To-Person GRACE and TRUTH

www.TheMennonite.org March 6, 2007

Pages 8-15

12 A poet of peace 16 Manhattan Mennonite Fellowship 18 Do not answer violence with violence 32 Church-to-church, person- to-person GRACE AND TRUTH

Of what spirit are you?

n outcry arose over the tragic circumstances alignment with issues, of being directed by Christ surrounding the death of a young man (see of the cross, not driven by crisis in causes. A Jan. 16, page 6). On the eve of his wedding Rather than add our voices to the angry outcry day, police officers, whose sworn duty is to protect of the dissatisfied and distressed we use our voice life, took his. The incident was one more example to express the love of God in Jesus Christ. More of of an African-American man suffering from the us should strive to speak pastorally and passionate- excessive use of deadly force. Tens of thousands ly of God’s peace and intentional community. of people angrily called out for justice. Shouldn’t Jesus in Luke 9:55-56 reveals the correct moti- we add our voices to theirs? Shouldn’t we eagerly vation for action, and Luke 10:33-35 reveals the move to act for the peace we so earnestly pray for? constructive methods for action. Don’t limit the Shouldn’t we speak prophetically to the powers reign of God in the earth to simply aiding the that be, urging them to heed the truths we Chris- bruised and wounded. Those acts, however mean- tians espouse? I wrestled with those questions as ingful, are momentary. Work as peacemakers in pastor of a church, as a board member of African the spirit of Christ to transform society, transform- American Mennonite Association and intercultural ing those structures that leave people wounded Kenneth Thompson is relations committee and as a black man. and bruised. That’s significant and eternal. pastor of Peace as a basic tenet of Anabaptist history and Raise your sights to rescue the wounded and Friendship Mennonite faith expression positions us to serve repair Jericho’s road, making it safe. Bring togeth- Community the purposes of God in our time and in our world. er affected citizens, local authorities, municipal Church, Bronx, Our active sense of the presence of God, and the leaders and reconcile them. Supply the need of N.Y. kingdom as taught by Jesus Christ, gives us a those on the road who have not, and develop rela- vibrant spirituality, a distinct identity. It is a mis- tionships with the innkeepers along Jericho’s road take to think our nonviolent idealism translates who have, and reconcile the two. Bandage the into a noninvolvement that detaches us from the bruised and develop relationships with the medical reality of human experience. Our sense of beloved community so that medical care is accessible to all community, understanding what directly affects in need. Protect the lives of those who travel one indirectly affects all, won’t allow that mistake. Jericho’s road by protecting the future of the chil- How then should we respond to injustice? Luke dren; educate and empower at-risk youth so they 9:52-55 tells of an injustice suffered and how the don’t grow up and succumb to the temptation of disciples initially reacted. Jesus corrected their getting quick money by risking the lives of others. attitude and called them to have moral integrity in Ronnie Pride, pastor of Fellowship of Christ what they do. He corrected their theology, which Church in Rocky Mount, N.C., says: “The gospel is This article is mistook judgment for justice, condemnation for more than making people feel better—it means available as an audio file at conviction, retribution for restitution and might for making better people.” www.The right. The spirit of Christ elevates our “Pray for If we hope to realize the liberating themes of Mennonite.org Peace, Act for Peace” slogan to the higher “Pray the gospel shaped by the reign of God in our for Peace, Act in Peace.” Remember what spirit we world we must respond to conflict with inspired are of. Our interest is allegiance to Immanuel, not emotion and intelligent compassion. TM

TheMennonite Vol. 10, No. 5, March 6, 2007 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 by the board for The Mennonite, Inc. Periodical postage paid at Goshen, IN 46526. Sub- Associate Editor: Gordon Houser Goshen, IN 46526-4794 scription rates: $41.95 (U.S) or $60.60 (CDN) per year. Group rates avail- [email protected] phone: 800-790-2498 fax: 574-535-6050 able. Scripture references are from the New Revised Standard Version Assistant Editor: Anna Groff unless otherwise noted. The views expressed in this publication do not [email protected] 722 Main St., P.O. Box 347 necessarily represent the official positions of Mennonite Church USA, The Advertising, subscriptions: Rebecca Helmuth Newton, KS 67114 Mennonite, or the board for The Mennonite, Inc. [email protected] phone: 866-866-2872 Bookkeeper: Celina Romero fax: 316-283-0454 [email protected] Postmaster Editorial Assistant: Nora Miller 1251 Virginia Ave. Send form 3579 to: Design: Dee Birkey Harrisonburg, VA 22802 The Mennonite phone: 540-434-2556 1700 S. Main St. Web site: www.TheMennonite.org fax: 540-434-5556 Goshen, IN 46526

2 TheMennonite March 6,2007 CONTENTS

17 8 Not an impossible dream The life story of Luis Padilla—Jim Bishop

11 No strangers in Fred’s life A tribute in memory of Fred Schmidt—Margaret Loewen Reimer

12 A poet of peace The life and influence of Yorifumi Yaguchi—Anna Groff

20 14 The song leader A tribute to Professor Walter E. Yoder—Dwight E. Weldy

16 Manhattan Mennonite Fellowship A profile in photos

19 K-12 schools now evaluated by MC USA Mennonite Education Agency’s first-ever accreditations use Catholic protocols.—Gloria Y. Diener

20 MC USA delegation sees Congo growth

21 Churches offer alternatives to Carnival

22 Group plans ‘nonference’ to save fuel 21 DEPARTMENTS

2 Grace and truth Of what spirit are you?—Kenneth Thompson

4 Readers say

6 News digest

18 Speaking out Do not answer violence with violence—Vernon K. Rempel

25 For the record

30 Real families Retrieve, rehab, recover—Gerald Shenk

32 Editorial Church-to-church, person-to-person—Anna Groff

Cover: Photo illustration by Dee Birkey

March 6,2007 TheMennonite 3 READERS SAY

Profile mixes apples and oranges ing age. Regardless of whom we compare our- The results from the 2006 Mennonite Member selves with, the reality of this decline remains. Profile (Feb. 6) are intriguing. But I question the —Conrad Kanagy, Church Members Profile 2006 accuracy (or interpretation) of two of the reported results. The profile reveals that attendance at Number of young Mennonites will decline church more than once a week and at Sunday Re the Feb. 6 issue and the latest profile of This publication wel- school are both significantly down since 1972. Mennonite Church USA members: Most disheart- comes your letters, either about our con- Conrad Kanagy fears this means a serious drop in ening was the statistic that now the number of tent or about issues church involvement. However, since 1972 there Mennonites under age 45 is only 30 percent, a facing the Mennonite Church USA. Please has been an explosion in congregational small number declining by 24 percent since 1972. As I keep your letters groups that meet in members’ homes. How much continued to read on I came to the news story, brief—one or two paragraphs—and does this offset the decline in Sunday school or “Recommendation to Ordain Women Fails.” about one subject midweek services? Also I find it hard to believe Something is wrong when we as a denomina- only. We reserve the right to edit for that a much smaller percentage of Mennonites are tion encourage new leadership, educate women for length and clarity. under age 45 (30 percent) than is true in mainline ministry in our church schools, then follow that up Publication is also subject to space limi- Protestant denominations (42 percent). I suspect by refusing ordination to women in one of our own tations. Send to that a common category (membership?) is being conferences. As a young woman who attended a Letters@TheMenno- nite.org or mail to interpreted differently, resulting in an invalid Mennonite college for training in pastoral ministry, Readers Say, The apples and oranges comparison.—Ryan Ahlgrim, I and my husband entered into conversation with Mennonite, 1700 S. Main St., Goshen, IN Indianapolis conference ministers when seeking a pastoral 46526-4794. Please placement. During one conversation I was asked include your name and address. We will Kanagy responds whether or not if we were called to a congregation not print letters sent Thank you for these questions. Here are my I would be OK with having the same responsibili- anonymously, though we may with- responses: In 1989, 63 percent of members attend- ties as my spouse but not holding the title of pas- hold names at our ed Sunday school every Sunday, and 44 percent of tor. Refusal to ordain these women is not a far discretion.—Editors members were involved in a small group that met leap—a subtle form of emotional abuse that needs regularly. In 2006, 53 percent attended Sunday to be addressed by Mennonite Church USA lead- school weekly and 38 percent participated in a ership. If we continue to allow “differing scriptural small group that meets at least two or three times understandings” to suppress others, we can expect per month. Using these measures, both Sunday the number of young, energetic, educated mem- school attendance and small group participation bers to continue to decline. I have to give careful have declined since 1989. While I am not sure thought to belonging to a denomination that allows what differences in membership definition this type of abuse to continue.—Lyz Weaver, Ahlgrim suggests, any meaningful differences— Cassopolis, Mich. should they exist—do not invalidate the 35-year decline in proportion of Mennonites of childbear- Ordination decision also hurts men In the Feb. 6 article that reports Executive Board IN THIS ISSUE member responses to the Lancaster (Pa.) Menno- nite Conference vote on ordination for women, e regularly receive tributes to Mennonites from writers Samuel Lopez indicated he feels the pain of the who believe accounts about the lives of those faithful women—and women’s pain about this decision is W members would edify the church. Two articles reveal surely paramount. But this vote’s impact is broad- the contributions made by men whose deaths are separated by er than that. I am a man who has been nurtured decades: Fred Schmidt (page 11) and Walter E. Yoder (page and strengthened in my faith by growing up in a 14). Rarely does someone come forward and ask us to feature congregation with a woman pastor. As we all them. But that happened when Luis Padilla stopped in our reflect on the vote, I hope we do not think or act as Goshen, Ind., offices nearly two years ago and recounted his if women will be the only ones hurt by this deci- life story. So we commissioned an article about him (page 8). sion.—Jason Shenk, Goshen, Ind. We also occasionally discover a person whose story needs to be told, and Anna Groff offers a profile of Japanese Mennonite Do away with ordination? poet Yorifumi Yaguchi (page 12). We feature other Mennonites I am disappointed that Lancaster (Pa.) Mennonite in this issue as well: A congregational profile (pages 16-17) pro- Conference, where I am a member, decided to vides a glimpse at some Mennonites in Manhattan (N.Y.) maintain an unbiblical pattern of discrimination in Mennonite Fellowship, and Groff’s news story (page 20) intro- church leadership based on gender. Unfortunately, duces us to more Congolese Mennonites.—Editor that will deprive Lancaster Conference of the ministry of gifted women and will discourage young

4 TheMennonite March 6,2007 READERS SAY

women from following God’s call to ministry. It many situations our well-being is inextricably con- has already led some people not to join congrega- nected with our enemy’s? Both Grimsrud’s letter tions in the conference. Perhaps some individuals and the article to which he responded used “paci- and congregations will leave. fism” as the jumping off point. That word, with its In addition, this decision reflects a pattern of propositional and declarative qualities, demands biblical interpretation that is dangerous and main- that people choose one road or the other. If we tains ordination as a status symbol. It is troubling instead use a phrase such as enemy love, we may that one-third of Lancaster Conference’s creden- find it easier to turn the focus from ourselves and tialed leadership who voted interprets the Bible in our righteousness toward the salvation that God in a way that supports this policy. They seem to take Christ is bringing to pass for all creation.—Berry a few statements limiting the role of women literal- Friesen, Lancaster, Pa. ONLINE POLL ly while ignoring other statements, the practice of RESULTS the early church and the broader teaching of the World War I lesson for today New Testament, which support women in leader- The Road to Delhi by Arthur McPhee is an account During the season ship. They do not consider the context of state- of Bishop Pickett, a Methodist missionary states- of Lent: (65 votes) ments seeming to limit the roles of women and man to India in the early 20th century. Bishop I always give up pick and choose what they want to do by ignoring Pickett’s unique Christian response to World War I something. clear statements in the same passages. For exam- is so appropriate for today. He labeled himself (14%) ple, we do not prohibit “braiding hair.” If women “next to a pacifist” and called war “the worst kind I occasionally “must be silent,” what would happen to congrega- of violence.” Pickett reminded his readers of the give up some- tional singing? Could single women be saved if we cost of World War I—not just financially but in the thing. (35%) took literally the statement that “women will be loss of life, morality and spiritual values. I will give up saved through childbearing”? Our schools, church “There is no excuse for such an orgy of vio- something this agencies and mission programs would disintegrate lence,” he said. “Men and women of every faith year for the first if women were not allowed to “teach or have should join to attack the war spirit and all that pro- time. (2%) authority over a man” (1 Timothy 2:12). vokes it and continue that attack until war prepara- I do not observe It is ironic that ordination becomes the place to tion shall cease and permanent peace based on the Lenten season. (49%) draw the line when ordination is never mentioned mutual respect, tolerance, equal justice and fair in the New Testament in the way it is practiced in dealings for all people shall have been established Check out the new Lancaster Conference. Maybe to be more biblical, throughout the earth.” poll question at there should be no ordination at all. Perhaps cur- What was true then is more so today. It is time www. rently ordained men should relinquish their ordi- for us as believers and the church to declare loud- TheMennonite.org nation.—John W. Eby, Dillsburg, Pa. ly our allegiance to the Christ, the Prince of Peace, the one we serve and follow.—LeRoy Bechler, ‘Enemy love’ instead of pacifism Upland, Calif. I commend Ted Grimsrud for his letter (Feb. 6) attempting to rescue from caricature the view that Hearing about Palestinians enemy love is a serious option for everyone to fol- Thanks for printing Timothy Seidel’s “The ‘Living low. Given our experience and our heritage, we Stones’ of Bethlehem” (Dec. 19, 2006). We do not think of this as a religious teaching, rooted in how hear enough of this side of the story. Many God in Christ has regarded us. But isn’t it also a thanks, and blessings on Timothy.—Wilma Shank, wise teaching, reflecting the recognition that in Goshen, Ind.

