www.TheMennonite.org April 7, 2009

12 Once for all 15 Easter in Baghdad 18 MLK and the struggle for a better world 32 Easter chaos

Page 8 MENNONITE CHURCH USA

The mystery of resurrection

he resurrection of Christ is a mystery to me. I rection comes in the real presence of the Risen can’t explain it. Some people find it difficult to Lord. T accept mystery. Over the years I have heard The theme and text of our churchwide conven- sermons and read articles that want to “prove” the tion in Columbus this summer comes from this resurrection. I have also seen long explanations resurrection story (John 20:21-22). “Breathe and about how the resurrection could not have hap- be filled” invites us to experience the presence of pened. I have never been enticed to engage either Jesus in the same room, even to feel his breath as side of these arguments. To me the resurrection we also receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. remains a mystery—one upon which the church of Is our church, founded on such mystery, only Jesus Christ is founded. What does it mean for us the sum of its parts? Are we only the logical result to say that our foundations are made of mystery? of something that happened in Europe 500 years John 20 tells this mysterious, miraculous story. ago? Are we simply enmeshed with and defined by Two disciples rush to the tomb at the urging of our culture? Are the discouraging trends we read Mary Magdalene. There they find the linen wrap- about ourselves—getting older and smaller—the pings without the body. They see and believe, but only stuff of which we are made? James Schrag is executive they do not yet fully understand. There is something tangible, something we director of Mary stands weeping outside the tomb. Inside, understand all too well, that is required for the Mennonite two angels, one at the head and one at the foot, mystery of resurrection to occur. Death—and Church USA. ask about her sorrow. Through her tears she often suffering—is a prerequisite. We can under- laments that someone has stolen the body of her stand life in the babe of Bethlehem, the one who Lord. Presently she turns and sees Jesus but does came to bring life and bring it more abundantly. not recognize him until he speaks her name. But that same Jesus who suffered, died and was At Jesus’ command, Mary brings this news to raised on the third day confounds our sensibilities. the other disciples. That evening, behind locked Life, death and resurrection speak of the divine doors, Jesus appears to the cowering disciples and plan for each of us. This same combination offers his peace. Now they also believe, except for explains our experiences in many expressions of Thomas, who is not with them. He demands proof, the church. All these are earthly realities. Maybe which he receives a week later. they are daily occurrences. But the mystery of Somewhere in that story, each of us can recog- them all is resurrection—something we know only nize ourselves. We make our own connection to through Jesus. the mystery of victory over death through Jesus These times are challenging not just because Christ. Some of us, like Thomas, need proof. Some the economy is sour and tottering, not only This article is available as a of us are so prone to lament losses that only the because there are too many marriages that fail or podcast at encouragement and instruction of angels can com- that there is too great a disparity between the rich www.The fort. Some of us meet Jesus but only recognize and poor. The times are challenging because we Mennonite.org him slowly or partially. Many of us live in fear assume our lot is made only of life and death. We behind locked doors of security-seeking habits forget that the mystery of resurrection in Jesus is that isolate us. To all of us, the mystery of resur- for us, too. TM

TheMennonite Vol. 12, No. 7, April 7, 2009 The Mennonite is the official publication of Mennonite Church USA. Our mission is to help readers glorify God, grow in faith and become agents of Editor: Everett J. Thomas Offices: healing and hope in the world. The Mennonite (ISSN 1522-7766) is normal- [email protected] 1700 S. Main St. ly published on the first and third Tuesdays of each month (except only one issue in August) by the board for The Mennonite, Inc. Periodical Associate editor: Gordon Houser Goshen, IN 46526-4794 postage paid at Goshen, IN 46526. Subscription rates for one year: $43.95 [email protected] phone: 800-790-2498 fax: 574-535-6050 to U.S. addresses and or $51.45 USD to Canadian addresses. Group rates Assistant Editor: Anna Groff available. Scripture references are from the New Revised Standard Version [email protected] 722 Main St., P.O. Box 347 unless otherwise noted. The views expressed in this publication do not Advertising, subscriptions: Rebecca Helmuth Newton, KS 67114 necessarily represent the official positions of Mennonite Church USA, [email protected] phone: 866-866-2872 The Mennonite, or the board for The Mennonite, Inc. Bookkeeper: Celina Romero fax: 316-283-0454 [email protected] Postmaster Editorial Assistant: Nora Miller 801 N. Negley Ave. Send form 3579 to: Design: Dee Birkey Pittsburgh, PA 15206 The Mennonite phone: 412 894 8705 1700 S. Main St. Web site: www.TheMennonite.org fax: 412-363-1216 Goshen, IN 46526

2 TheMennonite April 7,2009 CONTENTS

6

7 8 Green shoots rising in a resurrection garden The Master Gardner is still at work creating life and beauty in our world.—Marlene Kropf

12 Once for all Freeing sacrificial atonement from retributive justice—Darrin W. Snyder Belousek

15 Easter in Baghdad Worship is a political act.—Peter Dula 11 19 MC Canada end fiscal year with deficit Lancaster Conference reduces FTE; IN-MI Conference closes offices on Fridays.—Dan Dyck

20 New leaders for denominational ministry Lee Lever, Nancy Kauffmann begin assignments with Mennonite Church USA.

21 Details of The Corinthian Plan released Mennonite Church USA employee benefit package has three deductible options.

22 Chicago Dwell unit focuses on advocacy Director recruiting business, accounting majors, city planners 15 for fall 2009.

DEPARTMENTS

2 Mennonite Church USA The mystery of resurrection—James Schrag

4 Readers say

6 News digest

18 Speaking out MLK and the struggle for a better world—Harold A. Penner

25 For the record

30 Real families Community shapes us—Regina Shands Stoltzfus

32 Editorial Easter chaos—Everett J. Thomas

Cover: Photo taken at Lichtenau Train Station near Tokmak, Ukraine, the site where many Mennonite families were deported to Siberia in 1941. Photographer Evangeline Poggemiller was awarded first place/nature in The Mennonite’s 2009 photo contest.

April 7,2009 TheMennonite 3 READERS SAY

The Corinthian Plan this plan is an outgrowth of a commitment made Regarding The Corinthian Plan (“Blessed by Mennonite Church USA at the 2007 San José Insurance,” March 3): Yes, we need health care for assembly. While this approach has a lot of posi- pastors. But what about the janitor? What about tives, a great deal has happened in our country the church secretary? And don’t forget the 60-year- since July 2007. I suspect that within our congre- old man sitting in the back row who lost his job gations a much higher number of people now do when his employer went bankrupt, losing his not have health care as opposed to 2007. We health care and pension. Is it fair that only the pas- simply cannot only focus on one aspect of this This publication tor is getting consideration? This is a classic exam- welcomes your issue. letters, either about ple of the health-care mess and the attitudes of At the same time, the articles are long on emo- our content or about many within Mennonite Church USA. issues facing the tions and short on details. How does this approach Mennonite Church An attempt was made in 1992 to fix the health- actually work to lower the overall cost of health USA. Please keep care inequality. The efforts were blocked by the your letters brief— care? What are the minimum levels of care that one or two para- opposite party and special interests. are going to be provided? Does this approach treat graphs—and about Psalm 82 instructs us on how we are to care for one subject only. We mental health diagnoses and addiction diagnosis reserve the right to the poor, sick and elderly. When will we begin to on par with other diagnoses in the plan? edit for length and practice what we profess?—Ralph D. Martin, clarity. Publication is We have an opportunity to truly present a also subject to space Goshen, Ind. health-care reform model. I urge our leaders to limitations. Send to Letters@TheMenno- think outside of the box and make sure we are put- nite.org or mail to I read with great interest The Corinthian Plan arti- ting together a plan that can be a model for univer- Readers Say, The cles in the March 3 issue. Having been for many Mennonite, 1700 S. sal coverage. We will only have one attempt at Main St., Goshen, IN years a member of a congregation of fewer than 60 this.—Ronald Hunsicker, Lititz, Pa. 46526-4794. Please members and now belonging to a congregation of include your name and address. We will more than 900 members, I am aware of the diversi- Keith Harder responds not print letters sent ty in pastoral support. I welcome a plan that anonymously, Much has changed since July 2007. In addition to though we may with- expands our “community” across all the church. the changing political landscape, even more pas- hold names at our But I was disappointed that there were no details discretion.—Editors tors are without health coverage and more are at of how the plan will function. Who gives? Who risk of losing what they have. The health-care receives? Hopefully we will be told more soon. access problem of pastors is admittedly one small —Carl M. Metzler, Goshen, Ind. part of a much larger problem. But for these pas- tors and the congregations they serve, it is a big The March 3 issue contains numerous articles and problem. We agree with what Everett Thomas said vignettes that build the case for The Corinthian in the March 3 editorial: “Doing nothing because Plan and the proposal to provide health-care cover- we cannot do everything is not an option.” age for all our pastors. As stated in the articles, Detailed information on the plan is available at www.TheCorinthianPlan.org. We believe this plan IN THIS ISSUE will work to lower the overall cost of health-care costs, partly with a strong emphasis on prevention n this Easter issue we offer several portals to the high point and wellness, but many variables affect cost. The in the Christian year. Marlene Kropf (page 8) compares plan will follow the new federal guidelines for men- I Jesus’ burial in the Garden of Gethsemane to a seed planted tal health parity that were adopted late last year. in the ground and writes, “We must not forget that on Easter The most innovative part of the plan is the way Jesus was mistaken for a gardener.” The poet Julie Cadwaller- it will spread the cost across the church. It pro- Staub (page 11) echoes this theme with, “To the bulb aching in vides an opportunity to practice mutual aid in pro- the ground.” For those wishing to wrestle with theological the- viding health coverage for our pastors, including ories surrounding the reasons for Jesus’ crucifixion, Darrin W. those serving in congregations that currently can- Snyder Belousek (page 12) examines various traditions and not provide this benefit for their pastors. We concludes, “The theory that Christ died as an atoning sacrifice believe that if we can make this work it could pro- for sins as payment of penalty to God … does not accord with vide a model to provide broader coverage. This is the Scriptures.” But for Peter Dula, celebrating Easter in a modest step on a long and difficult journey for Baghdad (page 15), doing theology is not such an easy exer- our church and our country.—Keith Harder, project cise. “Say that theology means recovering a sense of the world director, Healthcare Access for Pastors and Church as shot through with grace and beauty—and hoping that Workers world looks like a garden in bloom but fearing it looks like the lawn outside [a bombed-out church],” writes Dula.—Editor Editor’s note: See page 21 for more specific details about The Corinthian Plan.

