Commencement speaker calls on graduates to pursue justice, mercy, and humility beyond EMU

The Rev. Dr. Lesley Francisco McClendon, senior pastor of C3 Hampton and adjunct instructor at Eastern Mennonite Seminary, delivered the Commencement address on Sunday, May 4. Speaking to the 316 graduates of the Class of 2025, she encouraged them to live into the instruction of Micah 6:8, the guiding verse foundational to EMU’s mission: “What does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God?” As they leave campus, McClendon urged graduates to carry that call into a lifelong journey of discovery in the world.

Reporting

Celebration of Blessings features reflections from CJP grads

The Center for Justice and Peacebuilding (CJP) at EMU sent 13 graduates off into the world with words of affirmation and reflection at its annual Celebration of Blessings on Sunday, May 4, in Martin Chapel. In the heartfelt ceremony, CJP faculty and staff members Dr. Gloria Rhodes, Amy Knorr, Dr. Joe Cole, and Dr. Catherine Barnes provided words of tribute for each graduate, expressing their feelings of love, pride, and honor. Among the graduates was Susan Hochstedler, who began taking electives at CJP for her seminary degree program.

Reporting

Witnesses of the Lamb: Revelation for active nonviolent resistance

The book of Revelation is often seen as violent and apocalyptic, but what if its truest message is one of resistance rooted in peace? In his recent article, Rev. Dr. Timothy Reardon invites us to read Revelation through the lens of faithful, active nonviolence. Drawing on voices like Brian Blount and Elizabeth Schüssler Fiorenza, he reveals how the Lamb’s “war” is not waged with weapons, but with witness, and how that witness invites the church to speak boldly and live differently.

Publications

Dynamic pastor and educator Rev. Dr. Lesley Francisco McClendon to deliver EMU’s 2025 Commencement address

The Rev. Dr. Lesley Francisco McClendon, senior pastor of C3 Hampton (Virginia) and adjunct instructor at Eastern Mennonite Seminary, will deliver the keynote address at Eastern Mennonite University’s Commencement ceremony. At Eastern Mennonite Seminary, Dr. McClendon serves as an adjunct instructor in preaching. “EMU graduates will be inspired by the dynamic commencement message she brings on this 500th anniversary year of the Anabaptist movement,” said the Rev. Dr. Sarah Ann Bixler, associate dean of the seminary. “Dr. Lesley is a leading female Anabaptist voice in Mennonite Church USA and widely recognized in the broader community and church circles as an impactful and empowering leader.”

Announcements, Events

EMU names its student affairs leader Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus as interim president

Eastern Mennonite University has announced the selection of the Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus as interim president. “With leadership experience pastoring in Mennonite Church USA and in student life at EMU, Rev. Dr. Shannon Dycus will keep EMU well connected to our Anabaptist identity and distinctive mission. As an Anabaptist womanist theologian, her wisdom and insight will prioritize EMU’s integrity with our Anabaptist values and extend the broad welcome of beloved community. I am enthusiastic about her approach to leadership that is attentive to justice, nonviolence, spiritual discernment and academic excellence,” said Rev. Dr. Sarah Ann Bixler, associate dean of Eastern Mennonite Seminary.

Announcements

EMU celebrates its phenomenal women leaders

As a special Mornings with the Mayor edition of Convocation on Wednesday, Harrisonburg Mayor Deanna Reed, director of alumni engagement and community connections at EMU, stepped into the role of host as she interviewed several trailblazing women leaders making their mark on campus. The one-of-a-kind program, held at the Student Union, celebrated Women’s History Month and paid tribute to departing EMU President Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman.

Reporting

A Royal Tale: Multihyphenate musician Makinto finds his second act at EMU

Makinto, a student at Eastern Mennonite Seminary pursuing a master’s degree in Christian leadership, performs during a rehearsal for EMU’s 2023 Music Gala Concert. The 61-year-old associate pastor and worship leader uses music as a tool for activism, building bridges between cultures and communities. “All my music is geared toward bringing diverse people together,” he said

Reporting

EMU Professor Suderman caps off ‘Five Centuries’ lecture series

Dr. Andrew Suderman delivered the fifth and final installment in the “Anabaptism 1525/2025: Five Centuries, Five Lectures” series on Thursday evening in Martin Chapel. He spoke about the history of Anabaptism in the 20th century and explored how the faith movement, which began in Europe and largely remained in the North Atlantic region during its first four centuries, has become a truly global phenomenon.

Events, Reporting

In the News: Faithful Transitions: Reflections on Interim Ministry Training

EMS alum Hendy Matahelemual (MA ’19) reflects on an Intentional Interim Minister training offered by the Shalom Collaboratory at Eastern Mennonite Seminary and the Center for Congregational Health. During a cold, snowy week, several pastors from Mosaic Mennonite Conference and Allegheny Mennonite Conference, representing diverse backgrounds, attended the Intentional Interim Minister training in Princeton, New Jersey.

Events, In the News, Reporting
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