When delegates from my congregation gave their report on Mennonite Church USA Convention 2009, George Bixler commented, "One of the people I really liked at convention was Leo Hartshorn, drummer for peace. See my wife for a cute video of our twin granddaughters enthusiastically pounding on garbage cans. What a blast!"

Leo Hartshorn, Mennonite Mission Network Minister of Peace and Justice and Chris Hoover Seidel, Peace and Justice Support Network Administrative Assistant, ended their service July 31, 2009. New staff positions and structures are being created as Mennonite Church USA strives to serve congregations more efficiently.

Leo, your gifts in theological writing and risk taking for peace and justice have nudged and shoved Mennonite Church USA farther on the path to Christian peace and justice. You have freely shared your musical <http://mennonitechurchusa.blip.tv/> and artistic skills, putting Jesus' call to peace and justice to song, rhythm, ink and paper. Just this week, four teachers have emailed, wondering how to find your drawings for bulletin boards. (Contact Leo at cleohart@aol.com for access to his drawings.) Your legendary wit and wisdom are already missed.

Chris, you've organized the Peace and Justice Support Network so that meetings, publications and life ran smoothly and efficiently. We're delighted that you plan to continue as a volunteer for the PJSN Leadership Team while nurturing your two young children. May your passion to end the 'isms' (sexism, racism, etc) continue to be led by God as you grow into leadership in the church.

Susan