VMRC Observes Inaugural Mennonite Heritage Month

For the first time, VMRC is celebrating its Mennonite Heritage through a special designation marking the start of each new year. January will now serve as Mennonite Heritage Month throughout campus, honoring the Mennonite ethos from which its buildings and community emerged.

This inaugural observance will include a book talk exploring the history of the people who shaped a distinctive Anabaptist way of serving and persevering. A day-long series of presentations will discuss stories of peacemaking, conscientious objection and other related topics in various locations throughout campus.

Throughout the month, Mennonite Heritage will be celebrated through food and fellowship. Dishes, from potato soup to funny cake, feature in the Cafe's Tuesday specials. Diners in Seed & Harvest can enjoy meals such as ham loaf and buttered limas, and white mountain cake with snow cap frosting for dessert. The menus change each week.

We invite the community to participate in our inaugural Mennonite Heritage Month events. If the distance is too great, join us via this live streaming link to watch Mennonite Heritage Month programs. This initiative is led by the VMRC Foundation and represents a commitment to maintaining the integration of the Mennonite Ethos in VMRC’s community culture.

Background: In January of 2025, the 500th anniversary of Anabaptism inspired a profound opportunity for many to reflect on the sacrificial love and humility of a faithful people. VMRC was inspired to expand upon this opportunity for sharing and educating others about the rich Mennonite tradition in the Shenandoah Valley and beyond. These efforts have culminated in the inaugural January observance of Mennonite Heritage Month at VMRC.