Pontius’ Puddle Joel Kauffmann

March 6,2007 TheMennonite 5 NEWS DIGEST

IN BRIEF U.S.religious delegation visits Iran Beninese health center wins award TEHRAN, Iran—In the first meeting of its kind COTONOU, Benin—Under the leadership of since the 1979 Islamic revolution, a group of Raphael Edou and a 30-member council of church- Americans met with a sitting Iranian president in es in Benin, West Africa, the clinic that began as a Iran on Feb. 24. single rented room has become an internationally The 2½-hour meeting took place at the presi- recognized organization. dential residence of President Mahmoud At an awards dinner on Jan. 15 at the Global Ahmadinejad and included a 13-member U.S. reli- Development Network conference in Beijing, gious delegation and members of the president’s China, the Japanese government awarded Hartzler named staff and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Bethesda Health Centre a $50,000 grant for the Mennonite The group discussed a variety of topics, includ- “Most Innovative Development Project.” Before Financial head ing the role of religion in transforming conflict, nearly 600 individuals representing more than 93 The board of direc- Iraq, nuclear proliferation and the Israeli- countries, Edou shared about the mission and tors of Mennonite Palestinian conflict. The delegation found most work of Bethesda. Financial, Lancaster, encouraging from the meeting with President “[Our] small beginning helped us to grow step Pa., has named W. Kent Hartzler as Ahmadinejad a clear declaration from him that by step,” he said. “Bethesda’s staff fears God and president and CEO of Iran has no intention to acquire or use nuclear avoids corruption. We don’t merely do something the 52-year-old weapons and a statement that the Israeli- for our salary. We want to reach people in need.” Anabaptist credit Palestinian conflict can only be solved through The conference explores original and imagina- union. Hartzler suc- political, not military means. tive approaches to development. Edou said ceeds Larry Miller, who left Dec. 31, The meeting culminated six days of meetings Bethesda will use the grant to conduct surveys 2006, to become with Iranian religious and government leaders and and develop their current programming as well as president of informal conversations with Iranians at universi- be more directly involved in the United Nations Mennonite Mutual ties, churches, mosques, shops and on the street. “Millennium Campaign” to cut the number of Aid. Hartzler has The delegation included leaders from Menno- Africans living beneath the poverty line in half by been with Menno- nite Financial for nite, Quaker, Episcopal, Catholic and United 2015.—Mennonite Mission Network nine years, most Methodist churches as well as representatives of recently serving as the National Council of Churches, Sojourners/Call Anabaptist Network a tool for young adults vice president for to Renewal and Pax Christi.—MCC HARRISONBURG, Va.—The Anabaptist Network, lending and busi- an online networking tool for young adults in ness development. Previously he was Mennonite Church USA and Mennonite Church the credit union’s Canada, works to link young adult events within director of market- Mennonite Church Canada and Mennonite ing. The credit union Church USA and make connections across ethnic, ended 2006 with racial and economic divides. more than $77.8 mil- lion in assets, a 7 Begun as a conversation at a meeting of the percent growth over Young Adult Fellowship, an organized partnership the previous year. between young adults and young adult ministry in Membership grew Mennonite Church Canada and Mennonite by 8 percent in 2006 Church USA, in South Bend, Ind., in October for a total of 9,424. —J. Lorne Peachey 2006, the network was also partly inspired by Tim Nafziger’s work with the Anabaptist Network in Words to live by the United Kingdom. “Forgo anger, tobac- Snider/Bethel College Vada Anabaptist Network takes form as a group on co, intoxication and Letting their light shine the global Internet networking tool Facebook. gluttony in favor of The Bethel College (North Newton, Kan.) Department of “Since many Anabaptist young adults already use exercise, humility, Nursing held its annual lamplighting for junior nursing charity, prayer and Facebook, we saw this as a sustainable approach, students Feb. 11. Director of nursing Gregg Schroeder patience,”says as well as an option for future global Anabaptist said this is the most diverse class ever, with nine men Nicholas Kao Se- and 18 foreign-born students from Haiti, Jamaica, networking possibilities,” says Hinke Loewen- tsean, who at 110 Kenya, Laos, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Togo and Rudgers, who works for Mennonite Church years old is one of Vietnam. Front row, from left: Victoria Charles (originally Canada and volunteers time to the project. the world’s oldest from Nigeria), Rebecca Claassen, Chelsea Corwin; back Roman Catholic The network plans to publish formal events— row: Sally Thiesen, Sarah Thompson, Evan Meyer, priests, on his conference gatherings—while allowing registered Thomas Morse and Nicholas Mwangi (originally from secrets for long life. Kenya).—Bethel College users to submit events such as hymn sings or —The Christian afternoon hiking trips. Century Transient young adults, who may feel distant 6 TheMennonite March 6,2007 NEWS DIGEST

IN BRIEF

Church staff as director of Hispanic resource min- Mennonite Your istries. More recently, he has served as director of Way Directory IBA for Mennonite Mission Network and updated Mennonite Church USA Executive Leadership. The Mennonite Your Flores will help develop a theological founda- Way Directory is a hospitality directory tion for helping all parts of the church become a listing nearly 1,600 missional church community. His role is to be a Mennonites, Brethren connector and enabler of people and programs. He and other Christians will work collaboratively with other staff in the of like spirit, in 54 churchwide system including the missional church countries, who offer lodging in their development staff in Mennonite Mission Network. homes on a “for a Flores will continue to serve as a denomination- donation” basis. Now Jim Bishop al minister with area conferences and provide con- in its 30th year the sultation for the ministerial leadership system. Directory continues He’ll also work with racial/ethnic leaders to help the long Anabaptist traditions of courtesy, ‘Kitz Blitz’ at EMU puts together health kits adapt missional church strategies into multiple cul- fellowship and hospi- Hamid Arsalan Abrahimpeur, an Eastern Mennonite University tural settings. tality to travelers. To freshman from Afghanistan, ties a health kit in an assembly The IBA training program for Hispanic leaders order the 96-page line during a “Kitz Blitz” held Feb. 16 as part of Mission Service will continue under direction of Mennonite directory, go to Days on the Harrisonburg, Va., campus. The kits will be sent to Education Agency and support from the Mission www.mennoniteyour- way.com, phone 847- Mennonite Central Committee, Akron, Pa., for distribution to Network. Flores will continue to serve as a con- people living in disaster sites, refugee camps and war zones. 949-6179, write MYW, —Eastern Mennonite University sultant to the program.—Mennonite Church USA 80 West Sylvan Drive, Mundelein, IL 60060- Bluffton debuts online literary journal 3315 or myw@mywdi- BLUFFTON, Ohio—Bluffton University’s English rectory.com. Those from the Mennonite church, have expressed a wishing to receive a need for support and networking, Loewen-Rudgers department has created an online literary journal, copy can register as a says. To join the Anabaptist Network community, Inspiration Point, to publish the work of Bluffton’s “host family” or sim- go to www.facebook.com, register an account and student writers. The Webzine has been made pos- ply use the directory search for the group “Anabaptist Network.” This is sible by the Pathways to Mission and Vocation for their personal Project with generous funding by the Lilly travel. New hosts can open to anyone interested, not just young adults. now be added at any- —Anna Groff Endowment Inc., and can be viewed at time. New this year is www.bluffton.edu/courses/tlc/bandishc/bulitjour- a service providing Flores to lead missional church effort nal/index.htm. updates by email. NEWTON, Kan.—Gilberto Flores, longtime Inspiration Point is designed and edited by —Jay and Glola Basler denominational minister and director of the English professors Cynthia L. Bandish and Susan Instituto Biblico Anabautista (IBA), on Feb. 1 S. Carpenter and stems from Bandish’s desire to Numbers: water assumed a new role as direc- use the Internet. The English department also and war days publishes Shalith, an annual literary magazine • Amount of money tor of missional church spent per year world- advancement for the denomi- filled with poetry, fiction, essays and artwork by wide on bottled nation with Mennonite Church students and faculty.—Bluffton University water: $100 billion USA Executive Leadership. Mennonite church supports Harding ministry • Amount per year Flores will serve as a mis- needed to meet the NEWTON, Kan.—Pike Mennonite Church, Elida, United Nations’ goal sional church catalyst for of giving everyone Executive Leadership staff and Ohio, says its pastor, Philip K. Clemens, has com- access to drinkable work with conference minis- mitted $4,000 per year over the next five years to water by 2015: $11.3 ters and churchwide agencies support the ministry of Dorothy and Curtis billion Gilberto Flores throughout Mennonite Harding, whose Lifting Jesus Higher Outreach for • Number of days U.S. 33 years has worked with people in Los Angeles, troops fought in Church USA. World War II: 1,347 Jim Schrag, executive director of Mennonite Mobile, Ala., and Atlanta affected by drugs and • Number of days U.S. Church USA, says Flores’ new role will be to help gang violence. The Hardings are moving their troops fought in the all parts of the church reach toward their goal to work to Saginaw, Mich. Iraq War by Nov. 30, become a missional church. Dorothy Harding sang at the Atlanta 2003 con- 2006: 1,348—Yes! Flores was formerly a Mennonite pastor in vention of Mennonite Church USA. She is avail- Guatemala and academic dean of the Mennonite able at [email protected].—Gordon Houser, seminary SEMILLA in Guatemala City, before join- with Dorothy Harding and Philip K. Clemens ing the former General Conference Mennonite —compiled by Gordon Houser March 6,2007 TheMennonite 7 Jim Bishop an impossible Notby Jim Bishop dream

or Luis A. Padilla, 40, of Broadway, Va., the American dream of poverty- Fto-success is not impossible. It is his life story. The son of Luis Alonso and Fany Padilla and second oldest of four sib- lings, Luis started working full-time in his home country of Honduras when he was just 14. He was an office boy, a “gopher” by day, and attended school evenings, Monday through Friday. He completed his high school studies at age 18 in 1985. He dreamed of coming to the United States to attend college, well aware of the obstacles. His family had little money, and he wanted to speak English well enough not to depend on a translator. To that end, he took daily English classes nearly four years. In 1989, Luis came to the United States with the International Visitors Exchange Program of Mennonite Central Committee. He worked six months at Rockhill Mennonite Community near Sellersville, Pa., then another six months at Goshen (Ind.) College as a member of the physical plant staff. “I knew I didn’t have the finances or the connections to apply for college at that time, but I never lost sight of my dream,” he says. Luis returned to his home city of San Pedro Sula and found employment as a personal trainer at a sports complex. He remembers this as a period of uncertainty. “People told me to stop dreaming, just keep working, but I was Dreamstime.com determined to persist until things started happening,” he said.

8 TheMennonite March 6,2007 The life story of Luis Padilla

People told me to stop dreaming, just keep working, but I was determined to persist until things started happening.—Luis Padilla

In 1997, he returned to the United States, December that year. still single at age 31—“In my Latin culture people Sharla and Emily joined Luis at Hesston, where were starting to wonder about me,” he says with a they both studied full-time. smile. He did maintenance and restaurant work in “I went through a lot of changes in one year,” New York City, sending a portion of his earnings Luis notes. “I was a full-time college student, got back to his family in Honduras and putting another married and became a stepfather.” A second sum into a savings account. daughter, Sara, was born a year later. He moved to eastern Pennsylvania in 2000 and During spring break of 2003, Luis visited EMU, worked at Ziegler’s Apple Cider plant while contin- told his story of wanting to complete a four-year uing to save money for education. He visited degree and was offered a half scholarship. Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) in “Having a family brought lots of concerns with Harrisonburg, Va., that summer and sought advice how we were going to manage continuing my edu- from the international adviser, who encouraged cation in Harrisonburg,” Luis says. “EMU would him to explore the option of a two-year program at mean more tuition money, and I was only working Hesston (Kan.) College. summers and a few hours a week while studying About this same time, Luis became a member full-time.” of Plains Mennonite Church near Lansdale, Pa. Again, Plains Mennonite committed funds to One Sunday he told his story to the congregation, help supplement the scholarship offered by EMU. and the church decided to offer some financial assistance to attend a Mennonite college. Plains member Henry Rosenberger notes that I don’t have adequate words to express the church gives a $4,000 grant every year to any student from the congregation who attends a my gratitude to both schools and to the Mennonite college or seminary. “We’re strongly Plains congregation for their support. committed to Christian education,” Henry says. “It’s helping people develop their gifts for king- —Luis Padilla dom purposes.” Between the church’s grant aid, funds he had managed to save from working and an offer of a Luis switched from education to applied sociolo- scholarship from Hesston, Luis enrolled at gy as his discipline at EMU and received a bache- Hesston in January 2002, where he pursued a lor’s degree in spring 2006, bringing a dream of track in education. more than 20 years to fruition. “It was hard, but I did well with my studies,” he “I’m grateful to Hesston and EMU for the edu- says. cation I received and for the professors who were Something else happened just before Luis willing to help me,” he says, his eyes filling with moved to Hesston. Through people at Plains tears and emotion rising in his voice. “I don’t have Mennonite, he met the woman who would adequate words to express my gratitude to both become his wife—Sharla Kolb. Sharla was a schools and to the Plains congregation for their Dreamstime.com widow with a 5-year-old daughter, Emily. The cou- support. ple “dated” long-distance while Luis was in his “When I came here [to the United States] I had first semester at Hesston; he proposed to her the nothing,” Luis says. “I was holding on to a dream Continued summer of 2002, and they were married in late that was part survival in this new setting, along on page 10

March 6,2007 TheMennonite 9 Jim Bishop

Luis with his wife Sharla and daughters Emily and Sara in A dream to fruition: their home, Broadway, Va.