4 TheMennonite April 7,2009 READERS SAY

Intentional communities opened. Currently about 500 men are living in the The article on young adults and intentional com- Christian Rehabilitation Wards. That is more than munities was encouraging (“Mennonite Young 15 percent of the total prison population, and the Adults Show Renewed Interest in Intentional results are stunning: The reentry rate is about 10 Communities,” March 3). Shane Claiborne and the percent of the national level. Thousands and thou- New Monastic movement (a cross-class solidarity sands of dollars have been invested to convert a movement that grows primarily out of young human warehouse into a place of safety—initially adults trying to react creatively to their for those who live there and later for the general Evangelical traditions) is taking an interest in what population as they are released. As one of the ONLINE POLL an Anabaptist orientation for intentional communi- founders of those wards, I bow my head in grati- RESULTS ties looks and feels like. Shane recently visited tude to God and to the Mennonites of Paraguay for Jubilee MVS House and Fellowship of Hope in that significant payback.—Jonathan Beachy, San In addition to Elkhart, Ind., to dialogue. Antonio, Texas Easter, my congregation has I wanted to add a few thoughts from my experi- a special service ence in intentional community. I found it a healthy Former Ten Thousand Villages store explains for (82 votes): alternative to a nuclear family, a place to explore Regarding “Some Stores in the West Resist Ten questions, to give and receive emotional support Thousand Villages’ New Contract” (March 3): The Maundy and to experiment in equalizing income. If there is board of directors and managers of CrossRoads Thursday (51%) a service or solidarity component as a part of the MarketPlace, formerly Ten Thousand Villages & Good Friday intentional living situation, it is a direct way to Crossroads Thrift in La Junta, Colo., made a sound (16%) deepen connections with the surrounding commu- business decision to move from a contract to a Both (26%) nity. The Jubilee MVS House has also gained a lot wholesale relationship with Ten Thousand Villages Neither (7%) from listening to the experience of Fellowship of U.S. It was neither a matter of resistance to the Hope members. If you’re in Elkhart on any given new contract nor a lack of commitment to the prin- Check out the new Wednesday, you are invited for a community meal ciples of fair trade and artisans around the world. poll question at www. at 6 p.m. to continue the conversation.—Sarah It was a matter of fiscal responsibility. The decision TheMennonite.org Thompson, Elkhart, Ind./Strasbourg, France allows CrossRoads MarketPlace to maintain its longstanding relationship with Ten Thousand Payback for Paraguayan Mennonites Villages with the added flexibility to maintain and The verbal snapshots of Paraguay in the March 17 expand our fair trade product lines. issue are delightful. Unfortunately, since Edgar In the March 3 article, Craig Schloneger is Stoesz’ article is an adaptation from his book Like quoted as saying, “We are pleased that the vast a Mustard Seed: Mennonites in Paraguay, the arti- majority of stores have signed the contract, as this cle misses a most significant payback in which the helps us strengthen our relationships with artisans Mennonites in Paraguay have been investing around the world.” intensely: the prison ministry. The commitment to our artisan partners has For the past nine years, the Protestant chaplain- been above reproach for nearly 23 years, and that cy of the Tacumbu National Penitentiary, a min- commitment remains the cornerstone of istry of the Concordia Mennonite Brethren CrossRoads MarketPlaces’ mission statement: to Church, has offered an alternative to the men provide a vital and fair income to artisans in under incarcerated there. In March 2000, the first ward developed countries by marketing their handi- allowing for holistic rehabilitation of inmates was continued on page 31

Pontius’ Puddle Joel Kauffmann

April 7,2009 TheMennonite 5 NEWS DIGEST

IN BRIEF MWC reps report increased interest of youth speaking high schools, three Latino high schools NEWTON, Kan.—Three representatives of and one Indigenous high school from Asunción, Mennonite World Conference reported a growth the Chaco and eastern Paraguay. The students, in involvement of young adults in MWC on March ages 16-19, participated in a training camp Feb. 26- 11 at the Mennonite Church USA offices, Newton . 28. Peace servants will volunteer with committees Bert Lobe from St. Jacobs, Ont., Cynthia for information and guest services, food services, Peacock from Calcutta, India, and Tigist Gelagle youth and children’s activities, service opportuni- from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, had been on the road ties, the Global Church Village, ushering, tours Kropf director for and security.—MWC MCC Great Lakes four weeks, speaking to Mennonites about the Stanley Kropf has MWC Assembly this July in Paraguay. Lobe said been named interim MWC expects 6,000 participants, including 4,000 Former Bluffton president Neufeld dies at 83 executive director of from Paraguay, but the economic downturn has BLUFFTON, Ohio—Elmer Neufeld, 83, a former Mennonite Central made it a challenge for many to come. president of Bluffton University, died March 30 at Committee Great Tigist, a young adult, said MWC had planned Mennonite Memorial Home in Bluffton. Lakes. Kropf has Neufeld was president of then Bluffton College served as assistant for 100 at the Global Youth Summit, which will director and meet during the assembly in Paraguay, but 200 from 1978 to 1996. Earlier he resource generation have already signed up, and she expects more. taught philosophy and served as development man- Lobe said the worship at MWC “is the hope of an academic dean at the college. ager for MCC Great the church for the North.” MWC members in the He earned a bachelor’s degree Lakes since 2004. He in 1951 from Bethel College, assumed the role of North, he said, “may say they believe the church acting executive is the vehicle for God’s reconciliation in the North Newton, Kan., and a doctor- director when world,” but they don’t act on that belief. People in ate in philosophy at the University Yvonne Diaz left the the South, however, “particularly the young, the of Chicago. position in August poor and the suffering, do believe this and are Elmer Neufeld He worked for the National 2008. In February Service Board for Religious the board suspend- showing the way.” ed the search pro- Peacock said the effect of having an MWC Objectors. He and LaVera, his wife, were active cess in light of the Assembly in India in 1997 was positive. “People members of Woodlawn Mennonite Church and current economy learned they are connected to others around the took a special interest in inter-racial relations. and will review the world. They’re not alone.”—-Gordon Houser He worked with the Mennonite Central situation in October Committee in Akron, Pa., and later in Leopoldville, 2010 and decide whether or not to Youth train as ‘peace servants’for Paraguay Congo, where he served as country director. reopen the search. STRASBOURG, France—Eighty-one high school Neufeld served as president of the General —MCC students from Mennonite schools in Paraguay are Conference Mennonite Church and with the Commission on Overseas Mission, Congo Inland MCC East Coast training to be “peace servants” at Paraguay 2009, moves to Philly the Mennonite World Conference assembly in July. Mission/Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission, Higher Mennonite Central The 27 boys and 54 girls come from eight German- Education Council, National Youth Advocacy Committee East Program and Habitat for Humanity. Coast regional office He is survived by LaVera in Bluffton; children has moved to Carolyn and Jerry Huffman, Pandora, Ohio; Philadelphia from Cynthia and Roger Neufeld Smith, Topeka, Kan.; Akron, Pa. The new office is in the Kember Lillo Timothy and Kristin Neufeld, Goshen, Ind.; Iris Oxford Circle area Neufeld and Eric Basinger, Findlay, Ohio; and of Philadelphia in a Francene and Greg Marrin, Columbus, Ohio; six building purchased grandchildren and siblings Adolf and Wanda by Oxford Circle Neufeld, Herb and Lilly Ann Neufeld, Helen and Christian Community Development Vern Jantz, and Robert and Rosalie Neufeld. Association. The —Gordon Houser building already has several tenants and Israeli court releases arrested CPTers will eventually house On March 9, a Jerusalem court released two other offices as well as an expanded Christian Peacemaker Teams members whom space for Oxford Israeli police arrested while the CPT workers Circle Mennonite First known Siamou Christian songs composed accompanied 19 Palestinians trying to access their Church.—MCC Amidou Jabati (left), Siaka Jabati and Brahima Jabati land near the Bedouin village of Um al-Kheir. compose the first Siamou Christian music in a January The CPT workers were charged with trespass workshop in Burkina Faso.—Mennonite Mission Network and obstruction of construction work. Israeli

