INSIDE: • A special section on preparing for • Special needs, special abilities • Editing history to make it nicer Pittsburgh 2011 • An exemplary discernment process • Editorial: Help for Sudan’s Christians ottair ir Photo: Claybottom Farms, Goshen, Ind. by John T Photo: Claybottom Farms, Goshen, Ind. by John TirottaT Photo: Claybottom Farms, Goshen, Ind. by John T

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EverEverenceence ofEver offersfers banking prproductsoducts that araree federally insurinsured.ed. WWee also ofoffer securisecuri--fer ties and other prproductsoducts that araree not NCUA insurinsured,ed, may involve loss of principal, and have no crcreditedit union guarantee. Not all prproductsoducts araree available in all states. 2110135 March 2011 | Volume 14, Number 3 CONTENTS

12 Organizer extraordinaire for God —Sharon K. Williams

18 Ambassadors of reconciliation —Ched Myers and Elaine Enns

21 A special section on Pittsburgh 2011

31 The bus ride —Roy A. Borges

32 Special needs, special abilities —Erin R. DuBois

39 Convention 2011 goes green—Anna Groff

40 The Corinthian Plan’s first year is a success —Anna Groff

42 Young leaders launch new network—Anna Groff

43 German young adults serve in the Unit ed States—Melanie Hess

44 Pastors’ weeks focus on Holy Spirit, preach- ing—Laura Lehman Amstutz and Mary E. Klassen

45 Conversation Room needs healthy dialogue —Anna Groff

46 Institutions are returning to the church —Edgar Stoesz

48 Excel Industries gives $500,000 to Hesston College—Marathana Prothro

51 Carolyn Heggen new Sister Care co-facilita- 9 tor—Heidi Martin 52 MCC suspends work in Egypt 6 DEPARTMENTS

4 Letters 39 News 6 News Briefs 53 For the Record 8 Grace and Truth 56 Classifieds 9 Poetry 58 New Voices 10 Miscellany 59 Mediaculture 43 12 Features 61 Puzzle 36 Leadership 63 Mennonite Church USA 37 Real Families 64 Editorial ON THE COVER: Photo by Dale D. Gehman 38 Opinion

March 2011 | TheMennonite 3 LETTERS March 2011 | Volume 14, Number 3

The Mennonite is the publication of Mennonite This publication welcomes your letters, state worked in a complementary way Church USA, which established three purposes either about our content or about issues to enforce God’s law on the world, and for the magazine: to provide a forum for the facing the Mennonite Church USA. he wrote to refute the Schleitheim voices within the denomination, to promote the Confession’s rejection of the magis- ministries within Mennonite Church USA and to Please keep your letter brief—one or two offer an editorial voice distinct from but paragraphs—and about one subject only. trate as “outside the perfection of collaborative with other leadership voices. The We reserve the right to edit for length Christ.” Mennonite (ISSN 1522-7766) is published on the and clarity. Publication is also subject to Like Schirch, Calvin also believed first Tuesday of each month by the board for The pacifism was in need of “some serious Mennonite, Inc. Periodicals Postage Paid at space limitations. E-mail to Goshen, IN 46526 and at additional mailing [email protected] or mail to updating.” Yet this Christian practice, offices. Subscription rates for one year: $46 to Letters, The Mennonite, 1700 S. Main St., in danger of becoming “a quaint if naïve U.S. addresses and $54 USD to Canadian Goshen, IN 46526-4794. Please include relic of the past,” survived Calvin’s addresses. Group rates available. The views wrath. It has, in fact, survived five cen- expressed in this publication do not necessarily your name and address. We will not print represent the official positions of Mennonite letters sent anonymously, though we may turies of challenges just like these. Church USA, The Mennonite, or the board for withhold names at our discretion. —Melissa Florer-Bixler, Princeton, N.J. The Mennonite, Inc. Scripture references are —Editors from the New Revised Standard Version unless Wrong name otherwise noted. Thank you for publishing the article POSTMASTER send form 3579 to: Thanks for Sharon’s faithfulness commemorating the 100th anniversary The Mennonite Thanks to Joanna Shenk for the article of Dhamtari Christian Hospital in India 1700 S. Main St., Goshen, IN 46526 affirming the calling and ministry of (“Indian Hospital Turns 100,” Febru- STAFF Sharon Kennel (“On a Different Track,” ary). This is a place that is close to my Editor: Everett J. Thomas February). I am one who has benefited heart . My mother, Clara Esch Head- [email protected] immensely from Sharon’s gifts of min- Associate editor: Gordon Houser rick, was born in this hospital, the [email protected] istry. Her gentle strength and servant daughter of Mennonite missionaries, Associate editor: Anna Groff heart have provided encouragement Christian David (C.D.) and Mina Esch. [email protected] and support in navigating the many as- The name of my grandfather was listed Advertising, subscriptions: Rebecca Helmuth pects of congre gational ministry. [email protected] wrongly in the article. Bookkeeper: Celina Romero Through celebration and lament, she It is a wonderful thing to see the Editorial assist ant: Nora Miller has given unselfishly of her time, en- hard work of my grandparents—and Design: Dee Birkey ergy and wise counsel as she has many others—be so fruitful. Thanks be shared her love for Christ and the WEB SITE www.themennonite.org to God.—Betsy Headrick McCrae, Lake- church. wood, Colo. OFFICES Our journey of life is shaped by 1700 S. Main St. many decisions and relationships. I am Thank you, Martha Goshen, IN 46526-4794 grateful for Sharon’s willingness to an- phone: 800-790-2498 Editor’s note: In January, we mailed a fax: 574-535-6050 swer God’s call to ministry, for her hus- letter to the 18 people who subscribed to band Cecil’s support and for those who 722 N. Main St. The Mennonite on cassette and invited Newton, KS 67114-1819 recognized her gifts and nudged her letters of appreciation for Martha Graber, phone: 866-866-2872 forward. who read each issue on tape for more fax: 316-283-0454 These responses to God’s activity than 20 years as a volunteer. See “A Long P.O. Box 1896 have shaped my life and the lives of Life of Witness and Service” (February). 504 W. Choctaw Drive others and continue to bear fruit. I Whiteriver, AZ 85941 hope this story will encourage people phone: 928-338-6016 I am writing on behalf of Clayton Sut- fax: 574-535-6050 to take the next step in the adventure ter, who has been enjoying the fruits of of ministry.—Lewis Miller, Beemer, Neb. Martha’s labor for a number of years as a result of his macular degeneration It’s Calvinism, not Anabaptism and loss of ability to read. This comes When Lisa Schirch asks how Menno- Mennonite in reply to your invitation for readers to nites can “better redeem the powers of send notes of appreciation. Here is Church state and military,” her question sounds USA Clayton’s: more at home in the Calvinist tradition Many of us visually impaired people than that of Anabaptism (“Confessions have appreciated Martha’s reading The of a Modern-Day Pacifist,” February). Mennonite all these years. We sincerely John Calvin believed the church and thank you and know that when the

4 TheMennonite | March 2011 | www.themennonite.org LETTERS

books of life are opened, you’ll hear the Some history should be grieved would come. Our association with the Holy One say, “Martha, you stand here Annie Wenger-Nabigon’s call for Men- Cooks has become a lifelong experi- at my right side. I heard you reading nonites to return land to Native Ameri- ence that included their parents. We The Mennonite to many of my children. cans (Letters, January) has a powerful are now 90 and 85, and this past year You really did it to me. So I thank you. impact because I once lived in a state the mother and three of the daughters Enter into your reward.”—Kathy where half the area would be returned visited us in a retirement community Holsopple, New Paris, Ind. to them if the treaties made were actu- here, driving from New York City. We ally honored by the U.S. government. were again privileged to mutually enjoy Let us not further divide ourselves The writer recognizes that “we are all each other’s presence. Regarding Mennonite Church USA’s complicit because we all benefit from This experience brought changes to decision to hold Convention 2013 in the results of that genocide” in the our lives and to theirs, too. Since we Phoenix (February): I have listened to 1800s. Migrating Mennonites were had nine childre n of our own, all of many of the concerns raised over these eager to find a place to live, while the them benefited, including the churches months of discernment and have ob- Santa Fe Railroad was eager to sell they now attend in their adult lives, be- served that the Executive Board mem- land. This transaction was brutal to the cause of an actual experience with a bers were listening. We have had many earlier immigrants who did not per- family of another race.—Mark and months of opportunity to voice our ceive this to be a “fascinating public- Betty Moyer, Davidsville, Pa. opinions. Now that the decision has private partnership.” Rachel been made, I choose to believe that Pannabecker rightly states (The Newton Mennonites and alcohol God’s Spirit has been at work in the de- Kansan, Jan. 3): “Some parts of Kansas Editor’s note: The remaining letters in cision-making process. Let us not fur- history should be grieved, not cele- this issue respond to the January article ther divide ourselves over this but brated.”—Donald D. Kaufman, Newton, “Mennonite Couple Opens Winery in agree to disagree in love and seek to Kan. Virginia.” Letters are published here in discover where God will lead next. the order they were received. Due to space While I dearly love people who dis- Changed by experience limitations, we can print only excerpts agree on this issue, I am saddened by “Prestigious Gathering Features Men- from longer letters. Letters in response to the labeling and name-calling and nonite Scholars” (January) got our at- the February editorial will be published threats around this issue that sound a tention because when we lived in in the April issue. bit like our national rhetoric. Let us, Telford, Pa., we participated in the who trace our theological roots to the Fresh Air program for urban children. About the news article “Mennonite Radical Reformation, continue to be For 17 years, we enjoyed the children Couple Opens Winery in Virginia” radical in the way we love and respect of an African-American family, the (January): The Hartmans should have each other, and let us be united in our Cooks. There were four children, their had a note about their stance about endeavor to follow Jesus.—Rachel births spaced so that when the oldest people who are alcoholics or are Hartzler, Goshen, Ind. became ineligible, the next-in-age child (Continued on page 62)

IN THIS ISSUE

n Aug. 31, 2010, we received on page 21 provides information Plan in its first year (page 40) and an email from Sharon Williams about Mennonite Church USA’s the launch of a leadership network O saying, “Thought you might Pittsburgh 2011 convention to be held by Mennonite young adults (page 42). be interested in this. Adamino and July 4-9. In addition to this section, Because March is Disabilities Ruth Ortiz are being honored at a associate editor Anna Groff wrote Awareness Month, we also publish Phillies pregame show on Friday about two other convention matters: an article commissioned by MHS night.” It piqued our interest; after the plan to make Pittsburgh 2011 as Alliance entitled “Special Needs, learning more about Adamino’s re- environmentally green as possible Special Abilities” (page 32). markable life, we commissioned (page 39) and the Executive Board’s In Opinion (page 38), Rick Williams to write the cover story for efforts to generate interest in a new Stiffney offers a review of the Exe- this issue (page 12). convention feature (page 45). cutive Board’s decision-making This is also our preconvention Groff also wrote news stories process when deciding to hold Con- issue. The special section beginning about the success of The Corinthian vention 2013 in Phoenix.—Editor

March 2011 | TheMennonite 5 NEWS BRIEFS News from the Mennonite world Muriel Thiessen Stackley, tling racism within churches and other Mennonite Collegiate but will continue former editor, dies at 73 Christian communities in the United essential tasks at MWC until Rempel NEWTON, Kan.––Muriel Thiessen States. The trainings have been on a begins.—MWC Stackley, 73, who served in roles of edi- sabbatical since March 1, 2010. tor, writer and pastor, died of cancer During a September 2010 meeting, MCC representatives Jan. 29 in Lincoln, Neb. ARP staff and trainers determined that agree to a new structure Stackley served from 1986 to 1992 it would be beneficial for Damascus AKRON, Pa.—At a summit Jan. 31-Feb. as editor of The Mennonite when it was Road, which is one component of the 1, Mennonite Central Committee the periodical of the ARP, to form the foundation of an inde- reached structural agreements that will General Conference pendent organization. affect its ministry in the coming years. Mennonite Church On Nov. 6, 2010, the MCC U.S. Nine of the 13 denominations that sup- (GCMC). In 1998, it Board directed staff to prepare a transi- port the Canada, U.S. and binational merged with Gospel tion plan for their review. Details for MCCs, along with the 12 MCC agencies Herald to become the the transition to an independent organi- in Canada and the United States and publication of Men- zation are under discussion.––MCC Mennonite World Conference, sent a nonite Church USA. total of 62 representatives. Before that, she worked in the Rempel named MWC The agreements—on agency roles, GCMC office in Newton for 18 years, director of finance program administration and accounta- writing and editing news, curriculum KITCHENER, Ontario—Len Rempel bility to the church—will be written and materials for youth. has been appointed director of finance into bylaws and covenants expected to Born March 2, 1937, in Champa, and administration for Mennonite be endorsed in 2011, along with recom- India, to missionaries John and Eliza- World Conference, replacing Karen mendations for a streamlined structure beth (Wiens) Thiessen, she graduated Martin Schiedel, effective March 14. that will be implemented in 2012. from Bluffton (Ohio) College (now Uni- He will work out of MWC’s North The work of MCC around the world versity), the University of Kansas and American office in Kitchener. Martin will be collaboratively led by both MCC Associated Mennonite Biblical Semi- Scheidel has accepted a post as busi- Canada and MCC U.S. They take over nary in Elkhart, Ind. ness manager at Kitchener’s Rockway the role from the current binational She married Theodore Stackley on MCC, which will end as an organiza- June 21, 1964. He died April 5, 1985. tion. The anticipated timing of this They served with Church World Ser - transition is early 2012.—MCC vice in Botswana in the early 1970s. Scott Sundberg Stackley was pastor of Bergthal Police arrest 10 in Mennonite Church in Pawnee Rock, protest of Guantánamo Kan., from 1996 to 2002. She also detention served with Mennonite Voluntary CHICAGO—On Jan. 11, police arrested Service in 2003 and became a reservist 10 people dressed in orange jumpsuits with Christian Peacemaker Teams in and black hoods outside the Federal 2009. courts in Chicago when the group tried Stackley wrote two volumes of po- to enter the building in a symbolic etry, Oracle of the Heart (1998) and War search for justice on behalf of the Guan- Is a God That Demands Human Sacri- tánamo detainees and other victims of fice (2009) and coauthored (with Edgar state-sponsored torture. Christian Stoesz) Garden in the Wilderness Peacemaker Teams training participants (1999), a book about the Mennonite Five for five helped organize the witness. Jan. 11 marked the beginning of colonies in Paraguay.––Gordon Houser On Jan. 24, Marva Mimms Porter (cen- Guantánamo’s 10th year of operation. ter) and Robby Bethal (right) attend a The U.S. government continues to de- MCC U.S. resumes dedication of five houses in New Iberia, tain 173 men in the prison indefinitely antiracism process La., being built by five Hartville, Ohio, AKRON, Pa.—The Anti-Racism Pro- without charge or due process despite Mennonite churches (Bethany, Corner- gram (ARP) of Mennonite Central President Obama’s executive order to stone, Hartville, Maple Grove and Pleas- Committee (MCC) U.S. is resuming its close the facility two years ago. Thir- ant View) through Mennonite Disaster Damascus Road Anti-racism Process, a teen of those men have already been Service. Bethal’s mother is on the left. set of trainings that focuses on disman- cleared for release, but remain in cus- See full story on page 50.—MDS tody.—CPT

6 TheMennonite | March 2011 | www.themennonite.org NEWS BRIEFS —compiled by Gordon Houser

naries is not where it could be.” In re- sponse, Roth offers an invitation to an honest conversation about the future of the Anabaptist-Mennonite witness in The Goshen News The North America.––MEA

Chad Weaver, Weaver, Chad Name that building WHITERIVER, Ariz.—The Mennonite Church USA Executive Board (EB) wants to name the new Mennonite Church USA offices in Elkhart, Ind. One possibility is the Michael and Mar- gareta Sattler Center. Seniors for Peace in Goshen, Ind., proposed the name (or Sattler Center for short) to Ervin Stutzman, Menno - nite Church USA executive director in October 2010. At the Jan. 7-9 EB meeting in Police remove World War I ordnance in Goshen Tampa, Fla., EB decided to consider the Sattler Center name as one option An Elkhart (Ind.) police officer uses a remote control to lift a box with unexploded but hopes to solicit more names from ordnance into the bomb squad’s trailer on Feb. 9. Staff members of the Mennonite church members of all ages. EB staff Church USA Historical Committee and Archives in Goshen, Ind., found two large cal- will develop the process to solicit sug- iber shells, a hand grenade and a small aerial bomb in a box marked “World War I gestions for the name and bring it back Memorabilia.” The police report said the ordnance was inert.—Everett J. Thomas to EB for approval. EB members also adopted a policy Denominations invite same time does not feel too up-scale,” for naming buildings for Mennonite MWC to Farm Show said Thomas in an e-mail on Feb. 5. Church USA offices.––Anna Groff Building in Harrisburg If the invitation is accepted by Everence calls for WHITERIVER, Ariz.—On Feb. 2, lead- MWC, the inviting denominations and BP accountability ers from U.S. denominations that are MWC will appoint a planning commit- tee.––Anna Groff GOSHEN, Ind.––Continuing engage- members of Mennonite World Confer- ment efforts begun soon after last ence met to create a joint invitation to MEA gets grant to send year’s oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, the MWC executive committee to hold Everence Financial and other investors Assembly 2015 in Harrisburg, Pa. Roth book to churches GOSHEN, Ind.––Mennonite Education from the United States, United King- Richard Thomas, moderator-elect, dom and around the world are working and Ervin Stutzman, executive direc- Agency (MEA) and Mennonite Schools Council received a grant of $5,650 from together to hold BP accountable. tor, represented Mennonite Church The formation of this coalition, led USA at the meeting. The other denom- the Fund for Peoplehood Education for churchwide distribution of the book by Everence/MMA Praxis Mutual inations were Mennonite Brethren, Funds and Christian Brothers Invest- Brethren in Christ and Conservative Teaching that Transforms: Why Anabap- tist-Mennonite Education Matters by ment Services in the United States, Mennonite Conference. will strengthen the voice of concerned The denominations propose the John D. Roth (Herald Press), who teaches history at Goshen College. investors with the company, according Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and to Mark Regier, Everence Financial di- Expo Center in Harrisburg, which has MEA will send copies of the book to Mennonite Church USA congregations rector of stewardship investing. The undergone renovations. agreement includes the withdrawal of a “After touring the building, the and denominational leaders. Roth says: “We are an aging denom- 2011 shareholder resolution led by U.S. group thought that it would have an ap- investors, which gives BP additional propriate feel that would be welcoming ination. Membership is declining, as is denominational loyalty. Sunday school time to systematically address opera- for an MWC Assembly, has enough tional risks and investor concerns. space, and is adequate while at the attendance is falling. And enrollment at Mennonite schools, colleges and semi- —Everence

March 2011 | TheMennonite 7 GRACE AND TRUTH A word from pastors Make the leap e have a cat named Kirby. I’ve written ing slowly and carefully toward my target. But about him before—and of my penchant also wanting to be as innocent as a dove, ready to W for assuming that a fat old cat exhibits risk it all, flying off half-cocked and trusting that human feelings and longings. Well, I’ve been something good will come of it. Wishing I could doing it again. know in advance exactly what will come if I jump. I watched Kirby do some jumping recently. And wishing I could stop fretting and just leap into Nothing acrobatic about it. From the floor to his the unknown. chair. Not a big jump. What I noticed was the Like a good Mennonite should, I tilt toward the “measure twice-cut once” approach Kirby takes to cautious. Despite my desire to be more carefree, Ron Adams jumping. He looks up to where he intends to land. less careful, I rarely take a big risk. To be honest, is a pastor at Then looks at the floor. Then back to the chair, the little ambiguities left after all my “discern- East Chestnut Street and then to the floor. Then, having taken precise ment” (which is often a euphemism for agonizing Mennonite Church measurements to ensure a proper and dignified over the decision in hopes that it will make itself) in Lancaster, Pa. landing, Kirby jumps. And nails it every time. are usually more than enough for me to handle. I’m sure such behavior is hard-wired into Yet I am aware, mostly after the fact, that I can Kirby’s smallish brain, and that he is not really miss out on much by moving too slowly, measur- calculating height and energy and mass and veloc- ing too carefully and calculating too finely. And I ity. He just follows some ancient genetic behav- wonder if it’s not time for me to learn sometimes ioral pattern and jumps. how to close my eyes and leap and trust that I’ll But I can’t help imagining that what Kirby is up land where I ought to land. to is careful measurement of the risk and the gain, In the Lenten season, we see Jesus calling his weighing the chance of falling over against the disciples to jump farther and higher and over possibility of landing somewhere warm and soft wider chasms than they’d ever jumped before, to that feels like home. Because, truth be told, that’s place their hope in someone who keeps telling how I usually get ready to make a leap. them he’s on his way to Jerusalem to suffer and Look before you leap. That’s the common wis- die, to trust that he will be raised from the dead. dom. Don’t be precipitous. Don’t be impulsive. Jesus also calls them to count the cost. But it is Don’t take unnecessary risks. Look before you clear that he is using a higher form of math than leap. they know. Because, following their counting, it would be best to turn around and walk away and find some other, less alarming savior. But using Jesus’ calculations, following him all the way to In the Lenten season, we see Jesus calling his death and beyond is the only wise choice. I know their fear. We all do. The fear of placing disciples to jump farther and higher and over our lives in the hands of someone telling us things wider chasms than they’d ever jumped before. that, coming from anyone else, would be dis- missed without a thought. When we do the calcu- lations the usual way, we despair of making the leap. It’s too scary. But Jesus keeps on calling us to do it. To count Then there’s this opposite bit of wisdom: She the cost his way, which means seeing all of eter- who hesitates is lost. It’s like when the boat is nity at the end of equation and trusting that we’ll casting off, and she’s running down the pier but land there if we just cross our hearts and close hesitates at the edge, and the boat is gone. If our eyes and make the leap. To follow him to Gol- she’d gone ahead and thrown caution to the wind gotha, to the tomb and on toward that place that and made the leap, she would have made it safe feels like home. onboard. That is home. I live somewhere between the two. Wanting to be wise as the serpent, cool and calculating, mov-

8 TheMennonite | March 2011 | www.themennonite.org POETRY

The curved cross I It looks like a stick man or Gumby doing push-ups on the wall.

II It has the warm comfort of caramel candy, the shadow of outstretched arms.

III It’s a Mennonite icon, the shape of increased agony, the Christmas tree of holy folly, the empty tree.

IV It has all eyes on it— with wood of Birds-eye Maple.

What message does the Spirit press through that veneer?

V Behind the cross of Jesus is a kaleidoscope of colors, of cast away cans.

There’s an illusion of heaviness but it’s actually light.

VI VII The community sees it The shadow of angel wings differently going up from every angle. I see could be a delta-winged plane the keel and rib diving down to earth. of a ship. Or an anchor. “You down there, pay attention.”

This collaborative poem (with photograph) is by “The Grandparents” small group at First Mennonite Church of Indianapolis. The artwork is by Derrick Method.

