Mennonite Church USA. WPMF has requested such affiliation with Allegheny Mennonite Conference in a May 3, 2019 letter, following a congregational decision on April 28, 2019. Since then WPMF has been working with Franconia through designated MC USA protocols. Allegheny has received the joint letter from Franconia and West Philadelphia which now allows for the formal reception of the congregation into AMC membership. Allegheny receives new members based on a congregation’s request, followed by the conference minister’s recommendation to and approval of the Leadership Council. AMC delegates will be given opportunity to give feedback to Leadership Council’s formal decision. We expect to have an initial introduction and welcome celebration for WPMF at our March 7, 2020 Faith & Life Gathering at Hyattsville Mennonite Church. Welcome West Philly!

#2 – 2020 Spring Study - Elaine James to bring new, compelling look at the Song of Songs
This ain’t your ordinary Song of Songs! Elaine T. James, Associate Professor of Old Testament at Princeton will be leading our 2020 Spring Study at Laurelville. Ecology, agrarianism, healthy view of the body and sexuality, and lots of time for reflection will shape our time together. The promotional flyer and registration form is almost ready for release. Be looking for it. Save the date – May 4-7, 2020 at Laurelville! For pastors, leaders, everyone interested in a compelling view of this often-overlooked OT masterpiece.

#4 -SNOKAMP 2020
AMC’s Youth Cabinet is very excited to invite all youth ages 14-19 to SnoKamp 2020 at Laurelville – February 14-16, 2020. Michelle Burkholder is the resource person. An exploration of Ecclesiastes – how many of you have been in Ecclesiastes lately? – under the provocative topic “Everything is Meaningless” should get your attention. Don’t let your youth miss this great opportunity for fun in the snow and powerful conversation about life in this 21st century! Cost for the entire weekend - $135. Click here for brochure
or email Joy Cotchen – joyc@alleghenymennoniteconference.org