6 TheMennonite April 7,2009 NEWS DIGEST

IN BRIEF

“We must acknowledge that the church is Andréa Ressler already divided,” the letter says. “We have been will- ing to sacrifice our LGBT brothers and sisters, their families and friends to preserve a presumed unity.” The letter was drafted by three pastors over the course of a year: Sheri Hostetler, pastor at San Francisco Mennonite Church; Cynthia Lapp, pas- tor at Hyattsville (Md.) Mennonite Church and Weldon Nisly, a pastor at Seattle Mennonite Church. Sommer interim The letter is available at www.openlettertom- Maple Lawn CEO cusa.org.—Everett J. Thomas James Sommer is the new interim CEO of Maple Lawn Homes, Indy church breaks ground for church addition Eureka, Ill., effective INDIANAPOLIS—First Mennonite Church of Feb. 1. Before retiring Indianapolis broke ground on March 8 for a multi- in 2006, Sommer also million-dollar addition to its facility. The 200-plus- served on the board person congregation just completed a successful of directors from 1998-2004. A gradu- multiyear pledge program that includes the acqui- ate of Bluffton (Ohio) sition of a new organ and grand piano. College, Sommer was Bluffton football players fill sandbags for rain forecast The reason for such optimistic expansion is the most recently presi- On March 9, 50 Bluffton (Ohio) University football players and considerable membership growth—a sustained dent of Golden coaches filled sandbags for Bluffton to prepare for a forecast annual growth rate of 2.5 percent for nearly a Harvest Seeds and was president of of heavy rainfall. The team filled 925 bags with 18 tons of sand decade. The current 20-plus-year-old building is for community businesses and residents to use. Bluffton Sommer Bros. Seed received heavy rain, but not enough to cause long-lasting too small to accommodate this increase. Company from 1991- flooding.—Bluffton University David Talbott, co-chair of the construction com- 1998.—Maple Lawn mittee, states that the new addition will provide 8,619 square feet of new space, yielding a 54 per- police arrested the CPTers on March 8, when cent increase. Palestinian landowners from Um al-Kheir asserted Pastor Ryan Ahlgrim says, “This project has their right to visit their land.—CPT given us a golden opportunity to develop a com- prehensive plan for all of our property, turning half Complete Mennonite Encyclopedia now online our extensive lawn into a native wetland area and GOSHEN, Ind.—On Feb. 20 in Abbotsford, B.C., community gardens that can be enjoyed and used Richard Thiessen posted the 14,160th and final by our neighbors.”—First Mennonite Church article from the five-volume Mennonite Encyclopedia onto the Web site of the Global AARM changes name to Resource Partners Vanover is Kidron Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia online, LANCASTER, Pa.—Lancaster-based Association of Bethel Village CEO www.gameo.org. His final post concluded 12 years Anabaptist Risk Management (AARM) has Cindy Vanover of The of work by volunteers. The new project is to changed its name to Resource Partners: Risk Woodlands, Texas, has update articles and add new ones by working with been named the new Management Solutions. Resource Partners’ mis- president and chief regional organizations to generate new biographi- sion is to provide risk management products and executive officer of cal and congregational history material about their services that promote human and financial stew- Kidron Bethel Retire- particular areas. About 1,000 new articles have ardship with Peach Church organizations. ment Services Inc., already been added.—Mennonite World Conference As an umbrella organization, AARM adminis- North Newton, Kan. The faith-based, non- ters multiple insurance and risk management pro- profit company oper- Open letter calls for ‘radical hospitality’ grams, including property and casualty, workers’ ates Kidron Bethel GOSHEN, Ind.—Thirty-eight current Mennonite compensation, health, general and professional lia- Village, a continuing- pastors joined 68 other leaders and retired pastors bility, and more. care retirement cen- in signing a letter asking congregations to provide Peace Church Risk Retention Group is a mem- ter. Vanover will “radical hospitality” for lesbian, gay, bisexual and assume her duties by ber-based organization that is perhaps the most May 1 at Kidron. She transgender (LGBT) members. Concerned prima- visible of the six programs served within the replaces interim presi- rily about pastoral care, the letter does not ask Resource Partners family. However, Resource dent and CEO LeRoy Mennonite Church USA to change its teaching Partners offers a full menu of insurance-related Weddle.—MHS position on homosexuality and avoids any mention products and services.—Resource Partners Alliance of the membership guidelines adopted in 2001. —Compiled by Anna Groff

April 7,2009 TheMennonite 7 The Master Gardener is still at work creating life and

y neighbor is a master gardener and demonstrates her growing skill with more elaborate, more beautiful gardens every year. Before she studied gardening, her backyard was an overgrown, poison ivy- infested hillside sloping down toward the St. Joseph River. Every season she and her husband toiled on the hillside. One spring they hauled more than 500 huge rocks down the hillside to create borders for flower beds and a small fish pond. Another spring they installed a wooden staircase down the hill for easier access to the perennial garden below. Blue irises, giant purple allium, bright red canna lilies and large-leafed tropical plants dotted the hillside. Along the river’s edge flourished lush beds of Sweet William, snapdragons, columbine, lamb’s ear and lilies. Now when I arrive home, I often see the two of them sitting beside the pond, content in their garden sanctuary. GreenGreen shootsshoots risingrising inin by Marlene Kropf

Like a seed planted in the ground, Jesus came forth— fresh and green, a sign that God’s life cannot be stopped by all the forces of evil and death. Dee Birkey

8 TheMennonite April 7,2009 beauty in our world.

Though not so skillful or ambitious a gardener as my neighbor, I also enjoy the challenges and rewards of digging in the soil. But it’s been a long, cold winter in our region—one of the coldest on record. When I ventured outdoors on one of the first warm days, I searched in vain to find a single green shoot rising in my garden. It’s hard to believe any life still lurks beneath the matted frozen leaves and layers of winter debris. On Easter we remember that Jesus was buried and raised to new life in a garden. Like a seed planted in the ground, Jesus came forth—fresh and green, a sign that God’s life cannot be stopped by all the forces of evil and death. In a fourth century catechetical lecture, St. Cyril of Jerusalem expands the metaphor: “Jesus was planted therefore in the earth in order that the curse that came because of Adam might be rooted

out. The earth was condemned to thorns and this- WikiCommons tles: the true Vine sprang up out of the earth, that the saying might be fulfilled, ‘Truth sprang up out of the earth, and righteousness looked down from heaven’ (Psalm 85:11).” “The Resurrection of Christ” by Piero della Francesca aa resurrectionresurrection gardengarden No painting of the resurrection captures the mag- We must not forget that on Easter Jesus was nificent moment of the new creation better than mistaken for a gardener. When Mary Magdalene Piero della Francesca’s 15th century fresco “The stood weeping outside the empty tomb, she spoke Resurrection.” When I traveled to Italy several her anguish to one she thought was a worker in years ago, it was this painting—of all the wondrous the garden, “They have taken away my Lord, and I paintings Italy has to offer—that I most wanted to do not know where they have laid him” (John see (Aldous Huxley once called it “the greatest pic- 20:13b). But when Jesus’ voice penetrated her sor- ture in the world”). A traveler has to be determined row, her despair turned to wonder and joy. The to see it, however, because the masterpiece can first to hear the good news from Jesus himself, only be seen by driving many miles along winding she was commissioned to proclaim the amazing roads through Tuscan hill country to the village of message that Jesus was alive. Sansepolcro, where the immense painting covers Early Christians grasped the depth of meaning the wall of a room in the town hall. My attention in the garden scene. Though the First Adam, who was drawn immediately to the powerful central fig- was also a gardener, was expelled from Eden ure of the resurrected Christ, whose unflinching because of sin, the Second Adam restored the dev- but stunned eyes seem not to grasp the wonder of astated garden and brought the promise of eternal what has happened at dawn on the Day of life to all. In his book The Fragrance of God, Vigen Resurrection. A second look, however, reveals that Guroian writes, “No wonder at the empty tomb nature has understood well what just happened. On Christ came to Mary Magdalene as the gardener. one side of the painting, the earth is bare and For he is the Master Gardener, and we, we are his brown; tree limbs are empty of leaves. On the apprentices as well as the subjects of his heavenly other side, the earth is alive as spring bursts forth husbandry.” in a flurry of freshness on a green hillside under After the long, brutal winter we’ve just experi- Dee Birkey bright blue skies. The whole creation is trans- enced, it may be difficult to rejoice or find signs of Continued formed in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. new life at Easter this year. Beyond the bitter on page 10

April 7,2009 TheMennonite 9 After the long, brutal winter we’ve just experienced, it may be difficult to rejoice or find signs of new life at Easter this year.

