Tag Archives: Conference

Church, Mennonite, Virginia

The history book has arrived!

On August 1, 2025, I drove to Morgantown, Pa., to pick up copies of a new history book. I’m a co-author, along with Steve Nolt, of People of Peace: A History of the Virginia Mennonite Conference.

I’ve been selling and distributing copies of the 526-page hardback book to those who contributed and to churches that supported us throughout the past four years of work.

Our book release took place at the annual Virginia Mennonite Conference Assembly, August 21-23, 2025. I continue to sell books from my home. Many have expressed appreciation for the book.

Ken Weaver (left) and Elwood Yoder sold books at the Virginia Mennonite Conference event held at the Brethren & Mennonite Heritage Center, Harrisonburg, Va., August 23, 2025. (Joy Yoder photo)

I’m grateful for the professional work of co-author Steve Nolt, who is the director of the Young Center at Elizabethtown College, Pa. Many people helped by reading chapters, editing, and simply encouraging me. A special shout-out goes to the Zion Mennonite Church, Broadway, Virginia, for supporting the book project.

Purchase a copy by contacting Elwood Yoder (elyoder@gmail.com) or at Amazon.com or at Masthof.com.

Church, Mennonite, Pennsylvania

Mennonite World Conference 2015

Pennsylvania 2015 brought together over 7000 Anabaptists from around the world, representing some 80 countries.  Worship was inspiring and the speakers spoke of their lives in the global south. The Brethren Choral Sounds Choir from Zimbabwe (pictured) thrilled the audience with their lively and energetic music.  Nearly five centuries later, from their early 16h century origins in Switzerland, Mennonites are now a global people speaking many different languages, but testifying to a common faith in God.

Brethren Choral Sounds Choir from Zimbabwe sang at MWC July 23, 2015

Education, Mennonite, Virginia

Virginia Mennonite Conference Archives shelves, Harrisonburg, Virginia

A hundred and seventy-five years worth of materials are stored in these archives. Like a detective, the historian searches through these boxes for the stuff of history: letters, journals, diaries, receipts, advertisements, photos, and scrapbooks.