Continued with a determination to send money back to my including not having seen his parents in 10 years. from page 9 family and save for college. Luis desires opportunities to tell the story of his “Every move was risky, and making those deci- journey to others, noting that “if only one person sions that involved the unknown were difficult. I receives encouragement from my experience to found myself waiting on the Lord.” pursue their dream, that’s more than worth it.” After graduation, Luis and his family decided to “God will continue to be with us,” Luis says. “I remain in the central Shenandoah Valley area for want to share my blessings with others.” the immediate future, not wanting to make another major move. Luis secured a position he enjoys as Jim Bishop is public information officer at Eastern an assistant human resources manager at Cargill Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, Va., a free- Foods in Timberville, Va. lance writer and columnist, photographer and radio Luis plans to enroll in the master’s in business announcer. administration (MBA) program at EMU, which offers flexibility in class scheduling for working adults to earn this graduate degree. He and Sharla bought a house in Broadway, Every move was risky, and near his workplace—“Some people say, ‘Are you crazy?’ ” he says with a smile—but that’s another making those decisions that risk Luis decided to take. “Here in America, it’s possible,” he says. The family attends Ridgeway involved the unknown were Mennonite Church in Harrisonburg. Not all that Luis has gleaned during his educa- difficult. I found myself wait- tional journey has taken place in the classroom. “I discovered the importance of taking relation- ing on the Lord.—Luis Padilla ships seriously—having friends all over the place really helped—in helping fulfill my dream,” he points out. “The connections made at Hesston and EMU will last a lifetime.” “I learned to manage my time and money—it’s made such a difference,” he says. “I’ve learned to wait and not take anything for granted—nothing is free; everything has a price. Part of that price was leaving a lot behind in coming to the United States,

10 TheMennonite March 6,2007 Fred’sNo strangers in life A tribute in memory of Fred Schmidt

Fred holding by Margaret Loewen Reimer granddaughter Nadine Cressman Courtesy photo t was no surprise that Tabor Mennonite Church Niagara Region Group Home program and spent was packed for the funeral of Fred Schmidt, two years as director of residential life for who died on Feb. 12, 2006, at the age of 58. Bethesda Home in Vineland. He remained a share- IFred had grown up in the Goessel, Kan., com- holder in the Meaford Nursing Home in Ontario munity and was baptized at Tabor Church at age 15. until his death. Others knew him from his alternative service days In 1982, Fred and family returned to Goessel or from his years in social services in Ontario. and helped run the family farm. In 1990, a tornado What was a surprise, perhaps, were the moving destroyed Iris Lane Dairy, and Fred went into the tributes from people who had only met Fred electrical business. He enjoyed his new work briefly but considered him a friend. because it fulfilled his talent for problem solving One man recounted how he had met Fred at and allowed him to meet new people. the cancer treatment center where his wife and Fred pursued everything with enthusiasm and These men Fred were receiving chemotherapy. The man dedication. Over the years he served as board from outside recalled that when Fred entered the room he chair of Bethesda Home in Goessel and was a dea- the church always greeted every person there, building a con, Sunday school teacher and youth group spon- community warm community in that fearful place. sor at Tabor Church. He also enjoyed flying his confirmed what “There was never a stranger in Fred’s life,” he ultralight, skiing and canoeing in Algonquin Park many already said. in Ontario. He loved all kinds of music, from blue- knew: that Another man who knew no one in the church grass to opera. Fred embodied got up enough nerve to come to the funeral but In March 2002, Fred was diagnosed with lung the best left right afterward, only to turn around and come cancer. The next years included many rounds of of his back to pay tribute to his friend. He characterized chemotherapy and radiation, but Fred also under- Mennonite Fred as someone who never judged people but took hundreds of miles of cycling and running, heritage. accepted them as they were. often to raise money for Mennonite Central These men from outside the church community Committee. After the cancer metastasized to his confirmed what many already knew: that Fred brain in October 2003, fighting his illness became embodied the best of his Mennonite heritage. his “full-time job,” as he liked to say. His sense of After a year of studies at Bethel College in North humor seldom left him. Newton, Kan., Fred was drafted by the U.S. mili- Fred considered every day of life a miracle and tary in 1966 to serve in the Vietnam War. Declar- enjoyed traveling to Toronto often to see his two ing his conscientious objection to war, he was granddaughters, who were born after his diagno- assigned an alternative service term as an X-ray sis. He and Jo-Ann also managed to attend three orderly in Fort Wayne, Ind. During this time he Mennonite Church USA conferences during his also worked as a Boy Scout leader, mentor and last years: in Nashville, Atlanta and Charlotte. peace advocate in Fort Wayne’s inner city. Fred left to mourn Jo-Ann, his wife, and son Another volunteer in Fort Wayne at the time Jeffrey of Newton, Kan.; daughter Rachel and hus- was Jo-Ann Enns of Bethany Mennonite Church in band James Cressman and children Nadine and Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. Fred and Jo-Ann were Elliot of Toronto; and son Michael and wife married in 1968. Christina Reimer (my daughter) of Toronto. He Fred was a modest man who enjoyed hard also leaves his father, Rudy, stepmother Nola and work. From 1972 to 1981, he and Jo-Ann lived in two sisters and a brother, as well as parents-in-law Ontario, where they served as group-home house- John and LaVina Enns of Parkhill, Ont. parents, employed by Ausable Springs Ranch. They had up to six boys in their care, along with Margaret Loewen Reimer is a member of Rockway their own three children. Fred was director of the Mennonite Church, Waterloo, Ont.

March 6,2007 TheMennonite 11 A poet of peace The life and influence of Yorifumi Yaguchi

by Anna Groff

and editor, Mennonite pastor and a nationally recognized poet. “His images are startling and kind of relentless, because they step outside what we’re used to,” says Phyllis Pellman Good, senior book editor at Good Books. “His Christian faith is very real because it was not automatic for him … he has an ongoing relationship with his faith that is always full of surprises.” This collection’s significance lies in Yaguchi’s impressive skills as a poet and that he lives in a different world from us, Good says. The significance for Mennonites includes the many streams within him that surface in his poems, such as the war he experienced as a child, the influence of his Buddhist grandfather, his Christian faith and his commitment to peace, she adds. Good says the collection feels like a “faithful cut of his work,” and many of the poems are relatively current. She says she finds the poems written collaboratively with poets William Stafford and Robert Bly particularly interesting, as they open readers’ eyes to new form and format. The book’s editor, retired Goshen (Ind.) College Goshen College photo Lasting voice: Wilbur Birky (left) and Yorifumi Yaguchi English professor Wilbur Birky, approached Good Books about publishing a follow-up collection to apanese Mennonite poet Yorifumi Yaguchi the 30 poems included in Three Mennonite Poets describes the Bible as a “very new book” to him. (Good Books, 1986). Birky first met Yaguchi dur- “I use a lot of Bible passages for contemporary ing his time at Goshen Biblical Seminary. But issues,” he says. Yaguchi, a Buddhist turned Birky and Yaguchi became neighbors and friends Christian and Mennonite, embraces the peace during Birky’s sabbatical year in Japan. J In October 2006, Yaguchi, widely known in stance in his poetry and names Christ’s resurrec- tion as the “victory of nonviolence.” Japan, read from his new book at Eastern Last July, Good Books published a new collec- Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, Va., as well tion of Yaguchi’s poetry, The Poetry of Yorifumi as at Goshen College and at the Mennonite writing Yaguchi (see box). The 150 poems included in the conference at Bluffton (Ohio) University. Yaguchi book span Yaguchi’s life, from his childhood dur- encouraged students at EMU to act as voices for ing World War II to his career as poetry professor pacifism, as many people in Japan do not hear the voice of pacifism or the voice of nonviolent Chris- The Poetry of Yorifumi Yaguchi: A Japanese Voice in English, edited by tians; many do not trust Christianity and see it as a Wilbur J. Birky (Good Books, 2006, $9.95), collects 150 of Yaguchi’s poems violent religion. and organizes them in six sections—”Silence,” “Child of War,” “Horizon,” Yaguchi, born in 1932, learned the Shinto way, “Breath of God,” “Words Made Flesh” and “War and Peace.”His deceptively which included emperor worship and a strong simple constructions contain layers of meaning, and his images may evoke nationalism, from his father. During his childhood, both beauty and horror. As a child in World War II he witnessed the destruc- tion of bombs dropped by the U.S. military. That witness may leave some Yaguchi believed Japan was a “divine country,” and readers discomfited. Yaguchi is a keen observer and leads us to new, dis- he thought the United States and Britain were turbing visions. For example (see “In My Garden,”page 13), refugees are “a “beasts.” He wanted to be a soldier to fight against legless katydid, / an armless cricket, a wingless grasshopper, / a snail with a the United States, and many of his friends shared broken shell.”Editor Birky provides a helpful introduction.—Gordon Houser this dream.

12 TheMennonite March 6,2007 However, from his grandfather he learned are “Silence,” “Child of War,” “Horizon,” “Breath of Buddhism and peaceful ways, and his mother had God, “Words Made Flesh” and “War and Peace.” A an interest in Christianity. Yaguchi attended a quote from Yaguchi—either from his writing, a Christian college but not particularly because of its comment he made or other poetry—introduces religious affiliation. There he studied T.S. Eliot but each section. continued to view violence and war as a contradic- Birky says he did not plan on using this interac- tion in the Christian faith and was only briefly tion between theme and time initially, but it devel- introduced to Mennonites. oped over the course of the process. With his Birky says one often thinks of someone coming background in education, Birky thought this from a different religious tradition and encounter- organization served poetry readers but also hopes ing Mennonites later. “(Yaguchi), in a way, came to anyone can pick it up and browse through it. that backward,” Birky says. “He was a pacifist first Birky’s favorite poem, and Yaguchi’s most-pub- and then an Anabaptist, or Christian, second.” Birky lished poem, “In My Garden,” describes the war has written a paper on Yaguchi, “Staring Down the wounded developing a “kind of maimed orches- Muzzle from Yomoto to Baghdad: Memory and tra,” he says. “It’s an antiwar poem in its most ten- Urgency in the Poetry of Yorifumi Yaguchi.” der form,” he says. One of Yaguchi’s first encounters with Gene Stoltzfus, a friend of Yaguchi’s, visited Christianity involved discovering Christmas cards him in Japan two summers ago. Stoltzfus, director in a dumpster, Birky says. Yaguchi felt intrigued of Christian Peacemaker Teams from 1988 to 2004, by the worship of a young child and couldn’t rec- and Yaguchi met at seminary 40 years ago but oncile that with the violence he saw against Japan stayed in touch through the years. from the United States. During his visit, Stoltzfus says, he witnessed Yaguchi continued to wrestle with issues of Yaguchi’s profound leadership and experienced faith and violence until he met Ralph and the respect people have for Yaguchi all over Japan. Genevieve Buckwalter, missionaries in Japan. “People seek his endorsement of activities that When Yaguchi paid a special visit to Ralph to chal- have to do with peace,” he says. lenge him about Christianity and war, Ralph intro- According to Stoltzfus, Yaguchi is a leader duced him to pacifism within Christianity. Birky because of the person he has been, the poetry he says that with this knowledge, Yaguchi’s resist- has written and the reflection he has brought to ance to Christianity dissolved and he became bap- the heart of Japanese life. “It’s a gift not only to tized on Easter Sunday 1958. Japan but to the whole world,” he says. “His voice Later, Yaguchi studied at Goshen Biblical will last long beyond his lifetime.” Seminary from 1962 to 1965 and earned a Bachelor of Divinity degree. There he wrote an Anna Groff is assistant editor of The Mennonite. account of his conversion, “The Bible Was Nonsense to Me.” During seminary, he studied Bible and theology and wrote poetry. According to In my garden Birky, Yaguchi writes poetry to “get into the mys- tery of Scripture.” In his poetry about nature, he by Yorifumi Yaguchi often uses the Japanese tradition of haiku. Birky says he admires Yaguchi’s approach Refugees come to my garden toward violence, both current and historical, in his where the grasses without insecticide writing. Birky remembers when Yaguchi raised an grow unweeded; a legless katydid, important question at the writing conference at an armless cricket, a wingless grasshopper, Goshen College, held one month after 9/11. When a snail with its broken shell … Birky picked him up at the airport, they talked about recent events, and Yaguchi asked, “What are After a few nights Mennonite writers writing?” This honest and chal- they are able to start lenging question spread through the conference. a kind of tuning up. Tonight Yaguchi is first a poet in the Japanese language, when the harvest moon floats as less than half his poems are in English, and he high at the center of the sky, continues to publish in Japanese. Some of his poems in English he originally wrote in English, I leave my windows all open but most he translated himself. and am attracted through the night Birky selected almost half of Yaguchi’s more by the maimed orchestra than 300 poems in English for the book and organ- while my house keeps floating ized them by theme and chronology. The themes on the waves of the surrounding grasses.