March 2011 | TheMennonite 9 MISCELLANY Items of interest from the broader church and world

First comes fear, which can lead to killing n the wake of the terrible shooting in Tucson, Ariz., on Jan. 8, much-discussed crosshairs map probably isn’t as many pundits weighed in on the relationship between “violent” dangerous as her claim that ‘socialists’ are try- I rhetoric and violent acts. Our own online poll in January asked ing to create ‘death panels.’ If you convince whether inflammatory language in political discourse can lead to vi- enough people that an enemy of the American olent acts and should be monitored. A majority said yes. way is setting up a system that could kill them, After some initial vitriol from both the “left” and “right,” most the violent hatred will take care of itself.” concluded that Jared Loughner’s act was wrong and not necessarily Fear and isolation breeds such violence. And caused by political rhetoric that pictured Rep. Gabrielle Giffords in one of the main culprits, writes Wright, is tech- the crosshairs of a (metaphorical) gun. nological: “It isn’t just that people can now build Robert Wright, in his Jan. 11 column in the New York Times, a cocoon of cable channels and websites that in- makes a point worth pondering in regard to this incident. While sulates them from inconvenient facts. It’s also Sarah Palin’s picture of a gunsight’s crosshairs on Rep. Giffords that this cocoon insulates them from other may not have led Loughner to shoot her, rhetoric about conspira- Americans—including the groups of Americans cies by the government may have. who, inside the cocoon, are being depicted as Wright writes: “Six months ago, police in California pulled over a evil aliens. It’s easy to buy into the demonization truck that turned out to contain a rifle, a handgun, a shotgun and of people you never communicate with and body armor. Police learned from the driver—sometime after he whose views you never see depicted by anyone opened fire on them—that he was heading for San Francisco, where other than their adversaries.” he planned to kill people at the Tides Foundation. You’ve probably As Christians we worship a God of love and never heard of the Tides Foundation—unless you watch Glenn are taught that “perfect love casts out fear” (1 Beck, who had mentioned it more than two dozen times in the pre- John 4:18). If we are to love as Jesus loved, then ceding six months, depicting it as part of a communist plot to “infil- we need to spend more time in the Bible and trate” our society and seize control of big business.” less in the blogosphere.—Gordon Houser Loughner also thought there was a conspiracy—a conspiracy by the government to control our thoughts (via grammar, in his bizarre worldview)—though it’s not clear where he got his theory. 1% The media, including the Internet, is full of voices propounding of the 31,224 gun deaths each year in conspiracy theories, left and right, with no empirical evidence. And the United States result from self-de- people seem to lap it up. fense.—Time One handy thing about such theories is that it simplifies a com- plex world and it always places the blame on someone else, some- 8 one we don’t like (or if we do, we’ll change theories). It thus children and teens die each day from relieves us of responsibility to change our lives. gun violence.—Time Wright says such theories are the greater problem: “Palin’s

Pontius’ Puddle Joel Kauffmann

10 TheMennonite | March 2011 | www.themennonite.org MISCELLANY —compiled by Gordon Houser

In the modern world, famine is not an act of God; it is an act of war. … That civil Mark your calendars We Can Know, a Christian group based in populations account for as many as [90 Raleigh, N.C., believes Jesus will return on percent of] deaths during modern May 21.—Associated Press wars is not merely an unfortunate accident.—Charles Kenny of the Center for Global Development Americans see religion’s role declining Seven in 10 Americans say religion’s influence on the country is waning, and 61 percent say they be- More young people in nursing homes long to a church or synagogue, equaling the low- About one in seven people now living in nursing homes in the United est number since Gallup began asking the States is under 65. But the growing phenomenon presents a host of question in the 1930s.—Religion News Service challenges for nursing homes. The number of under-65 nursing home residents has risen about 22 percent in the past eight years to about 203,000, according to an analysis of statistics from the Centers for Where your tax money goes Medicare and Medicaid Services. That number has climbed as mental 2009 tax receipt for a taxpayer earning health facilities close and medical advances keep people alive after $34,140, paying $5,400 in federal income tax they’ve suffered traumatic injuries. Still, the overall percentage of nurs- and FICA (selected items) ing home residents 30 and younger is less than 1 percent.—Associated Social Security $1,040.70 Press Medicare $625.51 Medicaid $385.28 2010 hottest and wettest year on record Interest on the national debt $287.03 New government figures for the global climate show that 2010 was the Combat operations in Iraq wettest year in the historical record, and it tied 2005 as the hottest and Afghanistan $229.17 year since record-keeping began in 1880. Military personnel $192.79 The new figures confirm that 2010 will go down as one of the more Veteran’s benefits $74.65 remarkable years in the annals of climatology. It featured prodigious Federal highways $63.89 snowstorms that broke sea- Health care research (NIH) $46.54 sonal records in the United Foreign aid $46.08 States and Europe; a record- Education funding for low-income shattering summer heat K-12 students $38.17 wave that scorched Russia; Military retirement benefits $32.60 strong floods that drove peo- Pell Grants for low-income ple from their homes in college students $29.75 places like Pakistan, Aus- NASA $28.09 tralia, California and Ten- Internal Revenue Service $17.69 nessee; a severe die-off of Environmental cleanup (EPA) $11.67 coral reefs; and a continua- The FBI $11.21 tion in the global trend of a Head Start $10.91 warming climate. Public housing $10.50 Two agencies, NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Ad- National parks $4.27 ministration, reported Jan. 12 that the global average surface tempera- Drug Enforcement Agency $3.14 ture for 2010 had tied the record set in 2005. The analyses differ Amtrak $2.23 slightly; in the NOAA version, the 2010 temperature was 1.12 degrees Smithsonian Museum $1.12 Fahrenheit above the average for the 20th century, which is 57 degrees. Funding for the arts $0.24 It was the 34th year running that global temperatures have been Salaries and benefits for above the 20th-century average; the last below-average year was 1976. members of Congress $0.19 The new figures show that 9 of the 10 warmest years on record have —Christian Century occurred since the beginning of 2001.—New York Times

March 2011 | TheMennonite 11 Adamino Ortiz has a heart for inviting people to know and follow God.

by Sharon K. Williams

Adamino Ortiz in front of the meetingplace of Nueva Vida Norristown New Life Mennonite Church in Norristown, Pa., where he serves as a leader. Photo by Dale D. Gehman

12 TheMennonite | March 2011 | www.themennonite.org “The Bible preaches against retirement,” Tony Campolo once said. He noted that Jesus even told a parable about a man who planned to retire on his accumulations and busied himself by building bigger barns to protect his property. “You fool!” (Luke 12:13-21)

Campolo maintains that elderly people (his out Montgomery County. He became the founding words) are called to minister in the church—pray- executive director of Accíon Comunal Latino ing, prophesying, leading ministries for social Americano de Montgomery County (ACLAMO), a change, visiting and loving people into the king- position he held for 27 years. Today, ACLAMO dom of God, modeling faithful marriages, good Family Centers provide improved access to eco- stewardship in finances and end-of-life decisions, nomic, educational, health, social and cultural op- making room for young people and new ways of portunities to low-income individuals and families, worship, and then dying with dignity. especially those of Spanish-speaking heritage. Few seniors live this better than Adamino ACLAMO offers preschool and after-school pro- Ortiz. Adamino serves as the executive director grams, ESL classes for adults and referral ser - emeritus of ACLAMO Family Centers and as a vices for housing, employment, addictions leader in our congregation, Nueva Vida Norris- counseling, translation for legal documents and town New Life Mennonite Church (Norristown, medical services, and hosts cultural celebrations Pa.). He also serves as coordinator for Franconia for the whole community. Mennonite Conference’s Cuba ministry outreach. The word “serve” is not an honorary designa- tion when it comes to Adamino’s involvement and Adamino describes himself with dry humor and a commitment. Adamino describes himself with dry humor and twinkle in his eye as a Puerto Rican-Pennsylvania a twinkle in his eye as a Puerto Rican-Pennsylva- Dutch, Methodist-Mennonite. nia Dutch, Methodist-Mennonite. As a young per- son, Adamino was a youth leader and natural-born organizer in the Methodist Church in Puerto Rico Adamino also has a heart for the spiritual and became president of the youth fellowship for needs of the Latino people. John Lenko, a retired the Methodist’s North Region of the island. He missionary to Costa Rica who lived in the brought young people together to do Christian Pottstown area, prophetically identified for dramas and other ministries. He has a heart for Adamino that “God has brought you here for a inviting people to know and follow God. purpose.” But the Methodists in Pottstown could Adamino became a draftsman, working in San not imagine how to address this vision, and as a Juan. But he felt stuck in his career. In 1967, he “conservative Methodist,” Adamino struggled to followed his brother to Pottstown, Pa. He quickly connect with the “hippie” style of the Methodist learned English, and his organizer eye saw many young people in the United States at that time. So needs among the Latino community, especially for John and Adamino organized the first Spanish translation services with the police and medical ministry in the Pottstown area, which met at a facilities. He organized a Hispanic hotline that op- local Church of the Brethren on Sunday afternoons. erated three days a week from Pottstown Men- In these circles, he met Carletta Jane Yoder, a nonite Church and three days a week from his young woman with a missionary calling. As he tu- home. tored her in Spanish, she “saw the love of God in This led to an invitation to connect with com- his eyes,” she says. Adamino and Jane were mar- munity organizers in Norristown. Adamino led a ried in 1970 and later added a daughter, Tina grassroots group in developing a vision for a social Marie, to their family. Together they prayed for service agency that would serve Latinos through- ways to share God’s love with the Spanish-speak-

March 2011 | TheMennonite 13 ing community. The Spanish ministry flourished Closed doors and broken hearts. The ministry until some families moved out of the area to seek struggled for various reasons. In 1992, Jane died employment. But seeds for a new ministry were from complications of diabetes and lupus. planted with the remaining group, which faithfully Adamino continued as a leader in the congrega- gathered for prayer on Saturday evenings. tion, as it moved to another building and called a full-time pastor, then later assumed responsibility for the Pottstown Mennonite meetinghouse when Brokenhearted, Adamino continued to face his the English-speaking congregation closed. But the life of the small congregation, with differing future with courage and a lot of questions. needs and diverse backgrounds, became unsus- tainable. Brokenhearted, Adamino continued to face his Open doors. Before long, a call came from New future with courage and a lot of questions. The Holland (Pa.) Mennonite Church. Gabriel Matos work of ACLAMO continued to grow, with all the came to Pottstown and asked Adamino for assis- ups and downs of a nonprofit organization whose tance in finding a place to hold Spanish worship mission is always larger than its capacity to work services. God was calling for an expansion of Span- itself out of a job. Under Adamino’s capable lead- ish ministries in Pottstown. Pottstown Mennonite ership, ACLAMO established two offices, one in Church opened its doors. Although the Mennonites Norristown and another in Pottstown. Adamino’s didn’t know Adamino, and he didn’t know Mennon- influence and connections were felt throughout ites, he was invited to teach the Bible. He and Jane the county and the state, as he served as Mont- became members, and Adamino became the treas- gomery County’s Commissioner on the Gover- urer of Iglesia Menonita Estrella de la Mañana nor’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs, (Morning Star Menno nite Church). spanning five governors for 16 years. As Franconia Mennonite Conference welcomed As a leader in Franconia Conference, Adamino the new congregation, Adamino’s leadership was rec- was well aware of another visionary congregation ognized in a call to serve on the conference’s Mission as it emerged in Norristown—a deliberate wed- Commission and later the conference board. ding of three Mennonite churches, including a

Adamino Ortiz greets Lizette Melendez Figueroa and her niece Paola. Photo by Dale D. Gehman

14 TheMennonite | March 2011 | www.themennonite.org Latino congregation, to create Nueva Vida Norristown New Meet Adamino Ortiz Life Mennonite Church (NVNNL). He also felt drawn into renewed mission connections between Franconia Confer- Favorite song: “Yo quisiera hablarte ence and churches in Cuba. “I fell in love with Cuba from the del amor de Cristo” (I would like to first minute,” Adamino recalls of his first “rebuilding rela- tell you of the love of Christ) tionships” visit to the island in 1993. He returned to Cuba as Favorite Scripture: For I am con- the interpreter for another visiting group of church leaders vinced that neither death nor life, nei- and evangelists in 1995. ther angels nor demons, neither the The second administration. Adamino also fell in love with a present nor the future, not any pow- schoolteacher and administrator, Anita Ravelo. They met at ers, neither height nor depth, nor any- a cultural competency training for Latino leaders. Anita, a thing else in all creation, will be able Cuban immigrant from age 14, and Adamino created a new to separate us from the love of God family with their four young adult daughters in 1996. that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ro- Adamino lovingly refers to this marriage as the “second ad- mans 8:38-39 NIV ministration.” Favorite music: Danza, classic Puerto It’s unusual when organizers in high places and with many Rican dance music that emphasizes responsibilities can actually effect change in their own fami- love of country, family, romance and lies. Adamino’s new in-laws in Cuba were divided over dif- culture. ferent political ideologies. Relationships were conflicted, almost nonexistent, and complicated by limited access. Hobbies: Gardening, collecting Danza Adamino determined to be an instrument of reconciliation on his YouTube channel, ham radio in his new family. He found Anita’s relatives and introduced operator himself. Before his next trip to Cuba, he and Anita produced Goals for the next five years: Giv- a video featuring Anita and her three daughters singing ing time, talent and resources to his happy birthday wishes for her father and their grandfather. church and conference He played their message for the family. Hearts melted as, Annual missionary trips to Cuba: one by one, family members recorded their messages of love Connecting various community organ- and reconciliation for Anita. Anita accompanied Adamino on izations with our fast growing Latino the next trip to Cuba and was joyfully reunited with her fam- community.—Sharon K. Williams ily. Because of Adamino and Anita’s persistent witness and love, Anita’s father, stepmother and stepsister accepted Jesus as their Savior. Because of the family ties, Adamino and Anita could travel once a year to Cuba. They ministered with pastors and churches, preaching evangelistic services and training pas- tors in the Bible Institute of the Pentecostal Holiness Church. The Cuban people responded with great enthusi- asm, and the ministry continues to be blessed by God. When the Bush administration restricted family travel to Cuba to once every three years, God opened another door for Adamino’s ministry in Cuba. When the local news re- ported Adamino’s formal retirement from ACLAMO, pastors at Calvary Chapel of Norristown took note of his mission work and contacted him. They discovered a common passion and love for Cuban churches and developed a partnership with Franconia Conference around Calvary’s religious li- cense to do mission work in Cuba. This ministry includes building churches and developing a rustic camp into a site for large gatherings and trainings. Every brick and piece of equipment is prayed into place, as resources are scarce. Pas- tors, church leaders and congregations are covered in prayer Jim Williams, stewardship team chair at Nueva Vida Norristown by Adamino and pastor Tom Fry every evening. New Life Mennonite Church, and Adamino Ortiz discuss the up- Adamino and Anita sought a new church home in coming agenda for a church council meeting. Photo by Dale D. Gehman

March 2011 | TheMennonite 15 panic pastor on the pastoral team, Adamino ac- I love the Spanish worship experience, but I don’t cepted the call to pastoral ministry, which resulted in a ministerial license for both NVNNL and Cuba. feel complete until the whole congregation Anita died suddenly in October 2007. In their 11 worships together.—Adamino Ortiz years of marriage, God used Adamino and Anita to accomplish much. It was hard for him to think of Pottstown, hoping to find a Mennonite church that continuing the various ministries without her. But could include a ministry with Latinos. But they God and Adamino knew their work was not yet also heard God’s call to Nueva Vida Norristown complete. Adamino returned briefly to ACLAMO New Life. By 1998 they were immersed in the life in an interim capacity while the organization and mission of our congregation, engaging their searched for a new executive director. He contin- gifts of teaching, interpretation and leadership. ued to coordinate the ministry with Cuba They embraced the vision of an intercultural min- churches and serve the congregation. What else istry and outreach that requires people of all cul- could the future hold? tures to worship, lead and work, give and take Waiting in the wings. In times of grief, some counsel together. We worship the Lord in bilingual people rediscover friendships that have been dor- services on the first, third and fifth Sundays of the mant for a long time. While visiting his family in month and offer Spanish and English worship Puerto Rico and working through the deaths of services on the second and fourth Sundays. “I Anita and his brother, Adamino reconnected with love the Spanish worship experience, but I don’t Ruth Lydia Gonzalez, a señorita he met years ear- feel complete until the whole congregation wor- lier through the youth drama ministry. They had ships together,” Adamino says. dated and contemplated marriage. But Ruth’s call- Anita taught Spanish at Christopher Dock Men- ing was to ministry and mission work and not in nonite High School, Lansdale, Pa., and the Norris- the United States. They parted ways, but over the town Area School District. She served on years stayed in touch, mostly through a mutual Franconia Conference’s Damascus Road an- friend. Now a chaplain, Ruth invited Adamino to a tiracism team, and she and Adamino became a retreat she was leading for people in grief. part of the Stand Together Ministry team that Adamino returned to NVNNL, mysteriously leads the congregation’s antiracism/anti-cultural- happy and lighthearted. One of Ruth’s pastor bias ministry. When we needed an interim His- friends had encouraged her to rescind her previ-

In September 2010, the Philadelphia Phillies and Goya Foods honored Adamino Ortiz for his leadership with ACLAMO during His- panic Heritage month. Photo provided

16 TheMennonite | March 2011 | www.themennonite.org ous refusal to marry him. The friend said, “You can help him, and he can help you. It is not good I will always be available to the Lord to do for you to be alone.” In March 2009, 44 years after their first date, anything the church asks, as long as God gives we beheld the “third administration.” me life.—Adamino Ortiz Ruth is a confident minister and welcomed leader at NVNNL. Her marriage to Adamino and plain if Adamino and Ruth chose to slow down and the move to a different culture came with a good enjoy their senior years together. But like Tony bit of sacrifice, as she was in the final steps of Campolo and countless other elders, the word re- preparing for a new ministry in Colombia. While tirement really is not in their vocabulary. Maybe it she has focused on learning to know her new hus- is retirement laced with a strong commitment to band, new church and new surroundings, she grow, be transformed and be used by God. At holds to God’s vision that she will fulfill her call- NVNNL, we still schedule meetings based on the ing in Colombia someday. She has already accom- Ortiz family calendar and travel plans. We do it panied Adamino on three trips to Cuba, where she with joy, knowing that God has plans for Adamino discovered a powerful ministry among the women and Ruth’s full engagement with God’s kingdom pastors and lay leaders of the Cuban churches. agenda. She enjoys teaching and counseling with women and young families, both in Pennsylvania and Sharon K. Williams serves as Puerto Rico. minister of worship and com- To God be the glory. Adamino continues his or- munications manager with ganizing work for the Latino community in a sup- Nueva Vida Norristown New portive, volunteer role at ACLAMO. He and Juan Life Mennonite Church, Guerra, the executive director, collaborate on de- Norristown, Pa. velopment opportunities and board recruitment. Occasionally he serves as volunteer at the Pottstown office. Help is on the way In our congregation, Adamino’s primary focus is Adamino’s move to Pottstown left a leadership gap at Iglesia Metodista leading Enlarging Our Place in God’s World, an de Dos Bocas, his home congregation, which was part of a two-congrega- ambitious, multifaceted capital campaign for facili- tion charge under one pastor. Adamino’s responsibilities included leading ties restoration and expansion of ministries of the Sunday school ministry. When he returned in 1968 on vacation, he transformation and reconciliation. He also chairs discovered that no one had been appointed to care for the Sunday the church council and serves as an elder. school, and the pastor had moved it to Sunday afternoons. The congrega- In 2009, Iglesia Metodista de Dos Bocas, tion just stopped coming. The pastor showed Adamino a letter that the Arecibo, Puerto Rico, held a homecoming celebra- pastor had sent to the Methodist Superintendent, recommending that tion to thank God for the 45 years of ministry Iglesia de Dos Bocas be sold. made possible by Adamino’s intervention (see Adamino asked permission to lead the Sunday school for a month at “Help Is on the Way,” page 17). His work with the original time. He visited the people, and learned that they really ACLAMO has been recognized by the Human Re- wanted to come to worship and Sunday school, but not in the hottest lations Council of Pennsylvania, and he has re- part of the day. Adamino held an open meeting with the pastor and the ceived the Marjorie Penny Patchkis Award for people. He proposed that the congregation should leave the charge and Human Rights. In September 2010, the Philadel- ask the Methodist leadership for its own pastor. He knew several retired phia Phillies and Goya Foods honored Adamino for ministers who might be interested to serve the congregation. his leadership with ACLAMO during Hispanic The pastor was inflexible, and some members, including Adamino’s Heritage month (see photo at left). grandfather, questioned Adamino’s challenge of the pastor’s authority. Adamino celebrated his 69th birthday last De- What else could they do? “It was a very anxious time,” Adamino recalls, cember. A young “senior” perhaps, but it has not “a ‘lose sleep’ kind of situation.” been a life without struggles and health chal- In the end, 75 members signed a letter Adamino wrote, asking for a lenges. He gives all the glory to God for his ac- new pastor. Adamino hand-delivered the letter to the Superintendent. complishments. “I will always be available to the Their solution gained the Superintendent’s support, and a new pastor Lord to do anything the church asks, as long as was appointed to the congregation of Dos Bocas, which flourishes to this God gives me life.” day.—Sharon K. Williams It’s not over until it’s over. No one would com-

March 2011 | TheMennonite 17 Ambassadors Photo by Dee Birkey of reconciliation by Ched Myers and Elaine Enns to exclude Gentiles f rom the circle of YHWH’s grace. This theology of radical inclusion was dis- concerting to both Jewish ethnocentrism and Conversion is not only an inner change of heart Hellenistic ideologies of superiority. or a private change of mind but a revaluation of In Greco-Roman antiquity the cultural, eco- nomic and political enmity between Jew and Gen- everything, at once personal and political. tile was profound. These two communities were institutionally and historically alienated—not un- like the modern legacy of racial apartheid or the t the heart of one of Paul’s best-known protracted struggle between Israelis and Pales- theological formulations describing Chris- tinians or Protestant Loyalists and Catholic Re- A tian conversion is a summons to a “min- publicans in Northern Ireland. But Paul refused to istry of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18). This abide by the social divisions around him, instead passage represents perhaps the earliest New Tes- trying to build bridges called churches. tament articulation of the vocation of restorative The Corinthian epistles provide the best in- justice and peacemaking. sights into Paul’s efforts to resist Roman norms of It is important to understand Paul’s theology class stratification and ethnic segregation, espe- of reconciliation in the context of his commitment cially his second letter, written sometime in the to ethnic peace and economic equity in the teeth mid-50s C.E. Paul’s own commitment to “down- of a hostile first-century Roman imperial society. ward mobility” tried to subvert the social fabric of As a member of a racial-ethnic Jewish minority the status quo, while he expected both Jewish and that was systematically segregated within the Gentile converts to defect from their own entitle- dominant Roman society, Paul was fiercely critical ments and loyalties. He believed his small Chris- of the decadence and injustice of the Roman Em- tian house gatherings, sprinkled around the pire (see e.g. 1 Corinthians 2:6,8). Yet he refused eastern empire, should model an alternative soci-

18 TheMennonite | March 2011 | www.themennonite.org Witnessing to the restorative justice of God (2 Corinthians 5:16-21) ety, liberated from top-down patronage, economic Verses 18-19 read: disparity and racial hostility. Two millennia later, A. “All this is from God, who reconciled us to Martin Luther King Jr. called this the vision of “a Godself through Christ, beloved community.” It is this “new creation” that B. “and has given us the ministry of reconcilia- Paul believed Christ had called into being (2 tion; Corinthians 5:17). A’. “that is, in Christ God was reconciling the Our passage begins with two categorical decla- world to Godself (not counting their trespasses rations, the first in a string of rhetorical doublets: against them) “Therefore , from now on we regard no one from B’. “and entrusting the message of reconcilia- a human point of view … tion to us.” Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, there is a new Each theological assertion (A) is linked immedi- creation: everything old has passed away” (2 ately to a practical one (B), reiterated in a parallel Corinthians 5:16-17). doublet. Let’s look at each in turn, because here The apostle urges disciples to view things no we are at the core of Paul’s theological vision. longer “according to the flesh.” The Greek “sarx” The theological assertion articulates the ex- does not refer only to our bodies or our sexual traordinary idea of God’s conciliatory initiative. passions, as Christian pietism has read it. Rather, God is not portrayed as the recipient of Jesus’ it is Paul’s favorite metaphor for the deeply- “sacrifice” but as the One acting through Jesus’ rooted, socially-conditioned worldview we inherit from our upbringing, the sum total of personal and political constructs and conventions that define a Reconciliation is not something accomplished given culture—the way most folk think and act. by Christ for God or inflicted on Christ by God For example, a dominant assumption in North America is that the “moral” response to violation but forged by God in Christ. is punishment. To challenge this cultural convic- tion quickly leads to passionate and often irra- execution. Reconciliation is not something accom- tional resistance that is both broad (i.e. majority plished by Christ for God or inflicted on Christ by opinion) and deep (welling up from the core of in- God but forged by God in Christ. This wreaks dividual psyches). This is the power of the “flesh” havoc on the medieval (but still widespread) doc- in Paul’s sense (see e.g. Romans 8, where the trine that Christ’s death functions to placate an word appears 14 times). It dictates what and how angry or offended deity. Rather, the Cross repre- we “know,” constrains our imagination and locks sents a restorative initiative by the divine victim us into habitual enslavements of all kinds. toward the human offender (see Romans 5:10f). Paul believed that this social formation is fun- God absorbs the violent injustice of the offender damentally deforming to the biblical understand- and offers the gift of forgiveness. This powerful ing of what it means to be human. But those who notion of the “moral authority of victim-initiative” are in communion with Christ have adopted a rad- is central to restorative justice, as we have tried ically new perspective (2 Corinthians 5:17). Paul’s to show in our book Ambassadors of Reconcilia- vocabulary of the “new creation,” which eclipses tion, Vol. II (Orbis, 2009). the “old things that have passed away,” places the The semantic field of the verb “to reconcile” whole passage in an apocalyptic (that is, world- (Greek “katallassō,” used only by Paul in the New transformative) framework. Conversion is not Testament) is economic, not for atonement. In Ar- only an inner change of heart or a private change istotle it connotes an exchange of money to estab- of mind but a revaluation of everything, at once lish equivalence of value (we still speak of personal and political. But Paul does not want this “reconciling” a bank statement). This discourse apocalyptic language misunderstood as implying a resonates with the Hebrew Bible’s tradition of divinely ordained destruction of the world, as Sabbath and Jubilee, the unilateral seventh- and many modern fundamentalists have done. This 49th-year “release” from debt-bondage revolution is for restoring the world through the (Deuteronomy 15; Leviticus 25). The apostle be- great work of “reconciliation,” a verb Paul now lieved that promoting economic “equality” was deploys emphatically and repeatedly. part of the church’s “bridging” project (see his de-

