www.TheMennonite.org June 16, 2009

Page 8 12 Vacationaries 14 God has come near 18 What’s right with Mennonite Church USA 32 Open up to Millennial women GRACE AND TRUTH

Whose church is it anyway?

have been wrestling with the above question lack of believing what we declare to be true. We for the several months. The question is not Mennonites look at the church and the world and I sociological. I know well that the congregation think it is somehow up to us to fix the one and belongs to its members and not to its pastor. save the other. We often behave as if we believe Pastors come and go, but congregations remain. the church will die unless we come up with some That last sentence reveals a bias, I know. With brilliant marketing scheme or missional strategy. all the data, it may seem unreasonable to say “con- But whose church is it anyway? Isn’t Jesus gregations remain.” We are graying, aging, declin- Christ the Lord of the church? And didn’t he give ing in many ways. At conference meetings one us the Spirit to ensure the church would thrive detects the anxiety just below and serve God’s purposes in the the surface, an anxiety born of Isn’t Jesus Christ the world? Do we believe that the facts that point to our pending church belongs to Jesus Christ demise as a people. That same Lord of the church? and that the Spirit is still alive anxiety is felt in the larger and well and working within and denomination, as together we among us and in our world and Ron Adams is pastor at East try to figure out how to preserve and even restore that the body of Christ will endure and continue to Chestnut Street the church. Preserve it for the next generation and be salt and light to the world until Christ returns? Mennonite restore it to something like its former dignity and If so, then perhaps we can engage in a little Church in grandeur. reorientation. Rather than looking at the church Lancaster, Pa. But whose church is it anyway? Here I’m asking and seeing only gray hair and wrinkled faces, the question theologically. If all we consider are maybe we need to look a little deeper and see the the facts, if all we read is the data, we can easily light of Christ and the hand of the Spirit. Rather succumb to the notion that the church is dying or than assuming the church is ours to save and the at least on the road to death. And so we scramble world ours to gain, perhaps we ought to throw up to come up with some new idea of how to make our hands and call upon the Lord of the church to the church more accessible or user-friendly, more have his way with us, even if that means smaller missional or in some other way more attractive to gatherings and slimmer offerings. Maybe we need those outside. These are all noble pursuits; they to admit that the church does not belong to us, are all aspects of our calling to live out the Great that we couldn’t save it if we tried and that our Commission. This is what we were created to be addiction to the facts too often borders on the and do as church. unfaithful. But underneath it all is this anxiety, this fear This is not a call to avoid our genuine missional that says we’d better hurry up and grow or else. calling. Neither is it whistling past the graveyard. What’s missing from so many of our conversa- It is an invitation to wrestle with our theology of tions, strategy sessions and frettings about the the church. What exactly is the Spirit up to among state of the church is a clear declaration of the role us graying, wrinkled and worried Mennonites? of the Holy Spirit in the preservation and growth Let’s try to discern that and then give thanks of the church and its mission. Or perhaps it is our before we get to work. TM

TheMennonite Vol. 12, No. 12, June 16, 2009 The Mennonite is the official publication of Mennonite Church USA. Our mission is to help readers glorify God, grow in faith and become agents of Editor: Everett J. Thomas Offices: healing and hope in the world. The Mennonite (ISSN 1522-7766) is normal- [email protected] 1700 S. Main St. ly published on the first and third Tuesdays of each month (except only one issue in August) by the board for The Mennonite, Inc. Periodical Associate editor: Gordon Houser Goshen, IN 46526-4794 postage paid at Goshen, IN 46526. Subscription rates for one year: $43.95 [email protected] phone: 800-790-2498 fax: 574-535-6050 to U.S. addresses and or $51.45 USD to Canadian addresses. Group rates Assistant Editor: Anna Groff available. Scripture references are from the New Revised Standard Version [email protected] 722 Main St., P.O. Box 347 unless otherwise noted. The views expressed in this publication do not Advertising, subscriptions: Rebecca Helmuth Newton, KS 67114 necessarily represent the official positions of Mennonite Church USA, [email protected] phone: 866-866-2872 The Mennonite, or the board for The Mennonite, Inc. Bookkeeper: Celina Romero fax: 316-283-0454 [email protected] Postmaster Editorial Assistant: Nora Miller 801 N. Negley Ave. Send form 3579 to: Design: Dee Birkey Pittsburgh, PA 15206 The Mennonite phone: 412 894 8705 1700 S. Main St. Web site: www.TheMennonite.org fax: 412-363-1216 Goshen, IN 46526

2 TheMennonite June 16,2009 CONTENTS

6

21 8 ‘For I was a stranger and you invited me in’ Resident aliens and wandering strangers—Donald Clymer

12 Vacationaries Too much ‘missions tourism’ is based on what will benefit us rather than what will help them.—Bob Lupton

14 God has come near A reflection on Mark 1:4-15—Betsy Headrick McCrae

26 17 Strangers become friends David and Krista meet Israel and Rosario—David and Krista Powell

19 Danzig church books return to Poland The four books are among the oldest Mennonite church records in existence.—Melanie Zuercher

20 Waltner completes her two-year term as Mennonite Church USA moderator An interview

22 Former MVSer trades tools for wheels

23 New Kenyan church works at tribal peace 13 DEPARTMENTS

2 Grace and truth Whose church is it anyway?—Ron Adams

4 Readers say

6 News digest

18 Leadership What’s right with Mennonite Church USA—Sharon Waltner

27 For the record

30 Mediaculture Books on following Jesus—Gordon Houser

32 Editorial Open up to Millennial women—Anna Groff

Cover: Tim Hoover/MCC

June 16,2009 TheMennonite 3 READERS SAY

U.S. is an out-of-control principality is not all bad. God is always at work around us and Thank you much for Everett Thomas’ editorial that always in the most difficult, dark and dangerous highlighted the “obscene amount” our national places. We are called to be faithful, fearless follow- government is spending on its military ers, no matter what happens. Let’s remind our- (“Mennonite Church USA’s Identity,” May 19). selves and each other of the many biblical stories Thomas was right to encourage our delegates in where God’s people were told, “Don’t be afraid.” This publication Columbus, Ohio, to discern an appropriate —Margaret Metzler, Goshen, Ind welcomes your . letters, either about “churchwide effort to confront the military-indus- our content or about trial empire that controls our lives as the Roman Prisoner offers suggestions issues facing the Mennonite Church Empire did in Jesus’ day.” Regarding the article “Mennonite Churches USA. Please keep While every government is fallen, the one over your letters brief— Discern If and How to Minister to Convicted Sex one or two para- us has embraced deceit and violence. It has Offenders” (April 21): If there is a third way it is to graphs—and about jumped the tracks and is running amok. We saw one subject only. We take each person and situation on a case-by-case reserve the right to this with the illegal invasion of Iraq. We see it basis. Nothing else makes real world sense. edit for length and again now in the expansion of war in Afghanistan clarity. Publication is I have spent many years in prison. My case is also subject to space and the daily bombings in Pakistan. And we will still in the absurdist court system. Although the limitations. Send to see it far into the future through a steady diet of Letters@TheMenno- categorization of “sex offender” is far too broad, as nite.org or mail to government propaganda that makes the American Groff’s article hints, I have never run into anyone Readers Say, The people afraid and then offers violence as our sav- Mennonite, 1700 S. in prison for a so-called “sex crime” who would Main St., Goshen, IN ior. As Thomas pointed out in the editorial, this readily admit it (because of the stigma) except for 46526-4794. Please leads inexorably to the militarization of our society. include your name a few who have dedicated their lives to child sex— and address. We will It also leads us away from our Lord. Our witness and such do indeed exist. You do not want those not print letters sent to the light will take many forms, I expect, includ- anonymously, people in or near your church or your family. though we may with- ing the one Thomas highlighted in the editorial. I have worked a variety of so-called sex cases hold names at our But all will be grounded in an understanding that discretion.—Editors and pass along the following: as followers of Christ we are engaged in a spiritual 1. If someone has copped out in court to a struggle against an out-of-control principality crime of a sexual nature, take their word for it. If called the United States of America. May the Spirit they lie about that or attempt to repudiate the cop- lead the delegates to courageous wisdom regard- out, get away from them. Either they lied to the ing this vital aspect of our discipleship.—Berry judge or they are lying to you. Friesen, Lancaster, Pa. 2. Rape cases (and murder cases) are where most innocent prisoners get convicted. DNA has Do not be afraid cleared a lot of convicted rapists who were Thanks for Larry Miller’s column “Overcoming misidentified.—Robert J. Zani, Tennessee Colony, Fear in a Financial Storm” (Leadership, May 19). Texas We need the reminders that this current situation Teach signs of sex abuse IN THIS ISSUE I read with interest the editorial “Sex Offenders in the Church” (April 21) and the response letters in he Bible reminds us that we were “strangers to the the last two issues. First, there is some distinction covenants of promise” (Ephesians 2:12), and Jesus’ para- between abusers/molesters and pedophiles—not T ble in Matthew 25:31-46 tells us that when we reach out to in the damage done but in the number of victims, strangers we are reaching out to Jesus. Donald Clymer (page the power of the illness and the pedophile’s appar- 8) and David and Krista Powell (page 17) share experiences ent lack of ability to control the behavior. My they had with so-called “illegal aliens” and call us to show com- research found that currently there is not a “cure” passion. Bob Lupton (page 12) and poet Cheryl Denise (page for pedophilia, although one is being diligently 11) warn us about the harm done by “religious tourists” and sought. Therefore, these men (and a small per- “professional saviors” respectively. Betsy Headrick McCrae centage of women) must be kept away from chil- (page 14) offers a study of Mark 1:4-15 that reflects on Jesus’ dren. Many pedophiles will even admit, “I can’t proclamation that God has come near. Everett Thomas inter- control my behavior.” For this reason I agree with views outgoing Mennonite Church USA moderator Sharon Paul Unruh when he suggests, as one possible Waltner (page 20), and Waltner invites us to celebrate what’s solution, house fellowships in which there are no right in our church (page 18). Assistant editor Anna Groff calls children and where the members are willing to us to open our churches to the leadership gifts of Millennial support and minister to the abuser and to the fami- women (page 32).—Associate Editor ly of an abuser who experience great grief and shame.

4 TheMennonite June 16,2009 READERS SAY

In our faithful attempt to care about the Such a series would help show that we don’t abusers, we cannot forget, minimize or invalidate have to be the “club” that keeps us status quo. We the pain of the victims. It has been my privilege to don’t have to keep talking about our failures; they know many women and children who have dealt become self-fulfilling prophecies. If we follow bibli- with this terrible violation. Some seemed to heal cal methods as demonstrated in the book of Acts, rather quickly; some seemed to partially heal after we can still be God’s faithful and productive agents years of long, painful and expensive work. I have in the world pointing people to Christ, our Savior ONLINE POLL known some for whom the childhood trauma was and Lord.—Eugene Souder, Grottoes, Va. RESULTS too painful, and they chose to take their love and beauty, their gifts and talents out of this life. We Commends Eastern Mennonite University The U.S. economy will never know how our world might have been I commend Eastern Mennonite University, is: (67 votes) enriched had they not experienced abuse. Harrisonburg, Va., for its spring issue of Crossroads Getting better For women and children with no insurance or that features “our family of colleges.” The articles (24%) resources, the healing may never begin. I am not and photos reveal campuses where students, be Getting worse naive; there are sexual abusers in our homes, they of Mennonite background or not, “discover a (49%) churches, schools and other places where children rare, exciting combination of service and peace- Staying the same gather. We need to teach the signs of a child who building. They join a community where they are (13%) has been violated and the signs of an abuser to our encouraged to explore their higher purpose.” Not sure (13%) congregations. We need to be not paranoid but I am convinced that a vast majority of alumni of alert to those situations that give us pause and our schools prefer this kind of collaboration to Check out the new carefully watch what is happening around us. reach 30,000 students rather than a limited yet poll question at Some churches have implemented safe sanctuar- expensive competition for the “small pie” of 3,000 www. TheMennonite.org ies to protect their children. prospective Mennonite students. See Crossroads at This is a dilemma for Christians and for the www.emu.edu/crossroads/colleges/.—J. Daniel church that we cannot ignore. May we seek God’s Hess, Indianapolis wisdom as we minister to God’s people.—Joan Boyer, Hesston, Kan. Where we have come from and ‘whereto’ Mennonite Mission Network, Mennonite Weekly Don’t have to be a club to grow Review and The Mennonite recently published, in My reason for writing has to do with membership turn, an incisive booklet, a perceptive editorial and decline in Mennonite Church USA. What about a penetrating article reminding us Mennonites Correction: hitting the issue in a positive way with an ongoing about our rich heritage. This triad includes Palmer Luke Drescher’s May 19 letter series covering a story in each issue of a church Becker’s “What Is an Anabaptist Christian?” should have been that is attracting new members? One could inter- (Missio Dei series, #18), Paul Schrag’s “Letting Go titled, “A view churches that fall in such a category under a of Christendom” (MWR, April 27) and John Response to the heading such as “How God is Helping us Grow Howard Yoder’s “The Church and Economics Proposed His Church in Tim Buck Two.” After Christendom” (TM, May 5). Corinthian Plan.” Grace Mennonite Fellowship, near A fourth source is Yoder’s Body Politics (Herald Harrisonburg, Va., with Richard Early started an Press, 2001). We continue needing to think hard outreach about 15 years ago, and now they have a about where we have come from in order to sense group of over 150 and growing with people mostly spiritually and programmatically “whereto.” Sobering statistic from outside the Mennonite fold. —Leonard Gross, Goshen, Ind. from USA Today: Churchgoers approve of using Pontius’ Puddle Joel Kauffmann extreme and enhanced interro- gation techniques by a 20 percent higher rate than nonchurchgoers (approximately 60.5 percent to 40 percent). Maybe it’s all those hours we’ve spent suf- fering through long sermons on rock-hard pews. —Joel Kauffmann June 16,2009 TheMennonite 5 NEWS DIGEST