March 6,2007 TheMennonite 13 ennt hrhUAArchives, Ind. Goshen, ChurchMennonite USA

Walter E. Yoder (right) and John Umble, Goshen College faculty emeriti, ca. 1963 thesong leader A tribute to Professor Walter E. Yoder

by Dwight E. Weldy

e had just closed our songbooks when I was suddenly aware that I wanted the song to continue—wished for more stanzas. Professor Walter E. Yoder was the song leader dur- W ing that September 1935 Goshen (Ind.) College chapel my freshman year. Through the years since that memorable occasion the same experience was often repeated. Professor Yoder, as he was affectionately called by most students, was the usual chapel song leader. His congregational song leading was special and always inspirational; he could blanket a congregation with his spirit. Regardless of the size assembly he was leading, his distinctive song leadership was truly amazing—and even more amazing from our 21st-century vantage point.

14 TheMennonite March 6,2007 of General Conference, the frequent invitations to With Walter leading, the lead singing for special occasions in congregations far and near, and the many friends in and out of congregation phrased music music circles, all with no known enemies. in ways that brought extra 2. A pleasant disposition to cover any irritation he may have felt toward an individual, congrega- meaning to the texts. tion or choral group he was directing. That disposition tied to his intense feelings for people and music helped oil the way for him to lead songs by Congregations that sang under Professor inspiration. His choruses (not choirs in that day Yoder’s leadership for any length of time devel- and age at Goshen) were also led (directed) to a oped a distinctly warm and mellow quality. Both large extent by inspiration rather than by discipli- observer and participant could sense a feeling that nary remarks. He let us enjoy singing, and that every individual was contributing fully but with no was his mark. He said to the chorus, “If you can- singer “sticking out.” Seems I can hear it now. not hear those around you, you’re singing too Both Goshen College students and the Goshen loud.” With congregations, Professor Yoder sel- College Mennonite Church had such a sound that dom used spoken directives; he did not need continued for years after Yoder’s passing and was words to explain what he wanted us to do and how unmatched in any other congregation I have ever to sing. We simply caught his feelings for songs. heard. 3. Voice quality was certainly a big factor in his With Walter leading, the congregation phrased ability to lead congregational singing. His high music in ways that brought extra meaning to the baritone voice could always be heard leading, but texts. Tempo was maintained without the weary- it never stuck out. A particular quality in the sound travelers-feeling slow-down. He did all this without of his voice allowed him to blend with others and singing ahead, rushing into the next stanza or talk- even help those voices blend with each other. That ing to us. He allowed us to sing with him and not quality defies description or comprehension. for him. Today instruments exist that can identify over- How did he do all this? I do not know and doubt tones and measure the intensity of each. But if it anyone knows or knew. I am also certain that if he were possible to so analyze Yoder’s musical had been asked, the answer would have been, “I sounds, I doubt we would uncover any secrets for don’t know.” his successful song leadership. We will never This unassuming man grew up on a Haw Patch know how much his voice quality affected our farm southeast of Goshen near Topeka, Ind.; then desire to sing with him. But desire to sing with went to Goshen College, where he came under the him, we did. And we loved to do it. influence of J.D. Brunk. After Walter and Matilda (Schertz) were married, they lived on a farm in Illinois, where he farmed, taught school, formed a We will never know how much his voice famous men’s chorus and led the Metamora Mennonite Church to a position of outstanding quality affected our desire to sing with congregational singing. This continued until 1931, when President Sanford Yoder invited him to teach him. But desire to sing with him, we did. music at Goshen. There were no obvious manner- isms, no distinctive musical oddities about him And we loved to do it. that could be detected. To anyone meeting him, Yoder was an ordinary person. What showed was his infectious good humor and a most pleasant Professor Walter E. Yoder was truly a remark- personality—friendly yet serious. able person and song leader, endowed with that Some tell-tale characteristics that showed when rare combination of God-given talents, endearing he led songs may provide a window to some clues him to all he met and allowing him to be a great for his success: song leader. We who worked with him or met him, 1. A genuine, unassuming love for people and however briefly, can consider ourselves fortunate music. Witness the songs and hymns he wrote, the and blessed. Thanks to God for allowing us to be number of songbooks he edited, the many years he touched by Professor Walter E. Yoder. was chairman of the “Old” Mennonite General Conference Music Committee, the many times he Dwight E. Weldy is a member of College Mennonite was chosen to lead singing for the large gatherings Church, Goshen, Ind.

March 6,2007 TheMennonite 15 2 Courtesy Manhattan Mennonite Fellowship Photo by Lowell Brown Lowell by Photo Sylvia Shirk Charles, MMF pastor, and Lowell Brown, Mennnonite Central Committee volunteer Sara Yoder and director Menno House manager. Doug Hostetter at the MCC United Nations Liaison Office. 4 anhattan Mennonite Fellowship (MMF), in New York City, worships at 5 p.m. each Sunday in the Friends Meetinghouse at East 15th Street and Rutherford Place in lower Manhattan, within easy walking distance of the Union Square subway stop. M The congregation counts 80-90 participants and friends, who live around the greater New York area. MMF is a member of Atlantic Coast Conference of Mennonite Church USA. Average attendance at Sunday services is 35-45. Each month the service is struc- tured around the songs and prayers from the Taizé community in France. MMF’s mission statement is, “Seeking the peace of New York City in our worship and witness.” Members are involved in a variety of activities, including volunteering at the Friends Shelter for the homeless. MMF also sponsors a Mennonite Voluntary Service unit. Members of the unit have had placements with the Mennonite Central Committee

16 TheMennonite March 6,2007 1

1. The congregation gathers in front of the Meetinghouse following a September 2006 service.

2. Rick Brown is one of the MMF volunteers at the Friends Shelter for the homeless.

3. Clarke Bell is recommissioned as a deacon in October 2006 for his ministry in the homeless community in lower Manhattan.

4. MVS volunteers Amanda and Daniel Talstra and Adrian Koehn on the steps of Menno House. Photos by Lowell Brown

United Nations Liaison Office, the World Vision UN Office, the Lower East Side Harm Reduction Center, Bowery Mission Women’s Shelter and the New York 3 Horticultural Society. MMF also has a diaconate, whose members are active in local and churchwide ministries. Founded in the early 1980s, MMF was first known as Peace Mennonite Fellowship. In 1989, the congregation called John Rempel as its first pastor. He served in a part-time capacity while he also developed the MCC UN Liaison Office. He was succeeded by Arlene Pipkin, who died on Easter Sunday 2002. Sylvia Shirk Charles became MMF’s first full-time pastor in April 2006. Menno House is the principal ministry of the congregation. Lowell Brown has served as its manager since 2003. Located five blocks from the Meetinghouse, this four-story brownstone provides housing for 10 young professionals, students and MVS volunteers and offers three guest rooms for visitors to New York City. Originally purchased by Eastern Mennonite Missions in 1958 to serve as the home of a voluntary service unit, MMF purchased the facility in 1997. Web sites: www.manhattanmennonite.org; www.mennohouse.org.—J Robert Charles and Dan Hood

March 6,2007 TheMennonite 17 SPEAKING OUT

Do not answer violence with violence

ike the “snow on snow” of deep winter in 2. That we let our imaginations, even in time of Christine Rosetti’s war-time Christmas carol, greatest harm, be enlivened by the possibilities of L last autumn we had “shooting on shooting” in God, not by what we automatically think or what schools in our nation. It is breath-taking, angering common sense naturally presents. We seek to “be and so very sad. Can you imagine receiving a final transformed by the renewing of [our] minds” email from your child saying “I love U guys”? Can (Romans 12:2). We may live with the divine hope you imagine Amish girls lying dead in the green that there are always more options than we have fields near Lancaster, Pa.? It seems like more than considered and actively seek a greater array of the soul can endure. responses in conflict. What can one say from our great tradition of 3. The affirmation that we may need to use force rejecting violence both in perpetration and in quickly and efficiently, but with restraint, to stop response? Worldly or common-sense wisdom often harm from happening. But force is different from wants violence answered with violence. Our tradi- killing; force as a way of Christ must always be tion, which we understand to be a powerful read- open to the transformation of all involved, including of the Bible, through the ing the “vilest offender,” as the Vernon K. Rempel is pastor lens of Jesus’ life, seeks another hymn goes. We may take penul- of First Menno- way. But we feel closely the God has given the church timate action to restrain perpe- nite Church of enormity of the loss, grief and trators; their ultimate fate rests Denver. anger that dear people feel in the possibility for something with God. these situations. different from violence 4. That we need to nurture One response in our tradition lives of community building, has been to say that while the answering violence. overcoming the ways of fear and “world” may have its violence rage that crop up all too often. and counter-violence, the This means we do not partici- “regenerate” do not: Christ’s way is love. We call pate in fear mongering for political or social advan- people into Christ’s community. Within communi- tage. It is so easy to score points with fear and to ty, the only sanction is regretful excommunication organize our lives around fear. Over and over for failure to walk with Christ. The difficulty with again, the biblical stories show the Spirit inviting this response is that increasingly we find it impos- people to “fear not.” Community building also sible to draw a bright line between the regenerate means we do not participate in a culture of rage. and the world. We find ourselves in the world with It’s so viscerally satisfying to go raging; it is the its issues and dilemmas, even as we seek to be an assumed response to terrorism, school shootings alternative community. and other great tragedies. It is the coin of politics, This article is Another response that has been offered is that talk radio and letters to the editor. Tough talk, tor- available as an the only way of Christ in the world is “agape” love. ture, getting guns and so on are considered real audio file at Violence happens; we may only respond in love. and useful responses. But do they get us what we www.The Mennonite.org The question immediately arises, however: What want? Does rage result in peace and security? qualifies as loving response? Traditionally this Clearly it does not. Instead we need concrete meant no force at all, including no nonviolent or actions of love that answer and interrupt the nonlethal response. growth of violence. Here are four compelling considerations for our Violence of any kind seems to “go down into day: the soil,” making seeds for more violence. God did 1. The need to respond generously and with not create this world to be a vale of “violence on great and abiding empathy for those who have suf- violence.” The creation was named “good”; Jesus fered violence. Talking about nonviolence is proba- again affirmed earth and human society as a place bly not helpful; demonstrating love is a far better of peace, healing and hope. God has given the path. church the possibility for something different and greater than violence answering violence. TM IN THE NEXT ISSUE The views expressed in this publication do not necessar- • Stories from Congo—Anna Groff ily represent the official positions of The Mennonite, the board for The Mennonite, Inc., or Mennonite Church USA.

18 TheMennonite March 6,2007 K-12 schools now evaluated by MC USA Mennonite Education Agency’s first-ever accreditations use Catholic protocols.

ennonite Education Agency has granted photo Courtesy accreditation to four schools following a M new review process designed to strengthen Anabaptist-Mennonite influence in Mennonite elementary, middle and secondary schools. The four schools are Christopher Dock Mennonite High School in Lansdale, Pa., Lancaster (Pa.) Mennonite School, Warwick River Christian School in Newport News, Va., and Western Mennonite School in Salem, Ore. Accreditation certificates were distributed at the Feb. 2-4 Education Leaders Gathering 2007 held in Pittsburgh. Six additional schools are now engaging in the process. Schools receiving MEA accreditation must meet academic and Anabaptist-Mennonite value-based standards as outlined in The Mennonite Edition of Validating the Vision: An Assessment Protocol for Mission Effectiveness, Institutional Accreditation and Strategic Planning. The protocol was adapted from an instrument created by the National Thomas says, “connected with our community in Rosalind E. Catholic Education Association. new ways and developed a unified plan for educa- Andreas, chair of The protocol can be used as the self-study docu- tional growth on all of our campuses.” the Mennonite Education Agency ment for a full accreditation review, a tool for The protocol states that Anabaptist-Mennonite board, presents strategic planning or an internal assessment of education finds its center in Jesus Christ and the an accreditation mission effectiveness. call to follow Jesus daily. Schools receiving MEA certificate at the MEA implemented the protocol after Mennonite accreditation commit to a pattern of discipleship Education Schools Council (MSC) and its predecessors, nurtured in the ordinary routines of school life Leaders Gather- ing 2007 to Lynn Mennonite Elementary Education Council and and shaped by restorative discipline practices that Showalter (cen- Mennonite Secondary Education Council, asked respect students as individuals within a faith ter) and Greg the agency to provide oversight to and ownership community. Sommers of of the process. There are 34 MSC preK-12 schools Anabaptist-Mennonite distinctives identified in Warwick River in the United States (including Puerto Rico) and the protocol also include a vision of teaching Christian School. Christopher Dock Canada. reflecting an Anabaptist understanding of life Mennonite High Mennonite Schools Council, currently led by J. together in community. In this vision, teachers, on School, Lancaster Richard Thomas, Lancaster, Pa., recognized the behalf of the church, offer instruction that inspires Mennonite School need for Mennonite accreditation during conversa- students to commitments running counter to cul- and Western tions with Elaine Moyer, principal of Christopher tural expectations. Mennonite School also received cer- Dock, as she led the school through its most Before receiving final approval, schools seeking tificates. recent secular accreditation process. MEA accreditation must submit official documents “I was hoping to find a way to streamline our to a review committee, which includes Moyer, work by finding a protocol that would strengthen Yoder and Connie Stauffer of Lancaster, Pa., and a our faith perspective,” says Moyer. member of the MEA board of directors. “While looking at the Catholic model, I realized Committee recommendations go to the MEA the protocol would serve our Anabaptist-Menno- board of directors for action. nite schools well if adaptations were made to Schools that have received MEA accreditation reflect the values and vision of Mennonite Church say their programs have been affected by the USA.” process. Thomas says the council sees Validating the “Christopher Dock has experienced a double Vision as a tool to help Mennonite schools develop blessing,” says Moyer. “In addition to providing a as missional centers of the church and to develop comprehensive review of our total school program, a greater sense of cohesion. As superintendent of we have sharpened our school programs around Lancaster Mennonite, he saw the accreditation Anabaptist-Mennonite beliefs about the person of process as “a real gift.” Jesus.”—Gloria Y. Diener for Mennonite Church “We updated our foundation documents,” USA

