AIMM seeking Church and Donor Relations Coordinator

Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission, a legacy mission agency of the General Conference Mennonite Church and other Anabaptist groups during the 20th century and currently a collaborative effort that includes Mennonite Mission Network, Mennonite Church Canada Witness, and nine African Anabaptist denominations, is recruiting a church and donor relations coordinator.

Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission is seeking a Church and Donor Relations Coordinator to deepen relationships with churches and donors, grow the community of AIMM supporters, communicate what God is doing among AIMM African members, and strengthen relationships between North American and African Anabaptists. For more information, please visit https://www.aimmint.org/employment-opportunities.html

Nepali Ministry- Update

Jaimashi, Dear prayer partners and friends,

 

Thank you very much for your prayers and support for the Nepali ministry. I would like to share how God is working among our Churches in Nepal and Nepali-speaking immigrant’s churches in the USA and through this activity report. Feel free to reach me out if you want to learn more about the ministry.

 

Peace,

Olak Sunuwar

 

202412 Activity Report

Introducing Eric Potter to our Conference Minister Team

 

Illinois Mennonite Conference is thrilled to introduce you to our 3rd and final member of the Conference Minister Team.

Originally from Sioux City, Iowa, Eric spent 17 years as a youth pastor. He is a certified spiritual director and an Enneagram coach and consultant. Most recently, he served as the Lead Pastor at Metamora Mennonite Church.
Eric now resides in Metamora, Illinois, with his wife, Miley, and their three children—Avery, Hudson, and Saige. Balancing the roles of spiritual leader, community organizer, and family man brings him joy, especially when he can infuse his signature extremely dry sense of humor into his work and life.

His devotion to family is matched by his deep desire to see God’s Kingdom realized on earth. This vision fuels all that he does, whether coaching individuals on their journey of self-discovery, helping organizations clarify their mission, or fostering transformative change to benefit individuals and communities alike.

Eric is actively involved in his community, serving on four nonprofit boards that advocate for diversity, justice, and flourishing. For him, justice is more than a concept—it is an active pursuit. He is passionate about creating spaces where people from all walks of life feel valued, empowered, and encouraged to thrive.

Outside of ministry and service, Eric recharges through his hobbies, including strategic board games, traveling, competitive sports, and working out. As a twin, his bond with his brother, Jason, has given him a special appreciation for connection and family relationships, which further inspires his work with others.

At his core, Eric thrives on helping people and organizations grow. He believes meaningful change begins with servant leadership, a clear vision, and a heart ready to serve. He is grateful to live a life rooted in these values every day and looks forward to meeting and serving Illinois Mennonite Conference. Join us in welcoming Eric to help equip, support, and encourage IMC to live out God’s calling in our congregations and lives.

MCC Comforter Bash 2025

A great opportunity for fun and fellowship is coming this February at First Mennonite Church in Morton. Attached is information that we would appreciate being advertised to your congregation. We would love to have everyone from children to adults join us for a Comforter Bash from 9:00am to 4:00pm on Friday, February 21st and again on Saturday, February 22nd. It’s a great opportunity for a service project as these comforters will be sent around the world through the Mennonite Central Committee to people in need. It’s a come as you can and stay as long as you want to project. It’s also a project for all skill levels. We need people to tie knots, thread needles, help put the comforters in the frames for knotting, help in the kitchen for the lunches and so much more. We would appreciate knowing how many people from your church will be attending by Monday, February 17th so that we can plan for snacks and lunches on both days.

MCC Comforter Bash 2025

Welcome Pastor Cal

Illinois Mennonite Conference is excited to introduce you to the second of our new three member Conference Minister Team.  Cal Zehr began his role as a member of the team on November 1, 2024. He most recently engaged in ministry with Willow Springs MC, Tiskilwa, as their pastor for the last 33 years.  Cal has served in many IMC roles over the decades including the Church Life Team (Leadership Commission) and Missional Leadership Team.  He served as the IMC Moderator for six years.
Cal’s other pastoral experience includes Associate Pastor of Silverwood Mennonite Church, Goshen, Indiana and The Indiana Michigan Mennonite Conference Youth Minister.  He served on the MSUCA Leadership discernment Committee as well.
He grew up on the farm outside of Manson, Iowa and remembers significant nurturing of faith in his family, Manson Mennonite Church and the IA/NE Conference.  At first Jesus was expressed around him in many ways.  Then, in Cal’s faith decisions, Jesus was in his life as Savior.  Later Cal says, “Jesus is life” in the faith journey as “Jesus is Lord.”  Cal’s wife, Carol, grew up near Sterling, Illinois.  They have four adult daughters.  One in Newton, Kansas, one in NW Ohio and two in Northern Indiana along with three grandchildren.
Jesus’ loving and entering into our world keeps Cal inspired and motivated to live in the purposes and mission of God in his ministry and day to day journey.  Cal expresses that the Spirit of Jesus is alive for us to share His Light and expand the Reign of God as individuals, congregations, IMC and MCUSA. “I look forward to the wisdom of the Spirit guiding the Conference Minister Team to work with IMC congregations and leadership in the years to come.”  That is our hope for IMC, too. We pray that, as this team forms and utilizes their gifts and passions, IMC will be shaped by bonds of connection that unite, or re-unite, us in our stated purpose together.
Join us in welcoming Cal to help equip, support, and encourage us to speak and live God’s reign through our congregations and ministries. He joins our two other CM Team members, Bryan Miller (began on September 1) and Eric Potter beginning in a couple of months.