IN BRIEF Anabaptist Chair Allegations of misconduct, pastor disappears and spent most of the day on May 26 searching for planned at Fuller GOSHEN, Ind.—Joe Rosa, who had been pastor- the pastor. They found no evidence of Rosa and Fuller Theological ing a Lancaster (Pa.) Mennonite halted the search about 3 p.m. Seminary in Conference congregation, disap- Rosa, a church planter, also served on Menno- Pasadena, Calif., is nite Church USA’s Constituency Leaders Council developing an peared on May 21 after unspeci- endowed chair in fied allegations of misconduct as a representative from Iglesia Menonita Hispana Anabaptist studies. were leveled against him. Rosa (Hispanic Mennonite Church). On May 24, School of Theology had been a pastor at Shalom Adalberto Santiago was installed as the new pastor dean Howard Mennonite Church in New at Shalom Mennonite Church. This change had Loewen says at least been planned for some time and was not related to a half dozen faculty Columbia, Pa. Lancaster at the school “identi- Conference officials declined to Rosa’s disappearance.—Everett J. Thomas fy explicitly” with the provide more information about Joe Rosa Anabaptist tradition. the nature of the allegations. Ivonne Díaz new IMH Executive Director He says that the “The matter has been reported to the police,” GOSHEN, Ind.—Yvonne Díaz began her role as Anabaptist presence, the new executive director of which may include said a statement released by Lancaster Conference about 50 students, officials on May 26, “and they are investigating Iglesia Menonita Hispana adds to a “rich mix” this matter. … We ask for the prayers of believers (Hispanic Mennonite Church) on at Fuller, which has in our community that the mercy and grace of our May 4. IMH moderator Juanita some 4,500 students Lord Jesus Christ will be experienced by all Nuñez says, “We are thankful to representing more Yvonne for accepting this great than 120 denomina- involved in this difficult situation.” tions. He believes According to a May 28 article in the Standard- responsibility. Her work will be Anabaptism brings Journal of Milton, Pa., state police on horses half-time for now, due to the finan- fresh gifts in areas scoured a heavily wooded area of Kelly Township cial limitations we are experienc- such as biblical ing as an organization. We hope Yvonne Díaz study, Christology, that having her will help us fur- peace and justice, and reconciliation. ther develop the vision and mission we have as Loewen hopes the part of the body of Christ.”—Meno Acontecer Yoder-McClendon Josh Gleason Chair in Anabaptist Berne, Ind., church changes conferences Studies can be GOSHEN, Ind.—On May 10, representatives from launched as soon as the 2009-10 school Central District Conference and Ohio Mennonite year.—Messenger Conference led a ceremony at First Mennonite Church, Berne, Ind., to bless and confirm that Air at Locust Grove School OK congregation’s decision to leave Central District and join Ohio Conference. The congregation made A USA Today article projected that the the switch in March. The May 10 “releasing- air around the receiving-blessing ceremony” included Central Lancaster (Pa.) District leaders Lois Kaufmann and Gordon Oyer Mennonite School and Ohio Conference leaders Tom Kauffman and Locust Grove cam- John Rohrer. Berne’s interim pastor, Jerry pus might have toxic chemicals at danger- Flueckiger, represented the congregation. As part ous levels. LMS of the ceremony, Central District leaders passed a asked the candleholder and candle to the Ohio Conference Pennsylvania leaders, who then passed them along to the pastor. Department of “It was a Ten Thousand Villages candleholder,” Environmental said Kaufmann on June 1, “with human figures Protection to con- Houser invited to World University Games duct actual tests. surrounding a central candle—a visual symbol of a According to the Goshen (Ind.) College senior Abri Houser (left) com- congregation (or a conference) gathered around tests, the measured petes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics track and field championships May 21-23 near the Light.” level of pollutants at With 1,107 members, First Mennonite Church Locust Grove is actu- St. Louis. She earned All-American honors with a per- ally better than state sonal record in the 400-meter hurdles and qualified for was the largest congregation in Central District background levels. the World University Games this summer in Belgrade, and represented 17 percent of the conference’s —LMS Serbia. She was the only athlete from Mennonite col- membership. Central District Conference will hold leges and universities to be invited. Houser, daughter of Gordon and Jeanne Houser, Newton, Kan., also its 2009 annual sessions June 25-27 at First received an Academic Award from the Goshen business Mennonite Church in Sugarcreek, Ohio.—Everett department.—Goshen College J. Thomas

6 TheMennonite June 16,2009 NEWS DIGEST

IN BRIEF

Fred Kauffman, former pastor at West Philly Linda Wingard Mennonite Church, and Drick Boyd, a member of that congregation and professor at Eastern University, near Philadelphia, were part of an ecu- menical group protesting gun violence at Colosimo’s Gun Shop during the Jan. 13-17 gather- ing “Heeding God’s Call: A Gathering on Peace” in Philadelphia. Kauffman is Philadelphia program coordinator for the Mennonite Central Lind receives Committee.—Everett J. Thomas AMBS award Millard Lind, profes- Mennonites in Mexico support MC Canada sor emeritus of Old Testament at WINNIPEG, Manitoba—Four churches in Mexico Associated who once received financial support from Mennonite Biblical Mennonite Church Canada are now contributing Seminary, Elkhart, back to the denomination’s bottom line. The Ind., is the 2009 recip- Mexican church previously received funds from ient of the AMBS Alumni Ministry and the General Conference Mennonite Church’s Service Award. The Commission on Overseas Mission, which in theme that defined Canada has become known as Mennonite Church his vocation was that Canada Witness. The Conference of Mennonites God’s chosen people in Mexico was formed in 1963 with the support of in the ancient Near Mennonite Church Canada East adored Yahweh, COM.— Lind said in a 1992 interview. Yahweh is a Car Sabbath at Faith Mennonite, Minneapolis God of family love, MINNEAPOLIS—Faith Mennonite Church, not of the power poli- Minneapolis, held its first Car Sabbath on May 24. tics that plagued the region.—AMBS As a way to decrease the congregation’s carbon Mennonite schools meet in state competition footprint, the missions and service commission Mennonite could Janessa Derstine, left, for Christopher Dock Mennonite High proposed four Car Sabbaths during the year. The be next WCC leader School, Lansdale Pa., and Taylor Wenger for Lancaster (Pa.) commission encouraged members to give their German Mennonite Mennonite High School, compete at the first-ever cars an entire day-long Sabbath. Approximately 75 theologian Fernando Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association game Enns is on the “short between the sister schools on May 29 in Reading, Pa.—LMS percent of those in attendance arrived without list” of church leaders using a car.—Faith Mennonite Church under consideration to become the next With magazine for youth ceases publication Matching gift provides water for many General Secretary of PITTSBURGH—After the final, “Summer 2009,” SOUDERTON, Pa.—The Care & Share Thrift the World Council of issue of With, Faith & Life Resources plans to dis- Churches. He has Shoppes honored volunteers in 2008 at their annu- served on the execu- continue the 41-year-old magazine due to declines al banquet on April 14. Two dams will be built tive committee of the in subscriptions. Founding editor J. Lorne Peachey in their honor in the Tonga region of southern WCC and has been said on May 17 that he feels overwhelmed that it Zambia, funded by the Care & Share Thrift the visionary behind lasted 41 years. “I didn’t expect it to go this long,” Shoppes and matched by Eagles Peak Spring the Decade to he said. Peachey said he thinks the reason With Overcome Violence, Water in Fountainville, Pa., a locally owned and an effort by churches “stuck” was that it “told youth the church was operated bottled water company.—MCC around the world to interested in them. … I hope the church will find call all the world’s new ways to tell kids they are important.” The Honduran earthquake damages churches people to engage in final issue will celebrate the four decades of With. STRASBOURG, France—An earthquake measur- violence prevention, Current editor Carol Duerksen has edited With for the pursuit of justice ing 7.1 on the Richter scale struck Honduras at and peacemaking. the past 18 years.—Anna Groff about midnight on May 28. Six people have been —Bridgefolk.net reported dead and 25 injured throughout the coun- Two Mennonites among 12 acquitted in Philly try. Javier Soler, president of Mennonite World GOSHEN, Ind.—Two Mennonite Church USA Conference-member church Amor Viviente in members were among 12 protesters acquitted of Honduras, reports that congregations have appar- all charges on May 26 after they were arrested on ently not suffered casualties but several church Jan. 16 (see “Mennonites Join Antigun Violence buildings have been damaged.—MWC Rally” in the Feb. 3 issue of The Mennonite). —Compiled by Anna Groff

June 16,2009 TheMennonite 7 The American dream had turned into a nightmare.

by Donald Clymer

8 TheMennonite June 16,2009 Resident aliens and wandering strangers

Dreamstime.com y whole life is a lie,” she sobbed in tion was hitchhiking and freight trains. Along the Spanish on her hospital bed. “I came way he did odd jobs to sustain himself. The stories here for a better life and have found of how many people took advantage of his situa- nothing but disappointments.” María’s tion were hard to believe: robbery, extortion and latest setback was an unexpected bout with appen- abandonment. To their credit, some few compas- dicitis; I was visiting her as a volunteer chaplain. sionate people reached out to him with temporary María had told me she was from Honduras. Her food and shelter. He reached my city on a freight confession came after a telephone call interrupted train suffering from a high fever and a debilitating us and she identified herself as Josefina from cough. He got off the train and checked into the Puerto Rico to her social worker. It was obvious Emergency Room of our hospital with no friends, she was working and living with a false identity. family, money or papers. Her story is typical of the many undocumented Not only is Jorgé considered an illegal alien in workers I have met. She was working for a clothing the United States, he has no permanent place of manufacturer (maquiladora) in her hometown with residence and is a wandering stranger. Like Jorgé, a wage that barely covered her expenses. She had the Israelites were once “wandering strangers in two children when her husband abandoned her. the wilderness” (Dictionary of Biblical Imagery). Struggling to make ends meet and hoping to pro- After they entered the Promised Land and ceased vide a brighter future for her two children, she their wandering, God commanded them to remem- handed them over into her sister’s care and took off ber their experience in the desert. By so doing, to the United States without documents. Because of they would respond more compassionately to payments to the immigrant smuggler and higher- Jorgé’s situation and invite him in instead of con- than-expected living costs in her new land, she had demning his immigrant status. little money left over to send home to her family. The American dream had turned into a nightmare. María is considered an illegal alien in the United The biblical record on treatment of States. However, this is where she lives and works. aliens and strangers is remarkably clear Her situation allows her few other options. Like María, the Israelites were once “resident aliens in and consistent. Egypt” (Dictionary of Biblical Imagery). After they were liberated from their slavery, they were com- The biblical understanding: The biblical record manded by God to remember their experience in on treatment of aliens and strangers is remarkably Egypt. By so doing, they would respond more com- clear and consistent. Throughout the Old passionately to María’s situation and invite her in Testament, the theme is repeated: “Do not mis- instead of condemning her immigration status. treat an alien or oppress him, for you were aliens Jorgé had been in the hospital for more than a in Egypt” (Exodus 22:21, NIV). “The alien living week when I met him. He was isolated for fear of with you must be treated as one of your native- tuberculosis. He didn’t want to talk to me, another born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in white man with a tie, a clipboard and an assumed Egypt. I am the LORD your God” (Leviticus 19:34. agenda. He was from Tegucigalpa, the capital of See also Leviticus 24:22, Numbers 15:15, Honduras. When he learned that I had spent more Deuteronomy 10:19, NIV ). By remembering their than three years in his country and was there to “foreignness” and “strangeness,” the Israelites stand by him in his pain, he opened up. Slowly but would be better able to respond compassionately surely, his torturous story unfolded. Lacking and invite the stranger in. Was this hospitality only employment opportunities and desperate to provide extended to “legal” strangers? a better life for his family, he left his wife and three Jesus’ life exemplified being both an alien and children more than 18 months earlier to seek a bet- extending hospitality to the stranger. He left the ter life in the United States. He started out with little glory of heaven and “made himself nothing by tak- money, no fixed destination and no legal documents. ing the very nature of a servant, being made in Continued Without money, his main means of transporta- human likeness” (Philippians 2:7, NIV). By Jesus’ on page 10

June 16,2009 TheMennonite 9 Remember when you were a stranger, when you were an alien and when you were completely dependent on God.