Continued weather we’ve endured, we’ve suffered numbing tion. Without their faith and persistent courage, we from page 9 losses across the nation. In Elkhart County, Ind., would not have found many new and necessary where I live, nearly one out of five people is unem- ways to work together in the building of a church ployed. Many other workers have had their hours oriented toward God’s mission. But now we won- cut—some by half—and most have sustained pay der: Will we find energetic new leaders with the cuts. Retired people and those on the verge of wisdom needed for fresh and daunting challenges retiring have seen much of their financial security ahead? wiped out. High school students who expected to To many it may feel as though Holy Week has go to college now realize that loans may not be gone on forever. And in such a time we might hon- available. And those who have always struggled to estly ask whether or how to celebrate Easter. make ends meet are more desperate than ever. As When he saw della Francesca’s fresco, poet Robert the economy reels from one blow after another, we Corrin Morris reflected on Jesus’ descent into hell wonder if we will ever recover. and the wounds he carried from the grave. In “A Though we would feel more secure in such try- Greeting to the Risen One,” he observes that sub- ing times if our leaders were well-seasoned, we’ve dued celebrations might sometimes be in order: just elected an enormously likable but untried “Let the trumpets be at least a little muted young politician as President of the United States in recognition that this victory is never won (whom we hope will work miracles, but no one without passages too difficult even to speak of knows how this story is going to play out). in the light of day.” Neither is the church exempt from grief and loss. When my next-door neighbor faced her weedy, As congregational budgets shrink, leaders are fac- overgrown back yard, she could have succumbed ing agonizing choices about staff and programs. to despair. To me, it looked hopeless. Yet season Businesses, farms and factories that once provided after season she endured endless hours of back- generous support for mission and relief efforts are breaking work and numerous bouts of poison ivy now unable to give as much. All our educational in pursuit of her dream of a backyard paradise— institutions have lost significant investment income and most of the time with good cheer. Not long and face extensive budget cuts. ago her garden was a stunning entry in the Master Gardeners’ Summer Garden Walk—a feast of color What sustains my neighbor—and me— and scent offered to crowds of delighted visitors. What sustains my neighbor—and me—is the is the hope that what is planted will grow, hope that what is planted will grow, that it will rise again with vigor and beauty. We have our work cut that it will rise again with vigor and beauty. out for us as gardeners—clearing winter debris, digging deep, turning the soil, sowing the seed, In Mennonite Church USA we haven’t had weeding and watering and waiting. But the time much good news lately either. Some of the trends will come, no doubt while we’re sleeping, when the revealed in the Conrad Kanagy sociological study life within the seed will burst forth. Some morning described in Road Signs for the Journey: A Profile of soon as I walk in my garden, I’ll be astonished to Mennonite Church USA give cause for grave con- see tiny green shoots appear. The long winter will cern. Will we continue to claim our Anabaptist- be over. Mennonite identity and faithfully, creatively rein- What Resurrection Morning proclaims is the terpret it for our time? Will our graying church be good news that, out of destruction and death, the up to the challenges of a postmodern world? Will new creation springs forth. The Master Gardener, we truly become one body of many races, colors, who planted a garden in Eden and raised Jesus to theological persuasions and economic groups? new life in a garden, is still at work creating life Will we take the risks of offering our unique gifts and beauty in our world. If we are not asleep, as to the larger Christian community and to other the guards were at the garden tomb on the first faith traditions—and also learn from them? Easter morning, we may see the bright splendor In addition, Mennonite Church USA will soon and fresh hope of green shoots rising in our resur- lose the two dedicated leaders, Jim Schrag and rection garden. Ron Byler, who guided our church through inte- gration and kept a steady hand at the helm during Marlene Kropf is Mennonite Church USA Executive the tumultuous first years of our new denomina- Leadership denominational minister of worship. www.sxc.hu

10 TheMennonite April 7,2009 Let morning come

by Julie Cadwallader-Staub

(after “Let Evening Come” by Jane Kenyon)

Let the owl To the water caught in ice: be satisfied at last and return remember your sweet song of motion, to his snowy bower. your lithe and liquid body? Let the melting begin. Let the orange rim of the sun grab hold of the horizon To the bulb aching in the ground: and hoist itself Now, now is the time for rising. into a new day. Now, now is the time to flower.

Let the eastern faces of the trees Listen, can you hear it, too? warm up with light. God is calling. The chickadee emerge. Let morning come. The snow throw off its blue cloak. Let morning come. Julie Cadwallader-Staub lives in South Burlington, Vt. To the mice huddled in the nest: his searchlight eyes are closing, his killing talons harmless now clasped around a branch. Danny Graber Danny

April 7,2009 TheMennonite 11 Once for Freeing sacrificial atonement from ret r

by Darrin W. Snyder Belousek

He has appeared once for all at the end of the age to service to God that brings healing and peace to a remove sin by the sacrifice of himself.—Hebrews people burdened by sin (Matthew 8:16-17; Mark 9:26b 10:45; Luke 22:37). And the book of Hebrews employs the sacrificial system in Leviticus to inter- he biblical terms for sacrificial atonement, in pret Jesus’ death as an atoning sacrifice for sins. both Hebrew and Greek, are understood better Each of these motifs—conflict-victory, vicarious as cleansing of sin than payment to God. That suffering, atoning sacrifice—contributes some- sentence is sure to elicit responses—positive and thing essential to our understanding of the cross. negative—because it bears upon a major contro- And there are several more besides—e.g., versy among scholars and layfolk alike. The ques- redemption, reconciliation, justification. None of tion concerns how best to understand the gospel these was ever defined as the orthodox doctrine message, not only that “Christ died for us” who for the church catholic by the ecumenical coun- were sinners (Romans 5:8) but also that “Christ cils. The Nicene Creed affirms simply that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the died “for us humans and for our salvation,” not Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3). preferring any one explanation of how that is so. Still, one motif—atoning sacrifice—has domi- nated theology of the cross during the second mil- The Nicene Creed affirms simply that lennium of the church. In both the Medieval mindset of Anselm and the modern mindset of Christ died ‘for us humans and for our Calvin, Christian understanding of sacrificial atonement conformed to the Greco-Roman para- salvation,’ not preferring any one digm of retributive justice—to right a wrong requires payment (or punishment) equal (or pro- explanation of how that is so. portional) to the offense. In Calvinist thinking, especially, atoning sacrifice has been explained as payment of penalty to God to satisfy retribution Which Scriptures neither Paul nor Jesus says. for sin. Thus, the “penal substitution” theory: Paul writes that the righteousness of God dis- Jesus died on the cross in our stead to pay the closed through the death of Christ “is attested by penalty for sin. This theory, with its notion of the law and the prophets” (Romans 3:21). And the atoning sacrifice as a divinely legislated risen Jesus teaches that his suffering, death, res- penalty/payment, is popular among evangelical urrection and glorification fulfill “all the Scrip- Christians, including Mennonites, and is often tures,” including the law, the prophets and the claimed to be “the biblical view.” Psalms (Luke 24:26-27, 44-45). Does this theory accord with the Scriptures? Do Early Christians found manifold resources in the the sacrifices of atonement described in Leviticus Scriptures for understanding Jesus’ death. The conform to the pattern of retributive justice? We Apostles, in preaching and prayer, appeal to the can test this claim against the evidence. If the Psalms to interpret Jesus’ death and resurrection sacrifices were intended as payment to God to as the victory of God over powers—death and satisfy retribution for sin, then we would expect hell, rulers and nations—in rebellion against to find both the sacrifices to be directed toward God’s kingdom (Acts 2:14-36, 4:24-30, 13:26-41). God and the value of what is sacrificed to be “pro- The Evangelists of the synoptic tradition cite the portional” to the gravity of the sin. An inductive Suffering Servant in the prophet Isaiah to inter- study of Leviticus finds neither of these to be the pret the ministry and death of Jesus as obedient case.

12 TheMennonite April 7,2009 all t ributive justice

There are two sacrifices for making atonement (“kipper”) to consider: “sin offering” (“hattat”) and “guilt offer- ing” (“asham”): Sin offering: Making atonement by sin offering, although done “before the LORD,” is not directed toward God but toward sin on behalf of the sinner—God is never the object of the verb “kipper” (Leviticus 4:20b, 26b, 31b, 35b, 5:6b, 10b, 13). And the sacri- fice offered varies according to—not the sin but the status and means of— the sinner (Leviticus 4:3, 13-14, 22-23, 27-28, 5:7-13). Guilt offering: Transgressions require restitution in addition to sacri- fice—if I profit by deceit, I must repay the loss (plus a 20 percent penalty), then present a guilt offering. But repa- ration is rendered to the injured party, not to God, and is distinct from the sacrifice for making atonement “before the LORD.” And the offering is a ram (“or its equivalent”), regard- less of the transgression (Leviticus 5:14-6:7). The sacrifices of atonement evident- ly did not function according to the logic of retribution. The theory that Christ died as an atoning sacrifice for Albrecht Durer | WikiCommons | Durer Albrecht sins as payment of penalty to God, therefore, does not accord with the Scriptures. pronounce forgiveness or cleansing (Leviticus Correction: Rather than payment of penalty to God, atoning 12:6-8; 14:18-20; 15:13-15, 29-30). As Old Nelson Litwiller’s name was mis- sacrifice was the God-provided means by which Testament scholars Jacob Milgrom and Perry spelled on page God acted to remove sin and guilt and so cleanse Yoder have observed, there is really only one sac- 13 of the March pollution from the holy places, things and people rificial ritual for dealing with both sin and impuri- 17 issue. of God that are consecrated to God’s service ty. And that ritual concerns not payment of penal- (Leviticus 16:15-19, 33; 17:11). Accordingly, we ty but cleansing of pollution. find, the “sin offering” also constitutes the sacrifi- This view of sacrificial atonement in the Old cial ritual of making purification for disease and Testament fits well with the language of sacrificial uncleanness (which are not sins). The sin and atonement in the New Testament. Hebrews por- purification rituals employ the same Hebrew term trays Jesus as God’s high priest, who became Continued for the sacrifice (“hattat”) and parallel formulas to human “to make a sacrifice of atonement for the on page 14

