We’re eager to welcome you to the regional gathering of Nurturing Communities Network in Lancaster on Sat. Sept 13.

Here are some thoughts and details for you from the planning team.

Spirit of the Gathering: from NCN Vision Statement

Nurturing Communities Network is a network of self-identified Christ-centered communities and seekers. We affirm and celebrate the work of the Spirit in calling people from a number of different traditions, perspectives, backgrounds, and cultures into a thick life of community gathered in the name of Jesus.

We believe in the efficacy and power of open conversation and questions: of honesty, respect, grace, and most of all love. Where there is division, we encourage reconciliation. Where there is mistrust, we seek to provide opportunities for meeting and knowing each other more deeply…

Our Theme - “Coming Together in a Time of Division”

Given our current polarizing political climate, Christians have an opportunity to come together and work towards peace and healing in communities. We need each other—to witness to the way of Jesus in our world today, to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together…but encouraging one another.” Hebrews 10:24.

2025 marks the 500-year anniversary of Anabaptism—a faith tradition that has valued peace & community since its origins. This is an ecumenical gathering that will draw from the wisdom of Anabaptist and other traditions along with insights of participants to tackle this important question for our times.

Given the nature of our topic, we encourage special attention to listening and learning from each other while respecting each others’ convictions.

Schedule

• 12 noon: Arrive between 11 and 12. Light lunch at 12 noon.
• 1 pm: Circle up for introductions. Brief inspirational message. Anyone may suggest a topic for small group discussion.
• 2 pm: First roundtable discussions (40 minutes)
• 3 pm: Recreation & informal fellowship time
• 4 pm: 2nd roundtable discussions (40 minutes)
• 5 pm: Dinner
• 6:30 pm Evening gathering with music, sharing, prayer
• 8 pm End of program

Menu

Lunch at noon:

• Taco Nachos Bar – 5 Bean Vegan Taco Mix served over tortilla chips with choice of toppings to include sour cream, shredded Cheese, shredded lettuce, salsa, and hot sauce (inclusive of Vegan and gluten free diets)
• Apples
• Individual bags of cookies
• Lemonade Drink and Water, Coffee

Supper at 5 pm

• Hamburgers, hot dogs, Cheese, Buns, sliced tomatoes,
• Tater Tots
• Salad, veggies
• Chocolate Lava Cake

What are the Roundtable Discussions?

We’ll invite anyone to suggest a topic for a small group “roundtable” discussion. If you suggest one, be willing to facilitate that discussion. The most popular topics will be scheduled in one of the two discussion sessions, at 2 and 4 pm. This has proved to be a good format for everyone to participate, to share and hear perspectives on topics of concern or experience.

Questions?

nurturingcommunitiesnetwork@gmail.com

We’re excited to see everyone there.

Toby Mommsen – NCN leadership team (Bruderhof in Farmington, PA)

Julian Harnish – The Shalom Project, Lancaster, PA