Ann Jacobs, Mennonite Mission Network Training and Resources Specialist — Urban and African American Ministries, and Cyneatha Millsaps, executive director of Mennonite Women USA, organized and facilitated the Leaders Inspiring Leaders seminar that took place on the Elkhart campuses of Mennonite Church USA and Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Sept. 29 – Oct. 2. Throughout the four-day event, women listened to each other, learned and worshiped together.
Jacobs said that the partnership between Mission Network and Mennonite Women made it possible to increase the participation of women representing the rich diversity of our church.
"This gathering was only the beginning," she said. "I look forward to building on the relationships that were created during the seminar."
Angie Nelson Deuitch led the first session of the Leaders Inspiring Leaders seminar on using cultural intelligence to manage bias. Photo by Lynda Hollinger-Janzen.
Ann Jacobs, Joani Miller and Rosalind Young worship with song and dance. Photo by Cynthia Friesen Coyle.
Cyneatha Millsaps and Nelly Moran Ascencio shared the teaching of the Sister Care curriculum. Photo by Cynthia Friesen Coyle.
CreAnne Mwale led participants in worship throughout the seminar. Photo by Cynthia Friesen Coyle.
Prayers were written and committed to the light of God’s love and Christ’s living water. Photo by Ann Jacobs.
Suzanne Ayer Lay and her daughter, Marylynne, reflect on a biblical passage, with Erica Lea-Simka in the background. Photo by Cynthia Friesen Coyle.
Jane Ross Richer and Orfilia Moran enjoy a break in the sessions. Photo by Ann Jacobs.
Nicola Chandler and Ann Jacobs check song lyrics online. Photo by Cynthia Friesen Coyle.
Joani Miller and Cyneatha Millsaps worship together. Photo by Cynthia Friesen Coyle.
Seminar participants gather for a group photo. Photo by Cynthia Friesen Coyle.
CreAnne Mwale led participants in worship throughout the seminar. Photo by Lynda Hollinger-Janzen.
The Leaders Inspiring Leaders seminar concluded with a communion service. Photo by Lynda Hollinger-Janzen.
Sunday morning worship was shared with Southside Fellowship in the Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary chapel. From left, Rev. Vikki Pruitte-Sorrells preached and Shannon Williams, Janice Croom, Ann Jacobs and Tracy Miller led in singing. Photo by Lynda Hollinger-Janzen.
Cyneatha Millsaps leads women in dancing, one of her favorite ways to de-stress and worship.