Continued time, the Jews had forgotten their resident alien ber our “strangeness,” our response to the “resi- from page 9 and wandering stranger status and mostly aban- dent aliens” and “wandering strangers” among us doned hospitality toward the stranger. Instead they is more compassionate. David Buschart writes: set up strict barriers against relating to sinners, “When faced by a stranger, those who extend the tax collectors, Samaritans and other unclean (un- embrace of hospitality have a keen awareness of documented?) strangers. In contrast, Jesus extend- God’s hospitality toward them. Furthermore, this ed hospitality to all of them. Luke Bretherton, in hospitality includes not only a sense of who they his book Hospitality as Holiness, states it this way: are (strangers) and what God has done (embraced “Through his hospitality, which has as its focal them) but also an awareness that what they have to point actual feasting and table fellowship, Jesus offer in hospitality is ultimately from God” turns the world upside down.” (Exploring Protestant Traditions). Added to the Old Testament teaching on how to Growing up Mennonite in the 1950s, I had little treat the stranger, Jesus’ teaching comes from difficulty understanding my strangeness and alien Matthew 25:35: “For I was a stranger and you invit- nature in relation to the surrounding culture. Even ed me in.” By inviting the stranger in, one invites though that strangeness was reinforced by peculiar Jesus in. This invitation is echoed in Hebrews 13:2 dress and theology, I still retain a sense of being dif- (NIV): “Do not neglect to show hospitality to ferent without the peculiar dress. Mennonites, how- strangers, for by this some have entertained angels ever, have become so assimilated into mainstream without knowing it.” The Old and the New testa- culture in the United States that many of my ments seem to be in agreement on welcoming the peers—and certainly my children and their peers— stranger. “ ‘I was a stranger and you invited me in’ do not feel this same strangeness. Therefore, many resounds throughout the ancient texts,” writes of us, as Pohl writes, “build ‘extravagant mansions’ Bretherton. Furthermore, “This hospitality is entire- and indulge in ‘countless other luxuries,’ wasting ly in keeping with Jesus’ tradition (Mark 10:21, Luke [our] substance on ‘inanities,’ ” perhaps to the detri- 16:19-25) and the Old Testament tradition.” ment of inviting the stranger in. Becoming strangers and aliens: Fair treatment for How can we return to being “aliens and the stranger arises from remembering one’s own strangers in the world” (1 Peter 2:11, NIV) and foreignness and strangeness, like the Israelites in invite María and Jorgé in? The answer is to remem- the Old Testament and Jesus in the New. Christine ber when you were a stranger, when you were an Pohl in her seminal book on hospitality, Making alien and when you were completely dependent on Room, writes: “For the Israelites and the early God. If you cannot remember any such time, you Christians, understanding themselves as aliens and should place yourself in situations of marginaliza- sojourners was a reminder of their dependence on tion, relate to those who are at the fringe of society God.” Furthermore, she writes, “The periods in or even travel to another place and immerse your- church history when hospitality has been most self in that culture as a foreigner. vibrantly practiced have been times when the hosts One story helps me remember my foreignness. were themselves marginal to their larger society.” I was walking down a street in San Pedro Sula, When we forget the transitory nature of our Honduras, and a man I did not know spit at me existence on earth, we tend to “build ‘extravagant and cursed me. He was displeased with U.S. for- mansions,’ and indulge in ‘countless other luxuries,’ eign policy in the region. I will not soon forget the wasting [our] substance on ‘inanities,’ ” writes Pohl, anger and hatred in his eyes. I never felt so for- and more often than not we ignore the strangers eign and strange. Whenever I become too settled and foreigners in our midst, being especially inhos- with my in-group, my comfort zone, I think of how pitable to undocumented ones. When we remem- I felt that day in Honduras. By so remembering, I am more apt to invite in the strangers around me, Works cited even the undocumented ones. Hospitality as Holiness : Christian Witness Amid Moral Diversity by L. Bretherton (Ashgate, 2006) Don Clymer teaches Spanish and humanities at Exploring Protestant Traditions : An Invitation to Theological Hospitality by W. Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, Va., David Buschart (IVP Academic, 2006) and serves on the pastoral care team at Lindale www.sxc.hu Making Room : Recovering Hospitality as a Christian Tradition by C.D. Pohl Mennonite Church and volunteers as a chaplain to (Eerdmans, 1999) Spanish-speaking patients at Rockingham Memorial Dictionary of Biblical Imagery by L. Ryken, J. Wilhoit, et al. (InterVarsity Press, 1998) Hospital in Harrisonburg.

10 TheMennonite June 16,2009 Professional saviors

by Cheryl Denise

I open your letter thanking me for my financial and prayer support. I did neither. Your weeklong trip to Haiti changed your life. Your group’s theme verse Hebrews 11 verse 1 faith in everything. You built a clinic, a house, a church played ball with the natives smiles substituting for language ate rice and beans three times a day.

No I did not pray for you. And I know I haven’t prayed either for the women dressed bright weaving new patterns the toothless men thrashing sugar cane or those who make their living getting saved again and again for earthly bread singing hymns in the fields when a mission group drives

I’ve heard Haiti has had more missionaries than any other country. Maybe the missionaries are keeping them poor so we in our churches in the States can all feel good taping pictures on our bulletin boards dropping money in offering plates for those who board planes reviewing their plans passing that feeling on to their kids who years later they hope will go on a mission trip just like theirs.

Cheryl Denise lives in Philippi, W.V.

June 16,2009 TheMennonite 11 Vacationa by Bob Lupton

hey’re turning my people into beggars.” It was of the pride of their own accomplishments—all in a painful accusation for Juan Ulloa to make. He the name of Christian service. The unintended was a churchman, after all. An elder. With loyalty consequences of such mission work was undoing to the household of faith. But when asked the the very vision Juan had given his life to—helping question directly, he could not lie. his people emerge from poverty through training, I had pressed him on the relationship of his entrepreneurship, saving and hard work. micro-lending organization to the churches of For some reason U.S. churches, filled with Nicaragua. Juan was the executive director of a results-oriented members, seem oblivious to the Christian micro-finance ministry that made many abysmal outcomes of many if not most mission thousands of small loans to Nicaraguan peasants. trips. Perhaps because it feels so good to be giving It seemed a reasonable inquiry to understand how to those so much worse off, or because uncondi- they worked together with local churches. tional serving seems so Christ like, the Western Hesitantly at first, Juan explained that there were church embraces with great pride an unexamined entire sections of the country where his loan offi- form of charity that our nation as a whole rejected cers could not make any loans at all. These were with the passage of the Welfare Reform Act of the regions where a concentration of churches 1996. We know that welfare creates unhealthy from the United States conducted their mission dependency, that it erodes a work ethic, that it trips. “People say, Why should we borrow money does not elevate people out of poverty. Yet in the when the churches give it to us?” name of Christ we perpetuate this very welfare principle in the way we do missions. And the trend is growing. The easy charity of some well-meaning A Princeton University study found that in one religious tourists is creating a new kind year (2005) 1.6 million church members took mis- sion trips—an average of eight days—at a cost of of welfare state. $2.4 billion. And the number has grown every year since. “Religious tourism,” as some call it, has The people were right, of course. What peasant become a growth industry. The Web is full of agen- scratching out a bare existence could refuse suit- cies (denominational and parachurch) ready to cases bulging with new clothing for his family? connect churches to a “meaningful mission experi- What struggling pastor could resist the temptation ence” in an exotic location rife with human need. to accept a steady salary and generous church The Bahamas, for example, receives one short- income in exchange for hosting visitors, organiz- term missionary for every 15 residents. ing volunteer work and staffing funded programs? More scornful critics point to the make work What village would borrow money to dig a well or nature of many missions trips. Like the wall built buy books for their school library or save money on an orphanage soccer field in Brazil that had to to build a church if these things were provided for be torn down after the visitors left. And the church them free of charge? If all they had to do was in Mexico that was painted six times during one make their wish lists, show up for the schedule summer by six different missions groups. And the arranged by the donors and smile graciously until church in Ecuador built by volunteers that was their benefactors head back home, who would never used because the community said it was not blame them for accepting this easy charity? needed. No, Juan was not blaming his people for But in fairness to our U.S. churches, many of becoming beggars. He was faulting the our motives are noble. We want to excite our mem- affluent, well meaning U.S. church for its unex- bers about missions. We want to expose youth and amined generosity. His accusations, now pour- adults to the needs of a hurting world. We want to ing forth with considerable force, were directed engage our people in life-changing experiences. at naive “vacationaries” who spend millions of We desire to obey the teachings of Christ to clothe dollars traveling to his country, perform work the naked, feed the hungry, show compassion to that locals could better do for themselves and the oppressed and spread the Good News. But create a welfare economy that deprives a people because we view missions through the lens of our

12 TheMennonite June 16,2009 Too much ‘missions tourism’ is based on what will benefit us aries rather than what will help them.

church—that is, what will benefit our Never deprive people of the people the most, what will be most satisfaction of doing for rewarding for us, what will appeal the themselves. most to our members—we neglect to “Above all, do no harm.” consider what is in the best interests It’s the bottom line of the of those we would serve. Hippocratic Oath that How we serve is equally important has guided the con- to whom we serve. Take the well that duct of physicians my church dug for a rural Honduran for centuries. It is village. The remote peasant communi- time for the ty needed water. The obvious solution: Western church to dig them a well. There was great cele- apply the same bration when the first water was principle. pumped to the surface and villagers P.S.: Some believe filled their jugs with cold, pure water. that short-term mis- But when our missionaries returned sion trips whet the the following year the pump was idle appetite for long-term and locals were again carrying water mission involvement. from a distant supply. We repaired the Research does not pump. But by the time we returned support this claim, the following year it had broken down however. In spite of again. This happened repeatedly year all the moving testi- after year. The village simply waited monies of “life-chang- until their benefactors returned. ing experiences” by Compare this experience to the returning short-term- remote mountain village in Nicaragua ers and the occasional where a different strategy was example of full-time mis- employed. A community developer, sionaries who point to a mis- recruited from the United States and sion trip as the catalyst for their supported by Juan’s micro-lending calling, there is no evidence that organization, assisted the residents in missions as a whole has benefitted. A church in Mexico creating a plan for a much-needed As a matter of fact, while short- well. She arranged financing condition- term mission trips have increased was painted six al upon villagers investing their own dramatically over the past two times one summer money from their meager savings. She decades, support of long-term mis- then connected them with a reliable sionaries has declined. Strangely, the by six different Nicaraguan engineer and helped them correlation seems to be inverse. organize a water commission to set Perhaps because we have spent so missions groups. fees, collect water bills, manage lavishly on “religious tourism” we finances and maintain their new utility. feel that our financial responsibility Village men provided all the labor, dig- to missions has been discharged. ging trenches, laying water lines and Or is it that long-term missionaries setting 250 meters. When the pump do not serve the immediate self-inter- was switched on and water surged to est of our church? the homes, the village erupted with pride. Their water supply, they soon Bob Lupton is president of FCS learned, was abundant—sufficient to (Family Consultation Service) Urban allow them to sell water to the adjacent Ministries, based in Atlanta. This

village. They now owned and managed article is reprinted from the January- Dreamstime.com a wealth-producing asset. The lesson: February issue of The Marketplace. June 16,2009 TheMennonite 13 WikiMedia.org A reflection on Mark 1:4-15 God has

Baptism of Christ, he Gospel of Mark doesn’t begin with sto- er connections and more meaning. Like the people 1591, Lambert ries of Jesus’ birth. There are no angels or of Judea and Jerusalem, we, too, know that things Sustris shepherds or wise men in his telling of the are not right. We don’t feel close to God. We don’t good news. Instead Mark starts with John the feel close to each other. We are not happy with who Baptist. And with lots of folks who are searching we have become. We need something more, some- for something more, something different, some- thing different. What can we do? Where can we thing that will bring them close again to God. turn? Do you have the answer? What works for Listen again to these words from Mark 1: “John you? We’re willing to try just about anything, espe- the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaim- cially if everybody else is doing it. We don’t want to ing a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of be left out of something that just might be what we sins. And people from the whole Judean country- need to make us feel good and whole again. side and all the people of Jerusalem were going I can imagine us, too, going along with the out to him, and were baptized by him in the river crowd. Raising our hands. Confessing our sins. Jordan, confessing their sins.” Being dunked into the river when it is our turn. Hoping, hoping, hoping that in some way this act We’re willing to try just about anything, of turning and reorienting ourselves will help us feel connected to God again. especially if everybody else is doing it. John tells those who are coming to confess and be baptized, that there really is something bigger I hear these words and think of us today here in and better on the way: “The one who is more pow- the United States: we who are heavily influenced erful than I is coming after me,” he says. “I am not and formed by popular culture, we who are search- worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his ing, always, in the middle of our busy lives for deep- sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will

