News and Events

It's time to register for Women in Conversation 2008, coming to Laurelville Mennonite Church Center in Mt. Pleasant, Pa. (April 11-13) and Wichita, Kan. (April 18-20). This year's retreats focus on the theme, "Daring to Let Our Spirits Soar," and keynote speaker Carolyn Holderread Heggen will lead exploration of unique aspects of women on their spiritual journeys. Take this opportunity to focus on your spiritual journey without the distraction of daily tasks. Just God, yourself, and companions on the journey. Women of all ages and walks of life are invited for a time of conversation, worship, laughter, prayer, and renewal. Download a free brochure.

For more about "Women in Conversation" retreats, take a look at our 2006 retreat photo album or 2004 retreat album.

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timbrel comes alive at San Jose

About 250 women watched the redesigned timbrel come alive during the Mennonite Women USA dinner the Mennonite Church USA convention in San Jose in July. During the program, three speakers of varying ages and backgrounds shared how they live God’s call. The women symbolized a new column, “Three Windows, Three Women,” in the redesigned publication, which has added new writers and full color.

The speakers were Nekeisha Alex-Baker (middle), Web master for Mennonite Mission Network, Elkhart, Ind., representing the 20s-30s; Juanita Nunez (left), moderator-elect for the Hispanic Mennonite Church, Ocoee, Fla., representing the 40s-50s; and Lee Snyder (right), former president of Bluffton University, Bluffton, Ohio, representing 60s and above.

Nekeisha responded to a cell phone ringing at the banquet with, “Hello, God. Is that you? You are persistent!” She noted the importance of everyday decisions in living her faith, such as how and where money is spent.

Juanita shared a story about offering help to a young pregnant woman. She suggested adoption as an alternative to abortion and found medical assistance for her. The woman opted for the clinic and had the baby. They raised their son who is now18 years old.

“Other people’s needs are our business, because we’re there,” she said.

Lee encouraged women to follow God’s call in their lives, even when it seems beyond their imagination. “Keep saying yes to the open doors – say yes quickly,” Lee said. – Laurie Oswald Robinson

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Lots of photos of our beautiful sisters from around the world are also available in our 2003 Mennonite World Conference assembly photo album.

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Check our executive director's schedule to see when she'll be in your area. She'd love to meet you!

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Stay in touch with MW USA
It's easy: just sign up for our free monthly e-newsletter, "A Postcard & a Prayer." Informative, fun, and quick to read, it's a little lift each month in your in-box. To sign up, just contact the office.

MW USA news also appears in timbrel magazine.

11.17.2007