Mennonite Mission Network commemorates its
20th anniversary this year, a milestone made possible through a legacy of holistic ministry that stretches back more than 100 years across multiple predecessor agencies.
On Oct. 19, the agency commemorated this event through an all-staff gathering hosted online. Together, Mission Network staff in the MC USA offices in Newton, Kansas and Elkhart, Indiana, as well as in home offices across the U.S. joined together on-screen and in-person to share in fellowship, a time capsule unveiling, and cake! Below are a few pictures from the event.
Executive director Mike Sherrill and senior executive of operations Martin Gunawan commemorated the event with staff in the Newton, Kansas office. Photo by Travis Duerksen.
Karen Horsman, Director of Development, emceed and entertained at the event, and led the all-staff group in a Mission Network-themed trivia game. The trivia included questions like, "Which street in Elkhart was the Mission Network office located on before it moved to Benham Ave? (Main St.)" and "What is a favorite break food in the Newton office? (Popcorn)". Photo by David Fast.
Director of marketing and communications Jennifer Hayes introduced a video of the unboxing of a Mission Network time capsule. The time capsule was made 20 years ago when Mission Network’s predecessor agencies came together. The time capsule included a VHS tape, on which staff shared their hopes for the future of the then-new agency. Photo by David Fast.
Violeta Ajquejay and Estela Lujano embrace in the lunch line after the commemoration gathering. Behind them are Robin Schrag, Angel Lujano, and Mike Sherrill. Lujano and her son, Angel, are part of the family-owned catering business, Carlos Kitchen and Cater, that provided lunch after the event in the Newton office. Photo by Travis Duerksen.
Mike Sherrill, speaking from the Newton office, is pictured onscreen talking to staff in the Elkhart office. The two MC USA offices, as well as dispersed staff, connected together through live video. Photo by David Fast.
Senior executive of ventures Marisa Smucker had the honor of slicing the cake in the Elkhart office. Photo by David Fast.
Aileen Esau and Martin Gunawan dig into the Newton office cake. Behind them, a laptop connects the Newton and Elkhart offices together via Zoom so the offices could ’share’ lunch together. Photo by Travis Duerksen.
The full lunch group at the MC USA office in Newton, Kansas. Photo by Lee Penner.