14 TheMennonite June 16,2009 scomenear by Betsy Headrick McCrae

When John the Baptist proclaims that he is not worthy even to stoop down and untie Jesus’ san- dals, he is saying something profound about who Jesus is. He is saying that the one who is to come is worthy of great honor and respect. But he is also setting the stage for an upheaval of cosmic proportions. This Jesus whom John the Baptist rightly puts on a pedestal refuses to stay there. This powerful bearer of the Holy Spirit will not God’s purpose in Jesus is to eliminate the barriers that keep humankind from accessing God’s love.

allow human systems of honor and shame to define who his is or how he will relate to people. In Luke’s Gospel we are told that Jesus not only allows his dirty feet to be washed and kissed and perfumed by a woman of bad reputation but he holds this woman who touched his feet up as an example to all who aspire to true worship. And he is willing to touch the feet of others. We know from the Gospel of John that after the Last Supper baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” Jesus bent down and washed the feet of his disci- In the ancient Middle Eastern culture of Jesus’ ples, sending them out to do the same for others. time, and in many Eastern cultures still today, feet God will not be kept at arms’ length because of were and are considered the lowliest parts of the social mores, Jesus seems to be saying to the dis- body. And sandals or shoes, which come into con- ciples and to us. And neither will you. As God’s peo- tact with dust, dirt and debris, are lowlier still. ple you are called to be in the midst of whatever is When Bruce and I went to live in Southeast Asia happening with little regard for whether it is consid- we were told that in certain cultures—in Laos, ered dirty or clean, lowly or worthy of high respect. Thailand and Cambodia, for instance—it would be No person, including ourselves, is too sinful or too considered rude if we allowed the bottoms of our arrogant or too worried or too insignificant for God. feet to point toward another person. We learned to Jesus was and is one of us in all the ways that we be careful about the position of our feet as we sat are human. We see this illustrated again in verse 9: on the floor to eat or drink tea. And this feeling “In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of about feet and shoes was what was behind the Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.” incident in Iraq when an Iraqi reporter threw his Jesus was part of the crowd going out to John to shoes at President Bush during a news confer- be baptized. He did what the crowd did. He went ence. One news source explained: “Throwing a through the whole experience just like everyone shoe at someone is considered the worst possible else. He was no different from anyone else in that insult in Iraq and is meant to show extreme disre- time and place. But at the same time, for him this spect and contempt.” They gave an example: baptism was something completely different. “As “When U.S. forces helped topple a statue of Iraqi Jesus was coming up out of the water,” Mark ruler Saddam Hussein, jubilant Iraqis beat the stat- writes, “he saw the heavens torn apart and the Continued on ue’s face with their shoes.” Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice page 16

June 16,2009 TheMennonite 15 Anointing of Jesus, 17th-century high altar painting, Ballum church, Netherlands

enter God’s kingdom. God has come near to us. We can come near to God. This is a wonderfully energizing and freeing truth. It is our salvation. But it doesn’t necessarily mean easy sailing. In fact, things can get downright difficult. Immediately after Jesus is filled with the Spirit and hearing the voice of God claiming and naming him as pleasing and well loved, God’s Spirit drives him out into the wilderness. If you don’t believe it, take another look at this passage for your- self. There’s no pause between these two things— the heaven-blessed baptism and the forced depar- ture into the wilderness. There’s no time for relax- ing and basking in the glow of it all. Being filled

WikiMedia.org with the Spirit and recognized by God apparently includes trials and temptations and run-ins with wild Continued came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; beasts. It includes prayer and fasting, suffering and from page 15 with you I am well pleased.’ ” For Jesus this simple waiting. All this is part of the package. All this is act of baptism along with the crowd turns out to part of being fully human. And all this is part of be his anointing for ministry. It is the affirmation learning what it means to come closer to God. that he is on the path with God. And it is the first The people of Judea and Jerusalem go out into step on his way to the cross. the wilderness looking for something to fill the As Jesus is coming up out of the water, he sees void in their lives. They feel guilty and long for for- the heavens torn apart. The Greek verb used here giveness. Like us, they are searching for God. Like and translated “torn apart” occurs only one other us, they want to be made right. Jesus is right there time in the Gospel of Mark. It also appears in the with them and among them. He is the one who is story at the end of Jesus’ ministry. In chapter 15, to come, full of power and the Holy Spirit, worthy Jesus hangs on the cross. He has been taunted of glory and honor, yet he is also the one who will and derided. He has cried out in agony to God. bend down and wash his disciples’ dirty feet. Jesus Then he gives a loud cry and breathes his last. is the one who enters the waters of the Jordan River along with everyone else, only to hear the Jesus follows faithfully, even when it heavens tear open and the voice of God claim him for greater things. And Jesus is the one who fol- becomes clear that those greater things lows faithfully, even when it becomes clear that those greater things that God has in mind include that God has in mind include suffering, suffering, pain and death. Jesus is right there among the searching crowds in Judea and pain and death. Jerusalem. And Jesus is right here among us now, reminding us over and over again that all is forgiv- And at that very moment, Mark writes, “the cur- en and that even death isn’t powerful enough to tain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bot- claim us. Jesus has walked the path of faithfulness tom.” Here’s that verb again: The curtain in the before us and assures us with confidence of what temple dividing the holy of holies from the main is real and true: There are no barriers between us sanctuary is torn in two. At Jesus’ baptism, the and the everlasting, steadfast love of God. heavens are torn open. You can almost hear the “The time is fulfilled,” he proclaims as he walks ripping sound. In both these cases, the impenetra- with us through the streets of Galilee, the streets ble becomes penetrable. Areas that have been off- of Denver, the streets of Lakewood and of the limits are opened up. God’s purpose in Jesus from world, “the kingdom of God has come near; beginning to end is to eliminate the barriers that repent, and believe in the good news.” keep humankind from accessing God’s love. God’s Sisters and brothers, this is the word of the purpose in Jesus is to let us know that the king- Lord and it can be trusted. dom is close and that we can enter. All is forgiven. We no longer have to strive to prove ourselves. We Betsy Headrick McCrae is pastor of Glennon Heights no longer have to go through intermediaries to get Mennonite Church in Lakewood, Colo. This article to God. In Jesus we are shown in no uncertain is adapted from a sermon she preached there on Jan. terms that nothing is blocking our path; we can 11.

16 TheMennonite June 16,2009 David and Krista meet Israel and Rosario. by David and Krista Powell

n early 2008, we decided to improve our Spanish- home, and she loved to take her son to the library. speaking skills and searched for local immi- In August 2008, Israel learned his mother in grants with whom we could converse. We asked Mexico City had cancer and needed treatment. a person who teaches local ESL classes if she They thought at first he would go back to visit, but knew a Hispanic immigrant family or couple inter- they realized they would not be able to reenter ested in helping each other learn the other’s lan- due to their immigration status. They contacted an guage. We proposed spending one half hour immigration attorney and thought they could rein- together each time speaking only Spanish, then state his legal status, but they decided they could another half hour speaking only English. wait no longer and left in September 2008 to drive A few weeks later, we heard from the teacher all the way to Mexico City. that a young Mexican couple was excited about When we visited them for the last time, they this. We called them, and the struggle to commu- thanked us for being their friends. Rosario cried, nicate began. We tried our Spanish first, which Krista followed suit, then Israel and Dave teared they had a hard time understanding. They tried up. We were strangers no more but good friends. their English, which we had a hard time under- We exchanged addresses, telephone numbers and standing. But finally we were able to set a time to emails. They invited us to visit them in Mexico. meet at our house. Someday, we hope to take them up on that. Meeting each The first time we met was awkward but encour- Meeting each other on the same level helped other on the aging. Israel and Rosario were friendly but con- make this cross-cultural relationship a lasting fessed they were a little scared. They brought a friendship. They saw us struggle with their lan- same level large picture book with Spanish words for us. At guage, just as they struggled with English. helped make the end of the hour, we set another time to get Meeting in each other’s homes with our children together. We continued to meet weekly or biweek- around gave us a taste of the experiences we this cross- ly, as time permitted. Soon Rosario invited us for a share as humans. They asked about our church, cultural meal. We met their son, Joshua. He and our two which led to discussions of faith. Their legal sta- sons played together. tus made no difference to our view of them as relationship a Thus began the exchange of many meals at each friends. lasting other’s homes. Once, they brought a matching We don’t have many answers for governmental card game designed for learning language. We immigration policy, but we believe that in reaching friendship. taught them how to play croquet. We learned to out to recent immigrants, mission and peacemak- laugh at ourselves and each other as we all mis- ing come together. Many immigrants are lonely in used and mispronounced our Spanglish and this new land. More small groups in our churches Englanol. We learned they had few friends here, could invite recent immigrants to join them as a even though there is a growing Hispanic commu- way to learn about and help one another. nity in the area. “Everyone comes from different Hebrews 13:2 says, “Do not neglect to show parts of Mexico,” they said. hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some Eventually, they confided in us that they were have entertained angels without knowing it.” not here legally. He had a work visa but due to the Christ’s desire is that all be drawn closer to him expense of annual renewal had not renewed it the and to each other. By welcoming the stranger in last time. She had traveled across the Mexico- the land, we work for Christlike justice and peace Texas border, not eating for three days. Our sur- among God’s children. prise was a result of stereotypes we had, since they were a stable, responsible couple. He had a Dave and Krista Powell are members of Springdale good job, they had purchased their own mobile Mennonite Church in Waynesboro, Va.

June 16,2009 TheMennonite 17 LEADERSHIP

What’s right with Mennonite Church USA

e live in a difficult world. Fear and scarcity or have already been in full time Christian min- are frequent themes in the media, and istry assignments. W some of us are experiencing uncertain and I hear repeatedly from others outside our challenging times. Anabaptist circles, “Cherish your treasure; share And yet as a church—in our congregations, our your treasure with others. Your rooted Anabaptist conferences and the broader denomination—we theology is what the world desperately needs have unparalleled opportunities for God’s healing now.” How encouraging and empowering! and hope to flow through us to the world. Our God is a God of extravagant abundance and Can we celebrate these opportunities? Can we our challenge is to take advantage of the opportu- celebrate the places in our lives where we are nities God has given us. With God’s help, we can responding positively to God’s respond to God’s call with exi- call? Celebrating what is right gency, releasing our precon- can empower us and unleash We need to celebrate what’s right ceived ideas of how church is our energy and creativity. and set our energy free to address “supposed to be” and opening There are many things to cel- what’s wrong. ourselves to the hospitality of Sharon Waltner is moderator of ebrate within Mennonite Church others. Mennonite USA. New racial-ethnic congregations are begin- We have a responsibility to recognize the things Church USA. ning to find the support and resources they need within Mennonite Church USA that are going well. within our denomination. (Recently, almost 50 first- What is happening within your congregation and generation Asian, Latin American and African conference that needs to be celebrated? church leaders met together with denominational Celebrating what’s right helps us learn how to leaders for this purpose, but that is another story.) respond to obstacles and keeps us striving toward In my own conference, Central Plains, our com- our vision of healing and hope. munity network developer, Mark Van Steenwyk, is Dewitt Jones, a photographer for National making contacts with intentional communities and Geographic, says that “by celebrating what’s right, emerging congregations across the country and we find the energy to fix what’s wrong.” When we putting them in touch with Mennonites. Others acknowledge the positive activities in our church, outside our tradition are finding Anabaptists for we realize that solutions are possible and that chal- the first time and embracing this theology with lenges can be overcome. passion. I’m not a Pollyanna. There are challenges we Opportunities are flowing in your conference, need to face. We need to learn to follow our vision too. One conference leader recently said she is with joy and passion, capture the creativity of our seeing more church-planting activity within our youth and overcome our complacency and comfort conferences and among our congregations than that can numb us from hearing God’s call clearly. she has ever seen before. Sometimes we seem to be more interested in Mennonite Mission Network and Mennonite arguing about issues that can divide us than in Central Committee report a significant increase in joining together in what God is doing in the world. youth applications for voluntary service opportuni- But looking only at where we are failing can be ties. Many of these youth are not Mennonites from unproductive. We need to celebrate what’s right our traditional congregations. and set our energy free to address what’s wrong. Established congregations are embracing a new As moderator of Mennonite Church USA these missional church vision. Terry Shue, pastor of past two years, I’ve had a wonderful opportunity to Kidron (Ohio) Mennonite Church and a member meet with people all over the country and to hear of our Executive Board, has mentored 15 people their stories of inspiration and joy. You are inten- from within his congregation for pastoral ministry tionally seeking where God is working and you are in the last eight years. Nine are now in seminary actively engaged in meeting needs in our challeng- ing world. IN THE NEXT ISSUE When we learn how to embrace a celebratory attitude of joy and thanksgiving within Mennonite • Co-workers—Eleanor Beachy Church USA, we can better serve those around us. Our church is a treasure. May we learn to cele- • True evangelical faith—Ted Lewis brate this abundant gift and with urgency and exu- berance, find new ways to join in God’s efforts. TM