April 7,2009 TheMennonite 13 Continued sins of the people” surpassing all previous sacri- Making atonement was not a transaction between from page 13 fices (Hebrews 2:17; 9:23-10:18). John also writes God and humans in the coinage of sacrifice, that Jesus is “the atoning sacrifice for our sins” whereby God rendered forgiveness in exchange (1 John 2:2; 4:10). The related Greek words “to for humans rendering sacrifice. Rather, forgive- make atonement” (“hilaskesthai”) and “atoning ness signified the reality of God’s gracious action sacrifice” (“hilasmos”), as used in the New “for us” by means of sacrifice to remove sin and Testament, signify the removal or cleansing of sin right sinners. for purification of God’s people. So Hebrews: “he Birkey’s conundrum would leave us with a has appeared once for all at the end of the age to dilemma—either deny that God’s forgiveness in remove sin by the sacrifice of himself” (Hebrews Jesus is truly a gift or dismiss sacrificial atone- 9:26b; cf. 1:3; 9:13, 22; 10:2, 4, 11, 14). And John: ment from our theology of forgiveness. I agree “the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all with Birkey that the latter is not an option. Once sin” (1 John 1:7; cf. 1:9; 3:5). (As to how atoning we recognize the false premise of the conundrum, sacrifice “works,” the Bible nowhere says—it is however, we realize that this is an unnecessary simply God’s doing.) choice: sacrificial atonement and divine grace are not at odds; rather, sacrificial atonement is the means by which God acts graciously, whether through priests (now obsolete) or through Christ Sacrificial atonement is the means (“once for all”). At odds are the divine grace of forgiveness and by which God acts graciously, whether the Greco-Roman logic of retribution, upon which is based the penal substitution theory of atone- through priests (now obsolete) ment. The “conundrum of forgiveness” results from inappropriately explaining divine grace in or through Christ (“once for all”). terms of retributive justice—grace means that God forgives us because Jesus pays our penalty for sin. What we need, then, is a properly biblical All this helps us resolve the “conundrum of for- understanding of sacrificial atonement. And what giveness” (Martin Birkey, The Mennonite, Aug. 5, we need to reject is the thinking that insists on 2008). Birkey points out a crucial problem: how to force-fitting sacrificial atonement, God’s forgive- square Jesus, on the one hand, who offers forgive- ness and Christ’s cross into the straitjacket of ret- ness with authority but without condition ributive justice. (Matthew 18:21-35, Mark 2:3-12, Luke 7:36-50, Indeed, that God is no prisoner to the logic of John 8:2-11), and popular theology, on the other retribution is precisely the good news Paul pro- hand, which explains Christ’s death as a substitu- claims (Romans 3:21-26). The justice of God is dis- tionary punishment legislated by God to satisfy closed through the faithfulness of Jesus, not by retribution. If God forgives sinners only on the satisfaction of retribution but “apart from law.” We precondition that Christ has paid the penalty for are thus justified—forgiven and righted—through sin by the atoning sacrifice of his death, then can the atoning sacrifice of Jesus, not by payment of Correction: The it really be called forgiveness, which signifies penalty but “by [God’s] grace as a gift.” Thanks Deaf School in remission rather than payment? be to God. Filadelphia, Birkey’s conundrum, however, is premised on Paraguay (March 17, page a false assumption. For it assumes, mistakenly, Darrin W. Snyder Belousek serves with Mennonite 14), is not a that to say that Jesus’ death was an atoning sacri- Mission Network as co-leader (with wife Paula) of Mennonite fice for sin is to say that it was a payment of penal- the Service Adventure unit supported by Raleigh Central Commit- ty to God—which assumes that sacrifice of atone- Mennonite Church. This article draws from a book tee partner. ment functioned according to the logic of retribu- he is writing on atonement theology. Please send tion. As we have seen, this was not the case. In

donations to the | www.creativecommons.org Teams Christian Peacemaker school and not to sacrificial atonement, forgiveness is the correlate MCC. not of payment of penalty but of cleansing of sin.

14 TheMennonite April 7,2009 Easter in Baghdad Worship is a political act.

by Peter Dula

was in Baghdad during Holy Week of 2004, the week the stupidity of the Iraq war became unavoidably obvi- ous. On Palm Sunday, the day the people of Jerusalem took to the streets to welcome a messiah they did not comprehend any more than we do, thousands of Moqtada al-Sadr’s followers shut down central Baghdad’s streets, protesting the arrest of a top aide and the closing of al-Sadr’s newspaper. Later that week—the week when we celebrate Christ’s triumph over death and forgiveness over vengeance—the American military unleashed an assault on Fallujah in which 518 Iraqis were killed, including 237 women and children. In an Easter Sunday letter to the Chapel Hill (N.C.) Mennonite Fellowship I wrote: “Jesus has indeed risen, even if it was a hell of a long time ago and even if there is no evidence of it in Baghdad.” At a church the night before, I had listened to a priest preach on a story from St. Ephraim, then announce the times for the next day’s Mass, adding an ominous caution: “Please go directly home. Do not linger and do not walk home in large groups.”

Please go directly home. Do not linger and do not walk home in large groups.—a priest in Baghdad

What is theology? What is it for? What does it do? I try to teach the kids in my ethics class at Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, Va., that worship is political—in other words, that going to Mass in Baghdad in Holy Week was a political act. The idea—familiar from such theologians as the late John H. Yoder and Stanley Hauerwas—is that the church doesn’t have to go outside itself for a political ethic. It doesn’t have to pack up some theological insights or implications and then carry them over to another, alien realm called the political to “apply” Continued on page 16

April 7,2009 TheMennonite 15 Continued them. Worship simply is a politics—an alternative surgery in London. He returned three weeks into from page 15 politics, to be sure, but a politics. the battle—and within days brought an end to it. To help students understand this, I remind He called on the Shiite faithful to come to Najaf, to them that in many countries it is illegal to gather the Shrine of Imam Ali, murdered son-in-law of on a Sunday morning. I also tell them how Basil of the Prophet. Tens of thousands came. The BBC, Caesarea used to deny Communion to soldiers for which for weeks had been running some of the a year after they returned from battle; I suggest best footage of the war from just outside the that perhaps we should do that in our churches. I shrine, now broadcast pictures of the tear- ask them what they think would happen if some streaked faces of weaponless Iraqi soldiers from gutsy Methodist bishop threatened to excommuni- both sides of the conflict kissing the bullet-ridden cate a president who declares war, the way New walls of the mosque. I sent a sheepish and apolo- York Cardinal John O’Connor threatened Catholic getic email to Hauerwas: “Ah, so this is what you politicians who support abortion rights. Or I evoke meant.” for them Archbishop Oscar Romero, walking into What is theology? What difference is there the church the army had turned into a barracks, between saying that humans are by nature politi- kneeling before the cross, collecting the hosts cal animals and saying they are worshiping ani- while bullets shattered the cross above him. mals? Aristotle understood politics to be the most important branch of philosophy because it is the work of creating the conditions in which humans Mariology may be a strange topic for a could fulfill their nature. Augustine and Aquinas considered theology the queen of the sciences Mennonite theologian, but I am taking because it was in the polis called church that we could find the conditions to fulfill our nature—that you where the sisters took me. is, to become Christlike. A year after Hauerwas sent me his lecture, I found myself in a city in northern Iraq. I went to The students aren’t easily convinced, which spend three days in mid-August at a convent with may only reflect their teacher’s own uncertainties. a dozen Catholic nuns who had become friends. Later, in the summer of 2004, Hauerwas sent me a They ran a women’s shelter that I had wanted to lecture he had written in which he took the wor- visit and they asked me to come that week to cele- ship-is-politics argument and ratcheted it up a brate with them their most important feast—the notch by arguing that worship is the church’s Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin, the alternative to war. The sacrifice of the Son of God day that Mary, Mother of God, was taken bodily replaces and overcomes the sacrifices George W. into heaven. Bush invoked when he urged that the United What is theology? Surely if it is anything, it is States “stay the course” in Iraq so that thousands this: “I believe in God the Father almighty, maker of American soldiers will not have died in vain. of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ our The Eucharist, Hauerwas went on, is “the witness Lord, who was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born necessary for the world to know there is an alter- of the Virgin Mary.” Mariology may be a strange native to the sacrifices of war.” topic for a Mennonite theologian, but I am taking It is an argument Hauerwas has honed for you where the sisters took me. Mary represents decades, one he has taught several generations of discipleship here. As Rowan Williams points out, students at Notre Dame and Duke to follow. But I she should not be read alone but alongside the had been living in Baghdad for six or seven only other person mentioned in the creed aside months at that time and I wrote him back a nasty from Jesus, Pilate—“the one who said yes, and the letter. I called the argument “anemic” and wrote, one who said no.” The creed offers this teenage “You seriously want me to tell these people, ‘Yes, girl from Nazareth as the alternative to empire. but have you tried worship?’ ” The feast day, Aug. 15, was also the day of the A few weeks after I received the lecture, the referendum on the new Iraqi constitution. Such U.S. Army engaged Muqtada al-Sadr’s Mahdi days were often the occasion of violence, good Army in a major battle in Najaf, one of the two days to stay out of regions like the one where the holiest cities in Shiite Islam. Grand Ayatollah Ali nuns lived. But as a theology student, I couldn’t al-Sistani was away from his Najaf home for heart resist the opportunity for a literal enactment of

