Celebrate Community and Connection: April 2026
Welcome to the April edition of The Junction! This month at Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community (VMRC), we are coming together for a vibrant season of music, art, and community engagement. Whether you are looking for spiritual reflection during Holy Week or want to celebrate Earth Day with our Creation Care Club, there is something for everyone on campus.
View the April Junction
Annual Volunteer Reception
Wednesday, April 22 | 6:00 PM | Detwiler Auditorium We invite all active VMRC volunteers to join us for an evening of recognition and gratitude. Enjoy live music from The Skyline Duo and hear special remarks from COO Kristin Jackson as we reveal the 2025 Claude Hess Distinguished Service Award recipient.
JMU Partnership Celebration: "Calling All Dukes!"
Tuesday, April 28 | 3:00 – 5:00 PM | Detwiler Auditorium & Main Street Join us for a "live-action press release" celebrating JMU’s national recognition for community engagement. This event spotlights our long-standing partnership with James Madison University and includes live music, refreshments, and a service project for JMU students.
Arts & Performance Highlights
Our campus will be filled with music and art throughout April:
Youth Art Exhibit: "Art Connects Us" is on display in the Park Gables Gallery through April 18, with a special reception on April 10 at 5:00 PM.
Bach Festival Salon Concert: A special evening on April 11 at 7:00 PM featuring recording artist Wanchi Huang and heavy hors d'oeuvres.
Piano Recitals: Enjoy performances by JMU student Matthew Melvin (April 10) and students of Paulo Steinberg (April 21).
Tapestry Recorder Quartet: Experience ten centuries of sacred music on April 30 at 2:00 PM.
Creation Care & Earth Day
Wednesday, April 22 The Creation Care Club is hosting a full day of environmental programming:
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM: Eco-friendly display tables on Main Street.
10:00 AM: Mini-Seminar: "Climate Change and the Healing of Creation".
3:00 PM: Tree Walk Tour with Abe Rittenhouse.
Foundation Spotlight: We are aiming to raise $63,000 for Compassion Care during the Great Community Give on this day.
Spiritual Life & Holy Week
Join us for these significant observances in Strite Auditorium:
Maundy Thursday: Communion services at 10:30 AM, 1:30 PM, or 3:30 PM (April 2).
Good Friday: Stations of the Cross (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM) and a Reading of the Passion at 2:00 PM (April 3).
Easter Sunday: Worship service at 10:00 AM with a sermon by Angie Williams (April 5).
Wellness & Outings
Stay active and explore the local area with these opportunities:
Pump It for Parkinson’s: Help us reach 600,000 steps on April 9 to raise awareness for Parkinson's Disease.
Off-Campus Excursions: This month’s trips include a country drive to Moxie 33 Coffee Co. (April 8), a tour of the Smith House Gallery (April 14), and a Historic Garden Week Tour (April 22).