18 TheMennonite June 16,2009 Danzig church books return to Poland The four books are among the oldest Mennonite church records in existence. our record books from a defunct Prussian David Fast Mennonite congregation that have been F housed in the Mennonite Library and Archives on the Bethel College campus in North Newton, Kan., for more than six decades are being prepared to return to Europe this summer, helping close a circle that encompasses nearly all of One of four con- Mennonite-Anabaptist history. gregational The books, among the oldest Mennonite record books from the Danzig church records in existence, are from Danzig in Mennonite West Prussia (now Gdansk, Poland), where Dutch Church. adherents to the fledgling Anabaptist movement had begun settling by the 1530s. neighbor. “There was no place in Europe at that Dirk Philips, an important 16th-century time for the Danzig books to go,” says Preheim. Anabaptist leader, is considered the founder of the In the last several years, informal conversation Danzig Mennonite Church, and Menno Simons began about putting the books in the likely visited the group, though before it was a for- Mennonitische Forschungsstelle, where the bulk mally organized congregation. It soon became of West Prussian Mennonite materials reside, with large—well over 1,000 members—and influential, more serious planning taking place in the past two distinguished by its size and its urban location years. In preparation for the transfer, Preheim has when most of the Mennonite congregations were been raising funds to pay for digitizing all four vol- small and rural. umes and placing them on the Historical “Given Danzig Mennonite Church’s size and Committee’s Web site. The oldest of the four We can’t go prominence, many Low Germans in the world, books is in fairly good shape but the other three from Paraguay to Canada to Germany, can trace have pages burned on the edges and bindings that back and some connection to the congregation,” says Rich have disintegrated. recreate Preheim, director of the Historical Committee for Very restricted handling is necessary in order to Mennonite Church USA, under whose auspices limit further deterioration, Preheim says. Danzig the archives at both Bethel College and Goshen Digitizing will help by making it possible to look at Mennonite (Ind.) College fall. “It was Danzig Church mem- the text without actually handling the books. A bers who led the migration to Ukraine and the North Manchester, Ind., firm with expertise in dig- Church … but establishment of the first Russian Mennonite itizing old, fragile documents recently completed we can honor colony at Chortitza [in 1789].” the job. Four centuries of Mennonite presence in West “We can’t go back and recreate Danzig Menno- and preserve Prussia came to end at the close of World War II, nite Church or the West Prussian Mennonite pres- that legacy when the region’s Mennonites—who identified ence,” he says, “but we can honor and preserve themselves as German—scattered in the face of that legacy by preserving these books and making by preserving the advancing Soviet army. Those refugees spirit- them accessible. these books ed out many of the surviving West Prussian con- “We’re deeply grateful [the books] were found, gregational materials, much of which has now that someone had the knowledge and perspective and making made its way into the collection of the to keep an eye open for them,” he says. “There’s them accessi- Mennonitische Forschungsstelle, the Mennonite much to be learned about faithfulness, identity and archives at Weierhof, Germany—with some excep- perspective from the experience of the Danzig ble.—Rich tions, including the four record books from the Mennonite Church and the West Prussian Preheim Danzig Mennonite Church. Mennonites.” Oral tradition says that Mennonite historians Transporting such fragile documents is neither Cornelius Krahn and Harold S. Bender instructed simple nor inexpensive, but Preheim hopes at least American Mennonite relief workers who went to to have a Historical Committee representative Europe after World War II to be on the lookout for symbolically hand over the books to the items of possible historical significance. Visiting Mennonitische Forschungsstelle at the meeting of the bomb-damaged Danzig Mennonite Church, the Mennonitischer Geschichtsverein (German one of those workers—there is no definitive Mennonite Historical Association), which oversees record of who—found congregational records the archives, in Berlin at the end of June. either in the building or in the possession of a —Melanie Zuercher for Mennonite Church USA

June 16,2009 TheMennonite 19 Waltner completes her two-year term as Mennonite Church USA moderator an opportunity to worship together, share our pas- sions about our various missions and learn how to better collaborate as we seek to fulfill the mission and vision of Mennonite Church USA. • Revitalization of our stated vision: A Vision of Healing and Hope. During this biennium, it

Jeremy Waltner/KALEIDSCOPE Jeremy became clear to me that our Healing and Hope vision statement captures the energy and identity of our constituency. God calls us to be agents of healing and hope in this world, and we as Mennonite Church USA continue to strive to meet this daunting yet crucial mandate. • Empowerment of Governance Council: The In addition to her Governance Council, composed of our agency work as a health- care educator, directors and board chairs, has reached a new Mennonite level of trust and, consequently, a new level of effi- Church USA mod- ciency. The agency executives are meeting regu- erator Sharon larly with the executive director of Mennonite Waltner farms Church USA as well. I sense a deepened commit- with her hus- band, Keith, near ment to work together in innovative ways to Parker, S.D. reduce redundancy and to streamline efforts and Adolph, the fami- resources. ly’s friendly In March 2008, the Executive Board Rottweiler, is her under your leadership said that our denomi- constant com- panion on the nation’s vision and call “is not adequately farm. supported by our current relationships, behaviors and organization.” Have there been he moderator of Mennonite Church USA has significant changes in relationships, behav- many tasks, but this leader’s last week of ser- iors and organization in the past year? T vice is the most public: moderating the bienni- Yes. Some specific examples of these changes al Delegate Assembly. Sharon Waltner will be are these: doing that June 30-July 5, during Mennonite • Agency directors and our executive staff are Church USA Convention 2009 in Columbus, Ohio. not only meeting together regularly but planning To mark the end of her two-year tenure, I inter- together and setting goals for our churchwide viewed Waltner by email.—Everett J. Thomas work. Previously this group only met sporadically. Editor: During your biennium as modera- • Under Marty Lehman’s leadership, many tor, Mennonite Church USA evaluated the communications and development functions are denominational structure put in place in being reviewed and addressed from a shared, 2001. As a result of this Six-Year Review, will churchwide point of view to determine where we there be significant changes to Mennonite have duplication and how we can better share Church USA? resources. I trust Mennonite Church USA will stand unwa- • We agreed to hire a consultant for better veringly on issues that are central to following alignment of churchwide operations. Our goal is to Jesus within the framework of our Anabaptist the- present recommendations for change from an ology. Of course, a dynamic, missional church will objective, impartial process of listening and dis- indeed make changes to join in God’s efforts. cernment. Three specific areas of significant change that • The Executive Director search is driven by a Note: In the July 7 issue we will have resulted from our review are these: desire for the whole church to be consulted and have a similar fea- • The first annual all boards meeting: This involved. We’ve expended significant effort to gain ture on Ed Diller, biennium was the first time all board members input from minority groups, emerging fellowships Mennonite from our agency and constituency groups met and traditional congregations. Church USA together face-to-face at round tables. Meeting In June 2008, the Executive Board moderator for the 2009-2011 together is the first step toward building trust announced its plan to form one board to lead biennium. within our denomination. This meeting provided all Mennonite Church USA agencies. But that

20 TheMennonite June 16,2009 South Dakota farmer and health-care educator reflects on Mennonite Church USA’s changes to ‘current relationships, behaviors and organization.’ plan is now on hold and appears unlikely to • We observe our traditional congregations become reality. As you reflect on 2008, finding new energy and creativity as they embrace would you do anything differently with regard the missional church vision. to this proposal and the way the Executive This past biennium has been an extraordinary Board led the discussion? opportunity for me to experience the commitment Often we Hindsight always offers new insights. I regret and passion of our diverse constituency as it seeks the confusion and frustration encountered as we to join in God’s work. For me, this is the quintes- appear proposed the Executive Board initiatives. The ini- sence of hope. more tiative to form one board is under continued dis- What are the things about Mennonite cernment. Although some segments of the original Church USA that give you the most concern? interested initiatives may not be implemented, the proposals Though I firmly believe that Mennonite Church were critical to facilitate needed change. Much USA is on the right path, it’s important for us to in arguing progress has come as a result of the initiatives. keep ourselves open to new directions God may Mennonite Church USA is a treasure. To effective- take us. May we choose with urgency to be pro- about ly share this treasure, we need to be both prudent active rather than reactive. That said, three areas and nimble with our resources. we must address are these: peripheral What are the things about Mennonite • Our capacity to clearly hear God’s voice is Church USA that give you the most hope? curtailed as we become too comfortable in our issues … My belief in and hope for the vision of Menno- busy and overcommitted lifestyles. Often the domi- and are less nite Church USA is renewed through each phone nant culture insidiously pervades our worldview conference, face-to-face meeting and discernment and champions complacency. interested process we engage in. I’m continually reminded • Many of our young adults are choosing to that God’s plan is so much broader and richer than leave the church or are not finding meaningful in respond- any of us can fathom. A few reasons to celebrate: congregations in the cities where they move. • Others outside our traditional circles are find- • Often we appear more interested in arguing ing together ing Anabaptism for the first time, and their enthu- about peripheral issues such as homosexuality, siasm and fervor is contagious. worship music styles, health-care priorities, etc. to God’s call. • New racial-ethnic congregations are finding and are less interested in responding together to more support and resources within Mennonite God’s call for us to become a growing, faithful and Church USA. effective church. Jeremy Waltner/KALEIDSCOPE

Mennonite Church USA moderator Sharon Waltner is a health-care educator and farms with her husband Keith near Parker, S.D. This includes cleaning out cattle lots. June 16,2009 TheMennonite 21 Former MVSer trades tools for wheels Ryan Iafigliola will lead bike trip to promote Fuller Center for Housing. for a year as a volunteer. Mennonite Voluntary Service, one of Mennonite Mission Network’s Christian Service programs, invites adults of all Cara Rufenacht Cara ages and backgrounds to spend a one- or two-year term living in community and serving in a variety of locations across the United States. During his volunteer year, Iafigliola was encouraged to develop his own gifts as a leader and came up with the idea of a bike ride to raise awareness and funds for the Fuller Center. He modeled his idea on walks across the country that Fuller hosted during the 1980s and 1990s. Last summer, eight riders joined Iafigliola in a coast-to-coast bike ride from San Diego, Calif., to Savannah, Ga., and raised $135,000 for the Fuller Center. This year the goal is to raise $200,000, and Iafigliola is still looking for more riders, for a day or for the entire trip, to help meet this goal. Last year, one biker, Katherine Stump, found Former MVSer his summer, using bicycles, water bottles and the ride on Facebook, an online social networking Ryan Iafigliola helmets as their tools, 18 riders will travel site. She was so inspired by the mission of the with fellow rider from Michigan to Florida to help raise houses. Fuller Center that when the bikers rode through Katherine Stump T From July 10 to Aug. 16, these bikers, led by Americus, Ga., where the Fuller Center is located, former Mennonite Voluntary Service participant she submitted an application and interviewed for a Ryan Iafigliola, will travel from city to city, spread- job. She now serves as the assistant director of ing the word about the Fuller Center for Housing communications for the Fuller Center. and raising money to supplement building proj- “The bike ride changed my whole perspective. ects. I had never considered working for a nonprofit The bike ride The bike ride will also honor Millard Fuller, the before, but for the first time in my life I felt God founder of both Habitat for Humanity and the calling me to do something,” says Stump. changed my Fuller Center for Housing, who died unexpectedly During the 2009 bike ride, bikers will stay at whole after a brief illness in February. churches and connect with Fuller Center partners Begun in 2005, the Fuller Center for Housing in different cities. On July 12 in South Bend, Fuller perspective. continues Fuller’s legacy of making decent hous- Center board chair LeRoy Troyer is organizing a I had never ing available to all people. The Fuller Center focus- building event at which riders will help renovate a es its efforts on helping provide upkeep and reno- house alongside people from the community. considered vations to existing homes. Instead of simply build- Bikers will also stay at Kern Road Mennonite working for a ing new homes, they can fit homes with handicap Church in South Bend and have a chance to share accessible features like ramps and handrails, put with church members about their ride. Members nonprofit on new roofs and help with a variety of other of the congregation will also join the bikers for the before,but I repairs. first day’s journey. “Millard began to notice there was a target audi- “In our county, we’re working on a program to felt God call- ence that Habitat couldn’t serve,” says Iafigliola. eliminate substandard housing,” says Troyer. “The ing me to do “For example, elderly people who are living in a Bible says that with God all things are possible, home but don’t have the resources for upkeep. and we’re claiming that. It’s exciting to see young something. Now people can be blessed by receiving repairs people like Ryan getting involved.” After complet- —Katherine and then help send back a gift that can bless some- ing his year with MVS, Iafigliola continues to work one else.” at the Fuller Center as a staff member. Stump Iafigliola first got involved with Habitat and Individuals are invited to join the Fuller Center Fuller during his time as a student at the bikers for any length of time during the ride. For University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind. He more information about the Fuller Center bike knew he was interested in working alongside adventure, visit www.fullercenterbiketrip.com. Fuller after college, and MVS provided a program —Hannah Heinzekehr of Mennonite Mission that allowed him to serve with the Fuller Center Network

