In a world that demands constant labor and productivity, what if rest was not just a necessity, but an act of defiance? Mennonite Church USA (MC USA) invites women from across the denomination to reclaim rest as resistance at the MC USA Women’s Summit, a transformative one-day event on July 8, 2025 in Greensboro, North Carolina. The gathering, themed “Beholding it Together,” is designed to affirm, support and resource women in MC USA in their callings, ministries and faith journeys.
Honoring stories, strength and rest
Hosted by MC USA’s Women in Leadership ministry, this summit creates a sacred space where slowing down is not just encouraged but celebrated. Together, attendees will explore the power of restoration, resistance and renewal through worship, storytelling and community.
Lorraine Stutzman-Amstutz
“In a world that demands labor and productivity, we hope this is a day that reclaims rest as a tool for resistance,” said Lorraine Stutzman Amstutz, MC USA denominational minister for Peace & Justice and staff liaison for Women in Leadership. “We want to listen to each other’s stories, each other’s souls and bear witness to our power.”
The concept of “rest as resistance” is rooted in Black liberation theology and was coined by Tricia Hersey, author, theologian and activist. This gathering will explore how rest is not merely an individual practice but a communal and spiritual strategy for well-being and justice.
A day of worship, wisdom and witness
Keynote speaker Shannon Dycus
The MC USA Women’s Summit will feature a dynamic lineup of speakers, panelists and worship leaders, including:
- Keynote Speaker: Shannon Dycus, vice president for Student Affairs, Equity, and Belonging at Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, Virginia, and member of the Women in Leadership steering committee, who brings a passion for holistically journeying with others.
- Worship Leaders: Katerina Gea, pastor of Pasadena [California] Mennonite Church; Daniela Lázaro-Manalo, racial equity education and advocacy coordinator for Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) U.S.; and Sue Park-Hur, MC USA director of Racial Ethnic Engagement, will center the gathering through scripture, song and prayer.
- Special Presentation: Michelle Armster, executive director of MCC Central States, North Newton, Kansas, will share the story of Rosemarie Freeney Harding, a longtime activist for peace and racial equality whose legacy continues to shape Anabaptist witness.
Two interactive panel discussions will explore the theme of Beholding—the act of seeing, being seen, and reclaiming power through storytelling. Panelists include:
- Rev. Dr. Sarah Ann Bixler, associate dean of Eastern Mennonite Seminary, Harrisonburg, Virginia.
- Abby Endashaw, MCC summer service national coordinator and member of the Women in Leadership steering committee.
- Joanne Gallardo, conference minister of MC USA’s Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference, Goshen, Indiana.
- Chris Hoover, spiritual director through Soulence and member of the Mennonite Spiritual Directors Network
- Cyneatha Millsaps, executive director of Goshen College’s Center for Community Engagement and Mennonite Women USA.
- Laura Pauls-Thomas, communications director, MCC East Coast
- Hyacinth Stevens, executive director of MCC East Coast.
- Sara Wenger Shenk, theologian, preacher, author, and past president of Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Elkhart, Indiana.
Come, behold and be known
This gathering is more than an event – it is a call to break cycles, reclaim time and rediscover personal and communal power. Through worship, deep conversations and intentional rest, women of MC USA will be equipped to return to their communities renewed and empowered.
The Women in Leadership Steering Committee – Abby Endashaw, Lynette McIntosh Madrigal, Daniela Lazaro-Manalo, Shannon Dycus, Katerina Gea, Sue Park-Hur, and Lorraine Stutzman Amstutz – has carefully curated this day to nurture women’s leadership and presence in the church.
Join us!
All women, from age 16 and up, are invited to attend this inspiring and restorative gathering. Scholarships are available – contact Lorraine Stutzman-Amstutz by email here for details.
The MC USA’s Women’s Summit immediately precedes the MC USA Follow Jesus ’25 biennial convention in Greensboro, July 8-12.
This event is made possible through the generous sponsorship of The Schowalter Foundation and the Fransen Family Foundation.
Register here today.
MC USA’s Women in Leadership works to dismantle patriarchal systems in MC USA by empowering women to live out the call of God on their lives, increase their capacities, and contribute their wisdom in congregations, area conferences, agencies and institutions.
Please consider supporting the ongoing work of Women in Leadership by giving here.
Written by MC USA staff