March 2011 | TheMennonite 19 scription of the international ecclesial mutual aid justice of God” (5:21). This key Pauline phrase, project—which he calls a work of “grace”—in 2 which appears some 10 times in his letters, is a Corinthians 8-9). God’s decision “not to count our polemical phrase, asserting that divine fairness is trespasses against us” (2 Corinthians 5:19) repre- utterly opposed to Roman “iustitia” (justice). It sents a reassertion of the divine economy of cannot be equated with our notions of retributive grace: the old “debt system” is passing away. justice. The engrained retributive logic of the “flesh” stipulates that debtors must be impris- oned and offenders punished. In stark contrast, Paul urges believers to renounce whatever God models in Christ the practice of victim-initi- dominant culture privileges and prejudices we ated reconciliation. As Christopher Marshall’s im- portant study Beyond Retribution: A New have internalized in order to become a “beloved Testament Vision for Justice, Crime and Punish- ment (Eerdmans, 2001) has shown, this restora- community” across lines of class, gender, tive logic lies at the center of the New Testament sexuality, race and nation. theology of redemption. Later New Testament traditions referred to Paul, with no hint of irony, as an “ambassador in The practical part of the doublet (B) makes it chains” (Ephesians 6:20). This ambassador inhab- clear, however, that in order to participate in ited the empire’s jails because he represented God’s Jubilee, disciples must embrace the “min- God’s restorative justice, which challenged the istry of reconciliation” (5:18). This mandate is retributive politics of Caesar’s world. Paul was couched in the language of gift rather than obliga- “co-operating” with the God who suffers with all tion: this vocation is “given” (5:18b), the message victims of personal and political violence yet who “entrusted” to us (5:19b). Yet with the gift comes seeks to win back the offenders as well (2 responsibility, which is taken up in 5:20-21. Corinthians 6:1). But there is a real cost to this God’s “appeal” (Greek “parakaleō”) is both an discipleship, which is why Paul follows his exhor- invitation and a challenge, made through the tation with a litany of his own nonviolent disci- agency of Jesus-Movement “ambassadors.” In the plines and their consequence in the harsh world of Greek-speaking Roman Empire, “ambassador” Empire (2 Corinthians 6:3-10). (Greek “presbeuomen”) had thoroughly political Second Corinthians 5:16-21 asserts that recon- connotations (see Luke’s use of the term in Luke ciliation is the dream of God, who through Christ 14:32, 19:14). A “legatus” (the Latin equivalent, has modeled restorative justice as the only means whence our word “delegation”) was usually ap- of achieving it. Paul’s theological indicative pointed by the emperor to represent imperial in- presses upon believers an urgent imperative: to This is the first of terests in foreign lands: facilitating intelligence renounce whatever dominant culture privileges four Bible studies gathering, negotiating trade deals, wielding and prejudices we have internalized in order to on 2 Corinthians threats or offering compromises. But this was not become a “beloved community” across lines of 5:16-20 in The Paul’s meaning. While Caesar’s envoys through- class, gender, sexuality, race and nation. May the Mennonite leading out the Mediterranean world strove to defeat ene- Mennonite Church USA Convention this July take up to Pittsburgh mies and bend nations to the will of the Pax up afresh Paul’s challenge and invitation to be- 2011, the next Romana, the emissaries of Christ were to appeal come “ambassadors of reconciliation.” Mennonite Church to those same peoples to be reconciled to God and USA biennial con- one another (2 Corinthians 5:20b). Ched Myers and Elaine Enns vention, to be held The indicative mood now gives way to impera- work with Bartimaeus Coopera- July 4-9 in down- tive, a transition typical of Paul’s rhetorical style. tive Ministries town Pittsburgh. Divine realities are waiting to be realized in our (www.bcm-net.org) and are The convention’s lives, so Paul as the emissary of Christ pleads: members of Pasadena (Calif.) theme, “Bridges to “Be reconciled to God.” This “balancing of the Mennonite Church. This is an (the) Cross,” is in- books” is predicated upon making peace with edited excerpt from their book spired by this text those from whom one is alienated, including one’s Ambassadors of Reconciliation, and by the many ethnic or political enemies—hence the need for Vol I: New Testament Reflec- bridges that span “ambassadors.” tions on Restorative Justice the City of Three The purpose of God’s extraordinary initiative in and Peacemaking (Orbis, Rivers. Christ is so “that in him we might become the 2009).

20 TheMennonite | March 2011 | www.themennonite.org What brings you to convention?

The David L. Lawrence Convention Center, site of Pittsburgh 2011. The center sits at the confluence of three major rivers. Photo: VisitPittsburgh.com

March 2011 | TheMennonite 21 What brings you to Ben and Susan Miller Setiawan, we can, yet sometimes we find it difficult to Ethan, Sammy and Aviva get beyond our own positions. Convention gave Ben and me opportunities to talk Assembly Mennonite Church, Goshen, Ind. about these issues with our children when it seemed appropriate, doing our best to Two years ago, my husband, Ben, and I traveled to Colum- frame them as honest disagreements bus 2009 with Ethan and Sammy, our two older children. among people who feel strongly. Why would we and two of our children (grades 5 and 1) The speakers and activities were a draw choose to spend nearly a week attending a Mennonite for our family. Ben and I were eager to lis- convention in downtown Columbus? In the process of ten in on conversations going on in the figuring out why we should (and did) do this, we learned wider Mennonite church, and we were that convention is not just for high school youth and dele- very interested in hearing Jim Wallis and gates—it’s a good place for anyone interested in Men- Shane Claiborne speak. Ben attended sem- nonite Church USA and the global Mennonite church. inars on global themes and Christian-Mus- Ben and I were raised Mennonite on opposites sides of lim relations and the work of Christian the globe. This has enriched our lives incredibly, since Peacemaker Teams and Mennonites around Ben experienced the label “Mennonite” in Indonesia the world. The seminar topics I chose very differently from how I experienced it in the United ranged from family spirituality to financial States. Nevertheless, we both carry a Mennonite iden- planning to male/female roles in the con- tity and realize we have been shaped by our heritages. gregation. We both learned a lot. We recognize that while we can’t “hand down” faith to Ethan and Sammy attended the children’s our children, we can provide venues for them as Indone- activities, which felt similar to Bible school sian Swiss German children of Chinese descent to expe- for them. We dropped them off every morn- rience the global Mennonite family and their part in it. ing at their “family groups,” where they Ben and I try to be deliberate about doing so because we heard stories, sang songs and participated feel that a strong Mennonite heritage and identity is a in arts and crafts (we still have the mosaic gift that will serve our children and the world in which doves they made). As a family we all en- they live. Convention offered one such opportunity for joyed evening music and performances, Ethan and Sammy to experience being Mennonite in the such as Ted & Co. and Ken Medema. Each larger context. day for lunch, we walked to the North Mar- ket District, where we rel- We recognize that while we can’t “hand down” ished the ethnic food and the feel of a big-city market- faith to our children, we can provide venues for place. Reconnecting with friends them as Indonesian Swiss German children of was definitely a highlight for Chinese descent to experience the global our whole family. Ben and I both graduated from Goshen Mennonite family and their part in it. (Ind.) College and worked at Mennonite camps. We and Having said that, I felt keenly that there was very little our children also spent five years in Balti- that was uniform about “being Mennonite” during that more. At convention, running into people we knew in week in Columbus. I was reminded that “being commu- college, the Baltimore youth group (When did those little nity”—and what is a group of people identifying them- kids become such young adults?) and many others we’ve selves by a single name if not some sort of been blessed to know was a real gift. community?—is difficult work. We disagree about things Admittedly convention is not your typical family get- that we feel deeply about. We talk and listen as well as away, but it worked well for us. We found rest and relax-

22 TheMennonite | March 2011 | www.themennonite.org Ben and Susan Miller Setiawan and their children (left to right), Aviva, Ethan and Sammy. convention? Photo by Annette Brill Bergstresser

ation in nearby green space, an afternoon at the 2011. This time Ethan will be with the junior youth, Columbus Zoo, leisurely-sipped coffee and conversa- Sammy will be in the elementary group, and Aviva will tions with friends old and new. We chewed on new join us and attend the preschool group. We look for- ideas, Bible stories and stimulating seminar discus- ward to joining the conversations of the wider church sions. We sat and soaked up the voices of thousands of and reminding ourselves of why we have chosen to be people raised in song and added our voices as well. Mennonite. All in all, we think it will be a week well And so we are we planning on attending Pittsburgh spent.

March 2011 | TheMennonite 23 Pittsburgh 2011 What to know Bridges to (the) Cross table not as guests, but as owners,” says Glen This year’s convention theme—“Bridges to Guyton, associate executive director for con- (the) Cross”—is inspired by 2 Corinthians 5:16-20 stituent resources for Mennonite Church USA and the 446 bridges that span Pittsburgh. The and a member of the Intercultural Relations Ref- theme is twofold: First, as instruments of Christ’s erence Committee. reconciliation, we, too, have many “bridges to “While the initial vision was to have multicul- cross.” Second, God calls us to shape our culture tural programming on one day of the convention, as ambassadors for Christ instead of continuing to this ‘day’ has become a central theme in the plan- have our culture shape us. We are called to serve ning for the entire convention,” says Rachel as “bridges to the cross.” Swartzendruber Miller, director of convention planning for Mennonite Church USA. “Instead of “We Are the Church” having a day that has a drastically different feel Convention planners hope to foster an in- from the rest of the week, we are choosing to bet- creased sense of belonging and ownership for ter incorporate racial/ethnic gifts and talents racial/ethnic constituents during convention. throughout the week.” Throughout the week, convention-goers will have opportunities to experience the diverse ethnic A “green” convention and cultural traditions of Mennonite Church USA, The David Lawrence Convention Center as racial/ethnic constituents serv e as speakers (DLCC) is the first “green” convention center in and leaders of worship, music and seminars for the world and the only meeting venue to be youth and adults. awarded the Gold LEED® Certification by the On “We Are the Church” Day (July 6), the U.S. Green Building Council (see www.green- events and activities will have a multicultural first.us). Also, convention planners are working focus. That evening, the main events will be the with Mennonite Creation Care Network to con- racial/ethnic constituency group gatherings, the sider sustainability and environmental steward- Intercultural Gathering of the People dinner and a ship issues in planning the gathering. For tips on youth concert featuring ASON. “greening” convention, go to www.mennoniteusa.org/ “As Mennonite Church USA explores racial convention and choose Why come? and Sustain- healing through restorative justice, the committee ability. recognizes the importance of coming to God’s Servant projects Participants will be transported to different sites throughout the city to provide services such as working with community children or elderly/nursing home residents, doing yard work/trash pickup or building repair, or serving at a food bank/homeless shelter/soup kitchen.

MennoNight Fun Run 5k/10k A 5K/10K MennoNight Fun Run will be held at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 7. The course will take participants on the Three Rivers Heritage Trail System with aid stations along the way. Everyone is welcome to participate: competitive runners, recreational walkers, seniors, baby jog- gers and wheelchair athletes. Prizes will be awarded to the top two male and female finishers in each 10-year age group.

Adult worship at Columbus 2009 mPress photo

24 TheMennonite | March 2011 | www.themennonite.org Evening events • Wednesday: “Common Threads” with Tony Brown and John Sharp • Wednesday: Racial Healing Task Group vignettes and immigration film screening • Wednesday concert: ASON (see page 29) • Thursday: Trash fashion show • Thursday: Hymn sing • Friday concert: Stellar Kart, a Christian pop punk band from Phoenix, Ariz. The sin- gle “Me and Jesus” from their 2006 album Members of the historical committees of the General Conference Mennonite We Can’t Stand Sitting Down hit number 1 Church and GC districts meeting for business and to commemorate the for seven weeks on the Hot Christian Songs 275th anniversary in the Germantown (Pa.) Mennonite Church in July 1958. chart and won the 2007 Dove Award for Photo provided “Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song.” • Friday: Ryan and Friends Mennonite Historical Committee:

Coffeehouse Celebrating 100 years of history Traditional Indonesian dancers, California hip- At the turn of the 20th century, North American Mennon- hop, local Pittsburgh recording artists along with ites were grappling with matters such as the implications of comedy, history, a cappella and a rock band or two higher education, expanding overseas missions, urbaniza- are some of the acts planned for the nightly cof- tion, and leisure-time activities such as theater and ball feehouse. games. At issue was how to maintain time-honored beliefs and practices amid great change. Recreation hall Two groups, one in the Mennonite Daily “Minute to Win It” contests, Ping-Pong, Church (MC) and one in the General volleyball and basketball are among recreation op- Conference Mennonite Church (GC), tions for convention participants. came to the realization that utilizing the stories and learnings of the past could Exhibit hall be an important strategy for nurturing Mennonite Church USA agencies, colleges/ future faithfulness. seminaries and other Mennonite-related organiza- So in 1911, each group—acting inde- tions will have booths in the exhibit hall. pendently of the other—established the first historical organization for its de- Financial aid nomination. MC delegates appointed a committee to write Congregations are encouraged to consider giv- “an authentic Church History,” while 20 GC members ing a tithe to the financial aid fund to assist those formed the Mennonite Historical Association to gather and who are unable to raise enough funds for their make available for research “materials of historical and cul- convention expenses. Participants can donate via tural value.” the registration form or by contacting the conven- At Pittsburgh 2011, the Mennonite Church USA Historical tion office. Participants needing financial assis- Committee—as successor to the GC and MC initiatives— tance can download an application from will celebrate a century of historical ministry. Activities will www.mennoniteusa.org/convention (under include seminars on topics ranging from archiving tips to “Forms”) or call 574-523-3048. Note: Financial aid Hutterites plus the introduction of a redesigned and re- may be used only to cover registration fees. vamped Mennonite Historical Bulletin, the Historical Com- mittee’s quarterly magazine of popular Mennonite/ Volunteering Anabaptist history. At Columbus 2009, more than 250 volunteers The Historical Committee also will sponsor an exhibit on donated their time to help the gathering run racial/ethnic diversity in the church and present several smoothly. Depending on the number of hours seminars featuring recent historical research on race and re- served, volunteers may receive a full or partial re- lated issues in the church. fund of their registration fees. Those interested —Rich Preheim, director, Historical Committee should indicate their availability when registering.

March 2011 | TheMennonite 25 Pittsburgh 2011 Adult gathering

Many adults come to convention year after year to worship, erational seminars is available at www.mennoniteusa.org/ go to seminars, participate in delegate sessions, attend spe- convention. cial dinners and receptions, socialize, work on servant proj- ects and enjoy recreation, concerts and other activities. Pastors Day (Monday, July 4) Leading communities of healing and hope: Partici- Delegates pants will explore stories of ministry with people of faith Congregations, area conferences and constituency groups from various socioeconomic backgrounds. Speakers will in- of Mennonite Church USA are encouraged to make their clude Mary Thiessen Nation, affiliate professor at Eastern voices heard by sending delegates—including young adults— Mennonite Seminary, and John Stahl-Wert, author and presi- to convention. Free registration is available to congregations dent/CEO of Pittsburgh Leadership Foundation. who have not sent delegates since 2003. Young adult dele- gates are invited to take part in the YODA (YOung adult Del- AMBS on-site seminary courses egate to Assembly) program, which is designed to help them Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Elkhart, Ind., become more involved in the work of the church. will offer for credit two graduate-level courses (Principles of Youth Ministry and Thirteen Ways of Looking at Zacchaeus: Young adult activities Luke’s Quest Stories and Transformational Bible Study) and Special activities are being planned where young adults (ages one undergraduate course (Pastoral Studies Distance Educa- 18-30) can connect with their peers. There will be a young adult tion, Unit 1: Church and Ministry) at Pittsburgh 2011. Par- lounge, late-night gatherings, and special servant projects. ticipants will have several face-to-face sessions at Pittsburgh 2011, with reading and writing assignments to be completed Seminars before and after convention week. See: www.ambs.edu/ More than 180 seminars, including some in Spanish, will Pittsburgh2011 be offered at convention. A list of adult, youth and intergen-

Timothy Seibel ticipants in learning peacemaking and teamwork skills Jubilee Mennonite Church, Meridian, Miss. through coordinated drumming on plastic buckets. The highlight of my trip was joining the awesome Jubilee As a young adult representing Jubilee youth for dinner each day. I enjoyed hearing about the semi- Mennonite in the Delegate Assembly at nars they attended, the youth worship sessions, the friends Columbus 2009, I learned so much about they made. Sometimes there were some profound and spir- how our denomination operates. It was ited conversations. For example, we discussed tough ques- exhilarating to talk with excited young tions such as, “To whom should we pledge allegiance, God adults and youth who are realizing that in several years, we or country?,” “Is war always inherently evil?” and “How can will be leading the church. We imagined where the church will we be thankful for our freedoms without becoming national- be by then and how much more the church can do to flood the istic and idolizing our country?” world with God’s hope and peace. It was exciting to sit in the In regards to the issue of homosexuality, our youth also dis- Delegate Assembly with 800 representatives and Executive cussed how we can love all people while holding true to our in- Board members and hear reviews from church committees and terpretation of Scripture. They heard one another out and collectively discuss and pass statements on issues such as disagreed well. I sensed that they were united with a common human trafficking, national health care and sexuality. vision for service and mission and a love for the church. And the adult and youth worship sessions were phenomenal. As I think about the church of the future, I know that we At one of them, the children’s activity leaders brought a 180- are in good hands. As these young people become involved member children’s choir on stage to lead us in the song “Feel in the church in various ways, they will ensure that we con- the Rhythm.” Afterward the leaders blessed the children and tinue to become a people of grace, joy and peace to impact told them, “You are our future, and you have much to teach the world with God’s healing and hope. us.” The whole arena erupted in deafening applause and cheer- I returned to the South with God’s Spirit in my lungs and a ing. That’s how it was at every worship session. The energy renewed commitment to be a witness for the Prince of Peace was contagious, and the sermons were life-changing. amid a nationalistic evangelical culture. Thank you, Jubilee, Convention provides a place to share ideas. There were for entrusting me with the honor of representing our con- more than 170 seminars on all kinds of topics. Some of them gregation at the convention. were hands-on, such as one in which Leo Hartshorn led par-

26 TheMennonite | March 2011 | www.themennonite.org Adult speakers and worship leaders Speakers Friday: Be the bridge Monday evening (joint worship): Focus on the cross Ervin R. Stutzman is executive director for Shane Hipps joined Mars Hill, Grand Rapids, Mennonite Church USA. Formerly he served as Mich., as a teaching pastor in early 2010. For- dean and professor of church ministries at East- merly he served as lead pastor of Trinity Mennon- ern Mennonite Seminary, Harrisonburg, Va. He ite Church in Glendale, Ariz. He is the author of has also served the Mennonite Church as a pas- The Hidden Power of Electronic Culture: How tor, district overseer, missions administrator, con- Media Shapes Faith, the Gospel, and Church. ference moderator and, from 2001 to 2003, moderator for Mennonite Church USA. Tuesday: Bridge to new life Madeline Maldonado is associate pastor of Iglesia Menonita Arca de Salvación in Fort Myers, Worship leaders Fla. She is also a district minister for Southeast Sue Conrad Howes of Lancaster, Pa., began as Mennonite Conference, a Mennonite Mission a development associate for Mennonite Mission Network board member, and director of finances Network in February, having served East Chest- for Iglesia Menonita Hispana. nut Street Mennonite Church in Lancaster for five years as associate pastor. She is a graduate Wednesday: Life on the bridge of Goshen (Ind.) College, Penn State University Betsy Headrick McCrae is pastor at Glennon and Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Elkhart, Ind. Heights Mennonite Church, Lakewood, Colo. She served with Mennonite Central Committee in Glen Guyton is associate executive director for Akron and Zaire, and also lived in Belgium and constituent resources for Mennonite Church Vietnam. She studied at Hesston (Kan.) College, USA. Previously, with his wife, Cyndi, Glen served Goshen (Ind.) College, San Francisco State Univer- as youth pastor and in other ministry roles for sity and Lancaster (Pa.) Theological Seminary. more than 17 years at Calvary Community Church in Hampton, Va. Alfred “Al” Taylor, a native of Harlem, N.Y., is pastor of Infinity Mennonite Church, New York, and founder of Man Up in Harlem. He is the New Music leaders York City chief of staff for State Assemblyman Nicole R. Francisco is leader of the C3 Worship Herman D. Farrell, for whom he has worked since Team and co-leader of the Young Adult Ministry 1984. He is completing a Master of Divinity de- at Calvary Community Church, Hampton, Va. A gree from Nyack (N.Y.) College/Alliance Theological Seminary. graduate of The College of William & Mary and Regent University School of Business, she serves Isaac S. Villegas is pastor of Chapel Hill (N.C.) as finance director of Calvary Community Church Mennonite Fellowship. A son of Latin American and Christian Academy. immigrants, he grew up in the Roman Catholic Church until his family joined the Edward Raymond James, IV, is music director Pentecostal/Charismatic movement. A graduate for Calvary Community Church in Hampton, Va. of Duke Divinity School, he is co-author of Pres- He is also a pianist, recording artist, classically ence: Giving and Receiving God. trained lyric baritone and songwriter/composer. He has a B.A. in music from Old Dominion Uni- Thursday: Bridges to cross versity, Norfolk, Va. Danisa Ndlovu of Zimbabwe has served as an evangelist, a Brethren in Christ district secretary, a conference secretary lecturer at a Bible school Special guest and currently as Brethren in Christ bishop. He Michael Bishop is pastor of music and worship was elected vice president of Mennonite World at Blooming Glen (Pa.) Mennonite Church. He Conference (MWC) at the 2003 meeting of the has a B.A. in music education from Eastern Men- MWC General Council in Zimbabwe, and became president during nonite University and studied at Westminster the General Council’s 2009 meeting in Paraguay. Choir College, Princeton, N.J.

March 2011 | TheMennonite 27 Pittsburgh 2011 Youth gathering Convention may be the only time many of these youth experience the sense of belonging that comes from worshiping with thousands of other youth who also identify as Mennonite. If they do not have the opportunity to connect with the Mennonite Church during their formative high school years, they may never get the chance. With these realities in mind, the four paid youth pastors in our conference brainstormed how we could turn con- vention into an extended experience that would provide space for the youth Samantha Bender / Mennonite Church USA in our conference to form deep bonds with each other and the broader church. The idea Mountain States youth pastors of a cross-country bus trip was born. “We’re trying to create a significant amount of arrange joint bus trip time and captured space where our youth can get to know each other and form a stronger identity associate pastor for youth, Andrew Clouse, with the conference,” says Tory Doerksen, pastor Albuquerque (N.M.) Mennonite Church for child and youth faith formation at First Men- nonite Church in Denver. “We want them to know When Natalie Anderson of Albuquerque, N.M., at- they are not alone as Colorado Anabaptist/Men- tends the opening worship session at Pittsburgh nonite Christians.” 2011 this summer, it will be the first time she’s ever Michael Martin, youth pastor at Beth-El Men- been in a room with more than 200 Mennonites. nonite Church in Colorado Springs, Colo., agrees: Natalie, a 14-year-old member of the Albuquerque “Riding on a bus for 30 hours with other youth Mennonite Church youth group, is one of nearly 40 helps develop relational skills, expand a youth’s youth from the Mountain States Mennonite Con- network and helps make a better connection to ference who will spend 27 hours on a charter bus MC USA as a whole.” to Pittsburgh for the biennial youth gathering. The trip will not be without challenges. From When I asked Natalie why she signed up for the Albuquerque, for example, we will need to spend a trip, she said, “I want to meet some other Men- day on each end of the trip commuting to and from nonite youth from other churches because I feel our launching point in Denver, meaning we will be isolated here.” gone a total of 11 days—a demanding time com- This sentiment is nothing new for youth from mitment for over-involved youth and sponsors. this area conference, which consists of a few Another challenge is cost. We expect to spend at small, scattered congregations in New Mexico, least $1,000 per participant for travel, food, hotel Texas and Colorado. Churches here are not only and registration fees. Our small youth group will spread out but are far from the Mennonite “hubs.” need to raise nearly $7,000, and First Mennonite Albuquerque is 300 miles closer to Mexico City in Denver will have to pull in close to $15,000. than to Pittsburgh. This translates into hours of barbecues, service As a result of this isolation, youth like Natalie auctions, chili cook-offs and dinner theaters. aren’t even sure what being Mennonite means, or We decided that the chance to connect our youth how to address the confused questions that pop to one another, challenging speakers and a new part up when she tells friends that she is Mennonite. of the country was worth the expense. As youth “We’re the only Mennonite church in Albu- pastors, we pray that the week-and-a-half of being querque, so when I talk to my friends about it, squeezed on a bus and run ragged in Pittsburgh they don’t know what I’m talking about,” she said. will result in changed lives and a deeper faith. “They’re like, ‘What? What is that?’ And then “I hope they experience a little bit of discomfort some of my friends thought that Mennonites were in order to grow,” Martin says. “Being on a bus old fashioned and wear things on their heads. And might give a literal meaning to that.” another one thought I said ‘men in tights.’”

