Join us for MHF’s 80th Anniversary Annual Gathering

September 27th-29th, 2024

Laurelville Retreat Center in Mt. Pleasant PA 

Living an Anabaptist Healthcare Ethic: Past, Present, and Future

Healthcare providers who seek to keep their faith forefront in what they do while pursuing ethical, evidence-based care are challenged on every front in today’s profit-focused, hectic healthcare system. Even if we can articlate what a Christian and Anabaptist approach to providing healthcare for those that seek our care – how do we actually live that ethic when confonted with intractible systems of power and profit?

80 years ago a group of Anabapitst nurses and a group of physicians gathered together to ask these very same questions – and although the context has certainly changed, the urgency and need to come together and encourage one another in our discernment and living of Anabaptist ethics and values in healthcare has remained as vital as ever.

Join Mennonite Healthcare Fellowship for our 80th Anniversary Annual Gathering to honor and learn from those who have been living an Anabaptist healthcare ethic for many years and those who are creatively discovering new ways to live their faith in healthcare practice today as young professionals and pioneers in their fields. Attendees reflect that Annual Gathering is a turning point in their careers in being able to be fully themselves in all the spaces they go: Anabaptist and dedicated health professionals.

Every MHF Annual Gathering involves powerful singing and worship, wonderful keynote speakers, activities around Laurelville and in nature, shared meals and laughter, and a chance to connect deeply with those who share your values, your faith, and your passion for caring through others through healthcare.

Location: Laurelville Retreat Center

941 Laurelville Lane, Mt Pleasant, PA 15666

Friday, September 27th, 2024

3:00-7:00 PM Registration/Check-In

• Coffee & Snacks will be available throughout the afternoon.

4:00 – Reception to Honor Legacy Members

• MHF Legacy Members (former members of MMA or MNA) are specially welcomed to a reception to visit with one another, fellowhip with the MHF board, and discuss the ongoing legacy of MMA/MNA.
• Coffee and Light Hors D’Ouvres will be provided.

5:00-6:30 PM Dinner and Fellowship

• Meals will be provided by Laurelville Retreat Center and are fully included in the Registration contributions for Annual Gathering. You will have an opportunity to note any special dietary requirements at the time of registration.

6:30-7 PM Worship & Welcome by MHF Board President and Executive Director

7-8:30 Opening Plenary Session

Saturday, September 28th, 2024

8:30-9:30 Breakfast

9:30 AM Worship

10-11:30 Plenary Session & Talkback

12:30 PM Lunch

1:30-3:00 PM Simultaneous Sessions

• Choose from 3 Presentations and Sessions based on your own interests. Or take time to Fellowship and enjoy the outdoors!

3:00-3:30 Break and Coffee, Snack

3:30-5:00 PM Simultaneous Sessions

5:30-6:30 PM Gala Dinner

6:30-8:00 PM Evening Worship, 1st Annual MHF Legacy Awards & Horizon Awards Ceremony (more information and nomination forms coming soon!)

8:00-9:30 PM Annual Saturday Ice Cream Social

Sunday, September 29th, 2024

8:30 AM Breakfast

9:30 AM Plenary Session

10:30 AM Break with Coffee, Snacks

11 AM Worship, Communion, and Closing Remarks from MHF Director and Board

12:30 PM Lunch & Departure

Throughout the weekend, additional activities will be available including:

Nature walks

Art table

Hot beverage/snack station

Dutch Blitz

MHF/MMA/MNA Trivia Contest

Contribute to and Make MHF Health Kits – Goal of 80 Kits Donated after Annual Gathering

History Timeline – Contribute to the MMA/MNA/MHF History Timeline with your stories, reflections, and photographs

Audio/video/journal/photo reflection submissions including opportunities to be interviewed for the MennoHealth Podcast and Blog

Music and Hymn Singing Circles

Information about the Weekend

Pricing

Registration for Annual Gathering 2024 is based on occupancy and includes all meals, snacks, and activities over the weekend. All rooms are “hotel-style” accommodations and include linens. For double occupancy, you may specify on the form if you have a spouse or friend you would prefer to room with. Spouses will most likely be in single beds, but can be housed together.

• $340 per person — single occupancy
• $240 per person —  2 per room 
• $210 per person — 3 per room

Students may register with the code STUDENTS for $40 off the regular registration price.

For all those who are able, an extra gift of $80 to honor the 80th anniversary at registration will allow us to accomodate more students, provide scholarships for low-income individuals, and compensate our wonderful speakers.

The Venue

More about Laurelville:

Nestled in the serene landscapes of Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, Laurelville Retreat Center offers a tranquil haven for those seeking respite from everyday life. Surrounded by towering trees and lush gardens, guests for MHF’s Annual Gathering will enjoy cozy accommodations, delivious meals, the option for adventurous hikes, and enjoying Laurelville’s many recreational amenities.

Activities at Laurelville Retreat Center include:

• Invigorating hikes through wooded trails
• Swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the lake (only if it’s very warm in September!)
• Engaging in friendly competition on volleyball or basketball courts
• Relaxing in the serene meditation garden
• Gathering around campfires for storytelling and fellowship

Many rooms have Queen Beds and Two Twin Beds.  There are accessible rooms available.  Laurelville is accessible from Pittsburg, Goshen IN, and Philadelphia – 

• From Pittsburgh: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours drive.
• From Goshen, Indiana: Approximately 6 to 7 hours drive.
• From Philadelphia: Approximately 4 to 5 hours drive.

Carpools from Pittsburg or nearby cities can be arranged for those who prefer public transportation.