HARRISBURG, Pa. — Gatherings across the United States are being planned to coincide with the Mennonite World Conference assembly next July.

Assembly Gathered will take place July 21-26 in Harrisburg. Assembly Scattered will take place at multiple sites before and after the assembly.

Assembly Scattered first occurred as part of the 1997 assembly in Calcutta. Because few Mennonites live in Calcutta, MWC leaders worked with churches throughout India and in other countries in Asia to host travelers. Visitors experienced church life in communities across the region. Locals who weren’t able to attend the assembly fellowshiped in their home communities with sisters and brothers from other parts of the world.

Liesa Unger, MWC chief international events officer, said many Assembly Scattered sites include visits to historic or cultural landmarks.

“Hosts will introduce their guests to places and activities they’ve read about,” said Unger, of Regensburg, Germany. “But this is more than tourism. By experiencing each other’s settings, we learn to know each other better.”

Assembly Scattered will take place in more than 10 communities.

“If you live in Canada or the U.S. but can’t get to Harrisburg, why not experience the global faith family by welcoming members into your home and congregation?” Unger said.

It is an opportunity for fellowship that flows both ways.

“Visitors learn about day-to-day life in the U.S. and Canada, while also worshiping in Anabaptist-related congregations,” she said. “And locals are enriched by opening their homes and churches to ‘family’ they would otherwise not have known.”

Details about Assembly Scattered are available on the registration form at mwc-cmm.org/pa2015.