Jean Kilheffer Hess, executive director of Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society (LMHS), could not help but share a "fun fact" when asked about the organization's upcoming annual Storytelling Night. "No one knows what the storytellers will say ahead of time," divulged Hess, who explained that neither the planners of the event nor the storytellers discuss story topics. "Interweaving of stories happens spontaneously," noted Hess, adding, "Invariably it comes together in a beautiful way."

Storytelling Night, which was first suggested by an LMHS volunteer about 10 years ago, will be held on Monday, Aug. 9, at Mellinger Mennonite Church, 1916 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, at 7 p.m. Hess said the format is simple, but carefully prescribed. "The storytellers alternate and each tells a series of four-minute stories," she explained, adding that the event has proven popular for LMHS. The free presentation will also be livestreamed at http://www.bit.ly/AMN21. LMHS welcomes donations to support the event's mission to preserve history through storytelling.

According to Hess, the goal of the evening is to provide an engaging way to learn about both everyday and exceptional experiences of local Anabaptists. This year, Jesus Cruz, who has served as national program director of Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), and Myrna Smucker, former Lancaster Mennonite School teacher and author of "The Bird-in-Hand Story," were chosen to speak. Hess explained that each was invited because of his or her contributions to Mennonite communities. "Each brings rich life experiences," she noted. "They have pursued very different professional work, but a common thread is caring for people and meeting their needs."

In addition to his work for MCC, Cruz has had a varied career, which includes being an associate pastor. His work in the financial services field has most recently led him to working as a consultant for a Lancaster organization that is opening a new credit union focused on underserved persons such as recent immigrants.

Smucker earned her degree in education from Eastern Mennonite University before teaching English and German at Lancaster Mennonite High School. She is a freelance writer, and her book about Bird-in-Hand, which is subtitled "50 Years of Smucker Family Hospitality, 1968-2018," delves into the origins and growth of the Bird-in-Hand Restaurant and Hotel and other associated businesses.

Hess noted that she hopes the event will change how attendees and viewers see their own stories. "Annual Storytelling Night helps people recognize the incredible gift of our stories," she said. "It honors everyday lived experiences of people in our communities." She added that the event is a step toward the LMHS vision of "a world where people reflect on their own stories and learn to value the stories of others across boundaries."

Readers who would like to know more may visit http://www.lmhs.org.