22 TheMennonite June 16,2009 New Kenyan church works at tribal peace Fifty attend reconciliation meeting at Chepilat Mennonite Outreach Church. ast spring, the charred remains of homes and Photo provided businesses lined the streets of Chepilat, L Kenya, a town in the borderlands west of Nairobi, where the Kalengin and Kisi tribes rub up against one another. For years they had lived in peace, but following the uncertainties of the disputed 2008 election, the friction burst into flames, leaving death, destruc- tion and hatred in its wake. “But God still works miracles,” says Lois Boyer, an Eastern Mennonite Mission (EMM) worker in the country. Last December, four young men on a Youth Evangelism Service team—Colin Good, Stefan Wessman, Brook Musselman and Taylor Weidman—came to live in Chepilat to help lay the groundwork for a possible reconciliation meeting. For five months the YES team worked along- side Kenyan Mennonite church planter George Before the day ended, the group decided to On left, Aram Nyahude to plant the Chepilat Mennonite form the Chepilat Interdenominational Peace and DiGennaro, EMM Outreach Church and befriend church leaders Reconciliation Organization—a pastors’ fellowship worker in Kenya, chats with from both sides of the conflict. that will continue working for peace and reconcilia- Chepilat pastors “Our thought was that if the church was not tion. over lunch at the united across tribal boundaries, we couldn’t expect “We knew God had moved in a big way to bring day-long reconcil- others to be,” says Wessman. all these men from hostile sides together to work iation meeting As they built relationships in the town, the YES for peace,” Wessman says. “It was just incredible.” hosted by the Chepilat team met separately with pastors from both sides The reconciliation meeting has also had a pro- Mennonite to discuss past events and what would lead to found impact on the young church plant. Outreach Church. peace and reconciliation. “We’ve seen the light of God in our church After tea, conversation and intertribal relation- here,” Wessman says. “The following Sunday we ship building, the team invited all area pastors to a had one of the best services I’ve ever been part of. meeting on March 30. About 50 people attended. It seemed God was smiling down and saying ‘just Pastor George moderated the meeting and wait, you haven’t seen anything yet.’ introduced Clair Good, the EMM Africa represen- “We were filled with joy and excitement as peo- tative. Using Romans 12:11-21 as a backdrop, Good ple crammed the sanctuary. The energy was conta- told stories of injustice and forgiveness, then gious. Energy built as the service progressed. paired off the group, trying to mix up the different Before, during and after each introduction the tribes. enthusiastic church members clapped, shouted, Good invited the pairs to share with one another cheered and praised God just for bringing them to what they thought the Scripture was saying. Then the service regardless of their tribal back- when the group reassembled, people shared what grounds.” they heard their partners saying. The YES team was especially encouraged to see “The Holy Spirit was definitely in those conver- many familiar faces—people they’d learned to sations,” Wessman says. “It was an open time of know while visiting in the town, teaching English honest sharing about the uprising. People took in the local elementary school, working with the responsibility for their own sins, listened to each church youth group and playing soccer. other and to God. By the time we broke for lunch, “We didn’t have any special training in peace- there was tangible excitement in the air. Some- making,” says YES team member Brook thing was going to happen.” Musselman. “All we did was call people together After the discussion, Mennonite bishop Clyde and share our passion for peace. It felt like Luke Agola spoke along with Pastor Kennedy from the 10, where Jesus sent out the 72. They didn’t have National Council of Churches of Kenya. Both much special training either. But their relationship expressed the need for peace and unity among with Jesus was enough.”—Jewel Showalter of Christian leaders. Eastern Mennonite Missions

June 16,2009 TheMennonite 23 Holy Spirit will be with them, grads told Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary graduating class small but ‘mighty.’ Paraclete—will be with them in their ministry. The John 15:9-17 passage that Friesen used as the basis

Mary Klassen for her message at the seminary’s commencement service on May 23 comes within a section in which Jesus is preparing his disciples for his death. The disciples are asking, “Where are you going? Can we go, too? Who will stay with us?” Friesen noted that as graduates leave the semi- nary and move into ministry, they, too, are asking, “Who will stay with us?” “Each day of ministry, you will call out for the Advocate,” the conference minister for Western District Conference said. She reassured them that as they make hospital visits, wait with grooms as weddings begin and do other ministry tasks, the Holy Spirit will be with them. Friesen noted a variety of ministry concerns highlighted in publications for church leaders, including economic stress, addictions and the Associated aking a cue from the church calendar, which need for the church to involve young people. Mennonite showed eight days until Pentecost, Dorothy However, she also noted the signs she sees of new Biblical Seminary Nickel Friesen told Associated Mennonite vitality in the church. graduates sing at T the May 23 com- Biblical Seminary (AMBS), Elkhart, Ind., gradu- “I see small group prayer cells, community gar- mencement. ates that the Holy Spirit—the Advocate, the dens and barriers between people slowly giving way and allowing new conversations.” She con- cluded with the reminder that Jesus called his fol- New from Herald Press lowers “friends,” and added, “God has called you to be salt and light, to be present. God calls you to Jesus Matters love one another and bear fruit.” Good News for the 21st Century Rebecca Slough, AMBS academic dean, called the 2009 graduating class small but “mighty,” Each author in this collection teams with explaining that some students who could have one or more young adults to consider the graduated this year decided to continue their stud- various ways we encounter and experience ies another year. Jesus. Topics include Jesus and creation, Of the 15 students who graduated in the service Jesus and the cross, Jesus and salvation, at College Mennonite Church in Goshen, Ind., Jesus and the Bible, and Jesus and the seven received the Master of Divinity degree, future. Authors include Michele three the Master of Arts: Theological Studies, two Hershberger, Mark Thiessen Nation, the Master of Arts: Peace Studies, two the Master Willard Swartley, and April Yamasaki. of Arts in Mission and Evangelism, and one the Paper, 260 pages, $16.99 certificate in Theological Studies. Seven graduates will begin or continue pastoral ministry assignments, and one is seeking a pas- Now Go Forward toral ministry placement. Four will pursue further Reaching Out to Grow Your Congregation studies, one will work with Mennonite Church J. David Eshleman encourages and equips believers, pastors, and USA, one will continue work with Mennonite.net, church leaders to revitalize their congregations. Eshleman’s step- and one will pursue peace and justice work. by-step guidance will encourage your congregation to build the One graduate is from Kenya and will return to the church by building relationships in your own backyard. congregation where he previously served as pas- $ tor. Two graduates are from Canada and the remaining 12 are from the United States. Friesen is conference minister for Western 1 800 245-7894 • www.heraldpress.com District Conference.—Mary E. Klassen of Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary

24 TheMennonite June 16,2009 Graduates challenged to ‘cultivate caring’ One-hundred nineteen students graduate from Bethel College on May 24.

ark McCormick, commencement speaker Vada Snider for Bethel College, North Newton, Kan., M tackled what seems the looming issue for the class of 2009 in the United States: the economy. But the career journalist deliberately gave his address a title—“The Caring Economy”—that could be read several ways, and he treated the topic with a twist that seemed to resonate with his audience. McCormick was speaking to the 116th graduating class of Bethel College on May 24, with ceremonies taking place for the second year in a row outdoors in Thresher Stadium. This year a new ritual was added to commence- ment: touching a threshing stone, the same one freshmen touch as they are welcomed to campus at the first convocation. Until earlier this year, McCormick worked for The Wichita Eagle, for which he had written a Bethel president Barry Bartel conferred 40 Amber Goossen, weekly column since 2004. He was recently named bachelor of arts and 79 bachelor of science left, and Cane executive director of the Kansas African-American degrees. Fifty-three of the graduates plan to enter Griffiths, touch the threshing Museum in Wichita. health- and social service-related careers, 15 busi- stone before “I’m talking about the economy in terms of ness and seven education. At least four will follow Bethel College’s everything we spend—time, money, energy,” a Bethel tradition of taking voluntary service 116th commence- McCormick said. “How we do that reflects our pri- assignments.—Melanie Zuercher of Bethel College ment exercises. orities and our values. “A caring economy,” McCormick said, “sup- ports and promotes capitalism and also con- science. It stops opening more liquor stores in advanassociates.com neighborhoods where violence is on the rise. It puts a check on predatory lenders and credit card Click here to learn how AAI can partner companies. It provides health care for all those with you in these uncertain times who are sick.” McCormick said he is an example of the cur- rent economic downturn. Several months ago, he learned that his position at The Wichita Eagle was being reduced to half-time and that ultimately it would not survive budget cuts. Sherilyn Ortman “I felt like a failure,” he said. “Then I learned Becky Drumm that although I was a victim of an uncaring econo- my, people did care.” A lesson he learned from reading author Mitch Mike Wiese Albom, McCormick said, is that “relationships are Rich Gerig the most important, not money or possessions. A Dan Hess caring economy is based on relationships.” “The world needs you,” he said to the gradu- ates. “The city needs you. A friend needs you. No Consulting In ...... matter what your major or your training—the Strategic Visioning abandoned child and the mother who abandoned ...... Fundraising ADVANCEMENT him need you to cultivate caring. That is broader ...... Associates than investments and portfolios and vaster than Capital Campaigns ...... 866-777-1606 Toll Free the Federal Reserve.” Enrollment As they crossed the stage to receive their diplo- ...... [email protected] mas, several students expressed their appreciation to McCormick for his remarks. Building relationships. Advancing your mission.

June 16,2009 TheMennonite 25 Hope for those affected by violence, AIDS MCC helps fund day-care center in South Africa, peace workshops in India. financial support or personnel to 69 organizations responding to HIV and AIDS in more than 25 countries around the world. These organizations provide care for adults and children with HIV and

Joanna Hiebert Bergen their families, teach communities how to prevent the disease and advocate for people affected by it. Information about MCC’s response to HIV and AIDS, including ways to help, is available at mcc.org/aids.—Amanda Thorsteinsson for Mennonite Central Committee Hope for peace in India Christians in India’s Orissa state regard the out- come of April and May general elections as an answer to prayer, according to the Rev. Dr. Bijoy K. Roul, South Asia administrator for the Brethren in Christ Church. Orissa’s Christian minority was the target of widespread attacks in late August Children play n the South African language of Southern 2008, and many Christians blame radical Hindu table games at Sotho, Bophelong means “the place of life.” It is groups for inciting the violence. The elections Bophelong day- a fitting name for a bright day-care center full of gave more national parliamentary seats to India’s care center in I governing Congress Party, which is secular, and Thembisa town- smiling children in Thembisa township, near ship, South Johannesburg, South Africa. fewer seats to the opposition Bharatiya Janata Africa. But many of the children at Bophelong have Party (BJP), which is associated with Hindu lost one or both parents to AIDS and are being nationalism. cared for by either a grandmother or by siblings MCC is promoting peace in Orissa by sponsor- not much older than themselves. Mennonite ing workshops on peace and reconciliation and Central Committee (MCC) is providing financial helping local leaders receive specialized training in support to the day-care center to ensure that the these areas. MCC is planning to sponsor two children have a loving, adult presence in their Brethren in Christ church leaders from Orissa to lives. attend Henry Martyn Institute, a school of inter- “The walls are full of posters, numbers, letters faith relations in the Indian city of Hyderabad. and pictures,” says Joanna Hiebert Bergen, MCC’s Along with other Christian groups, the Brethren in HIV/AIDS coordinator, who visited the center ear- Christ were directly affected by the violence, with lier this year. “It is a day-care center where chil- homes and church properties burned. dren are given opportunity to learn, to grow and to Orissa’s Brethren in Christ churches are plan- thrive.” ning to organize a peacemaking dialogue with Hiebert Bergen also traveled to Ethiopia, Christians, Hindus and political leaders this year. Tanzania and South Africa to visit a variety of Roul is cautiously optimistic about the prospects organizations that MCC supports in helping peo- for peace in Orissa. In the run-up to the elections, ple affected by HIV and AIDS. the state’s governing party broke off an alliance In many places, the effects are devastating. The with the BJP and promised to improve security for disease often strikes people in the prime of life, Christians, such as those who fled their homes between the ages of 20 and 40. When parents are during the 2008 violence. too sick to work, children often cannot afford to “There are still some people living in the forest attend school and are left to beg or work in menial area in camps,” Roul says. “It will take some more jobs. time” for them to return. On a broader scale, In South Africa alone, 1.4 million children have Mennonites and Brethren in Christ throughout lost at least one parent to AIDS. Organizations such India are organizing peace committees to ease ten- as Bophelong play a key role in supporting them. sions. MCC is providing financial support to this “These children would go hungry if not for the effort, which is organized by Mennonite Christian nutritious meals and snacks provided by the day- Service Fellowship of India.—Tim Shenk of care center,” says Hiebert Bergen. MCC provides Mennonite Central Committee