16 TheMennonite April 7,2009 worship as politics. I wanted to watch the nuns what. Sr. Maria talked about that day. She had choose to celebrate the assumption of the Blessed been at a nearby church and hurried over to offer Virgin instead of voting. These were women any aid she could. She told me that all her life she whose explicitly stated mission is to the poor— had fainted at the sight of blood, but on that day women who take the poor into their home, feed she diligently picked through the remains of ash them, tend them when sick and invite them into and car parts to match up scattered human limbs their chapel three times a day to pray together. In for proper burial. I found myself remembering the the van on the ride to the church, we passed big table facing the congregation at the old dozens of posters promoting the political referen- Blossom Hill Mennonite Church in Lancaster, Pa., dum. I asked three of the nuns what they thought engraved with the words “Do this in remem- would happen with the new constitution. “The brance of me.” Years later I learned to understand what?” Sr. Basma asked. When she realized what I Eucharist as a re-membering, as stitching togeth- was referring to, she just laughed. Sr. Noor said, er the various parts of the body of Christ into one. “Politics. Lies. Ya haraam.” After Mass, the sisters scattered to the homes of relatives or friends in the village. I went with Sr. Theology means wondering Maria, Sr. Hanaa and Sr. Maysan to Maria’s sis- ter’s home for an enormous breakfast of bread, if the church is a 2,000-year-old dance meat and kube. Kube is a traditional Iraqi dish of balls of meat breaded in rice flour and boiled in before the empty tomb tomato sauce. For the Feast of the Assumption every home makes hundreds of them. Each or a 2,000-year-old funeral house has a 10-gallon steel pot set over a fire, making enough kube to feed dozens. They keep at the foot of the Cross. some at the house for the many guests who will come in the course of the day. And they carry some to the church in tin buckets. All day the Why is it a theological failure, if it is, to say that poor of the village, Christian and Muslim, come to “Jesus is risen, even though it was a long time ago the church to eat. and there is no evidence of it in Baghdad”? What I could call this Eucharist, though they might is theology? Say that theology means negotiating consider that a willful Protestant misreading. But the edges between celebrating the already and how about this? On the afternoon of another mourning the not-yet and confessing that we Sunday during the summer of 2004, I’d been in rarely know which is which—and still less my hotel room writing a letter to a friend when I whether to mourn or to celebrate that ignorance. heard an explosion, then another and another. I Say that theology means wondering if the church felt the building shake and quiver. Outside the is a 2,000-year-old dance before the empty tomb sky turned charcoal gray. The next morning I dis- or a 2,000-year-old funeral at the foot of the Cross. covered that several churches had been hit, Say that doing theology means recovering a sense including Peter and Paul Chaldean, the church in of the world as shot through with grace and beau- front of Babel College, where I was teaching. I ty—and hoping that world looks like a garden in had an appointment with the dean that morning at bloom but fearing it looks like the lawn outside 11 and went over early. Ten people had died, vic- Peter and Paul Chaldean Catholic Church. Say, tims of two car bombs, one of which had exploded finally, that discipleship means inhabiting such in the churchyard as people were leaving the contradictions, that theology itself dwells in them, Mass. Now parts of cars were strewn across the often silently. lawn, burned completely black. I encountered one of my students. He was looking for his aunt, This article has been adapted from the longer, origi- who’d been at the church the day before. No one nal version: “Easter in Baghdad,” by Peter Dula had heard from her. (March 28, 2008), © 2008 Commonweal Shall we call that Eucharist—a grotesque Foundation, reprinted with permission (www.com- Eucharist from some Chaldean Cormac monwealmagazine.org). It also appeared in McCarthy? These are our bodies, broken for Cynicism and Hope, edited by Meg Cox (Cascade, nothing. This is our blood, shed for God-knows- 2009).

April 7,2009 TheMennonite 17 SPEAKING OUT

MLK and the struggle for a better world

A nation that continues year after year to spend to crash. Greed blows out the spark of the divine more money on military defense than on programs in all who succumb to it, and the loss of compas- of social uplift is approaching spiritual death. sion in winners and losers worsens the plight of —Martin Luther King Jr. the suffering billions of victims whose resources have been taken from them. hose were the words of Martin Luther King, Violence is epidemic, especially poverty and Jr. in his famous April 4, 1967, speech. That racism. Gun violence is also epidemic. Those mak- T speech articulated the immorality of the ing profits in the weapons industry have sabotaged Vietnam War. King was being faithful to his com- even the most modest handgun and assault rifle mitment to the nonviolence teachings and life of controls—all while flooding America and the world Jesus of Nazareth by speaking out against injustice with increasingly lethal weapons. wherever he saw it. Ending a war isn’t the same as bringing peace. How we spend our money is how we vote on America has been on a war footing since Pearl what exists in the world. The hundreds of billions Harbor, 67 years ago. The United States spends of tax dollars wasted annually for war and war more on its military than the next 16 countries Harold A. Penner is a preparation is money unavailable for programs of combined. If the U.S. government has a vision of member of social uplift, especially hunger relief, poverty change that goes to the heart of this country’s Akron (Pa.) reduction, affordable housing, education, medical problems, ending our dependence on war is far Mennonite care or meaningful, life-sustaining jobs. King knew more important than ending our dependence on Church. that the violence of militarism, the violence of foreign oil. Let’s abolish war like our forebears racism and the violence of orchestrated poverty abolished slavery. have the same sources: fear of “the other” and the Our vision of change must be backed with eco- willingness of the powerful elite to violently pro- nomic realities that reflect our commitment to tect their own wealth and power. King was oppos- peace. The following things can be done now: ing an entrenched pro-war system with the capabil- • Fund social services and take the balance out ity for unleashing enormous violence against any of the defense and homeland security budgets. and all perceived enemies, foreign and domestic. • Require military personnel to devote time to In Iraq the United States has been spending 1 rebuilding infrastructure. million taxpayer dollars every four minutes. Since • Write into every defense contract a require- 2001, Congress has appropriated $859 billion for ment for a peacetime project. Afghanistan, Iraq and other military operations. • Subsidize conversion of military companies to Tremendous fortunes are made in every war, so peaceful uses with tax incentives and funding. war is popular with the military-industrial • Phase out military bases (761 on foreign soil investors, the elite, right-wing Christians, the and 4,668 in the United States and convert them to Pentagon, the CIA, politicians, the defense indus- housing for the poor. tries and the people who need the work. Obscene • End future weapons technologies. expenditures are made for weapons research and • Make arms dealing illegal. development. Weapons manufacturers thrive and At the conclusion of his speech, King said: “War become more entrenched every year. is not the answer. We still have a choice today; Martin Luther King’s antiwar stance challenged nonviolent coexistence or violent co-annihilation. the self-interests of those in the military-industrial We must move past indecision to action. We must complex. King was correct in his prophecy that find new ways to work for peace and justice America was losing its soul. Both the affluent and throughout the world that borders on our doors. If the poor have succumbed to the addictions of we do not act, we shall surely be dragged down exploitive, corrupt capitalism—an economic sys- the long dark and shameful corridors of time tem that has run so far amok that it seems about reserved for those who possess power without compassion, might without morality and strength IN THE NEXT ISSUE without sight.” TM

• Wrestling at Peniel—Anna Maria Johnson The views expressed in this publication do not necessar- ily represent the official positions of The Mennonite, the • At once—Gordon Houser board for The Mennonite, Inc., or Mennonite Church USA.

18 TheMennonite April 7,2009 MC Canada fiscal year ends with deficit Lancaster Conference reduces FTE; IN-MI Conference closes office on Fridays.

he General Board of Mennonite Church an upgrade of aging office computers and building Canada will seek delegate approval of a bal- maintenance at Shaftesbury offices. T anced budget June 5-7 at the Mennonite Phone conferences will replace some face-to- Church Canada Assembly in Saskatoon. face leadership meetings. The board affirmed a 3.4 The board approved the budget for the fiscal percent cost of living allowance for staff salaries year ending in 2010 during meetings in Winnipeg according to existing policy. March 6-7. The board decision came after vigor- After a transfer from reserves to cover the cur- ous discussion and review of the financial year just rent deficit, there will be $200,000 remaining in the past, in which finances fell approximately $139,000 primary reserve fund and $100,000 in the capital short (unaudited figures) for the year ending Jan. reserve fund—an uncomfortably low reserve level, 31. The deficit will be covered by a transfer from says Randy Wiebe, director of finance. reserves. Gordon Peters, chair of the Financial “Our goal is to have a minimum of three Policy and Audit Committee, expressed gratitude: months worth of operating funds in reserves, in Congregations gave generously, slightly exceeding the event of a crisis,” he says. giving projections. However, late in the last quarter of the year it became evident that income/losses from invest- The church will be there long after particular banks,favored ments and decreased designated giving due to increasing global economic pressure would result stocks and even powerful empires have failed.—Robert J. in a shortfall. Suderman The General Board approved a budget that includes a spending deferral of $150,000. Finances will be closely monitored to determine the possi- Robert J. Suderman, general secretary, bility of reconsidering these deferrals during the observes that the current financial climate pro- budget year. vides a timely opportunity to evaluate investment The deferred expenses consist of delayed hir- priorities. ing for some currently vacant positions and defer- “Strengthening the church is a good investment ring some planned and needed spending, such as anytime, including times of crisis,” he says. “As we speak, people throughout the world are turning to the church to help carry them through the impact Lancaster Conference reduces staff hours of failed financial systems. The church will be there long after particular banks, favored stocks When Lancaster (Pa.) Mennonite Conference reduced and even powerful empires have failed.”—Dan staff hours, almost all staff members experienced some Dyck of Mennonite Church Canada kind of cut in hours or pay or both. But the biggest effect may be a renewed dependence on God to pro- vide resources for the church. “I have advocated to keep staffing levels higher Indiana-Michigan Conference closed on Fridays because we were handling so much systemic change in the conference,”says Keith Weaver, conference Beginning April 1, the Indiana-Michigan Mennonite moderator. Conference office will be closed on Fridays for a three- “But a combination of things—including the eco- month trial period. The idea arose out of discussions nomic downturn as well as the trend of congregations about cutting staff hours in response to financial chal- spending more locally—requires us to pull back some- lenges, says Heidi King, administrative coordinator. what,”Weaver says. In the meantime, it has been decided that staff While some positions stayed the same, over half the hours will not be cut during this fiscal year. full-time staff had their hours cut by 10 to 25 percent. “Some benefits to the experimental schedule,”says One position (the receptionist position) was cut fully. King, “are that it will increase opportunities for commu- Options for covering the front desk are still being con- nication among staff team members because their sidered. schedules will overlap more from Mondays to “I want to publicly thank the conference staff for Thursdays and that it will reduce utility expenses and their courage and flexibility in facing these changes,” other operating costs.” Weaver says. “I also want to thank Paul Garber for the “We gave serious consideration to which day of the years he served as conference receptionist.” week we should close,”she says, “recognizing that any “Even as this situation causes pain, it also helps us option would have its ups and downs—thus the rethink our understanding of how God resources the emphasis on this being a trial period.”—Indiana- church,”he says.—Lancaster Mennonite Conference Michigan Mennonite Conference

