ACC Currents Quarterly Update: August 2026

From the
Executive Conference Minister

As we entered the month of August, I needed to acknowledge how quickly the summer has flown by. The long days are shortening, vacation days are wrapping up, back-to-school items are on the shelves in stores, and summer produce is at its peak. I read recently that August is a month of gentle change – a time to acknowledge endings while welcoming new beginnings.

The end of this summer season may be a good time to ask ourselves: What did this summer teach you? What did this summer teach me?

Each season has a way of bringing surprises, changes, opportunities and challenges. Perhaps this summer we tried something new, spent more time outdoors, or reconnected with friends and family. Perhaps we faced challenges that were growing experiences, or we learned the value of rest. Whatever our summer has been like, hopefully there is something meaningful to take away from it. What did this summer teach us?

I hope that your summer has been a time for you to reconnect with what brings you peace. Finding space to breathe is important – whether it is reading, gardening, vacationing, moving your body, or simply doing nothing at all. August is not just the end of summer; it is a gentle reminder to reflect, rest and realign.

Joanne Dietzel

STORIES

The People of the Stony Shore

Matt Carlson

Matt Carlson, pastor of Akron Mennonite Church, reflects on a delegation to the Shinnecock Nation organized by the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery. He shares the Nation's history of land dispossession and their kelp farming initiative to heal Shinnecock Bay, and how allies can support their pursuit of sovereignty.

Read the article here

Investing in Leaders

Brook Musselman

When Landisville Mennonite Church wanted to help its leadership team navigate post-COVID ministry, they turned to ACC's Congregational Leadership Fund. The result? A spring retreat with coach Jean Kilhefer Hess that reshaped how their team works together. Learn about their experience and how your congregation can apply, too.

Read the article here

SUPPORT

Want an easy way to support ACC's work all year long?

Consider becoming a monthly donor! Even a small recurring gift helps our congregations, leaders, and shared ministries stay strong—month after month, without you having to think about it twice.

It adds up to real impact: pastoral support, leadership training, and the connections that hold our conference together in Christ's peace.

Ready to set it up? Just head to atlanticcoastconference.net/give and choose "monthly" when you give.

LEADERSHIP TRANSITIONS

Committee Transitions

July 1 marked the beginning of ACC's operational year and a transition in committee membership. Please pray for and support our new leaders and thank those completing their assignments for their work on behalf of ACC congregations.

Members beginning committee terms:

Beth Good, Executive Committee, Moderator
Chris Fretz, Gifts Discernment Committee
Crystal Wenger, Executive Committee Member-at-Large
Gary Yoder, Executive Committee, Treasurer
Lydia Nolt, Gifts Discernment Committee
Todd Friesen, Executive Committee, Member-at-Large

Members completing committee assignments:

Sandy Smoker, Ministerial Leadership Committee
Rod Yoder, Executive Committee, Treasurer
Leslie Homer-Cattell, Executive Committee Member-at-Large
Gina Burkhart, Executive Committee, Moderator
Miriam Cruz, Executive Committee, Secretary

Chris Nickels

Chris's Ordination was recognized for his role as pastor of Spring Mount Mennonite Church. Chris's ordination will be transferred from Mosaic Mennonite Conference pending the delegate vote to receive Spring Mount as a member of Atlantic Coast Conference.

Rhoda Good

Rhoda was granted Ordination for her chaplaincy role at Landis Homes. She attends Laurel Street Mennonite Church.

David Swanson

David's Ordination was recognized and transferred from Alleghany Mennonite Conference. He began as pastor of Frazer Mennonite Church on August 1.

Scott Rampy

Scott was granted a License Toward Ordination for his role as Associate Pastor with James Street Mennonite Church. He began his role on March 1.

Jennifer Gehman

Jennifer was granted a License Toward Ordination for her role as Associate Pastor with James Street Mennonite Church. She began her role on February 1.

RESOURCES

A Commitment to Safety: What MC USA’s New Resource Means for You

Mennonite Church USA has introduced a new Prevention and Accountability Resource to help congregations prevent abuse and address misconduct. Designed to complement existing polity, this initiative expands pastoral candidate screening, establishes independent investigation processes, and introduces key safety leadership roles.

Virtual Meeting on Prevention & Accountability

The Atlantic Coast Conference is hosting two virtual meetings for pastors and congregational leaders on Thursday, September 17, at 10:00 AM and 6:30 PM. Marking one year since delegates approved the Prevention and Accountability Resource, participants will discuss policy alignment, best practices, and strengthening church safety.

Chestnut Housing Chosen as 2026 Nickels for Neighbors Recipient

Chestnut Housing has been selected as the 2026 Nickels for Neighbors grant recipient! The funds will support their Bridgeport Housing project, creating 10 to 15 affordable apartments for families experiencing homelessness in the Conestoga Valley School District. Help make a difference by joining the coin collection this October

UPCOMING EVENTS

Details on all events can be found at

atlanticcoastconference.net/news-events/acc-events-calendar

August 27 - Coffee & Conversation, 10am

ACC Pastors are invited to a time of Coffee & Conversation with Executive Conference Minister Joanne Dietzel via Zoom.

September 17 - Virtual meeting on Prevention & Accountability, 10am or 6:30pm

Virtual meeting for pastors on using the new MC USA resource.

September 27 - Sr High Youth Back to School Night, 6pm

Sr High Youth groups are invited to Landisville for an evening of games and activities together. Snacks provided.

October 16 - Leadership Resource Day

Save the date for our 2026 Leadership Resource Day for credentialed ministers of Atlantic Coast Conference.

November 22 - ACC Youth Friendsgiving, 5pm

Jr and Sr High Youth are invited to James Street Mennonite Church for friendsgiving meal and activities.

January 15-17 - Jr Youth Retreat - Winterville @ Laurelville

ACC Jr Youth groups are invited to attend the Winterville weekend retreat at Laurelville Retreat Center.

January 24 - ACC Pinewood Derby

ACC youth ages K-8 are invited to participate at the 2027 Pinewood Derby at Forest Hills Mennonite Church and the car buliding night planed for January 10.

February 12-14 - ACC Winter Youth Retreat

Save the date! Stay tuned for more details about our 2027 Sr High retreat at Camp Swatara!