26 TheMennonite June 16,2009 FOR THE RECORD

CALENDAR Langenderfer, Margaret Mae, April 21, Witthoft, Ruth Elizabeth, April 28, to “For the Record” to Larry and Kim Smith Langenderfer, Brandon and Lori Miller Witthoft, Wellman, is available to The Orrville Mennonite Church, Archbold, Ohio. Iowa. members of Orrville, Ohio, is having its centennial , Jan. 12, to Ryan , April 17, to Vince and Mennonite celebration June 27-28. For a weekend Lebow, Grant Wayne Yoder, Marie Ella schedule of events log on to the Web site and Bobbie Siebert Lebow, Lincoln, Neb. Gretchen Brenneman Yoder, Kalona, Iowa. Church USA. To at www.orrvillemenno.net. Martin, Eleni Iris, May 13, to Chad Martin Yost, Samantha Galzote, May 16, to submit informa- and Jessica King, Lancaster, Pa. Casey and Janet Galzote Schertz Yoder, tion, log on to San Francisco, Calif. www.TheMenno- Mayer, Jace Travis, May 27, to Eric and WORKERS Jenny Mast Mayer, Sarasota, Fla. nite.org and use the “For the Hunsberger, Willis, was licensed as pas- McCullough, Harper Reese, May 13, to MARRIAGES Record” button to tor of Concord Mennonite Church in Jamie and Melissa Troyer McCullough, access our online Knoxville, Tenn., on May 24. Beaver Crossing, Neb. Bloomer/Nafziger: Kristen Bloomer, Archbold, Ohio, and Gary Nafziger, forms. You can Miller, Brylee Elizabeth, May 12, to Zac Archbold, May 9, at Central Mennonite also submit infor- BIRTHS & ADOPTIONS and Angela Wessley Miller, Newton, Kan. Church, Archbold. mation by email, Peters, Ellery Kate, April 14, Luke and Chapman/Karina: Jeremy Chapman, fax or mail: Bogle, Samuel Jonah, March 24, to Chasie Young Peters, Henderson, Neb. Michael and Celesti Buller Bogle, Windom, South Bend, Ind., and Myra Karina, South •Editor@TheMen- Minn. Popp, Adam Joseph, May 15, Steve and Bend, May 9, at Kern Road Mennonite nonite.org Tonya Short Popp, Denver, Colo. Church, South Bend. Boyd, Zachary Curtis, May 22, to Bill and •fax 574-535- Regier, Maddox Levi, May 11, to Andrew Detweiler Wiens/Smith: Mary Lee Katie Friesen Boyd, Lincoln, Neb. 6050 and Valerie Ediger Regier, York, Neb. Detweiler Wiens, Hesston, Kan., and Jim Fox, Xander Lewis, May 15, to Shane and Smith, Hesston, May 30, at Hesston •1700 S. Main St., Treva Falk Fox, Winnipeg, Manitoba. Ressler, Elijah Alan, May 27, to Derek and Mennonite Church. Sarah Barth Ressler, South Bend, Ind. Goshen, IN Friesen, Adrik Hayes, May 27, to Gibbon Enns/Lungal: Cael James Enns, Altona, 46526-4794 and Brooke Thieszen Friesen, Henderson, Sweeney, Jaxson Leo, May 9, to Andrew Man., and Brittani Lungal, Gretna, Man., Neb. and Andi Huebert Sweeney, Henderson, May 2 at Buffalo Point, Manitoba. Neb. Green, Amelia Elizabeth, May 25, to Sam Epp/Frogge: Sheldon Epp, Henderson, and Laura Green, New Paris, Ind. Vap, VaNessa Ann, Feb. 6, to Jesse and Neb., and Lauricia Frogge, Aurora, Neb., Laura Epp Vap, Henderson, Neb. Groenewold, Seth David, May 3, to Steve May 16, at Bethesda Mennonite Church, and Kara Bailey Groenewold, Riverside, Henderson. Iowa.

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www.goshen.edu/journey timely tip: Lock up when leaving the house!

June 16,2009 TheMennonite 27 FOR THE RECORD

Hernandez/Springer: Yaneth Hernandez, Klassen, Selma Strausz, 94, Schowalter Miller, Erma M. Miller, 102, Topeka, Ind., Goshen, Ind., and Mark Springer, Goshen, Villa, Hesston, Kan., died April 7. Spouse: died May 27. Spouse: Ivan M. Miller May 30, at Hopedale Mennonite Church, Rudolph “R. A.”Klassen (deceased). (deceased). Parents: James Elmer and Ida Hopedale, Ill. Parents: Peter J. and Anna Flickner Strausz. Eash Miller. Children: Carol Zehr, Evelyn Children: Donald, James, Vernell Miller, Byler, Gaylord, Maurice, Larry, Delmar, Hershey/Mercer: Pam Hershey, Columbiana, Ohio, and Paul Mercer, Cynthia Goerzen; eight grandchildren; Ronald; 19 grandchildren; 32 great-grand- Columbiana, May 23, at Leetonia seven great-grandchildren. Funeral: April children; three great-great-grandchildren. Mennonite Church, Leetonia, Ohio. 10 at Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church, Funeral: May 30 at Emma Mennonite Goessel. Church, Topeka. Liechty/Martin: Jenna Liechty, Goshen, Ind., and Peter Martin, Berne, Ind., April 25, King, Dorothy M. Hartzler, 98, West Mosimann, Ella Barbara, 99, Chesterfield, at Eighth Street Mennonite Church, Liberty, Ohio, died May 21 of complica- Mo., died Feb. 26. Parents: Andrew and Goshen. tions from surgery. Spouse: Loren King Barbara Rocke Mosimann. Funeral: May 16 (deceased). Parents: Joseph M. and at Prairieview Mennonite Church, Martha E. Zook Hartzler. Children: Beverly Flanagan, Ill. Stoltzfus, Linda Hostetler, Mary Boldman, DEATHS Peters, Bertha Regier, 83, Henderson, David, Dwight, Alvin; 13 grandchildren; 27 Neb., died April 18. Spouse: Carl D. Peters. Bechtel, Lowell, 90, Goshen, Ind., died great-grandchildren. Funeral: May 24 at Parents: John A. and Nettie Siemens “For the Record” May 15. Spouse: Sarah “Betty”Whirledge Bethel Mennonite Church, West Liberty. Regier. Children: Joe, Linda Heisey; three lists obituaries for Bechtel (deceased). Parents: Ira and Rosa Martin, Lucille Hattie Mitten, 85, grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren. Mennonite Rensberger. Children: Jane Troup, Thomas, Columbiana, Ohio, died April 30 of con- Funeral: April 25 at Bethesda Mennonite Edward; six grandchildren; nine great- Church USA gestive heart failure complications. Church, Henderson. grandchildren. May 18 at Eighth Street Spouse: Herbert L. Martin (deceased). members who Mennonite Church, Goshen. Sommers, Wesley W., 84, Bluffton, Ohio, died during the Parents: Hebert and Amelia Feikert Mitten. died May 21. Spouse: Betty Edinger Children: Judy Cutler, Loretta Ammons, past three Bender, Paul E., 83, Belleville, Pa., died Sommers. Children: Bruce N., John, Philip, May 13. Spouse: Leona Miller Bender. Cindy Noling, Delores Rankin, Suzie Brady, months. Ad- Kevin L., Mark; 11 grandchildren; three Parents: Lewis and Barbara Miller Bender. Donald; 22 grandchildren; 34 great-grand- great-grandchildren. Funeral: May 23 at ditional informa- Children: Lois A. Arnold, John Paul, L. Roy, children, Funeral: May 6 at Leetonia tion about the Chiles and Sons Laman Funeral Home, Titus W., Miriam D. Ferguson, Loren E., Mennonite Church, Leetonia, Ohio. Bluffton. deceased may be Kevin Ray; 14 grandchildren; six great- Martin, Ralph E., 88, Goshen, Ind., died submitted to grandchildren. Funeral: May 18 at Maple Stauffer, Melvin P., 74, Mendon, Mich., April 10. Spouse: Ellen Rose Martin Mast. died May 23 of a heart attack. Spouse: Clara The Mennonite at Grove Mennonite Church, Belleville. Parents: Elijah and Ella Good Mast. www.TheMenno- Jean Yoder Stauffer. Parents: Peter and Burkholder, Gertrude Evelyn Martin, 82, Children: Alice Jane Gesse, Linda Amanda Stoltzfus Stauffer. Children: Ernie, nite.org. We will Waynesboro, Va., died May 22. Spouse: Farmwald; six grandchildren; 11 great- Carol Kotva; four grandchildren. Funeral: forward all infor- Merlin A. Burkholder. Parents: William H. grandchildren. Funeral: April 14 at May 28 at Calvary Chapel, Sturgis, Mich. mation to and Florence Hershey Martin. Children: Hopewell Mennonite Church, Kouts, Ind. MennObits, the Eddie, Robert, Perry, Philip, Cindy Houff, Zehr, Agnes L. Zehr, 101, Hopedale, Ill., Miller, Belle Ruthann, Cincinnati, Ohio, died May 25. Spouse: Albert H. Zehr. research Web site Sara Showalter, Jay, Wendell M; 22 grand- was stillborn on May 21. Parents: Joel children; 26 great-grandchildren. Funeral: Parents: Amos and Pearl Zehr. Children: sponsored by Russell and Abbie Bauman Miller. Siblings: Loretta Simmons, Marcella Zehr; three May 25 at Springdale Mennonite Church, Eve Miller, Lillian Miller. the Historical Waynesboro. grandchildren. Funeral: May 28 at Committee of Hopedale Mennonite Church. Dyer, Shirley Pankratz, 66, Henderson, Mennonite Ziegler, Mae C., 97, Sarasota, Fla., died Church USA. To Neb., died Jan. 1. Spouse: Jim Dyer. Parents: Oliver and Susie Friesen Pankratz. May 22 of complications from a broken receive a paper Children: Rick, Teri Walker, Tammie hip. Funeral: May 27 at Toale Brothers copy of the obitu- Maaske, Tricia Sander; 10 grandchildren; Chapel, Sarasota. ary form, call 574- three step-grandchildren; four step-great- 535-6052. To grandchildren. Funeral: Jan. 5 at Bethesda receive the obitu- Mennonite Church, Henderson. ary form as an Enns, Peter H., 81, Altona, Manitoba, died MS Word docu- April 29. Spouse: Helen Enns. Parents: Abram ment, email S. and Helena Heinrichs Enns. Children: Editor@themen- Myrla Friesen, Angela Friesen; seven grand- nonite.org. children. Funeral: May 2 at Altona Bergthaler Mennonite Church, Manitoba. Franz, George F., 83, Henderson, Neb., died April 30. Spouse: Cleola Pankratz Franz. Parents: George G. and Marie Epp Franz. Children: Greg, Kathy Ripley; step- children: Verlene Garber, LaVerne Epp, Dr. Galen Epp; four grandchildren; five great- grandchildren. Funeral: May 5 at Bethesda Mennonite Church, Henderson. Friesen, Marie Friesen, 95, Henderson, Neb., died April 11. Spouse: John T. Friesen (deceased). Parents: Gerhard E. and Katharina Huebert Friesen. Children: Rubena Hiebner, Myrna Johnson, Mary Claassen, Donald, Amanda Rempel, Melvin, LaVerne; 20 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren. Funeral: April 15 at 800.222.6695 www.mennohaven.org Bethesda Mennonite Church, Henderson. Menno Haven is committed to providing equal housing for all.