March 6,2007 TheMennonite 19 MC USA delegation sees Congo growth Mennonite conference started 117 mission outposts in the past 30 years.

tion opened a new chapter for Mennonite Church USA’s priority of nurturing global relationships,

Anna Groff Schrag says. The delegation of 13 split into three groups after several days in Kinshasa to visit the Mennonite communities in Tshikapa, Kitkwit and Mbuji Mayi—more rural areas. Schrag, with three others, visited Tshikapa, headquarters of CMCO, Feb. 6-12. The main income for Tshikapa is diamond mining, and several church members are involved in the business through a South African company. However, any kind of employment in Tshikapa, and in Congo, is rare. Only 2 percent of the men in Tshikapa are employed, says Komuesa Kalunga Adolphe, president of CMCO. Since most men are on the road looking for a job, women stay home, care for the fields and participate in church life. Mennonite he seed planted by Mennonite missionaries in “It’s circumstance, not a lack of interest [from Church USA dele- Congo grew. Now—under the leadership of men],” Komuesa says. gation members Congolese Mennonites—it continues to grow. Lambertine Mumbanda, president of the Ruth Keidel T Clemens and Jim Pastor Damien Kakhenda, coordinator for mis- CMCO women’s groups, says 70 to 90 percent of Schrag greet sions of Congo Mennonite Church, says missionar- church members are women. These women evan- Congolese ies started eight mission stations, but since then gelize just like the men do, she says. They also Mennonite Congolese Mennonites have established 117 mis- have meetings, seminars, visit sick women and church members sion outposts in the past 30 years. more. after a worship service in “Now it’s our history,” Kakhenda says. While visiting churches, members of the delega- Kalonda. The resilience of the Mennonites in Congo tion had exchanges with congregations after the touched members of the Mennonite Church USA worship services. Congolese church leaders delegation last month (see page 32). explained the delegation’s purpose: to explore pos- “The Mennonite church in Congo is alive and sibilities for a church-to-church relationship. well,” says Jim Schrag, executive director of Congolese church members asked questions Mennonite Church USA and member of the dele- about missionaries who left Congo and how the gation. “Though they face hardships, their worship church in the global North can financially support the church in the global South. Schrag affirmed the growth and work of the Both groups must talk openly about their churches’strengths church in Congo and explained that this is the and weaknesses. beginning of a church-to-church relationship. He added that the two groups need each other, and visits will continue, although specifics are is beautiful and engaging; their singing reflects unknown. marvelous harmonies, and their prayers are For several debriefing sessions at the end of the earnest.” two-week visit, church leaders from CMCO and The delegation was sent by Mennonite Church CEM met with members of the delegation in USA to develop church-to-church relationships Kinshasa. The group agreed that visits like this with two Mennonite groups: Congo Evangelical will continue, and Congolese should visit the Mennonite Church and Congo Mennonite Church. United States. CEM and CMCO grew out of the work of Congo The church-to-church group also agreed that Inland Mission, now called Africa Inter-Mennonite systematic, joint planning for the relationship Mission. should continue; both groups must talk openly Schrag says Mennonite Church USA will need about their churches’ strengths and weaknesses; to learn a new way of relating as partners: we need top-level decisions must positively affect the to discover our needs for which Congolese can churches, and dependency should not be a result offer counsel and their spiritual gifts. This delega- on either side.—Anna Groff

20 TheMennonite March 6,2007 Churches offer alternatives to Carnival Bolivian Mennonites stay away from temptations of Fat Tuesday celebration.

pick-pocketing are all hazards. Deaths during Carnival are not uncommon. Some are accidental

Ryan Miller from throwing stones and paint. Others are intentional, as rival comparsas (fraternities organized for Carnival) settle outstanding feuds. “Carnival is not just playing,” says Debora Rodriguez, member of Príncipe de la Paz Mennonite Church and teacher in a day-care center for single mothers. “I know that it involves worshiping Satan.” But the devil doesn’t own all the fun. The church camp offers dynamic Bible study twice a day, Bible competitions, sports, talent shows, excellent meals, laughter far into the night and lots of time just to enjoy the company of other Christian friends. It is also a place to invite friends and give them a taste of what joy can be found in knowing Jesus. While studying the theme “Living Out the Difference,” campers explored distinguishing characteristics that enable followers of Jesus to Carnival persevere through hardship and temptation to is not obtain the prize Paul wrote about in 2 Timothy 2:7. The Bolivian Mennonite Church uses a grant just Kely Sequeira and Debora Rodriguez celebrate the joy from Mennonite Mission Network to subsidize playing. they’ve found in Jesus at a camp set up by the Bolivian some of the camp expenses to make it affordable Mennonite Church so youth and young adults will not par- to Bolivian Mennonite Church youth. I know ticipate in the country’s Carnival on Fat Tuesday. “We cannot organize week-long camps the way that it lthough people from all over the world churches do in North America and Europe,” stream to Latin America to celebrate the fes- Margrit Kipfer Barrón says. “Our members can involves A tivities that culminate on Fat Tuesday (the only afford a few days, even with the subsidies.” worshiping day before the sacrifices of 40 days of Lent begin), Kipfer Barrón, a Swiss Mennonite who has many churches in Bolivia organize camps outside worked with Mennonite Mission Network and its Satan. the cities to keep their young people far away from predecessor agency in Bolivia since 1993, is also —Debora the temptations of Carnival. supported by the Mennonite Church in Switzer- During the camps this year, Bolivian national land. She has worked over the past years to help Rodriguez television spoke of two realities. A divided screen build vibrant ministries for the children and youth showed the disaster of a torrential downpour on of the Bolivian Mennonite Church: camps, clubs, the left and the extravaganza of Carnival on the vacation Bible schools, Sunday schools and a right. church library. President Evo Morales declared the country Now youth leaders have been trained and have under a state of emergency, with 60,000 people dis- taken over these responsibilities, leaving Barrón placed by the flooding. Even the Carnival parade free to do some preaching and worship leading in had to be postponed for a day. her home congregation, Sinaí Mennonite Church, Bolivian Mennonite Church (Iglesia Evangélica where her husband, Freddy Barrón is a self-sup- Menonita Boliviana) held its annual Carnival camp porting pastor. Feb. 16-20. At the same time, they were also pro- “After so many years of walking alongside peo- viding food, clothing and shelter to people who ple struggling so hard to break the ingrained had to evacuate their homes due to flooding. habits that are ruining their lives, I thought it Youth and church leaders at the Bolivian would be good to train children in the way of Mennonite Church camp described the Carnival God’s love while they are young,” Kipfer Barrón as “colorful, with well-dressed queens wearing said. “It is much better to build self-esteem than to very little clothing” riding on elaborately decorat- try to cure alcoholism that grows from a poor self- ed floats, free-flowing alcohol and sexual promiscu- image.”—Lynda Hollinger-Janzen of Mennonite ity. Stone throwing, paint and foam spraying and Mission Network

March 6,2007 TheMennonite 21 Group plans ‘nonference’ to save fuel Mennonite Creation Care Council cancels its Creation Summit in 2008.

fter more than a year of debate and careful “We are not saying that a Creation Summit is planning, the Mennonite Creation Care forever a bad idea,” said Greg Bowman of Bally, A Council has decided against holding a Pa. “However, at this stage, we would rather Creation Summit in 2008. The decision was made endorse local, regional or even national events at the group’s Feb 9-10 meeting at Goshen already planned that may have a creation care College’s Merry Lea Environmental Learning component.” Center (see box below). Members of the group agreed that avenues The council decided that holding a separate such as their Web site at www.mennocreation- event on the environment when earth care could care.org can generate dialogue, enthusiasm and be discussed at other planned meetings would action as well. unjustifiably contribute to global warming. Mennonite Creation Care Council is also devel- “This is the biggest nonevent we have planned,” oping a strong relationship with Mennonite joked David Neufeld from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Mutual Aid as that organization expands its under- It was not easy for the group to give up the standing of stewardship to include creation care. This is idea of its own separate conference, but several Can a “nonference” actually happen? Jennifer the biggest members of the group were challenged by Will Schrock of Goshen, Ind., thinks it can. Braun, a writer for Canadian Mennonite. In his “We could call people to invest 20 hours in the nonevent Jan. 22 column, Braun announced that he will no environmental well-being of their local communi- we have longer fly, due to the energy consumption ties during a given month,” she said. “They could involved. send us stories about how they spent their time, or planned. Dave Hockman-Wert of Corvalis, Ore., who they could donate their unspent travel dollars to an —David spent part of the weekend’s work session earth-friendly cause.” researching “green” conferences, estimated that Luke Gascho, who chairs Mennonite Creation Neufeld the decision not to hold a Summit will save at least Care Council, plans to represent the organization 50 tons of avoided carbon dioxide emissions: the at San José 2007 convention in July and convene a equivalent of using 5,000 gallons of gasoline. gathering there. Hockman-Wert also suggested that Mennonite Mennonite Creation Care Network is a network Creation Care Council’s alternative approach be for Mennonite people and agencies actively named a “nonference.” engaged in the care and restoration of God’s cre- “Conferences where hundreds or thousands of ation. people fly and drive many miles to the event may The network encourages the Mennonite church soon become unaffordable or unjustifiable, as fos- to claim its biblical and theological foundations sil fuels become less available and the damage of regarding care of God’s creation, discover the ties using them more evident,” Hockman-Wert said. “A that link all created beings to each other and to ‘nonference’ offers a framework for imaginative God, confess the harm we have caused the natural alternatives to the traditional ‘bricks and mortar’ world and act faithfully to restore the earth. conference.” —Jennifer Halteman Schrock

Environmental center photo Courtesy

Reith Village (right) is part of the Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center, a 1,150-acre nature center located in rural Noble County, Ind. It is owned and operated by Goshen (Ind.) College and was the site of a Feb. 9-10 meeting of the Mennonite Creation Care Council (see story above). Rieth Village was designed using the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and is the only LEED Platinum Registered project in Indiana. Since August 2006 it has generated as much electricity as it has used.—Goshen College

22 TheMennonite March 6,2007 Tornado new focus of Katrina volunteers Canadian Mennonite University students help clean up after Feb. 13 storm.

ennonite Disaster Service crews in New Andrew Richert, another CMU student, said, Orleans woke up to strong storms and a “It’s not the different homes and places that have M tornado on Feb. 13, resulting in a quick been destroyed that stick out, but the people change in plans. Ron Enns, MDS project director whose lives are now broken and need our healing for New Orleans, assigned crews from the MDS that I’ll remember.” New Orleans project site and got needed assis- MDS has been responding to Hurricane Katrina tance from MDS project sites in Bayou La Batre and Rita since the fall of 2005, with over 6,800 vol- and Mobile, Ala. The crews all traveled to the unteers from Canada and the United States con- Westwego area of New Orleans, where the torna- tributing to the rebuilding efforts. do touched ground. Currently there are 12 project locations in By first accounts, 80 MDS volunteers spread out Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas. MDS over the affected areas of Franklin, Carrollton and Westwego counties. The first task was debris removal and tarping. What I found to be the [hardest] and yet the most rewarding “In the Franklin area, houses were partially col- lapsed, garage roofs blown off and FEMA trailers part … was going through people’s belongings and wondering turned upside down in the middle of streets,” said what stories lie behind belongings.—Jessica Riddell Enns. News reports confirmed that a powerful tornado hit the New Orleans area, killing an elderly is expecting to work in the Gulf for several more woman, injuring at least 15 other people and dam- years. While MDS’ main focus is on cleanup, aging dozens of business and homes in a region repair and rebuilding homes, those activities also still trying to recover from Hurricane Katrina. become a means of touching lives and helping peo- The tornado hit Westwego at a time when another ple regain faith and wholeness.—Scott Sundberg MDS team was in central Florida investigating the and Andi Dubé of Mennonite Disaster Service Christmas Day and Groundhog Day tornadoes for long-term recovery work. Enns said the New Orleans area tornado affect- HELP! HELP! ed a defined area causing extensive damage. MDS Gulf States coordinator Jerry Klassen, reported that “typically it takes at least a day or two before HELP! HEL volunteers will be allowed in the area; MDS volunteers responded within hours of this disaster.” Crews were hard at work cleaning up debris, helping homeowners find and save precious per- HELP!HELP! sonal items, tarping roofs and consoling those who Everyone needs a little website help needed time to tell their story. now and then. Sometimes it’s just a “What I found to be the [hardest],” said MDS nudge to get started, a hand with the volunteer Jessica Riddell of Canadian Mennonite tough stuff, or a professional’s touch. University (CMU) in Winnipeg, Man., “and yet the That’s why we offer affordable most rewarding part of working through the torna- design packages. Our winter specials do was going through people’s belongings and include free hosting so you’ll save wondering what stories lie behind belongings. even more. “Each Christmas tree ornament, each vase, each lamp has a history and a story to tell. What WhatWhat areare youyou waitingwaiting for?for? we may see as rusted dirty stuff contains someone’s heart and soul.” Call 1-888-868-7099, Volunteers also shared several buckets of visit mennonite.net, caravelcms.org, homemade cookies with other relief personnel, or write [email protected]. homeowners and children. Lois Klassen, another MDS volunteer from Saskatoon, Sask., said, “It was special to me to be mennonite net able to touch the homeowner whose flattened 4- Caravel house we cleaned up. When I gave her a hug it felt content management as though she was hanging on for dear life.” Making it possible. Making it easy. Making it better.