28 TheMennonite | March 2011 | www.themennonite.org Youth speakers and worship leaders Speakers ing to young people about how to develop an ever-growing pas- Monday evening (joint worship): Focus on the cross sionate and educated faith.

Tuesday morning: God’s point of view Friday afternoon: Here we go! Shane Hipps joined Mars Hill, Grand Rapids, Brenda Matthews, affectionately known as Mich., as a teaching pastor in early 2010. For- “Mama” Brenda, is a poet pregnant with pur- merly he served as lead pastor of Trinity Mennon- pose. She seeks to plant seeds of change in the ite Church in Glendale, Ariz. He is the author of hearts of those who have fallen through the The Hidden Power of Electronic Culture: How cracks. She has traveled throughout the United Media Shapes Faith, the Gospel, and Church and States and the African continent to deliver her Flicke ring Pixels: How Technology Shapes Your Faith. message and has shared the stage with leg- endary performers Stevie Wonder, John Legend, Roberta Flack and Tuesday afternoon: Reconcile … what? Willie Nelson. Ted Swartz is a comedian, actor and playwright from Harrisonburg, Va., who founded Ted & Co. Worship leaders He invites audiences to peel away centuries of Shé Hall lives in Hampton, Va., where she works biblical interpretation to rediscover the plain and as a freelance web/graphic designer and attends humorous humanity of those who walked toward Calvary Community Church. She also works with faith. He has created/co-created 16 full-length Calvary’s Generation Youth Ministries and is a co- shows, a dozen one-act plays, award-wi nning videos and a trunk leader for the young adult fellowship. Shé is a re- full of comedy sketches. cent graduate of Regent University with an M.A. in communications—digital media. Wednesday morning: Bridges under construction in Christ Calenthia S. Dowdy, Ph.D., is professor of Derek Yoder served as a youth pastor at White- youth ministry and cultural anthropology at East- stone Mennonite Church in Hesston, Kan., for 7.5 ern University in St. Davids, Pa. She grew up Bap- years and is currently in voluntary service at tist and is now part of Oxford Circle Mennonite Camp Friedenswald, Cassopolis, Mich., with his Church in Philadelphia. Previously her work in- wife and three children. Derek graduated from cluded youth ministry, junior high and kinder- Hesston College and Eastern Mennonite Univer- garten teachi ng, college chaplaincy, camp direction and missions. sity and has a master’s degree in social work.

Wednesday afternoon: The new has come: Bring it on! Music leader David Maldonado is senior pastor of Iglesia Jeremy Kempf is director of music and worship Menonita Arca de Salvación in Fort Myers, Fla., at Trinity Mennonite Church in Glendale, Ariz., the church where he became a Christian. He pas- where he lives with his wife and daughter. He tors with his wife, Madeline, and has served this graduated from Hesston (Kan.) College and congregation as pastor for 17 years. He often Greenville (Ill.) College with a degree in contem- teaches and preaches in Guatemala. porary Christian music. He spent several years as lead guitarist in the Christian rock/worship band Thirstbor ne. This Thursday morning: Opportunity for unity will be his third convention as music leader. “We are called to extend the grace we have been given to those around us”: a story of mother/daughter reconciliation. Special guest ASON is a rapper and youth speaker with a Friday morning: Be the bridge knack for slipping uplifting messages into his Jeniffer Dake is driven by the desire to see music. His first three albums have sold more than young people become discerning and committed 42,000 copies and song downloads. His latest followers of Jesus. She is one of the founding album, “Two 4 ONE,” is a hip-hop/R&B collabora- members of Michael W. Smith’s youth center, tion with Christy Love. Rocketown, in Nashville, Tenn., and has toured as a speaker with Michae l, Stacy Orrico, Worship To- gether and Point of Grace. She now travels across America, speak-

March 2011 | TheMennonite 29 Pittsburgh 2011 Children’s and junior youth gatherings

First-time convention participants become pen pals Two fourth graders who met at Columbus 2009 Craig says that while the volunteers with the have continued their friendship as pen pals. children were friendly and welcoming, he still While both Tara Gleason of Findlay, Ohio, and worried about Emma the first morning. His fears Emma Cordell of McConnellsburg, Pa., were were allayed when he picked her up for lunch. nervous about coming to convention for the first “She talked and talked about what she had done time, they said that once they met the other chil- and about the other children in her group,” he dren and got involved in games and crafts, they says. “Every day after we ate lunch together, she felt more comfortable. was eager to get back to her group as soon as Tara Gleason Emma and Tara were partners during the week possible. As the week wound down, she started and enjoyed a field trip to the Columbus Zoo to- talking about the next convention. She can’t wait gether with their parents. On the last day, they for Pittsburgh and to see Tara again.” decided to become pen pals. Maria Gleason, Tara’s mom, reflects, “It was “When we left convention, I had a friend to neat to see how Tara and Emma became friends write to and a great memory,” Emma says. “I was and really neat to see them writing letters back very glad I came.” and forth since the convention. I know Tara is Both girls say they are looking forward to see- looking forward to the next convention.” ing each other at Pittsburgh 2011. “I’m also ex- Craig adds that he was pleased with the cited to be able to have fun at convention once thoughtful planning that went into the children’s Emma Cordell again,” Emma adds. gathering and with the volunteers who worked Tara’s grandparents, Art and Mary Newcomer, with the children. brought her and her brother to convention. “I think Emma’s first experience at convention “I was a little scared and did not know what to was so good that it has set her on a path of life- expect, but my brother, who had been before, con- long convention attendance,” he says. “And I vinced me I should try it,” Tara says. couldn’t be happier about that.”—Mennonite Emma came with her father, Craig Cordell. Church USA “I really wanted to go, since I had never been to a convention before, and it was so close to home,” Contact information says Craig, whose wife and son could not attend Mennonite Church USA Convention Planning due to other commitments. “I was honestly sur- P.O. Box 1245, Elkhart, IN 46515-1245 prised and pleased when Emma said she’d go Fax: 316 283-0454 • Phone: 574 523-3048 with me.” Toll-free: 866 866-2872 • E-mail: [email protected] Kindergarten-5th grade Junior youth gathering Coordinators: Amy Nissley and Heidi Gingerich Coordinators: Kendra Horst, Torrey Ball, Todd Lehman and Ami Miller Children in this group will use curriculum titled The junior youth gathering will include worship, recreation, a service experience “Kids Can Build Bridges,” produced especially for and excursions to Laurelville Mennonite Church Center and the Carnegie Science the Pittsburgh convention by Mennonite Publishing Center. Activities/meals will take place in the Westin Allegheny Ballroom, which Network. is connected to the convention center. Field trip: Carnegie Science Center Speaker: Peter Eberly, lead pastor of Eastside Church, a Preschool church plant in Harrisonburg, Va., and father of four. Coordinators: Emily and Jodi Ferguson Children will be engaged with Bible stories, crafts, dress-up, games and outdoor play.

Infants/toddlers Music leaders: Coordinators: Kathy Miller and Michelle Yoder The Ransom There will be wagon rides, creative play time, sto- Project ries and more. Many helpers will be available to Drama: John make sure that each child receives individual care. Bromels Photo www.stock.xchng.com

30 TheMennonite | March 2011 | www.themennonite.org A bus ride reminds a prisoner how God has changed him.

The bus ride by Roy A. Borges y transfer to another prison came unex- me is amazingly different. pectedly. I had no idea where I was going. Twenty-one years ago I owned a body shop. I M Leg shackles were cuffed to my ankles prided myself in my knowledge of cars. I knew before I climbed on board the bus. They hurt and the make, year and model of most of them, even made the four-hour trip even more uncomfort- the foreign cars. But the only ones I recognized able. This was not my first bus ride or my last. now were the older models. The Department of Corrections has a fleet of “What kind of car is that shiny new one there, buses it uses to transport inmates to prisons all Roy?” the inmate beside me asked. over the state. If you have never ridden on a DOC To my chagrin I shrugged my shoulders. bus with 45 inmates, I can guarantee you it’s an “That’s a Cadillac,” another inmate said. experience you will never forget or want to re- “A Caddy?” I said, incredulous. peat. The inmates are squashed together like sar- I used to work for Nolan Brown Cadillac with dines in a can. Their property is laid on the floor my father. Cadillacs were my favorite cars, and I or in our laps. Most inmates start smoking the owned several of them from the time I was 17 minute the bus starts. No one is supposed to until I came to prison. I couldn’t recognize them smoke on the bus, but it’s hardly ever enforced. now. Then I noticed the emblem on the hood. “It’s I am I always try to get a seat near the window so I a Caddy,” I smiled. can breathe some fresh air—and for the view. For “Hey Roy?” someone asked. “Do you think no longer most of my 21 years of incarceration, my view has they will have cars when you get out?” been from a cell window. “I don’t know,” I said. He must have been read- the man Occasionally a mockingbird will appear and in- ing my mind. “Cars sure have changed. Who I used terrupt part of the panorama. But looking at razor- knows what the future will bring,” I said. But the wire fences every day is not an inspiring view. unchanging emblem on the hood of the new Cadil- to be. The scene from a DOC bus along an inter- lac gave me hope. state highway isn’t spectacular to most It was not a bad bus ride, I concluded as we ar- inmates. They would rather spend rived at my new location. I got to see new cars I their time telling war stories. But the never saw before, and it reminded me how much view captivates me and compensates things had changed since my incarceration. How for the abhorrent bus ride. much I have changed. My hair is gray, and I have I was especially drawn to the some wrinkles I never had before. But the biggest new cars I saw passing by. I’ve change is the change God has performed inside seen pictures of them in maga- me. I am no longer the man I used to be. God is zines and on TV advertise- making me into the man he wants me to be, and ments. But seeing them God’s not finished yet. live and moving The sun shone on my one good eye as I walked next to off the bus. The familiar scene of the razor-wire fences again dominated my view. Hope, however, dominated my thoughts. It reminded me that no matter how much the world changes I can walk into the future confident that no matter what hap- pens, God, the emblem of my life, is faithful. He never changes. So as I step into my new reality I remember: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways ac- knowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Roy A. Borges is a prisoner in Mayo, Fla.

March 2011 | TheMennonite 31 needs abilities

by Erin R. DuBois

They can attend school, hold down jobs and turn the key in the door of their own apartments. They have won the legal battle for inclusion, but by the time they land in the pew at church, they may be too ex- hausted to fight for something more precious than their rights. Friendship is a gift the law can never guarantee to people with developmental disabilities. Churches across the United States, however, are reaping the rewards of building genuine relationships with those in their midst who are epitomized not by their disabilities but by their rare abilities to deepen the congregation’s spiritual life.

Finding friendship in the faith community

32 TheMennonite | March 2011 | www.themennonite.org Junior Shifflett (left) and Joey Taylor in front of their congregation’s sign. Photo by Tara Torkelson

“They have their rights and laws and they can people with disabilities over the next two years. sue. They can fight all week, but they come to a Peaceful Living encourages the faith communi- service and don’t want to have to put themselves ties it supports to identify members’ needs by forward in the faith community,” says Joe Landis, completing their own congregational surveys. A executive director of Peaceful Living, a Menno- congregational coach then interviews people with nite Health Services Alliance member organiza- tion based in Harleysville, Pa. Peaceful Living Until it’s in your family, you don’t know, and provides community-based services to people with developmental disabilities. until you hear somebody’s story, you don’t Sharing their stories Friendship is what makes people flourish, ac- know.—Joe Landis cording to Landis, and Peaceful Living is helping local faith communities, including two synagogues disabilities and their families, bringing before the and a Hindu temple, establish the mutual give- church leadership the stories of those who may and-take of friendship with the special needs pop- not be able to speak for themselves. “Everybody ulation. Sometimes the starting point is as simple has their own amounts of suffering,” Landis says. as finding out where that population exists. “Until it’s in your family, you don’t know, and until Peaceful Living staff discovered the magnitude you hear somebody’s story, you don’t know.” of the church-going special needs population by Revolutionizing Sunday school: Tyler’s story conducting a survey in 2000 of approximately 100 Bob and Regina Rutt experienced the solace of local congregations and identifying 500 people having their family’s story heard by members of with disabilities. At the end of its Honoring a Blooming Glen Mennonite (Pa.) Church. When Place conference in 2008, Peaceful Living staff the Rutts began attending the church in 1991, asked 10 faith communities to commit to including they found that church members readily assisted

March 2011 | TheMennonite 33 Dawn reaches out to greet “Heidi,” a ther- apy dog, a regular member of the Rain- bow Room at Calvary Church of Souderton, Pa., brought every Sunday by Dr. Sharon Minninger of the Telford Veterinary Hospital in Telford Pa. Photo by Joe Landis

them in practical ways, such as holding the door was blessed with all these new friends, and I think open when they arrived with their wheelchair- the ladies were blessed with a relationship with a bound son. special child.” Tyler, who passed away seven years ago at the In for the long haul age of 20, sustained a brain injury from oxygen After the Honoring a Place conference, church deprivation at birth. Progressing in development members formed a committee geared toward mak- to that of a 6-month old, he required total physical ing the church an even more welcoming place for care. Although he was legally blind, Tyler came to people with disabilities and their families. The recognize church members by their voices, laugh- church renewed its commitment at Peaceful Liv- ing and smiling when they greeted him. ing’s 2010 Divine Power of Friendship conference, “He developed a lot of friends in the congrega- resolving to offer a four-week-long worship series tion,” Bob Rutt says. One of the most profound and Sunday school elective on inclusion. ways the congregation reached out, according to “We want to adopt this as part of our church phi- Bob Rutt, was during the family’s first summer at losophy rather than a project with an end date,” the church. Members Ruth Yoder and Bronwyn church member Robin Long said at the 2010 con- Histand visited the Rutts’ home to discuss how ference while reporting on the church’s progress Tyler could have a meaningful Sunday school ex- over the last two years. Thirty church members at- perience that would still allow his parents to at- tended the elective taught by Courtney Smith, tend Sunday school with their own age group. Peaceful Living’s director of congregational and “We came up with something unique and very community education, according to Landis. A con- much of a blessing for Tyler and other congrega- gregation’s willingness to explore options and ac- tion members,” Bob Rutt says. cept people as they are is what the families of Eight women volunteered on a rotating sched- people with disabilities need most, according to ule to spend the Sunday school period reading and Bob Rutt. The Rutts felt their presence at church singing with Tyler. Tyler loved music and the was appreciated, even though Tyler made noises as sound of the human voice and looked forward to his way of participating in the worship music. these times, as did the volunteers, according to “It almost has to be a customized kind of Bob Rutt. “I know it was a stretch for many of arrangement because every person with disabili- them,” Bob Rutt says. “They had never spent ties is unique,” Rutt says. much time with a child that was developmentally Getting out of the pew and physically disabled … there was a bit of a Grace Mennonite Fellowship in Harrisonburg, learning curve but they were courageous. Tyler Va. also finds ways for individuals to use their

34 TheMennonite | March 2011 | www.themennonite.org unique gifts to bless the congregation. The church would ask where I was and say he would see me collaborates with Pleasant View, Inc., another at church. He was kind of my conscience.” Mennonite Health Services Alliance member or- ganization, which offers residential and commu- nity-based services in the Broadway, Va., area. One way church members can look after the Pleasant View staff believe the individuals they needs of others is by offering them a ride to serve should have the opportunity to express their faith as they choose, according to executive church, since transportation tends to be a major director Nancy Hopkins-Garriss. While some have no interest in attending church, others at- obstacle preventing people with disabilities from tend various denominations, and one participates attending. in mission work. Staff used to take individuals to the same church, where they all sat in a pew together. They An attitude adjustment were going to church but were not truly part of Pleasant View pastor Dave Gullman says many the congregation, according to Hopkins-Garriss. churches will readily make physical adaptations to Now a staff person initially accompanies the indi- their buildings to accommodate people with dis- vidual to a church of their choice, backing away abilities, but adjusting attitudes can be a more dif- over time as the congregation steps forward to ficult matter. A few people must be willing to see get the person connected. the person with disabilities as a person first and “We really want it to become their church and lead the way for others to draw them into fellow- not part of their program,” Hopkins-Garriss says. ship. “It takes some energy, and that’s often an- Powerful pray-ers: Joey and Junior’s stories other obstacle,” Gullman says. “People feel they Joey Taylor and Junior Shifflett, two individuals come to church to have their needs met, and now served by Pleasant View, have made Grace Men- they have someone else to look after.” One way nonite Fellowship their church home. “They’re church members can look after the needs of oth- just a part of the church like you and I would be,” ers is by offering them a ride to church, since says Tamra Wilson-Puffenbarger, Pleasant View transportation tends to be a major obstacle- pre human resources director and a member of Grace venting people with disabilities from attending, Mennonite Fellowship. Both men enjoy singing according to Gullman. praise music and have become unofficial greeters, With fewer staff on hand at Pleasant View on shaking hands as they welcome other members of Sundays, transportation was a problem for Taylor the congregation, Wilson-Puffenbarger says. and Shifflett until Grace Mennonite Fellowship At the fellowship meal held the first Sunday of pastor Richard Early volunteered to drive them. the month, they contribute not only food but labor, Because they arrive early with the pastor, Taylor volunteering to set up chairs and ensuring the and Shifflett are able to spend additional time room is ready by the time church members arrive. serving the church by assisting with tasks before The congregation has been especially touched the worship service begins. by Joey and Junior’s participation in prayer, assis- “Thinking about some churches where people tant pastor Mark Landis says. During sharing have been included well, they say they have time, people may express particular needs so that learned about a different facet of who God is others can gather around them and pray. Taylor through that person,” Gullman says. “When a and Shifflett take part by laying their hands on the church is open to the abilities and gifts a person person and joining in prayer for them. does have and doesn’t focus on the disabilities … “It doesn’t hinder anything,” Landis says. the person with disabilities blossoms … and the “When they want to be a part of something, we church becomes more real and genuine.” make room for them.” Their faithful attendance spurs on other church Erin R. DuBois is a free-lance members, since Taylor and Shifflett look forward writer in Souderton, Pa. to the Sunday worship service as a crucial part of their week. “I used to see Joey every day when I came into the office, and I’d better not have missed church,” Wilson-Puffenbarger says. “He

March 2011 | TheMennonite 35 LEADERSHIP A word from Mennonite Church USA leaders A sense of belonging

ongregations can be supportive communi- istries for people with developmental disabilities, ties for people with disabilities and their providing a sense of belonging was a core compo- C families. nent of the mission. Often founded by families de- Speaking at Methacton Mennonite Church in siring a secure home for the child of aging Norristown, Pa., Joe Landis, executive director of parents, these organizations went beyond provid- Peaceful Living in Harleysville, Pa., interviewed ing for people’s physical needs of housing and Allen Gehman, a Peaceful Living friend, asking, shelter. They included holistic attention to their “Allen, what does the church mean to you?” Allen social and spiritual needs as well. swept his arm across the congregation and Today there are 12 organizations in the MHS Mim Shirk beamed. “Joe, it’s like having friends—forever.” Alliance network serving people with develop- is vice president The congregation responded with applause. mental disabilities and their families, ranging from with Mennonite In 1990, the landmark Americans with Disabili- large—Sunshine in Maumee, Ohio, serves 1,000 Health Services ties Act (ADA) prohibited discrimination on the people each year—to small—Sunny Crest Home Alliance of Mennon- basis of disability. It mandated access where there in Morgantown, Pa., serves 61 people. ite Church USA. had been none. But the ADA is limited. Jennie MHS Alliance organizations provide services Weiss Block wrote in Copious Hosting: A Theology such as housing, vocational training, friendship of Access for People with Disabilities (Continuum, and 24-hour support. These services make it pos- 2002) that our society has come a long way in giv- sible for people with developmental disabilities to ing those with disabilities access, but access alone live comfortable and meaningful lives, but there’s is not enough. In addition to access, people need also a role for the church to provide friendships friendships. and spiritual nurture. Congregations can be part- For many of us, church is a place we come to- ners with local organizations to embrace the gifts gether with our friends. On Sunday morning and of people with developmental and other disabili- throughout the week, we worship together and ties. Two MHS Alliance organizations have a par- share about our lives. When there’s a crisis, we ticular mission to help congregations do so. are eager to respond and support each other. Founded in 2000, Peaceful Living, Harleysville, Congrega- People living with disabilities, however, may Pa., describes its mission as “creating belonging tions can be not be able to take part in congregational life in for persons with disabilities within a faith commu- the way the rest of us do. Families are often em- nity.” Peaceful Living is working closely with partners with barrassed to bring their loved ones who have de- seven congregations who have made a commit- local velopmental disabilities to church. Their physical ment to focus on being inclusive, encouraging en- appearance may make others uncomfortable, or vironments where friendships are nurtured and organizations their behavior may disrupt the planned worship. everyone’s gifts are identified and used. to embrace Or the extent of care required may make it impos- Anabaptist Disabilities Network (ADNet), sible to get to church. Goshen, Ind., provides resources to congrega- the gifts of All too often, families of people with develop- tions, families and people with disabilities. On the people with mental disabilities become distanced from the ADNet website (www.adnetonline.org), Sunday developmen- church and from the love and friendship that oth- school teachers can find resources for teaching ers of us take for granted in our congregational students with intellectual disabilities. ADNet is tal and other lives. When this happens, the congregation may currently updating Supportive Care in the Con- disabilities. be unaware of what the family is going through. gregation, a congregationally based care plan for By noticing and asking what a family needs, a con- people with disabilities. Originally published in gregation can extend support and friendship. 1984, the booklet remains one of ADNet’s most In John 15:12, Jesus says, “This is my com- sought-after resources, both by Mennonite con- mandment, that you love one another as I have gregations and those from other faith traditions. loved you.” Working together, MHS Alliance member or- As Anabaptists, we take Jesus’ words seriously ganizations and congregations can embrace and and do our best to live them out. Belonging to a celebrate the gifts of people who have develop- community is central to our theology, so it’s no mental disabilities. surprise that when Mennonites created new min-

36 TheMennonite | March 2011 | www.themennonite.org REAL FAMILIES Meditations on family life A year of surprises

y life this year is full of surprises. I have spouse’s major dislocation is not new, even for followed my spouse to a new location, males. “I have a lot to learn in her new job,” I am M adjusting to new circumstances and fond of pointing out. seeking to discern the ministry opportunities that Real families, it turns out, have seasons of unfold here. I didn’t ask that a job solution be ne- switching roles and sharing burdens according to gotiated for me before Sara agreed to tackle her different formulas from what our predecessors new role in leading a major institution of the maintained. My own experience is not unique, yet church. My consistent and strong encouragement somehow it still seems unusual enough to evoke for her to take the invitation seriously was never frequent inquiry. I appreciate the care and well- contingent on what opportunities would emerge meant efforts to help discern the paths ahead. Gerald Shenk for me. Like me, some retirees and caregivers in dramati- resides in Goshen, What has been surprising? I’ve been caught off- cally changed circumstances also need to recalcu- Ind., and is teaching guard many times by the question, “So what will late their profile and direction in life. Some of an online seminary you do?” Doing, it turns out, counts for a lot in these adjustments are to be expected; others are course. our culture, especially for males. With a quick jolting and abrupt. reply, I claim this year as a “spouse-sponsored What comes clearer to me that I should proba- sabbatical.” That usually evokes a grin of appre ci- bly be telling my hardworking colleagues is that ation or a smirk tinged with envy. stress levels in our society have been rising more Yet there are some things that wouldn’t happen than we generally recognize. Jobs are tight, hours to a female in the more frequent reversal of the are long, wages are flat and the pressure to pro- roles. At midafternoon I’m in an obscure aisle of a duce and perform keeps rising. grocery store, and someone I don’t know chuck- Stepping back for a season of reflection, I les: “You’re out doing the grocery shopping while am attending more to the birds in the backyard your wife is over at the campus, running the sem- and the neighbors out front. I have been enjoying inary.” And an older woman says: “It must take a breakfast with the men from a nearby congrega- pretty strong ego for a man to go such distances tion who gather at a local cafe on Wednesday just to hear his wife preach.” mornings. I shovel the snow, push the reel mower, Jobs are I have chosen to keep Sara company where build some furniture and delight in the squirrels, possible, appreciating opportunities to visit con- chipmunks, raccoons, deer, hawks, geese, ducks, tight, hours gregations and communities I have long heard swans, herons, owls, woodpeckers, cardinals and are long, about but not seen firsthand. So far, Alberta, On- juncos. I arrange for appliance repairs, sell a car tario, Kansas, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Ohio, and consult by phone when family members need wages are Illinois and Florida have come freshly into view; someone to confide in. I have also resumed the more journeys lie ahead. And there is much to ex- quaint ancient practice of reading books (real flat and the plore in our new geography—Indiana and nearby books). I do a fairly good job on the grocery shop- pressure to Michigan and Chicago. ping and have come to count on hearing good ser- After more than 30 years teaching in academia, mons, too. produce and I was ready for this kind of break. I am cultivating Today I took a stroll along the bay next to the a nonanxious approach to the new and different Gulf of Mexico. I am reminded that our true call- perform possibilities that may emerge in my new context. ing, our vocation, starts long before the trek we keeps rising. But for those who need to know that I am produc- make through the job market and lasts far beyond tively engaged, the next comment is often most it as well. To find our true north, to will the one helpful: I’m teaching a college course as an ad- thing that God purposes for our lives, to fit into junct professor, plus another course online with God’s work in the world—that is our finest hope. my previous seminary. With that, the picture And to support each other, our families and true- seems to snap into place, and my profile is again love partners in the new chapters as they unfold secure. along the way—that is my joy. That is the frame- This is not idle curiosity, for the most part. Peo- work that makes sense of our seasons of intense ple need to know how things fit together, and the concerted work and also our finest stress-reduc- plight of a professional career disrupted by a ing sabbaticals.

