'Neighbors in Our World' Series at Syracuse Community Center

July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.

By Staff Report-

SYRACUSE – Chautauqua-Wawasee invites you to explore “Neighbors in Our World”, a learning adventure for all ages.

A person’s identity is often defined by their faith traditions and understanding these traditions can be of great benefit.

This three-part series examines the Mennonite, Quaker and Amish religions to offer a better understanding of their beliefs and cultures. These sessions will be held at the Syracuse Community Center, 1013 Long Drive, Syracuse, Sunday and July 22 and 29 from 12:30 to 2 p.m.

Sunday will examine the Mennonite religion under the leadership of Ginny Shank Martin, Goshen. Martin grew up on a farm in northern Illinois. She has been an active member of the Mennonite Church all her life. She attended Goshen College and graduated from Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Elkhart, in 2010. She is waiting for a call to serve in ministry on a pastoral team of a congregation.

In the years previous to attending seminary, she owned a construction business with her husband, Armand. From the business world, she moved into development work for non-profits. She was development coordinator for Oakwood Foundation in Oakwood Park, Syracuse, from 1999-2002. From there her career took her to Mennonite Mission Network, Elkhart, where she worked from 2002-06. During this time of working in missions, she learned through prayer and discernment her call to attend seminary. While at the seminary, she was offered a position in development where she served until 2011 at the time that Lilly Grant Funds expired. Currently, Martin is a private consultant for development. In addition, she is a member of Spiritual Directors International, and she is available as a spiritual director for anyone interested.

July 22 will be led by Jim McAdams. McAdams was born in Portland, Ind., son of Quaker Pastor Walter McAdams and has been visiting his family cottage, since birth at Quaker Haven. McAdams is a graduate of Kokomo High School and Indiana University. He owns and operates MJM Photography, Greentown. He is a Birthright Quaker who has been a member of Portland Friends Meeting, Amboy Friends Meeting, Union Street Friends Meeting and currently a member of Hemlock Friends Meeting. He has studied Quaker history and doctrine through the original writings of George Fox, Robert Barclay, George Whitehead and many of the other founders of the Religious Society of Friends.

July 29 will feature the Amish Faith by Susan Miller. Miller was born and raised Amish and became Mennonite when she was in her 30s. She accepted a three-year voluntary service assignment that ended after 16 years. She returned to Middlebury in 2004 and married David Miller, now deceased. In 2010, Susan became managing director of daily operations at the Menno-Hof, Shipshewana. Miller’s experience and knowledge will provide for a true learning adventure of Amish culture.

 Chautauqua-Wawasee is a not-for profit organization truly dedicated to our community by providing quality program utilizing the four pillars of the Chautauqua Institution which consist of arts, education, religion and recreation.

There is no charge to attend these sessions, but contact Marlies to save your seat (or for further information) at 574-518-1094 or [email protected]
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SYRACUSE – Chautauqua-Wawasee invites you to explore “Neighbors in Our World”, a learning adventure for all ages.

A person’s identity is often defined by their faith traditions and understanding these traditions can be of great benefit.

This three-part series examines the Mennonite, Quaker and Amish religions to offer a better understanding of their beliefs and cultures. These sessions will be held at the Syracuse Community Center, 1013 Long Drive, Syracuse, Sunday and July 22 and 29 from 12:30 to 2 p.m.

Sunday will examine the Mennonite religion under the leadership of Ginny Shank Martin, Goshen. Martin grew up on a farm in northern Illinois. She has been an active member of the Mennonite Church all her life. She attended Goshen College and graduated from Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Elkhart, in 2010. She is waiting for a call to serve in ministry on a pastoral team of a congregation.

In the years previous to attending seminary, she owned a construction business with her husband, Armand. From the business world, she moved into development work for non-profits. She was development coordinator for Oakwood Foundation in Oakwood Park, Syracuse, from 1999-2002. From there her career took her to Mennonite Mission Network, Elkhart, where she worked from 2002-06. During this time of working in missions, she learned through prayer and discernment her call to attend seminary. While at the seminary, she was offered a position in development where she served until 2011 at the time that Lilly Grant Funds expired. Currently, Martin is a private consultant for development. In addition, she is a member of Spiritual Directors International, and she is available as a spiritual director for anyone interested.

July 22 will be led by Jim McAdams. McAdams was born in Portland, Ind., son of Quaker Pastor Walter McAdams and has been visiting his family cottage, since birth at Quaker Haven. McAdams is a graduate of Kokomo High School and Indiana University. He owns and operates MJM Photography, Greentown. He is a Birthright Quaker who has been a member of Portland Friends Meeting, Amboy Friends Meeting, Union Street Friends Meeting and currently a member of Hemlock Friends Meeting. He has studied Quaker history and doctrine through the original writings of George Fox, Robert Barclay, George Whitehead and many of the other founders of the Religious Society of Friends.

July 29 will feature the Amish Faith by Susan Miller. Miller was born and raised Amish and became Mennonite when she was in her 30s. She accepted a three-year voluntary service assignment that ended after 16 years. She returned to Middlebury in 2004 and married David Miller, now deceased. In 2010, Susan became managing director of daily operations at the Menno-Hof, Shipshewana. Miller’s experience and knowledge will provide for a true learning adventure of Amish culture.

 Chautauqua-Wawasee is a not-for profit organization truly dedicated to our community by providing quality program utilizing the four pillars of the Chautauqua Institution which consist of arts, education, religion and recreation.

There is no charge to attend these sessions, but contact Marlies to save your seat (or for further information) at 574-518-1094 or [email protected]
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