April 7,2009 TheMennonite 19 New leaders for denominational ministry Lee Lever, Nancy Kauffmann begin assignments with Mennonite Church USA.

ee Lever has begun a new assignment as ble for building strong, churchwide relationships interim director of denominational ministry with Mennonite Church USA area conferences and L for Mennonite Church USA Executive their staff. Leadership. He will lead a team of denominational Lever began as a denominational minister with ministers providing support and encouragement Executive Leadership in August 2007. for conference ministers. He previously served for three years as associ- In his new role, Lever will work collaboratively ate conference minister with Western District with area conferences and churchwide agencies to Conference. Lee Lever equip conference ministers for their work with He has served as pastor of Eden Mennonite congregations. Church in Moundridge, Kan., and Menno Lever and denominational ministry staff also Mennonite Church in Ritzville, Wash. oversee the pastoral call system, pastoral salary In 2005 and 2006, Lever also served as a consul- guidelines, resource packets for conference minis- tant training congregational teams for Gospel in ters and more. our Culture Network and Church Innovations. “Mennonite Church USA is on a journey of Lever holds a master of divinity degree from responding to God’s call for us to be a people of Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS) Nancy Kauffmann healing and hope,” says Lever, “and we want to in Elkhart, Ind., and a doctor of ministry degree in help area conferences as they provide connections congregational development from Seabury- and build relationships among pastors and congre- Western Theological Seminary, Evanston, Ill. gations.” Lee and Terri, his wife, are members of Faith Nancy Kauffmann will join Lever as a denomi- Mennonite Church in Newton, Kan., and live in national minister for Mennonite Church USA Moundridge. They have three adult children. Executive Leadership, effective May 1. She joins “I sense the Holy Spirit working within Mennonite Church USA in new ways, drawing us toward a renewed understanding of who we are We want to help area conferences as they provide connections and what we are to be about in the midst of chang- and build relationships among pastors and congregations. ing times,” says Lever. Kauffmann has served as a conference minister —Lee Lever for Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference since 2000. Previously she served on the pastoral team of Linford King, Phil Bergey and Iris de León- College Mennonite Church in Goshen, Ind., for 19 Hartshorn as denominational ministers responsi- years. She also served for three years on the student services staff for the former Mennonite Board of Missions and taught youth ministries courses at Goodville Goshen (Ind.) College for four years. Mutual Kauffmann is part of a pastors group that has New Holland, Pa. been reflecting on the nature of missional leader- ship. She says she is grateful for the opportunity to be part of the denominational ministry team and explore what it means to pray for God’s will to be Affordable insurance for home, auto, done on earth as it is in heaven. farm, church or small “God is calling us to keep this question central business. in our lives no matter where we are serving,” she says. Find your local agent Kauffmann holds a master of divinity degree at goodville.com or call us at from AMBS and a doctor of ministry degree from 800-448-4622. Claremont (Calif.) School of Theology. She and Joel, her husband, live in Goshen, Ind., and have two adult children. timely tip: Kauffmann is a member of College Mennonite Remodeling? Don’t forget your insurance! Church in Goshen.—Mennonite Church USA

20 TheMennonite April 7,2009 Details of The Corinthian Plan released Mennonite Church USA employee benefit package has three deductible options.

he Corinthian Plan is the name of the employ- health reimbursement arrangements and flexible For more ee benefit package that Mennonite Church spending accounts (as part of a Section 125 plan). information: T USA has designed. Included are health, well- These options provide employees and congre- www.Corinthi ness features, life and disability coverage. Church- gations with ways to set aside tax-preferred dollars anPlan.com es may also select dental and vision coverage. for health, dental or vision care. The options differ MMA at 800- in terms of who can make contributions to them, 222-5054, ext. Health coverage whether the funds can be designated for only cer- 364 The health coverage (provided by the Congre- tain expenses and who owns the account. gational Employee Plan) will have these deductible To allow for a range of needs among congrega- Mennonite options: when only one person is covered: $1,150, tions, all three are being offered.—Keith Harder of Church USA at 866-866-2872 $2,000 or $3,000; when a family is covered: $2,300, Mennonite Church USA $4,000 or $6,000; and churches that apply for a subsidy will receive the $3,000/$6,000 deductible.

What the health plan covers The health plan covers major medical expenses— hospital, outpatient, maternity, prescription drugs, Mennonite Church USA Vision: diagnostic X-rays and lab tests, home-health ser- God calls us to be followers of Jesus Christ, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, to grow as vices, mental health and substance abuse. The communities of grace, joy and peace, so that God’s plan also covers physician office visits and rehabil- healing and hope flow through us to the world. itation services. After the deductible is met, all The Mennonite Church USA Search Committee asks for your prayers for these expenses are covered at 100 percent (there calling a new Executive Director. If you think God might be calling you, are no copays). The lifetime maximum benefit for read on and inquire. If you think of others who may be good candidates, please encourage them to apply or nominate them yourself. each person is $5 million. To help control the cost of health care, benefits We are seeking a dynamic Executive Director to lead Mennonite Church USA toward a Christ- centered spirituality and missional witness. The Executive Director, who is the chief executive are provided through the Highmark Blue Cross officer and primary public spokesperson of the denomination, will inspire Mennonite Church Blue Shield Preferred Provider Organization pro- USA through a compelling articulation of the vision, mission and priorities of the church. gram. To encourage participants to receive preven- She/he will lead a team of staff to help bring alignment and synergy to the mission of agencies, executive staff functions and area conferences. A more complete job description may be viewed tive care, the plan pays 100 percent of immuniza- at www.MennoniteUSA.org/edsearch. Please send qualifications and/or questions to J. Richard tions, physical exams, mammograms, gynecologi- Thomas at 2176 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, PA, 17602, by e-mail at thomasjr@lancasterr- cal exams and many preventive screenings as first mennonite.org or by fax to (717) 299-0823. Responses should be received by April 30, 2009. Individuals bringing diversity are encouraged to apply. Mennonite Church USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Mennonite Church dollar benefits that are not part of the deductible. USA conducts background investigations as part of the hiring process, and complies with federal and state requirements for non- discrimination in employment with regard to sex, age, race, color, disability and national and ethnic origin. Wellness features There are also incentives for adults to receive a wellness assessment (which gives specific individ- Pastors should tend their ualized recommendations to improve health and reduce the risk of developing other health condi- flocks, not their health bills tions) and to set and achieve wellness goals. As many as 100 pastors in Mennonite Church USA have little or no health care coverage. Together, Life and disability insurance we can do something about this crisis. The Corinthian Plan is a new employee benefit Because these benefits are based on salary, the program for Mennonite Church USA congregations. pastor (credentialed staff) or church employee It can ensure that all pastors and church staff have (noncredentialed staff) must be paid for 10 or 30 access to health coverage and other benefits, hours per week, respectively. The life insurance regardless of their congregations’ financial situations. benefit is equal to their annual salary—up to Congregations have until Oct. 1, 2009, to decide whether to participate. Don’t delay. Visit Juanita and Eligio Nuñez, $65,000 maximum—and includes an equal amount www.CorinthianPlan.com co-pastors of Ebenezer Christian Church, Apopka, Fla. Neither Juanita of coverage for accidental death and dismember- nor Eligio, have health insurance. ment. Long-term disability coverage is equal to The two-thirds of the employee’s salary. Corinthian Pl T Health spending accounts A variety of options are available to complement the health plan, including health savings accounts,

April 7,2009 TheMennonite 21 Chicago Dwell unit focuses on advocacy Director recruiting business, accounting majors, city planners for fall 2009.

olunteers serving with the DOOR (Discovering Opportunities for Outreach and Reflection) Dwell program in Chicago during