March 2011 | TheMennonite 37 O P I N I O N Perspectives from readers An exemplary discernment process he recent decision by the Executive Board of 3. The board prayed and reflected. At several Mennonite Church USA concerning the points in the meeting, individual board members T 2013 Delegate Assembly meeting in or the board chair asked that the conversation be Phoenix, Ariz., was an incredibly complex one. suspended for a period of silence, reflection and Regardless of the outcome, some stakeholders prayer. The result was an awareness of the pres- were not going to be satisfied or supportive. ence of God and a stance of listening for continu- There was no simple, win-win option. That would ing direction from the Holy Spirit. have made the decision easy, not difficult. This de- 4. The board communicated in straightforward cision may prove to be one of the most demanding ways. The chair of the board invited board mem- Rick Stiffney is that this particular board faces for some time. It bers to engage each other in loving but honest president/CEO of was an honor to be a guest and observer as the communication. Opinions and perspectives on the Mennonite Health board members wrestled with this sensitive and issue and options were far-ranging. On several oc- Services Alliance of critical decision. casions the chair focused a question and asked Mennonite Church In my work with governing boards, I am often each board member to comment. Exchanges were USA. asked for case studies on how governing boards civil but real. Feelings of aspiration, hope, hurt can effectively deal with difficult matters. I am and struggle were all expressed. Board members keenly interested in the question of how our faith wrestled with breadth of perspectives in the con- and sensitivity to spirituality shape the process of stituency. The conversation reflected the reality discernment and decision-making. The Executive of diverse perspectives. Board’s discernment process on this challenge 5. The board decided to move forward to- This decision had features that modeled sensitive and responsi- gether. There was recognition that whatever the ble spiritual discernment. resulting decision, it was import ant for the board may prove to My comments are not to be construed as a ra- to stand together and move forward together. be one of the tionale for the outcome but as a witness to the in- This did not require and did not mean that all tegrity of the discernment process. I noted six board members agreed. Actually, there was most demand- important dynamics, each of which constituted searching discussion about whether this meant ing that this faithful discernment. I only hope these would that all board members had to agree personally particular characterize how most face such critical and com- with the proposed resolution or that the emerging plex matters. direction was their personal preferred outcome. board faces 1. The board gathered critical input. The exec- Board members demonstrated great sensitivity to for some time. utive director and board solicited considerable each other’s personal stake and conscience. The input from many different stakeholder groups. board agreed that it would move forward to- Summary reports were prepared and distributed gether—trusting the leading of the Holy Spirit, to the board in writing as part of the meeting the understanding of the church and God’s grace. preparation materials. The board invested nearly 6. The board anticipated response. The board an hour in thoughtful review and in summarizing wisely anticipated how the outcome would be per- The views what board members thought they were hearing ceived or received by many impacted by the re- expressed do and should be learning from the feedback. sult. The board gave prayerful and thoughtful not necessar- 2. The board took adequate time. The board consideration to what kind of communication ily represent chair, executive committee and executive director could serv e the church and build trust. This began the official recognized the significance of this decision and with straightforward communication with other positions of designed an agenda that provided ample time—in leaders from across the church who met in Tampa, Mennonite this case nearly five hours—to address the issue. Fla., just as the board was concluding its work. Church USA, The board engaged the issue with energy but not I have seldom seen this quality of spiritual dis- The Menno - frenzy. Other items were compressed or delayed cernment. As a member of Berkey Avenue Men- nite or the to create adequate time for discernment. This nonite Church in Goshen, Ind., and an executive board for The provided time for individuals to reflect, interact, with a set of ministries related to Mennonite Mennonite, pray, wait and sharpen their personal perspectives Church USA, I am grateful for a churchwide board Inc. on a wide range of options. that practices such discerning leadership.

38 TheMennonite | March 2011 | www.themennonite.org NEWS Convention 2011 goes green Planners factor environmental impact into every decision

hile some may miss the colorful flyers, magnets for Phoenix 2013 is to offer registration only online, says and other promotional materials found in the con- Swartzendruber Miller. W vention registration bags of the past, many may not “There’s really only so much we can do,” says Swartzen- even notice. druber Miller. It’s up to the participant to opt out of room In seeking to be as “green” as possible, convention plan- service in the hotels or make environmentally-conscious ners decided to eliminate the promotional materials from the travel plans. Swartzendru ber Miller says the convention registration bags at Mennonite Church USA Convention planners advocate for participants to carpool or take the 2011 in Pittsburgh July 4-9. train. “The sad reality is that many people throw the materials Representatives from Mennonite Creation Care Net- away,” says Rachel Swartzendruber Miller, director of con- work contacted the convention planners initially, and then vention planning for Mennonite Church USA. Or, at best, the planners asked them for suggestions and for lists of ways they may keep one or two items and toss the rest. for youth groups and adults to make green choices. “From this point on, we are always asking the question of Other greening measures include the decision not to print what’s the greenest option,” she says. “That wasn’t really on songbooks this year (as was the case in Columbus 2009), and our radar prior to Columbus [2009]. Now it is a part of every Mennonite Church USA will not have a staff display. decision.” ––Anna Groff While the advertising in the bags helped the convention planning office cover expenses, Swartzendruber Miller says they are “willing to take a hit” as environmental concerns Green ideas for those attending trump the bottom line for the planners. Instead of the advertising materials, church agencies and the Pittsburgh 2011 convention: colleges pay for ads that will loop as a slide show 10 minutes before adult and youth worship services. Get the meal plan. The convention center’s food service is one of the greenest options Mennonite Church USA conven- The presentation should function similar to advertise- tions have ever had—in terms of the food, the dinnerware ments shown before the previews in a movie theater and will used and how waste is managed. also include quiz questions from the Mennonite Church USA Historical Committee—since this year is its centennial—as Bring along reusable water bottles and travel mugs instead well as other trivia questions. of disposable ones. The most significant greening initiative is the Pitts- burgh convention center space itself. The David L. Carpool or take the train or bus to Pittsburgh. If you live close, consider biking. Lawrence Center was the first LEED-certified convention center in the country. If you make T-shirts for your group, choose organic cotton T- The following are several of the many ways the conven- shirts. tion reduces, reuses and recycles: the convention center supports the Buy Fresh, Buy Local food program in south- Take along your own cloth napkins to reuse. western Pennsylvania, grows some of the food on its own roof, uses bulk water instead of thousands of water bottles, Remember to recycle and compost. donates leftover food, composts waste food and manages its Participate in a Servant Project that gets you outside and own on-site reclamation plant. caring for creation. Notice the landscape along the way and Regarding materials and pro motional pieces for try to name the bodies of water at every bridge. Pittsburgh 2011, convention planners tried to print as few as possible. Deidre Bias, convention communication coordina- Hang up and reuse towels and sheets in hotels to reduce tor, says they take using recycled materials into account as water and energy consumption. well as contracting with local companies in Goshen, Ind., for items like T-shirts and lanyards. Walk or use public transit to travel within Pittsburgh. Convention planners decided to print 2,500 posters and For these ideas and more, go to http://www.mennocreation- 2,500 registration booklets and forms, but encourage partici- care.org/PittsCenterHighlights.php. pants to use the online registration, which opened on Jan. 25, instead of printing registration forms. The planners’ goal

March 2011 | TheMennonite 39 NEWS The Corinthian Plan’s first year is a success Director sees high commitment to the plan, low premium increases for 2011.

he Corinthian Plan’s first year proved to be successful, participation in the wellness initiatives. The optional initia- according to Keith Harder, director of The Corinthian tive provides cash benefit to those who complete a wellness T Plan. The Corinthian Plan is Mennonite Church USA’s assessment (which gives specific individualized recommen- new heath-care access plan for pastors and other congrega- dations to improve health and reduce risks) and to set and tional employees that began Jan. 1, 2010. achieve wellness goals. While the original plan included the First, 99 percent of churches that enrolled in the plan in feature, only about 15 percent of those eligible accessed the 2010 renewed for 2011. benefit in 2010. “The really good news is that now While the participation goal of 70 percent of all Menno - that we’ve completed the first year, we nite Church USA congregations has not yet been met, The have the same number of congrega- Corinthian Plan project team agreed that there is sufficient tions we started the year with,” said participation for a plan with a solid financial foundation. Harder on Jan. 25. “That represents a Harder said the plan started with 451 participating con- very strong commitment to the plan.” gregations, which is about half the total of Mennonite Second, Harder said he also felt pos- Church USA congregations. itive that the claims made against the “The more critical number was the percentage of eligible plan were less than the amount of pre- [congregations],” Harder said. “Four-hundred and fifty-one miums collected. represents about 70 percent of those congregations that “We feel that financial performance of the plan has been have eligible employees.” very good,” he said. “This helped keep premium increases The Corinthian Plan board continues to monitor the po- for 2011 lower than many insurance plans and helped us tential impact of the health reform legislation, but it remains build our reserves.” too soon to know how it will affect the plan.––Anna Groff While the individual church situations vary, the overall premium increase, on average, falls under 10 percent— below the national average, according to Harder. Anecdotally, Harder said he has heard increases as high as 40 percent. “EMU’s international “We feel confident that the increases in premium rates awarreness,eness, coupled were less than what most people experienced,” he said. with its diverse Third, the plan also made a difference for congregations student body y,, has without any health coverage. Last year, 56 churches re- rreallyeally helped me to ceived financial assistance with the premium through The Corinthian Plan, and this year 55 will receive assistance. feel at home her re.e. v’I e been encour ragedaged We feel that financial performance of the plan to fur rtherther develop my has been very good.––Keith Harder culturralal per rceptions.ceptions.” erfauftopher Sist-Chr erfauftopher

“I’d like congregations to know that their contributions as part of their premiums is helping others,” Harder said. However, Harder said, he acknowledges and struggles Chris grew up in South Africa with the fact that the high deductible remains a challenge for as a “missionary kid.” many congregations. While the plan provides a safety net, unfortunately pas- Many “third culture kids” find tors with high medical costs do not see tangible benefits a fit at EMU. Find out more: until their costs reach the deductible. emu.edu/thirdculture Harder said he felt encouraged when he saw other churches step in to offer financial support for a church with high medical costs. However, he added, “it remains a big challenge. I don’t want to understate that.” ^wˆˆ‰ „x‹ˆ}BlwD©wzƒ‰‰V{ƒ‹D{z‹ Looking into 2011, Harder hopes to promote and increase

40 TheMennonite | March 2011 | www.themennonite.org NEWS Whigham to lead Franconia Conference Succeeds Santiago, who will stay on as minister for spiritual tra nsformation.

n Feb. 4, John Goshow, moderator of Franconia Men- Whigham has been a member of conference staff since nonite Conference, announced that Ertell M. 2000. He was born and raised in north Philadelphia and at- O Whigham Jr. has accepted the position of executive tended the Center for Urban Theological Studies, where he minister of the conference for an initial two-year period, ef- majored in human resource management. He served on the fective Feb. 3. pastoral teams of Diamond Street Church of Philadelphia and Whigham succeeds Noel Santiago, who has served in var- Bethel Mennonite Church of Norristown, Pa. In 1990, he ious ministries with Franconia Conference the past 14 years, helped establish Nueva Vida Norristown New Life, where he most recently as executive minister. is an associate pastor. He and Patricia, his wife, have three The conference board and its executive committee met children and five grandchildren. frequently over the past several months to discern the lead- Santiago will remain as a staff member for the conference ership needed to help Franconia Conference achieve its mis- and has accepted a position as LEADership minister for spir- sion, which is to equip leaders to empower others to itual transformation. Gay Brunt Miller will assume the role embrace God’s mission. The review process included con- of director of administration. Her LEADership minister re- sultation with current leadership, Mennonite Church USA sponsibilities will be transferred to other conference staff. and resources outside the church. Brunt Miller worked with similar responsibilities previously “Ertell brings a strong backgro und in church leadership, in Franconia Conference. vision cultivation and collaborative management to Franco- The roles for both Santiago and Brunt Miller are effective nia Conference,” said Goshow. “Ertell did not ask for this immediately. Other staff positions remain unchanged at this role, but through prayerful discernment, much discussion time, though some continued realignment is projected in the and listening by the conference board, we came to the deci- work of LEADership ministers as responsibilities and work- sion that his gifts and skills meet the needs of Franconia loads are adjusted.—from releases by Franconia Mennonite Conference at this time.” Conference

PRESIDENTIAL CANADIANN MENNONITE NITE UNIVERSITY CHSEAR

oarhe BT oarhe d ofo Governors of Canadiaadianan Mennononit Universite y vitin es applicaa ications and/or nominationsns fforor the he position of rP esideent, expeccted to be e eceective July 1, 2012012. 2

CMU is an n Anabaptist Christian university located in Winnippeg, anitM oba. It was chartered by the Province of Manitnitoba in 1998, and received membmembe ersh rship in the Associciatioion of f Universities an nd Colleges of Canaanadada in 2008.2008

esidenrhe PT esidenrhe t will lead d CMU in accordance with its mission, vision and c e cor ommitmentss ththat are based on Biblical principles and r ed in Aoot nabaptistbaptistt-Mennonite and vE angelical perspec estiv , and will ov, ersrsee all aspects of CMU including academic student lif, iffee, enrolmeent and marketing, aadministr tion and nanc , deve dev telopmen , strs ategic planning g, elanal rertxand e rertxand elanal .tionships

A full position prole and other er details can be foundo at esidenesidena/pr.c.cmuwwttp:/wh tial_sear tmlch.h Nominations or expressions of in ert est should be e o:essed taddr o:essed oeppkon LR oeppkon y - Chairr,, P esidenr Sesiden Ceartial eeommittch 500 Shafftt Blvesbur dy . innipegW , MB R3P 2N2 CANADAANAD o:y email tt bOr sen bOr email tt o:y presiden tialsear a.cch@cmu

March 2011 | TheMennonite 41 NEWS Young leaders launch new network Anabaptist Missional Project attracts young Mennonite leaders and students.

everal seminary students, including Matthew Krabill Encouraging churches: Gerber says AMP leaders feel and David Stutzman, longed for a network of young discouraged when hearing about the lack of young adult in- S adult Mennonites passionate about the church. Krabill volvement in Mennonite Church USA. So during the group’s and Stutzman, two young adult Mennonites, study at Fuller meetings, individuals share their faith stories, and AMP lead- Theological Seminary in Pasadena, Calif. ers maintain a running list of the recurring themes. Some “We’re exploring what it means to do church and be Men- examples: the presence of mentors, cross-cultural experi- nonite in our context,” says Stutzman, 32. “We want to be in ences, personalizing one’s faith, affirmation in the church conversation with others across the country.” and opportunities to experiment with church leadership These desires culminated in the newly formed Anabaptist roles. AMP leaders plan to share these themes with congre- Mission Project. AMP members had their first official meet- gations curious about cultivating young adult involvement. ings in 2009 and 2010 and will gather again at Laurelville AMP hosted several meetings so far: November 2009 in Mennonite Church Center, Mt. Pleasant, Pa., shortly before Harrisonburg, Va., November 2010 in Lancaster, Pa., and Mennonite Church USA’s Pittsburgh 2011 convention. They May 2010 in Elkhart, Ind., with about 20 individuals present will also present a seminar at the convention. at each. At the meetings, AMP invited seasoned church lead- Anabaptist Missional Project’s vision statement reads, “a ers to share their experiences and reflect on AMP’s goals. network of young Anabaptist Christian leaders who love At one meeting, Ervin Stutzman, executive director of Jesus, care about the church and seek to be part of God’s Mennonite Church USA, described the similarities and dif- mission in the world.” ferences he observes between AMP and the young adult Stutzman and Rebekka, his wife, serve in youth ministry Mennonite groups when he was a young adult. He named at Maranatha Christian Fellowship in Northridge, Calif. the connection of mission with spiritual formation and disci- Krabill works as administrator for Pacific Southwest Men- plines as one similarity between then and now. nonite Conference. At this point, AMP attracts primarily “It was interesting to see that the church has dealt with young adult Mennonites who hold some kind of church lead- this before,” says Jeremy Shue, 29, a student at Associated ership position or attend a Mennonite institution. Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Elkhart, and minister of out- Constructive, not critical: Another AMP participant, reach at Silverwood Mennonite Church in Goshen, Ind. Sherah-Leigh Gerber, says AMP hopes to work within the Images of leadership: AMP also discusses the transfer existing church structures, contribute young adult voices to of church leadership from the current leaders to the younger the church and be partners with leaders. generation. AMP leaders prefer the image of “yoking to- “The goal from the beginning was to be a constructive gether” or partnering rather than “passing the torch,” Ger- voice, not a critical voice,” says Gerber, 27, and resource ber says. team coordinator for Ohio Mennonite Conference. The group also wants to foster young adult-to-young adult The group identified tensions within Mennonite Church relationships through their current leadership positions. USA, says Krabill. For example, the political polarization of “We’re going be working together for a long time,” says the church and many of the different streams we drink from Krabill. “I hope [AMP] contributes to establishing relation- that shape who we are as the body of Christ come from ei- ships and a common identity across the church.” ther broader society or conservative Christian voices—nei- At the November 2010 meeting in Lancaster, AMP in- ther of which are rooted in historic Anabaptism or Scripture. vited David Miller, professor at AMBS, to join them. After He also named a separation between the “mission con- observing the group discuss contentious issues, Miller told versations” and the “peace and justice conversations” in the Shue he was struck with how the group listened to one an- church. Among young adults, Krabill says, he sees confusion other and tried to understand the individuals’ contexts. over identity and what it means to be Mennonite beyond its “It was a model of listening that he had not necessarily cultural connotations. witnessed before,” Shue says. “Part of caring for the church “[Being Mennonite] means so many different things to is caring for each other.” different people,” Krabill says. “It’s become a catchall For more information on AMP and their meetings, e-mail phrase.” [email protected].––Anna Groff Stutzman describes these concerns as a “shared catalyst” for people committed to the church in their local context. Correction: In the box on page 47 (February) Canadian AMP offers a “community of passion” where people can Women in Mission should read Mennonite Women Canada. share ideas and concerns, he says.

42 TheMennonite | March 2011 | www.themennonite.org NEWS German young adults serve in the United States Seven volunteer with Mennonite Mission Network programs this year.

ready to do something different. “It has always been my dream to spend one year abroad in service,” she says. “I just needed a break from school and Photo provided I decided I could do a year for God.” Büchner was placed in the Fresno, Calif., Mennonite Vol- untary Service unit, where she works for United Cerebral Palsy in a school for disabled adults. For the first few months she served as a one-on-one caregiver, then she became an instructor, teaching 10 classes a week—everything from art to cooking to dance. “Most of the students are very disabled,” she says, “so it’s more about making the day fun for them, to entertain them or show them something.” Büchner chose to come to the United States because she studied English for 10 years and doesn’t consider herself very good with new languages. “I wanted to serve in a coun- try where people speak English,” she says. Melanie Kahlen, 19, also wanted to live abroad while Service Adventure participant Melanie Kahlen works at her service serving God. “I always wanted to do a year of service or a placement, Women E.A.R.N. in Albuquerque, N.M. year of helping people,” she says. “I wanted to do it in an- other country, and since I’m not into French, I knew it would hen Viktor Epp walks into a house to fix some- have to be an English-speaking country.” thing, he never knows what he’ll find. The 20-year- Kahlen joined Service Adventure in Albuquerque, N.M., W old German volunteer with Interfaith Housing where she splits her time between First Nations Community Services, a Hutchinson, Kan., organization that provides HealthSource, a nonprofit health and human services organi- homes for low-income and disabled people, is often sent on zation, and Women E.A.R.N., an agency that helps immi- calls to take care of repair issues. grants and Native American artisans create their own The day he met a 60-year-old couple, however, the situa- businesses. tion struck him in a new way. The woman’s legs and her At Women E.A.R.N, Kahlen works as a receptionist, or- right arm had been amputated as a result of diabetes. ganizer, general office helper and cashier, while at First Na- “That was an eye-opener for me that this is what my tions, she mentors a group of five students, helping with service is about,” Epp says, “that we help these people and homework and doing activities like roller skating and soccer. it’s not just work. People need these houses, and they can “A lot of the kids’ parents are incarcerated, or they live get them. I couldn’t tell you where they’d live if they hadn’t with their grandparents, or they don’t really have a lot of role gotten this house.” models in their lives,” Kahlen says. “I love my work.” Epp, an MVSer, is one of seven German young adults Büchner, who already has a bachelor’s degree in nutri- who are currently serving with Mission Network programs. tional medicine, plans to go back to school for a doctorate Four are placed through Mennonite Voluntary Service and and then work in a lab, doing research and potentially work- three through Service Adventure. Both are volunteer pro- ing with cancer patients. grams for young adults. The German participants come Epp and Kahlen have less concrete plans—Viktor hopes through a partner agency in Germany called Christliche to teach apprentices how to do tool and dye making, while Dienste. Melanie intends to go to university in Germany and then “CD places them where they feel they will fit best,” says possibly work in a nonprofit organization. Tonia Martin, a personnel counselor with Mission Network’s “[Working with a nonprofit] is really what I feel like I Christian Service programs. “Many of the men are looking should do somehow, not just work in a business or some- to satisfy their alternative to military service requirement thing,” she says. “I definitely had that idea before I came for the German government, but both the men and women here, but it’s more developed now. I would say it’s so satisfy- are also looking for a way to serve God.” ing to do that work.”––Melanie Hess of Mennonite Mission After 16 years of schooling, Annika Büchner says she was Network

March 2011 | TheMennonite 43 NEWS Pastors’ weeks focus on Holy Spirit, preaching Cheryl Bridges Johns visits EMS, Cleophus LaRue visits AMBS in January. Mary E. Klassen Lindsey Kolb

Plenary speaker Cheryl Bridges Johns addresses the participants at School for Leadership Training at Eastern Mennonite Seminary, Harrisonburg, Va.

here is the Holy Spirit working today? The nearly 200 people attending the annual School for Leadership Training at East- Cleophus LaRue encourages participants at Associated W ern Mennonite Seminary, Harrisonburg, Va., Jan. 17-19, heard Mennonite Biblical Seminary’s Pastors’ Week to use Cheryl Bridges Johns explore the theme “The Work of the Holy Spirit: their imaginations as they prepare sermons. Pentecost Remixed.” Johns, a member of the Wesleyan-Pentecostal faith and professor Cleophus LaRue, Ph.D., encouraged the 200 par- from Cleveland, Ky., spoke about the ongoing work of the Spirit in the ticipants in Pastors’ Week at Associated Menno- world today. “The work of the Holy Spirit has been overlooked in many nite Biblical Seminary, Elkhart, Ind., Jan. 24–27, Christian circles,” said Johns, “or, as in my denomination, it has been to preach because they “have something to say” pigeon-holed into one or two areas.” rather than because they “have to say some- Johns encouraged the participants to think about the feast of Pente- thing.” Using the theme “Preaching with imagina- cost described in Acts 2 as a continuing and not a one-time event. It oc- tion and creativity in the postmodern era,” the casionally happens in Pentecostal churches today, but, Johns said, “the Princeton Theological Seminary professor Holy Spirit doesn’t have to interrupt because it is working daily in the demonstrated imaginative preaching while he also world.” explored ways to develop sermons with integrity Johns also suggested why Christians sometimes resist the Holy and relevance. LaRue described a trend in many Spirit. “Pentecost is a festival of deconstruction,” she said. “We don’t churches to enhance the other elements of the like to lose our individuality and our ability for control. As in Acts 2, the worship service at the expense of the sermon. Holy Spirit causes us to lose control. LaRue first described phases of sermon prepa- Part of this loss of control, according to Johns, has to do with ration that invite the imagination into the process. speaking in tongues. “Language is the last hiding place of the self,” she The second phase is informed imagination, in said. “When I give away my language I am exposed.” However, she which the preacher explores commentaries and continued, speaking in tongues is also a “redistribution of knowledge.” devotional materials based on the text. These On Jan. 19, seminary dean Michael A. King preached on the topic check the imaginative ideas to make sure they are “Toward Becoming more Daring in the Spirit.” King described how a valid while continuing to let the preacher “hear mentor encouraged him to live without a map, when he was in the the faint giggle of play” with the text. The third midst of a midlife crisis in his 40s. “Living without a map is a way of phase is enhanced imagination. Ideas don’t stop describing a life guided by the Holy Spirit,” he said.––Laura Lehman coming once the sermon has been preached, Amstutz of Eastern Mennonite Seminary LaRue said.––Mary E. Klassen of AMBS