March 6,2007 TheMennonite 23 Future is good for European Mennonites Gathering hears of ministry to 110,000 Russians with Mennonite backgrounds.

ope for the future, keen public interest in In 2006, Dutch Mennonites turned a new page Anabaptism, surprising church growth, new by identifying Switzerland as the country of origin H enthusiasm and challenges highlighted of the Anabaptist movement and a symposium in reports from seven countries when 20 Mennonite Amsterdam posed the question, “What is church leaders from conferences in Europe gath- Anabaptist identity?” Some churches in the ered in Karlsruhe, Germany, in December for Netherlands are growing, but the conference is their annual meeting. looking for ways to support churches that contin- While the leaders acknowledged that member- ue to decline. The Theological Seminary in ship numbers suggest stagnation or even regres- Amsterdam is offering a new master’s degree sion (the 2006 Mennonite World Conference direc- training program for work in the church and a tory showed a slight decline of 1.9 percent in course on weekends for volunteers. Europe since 2003), they brought positive reports Building up the church has also been on the from Switzerland, the Netherlands, Germany, agenda of the Association of Mennonite Churches Lithuania, Spain, France and England. (AMG—Arbeitsgemeinschaft Mennonitischer In Switzerland, where the first Anabaptists were Gemeinden) in Germany. Its 6,000 members in 54 persecuted for their faith, recent films, theater pro- churches in three regions undertake larger tasks ductions and reconciliation services have raised collectively: publication of the journal Die Bruecke intense public interest and questions of today’s (The Bridge), the Yearbook and two youth projects. Mennonites. Their resources are so stretched that Hermann Heidebrecht reported on the ministry they are looking for more people to take on the to the Aussiedler. Since 1972, 110,000 people from responsibility of responding. 2007 will mark the the former Soviet Union with a Mennonite past, year of the Anabaptists, most prominently in the now called Umsiedler, have been registered in Emmental region beginning on March 24, 2007, in Germany. People with a Mennonite past constitute Langnau. They have invited people from other only a small percentage of the newly arriving countries for the International Days July 26–29. Aussiedler. Members of Mennonite churches, which still exist in various areas of Russia, now are predominantly of Russian descent. During the collapse of the Soviet Union, Mennonites emigrated from Kazakhstan via Lithuania to come to Germany. Today there are six churches in Lithuania with a total of 250 members Sandy, because a Mennonite reading the Bible in a hospi- I just wanted to write and tell tal captured the interest of his roommate. The man you how thankful I am for our became a Christian and an elder in a Russian- daily walks together around the German church. campus. Other Lithuanians who were approached got I appreciate our friendship and saved and formed Lithuanian churches. I’m so glad we live so close to Evangelism is important to them, but many people each other. Tel Hai’s community work long hours and have little time for church is rich with friendships like ours, work. and that’s just one thing I love Until recently, the six churches in various about being here. regions in Spain, founded by U.S. Mennonite mis- Who said retirement was going to sionaries, had limited contact with each other. In be lonely? I love it here! 2006, all of them met together for the first time in Estelle Malaga. Also the Mennonite European Regional Conference (MERK), which took place in Spain for We’re here for every the first time in May 2006, was for Spaniards and phase of your journey! other participants an enriching time. Spanish Residential Living, Lakeview Assisted Living, Memory Mennonites have increasing contact with Support Services, Adult Day Services, Meadows Health Protestant and Catholic churches and will make a Care Center, Rehabilitation Services, Child Day Care contribution at a Protestant Congress in 2007 enti- 1200 Tel Hai Circle | P.O. Box 190 Honey Brook, PA 19344 tled “Reconciliation and Peace.”— From a report www.telhai.org | 610-273-9333 by Barbara Hege Galle and Markus Rediger, translated from German by Henry J. Regehr, Waterloo, Ont.

24 TheMennonite March 6,2007 FOR THE RECORD

CALENDAR Melchior, Trent James, Feb. 2, to Jason Youssef, Macy Isabelle, Feb. 9, to Gideon and Patti Melchior, Souderton, Pa. and Karen Bond Youssef, Colmar, Pa. A benefit bike ride for West Coast MCC , Feb. 3, affiliated Oregon Mennonite Plett Boehm, Sarah Magdalene to Tim Plett and Maria Boehm, Kitchener, Residential Services is planned for Aug. Ont. MARRIAGES “For the Record” 12-17, 2007, in the beautiful Willamette is available to Valley. Contact Brent Kauffman at kauff- Reinford, Owen Trevor, Feb. 13, to Featherstun/Graber: Catharine Featherstun, Wayland, Iowa, and Troy members of [email protected] or Dave Miller at Richard and Shana Swartley Reinford, Mennonite [email protected] for a Quakertown, Pa. Graber, Wayland, Jan. 19 at Sugar Creek brochure. Mennonite Church, Wayland. Church USA. To Sadler, Mabry Alizabeth, Feb. 9, to submit informa- Kline/Yoder: Suzana Kline, Souderton, Pa., Sept 1-2, 2007, Des Moines Mennonite Nathan and Jocelyn Hartzler Sadler, tion, log on to Church, 50th Anniversary celebration. Fairfax, Iowa. and Kyle Yoder, Perkasie, Pa., Dec. 30, 2006, at Deep Run Mennonite Church www.TheMenno- Schlabach, Brayden Joel, Feb. 8, to Joel East, Perkasie. nite.org and use and Megan Beachy Schlabach, Hartville, the “For the BIRTHS & ADOPTIONS Ohio. Mayer/Stockie: Shelley Mayer, St. Clements, Ont., and Rob Stockie, Stratford, Record” button to Dinn, Emily Sue, Jan. 29, to Rob and Shank, Simon Levi, Nov. 14, 2006, to access our online Jaime Warne Dinn, Iowa City, Iowa. Ont., Feb. 3 at St. Jacobs Mennonite Perry and Rebecca Miller Shank, Church, St. Jacobs, Ont. forms. You can Hinrichs, Lucas Albert, Feb. 17, to Mark Lakewood, Colo. also submit infor- and Maya Spichiger Hinrichs, Philadelphia, Milam/Schertz: Eleanor Milam, Atlanta, Starner, Ava Rose, Dec. 3, 2006, to Josh and Vernon Schertz, Atlanta, Dec. 9, 2006 mation by email, Hoch, Chloe Marie, Feb. 7, to A.J. and and Heidi Miller Starner, Walnut Creek, at East Atlanta Christian Fellowship. fax or mail: Stephanie Landis Hoch, Pennsburg, Pa. Ohio. Newswanger/Schroeder: Lynda •Editor@TheMen- Horner, Ella Marie, Feb. 6, to Tyler and Thomas-Wenger, Stella Bean, Feb. 5, to Newswanger, Newton, Kan., and Daniel nonite.org Katie Krehbiel Horner, Peoria, Ill. Sheldon Wenger and Marlisa Thomas, Schroeder, Hillsboro, Kan., Dec. 16, 2006, •fax 574-535- Millersville, Pa. at Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church, Foltz, Caden Royce, Jan. 26, to Jimmy 6050 and Nicole Bauman Foltz, Harrisonburg, Ulrich, Preston Matthew, Feb. 5, to Matt Goessel, Kan. Va. and Amy Ulrich, Normal, Ill. •1700 S. Main St., Goshen, IN Kuntz, Miles Edward, Feb. 9, to Ian and Warnick, Olivia Rose, Feb. 13, to Derek Melissa Benedict Kuntz, Delta, Ohio. and Renee Steffy Warnick, Philadelphia, 46526-4794 Mast, Tyler Jay, Jan. 14, to Loren and Keri Wyse, Carson Dale, Feb. 11, to Greg and Mast, Linville, Va. Stacey Dominique Wyse, Toledo, Ohio.

BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS FOR THEY WILL BE CALLED THE CHILDREN OF

– MATTHEW 5:9 Goshen College’s Peace, Justice and Conﬂict Studies GOD. program is built on decades of scholarship, a unique and nationally admired study-abroad program, a community that seeks diversity and Christ-centered core values rooted in the peace church tradition.

You might choose a major or a minor in a peace studies program, enhance another area of study wtih conflict mediation training, sign up for a semester of urban peacemaking study in Indianapolis, join the Pax of Eco-Pax student clubs and engage significant issues with guest speakers as well as your own Ijo`najmocèjpmi`t))) professors and classmates. We invite you to visit out welcoming campus to find out more – on your journey as a peacemaker.

@sk`mdì^òcèjtt jaocèjpmi`t) www.goshen.edu/peace

March 6,2007 TheMennonite 25 FOR THE RECORD

DEATHS Hartzler, Agnes Evelyn Nafziger, 96, Kos, Faye C. Damhoff, 60, Wellman, Iowa, Eureka, Ill, died Jan. 20 of Alzheimer’s dis- died Feb. 17 of injuries sustained in an Albrecht, Margaret, 96, Greeley, Colo., ease. Spouse: Robert James Hartzler automobile accident. Spouse: Gary Kos. died Feb. 5. Parents: Franz and Marie (deceased). Parents: John and Lydia Parents: Gilbert and Frances Buikema “For the Record“ Wiebe Albrecht. Funeral: Feb. 7 at First Litwiller Nafziger. Children: Alice Kennell, Damhoff. Children: Shane, Melissa Kos, lists obituaries for Mennonite Church, Beatrice, Neb. Ila Stoltzfus, Stanley, Priscilla Hawkinson; Cami Kos, Caitlyn Kos. Funeral: Feb. 21 at Mennonite Beechy, Reetha Fay Mast, 92, Goshen, 13 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren. Lower Deer Creek Mennonite Church, Church USA Ind., died Dec. 3, 2006. Spouse: Mark M. Funeral: Jan. 27 at Maple Lawn, Eureka. Kalona, Iowa. members who Beechy (deceased). Parents: Calvin and Hartzler, Catherine Fisher, 90, Elkhart, Leichty, Glen B., 76, Wayland, Iowa, died died during the Etta Miller Mast. Children: M. Charlene Ind., died Feb. 4. Spouse: John L. Hartzler Dec. 21, 2006. Spouse: Luora Mae Roth past three Stoltzfus, Barbara Springer, John, Brenda (deceased). Parents: Adam and Mary Leichty. Parents: William and Ada Roth months. Ad- Huneryager, Leonard; 10 grandchildren; Leinbach Fisher. Children: Juanita Kaye Leichty. Children: Deon, Steve, Garry, Vicky ditional informa- six great-grandchildren. Funeral: Dec. 9 at Hartzler, Laveta M. Randall, Vivian Hunt, Caraveo; 13 grandchildren. Funeral: Dec. tion about the Martins Mennonite Church, Orrville, Ohio. Ernest E., Floyd G., Lewis E., Kenneth L., 24 at Bethel Mennonite Church, Wayland. Wayne L.; 10 grandchildren; five great- deceased may be Bustos, Mary G., 82, Goshen, Ind., died Neuenschwander, Deb Hershberger, 52, grandchildren. Funeral: Feb. 9 at Yellow submitted to Jan. 22. Spouse: Margarito G. Bustos, Jr. Kidron, Ohio, died Feb. 1 of cancer. Creek Mennonite Church, Goshen, Ind. The Mennonite at (deceased). Child: Steve; five grandchil- Spouse: Conrad Neuenschwander. www.TheMenno- dren. Funeral: Jan. 27 at College Hearing, H. Paul, 80, Lansdale, Pa., died Parents: Roman and Marie Stutzman Mennonite Church, Goshen. nite.org. We will Feb. 9. Parents: Russell and Clara Kerr Hershberger. Children: DeAnn Mason, Hearing. Children: Beverly Cirigliano, Conrad, Jr., Rodney; five grandchildren. forward all infor- Flaming, H. Waldo, 91, Reedley, Calif., died Jan. 20. Spouse: Hilda Brandt David, Wanda Hearing, Kevin; two grand- Funeral: Feb. 4 at Sonnenburg Mennonite mation to children; three great-grandchildren. Church, Kidron. MennObits, the Flaming (deceased). Parents: Henry and Agnes Flaming. Children: Gracie Rogalsky, Funeral: Feb. 15 at Grace Mennonite research Web site Penner, Marie E. Poole, 89, Beatrice, Neb., Jerry, Barbara Flaming, Stan; nine grand- Church, Lansdale. died Feb. 2. Spouse: Waldo Penner sponsored by children; 15 great-grandchildren; four Hofstetter, Clair D., 93, Kidron, Ohio, died (deceased). Parents: W.S. and Della Gray the Historical great-great-grandchildren. Funeral: Jan. Jan. 28. Spouse: Ruth N. Horner Hofstetter. Poole. Funeral: Feb. 6 at First Mennonite Committee of 25 at First Mennonite Church, Reedley. Parents: David J. and Lavina Gerber Church, Beatrice. Mennonite Hofstetter. Children: Wesley, Rebecca Frey, Carol, 74, Wauseon, Ohio, died Feb. Rychener, Helen M. Frey, 85, Pettisville, Church USA. To 8. Parents: Simon and Verna Beck Frey. Myers, Rodney, Everest; 11 grandchildren; Ohio, died Feb.16. Spouse: Earl Rychener receive a paper Funeral: Feb. 12 at North Clinton nine great-grandchildren. Funeral: Feb. 1 (deceased). Parents: Edward and Fannie copy of the obitu- Mennonite Church, Wauseon. at Kidron Mennonite Church. Rupp Frey. Children: Roselyn Devlin, ary form, call 574- Graber, Richard Daniel, 72, Andover, Hoover, Isabel May, 62, Pleasant Gap, Pa., Marnetta White, Dallas, Norene Salana, 535-6052. To Mass., died Jan. 29. Spouse: Rachel died Feb. 1 of cancer. Parents: Clarence Delvin, Kent, Brent; 17 grandchildren; receive the obitu- Leatherman Graber (deceased). Parents: and Josephine Welty Hoover. Funeral: Feb. three great-grandchildren. Funeral: Feb. ary form as an C.L. and Mina Roth Graber. Children: 5 at Pleasant Hill Brethren in Christ 23 at Zion Mennonite Church, Archbold, MS Word docu- Jennifer Graber, Caelin Graber. Funeral: Church, Pleasant Hill, Ohio. Ohio. ment, email Feb. 11 at College Mennonite Church, Klassen, Walter J., 84, Hopedale, Ill., died Schultz, Elsie Marie Schrock, 89, Canby, Editor@themen- Goshen, Ind. Feb. 21. Spouse: Dorothy Litwiller Klassen. Ore., died Jan. 28. Spouse: Julius Schultz nonite.org. Parents: Jacob and Katherine Klassen. (deceased). Parents: Samuel and Elizabeth Children: Stanley, Steven, Sherrill, Ray, Yutzy Schrock. Children: June Walch, Wanda; 14 grandchildren; two great- Donna Springer, Carol Shank, Esther grandchildren. Funeral: Feb. 24 at Schrock, Irene Bitikofer, Reuben; 13 grand- Hopedale Mennonite Church. children; 23 great-grandchildren. Funeral: Feb. 5 at Zion Mennonite Church, Hubbard, Ore.