28 TheMennonite June 16,2009 CLASSIFIED

Eastern Mennonite University seeks qualified applicants for full- Mennonite Publishing Network seeks applicants for contract time program associate for Coming to the Table project. Position editor of Purpose: Stories of Faith and Promise, a monthly mag- organizes events for people and communities that are exploring azine published by Faith & Life Resources for adult Christians in and working toward healing the legacy of slavery. Primary Mennonite Church Canada and Mennonite Church USA. The edi- responsibility supports the network of connected descendants tor is expected to work with the editorial committee in choosing already involved in CTTT, creates support for newly exploring themes, solicit and edit articles and manage issues through to descendants and monitors Web site to maintain a safe environ- production. Candidates for this position should have editorial ment to share stories. Bachelor’s degree required. Two years expe- experience, awareness of the Mennonite church constituencies rience in writing, event planning, Web-based social networking and enthusiasm about representing God’s healing and hope in and group leadership. Strong communication and interview skills, the world. They should also be active members in good standing Advertising space public speaking, event planning, photography and videography of a Mennonite congregation in one of these two denominations. in The Mennonite experience. Web social networking competency and basic office This position is available for fall of 2009. To apply, send a letter of is available to management skills are required. Experience exploring the application and resumé by June 30, 2009, to Eleanor Snyder, congregations, impacts of the legacy of slavery in the United States, education in Director, Faith & Life Resources, Mennonite Publishing Network, conferences, antiracism and comfort dealing with highly emotional issues is 490 Dutton Dr., Unit C7, Waterloo, ON N2L 6H7, or email ideal. Some travel required. Position begins July 2009. Submit [email protected]. businesses and application, resumé and three references to: [email protected]. For churchwide Mennonite Central Committee is seeking a volunteer service more information visit our Web site at www.emu.edu/humanre- boards and worker for a Resource Distribution Coordinator position in Akron, agencies of sources. People who bring diversity are encouraged to apply. EOE. Pa. This person works with communications staff and others with- Mennonite Publishing Network seeks applicants for a contract in MCC to plan, market and ensure easy access of products. Mennonite editor for Adult Bible Study, a quarterly curriculum based on Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in business, market- Church USA. Bible outlines determined by the Committee on Uniform Series, ing or communications required. To request a job description or Cost for one-time published by Faith & Life Resources. The editor is expected to to send a resumé and letter of interest contact Prem Dick at: classified place- assign writers for the teacher guide, student book and online [email protected] or call 717-859-1151. Please send letter of interest ment is $1.30 per weekly edition, edit the manuscripts and manage these resources and resumé by July 1, 2009. word, minimum through to production. The ideal candidate will have an advanced Coming to Montreal for school or vacation? Enjoy Montreal’s of $30. Display degree in biblical studies and Anabaptist theology, editorial expe- trendy “Plateau” district by staying at Maison de l’amitié space is also rience and an awareness of current adult education teaching Summer Guestrooms and Student residence. Student housing available. To place methodology. Applicants should be active members in good available for September. 514-843-4356, www.residencema.ca an ad in The standing of a Mennonite congregation in Mennonite Church USA [email protected] or Mennonite Church Canada. This position is available for fall Mennonite, call 2009. For more information or to apply, send a letter of applica- Laurelville Mennonite Church Center is seeking a full-time 800-790-2498 tion and resumé by June 30, 2009, to Eleanor Snyder, director of director of marketing and advancement. This position calls for a and ask for Faith & Life Resources, Mennonite Publishing Network, 490 creative person with gifts in developing, advancing and commu- Rebecca Helmuth, Dutton Drive, Unit C7, Waterloo, ON N2L 6H7, or email esny- nicating the mission and vision of LMCC with constituents and or email [email protected]. the media. Expertise in computer technology and Web site devel- Advertising@The opment is required. College education and previous experience is Mennonite.org. Nursing faculty. Bethel College (North Newton, Kan.) is seeking preferred. Starting date August. On campus housing is available. a full-time nursing faculty with expertise in medical-surgical nurs- Contact Laurelville at [email protected] or call 724-423-2056 or ing. If you are ready to work with a faculty team committed to 800-839-1021. excellence and continuous improvement, this may be the role for you. Start date: Fall 2009. See the complete position announce- ment at http://www.bethelks.edu/bc/careers/openings.php. EOE/AA

Opportunities for psychiatrists in a faith-based environment

Oaklawn, a major mental health provider in the midwest, seeks both a child and adolescent psychiatrist and an adult psychiatrist to join our multidisciplinary staff. • Located in Goshen, Indiana, a mid-sized rural community • Two hours from Chicago and three hours from Indianapolis • Community offers a cost of living 17.6% below national average • Faith-based heritage; sponsored by Mennonite Health Services Alliance • Competitive salary, on-call pay, incentive pay, relocation expense reimbursement • Call of 1:8 weekends and one weekday every two weeks

To learn about Oaklawn, visit our web site at www.oaklawn.org. For more information about these positions, contact Human Resources 330 Lakeview Drive, PO Box 809 at 1-800-282-0809, ext. 675. All inquiries kept confidential. Goshen, Indiana 46527

June 16,2009 TheMennonite 29 MEDIACULTURE

Books on following Jesus

ne of the marks of Anabaptist Christians is Gordon writes that “we are incredibly sophisticat- the emphasis on following Jesus—not just in ed in our society when it comes to finances, new O word but in deed. Many books help us do technologies, smart bombs, sports, cars, entertain- just that as disciples of our Lord. ment, but all of a sudden revert to infancy when it “Follow Me”: A History of Christian Intentionality comes to religion or spirituality.” He helps rectify by Ivan J. Kauffman (Cascade Books, 2009, $30) that in this incisive, challenging book. presents an overview of Christian history through Eugene H. Peterson adopts poet Emily the rubric of monastic and lay evangelical inten- Dickinson’s phrase in Tell It Slant: A Conversation tionality. Kauffman concentrates on individuals and on the Language of Jesus in His Stories and Prayers movements that have focused on Jesus’ call to fol- (Eerdmans, 2008, $24) and looks at Jesus’ indirect low him and that have influenced the development way of communicating God’s way. Peterson writes, of Western civilization. This is a helpful, accessible “Parables release the adrenaline of urgency into book. our bloodstream.” Pastors will find much grist for Solitude and Compassion: The Path to the Heart sermons in this book. of the Gospel by Gus Gordon (Orbis Books, 2009, The Economics of Honor: Biblical Reflections on Gordon Houser $18) seeks to bring together vertical (solitude) Money and Property by Roelf Haan (Eerdmans, and horizontal (solidarity) in Christian spirituality. 2009, $15) also has much of use for sermons and deals with a key element in following Jesus: money and how we relate to it. BOOKS FILMS Many books do more than talk about following American Lion: Andrew Jackson in Angels and Demons (PG-13) is the Jesus; they illustrate it. One important one is In the White House by Jon Meacham second Ron Howard movie based on a Harm’s Way: A History of Christian Peacemaker (Random House, 2008, $18) is a Dan Brown novel. Like The Da Vinci Teams by Kathleen Kern (Cascade Books, 2009, Pulitzer Prize-winning biography that Code, this is wildly implausible, con- $49). Kern offers an insider’s detailed history of details the tumultuous context in fusing and preaches a theology that is which Jackson fought to create a ignorant of much church history, CPT, noting that CPT’s central purpose “is to glori- country where no state or indigenous though the film is less anti-Catholic fy the Prince of Peace.” nation was more important than the than the book.—gh Central to Jesus’ teaching is the Beatitudes. In sum of the whole. Unlike his predeces- Sin Nombre (R) follows the journey of Claiming the Beatitudes: Nine Stories from a New sors (and later James Buchanan), who a father, daughter and uncle from Generation (The Alban Institute, 2009, $17), Anne thought the president should primari- Honduras toward “el norte.”It also ly serve Congress, Jackson recast the Sutherland Howard tells how nine different stu- shows the horrific life of gang mem- dents live out different Beatitudes, then reflects on presidency as the place where “the bers in Mexico, one of whom meets people” had their voice. For students the daughter and helps her. Their their experiences. of early presidents—or those interest- tragedies mix with movements of N. Gerald Shenk tells more stories from around ed in the formation of the Democratic grace in this harrowing film.—gh the world in Hope Indeed! Remarkable Stories of Party—this account of a Tennessee slave owner whose policies displaced Up (PG) is Pixar’s latest animated Peacemakers (Good Books, 2008, $9.95). This so many Native Americans is required gem, this time in 3-D. Balloon sales- small but powerful book is both challenging and reading.—Everett J. Thomas man Carl Fredricksen, 78, sets out for inspiring. South America but finds he has a Billy Graham and the Rise of the Jimi Calhoun tackles an insidious sin in A Story stowaway on the trip. The first half of Republican South by Steven P. Miller this delightful film is brilliant. It will of Rhythm and Grace: What the Church Can Learn (University of Pennsylvania Press, appeal to children, film buffs and the from Rock and Roll About Healing the Racial 2009, $29.95) explores the complexi- elderly as it touches on themes of Divide (Brazos Press, 2009, $15.99). Calhoun, who ties of Graham’s participation and grief, parenting and seeking purpose played bass alongside many world-famous musi- influence in social movements of his in one’s life.—gh time—the civil rights movement in cians and later became a pastor, offers his experi- particular. For instance, Graham held The Lemon Tree (NR) illustrates ences of racism and shows what religion might his first intentionally desegregated Israeli-West Bank border tensions learn from rock and roll. through the powerful story of a southern crusade in 1953 but also In Reasoning Together: A Conversation on established ways to “explicitly priori- courageous Palestinian woman who tize the conversion of souls over the fights to protect her lemon grove, Homosexuality (Herald Press, 2009, $17.99), transformation of racial sentiments,” which the Israeli defense minister Mennonite theologians Ted Grimsrud and Mark Miller writes. This biography offers threatens to cut down for security rea- Thiessen Nation model how to deal peacefully with invaluable insights when examining sons. When the Defense Minister’s differences in their arguments about what the wife takes interest in the Palestinian the profound influence of Graham on Scriptures teach about homosexuality and what faith, religion and politics in the woman’s situation, the film explores United States. Miller has taught at the hope that a potential but nearly empirical evidence tells us about God’s homosexu- Goshen (Ind.) College.—Anna Groff impossible friendship may bring.—ag al children. TM

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Don’t let your congregation miss out!

June 16,2009 TheMennonite 31 EDITORIAL

Open up to Millennial women

o fully accept women’s leadership and prepare a variety of perspectives and leadership styles the way for the women in the Millennial* gen- grace a single congregation, and those serving on T eration, Mennonite Church USA members the team have peer support. must examine the spoken and unspoken expecta- Another sign of hope for women in leadership is tions we hold—and determine which remain the May 16 ordination of associate pastor Sue appropriate for today. Conrad at my home congregation, East Chestnut A 2008 survey reveals a decline in the number Street Mennonite Church, in Lancaster, Pa. of women in leadership: At the Mennonite Women Conrad is one of the first women in Lancaster Anna Groff USA retreat in March, Mary Shertz reported on a Mennonite Conference to be ordained since the self-study by Associated Mennonite Biblical bishop board’s approval in May 2008. Seminary, Elkhart, Ind. The study found that, with I fight discouragement from the lack of women AMBS, fewer women are in leadership positions in leadership by observing the leadership abilities now than a decade ago. Also, men chair all church- and aspirations of other Millennial women around wide agency boards (although Sharon Waltner is me. *The term the moderator for Mennonite Church USA). “More than two-thirds of Millennial women” “Millennial” is Where are the women? Perhaps the system oppose women returning to traditional roles, write used to describe the generation frustrates women leaders. In May, a 30-something Morley Winograd and Michael D. Hais in their born between male friend who works in a Mennonite Church book Millennial Makeover: MySpace, YouTube and 1982 and 2003. USA agency (and wishes to remain anonymous) the Future of American Politics (Rutgers University pointed out that over time, systemic and institu- Press, 2009). tional oppression wears down women in leader- These same Millennial women still highly value ship. family and relationships. Winograd and Hais use There may be another reason: Some women the main character in the Millennial-esque movie, who hold leadership positions feel stifled by a nar- The Devil Wears Prada, to illustrate the challenge row view of what it means to lead and be a leader. facing many Millennials: the choice between a For example, in some church settings, many mem- high-powered but life-dominating career and a bers—consciously or subconsciously—expect a more service-oriented vocation that also values pastor to be married and most likely have a family. family and relationships. Millennials often choose the latter. From my observations, we Millennial women If we hope to attract today’s Millennial women for leadership take interest in entering leadership positions in the church and elsewhere. However, structures must positions,patterns that have discouraged women leaders must be open to our particular leadership styles. change. What can churches do? Remember that people experience leadership calls at a young age. A girl will quickly pick up on the cues of whether her thoughts, contributions and leadership skills earn How does this underlying expectation affect single equal value to those of the boys around her. women called to serve in the church? Keep this in mind when asking young girls to Or, often church members consider a pastor the participate in worship, when mentoring girls in This article is available as a main authority figure for the church body. But high school or when reconnecting with college podcast at many women, as well as men, prefer serving on a students and young adults. www.The leadership team model. For example, an interim If Mennonite Church USA hopes to attract Mennonite.org leadership team at Reba Place Church in today’s Millennial women for leadership positions, Evanston, Ill., includes Charlotte Lehman, Candi patterns that have discouraged women leaders Wiggins and Celina Varela. In this case and others, must change.—ag

32 TheMennonite June 16,2009