44 TheMennonite | March 2011 | www.themennonite.org

NEWS

Conversation Room needs healthy dialogue Mennonite Church USA leaders invite suggestions for room at Pittsburgh 2011.

ennonite Church USA leaders invite topic sugges- he says it offers a space to practice healthy dialogue. tions for the Prayer and Conversation Room at “The goal is for people with different perspectives in the M Pittsburgh 2011 July 4-9. church to be together in a way where we really listen to each Skilled, experienced facilitators will lead the conversa- other,” Stoner says. tions. Mennonite Church USA staff members are helping to “This is part of a longer process,” he says, adding that he schedule the room’s conversation topics. hopes participants carry on these practices into their church “We’re trying to create a space where people can thought- and conference settings. “This is part of what it means to be fully and prayerfully speak about what’s on their hearts and a discerning community of faith.” listen well to others,” says André Gingerich Stoner, director Stoner poses the question to readers: “What are topics of holistic witness and interchurch relations for Mennonite about which you would like to listen and speak carefully with Church USA. others that relate to the life and witness of our church?” Leaders will assign topics to some of the 90- to 120- Ed Diller, moderator of Mennonite Church USA, wrote in minute blocks of time and post them in the program book or his Communiqué in the November 2010 issue of The Men- in mPress, the convention daily newspaper. Some time peri- nonite: “We invite individuals or groups in that room to en- ods may be open-ended, and the participants involved would gage in specific conversations about the resolutions and decide what to discuss. statements that Mennonite Church USA has adopted over The room will be located near the large space used for the years, such as those dealing with health care, immigra- delegate sessions and adult worship and has been created in tion, sexuality and human trafficking.” response to suggestions from delegates at previous conven- To suggest a topic, post a comment on our website, tions. www.themennonite.org, or on our Facebook page, Stoner acknowledges the limitations of a 90-minute con- www.facebook.com/themennonite, or e-mail Stoner at versation among people without previous relationships, but [email protected].––Anna Groff

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March 2011 | TheMennonite 45 NEWS ANALYSIS

Institutions are returning to the church Historically, Mennonites have been anti-institutional. Yet today the board of directors. Most qualify for 501(c)(3) status and we have many institutions—possibly more per capita than any the Canadian equivalent. Some serve only Mennonites, other denomination in North America. How shall we explain while others serve the general public. Lancaster (Pa.) Men- this? Are we simply confused? Or is institutional development nonite Schools, for example, served Mennonites exclusively an inevitable implication of maturity and mission? at its founding. But in 2010, less than 40 percent of its 1,500 students on three campuses came from Menno nite churches. his was the first paragraph of the lead article in the Whether serving the public or Mennonites only, this impres- Sept 13, 1994, edition of Gospel Herald by J. Lawrence sive array of agencies and institutions enriches the life of the T Burkholder, then president emeritus of Goshen, Ind.) church and is a part of its mission outreach. College. We are what in German is called “a family rich with Yet, as Burkholder suggests, the Mennonite church has children.” The congregations and agencies are listed in a been ambivalent about institutions—maybe less so now than 300-page Mennonite Church USA Directory (see box). a generation ago and more so in some parts of the church Some are small, while others are relatively large, with a than in others. Still there is a perceivable distance. From the national or even international reputation. This includes such institutional side, as they mature, some have exercised the fields as financial/stewardship services (Everence), relief independence accorded them under their legal charter. Some and development (Mennonite Central Committee, or MCC), have felt limited by constraints imposed by the church. development (Mennonite Economic Development Associ- Some have felt constrained to go beyond the borders of the ates, or MEDA) and disaster (Mennonite Disaster Service). Mennonite church to achieve the volume to operate effi- Our colleges and universities are well rated by such outside ciently and for financial support. organizations as US News and World Report. Collectively Sometimes the church has allowed this distancing to these organizations and agencies have thousands of employ- happen, maybe even taking satisfaction in seeing the ser - ees. Their annual cash flow is in the hundreds of millions of vices it initiated serve a broader community, while others dollars and their assets are well into the billions of dollars. have come to feel estranged and used. Most have their origin in some branch of the Mennonite The church has contributed to this estrangement when it faith community. Some continue to maintain an organic tie to has occurred. It has set high expectations without always some official church body and are under its official control. providing the moral and financial support needed to succeed. Others operate more independently, although there may This was most pronounced in the 1980s, when numerous be bylaw provisions for a church body to appoint members to church agencies put, as it were, a firewall between them- selves and their agencies and institutions to escape what was then called ascending liability. Agencies and institutions listed in the Happily, there are some signs that this trend is being re- Mennonite Church USA Directory versed. Some agencies and institutions that strayed from their church parentage are once again cultivating this rela- 20 mission agencies tionship. Brook Lane in Maryland serves as a good illustra- 40 historical associations tion: It was the first mental hospital established by MCC and 46 retirement homes became part of the Mennonite Mental Health Service. Over 33 elementary and secondary schools the years with staff and board member turnover, it became members of Mennonite Schools Council distant from its church roots. Under new leadership it has 29 child-care centers, 26 Kindergartens, reconnected and now values its church history again. plus numerous after-school care centers Many are revisiting their sense of identity and con- 53 camps necting in a fresh and meaningful way with the faith commu- five universities/colleges, two seminaries nity through MHS Alliance, giving them a formal if also a 15 disability and health-care providers limited tie to Mennonite Church USA. Several area confer- one hospital ences have created a category of membership for confer- ence-related ministries. Conferences are coming to see that Read Setting the Agenda: Meditations for the Or- their work consists not only of congregations but includes ganization’s Soul by Edgar Stoesz and Rick M. Stiffney these agencies of the church. (Herald Press, 2011, $15.99), which offers practical ad- Responding to Burkholder, I say, No, the church is not vice on how to govern an organization from a spiritual confused. While there are dangers to be avoided, functional vantage point. agencies and institutions are serving as the arms and legs of the church and helping it fulfill its Christian calling. Agencies

46 TheMennonite | March 2011 | www.themennonite.org NEWS ANALYSIS and institutions are discovering that they need the church to 3. Appropriate use of power and authority: Many serve as an anchor for their Christian value-based mission. members of church-related agency boards are in their other The church and its agencies compliment and need each life active in a wide variety of secular organizations. This can other. be enriching but also deceptively distracting. Filters are Institutions coming to an end: After scanning the needed to insure that values such as servanthood leadership, record of Mennonite institutions, John Roth states in an arti- as taught by Jesus in Matthew 20:26, are practiced. Constitu- cle published in The Mennonite (Feb. 4, 2003), “On the basis tional provisions are needed to prevent leaders from becom- of recent history, one could argue that the experiment in de- ing disoriented from their theological and historical roots. nominationwide institutions begun in the late 19th century 4. Make room for God’s Spirit: Boards of so-called is coming to an end.” faith-based organizations need to give more attention to the A new generation is evaluating the institutions it is inher- faith dimension. Most Mennonite boards conduct their meet- iting. Some of our most prominent organizations are evaluat- ings with some semblance of Robert’s Rules of Order. Books ing not only their programs but also their governance structures. Not all will survive this scrutiny or perhaps even deserve to survive. The past should be honored. But finally, The upward look [is] where we as is said in the world of athletics, “You are only as good as your next play.” acknowledge that we are God’s servants, Reminding ourselves that all systems are only ever one generation away from extinction, the immediate challenge trying earnestly to know and do God’s will facing the Mennonite institutional community is in defining and organizing itself in ways that will win the loyalty and in a spirit of humility.—Rick Stiffney and support of a new generation. The generation under 40 years Edgar Stoesz of age has other values and expectations of the organizations it supports. Many of the causes their parents supported ap- pear stodgy to them. Sometimes this support is shown in dif- ferent ways. Contributions to the annual fund, for example, like Doing Good Even Better suggesting techniques for more may decrease, but contributions to church matching grants effective organizational governance have been read widely. may increase. Some are adopting the Carver model of policy governance. Mennonites no longer live on a virtual island, iso- These are all important. But lacking in many organizations is lated from external influence. Mennonite institutions need a conscious recognition of the spiritual dimension in the to make their case for support in a competitive environment. boardroom. A good spirit can compensate for bad technique. They are surrounded by other agencies, some doing good But nothing, not even the best technique, can compensate work and making their case convincingly. A special challenge for a bad spirit or replace what a conscious sense of God’s is to reorient these historic structures to be owned and sup- leading can provide. ported also by the racial diversity of the larger Mennonite If Mennonite organizations are going to survive the church. challenges that face them they will need to get beyond Mennonite organizations with a future will give careful at- human ingenuity and draw on the Spirit to guide and under- tention to the following: gird them. They need to recognize consciously what is 1. Clarity of mission: What is an institution’s reason for stated so beautifully in the hymn “The Work Is Thine, Oh being? What are the deepest-held values that shape its lead- Christ Our Lord.” These organizations and the church have ers’ decisions? At the same time, what is its field of compe- much to gain by working in a mutually complementary rela- tence? What does it know and what can it do? Organizations tionship. always exist to address need, but need takes new and differ- Rick Stiffney and I said it this way in Setting the Agenda: ent forms. Organizations must therefore change to remain Meditations for the Organization’s Soul: “There is the inward relevant. In making that change there is always the danger look that has us looking at ourselves and identifying our gifts of what some call “mission drift.” Good organizational plan- and resources. There is the outward look that reminds us of ning begins with clarity of mission. the needs and challenges that surround us. Finally, there is 2. Clarity of message and motive: Church-based or- the upward look, where we acknowledge that we are God’s ganizations are at the nexus where the church and the world servants, trying earnestly to know and do God’s will in a intersect. Faith-based institutions have feet in both worlds. spirit of humility.”—Edgar Stoesz lives in Akron, Pa., where They need to be relevant to the need that surrounds them. he retired after 44 years with Mennonite Central Committee. At the same time they need to represent and present appro- Stoesz has served on numerous boards and chaired the boards priately the message of the gospel that is their driving spirit. of Habitat for Humanity International, the American Leprosy Either to the exclusion of the other is incomplete. Missions and Heifer Project.

March 2011 | TheMennonite 47 N E W S Excel Industries gives $500,000 to Hesston College Gift reflects longstanding relationship between Mullets, Hesston and Excel.

become Excel. Cal was impressed by Roy, and the two be- came more like friends than professor and student, Bob

Photo provided says. “It was through that connection with Cal that Dad got in- volved at Excel,” says Bob, now vice president at Excel. “We still run the company with the same philosophy Dad and Cal established in the beginning.” With the start of the campaign to raise funds for the reno- vation of dorm rooms and lounges in Erb Hall, Hesston Col- lege President Howard Keim and Vice President for Advancement Yvonne Sieber contacted Excel’s foundation about making a gift. “The timing was right,” says Paul, President and CEO at Excel. “We had a buildup of funds that we wanted to give and use for something that really needed to get done.” Paul (left) and Bob Mullet in the Excel Industries plant in Hesston “The need really struck a chord with me,” Bob says. “This is more my personal philosophy, but Hesston College rothers Bob and Paul Mullet remember well the sta- has a unique product in the opportunities it provides for tion wagon that brought their family to Hesston, Kan., first-year students to be involved in a plethora of activities, B in 1958. Their parents, Roy and Bess Mullet, were and our father always had a philosophy of wanting to support moving the family from a farm in Montana to Kansas. Roy the college.”––Marathana Prothro of Hesston College figured he and Bess could solve the problem of the kids com- muting 25 miles to school by buying a place in Hesston where the sons could be close to family and educational op- portunities. Wi th Roy’s death on Jan. 14, many at the college and in the community are reflecting on Roy’s legacy. The family’s most significant influence has come by way of Excel Industries, manufacturer of industrial and resi- dential lawnmowers located in Hesston. In addition to being MENNONITE MISSION NETWORK is inviting applications for one of the largest employers in Harvey County, Excel has Executive Director of Nazareth Village, Nazareth, Israel. established a charitable foundation that allows the company Nazareth Village (www.nazarethvillage.com) is an international to give roughly 10 percent of its profits each year to philan- ministry partner with Mennonite Mission Network, and is thropic efforts––most of which are focused in the local requesting applications immediately for a key leadership position. community. The Executive Director will provide primary leadership for Nazareth Village, a re-creation of a fi rst-century Jewish village, Excel made the lead gift of $500,000 for the Erb Hall Ren- located in Jesus’ hometown. Qualifi ed applicants will be ovation Project, and it’s a gift that reflects the longstanding committed Christians active in a congregation, have experience relationship between the Mullet family, Hesston College and in combining faith and business, and have a background in Excel Industries. The connection goes beyond all five of Roy organizational structure, operations, capital projects oversight, and personnel and fi nancial management. The successful and Bess’s sons attending either the academy or the college. candidate should have international life experience and The college played a role in getting Roy connected with the sensitivity to Middle East cultural and religious dynamics. company back in 1960. Nazareth Village welcomes inquiries from applicants who have After working at the local turkey plant and Hesston Cor- interest in a 12- to 15-month position as a transitional Executive poration, among other places, Roy decided to enroll in Director, to help move the Village from an independent classes at Hesston College. It had been 20 years since he organization to functioning under the umbrella of another not- for-profi t organization. graduated high school. Roy was quite senior to many of his classmates and only two years ahead of his oldest son, Dave, Actual employment will be through Mennonite Mission Network, the mission agency of Mennonite Church USA. For further information, but still he persisted and took his coursework seriously. contact Ruth L. Guengerich, international personnel counselor, at One of Roy’s instructors, Cal Redekop, was working [email protected], or call 866-866-2872, ext. 23062. with a local group of men who were establishing what would

48 TheMennonite | March 2011 | www.themennonite.org






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Live, Here. For the Best of Your Life. 701 Windridge Drive, Middlebury, IN 46540 www.greencroftcommunities.org March 2011 | TheMennonite 49

ACTIVE COMMUNITIES FOR RESIDENTS 55 AND OLDER. NEWS Five churches build five houses Mennonite Disaster Service program is key to ‘long-term survival’ in Louisiana. ive Hartville, Ohio, Mennonite churches are nearly fin- Mutual Help Association (SMHA) and Louisiana Housing ished building five houses with Mennonite Disaster Finance Agency––both of whom have a history of coopera- F Service. The houses are part of MDS’s Partnership tion working in communities in need in Louisiana. Home Program (PHP) and are being completed in the west Marva Mimms Porter, small-town mayor and initiative end of New Iberia, La. housing coordinator for SMHA, said, “Not a day goes past On Jan. 4, teams from the churches were in New Iberia at that I don’t think about what this relationship with MDS the home sites prepping for the build, including pouring the does for the community of people who have experienced pads and getting things ready for initial inspections. Actual deep inequities and are entrenched in bitterness.” building of the houses started on Jan. 24. By afternoon of the Joseph Lockwood, president of Hopkins Street Economic same day, all the houses had been framed, with one of them Development District, said, “What the Mennonites are doing having the trusses in place. here is key to the long-term survival of the community.” By the end of the week, one member of the building These and the other three MDS project locations in New teams wrote, “One of the homes was [structurally] com- Iberia “help people who otherwise could not own a home.” pleted, with another to be completed by noon tomorrow, and Church groups can travel to a site and construct a house there is a good chance that the other homes will be com- or houses over the course of several weeks. Another option pleted except for the roofs.” is to build houses at various locations, such as warehouses, More than 55 people from Bethany Mennonite, Corner- universities, churches, parking lots and gyms. stone Mennonite, Hartville Mennonite, Maple Grove Men- After construction, the houses are taken apart in sections, nonite and Pleasant View Mennonite churches were part of placed on trucks and shipped to the homeowners’ sites. this build-and-framing blitz. Some had volunteered with Some of the same volunteers then reassemble the sections MDS earlier, including at least two previous PHP projects. and complete the remaining construction of each house. Partnering with these churches and MDS is Southern —Scott Sundberg of MDS

RESOURCES teers to help reconstruct Europe after World War II. It includes analysis, extended personal accounts, photos, notes and an index. Razing Hell: Rethinking Everything You’ve Been Taught About God’s Wrath and Judgment by Sharon L. Baker (West- Face to Face: A Poetry Collection by Julie Cadwallader-Staub minster John Knox, 2010, $17) explores traditional views of hell (Cascadia Publishing House, 2010, $12.95) presents poems that and how they have damaged our understanding of a loving God. describe a journey through the darkness of death and into the Baker considers the origins of the notion of sinners and nonbe- light of healing. Some of the poems appeared in The Mennonite. lievers cast into an eternity of unquenchable flames and candidly outlines the problems and inconsistencies these views present. A Mennonite Woman: Exploring Spiritual Life and Identity by Dawn Ruth Nelson (Cascadia Publishing House, 2010, $18.95) Changing Human Nature: Ecology, Ethics, Genes and God tells the story of 20th-century Mennonite agrarian spirituality by James C. Peterson (Eerdmans, 2010, $18) draws from the bibli- through the lens of one woman’s life and one seminary (Associ- cal tradition to argue that human beings have a unique capacity ated Mennonite Biblical Seminary). and calling to tend and develop the natural world—including themselves, their bodies and their genes—as God’s garden. At Powerline and Diamond Hill: Unexpected Intersections of Life and Work by Lee Snyder (Cascadia Publishing House, The Singing Junk-Man: Stories of Faith and Hope and 2010, $14.95) tells how a Mennonite farm girl, whose “closed” Humor by Truman H. Brunk (Cascadia Publishing House, 2010, Oregon community prescribed a limited role for women and dis- $14.95) reports common people doing uncommon things, offering trusted education, became a university president. proof that “God doesn’t make junk.” An American in Persia: A Pilgrimage to Iran by Richard A. European Mennonite Voluntary Service: Youth Idealism in Kauffman (Cascadia Publishing House, 2010, $12.95) tells stories Post-World War II Europe by Calvin Wall Redekop (Cascadia of his encounters with Iranians, their culture and their politics to Publishing House, 2010, $14.95) tells the story of the Mennonite- give witness to ways walls can break down when the stories, cul- related work camp movement and its effort to organize volun- ture and history of others are attended to.

50 TheMennonite | March 2011 | www.themennonite.org NEWS

Carolyn Heggen new Sister Care co-facilitator Women leaders hope to translate, contextualize materials for other cultures.

arolyn Holderread Heggen, psychotherapist specializ- senter of Sister Care for the next two years. ing in women’s issues, trauma recovery and healing, “Heggen brings decades of commitment to the church C has accepted a role as co-facilitator of Mennonite working with women’s issues as well as a strong academic Women USA’s (MW USA) Sister Care. and clinical background,” Keener says. “Her teaching and During the past year she provided leadership in the revi- care for women’s healing and wholeness are a great gift.” sion and expansion of the manual and seminar, collaborating Heggen has lived and worked in Latin America, Pakistan with Rhoda Keener and Ruth Lapp Guengerich. and Nepal and has traveled extensively, speaking and doing “Sister Care brings together the best of our theology and workshops. psychological understandings in practical ways that are ac- While serving with Mennonite Central Committee, she cessible for lay women,” Heggen says. “It provides training was head of pastoral care and counseling for the ecumenical women can use for their own healing and as they reach out United Mission to Nepal. Since then she has provided to help others.” trauma counseling training for local people to do community Heggen and Keener, MW USA ex- trauma healing work following the ecutive director, co-presented the Sis- 2004 tsunami in Southeast Asia and ter Care seminar in Franklin other areas of disaster. Conference Feb. 4-5 at Marion Men- Heggen is the author of Sexual nonite Church, Chambersburg, Pa. Abuse in Christian Homes and About 80 women attended from six Churches, which has also been trans- Mennonite Church USA conferences lated into Spanish. She has offered as well as six local denominations, in- workshops on family violence and heal- cluding Presbyterian, Brethren in ing throughout Canada, the United Christ, United Brethren, Catholic and States, Latin America and in other Baptist churches. countries. During the five-year development “One of the things I find very satis- and testing stage of Sister Care, semi- fying is that I continue to be able to nars were held in Virginia, Pennsylva- mentor and support women around the nia, Indiana, Colorado, Ohio, Idaho, world,” Heggen says. “These relation- Oregon, Washington and Iowa—each ships are already bringing requests to hosted by local Mennonite Women share Sister Care resources and train- leaders. ing internationally.” “Providing a resource to equip lay Keener and Heggen envision invit- women has been a central goal for ing women from other cultures to con- Mennonite Women USA,” Keener says. textualize the material and make it appropriate for use in At the heart of the seminar is work women are invited to their setting. do with their own story as they identify places where God’s Sister Care seminars are being scheduled for 2011 and grace and healing have transformed loss and grief. 2012. This fall, seminars will be offere d in Illinois, South “What touched me was how accessible the concepts were Dakota, Florida and Kansas, with others in process. made for ordinary women,” says participant Freda Neil. Plans are underway to have the manual translated “The seminar validated what I have experienced in ministry and contextualized for use among Hispanic women. Attend- —that my story of brokenness and God’s transformation can ing the Franklin seminar in February were Wanda Gonzalez help others.” Coleman, who will provide the translation work, and Eliza- “The most helpful part of the teaching for me was learn- beth Soto Albrecht and Sandra Perez, who will assist as con- ing how it is possible to help others change their ‘toxic’ sto- sultants. Heggen speaks Spanish and will work with Latina ries to healing stories,” Neil adds. “As we listen, we can ask sisters to facilitate the seminars in Spanish. questions that encourage others to see God’s presence in “Sister Care is revolutionary,” Perez says. “What came to their journeys. At the closing anointing service, I asked to me is that there are other women who have the same story have my ears and my heart anointed so that I can listen from as mine. I thought I was the only one experiencing the suf- my heart. Compassionate listening is truly spiritual work.” fering. If there are two of us, there are thousands. This is Keener is delighted that Heggen will be a primary co-pre- cutting edge.”––Heidi Martin for Mennonite Women USA

March 2011 | TheMennonite 51 NEWS

MCC suspends work in Egypt Thirteen international staff are relocated to Strasbourg, France.