26 TheMennonite March 6,2007 FOR THE RECORD

Souder, Grace B. Detwiler, 88, Sellersville, Swartzendruber, Lloyd Ralph, 91, Toews, George W., 65, Canton, Kan., died Pa., died Feb. 13 of a heart attack. Spouse: Kalona, Iowa, died Feb. 1 of cancer. Spouse: Feb. 9 of cancer. Spouse: Diane Hett Paul F. Souder. Parents: Elmer and Addie Alda Burkey Swartzendruber. Parents: Isaac Toews. Parents: John H. and Martha Baum Detwiler. Children: P. Don, Grace and Barbara Swartzendruber Swartzen- Krehbiel Toews. Children: Flint, Mardi Marie Gerber, Feryl K.; eight grandchil- druber. Children: Rose Anna Roberson, Heintzman; two grandchildren. Funeral: dren; eight great-grandchildren. Funeral: Arthur; five grandchildren; seven great- Feb. 12 at West Zion Mennonite Church, Feb. 17 at Rockhill Mennonite Community, grandchildren. Funeral: Feb. 5 at West Moundridge, Kan. Sellersville. Union Mennonite Church, Parnell, Iowa. Toews, John G., 69, Hesston, Kan., died Feb. 7 of a heart attack. Spouse: Dorothy Bickel Toews. Parents: John H. and Martha Krehbiel Toews. Children: John D., Bill, “For the Record” TRAVEL WITH TOURMAGINATION Duane; eight grandchildren. Funeral: Feb. is available to 12 at West Zion Mennonite Church, members of Moundridge, Kan. TO EXPLORE THE WORLD Mennonite Wright, Clifford J., 59, Lancaster, Pa., Church USA. To 2007 TOURS 2008 TOURS died Feb. 1 following a brief illness. submit informa- Spouse: Donna K. Wright. Parents: Edward tion, log on to L., Sr., and Clair M. Wright. Children: Brian SERVICE TOUR to JAMAICA (January 13-20) AN ANTARCTIC EXPERIENCE www.TheMenno- (January 5-17) Patterson, Cindy Patterson, Clifford J., Jr., CHURCHES and SAFARIS in KENYA Tina M. Wright, Ashley T. Wright; four nite.org and use and TANZANIA (February 11-22) VIETNAM (January 18 - February 4) grandchildren, two great-grandchildren. the “For the LEARNING ABOUT MENNONITES in PUERTO RICO AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND Funeral: Feb. 10 at Sunnyside Mennonite Record” button to and a SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN CRUISE (February 1-21) Church, Lancaster, Pa. access our online (Feb. 28 - Mar. 10) forms. You can ENGLAND, SCOTLAND and WALES Yoder, Delmar D., 85, Goshen, Ind., died MEXICO (March 2-11) (June 25 - July 7) Jan. 30 of cancer. Spouse: Lurmae Slead also submit infor- PARAGUAY SERVICE TOUR (March 22 - April 5) Yoder. Parents: Chris and Barbara Troyer mation by email, Yoder. Children: Paula Meyers, Dennis; five fax or mail: ISRAEL/PALESTINE with GLENN EDWARD WITMER grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren. (April 9-22) •Editor@TheMen- Funeral: Feb. 3 at Eighth Street Mennonite RITTENHOUSE EUROPEAN TOUR (April 25 - May 9) Church, Goshen. nonite.org KAUFFMAN FAMILY TOUR to EUROPE •fax 574-535- (May 25 - June 8) 6050 Correction: The Feb. 6 obituary for Elsie EXPLORING the WORLD of PAUL - M. Hofstetter spelled her name incorrectly. •1700 S. Main St., TURKEY and GREECE (May 25 - June 10) “Building bridges among Mennonites and other Christians around the world through custom-designed travel.” Goshen, IN ALASKA CRUISE TOUR (June 11-23) 46526-4794 SPECTACULAR SCANDINAVIA and its FJORDS (June 15-29) CALL 1-800-565-0451 EUROPEAN HERITAGE (July 10-25) FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK YOUR TOUR RUSSIA and UKRAINE (July 27 - August 10) E-MAIL: [email protected] LANDS of the BIBLE (September 26 - October 8) WEB: www.tourmagination.com SCENIC RHINE RIVER CRUISE (Sept. 29 - Oct. 7) 9 Willow Street 1011 Cathill Road BEHIND THE VEIL - EXPERIENCING EGYPT Waterloo, ON N2J 1V6 Canada Sellersville, PA (November 12-24 - with MEDA) Reg. #50014322 18960-1315 USA

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March 6,2007 TheMennonite 27 CLASSIFIED

Spring Family Weekend at Spruce Lake Retreat May 11-13, 2007, Glencroft is a faith-based not-for-profit retirement community. features a trout fishing derby (child/adult teams), nature photog- We are looking for a vice president of environmental services to raphy workshop and other spring activities for outdoor family fun! maintain our 40-acre campus in Glendale, Ariz. This person will be Speaker Lenny Luchetti and concert musician Steven J. Wales will responsible for all maintenance of the buildings and mechanical challenge and inspire families toward spiritual growth. Family- systems, grounds, telephone systems and the housekeeping func- Friendly Package, $296 for four. Call 800-822-7505. Spruce Lake is tions for the residential areas of the campus. This position must located in the Pocono Mountains (Pa.), www.sprucelake.org. ensure that Glencroft facilities are properly maintained in a safe and efficient manner. To function effectively in this position, the Executive director for Choice Books (CB) of Great Lakes- Rosedale, one of eight CB distributors, sharing the “good news” of ideal candidate should possess a bachelor’s degree in business or Jesus Christ in the general marketplace through inspirational a related field, with three years of recent facilities management Christian books. Responsibilities: manage distribution and servic- experience. This person must have an extensive knowledge of ing of CB displays in Great Lakes region and Pacific Northwest; fundamentals of construction and the trade industries; applicable provide visionary and administrative leadership for approximately building, plumbing, electrical and mechanical codes. This person 20 staff, relate to the larger Choice Books ministry. Qualifications: must possess excellent human relations and communication skills commitment to mission/service; business knowledge, skills and and be able to manage multiple priorities. Project management experience; financial/budget management, computer and organi- skills are essential. This person must be computer literate. zational skills; member of Anabaptist church. Education: BS or BA Qualified candidates are encouraged to send a resumé and cover degree preferred. Send resumé to Mim Musser, 9920 Rosedale letter to [email protected]. Milford Center Road, Irwin, OH 43029; 740-857-1605 fax; Mennonite Manor, a 250-resident retirement community in [email protected] or call 740-857-1366 for more information. South Hutchinson, Kan., seeks a CEO with strong financial acumen, deep operational experience and a commitment to staff Hinkletown Mennonite School is seeking a development direc- development and older adults. Minimum candidate requirements tor to begin July 1, 2007. We are seeking an experienced professional to join us as we grow. Please visit our school site at are: bachelor’s degree, five years senior management experience www.hmsk8.org. Applicants may send a resumé to Tana Pelkey- in the health/human service or education sectors and board Landes, Principal, by email [email protected]. experience. Send inquiries to: Caryn Howell, MHS Alliance, 234 S. Advertising space Main St., Suite I, Goshen, IN 46526, fax 574-534-3254 or email in The Mennonite is Eastern Mennonite University is seeking qualified applicants for [email protected]. the position of residence director (two vacancies). Responsibility available to congre- Lititz Area Mennonite School, a K-8 Christian school in Lititz, Pa., for supervision of community advisors, social and educational gations, confer- serving 305 students, is looking for a head administrator for the programming to meet student’s needs, disciplinary and personal ences, businesses 2007-08 school year. The position requires great organizational adjustment counseling and referral, crisis intervention and gener- and churchwide and managerial skill as well as academic knowledge and a vision al administration of the residence hall. Work with other residence boards and agen- for educational excellence. Candidate must have a passion for life staff and director of housing and residence life in team Christian education and excellent communication and relational cies of Mennonite approach to residence hall management. The position requires an Church USA. Cost skills. Leadership in Christian school administration is a plus. approximate average of 20 hours per week. Live-in position. Bachelor’s degree in school administration or education required, for one-time classi- Bachelor’s degree with previous experience in residence life preferably a master’s degree. Send inquiry or resumé to: Matt fied placement is administration and/or counseling with a college-age population. Burkholder, Search Committee Coordinator, Lititz Area Mennonite $1.20 per word, Master’s degree in progress preferred. Graduate students wel- School, 1050 East Newport Road, Lititz, PA 17543; 717-626-9551, minimum of $30. come to apply. Previous resident assistant experience desirable. email [email protected]. For more information visit our Web site at www.emu.edu/human- Display space is Mennonite Church USA Executive Leadership is seeking a half- also available. resources. Send letter of application, resumé and three references to: Human Resources Office, Eastern Mennonite University, 1200 time Web editor to join its communications team in Newton, Kan. To place an ad in Park Road, Harrisonburg, VA 22802, fax 540-432-4600. The ideal candidate will be a quick learner with strong writing The Mennonite, call and editing skills as well as an ability to work well within a cre- 800-790-2498 and Leamington United Mennonite Church invites applications for a ative team atmosphere. Some Web design background and public ask for Rebecca full-time lead pastor. Our church is located in Essex County in relations or marketing experience are a plus. Spanish-speaking southwestern Ontario, about a half hour from the University of skills are highly desired but not required. Those interested may Helmuth, or email Windsor and three hours from both Conrad Grebel College and Advertising@ submit a letter of intent, resumé and writing samples to Executive AMBS. Essex County contains five Mennonite Church Eastern Leadership Human Resources at P.O. Box 347, Newton KS 67114, TheMennonite.org. Canada (MCEC) churches and about 20 other Mennonite church- [email protected] or call 316-283-5155, ext. 249. Mennonite es. Our church has an average Sunday morning attendance of 350 Church USA Executive Leadership is an equal opportunity people. The successful candidate will lead a pastoral team, which employer and encourages women and racial/ethnic people to includes an associate pastor, a youth pastor and a part-time music apply. minister. The planned starting date is July 2007, subject to negoti- ations. Interested individuals are asked to contact Muriel Bechtel, Sunnyside Village, a 400-resident Mennonite affiliated retire- MCEC office, at 4489-4497 King Street East, Kitchener, ON N2P ment community in Sarasota, Fla., seeks a CEO with strong finan- 2G2, 519-650-3806. cial acumen, deep operational experience, and a commitment to staff development and older adults. Minimum candidate require- Lake Center Christian School (K-12), 620 students in Hartville, ments are: bachelor’s degree, five years senior management expe- Ohio (Akron/Canton area), is accepting applications for the follow- rience in the health/human service or education sectors and ing position: full-time director of development. This person will board experience. Send inquiries to: Caryn Howell, MHS Alliance, lead the development department in all areas of public relations, 234 S. Main St., Suite I, Goshen, IN 46526, fax: 574-534-3254 or fund-raising and donor development/relations. LCCS is email: [email protected]. owned/operated by Cornerstone, Hartville and Maple Grove Mennonite churches. For further information, please contact Matt Sunshine Inc., a Mennonite-affiliated provider of services to peo- McMullen, Superintendent, phone 330-877-2049, fax 330-877- ple with disabilities, seeks a new executive director. Located in 2040, email [email protected]. Maumee, Ohio, the organization serves over 1,000 people annual- ly with a range of services, including residential care, group Yellow Creek Mennonite Church, Goshen, Ind., is seeking candi- homes, supportive living, respite care and vocational services. dates for a current open position of full-time youth pastor. Minimum candidate requirements are: bachelor’s degree, five Responsibilities include program coordination and ministry for years senior management experience in the health/human serv- high school and middle school youth groups (25-30 members ice or education sectors and board experience. Send inquiries to: each) and other general pastoral tasks. For more information, con- Kirk Stiffney, MHS Alliance, 234 S. Main St., Suite I, Goshen, IN tact Nancy Kauffman at 574-534-4006 or 46526, fax: 574-534-3254 or email: [email protected]. [email protected].

