Mennonite Women USA
Mission and History

The mission of Mennonite Women USA is to minister to the women of Mennonite Church USA by resourcing women’s groups and individual women as we:
    Nurture our life in Christ
    Study the Bible,
    Utilize our gifts,
    Hear each other, and
    Engage in mission and service.

Our vision is to promote women-to-women links locally and globally, through mission and fellowship within our diverse church, embracing women of many backgrounds, and encouraging mutual support, discussion, partnership, and worship.

The story of Mennonite Women USA began in 1916-17 with the formation of Women’s Missionary and Service Commission and Women in Mission. The two merged into bi-national Mennonite Women in 1997, then Mennonite Women USA was formed in 2003. We work in partnership with our sister organization, Canadian Women in Mission, to produce annual Bible study guides.  Here’s our governance structure.

Mennonite Women USA participates in the Constituency Leaders Council of Mennonite Church USA as one of the church's five constituent groups. It is guided by a board of directors representing geographic, racial, and cultural diversity. 

The symbol of Mennonite Women USA portrays the vine that is Christ: 

    “Abide in me as I abide in you.
    Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself
    unless it abides in the vine,
    neither can you unless you abide in me.
    I am the vine, you are the branches.”   John 15:4-5a

The image reflects our hope that all our activities as Mennonite women will be rooted in a life-giving relationship with Jesus. Rounded but not closed, the symbol suggests openness to all, inclusivity, and endurance. Many branches spring from a central vine, representing the marvelous diversity of Mennonite women; all are woven together, in community.

Vines flourish and grow, thirsty for nourishment, reaching toward the light. 

With time, a vine can tear down stone walls.

5.11.2008