ennonite Central Committee (MCC) has moved its way that is appropriate for foreigners to do,” says Snowdon. international workers out of Egypt because of the “But it is true that the future there is uncertain, and we M ongoing civil unrest there. don’t want to sound heroic and to minimize that reality.” Thirteen international staff, including two children, were Annie and Jean-Victor, MCC representatives for West temporarily relocated to MCC’s West Europe office in Stras- Europe, host the Snowdons. In a Feb. 9 e-mail to The bourg, France, at the end of January. Another MCC worker Mennonite, the Snowdons wrote that life felt normal before elsewhere in Africa was vacationing and visiting family in the first protest on Jan. 25. Cairo when the unrest began. She has now returned. “We walked confidently down the street and went about MCC also has three national staff in Egypt, all of whom our business, but things very quickly became tense. … By are doing as well as can be expected under the circum- the time we left the country on Jan. 31, there was a curfew stances, says Tom Snowdon, MCC Egypt co-representative from 3 p.m. every day,” they wrote. “The streets and many with Judith, his spouse. The Snowdons are from Saint- properties were being guarded by local citizens. They were Joseph-De-Kent, New Brunswick. using whatever weapon they could acquire for protection, MCC relocated its international workers because there knives, sticks and some guns. The streets were quiet, and were concerns for the safety of workers, and MCC work in there was virtually no traffic.” Egypt was at a standstill. MCC also wanted to save its part- The Snowdons do not know any of the protesters. ner organizations in Egypt from worrying about how to care “The situation is very complex, and there are no valid for the workers. MCC’s work in Egypt focuses on education simple analyses,” they wrote. “Egyptians love their country and peacebuilding. and their history and want to make it a better place for their At one point a church organization MCC partners with children.” ––Mennonite Central Committee with reporting by supplied stranded MCC workers with money to help with Anna Groff their attempts at leaving. Another time a priest called and offered to send a van to collect MCC workers in Cairo and take them to a church house outside the city. BE MORE THAN Trying to leave was an ordeal, he says. “Limited phone A TOURIST service, no Internet and extremely difficult transportation due to the curfew and congestion all made it difficult to do 2011 TOURS 2012 TOURS ISRAEL/PALESTINE with PASTOR JAMIE GERBER AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND (February 3 - 23) anything. The Cairo airport was in chaos, and the crush of (April 27 - May 6) TOUR TO GUATEMALA (February 24 - March 4) people got scary at times.” EXPLORE the WORLD of PAUL with TOM YODER NEUFELD (May 4 - 20) VISIT MEXICO & its COPPER CANYON The relocated staff are doing well, “just a little tired and (March 9 - 18) LEGENDARY RHINE & MOSELLE RIVER CRUISE jangled,” he says. Given the uncertainty in Egypt, it isn’t (May 11 - 24) EXPLORE SOUTH AMERICA (March 18 - 31) clear where the workers will go after they have been de- ALASKA CRUISE TOUR (June 7 - 18) FOLLOWING the STEPS of MOSES (April 16 - 27) ICELAND COUNTRY TOUR (June 13 - 22) briefed at the MCC office. EUROPEAN HERITAGE with PAUL ZEHR (May 3 - 16) EUROPEAN HERITAGE with JOHN RUTH ALASKA CRUISE TOUR (June 7 - 18) (June 23 - July 6) “We all want to go back as soon as possible to help in any GLORY of RUSSIA: MOSCOW & ST. PETERSBURG WILLIAM PENN, THE POETS & MORE... (July 3 - 13) (ENGLAND & SCOTLAND) (July 22 - August 4) MENNONITE STORY in POLAND (August 9 - 17) EUROPEAN HERITAGE with JOHN RUTH (July 10 - 23) VISIT UKRAINE with EDGAR STOESZ Discover South America! (September 19 - 28) VIETNAM and SINGAPORE (November 12 - 26) A PILGRIMAGE to PORTUGAL (September 20 - 30) EXPERIENCE IRELAND with the LEDERACHS Paraguay - Peru (September 22 - October 3) ISRAEL/PALESTINE with PASTOR GARRY JANZEN Iguazu Falls, Asuncion, Mennonite Colonies, Lima, (October 14 - 23) Machu Picchu From NAZARETH to ROME (November 10 - 22) BEHIND the VEIL-EXPERIENCING EGYPT with MEDA “Building bridges among Mennonites and (November 14 - 26) other Christians and faiths around the world September 23
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52 TheMennonite | March 2011 | www.themennonite.org FOR THE RECORD | OBITUARIES

CALENDAR Burkey, Barabara Faith Brenneman, 80, Albany, Ore. , died Dec. 29, 2010. Friends of Shirati support the people of Spouse: Willard Burkey. Parents: Harvey East Africa with medical and educational and Uarda Hills Brenneman. Children: Di- assistance. The Annual Friends of Shirati anna Eshleman, Lee, David; eight grand- Banquet will be held at 6 p.m. on March children; two great-grandchildren. 12 at The Gathering Place, Mount Joy, Pa. Memorial service: Jan. 1 at Albany Men- For more information visit www.friendsof- nonite Church. shirati.org or contact Dale Ressler at 717- 884-9074 or e-mail Coleman, Nathanael Allen, 0, Kidron, [email protected]. Ohio, stillborn on Dec. 30, 2010. Parents: Chip Allen and Martha Rose Kratzer Cole- man. Siblings: Silas Coleman, Ezra Cole- man. Funeral: Jan. 7 at Sonnenberg WORKERS Mennonite Church, Kidron. Chenlo, Mauricio Walter, was ordained Frey, Emagene “Jean” Short, 82, Pet- for his ministry as denominational minister tisville, Ohio, died Jan. 13. Spouse: James for church planting with Mennonite “Jim” J. Frey. Parents: Raymond and Alta Church USA at Raleigh Mennonite Church, Amstutz Short. Children: Bernard “Bar- Raleigh, N.C., on Jan. 16. Make a ney,” Ken, Becky Peabody, Charles, Janet Hendricks, Patricia, was licensed for Frey; eight grandchildren; six great-grand- difference chaplaincy ministry at Mercy House, Har- children. Funeral: Jan. 16 at West Clinton risonburg, Va., at Harrisonburg Mennonite Mennonite Church, Wauseon, Ohio. in the world. Church on Jan. 16. Friesen, Wilbur D., 93, Freeman, S.D., Kanagy, Audrey A., was licensed as as- died Jan. 6. Spouse: LaVerna Waltner sociate pastor at Living Light Mennonite Friesen (deceased). Parents: Dietrich and Study Public Church, Lancaster, Pa., on Jan. 16. Mary Janzen Friesen. Children: Ila Mebius, Short Larson; five grandchildren; nine Health at Landis, Isaac, began a term as associate great-grandchildren. Funeral: Jan. 10 at pastor of youth and young adults at Salem-Zion Mennonite Church, Freeman. Bluffton Whitestone Mennonite Church, Hesston, Kan., on Jan. 5. Gehman, Mary C. Kulp, 99, Bally, Pa., died Dec. 5, 2010. Spouse: Abraham B. University. Rutt, Nelson L., was licensed as youth Gehman (deceased). Parents: Elias W. and pastor for Martindale District, Martindale, Elizabeth Rachel Clemens Kulp. Children: Pa., on Jan. 23. Linford, Abraham, Rhoda, Johanna, James, Ada, Merrill, Ronald, Harley, Dwight; 15 Classes begin grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren. Fu- fall of 2011. OBITUARIES neral: Dec. 9 at Bally Mennonite Church.

Birkey, Leslie V., 90, Foosland, Ill., died Gingerich, Viola Bontrager, 94, Ship- Jan. 15. Spouse: Verena Heiser Birkey. Par- shewana, Ind., died Dec. 11, 2010. Spouse: ents: Joseph and Ida Zehr Birkey. Children: Christy Gingerich (deceased). Parents: Duane; two grandchildren. Funeral: Jan. 20 Jacob D. and Fannie Schrock Bontrager. at East Bend Mennonite Church, Fisher, Ill. Children: Betty Graber, Ida Mae Gingerich; six grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; Britsch, Doris C. Lugbill, 85, Archbold, eight great-great-grandchildren. Funeral: Ohio, died Nov. 27, 2010. Spouse: Dale Dec. 14 at Shore Mennonite Church, Ship- Britsch (deceased). Parents: Eli and Jennie shewana. Burkholder Lugbill. Children: Barbara Kauffman, Norma Sigg; six grandchildren; bluffton.edu/publichealth seven great-grandchildren. Funeral: Nov. 30 at Fairlawn Chapel, Archbold.

March 2011 | TheMennonite 53 FOR THE RECORD | OBITUARIES

Headrick, Wanda Lee Welty, 75, Hes- Marner, Wallace Dale, 84, Kalona, Peachey, Elam J., 70, Hesston, Kan., died ston, Kan., died Jan. 25. Spouse: Lloyd M. Iowa, died Nov. 29, 2010. Spouse: Leola Jan. 6 of a heart attack. Spouse: Nancy Headrick. Parents: Gerhard and Idell Mc- Verle Stoltzfus Marner. Parents: Chris and Hartzler Peachey. Parents: Elam C. and Bar- Farlane Welty. Children: Denise Krase, Mary Gingerich Marner. Children: Dale, bara Yoder Peachey. Children: Shana Peggy Sieber, Jackie Headrick, Kyle; nine Karen Gugel; seven grandchildren; seven Boshart, Cheryl Peachey Stoner, Leigh Ann grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren. great-grandchildren. Funeral: Dec. 3 at O’Halloran; nine grandchildren; one great- Funeral: Jan. 28 at Hesston Mennonite Lower Deer Creek Mennonite Church, grandchild. Funeral: Jan. 10 at Whitestone Church. Kalona. Mennonite Church, Hesston.

Heinrichs, Edwin, 82, Altona, Manitoba, Martin, Arlene M. Martin, 81, New Phonsulinthone, Venethong, 64, Har- died Jan. 13. Spouse: Betty Zacharias Hein- Holland, Pa., died Jan. 26. Spouse: Chester risonburg, Va., died Jan. 8. Spouse: richs. Parents: William W. and Tina Te- G. Martin (deceased). Parents: Weaver and Phomma Phonsulinthone (deceased). Chil- ichroeb Heinrichs. Children: Archie, Heather Frances Martin Martin. Children: Carolyn dren: Keo, Monta, Sivilay, Phao, Pheng, Miller, Dwight, Herbie, Eugene, Delores Sensenig, Charlotte Harsh, Fred; four Phoue, Phet, Phone, Phan, Phay; 25 grand- Enns, Douglas; 16 grandchildren; four grandchildren; one step-grandson; nine children. Funeral: Jan. 15 at Harrisonburg great-grandchildren. Funeral: Jan. 17 at great-grandchildren. Funeral: Jan. 31 at Mennonite Church. Bergthaler Mennonite Church, Altona. Garden Spot Village Chapel, New Holland. Reimer, Doris June, 77, Whitewater, Hershberger, Suvilla M. Bontrager, Miller, Nellie F. Zimmerman, 82, Hes- Kan., died Jan. 15. Parents: Gustav and 91, Kalona, Iowa, died Jan. 8. Spouse: ston, Kan., died Jan. 22. Spouse: Chester Justine Harder Reimer. Funeral: Jan. 21 at Joseph Hershberger. Parents: Menno J.S. “Chet” Miller. Parents: John and Ada Grace Hill Mennonite Church, Whitewater. and Fannie Yoder Bontrager. Children: Es- Showalter Zimmerman. Children: Rock, ther Gingerich, Jeremiah, Phillip; three Easley, Candy Cirricione; 15 grandchildren; Roggie, Ralph A., 78, Lowville, N.Y., died grandchildren; five great-grandchildren. five great-grandchildren. Funeral: Jan. 25 Jan. 21. Spouse: Frieda M. Jantzi Roggie. Funeral: Jan. 12 at Kalona Mennonite at Hesston Mennonite Church. Parents: Samuel Roggie. Children: Eliza- Church. beth Steria Glenfield, Joyce Zehr, Glendon, Miller, Verton Samuel , 87, Kalona, Lois Roberts; 12 grandchildren; 17 great- Kapper, Bernice Hershberger, 89, Iowa, died Jan. 14. Spouse: Anna Pearl grandchildren. Funeral: Jan. 24 at Iseneker Louisville, Ohio, died Jan. 16. Spouse: Brenneman Miller. Parents: Rev. Albert S. Funeral Home, Inc., Lowville. Melvin Kapper (deceased). Parents: David and Maggie Miller Miller. Children: Ken, Monroe and Ida Crilow Hershberger. Chil- Kathy Scheuerman, Donna Darby; five Roth, Marianna Mae Gerig, 76, Hes- dren: Charlene Fausnight, Dennis, David; grandchildren; two great-grandchildren. ston, Kan., died Jan. 21. Spouse: Edwin L. 11 grandchildren; eight great-grandchil- Funeral: Jan. 17 at Lower Deer Creek Men- Roth. Parents: Vernon and Mabel Gerig. dren; one great-great-grandchild. Funeral: nonite Church, Kalona. Children: Tim, Ted; two grandchildren; two Jan. 21 at Beech Mennonite Church, step-grandchildren. Memorial service: Jan. Louisville. Mullet, David LeRoy “Roy,” 90, Hes- 22 at Hesston Mennonite Church. ston, Kan., died Jan. 14. Spouse: Bess Kramer, Kathryn Esther Goering, 85, Johnson Mullet. Parents: David J. and Rufenacht, Marlin D., 80, Archbold, Freeman, S.D., died Jan. 21. Spouse: Willard Maude Kauffman Mullet. Children: David, Ohio, died Jan. 20. Spouse: Lois Beck Rufe- J. Kramer (deceased). Parents: Jonas and Bob, Paul, Steve, Mick; eight grandchildren; nacht. Parents: Glen and Laura Grieser Anna Graber Goering. Children: Norris, two great-grandchildren. Funeral: Jan. 21 Rufenacht. Children: Craig, Brad, Janelle Ronald, Charles; five grandchildren; six at Hesston Mennonite Church. Beck, Nedra Nolander; 12 grandchildren; great-grandchildren. Funeral: Jan. 24 at two great-grandchildren. Memorial serv- Salem Mennonite church, Freeman. ice: Jan. 24 at West Clinton Mennonite Church, Wauseon, Ohio.

For the Record is available to members of Mennonite Church USA. Births and marriages appear online at www.themennonite.org. Obituaries are also published in The Mennonite. Contact Rebecca Helmuth at 800-790-2498 for expanded memorial and photo insertion options. To submit information, log on to www.themennonite.org and use the “For the Record” button to access online forms. You may also submit information by e-mail, fax or mail: [email protected]; fax 574-535-6050; 1700 S. Main St., Goshen, IN 46526-4794.

54 TheMennonite | March 2011 | www.themennonite.org FOR THE RECORD | OBITUARIES

Schmidt, Dorothy Frey, 96, Newton, Shenk, Evelyn Ruth Landis, 82, Har- Kan., died Jan. 9. Spouse: Arnold H. risonburg, Va., died Jan. 20 from complica- Schmidt. Parents: Peter and Agnetha tions of Lewy Body Dementia. Spouse: Reimer Frey. Children: Donavon, Karen John M. Shenk. Parents: Abram Paul and Unrau, Geneva Reimer, Vera Wuertz, Rollin; Eva Domer Grim Landis. Children: Gloria S. 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; Kniss, Jonathan, James, Joseph; four grand- two great-great-grandchildren. Funeral: children. Celebration-of-life services: Jan. Jan. 12 at Tabor Mennonite Church, New- 24 at Virginia Mennonite Retirement Com- ton. munity Strite Auditorium, Harrisonburg, and Jan. 25 at Harrisonburg Mennonite Schmidt, Kenneth H., Church. More about Mrs. Shenk is located 78, South Hutchinson, at http://tiny.cc/meckl, and memories and Kan., died Jan. 25. condolences may be shared with the fam- Spouse: Phyllis Eileen ily by clicking the link there, choosing Cur- Egli Schmidt (deceased). rent Obituaries, and selecting January Parents: Harvey Fred and 2011. Donations in memory of Evelyn may Beatrice Marguerite be sent to Eastern Mennonite Seminary, to Smith Schmidt. Children: Arlin, Rita Martin, help enable others to attend. Nancy Magliery, Susan Funk; seven grand- children. Memorial service: Jan. 29 at South Smucker, Jose “Mike” Miguel, 35, In- Hutchinson Mennonite Church. dianapolis, Ind., died Jan. 13 of cancer. Par- ents: Paul Mark and Jeanne Smucker. Schmidt, Susan Unruh, 103, Goessel, Funeral: Jan. 15 at Shalom Mennonite Kan., died Dec. 25, 2010. Spouse: Nickolai Church, Indianapolis. “Nick” Schmidt (deceased). Parents: John A. and Elizabeth Schmidt Unruh. Children: Snyder, Leta Mae Miller, 85, Goshen, Julia Regier, Susan Duerksen, DeLome Ind., died Jan. 21. Spouse: Donald W. Sny- Schmidt, Rita Sperry, Otto; 16 grandchil- der. Parents: John E. and Lucy Yoder Miller. dren; 33 great-grandchildren; 16 great- Children: Donna Snyder Shank, JoAnne great-grandchildren. Funeral: Dec. 30 at Lehman, Cathy Cameron; nine grandchil- Tabor Mennonite Church, Newton, Kan. dren; one great-grandchild. Funeral: Jan. 25 at College Mennonite Church, Goshen. Selzer, Bertha Ellen Sommerfield, 85, Hesston, Kan., died Sept. 10, 2010. Spouse: Thomas, Cora Hostetler, 91, John- Elvin M. Selzer. Parents: Jacob and Matie stown, Pa., died Jan. 17. Spouse: Freeman Young Sommerfield. Children: Diane Hel- Thomas (deceased). Parents: Noah and muth, Donna Stokes, Janet Bootman; five Emma Kaufman Hostetler. Children: Floyd, grandchildren; one great-grandchild. Fu- Grace Stayrook; 18 grandchildren; 32 neral: Sept. 14 at Schowalter Villa Chapel, great-grandchildren; 17 great-great-grand- Hesston. children. Funeral: Jan. 20 at Thomas Men- nonite Church, Hollsopple, Pa. Showalter, James Edwin, 86, Harrison- burg, Va., died Jan. 17. Spouse: Joyce Unternahrer, Barbara Wenger, 90, Blosser Showalter. Parents: H.D. and Flora Wayland, Iowa, died Dec. 16, 2010. Grove Showalter. Children: James Michael, Spouse: Noah Unternahrer (deceased). Par- Kevin E., Dawn Showalter, Darrell C., Dean ents: John R. and Katie S. Christner Allen; eight grandchildren. Funeral: Jan. 30 Wenger. Children: Kathryn Smith, Ronald, at Trissels Mennonite Church, Broadway, David, Rosetta Koerner, Esther Amstutz; 11 Va. grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren. Funeral: Dec. 20 at Sugar Creek Mennonite Chruch, Wayland. 800-245-7894 (USA) 800-631-6535 (Canada)

Herald Press is the book imprint of Mennonite Publishing Network.

March 2011 | TheMennonite 55 CLASSIFIEDS

Bluffton University invites applications for a full-time, re- newable contract (non-tenure track) position in choral Advertising space in The Mennonite is available to congregations, music beginning fall 2011. Review of applications begins imme- conferences, businesses and churchwide boards and agencies of diately and continues until position is filled. Please visit our web- Mennonite Church USA. Cost for one-time classified placement is site at www.bluffton.edu/about/employment for position $1.30 per word, minimum of $30. Display space is also available. responsibilities, requirements and how to submit an application. To place an ad in The Mennonite, call 800-790-2498 and ask for Bluffton University welcomes applications from all academically Rebecca Helmuth, or e-mail [email protected]. qualified people who respect the Anabaptist/Mennonite peace church tradition and endorse Christian higher education in a lib- eral arts environment. Members of underrepresented groups are Eastern Mennonite University is currently seeking applicants encouraged to apply. EOE. for a director of planned giving. Responsibilities include man- aging the planned giving program and work collaboratively with Mennonite Church USA seeks a half-time denominational the President, VP for Advancement, Executive Director of Develop- youth minister to join its leadership development team. The pri- ment and a development team of associates to secure annual, mary role of the denominational youth minister is to build rela- capital and planned gifts for the university. Full-time position. tionships with and facilitate networking among Mennonite EMU graduate preferred, tax law and/or planned giving training Church USA entities that nurture faith in youth and young adults. and experience required, commitment to EMU’s mission and vi- The ideal candidate will be able to articulate a vision for the mis- sion, willingness to travel and be away for extended periods of sional church we seek to become. She or he should be detail ori- time and some evenings and weekends required. Please send ap- ented and possess a good understanding of youth ministry, plication, resumé and the names, addresses and phone numbers Mennonite Church USA and Christ-centered Anabaptist theology. of three references to: Human Resources, Eastern Mennonite Uni- At least five-year’s experience in congregational youth ministry is versity, 1200 Park Road, Harrisonburg, VA 22802, [email protected] In- desired along with strong written and oral communication skills. dividuals who bring diversity are encouraged to apply. EMU is an Fluency in Spanish is a plus. For a detailed job description or to Equal Opportunity Employer. submit a resumé, cover letter and work samples, contact Executive Board Human Resources at [email protected] or call 1-866- Church planter. New York Mennonite Conference seeks 866-2872, ext. 23041 or 574-523-3041 and ask for Executive [half- or full-time] primary team leader for a movement of Board Human Resources. Mennonite Church USA is an equal op- multiethnic, holistic, Anabaptist church plants starting in lower portunity employer and encourages women and Racial/Ethnic West Side Buffalo, NY. Seeking visionary, Spirit-led leader with people to apply. Resumés will be received until the position is passion for reconciliation and advancing God’s kingdom. Contact filled. Gene Miller: [email protected]. Executive director, Mennonite Publishing Network/ Eastern Mennonite Missions (EMM) in Salunga, Pa., seeks ThirdWay . Seeking a visionary leader with passion for a publish- candidates for the position of president. As a ministry of Lan- ing and media ministry. Reporting to the binational Board and caster Mennonite Conference and other supporting Anabaptist based in Harrisonburg, Va., the Executive Director will lead the in- congregations, EMM supports over 200 field/administrative per- tegration of Mennonite Publishing Network and Third Way Media sonnel in 41 countries. The president will play a vital role in the in the transition to a new multi-media agency providing Anabap- ongoing development of programs to witness to people and tist formation and witness resources. Five years or more executive places where the church is “not yet.” The position requires deep leadership experience and the willingness to regularly travel knowledge and appreciation of the Anabaptist constituency, at within North America. See www.mpn.net/about/openings.html or least five years of cross-cultural/overseas experience, ability to re- e-mail indication of interest to [email protected]. late to a theologically diverse constituency, strong administra- tive/management skills and willingness to travel extensively. House-sitting opportunity: Beautiful San Luis Valley, Colorado. Interested candidates should contact Kirk Stiffney with MHS Love gardening, chickens, cats, mountains? House-sitter needed Alliance at [email protected]. June 18-July 23 in Saguache. 2 bedroom, 1 bath, fully stocked and use of our car. Water garden, care for chickens/cats, eat garden pro- Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is seeking a recep- duce! 719-655-2776 or [email protected] tionist for its offices in Akron, Pa. This is a full-time service worker position. MCC provides housing, living expenses, full medical insur- For Sale: Orchard, cider mill, equipment, house, greenhouse, pole ance plus a monthly stipend to service workers. A job description is barns, 10 acres, mid-Michigan. $190,000; 989-224-7678 available at www.mcc.org/serve. Send resumé and letter of interest to: Prem Dick at: [email protected] or MCC Human Resources, P.O. Box 500, Akron, PA 17501 or call 717-859-1151.

56 TheMennonite | March 2011 | www.themennonite.org CLASSIFIEDS

Community Mennonite Fellowship in Corning, N.Y., is seeking The department of nursing at Goshen (Ind.) College invites a long-term pastor. We are part of New York Mennonite Confer- applications for a full-time, tenure-track teaching position ence. If you are interested, please send your Ministerial Leadership beginning August 2011. Duties include teaching pediatric nursing in Information form to Dan Gallagher or contact him at DG. the classroom and clinical setting and pharmacology in the under- [email protected]. graduate program, and teaching courses in the family nurse practi- tioner program in the master of science in nursing program. Doctorate in nursing or related field preferred; master’s degree in Answers to the page 61 puzzle nursing required. Significant experience in nursing practice and nurs- ing education desired. For further details and to apply, see the posi- tion announcement at www.goshen.edu/employment. With a commitment to building a diverse faculty and staff, minority people are encouraged to apply.

travel with a purpose

2011 TOURS


Canadian Rockies & Parks, June 16 - July 7 
Cape Cod, Whales & Mansions, July 18-22 Colorful Vermont, September 19-22 
Balloons, Parks & Cactus, October 3-23 (most tours offer pick-ups enroute or fly-in option - please inquire) ! / #$-"// #/// ,'"+'))*/  ///  //   /   ,')/ (  ,#)# //( *
/( ( (  ( .#$-"# /

Everyone in your congregation can read about the happenings at Pittsburgh 2011 even if they don’t receive The Mennonite.

Please contact Rebecca Helmuth at 800-790-2498 or [email protected] to place your order. We will send your order in bulk at $2 per copy ($3 Cnd). Your order and payment must be received by July 15. No invoice will be issued at this low price. Send payment to The Mennonite, 1700 South Main St., Goshen, IN 46526.