28 TheMennonite March 6,2007 CLASSIFIED

Peace Mennonite Church in Richmond, B.C., is seeking a full- Goshen College invites applications for a full-time position: time associate pastor of youth and young adults. This person director of master’s program in environmental education/profes- will serve in a leadership team under the direction of the lead sor of environmental education at Merry Lea Environmental pastor. Although the primary responsibility will be to work with Learning Center to begin in July 2007. For more information and the youth and the youth leaders, an interest in providing leader- to apply, visit the specific position announcement on the Goshen ship for the young adult small group would be considered a defi- College Web page http://www.goshen.edu/employment/. nite asset. The successful candidate will have a theological educa- Bethany Christian Schools (gr. 6-12; enrollment 285) invites tion, will agree with our church’s vision statement and statement applications for 2007-08 for the position of athletic director—70 of faith and will have a passion for youth ministry. Starting date: percent load for the athletic director role and 30 percent for July 2007; application deadline: March 31, 2007. Interested people teaching in an area based on qualifications. Applicants should are invited to visit our Web site for a complete job description and hold, or be qualified to obtain, Indiana licensure. To apply, submit to submit a cover letter and resumé to: Youth Pastor Search a resumé and letter of application to Allan Dueck, Principal, 2904 Committee, Peace Mennonite Church, 11571 Daniels Road, S. Main St., Goshen, IN 46526-5499. Phone: 574-534-2567; email: Richmond, BC V6X 1M7; Phone: 604-278-0111; email [email protected]. [email protected]; Web site: www.peacemennonite.ca. English conversation teachers needed. Connexus, a Korea Native Mennonite Ministries is reshaping its staffing. We are Anabaptist Center ministry, needs university grads for 12-month looking for one or more part-time people. Skills needed: written terms. Variable start dates. Round-trip fare, salary, housing, train- communication/office organization and relational/pastoral (willing, etc. provided. Visit www.connexus.co.kr/english for more ing to travel). Contact Willis Busenitz: [email protected]; or information. Olivette McGhee: 251-368-5938. Camp Friedenswald, Cassopolis, Mich., is seeking someone for maintenance assistant (start date as early as April 2007): Full- time salaried position including housing, insurance and meals. (Potential for short-term voluntary service as well.) Experience essed hunger, with basic maintenance, minor repairs and operating machinery is needed. Contact Justin Weaver ([email protected] or 269- Holy feast 476-9744) if interested. Hesston College seeks applicants for faculty positions in choral rate Lent online with music and instrumental music: woodwinds/brass. Master’s ekday devotions from degree and teaching experience required, doctorate preferred. Qualifications: innovative spirit; love for students; commitment to hen College students, Mennonite higher education and the Mennonite church. Responsibilities may include classroom teaching in music theory, faculty and staﬀ. conducting and integrated arts. Candidates may apply for one or both positions. Positions available Aug. 1. Review of applications begins March 10 and continues until positions are filled. To apply, send curriculum vitae and personal faith statement to Bonnie Sowers, Interim Academic Dean, Box 3000, Hesston, KS 67062. Position descriptions available at www.hesston.edu/employment. Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp seeks a capital project/volunteer coordinator to facilitate Vision 2012 Campaign projects. General construction and leadership skills are desired. Housing oshen.edu/devotions and stipend are offered as part of this one-year term (minimum). Please contact Corbin Graber, Executive Director, at 719-687-9506 or [email protected].

March 6,2007 TheMennonite 29 REAL FAMILIES

Retrieve, rehab, recover

n conversation over a meal with several tradition. In its first two years it has grown from 80 acquaintances, one woman—single in mid- to 240 participants, including 90 children in the I life—observed: “I know why I made the choic- burgeoning youth program. Two points were es I did to prepare and focus on a career, and I emphasized at least five times in the first 10 min- understand how that was different from choosing utes of the service: “We don’t judge you for how a path toward marriage and family, but I never you’re dressed when you come for worship, and realized it could be so lonely.” Her tone was not we don’t ask how many relationships you’ve had.” remorseful so much as profoundly bewildered What does this tell us about the barriers newcom- over the cumulative impact of reasonable deci- ers anticipate when encountering church stan- sions shaped in response (as I understood her) to dards? God’s call on her life. In another fledgling effort, a team of us have We are slow to recognize in our congregations begun to live into the practice of hospitality—at the new reality that half the adults in this society the Lord’s Table, “where grace is offered and are not married. Whether by choice or in bereave- makes its claim,” and at our family tables. We reg- ment or by default, the people ularly disperse to host homes Gerald Shenk whose world is not shaped pri- with all who can join us after the teaches at marily in conjunction with a True community is morning worship for a hearty Eastern Menno- partner in marriage are now noon meal and extended conver- nite Seminary, Harrisonburg, moving into a social majority ever more difficult to sation in Sabbath time. Va. that will change the reality of locate and achieve. As a single mother joined us congregational life. one Sunday, she received a dis- “If you have a new world, you tressed call from her son, who need a new church,” Brian discovered an alarm sounding McLaren observes. He adds, “You have a new for carbon monoxide in their home (some distance world.” Part of this new world reality is shaped away). People around the table swarmed toward prominently by its fabulous new technologies, and the problem, testing ideas and resources to mobi- many of them offer more connectivity than ever. lize in determining the level of actual threat. Time spent in the blogosphere or chat rooms, Phone calls worked the lines of advice, specialists however, is no substitute for face-to-face interac- were contacted and the puzzle was solved with tion with fellow pilgrims on a shared spiritual jour- some valuable learning in community. Parenting ney. For a time, people may find intriguing diver- alone and far from extended family, the challenges sions by slipping through the portals of the for coping are immense. The young son, a new Internet. Will the new church be there, when driver, discovered the importance of keeping the refugees (some simply lonely, others wounded and garage door open while warming an old car’s possibly addicted) stumble back from cyberspace engine on a cold morning—literally a life-saving or individual pursuits, longing for real human con- exchange. Thank God for the alarm and for the tact? surging strength in body life of an emerging faith In the wake of sudden job loss or career jolt, in community, affirmed when we allow ourselves to the turbulence of bonds broken and discarded by reach this level of engagement with ordinary reali- an unfaithful spouse, in the social abandonment of ty. Worship in the express lane can’t match it. the elderly and the young alike, true community is Patterns of living alone in our culture are more ever more difficult to locate and achieve. and more widespread. The simple fact emerges: “New church” ideas are stirring much imagina- churches cannot assume that the priority or major- tion these days. It’s not as if everything we know ity of family units in the congregation will be mar- of life in the body of Christ must be scrapped and ried-with-kids. The strengths of “new church” (and rediscovered from scratch. But it seems many peo- “old church” as well) will lie in our ability to recon- ple are increasingly suspicious, resisting easy for- nect people into the social fabric of interwoven mulas and stale solutions. They are especially homes and links for fellowship beyond the single allergic to the old arrogance that managed to com- hour reserved for Sunday worship. And who municate both hollow perfection and thin self- knows? Perhaps the church of Jesus Christ, righteousness. whether new or old, will take a turn onto a slower Last month I visited a nearby start-up communi- lane and renew our hospitality by extending the ty church that appears to be vaguely Baptist in its table right into real life and sabbath rest. TM

30 TheMennonite March 6,2007 RESOURCES Sailing Acts: Following an Ancient there are many paths to God and sees this lenges, fears and distress in our everyday Voyage by Linford Stutzman (Good Books, misunderstanding as separate from God’s lives. It provides practical steps, prayers and 2006, $14.95) takes readers on board a 33- story, self-focused and shaped by our sur- meditations in each chapter, along with foot sailboat to follow the routes of the rounding culture. Webber calls us to an examples drawn from real-life struggles and Apostle Paul’s tumultuous sailing journeys alternative Christian spirituality that reveals quotes from Hebrew and Christian in the first century A.D. God’s “divine embrace” and our passionate Scripture. response. Jewish Holidays: A Brief Introduction for Proclaiming the Scandal of the Cross: Christians by Rabbi Kerry M. Olitzky and Rethinking Christ and Culture: A Post- Contemporary Images of the Atonement, Rabbi Daniel Judson (Jewish Lights, 2006, Christendom Perspective by Craig A. edited by Mark D. Baker (BakerAcademic, $16.99) is a straightforward guide to the Carter (Brazos Press, 2006, $19.99) follows 2006, $16.99), brings together presenta- major Jewish holidays that explores each in the footsteps of H. Richard Niebuhr, using tions of the atonement given in a variety of holiday’s historical development, basic typology to explore the crucial question of contexts. The contributors reveal that information about the holiday’s meaning how Christians should relate to the world, Christians should embrace a whole constel- and the way it is observed today. but offers an alternative typology that is lation of perspectives on the atonement, all arguably more deployable in our post- mutually reinforcing, because the language Panentheism—The Other God of the Christian society. of the atonement must at once be meta- Philosophers: From Plato to the Present phorical, pastoral and salvific. by John W. Cooper (BakerAcademic, 2006, Mennonite and Brethren in Christ $34.99) traces the origin and development Churches of New York City by Richard K. Simply in Season Children’s Cookbook by of panentheism from Plotinus to Alfred MacMaster (Pandora Press, 2006, $35) is an Mark Beach and Julie Kauffman (Herald North Whitehead and beyond. The conclud- introduction to Mennonite urban mission in Press, 2006, $21.99) will help children ages ing chapter offers a judicious analysis of the 20th century that engages the reader 6 to 12 make the connection between what panentheism and an explanation of with issues of ethnicity, gospel, local leader- they eat, where it comes from and when it is Cooper’s commitment to a modified classi- ship, social engagement, migration and in season. The colorful cookbook makes it cal theism. spiritual renewal. easy and fun for children to think and cook in season and to center food around the The Divine Embrace: Recovering the Finding Hope: Cultivating God’s Gift of a table and give thanks for it. Chapters on Passionate Spiritual Life by Robert E. Hopeful Spirit by Marcia Ford (SkyLight each season feature recipes for a complete Webber (BakerBooks, 2006, $16.99) evalu- Paths, 2006, $16.99) encourages us to draw meal adapted for children from Simply in ates the popular view of spirituality that strength from the Divine to overcome chal- Season. Form a “group”and save

TheMennonite

March 6,2007 TheMennonite 31 EDITORIAL

Church-to-church, person-to-person

ith the return of the Mennonite Church ple in the congregations; it cannot simply be an USA delegation to the Democratic Republic effort from church leaders. W of Congo in February, church leaders and Members of the delegation have returned to members from both groups now ask, What hap- their homes and congregations carrying slips of pens next? paper with contact information from the Congolese After this delegation, the next steps in the Mennonites. Not all members will remain in con- church-to-church relationship still remain tact with everyone they gave or received contact unknown. However, one element is clear: This information from, but it’s surely a start. Friend- Anna Groff relationship must continue to function person-to- ships will continue to blossom through individuals’ person, just as the delegation did. correspondence and mutual prayer. The group of 13 from Mennonite Church USA, In Kinshasa, I had the privilege of meeting with with various church positions and ages, connected five Congolese Mennonite journalism students. directly with the Congolese Mennonites by eating Through translation, we shared our professional and worshiping together, and visiting homes. Jim goals and interests in journalism. This common Schrag, executive director of Mennonite Church ground, a shared professional interest, allowed us USA, said this delegation was more than a “leader- to exchange ideas as peers, as well as brothers to-leader delegation”; instead it connected “people- and sisters in Christ. While the details of our pro- to-people.” fessions vary, our common interest in communica- The delegation, facilitated by Mennonite World tion provided a basis for connection. Conference (MWC), traveled to Congo for two Since the timeline for the relationship is a mys- weeks to experience the daily life of Mennonites in tery, future delegations should continue to include Congo. This trip is one of many steps in the young people. This relationship could take years process of developing a new church-to-church rela- and may not truly develop until the next genera- tionship between Mennonite Church USA and two tion takes leadership positions. Having young peo- Mennonite churches in Congo. (See page 20.) ple on board, American and Congolese, gives The relationship began when U.S. leaders strength and longevity to the relationship. approached Mennonite World Conference, asking Aside from the many connections made during the delegation, the many unknowns in this relationship could cause anxiety. No one can be sure This relationship could take years and may not truly develop where this relationship will go, although both groups anticipate that this is not the last delega- until the next generation takes leadership positions. tion. This mysterious waiting will challenge the Western mindset of many U.S. Mennonites who often look for immediate, concrete answers. how to develop one of four goals of Mennonite But we don’t have to wait to take action. We can Church USA: nurturing global relationships. MWC learn more about our Congolese brothers and sis- suggested Mennonites in Congo as a partner for ters by talking with members of the delegation, Mennonite Church USA because of their similar reading about the country, even corresponding membership size and countless spiritual gifts. with Congolese Mennonites. We can learn about Congolese church leaders agree with the impor- the history of the church in Congo from organiza- This article is tance of the person-to-person element in this tions that have seen Congo through the years, available as an audio file at church-to-church relationship. such as MWC, African Inter-Mennonite Mission, www.The During a joint debriefing session in Kinshasa, Mennonite Central Committee, Mennonite Mennonite.org provincial president of the Congo Evangelical Economic Development Associates, and support Mennonite Church, Alfonse Tshiala, reminded the them. All these small, individual actions will con- delegation that this relationship must benefit peo- tribute to the growth of this larger relationship.—ag

32 TheMennonite March 6,2007