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March 2011 | TheMennonite 57 N E W V O I C E S By and about young adults The ‘good old days’ t is easy to get caught up in feelings of nostal- This may have looked different 50 years ago gia. As a pastor, I’ve been part of many funer- from how it looks today, but I submit that I als that have been a blessing to me. Burying throughout all time, this is an equally difficult and and celebrating the lives of people that have lived equally easy thing to do. 70, 80, 90 or even 100-plus years of faithfulness It is difficult because we are selfish and sinful to Christ is a privilege. Listening to families as people, unwilling to yield everything we have and they remember and honor the loved one that has everything we are to someone else, even if that gone to glory is to remember the good old days, someone else is the One True God. when life was simpler, slower and a little less It is easy because once we come to grips with Thomas Dunn is comfortable. who we are, it is an immense blessing to know associate pastor of I sometimes catch myself getting caught up in that there is a Savior whose burden is easy and youth and young the moment: running around the farm with a whose yoke is light. adults at Kidron bunch of brothers and sisters sounds like a better It is at once the most difficult and the most joy- (Ohio) Mennonite alternative to playing video games alone. Waking ful decision a person can make. Church. up early to go out to the barn Ecclesiastes 7:10 says: for chores seems like a better “Do not say, ‘Why were the alternative to sleeping late former days better than into the morning. Receiving a these?’ For it is not from handwritten letter seems like wisdom that you ask this.” a better alternative to a The temptation to get The temptation to get buzzing cell phone in your caught up in wishing for caught up in wishing for days pocket. Looking forward to gone by is nothing new, and church on a Sunday because days gone by is nothing it will always be a temptation that was the main (or only) for us. Just as the author of social interaction of the week new, and it will always be Ecclesiastes did, we need to seems like a better alterna- a temptation for us. be sure to name this senti- tive to trying to squeeze ment for what it is: not wise. church in on top of the dozen This is not to say we or so other activities you are should not study our history a part of. and learn from the past, but These are the days gone as soon as we find ourselves by, and it can be easy to romanticize them. How- longing for the good old days, we have gone too ever, it would be difficult to find too many people far. who would be willing to give up all that we have I challenge you to examine how you view the and go back to this style of life (in other words, past. When you look at where we are now, in you rarely see anyone becoming Amish that did 2011, as compared with a half-century ago, what not grow up in an Amish home). And even if there is your gut feeling? Do you find yourself thinking are some that would choose this, it begs the ques- we have digressed? Are we worse off now? Are tion, What’s the point? things just not as good as they used to be? I cau- I’m sure there are professional psychologists tion against getting caught up in the good old that could explain to me why nostalgia can feel so days; rather focus on the now and put your trust good to us. But the more important question is in the Lord. this: How is each generation being faithful to The call of Christ has not changed for 2,000 Jesus Christ? years. What is Christ calling you to right now, in The call of Christ is the same to all genera- 2011? What is Christ calling us, his church to, tions, all cultures and all people of the world. today? How can we be faithful to Jesus Christ Christ bids us to die to ourselves and offer our right now? lives as living sacrifices to him.

58 TheMennonite | March 2011 | www.themennonite.org MEDIACULTURE Reflections on the effect of media and culture on our faith FILM REVIEW Editing history to make it nicer The Way Back (PG-13) tells the harrowing new kind of censorship is be- Moore goes on to write: “The young story of inmates at a Siberian gulag in 1942 coming vogue. Rather than re- black American male of today, whose who escape and walk 4,000 miles overland A moving documents from the dignity in our public schools is not al- to freedom in India, though some die on the public, some are editing history to ways preserved or made a priority, way. The landscapes are stunning and the make some documents nicer, less of- does not need at the start of his literary acting fine. The problem is that it’s based on fensive to an increasingly ignorant na- life to be immersed in an even more a memoir by Slavomir Rawicz that was tion of readers. racist era … not if one’s goal is to get found to be false. Nevertheless, it draws at- In February, NewSouth Books re- that teenager to like books.” tention to the evil practices of the Soviet leased a new version of Mark Twain’s Instead, she would recommend, for regime, which unjustly imprisoned thou- novel The Adventures of Huckleberry example, Sherman Alexie’s Absolutely sands of people.—Gordon Houser Finn in which all 219 occurrences of True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. the word “nigger” will be replaced with Meanwhile, the new House of Rep- BOOK REVIEWS the word “slave.” resentatives convened on Jan. 6, and Miami Herald columnist Leonard the Republican leadership started the The Wisdom of Stability: Rooting Pitts, who is an African American, ar- session by reading the text of the U.S. Faith in a Mobile Culture by Jonathan gues that this fix, despite good inten- Constitution aloud. The readers, how- Wilson-Hartgrove (Paraclete Press, 2010, tions, is wrong. He offers three reasons ever, omitted the text of Article I, $14.99) offers a much- against it. Section 2, that deals with the appor- needed correction to our First, he writes, “any work of art tionment of House seats among the tendency to look for the represents a series of conscious states, which is said to be based on greener grass elsewhere. choices on the part of the artist,” and “the whole number of free persons” Wilson-Hartgrove, a the audience, while free to accept or and “three-fifths of all other persons.” leader in the new monas- reject those choices, is not free to In an op-ed piece in the New York tic movement, writes that “substitute its own.” Times, Adam Kirsch points out that “in a culture that is char- Second, he writes, “it is never a “trying to distract us from something acterized by unprecedented mobility and good idea to sugarcoat the past,” and ugly only makes the ugliness harder to speed, … the most important thing most of “Twain’s use of the reprehensible miss.” He acknowledges that “for us can do to grow spiritually is to stay in word was an accurate reflection of that many readers, encountering classic lit- the place where we are. He draws on vari- era.” erature means sometimes finding your- ous sources—from the desert fathers and Third, he laments that the state of self excluded, or insulted, in this way. mothers to contemporary writers and re- reading comprehension in this country For blacks reading Twain, certainly, but lates stories from his own community in is so bad that “not only can our children also for Jews reading Shakespeare or Durham, N.C.—gh not divine the nuances of a masterpiece Dickens, and for women reading, say, but that we will now protect them from Plato (among countless others).” Razing Hell: Rethinking Everything having to even try.” The Constitution, Kirsch writes, You’ve Been Taught about God’s Lorrie Moore, a fiction writer, “was written in the expectation that it Wrath and Judgment by Sharon L. claims a position “between traditional- would be corrected. And it needed cor- Baker (Westminster John Knox Press, 2010, ists outraged at censorship and those rection, or amendment, for the same $17) tackles a topic head- who feel this might be a way to get essential reason: the framers’ imagina- on that few are willing to teenagers, especially African-American tion of the people they led was not full address: the doctrine of boys, comfortable reading a literary enough.” hell. Baker calls for read- classic.” She thinks both are mistaken. We are to study and learn from his- ing the Bible with a “Jesus She agrees it is wrong to replace the tory, not try to fix it. Ignoring the falli- lens” that helps us see N-word with “slave,” since “the latter ble humanity of the founding fathers, that “God in Christ inter- word is already in the novel and has a for example, only re- rupted the cycle of vio- different meaning from ‘nigger,’ so that moves us from the lence with divine love, seeking to reconcile substitution just mucks up the prose real world. and restore rather than punish and retali- — its meaning, its voice, its verisimili- ate.” She strives for a popular style and tude.” The remedy, she writes, is “to Gordon Houser is mostly succeeds, but her appendix on refer- refuse to teach this novel in high associate editor of ences and commentary is helpful.—gh school and to wait until college.” The Mennonite.

March 2011 | TheMennonite 59 JANUARY 2011 CROSSWORD PUZZLE

These readers submitted answers

Gladys Alderfer, Sellersville, Pa. Jerry Graber, Parker, S.D. Vernon & Margaret Miller, Eleanor Shoup, South Bend, Ind. Mark Amstutz, Eastham, Mass. Joyce K. Graber, West Unity, Ohio Walnut Creek, Ohio Ruth N. Showalter, Amanda Bartel, Wichita, Kan. Bonnie Handrich Venhuizen, Isle, David Mininger, Stuarts Draft, Va. Chambersburg, Pa. Arva Beck, Archbold, Ohio Minn. Frances Moser, Wooster, Ohio Ethel Slabaugh, Sturgis, Mich. Mary L. Beck, Archbold, Ohio Esther F. Hartzler, Harrisonville, Anne Moyer, Lansdale, Pa. Kathy Smith, Archbold, Ohio Brady Bigler, St. Thomas, Pa. Mo. Ruth Mum aw, Wooster, Ohio Marilyn Stauffer, Elkhart, Ind. Marlene Birky, Valparaiso, Ind. Verna Helmuth, Sarasota, Fla. Pauline Musselman, Souderton, Ruth Stauffer, New Holland, Pa. Ruby Bontrager, Bristol, Ind. Harley & Margaret Himes, Pa. Florence Stauffer-Denlinger, Mark Boshart, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa Kidron, Ohio Al Neuenschwander, Berne, Ind. Lancaster, Pa. Lovina Troyer Brandt, Baltic, Ohio Henry Hochstetler, Bonita Peter & Shirley Nofziger, Dorcas Steider, Goshen, Ind. Alice Buller, Henderson, Neb. Springs, Fla. Archbold, Ohio Ruth W. Stoltzfus, Honey Brook, Maretta Buller, North Newton, Joyc e Hofer, Freeman, S.D. Anna Nolt, Quakertown, Pa. Pa. Kan. Vileen Hostetler, Colorado Mary Helen Nussbaum, Orrville, Bonnie Stuckey, West Unity, Ohio Lyle Burkholder, Waynesboro, Va. Springs, Colo. Ohio Gabriel Stuckey, Westover, Md. Ruth L. Burkholder, Harrisonburg, Rod Huebert, Moundridge, Kan. Edna Otto, Leonard, Mo. Paul & Bertha Swarr, Va. Marvin & Ruth Kaufman, Howard Piggee, Fredericksburg, Harrisonburg, Va. Hettie Conrad, Hesston, Kan. Broadway, Va. Va. Maredith Vendrely, Leo, Ind. Margaret Derstine, Lancaster, Pa. Dorothy Kingsley, Amenia, N.D. Ella K. Regier, Newton, Kan. Bob & Anna Mae Weaver, Lois A. Deter, Sterling, Ill. Mabel Kurtz, New Holland, Pa. Fancheon Resler, Bluffton, Ind. Lanc aster, Pa. Judy Dintaman, Howe, Ind. Faye I. Landis, Lancaster, Pa. Odette Rolon, Archbold, Ohio Martha L. Wedel, Elbing, Kan. Larry & Janet Dixon, Topeka, Kan. Ethel Lehman, Columbiana, Ohio Bonnie Rufenacht, La Junta, Eileen Wenger, Leola, Pa. Orlin Eigsti, Hesston, Kan. Phyllis Lehman, Mt. Eaton, Ohio Colo. Elizabeth Wenger, Ephrata, Pa. Bernice Esau, North Newton, Kathy Leichty, Wellman, Iowa Marlin Rupp, Pettisville, Ohio Lois Whisler, Hanover, Pa. Kan. Anna V. Liechty, Berne, Ind. Elvira Schie rling, Denver, Colo. Marilyn M. Whitman, Vancouver, Jeannie Flores, Clovis, Calif. Barbara Longoria, Greenwood, Stan & Alma Schloneger, Wash. Elmer L. Friesen, Henderson, Neb. Ind. Louisville, Ohio Elaine Widrick, Croghan, N.Y. Katherine Garber, Elizabethtown, Arthur Martin, Goshen, Ind. Harlo Schmidt, Buhler, Kan. Elmer Wyse, Goshen, Ind. Pa. Esther Martin, Zullinger, Pa. Helen Schmidt, Goessel, Kan. Duane Yoder, Mechanicsville, Va. Anna D. Gehman, Souderton, Pa. Esther Martin, Goshen, Ind. Wilbert Schmidt, Goessel, Kan. Esther Yoder, Goshen, Ind. Elizabeth & Lavina Gehman, Richard & Shirley Mast, Graham, Lavera Schrag, North Newton, Lois Yoder, Huntington, Pa. Seville, Ohio N.Y. Kan. Mary Kathryn Yoder, Sarah Geiser, Apple Creek, Ohio Erma Maust, Sarasota, Fla. Myron & Phyllis Schultz, Greeley, Harrisonville, Mo. Christopher Gering, Ritzville, Joe & Jane Miller, Mount Union, Colo. Homer & Elizabeth Yutzy, Wash. Pa. Verlene Sebes, Hanston, Kan. Wauseon, Ohio Wilda Gingrich, Eureka, Ill. Lois Miller, Wauseon, Ohio Debra Selzer, Canton, Kan. Florence Zehr, Manson, Iowa Evelyn Good, Urbana, Ill. Marcille Miller, Goshen, Ind. Esther Shaum, Engadine, Mich. Joyce Zehr, Castorland, N.Y. Edna Goossen, North Newton, Ruth Miller, Lakewood, Colo. Ruth Shaum, Goshen, Ind. Pearl E. Zehr, New Wilmington, Kan. Susan Miller, Streetsboro, Ohio Dorothy F. Shirk, Denver, Pa. Pa.

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60 TheMennonite | March 2011 | www.themennonite.org CROSSWORD PUZZLE

All references are to the New International Version unless stated otherwise. What’s in a name? ACROSS By Jeanette Baer Showalter 1. Familiar form of Yahweh (“he is”) used in the King James Version (Is. 12:2) 5. “Exalted be God, the Rock, my ___ !” (2 Sam. 22:47) 8. “But for you who revere my name, the ___ of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings.” (Mal. 4:2) 9. “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one al- ready __, which is Jesus Christ.” (1 Cor. 3:11) 10. “… just as the Son of ___ did not come to be served, but to serve …” (Mt. 20:28) 12. “see, the ____ of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David has triumphed …” (Rev. 5:5) 13. “I am the good ____ …” 15. A blind beggar called, “Jesus, Son of ___ , have mercy on me!” (Mk 10) 16. “A ____ will come out of Jacob …” (Nu. 24:17) 18. “The ___ will go out from me; my justice will become a light to the nations.” (Is. 51) 21. The Messiah fulfilled the prophecy from the ______(two words). 23. “… your ___ and your staff, they comfort me.” RECOGNITION To be recognized in our May 2011 issue, send the completed 24. Maker of heaven and earth puzzle and form below to: The Mennonite, 1700 South Main Street, 26. The woman asked, “Sir, … Where can you get this living Goshen, IN 46526. ____?” (Jn. 4) 27. Prefix/suffix meaning “God”—“__ Elohe Israel” (Gen. 33:20) or “__ Shaddai.” DEADLINE: 28. “The Lord is my ____ ; I will not be afraid.” (Heb. 13:6) April 1, 2011 DOWN 1. “… and you are to give him the name ___ ” ______2. “The Son sits at the right ___ of the Majesty in heaven.” NAME (PLEASE PRINT) 3. “I am the true ___…” ______4. “Who is like you—majestic in ____ , awesome in glory …” (Ex. 15:11). ADDRESS 5. “He is my ___ and the horn of my salvation …” (Ps. 18). ______6. “They will call him ____ —which means ‘God with us.’” CITY 7. “And I will raise up for them a plant of ___ …” (KJV - Ez. 34:29). ______11. “For there is one God and one ____ between God and men STATE/PROVINCE ZIP/COUNTRY CODE …” (1 Tim. 2). 14. The King James Version calls Jesus “an ___ with the Father” ______—someone who speaks on our behalf. (1 Jn. 2:1) EMAIL ADDRESS 17. “Put on the full ___ of God.” 19. John 1:1 says this was with God from the beginning and “the ___ was God.” 20. “… so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of ____ , who summons you by name” (Is. 45:3). 22. “I am the way and the ___ and the life.” ANSWERS TO THE MARCH PUZZLE MAY BE 25. “No one has ever seen God, but God the ___ and Only, who is at the Father’s side, has made him known.” (Jn. 1:18) FOUND ON PAGE 57

March 2011 | TheMennonite 61 LETTERS

(Continued from page 5) dition of abstinence will continue to be 310,000 injuries per year are the result alcohol-dependant—maybe a company a positive example of hope in this torn of alcohol-related motor vehicle stance about such people. Our congre- and frightened world.—Judy Kropf Hall crashes. gation has and has had members who Molalla, Ore. I discovered the extent of agricul- did not dare drink any alcoholic drinks. tural production given to alcohol and Brothers and sisters in such a beverage The article “Mennonite Couple Opens wonder if I should be producing food business should express concern that Winery in Virginia” suggests self-re- for the hungry with my land, not alco- they not encourage alcohol problems straint and moderation. There is no hol for the rich. I wonder if Jesus would for anyone.—Stanley L Freed, self-control in drug use, and alcohol is a give us an evaluation of this question? Harleysville, Pa. drug, just as heroin and cocaine are This could be the focus: Is this the best drugs. I would be ashamed to show this use of time, land and resources in a I am writing with reference to the arti- article to my Seventh-day Adventist world of hungry people?—David Alle- cle “Mennonite Couple Opens Winery and Mormon friends, saying this is a man, Harrisonburg, Va. in Virginia”(January): I do not wish to true representation of my Mennonite imply that all who drink alcoholic bev- church. I was rather surprised to see the article erages are “bad” or that its use cannot As I look at my church, I see us slid- about the winery in the January issue. be kept in moderation. However, it is a ing more and more into the vices of the My reaction was, Really, this is where considerable problem and danger in our world. Unless we stand apart from the we’re at in regard to the issue of alco- families, communities, country and world we cannot be an effective wit- hol use in the Mennonite church? We world. I am glad for the growing con- ness for Jesus, who fought the evils of have an article about it in our church sciousness supporting “nonalcoholic” an evil society with every breath he periodical? That may seem like a criti- beverages in those years of my youth took. Do not think I want Mennonites cal response, but it’s actually honest, and in my Mennonite college days. I to crawl into a hole and stay there. But since I’m constantly becoming more applaud the Christian witness of teeto- I do want us to live with dignity, being aware of the prevailing attitudes about taling. I feel it was inappropriate for immune to the temptations that may alcohol consumption among fellow this article to have been printed “face harm us and others.—Harold Hall, Mennonites. That I’m saddened by it value” (without editorial comment) in Molalla, Ore. isn’t the point. The fact that it has our “official” Mennonite Church USA changed so drastically in the course of publication.—Floyd Zehr, New Kudos to The Mennonite for the Janu- a generation or two is what surprises Wilmington, Pa. ary article blessing commercial wine me. production. Now that you are obligated Perhaps we’re expecting too little of I suggest that The Mennonite’s staff and to accept advertisements for alcoholic our members, in terms of example, readers who uphold the beauty of wine beverages, your financial constraints than we ought? Perhaps the reason al- sit in on an Alcoholics Anonymous should be all in the past. And if the cohol use attitudes have changed sig- meeting and then attend a Mothers wine producers and oenophiles among nificantly is that we’re not espousing Against Drunk Driving meeting—or us can just convince the Mennonite otherwise?—Doug Kratzer, Dalton, talk to a family who has lost a baby, a Church USA Executive Board to man- Ohio preschooler and a mother in an alcohol- date “the more biblical” use of wine at related accident. Communion, their financial success For once, after reading the January The article “Mennonite Couple will also be assured.—Dean Wyse, West issue about winemaking in Virginia, Opens Winery in Virginia” (January) Unity, Ohio I’m hopeful not many of our young quotes “self-restraint” as the solution members read The Mennonite. That ar- to the potential problem. Exactly what I researched the statistics on alcohol ticle tempts one to give it a try, since is self-restraint? I cannot accept that as use and abuse. This information is a bit so many Mennonites seem to approve an answer. How do you measure self- harder to come by since the Uniform of it. This article should have never restraint? Predisposition to alcohol is Sunday school lessons no longer carry been printed in this magazine—or any not an elaborate phrase but a real med- a lesson on temperance. But according other magazine for that matter—since ical condition that is often a serious re- to WebMd, between 12 and 14 million it makes alcohol intake seem OK. You ality. When you discover your teenager U.S. adults abuse alcohol. I would want owe your readers an apology. One final in your alcohol cabinet, don’t be sur- to reconsider being part of an industry thought, I wonder if this business gives prised if you hear the words, “I’ll just that leads to the death of more than the owners a great opportunity for drink a little.” 16,000 people due to alcohol-related Jesus Christ witnessing.—John I trust and pray our Mennonite tra- motor vehicle accidents. In addition, Leaman, Lancaster, Pa.

62 TheMennonite | March 2011 | www.themennonite.org MENNONITE CHURCH USA

Investing in Hope: Hope = trouble + grace We know that suffering produces … hope. And hope In the midst of pain and suffering, our hope is does not put us to shame, because God’s love has not merely nurtured by human longing, reason or been poured out into our hearts through the Holy endeavor. Our hope is built on the multifaceted Spirit.—Romans 5:3b-5 (TNIV) ways that God meets us in the midst of trouble. It is built on the confidence that in all things, God We … groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our works for the good of those who love him, who adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in this have been called according to his purpose hope we are saved. But hope that is seen is no hope (Romans 8:28). at all.—Romans 8:23-24a (TNIV) From time to time, I have asked people when they felt most loved by God or closest to God. Ervin Stutzman ince we live in a country committed to the Almost inevitably, they speak of ways that God is executive director unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pur- “showed up” in times of deepest need. of Mennonite S suit of happiness, it seems upside down to Grace lies at the very core of the Christian Church USA. imagine that suffering could in any way produce gospel. Grace (especially in its offer of forgive- hope. It runs against the grain of our imagined ness to an offender) is what makes Christian faith universe. unique among world religions. Therefore, the Yet in the book of Romans, the Apostle Paul uniqueness of Christian hope lies in recognition of declares that the groans of God’s people echo the God’s grace. Grace is the common thread that deep groans of the whole creation. Along with the runs from Christian conversion through forma- rest of the created order, humans struggle for re- tion, transformation and redemptive social action lease from the bondage to decay. in the midst of the troubles of the world. As Christians, we believe that God’s reality The story of Mennonite Disaster Service is stretches far beyond the reach of the most highly eloquently foreshadowed in the title: The Hammer trained human mind or eye. We harbor the hope Rings Hope. We bring hope to others when our that beyond the visible pain and suffering of the work aligns with the work of God in the world. world, God’s invisible hand is bringing about a new creation. This hope is much more than a wish, more than a wager that things will turn out Our hope is built on the multifaceted ways that God well in the end. It is based on what we have al- ready heard and seen. meets us in the midst of trouble. This was implicit in the ideas that Cheryl Bridges Johns shared with attendees at Eastern Mennonite Seminary’s School for Leadership As Christians, we believe that our ultimate Training in mid-January. A Pentecostal pastor, hope for the future lies in the grace of God as ex- scholar and ecumenist, Johns made the case that pressed in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Pentecost is but the firstfruits of the Holy Spirit’s Christ. We invest in that hope by casting our- work to bring about a new creation. It is the Spirit selves on God in the midst of suffering, pain and who translates our wordless groans of pain into despair. And by God’s grace, the power of the prayers of intercession, who enlivens our dulled Holy Spirit enables us to grow as communities of and cynical existence with the enchanted wonder grace, joy and peace, so that God’s healing and of a child and who empowers and transforms us to hope flow through us to the world. become a different kind of people. Through the ministry of the Spirit in our lives, the grace of God enables us to live hopefully amid the troubles of the world. As Paul Scott Wilson says it, “trouble + grace = hope, where grace > trouble.” Mennonite Church USA

March 2011 | TheMennonite 63 FROM THE EDITOR Help for Sudan’s Christians he revolution in Egypt and social turmoil “From 1983 to 2005, during the nation’s most across the Arab world may have provided recent civil war, more than 4 million people fled T unexpected help for African Christians in a southern Sudan. Through years of neglect and poor country to the south: Sudan. On Jan. 25, the fighting, much of the area was left without run- world learned that the citizens of southern Sudan ning water, electricity, paved roads, schools or voted overwhelmingly to secede from the north health clinics. Since a peace agreement in 2005, and create their own country. On Feb. 7, Sudanese some 2 million people have come back to south- president Omar al-Bashir said he would accept the ern Sudan, straining what infrastructure does south’s secession. Such aquiescence seemed im- exist. Approximately 180,000 have returned to the Everett J. probable just three months ago. But al-Bashir may area since October 2010.” Thomas be eyeing the revolutions in Arab countries to the But at least now this impoverished country can north and deciding he has more pressing concerns begin a new chapter, and the forces from the north than southern Sudan. that exploited and oppressed it will need to leave The struggle in Sudan, the largest country in them alone. Africa, centers around the Arab Muslim north vs. According to the Church of the Brethren, the south with its African Christians and animist which has had mission workers in the Sudan for religions. For years, al-Bashir and his forces at- years, 95 percent of southern Sudan has been ex- tempted to suppre ss Christianity and “Arabize” posed to Christianity and has access to indigenous Pray for the south. In doing so, tens of thousands were churches. Our church’s reach into these Christian an open, killed or died of starvation in the Darfur region, churches is through Mennonite Central Commit- and others became victims of forced immigration. tee. MCC asks us to pray for an open, transparent transparent But now, some Arab regimes are disintegrat- process to form a new constitution and for an in- process to ing. This should allow the Republic of South clusive government that meets the needs of all form a new Sudan, as its leaders plan to name the new coun- people. Let’s do that.—ejt try in July, some breath ing space as it attempts to constitution create its own national identity. and for an There are significant challenges ahead. South- ern Sudan is rich in oil. But the new country is inclusive landlocked, and pipelines that carry the oil to government markets run through the north. Ultimately, oil may require both countries to collaborate since it that meets is the primary resource for both. the needs of A second challenge relates to the Abyei region (see map). Two rival ethnic groups claim the right all people. to belong there, and both north and south Sudan —MCC claim the region. Ultimately, the fate of Abyei may be decided by its own referendum. It will also be difficult to modernize southern Sudan, since it has been under the grip of al- Bashir’s government in the capital city of Khar- toum. Here is how Mennonite Central Committee described the situation in a Feb. 15 release:

64 TheMennonite | March 2011 | www.themennonite.org