Cara Rufenacht Cara V this fall will bring a new focus on business and advocacy for faith-based justice. Dwell is one facet of the DOOR program, a part- Krista Dutt (right) ner to Mennonite Mission Network’s Christian with Jim Jordan Service ministries. at DOOR’s Miami Dwell participants spend a year living in an unit. Dutt leads intentional Christian community in a city while the Chicago unit that will focus on serving at a nonprofit organization. advocacy and In Chicago, rather than partnering with home- public policy. less shelters and other social work agencies, Dwell volunteers will work in agencies that directly add- ress policy and the systems that perpetuate injus- • • travel with a purpose • • tice throughout the city. “We are recruiting the people that have not typ- SCENIC EUROPE & PASSION PLAY (2010) ically been recruited for volunteer positions, such June 17 - July 1 or August 5 - 19 as business majors, accounting majors, city plan- Contact us immediately; best choice before Sept. 1, ‘09 ners and folks with community development back- ground,” says Krista Dutt, DOOR national pro- A visit to the “old country” - south Germany, Switzerland, gram director and the director for Dwell in a touch of France and Austria. Kent Kauffman as guide. Chicago. xAttend the Passion Play in the woodcarving town of Volunteers will use their gifts and skills with Oberammergau, Germany; a 6-hour production local agencies to work at policy advocacy, grant xRhine River cruise past vineyards and castles writing, data gathering and a number of other xHike the Alps, ride the cable car up and the rail down behind-the-scenes tasks that have direct impact on xA touch of Anabaptism—Zurich/Bern, Limmat River, education and housing policies, environmental jus- Grossmunster, worshippers cave, Emmental region tice and other causes throughout the city. xWalk the streets of Salzburg, home of “Sound of Music” Chicago is a good place to test these skills. Acc- ording to Dutt, in the initial city planning years MYW Tours • Box 425 • Landisville, PA 17538 • 717/653-9288 • 800/296-1991 ago, Chicago was laid out with highways and build- Email: [email protected] • web: www.mywtours.com ings meant to separate people by class, race and other criteria. Public transportation is still laid out in ways that naturally make it difficult to get to and from cer- AMBS tain neighborhoods. In their work, volunteers will be thinking about ways to undo these systems of injustice. “At DOOR, our philosophy of ministry empha- sizes seeing the face of God in the city. We want an June 4 Unmarried couplesp exchange of info and ideas between the folks that living together come to volunteer and the city,” says Dutt. “This form of data gathering and mutual ex- change is a new piece for us. DOOR has always Examine how pastors can provide pastoral care to advocated in some ways, but this is another step.” co-habiting couples in the church while simultaneously For more information on DOOR’s Dwell pro- addressing the ethical questions and complex gram and to apply online, visit this Web site: congregational dynamics generated by these situations. Service.MennoniteMission.net. Presenter: Irma Fast Dueck, Canadian Mennonite University Dwell placements are also currently available in Hosted by the Church Leadership Center at Associated Mennonite the following cities in the United States: Atlanta; Biblical Seminary, Elkhart Ind. Visit www.ambs.edu/couples Denver; Hollywood, Calif.; Miami and San Antonio, or call 574.296.6269 for details and registration. Texas.—Hannah Heinzekehr of Mennonite Mission Network

22 TheMennonite April 7,2009 “No one does Amish-based inspirationals better than Lewis.” —Booklist

www.bethanyhouse.com April 7,2009 TheMennonite 23

FOR THE RECORD

CALENDAR Burkholder, Braden Lee, Jan. 22, to Schrock, Lawson Nathaniel, March 6, to Curtis Lee and Amy Meinert Burkholder, Leon and Robin Schlabach Schrock, The Smithville Mennonite Church, Indianapolis. Parnell, Iowa. Smithville, Ohio, will be celebrating their , Jan. 26, to David , Feb. 16, to 50th Anniversary on May 17. If you have Dugan, Josiah Edward Strycker, Riddick Marshall ever been affiliated with Smithville and Mary Jantzi Dugan, Morris, N.Y. Tim and Amy Strycker, Goshen, Ind. Mennonite, we would love to have you Fransen, Emily Elizabeth, March 12, to Stutzman, Blake Parker, March 6, to join us in this celebration. For more infor- Timothy and Claudia Davenport Fransen, Rodrick and Jill McKean Stutzman, Walnut mation contact the church office. Phone: Portland, Ore. Creek, Ohio. 330-669-3601 or Email at Graber, Isaac Yoder, Jan. 7, to Phil and Stutzman, Brittany Ann, March 6, to [email protected]. Andrea Yoder Graber, Newton, Kan. Michael and Tanya Hill Stutzman, Sarasota, “For the Record” , will Fla. is available to Friendship Community, Lititz, Pa. Kaufman, Luke Alexander, Jan. 15, to host its , members of 16th annual Festival and Auction Douglas and Tonya Kuhn Kaufman, Swartzendruber, William David, Feb. 24, May 8-9. Friendship hopes to raise Hollsopple, Pa. to David and Lisa DiGiandomenico Mennonite $75,000. For more information, contact Swartzendruber, Bryn Mawr, Pa. Church USA. To Betty Hess at Friendship Community 717- Kaufmann, Madeleine Josie, Dec. 18, submit informa- 656-2466 ext. 165. 2008, to Reid and Grayce Brown Williams, Mia Jordan, Feb. 6, to Jason tion, log on to Kaufmann, Newton, Kan. and Marcy Vanderveer Williams, Indianapolis, Ind. www.TheMenno- Landis, Jude Michael, March 15, to Eric nite.org and use WORKERS and Bethany Souder Landis, Souderton, Zook, Dane Emerson, Feb. 2, to Craig and the “For the Fast, Melissa Fisher, was ordained as a Pa. Sharisa Keim Zook, Broadway, Va. Record” button to pastor at Sunnyside Mennonite Church, Lasure, Addison Elizabeth, Feb. 11, to access our online Elkhart, Ind., on March 1. Matthew and Jenilee Speigle Lasure, MARRIAGES forms. You can Short, Joel, was installed as pastor at Davidsville, Pa. also submit infor- Hopewell Mennonite Church, Kouts, Ind., McCune, Lane Reuel, Feb. 24, to Doug Bontreger/Thieme: Todd Bontreger, mation by email, on March 8. and Rebekah Friesen McCune, Lennox, LeGrange, Ind., and Melissa Thieme, Ft. fax or mail: S.D. Wayne, Ind., Feb. 28, at Shore Mennonite Weaver, Elyzabeth “Lyz,”ended a term as Church, Shipshewana, Ind. •Editor@TheMen- pastor at Fellowship of Hope, Elkhart, Ind., Miller, Madison Joyce, Feb. 23, to Mike nonite.org on March 15. and Jennifer Ciesielski Miller, Wayland, Fitzpatrick/Kropf: Jesse Fitzpatrick, Portland, Ore., and Katrina Kropf, Yoder, Daniel, was installed as youth pas- Iowa. •fax 574-535- Hubbard, Ore., March 20, at the Kropf fam- 6050 tor at College Mennonite Church, Goshen, Moon Dyke, Beatrix Hope, Nov. 4, 2008, ily home, Hubbard. Ind., on Feb. 15. to Gregory and Alyssa Moon Dyke, •1700 S. Main St., Surprise, Ariz. Gonzalez/Swan: Jose Gonzalez, Mount Goshen, IN Yoder, Talashia Keim, was licensed Pleasant, Iowa, and Nichole Swan, Mount toward ordination and installed as youth Noggle, Kamilyn Elizabeth, Feb. 26, to Pleasant, March 14, at Pleasant View 46526-4794 pastor at College Mennonite Church, Monty and Kasey Neufeld Noggle, Buhler, Mennonite Church, Mount Pleasant. Goshen, Ind., on Feb. 15. Kan. King/Rodak: Emiley King, Lancaster, Pa., Sartori, Eliana Anisa, Dec. 20, 2008, to and Matthew Rodak, Lancaster, Feb. 14, at Eric and Rachel Paulovich Sartori, Phoenix, Forest Hills Mennonite Church, Leola, Pa. BIRTHS & ADOPTIONS Ariz. Bergey, Heidi Cathleen and Ashlyn McCullough/NieKamp: Kristen Schmidt, Trestin Lee, Feb. 3, to Lee and McCullough, Bluffton, Ohio, and Ryan Emma (twins), Feb. 28, to Luke and Shanna Riegel Schmidt, Newton, Kan. Rachelle Marcho Bergey, Harleysville, Pa. NieKamp, Coldwater, Ohio, March 21, at First Mennonite Church, Bluffton.

IN THE MID- TO LATE 1940S, a group of young men rattled the psychiatric establishment by exposing squalid conditions and brutality in our nations mental hospitals and training schools for people with psychiatric and intellectual disabilities. These young men were among the 12,000 World War II conscientious objectors who chose to perform civilian public service as an alternative to fighting in what is widely regarded as Americas good war. Acts of Conscience brings to light the extraordinary efforts of these courageous men, drawing upon extensive archival research, interviews, and personal correspondence. Cloth $45.00 978-0-8156-0915-5 Syracuse University Press www.SyracuseUniversityPress.syr.edu 1-800-365-8929

April 7,2009 TheMennonite 25 FOR THE RECORD

DEATHS Brockmueller, Gordon Lee, 74, Freeman, Dahlenburg, Paul William, 93, Mountain S.D., died March 7 of cancer. Spouse: Lake, Minn., died Feb. 25. Spouse: Marie Alderfer, Evelyn B. Landis, 84, Shirley Waltner Brockmueller. Parents: Olfert Dahlenburg. Bessie Anna Jones Harleysville, Pa., died March 6. Spouse: Elias and Lillie Waltner Brockmueller. (deceased). Parents: William and Marie Sanford A. Alderfer. Parents: Clinton D. and Children: Lee, Cindee Evenson, Joseph, Delia Paul Dahlenburg. Children: JoAnn Ellen Beidler Landis. Children: Diane L. Suzanne Koerner; 11 grandchildren; one Loewen, Treva Steinle, Pauline Schroeder, Kropf, Linda L. Martin, Sandy L., Dwight L.; great-grandchild. Funeral: March 10 at Ken, Larry; 15 grandchildren; 27 great- 12 grandchildren; four great-grandchil- Salem Mennonite Church, Freeman. grandchildren. Funeral: Feb. 28 at Alliance dren. Funeral: March 9 at Salford Missionary Church, Mountain Lake. Mennonite Church, Harleysville. Clemens, Pastor Philip Kaufmann, 67, Pandora, Ohio, died March 1 of cancer. Friesen, Helen Elisabeth Wiebe, 83, Bartel, Rosa Linda, 91, Aberdeen, Idaho, Spouse: Nancy Musselman Clemens. Mountain Lake, Minn., died March 2. died Feb. 2. Parents: Peter W. and Sara Parents: Paul R. and Mary Kaufmann Spouse: Willard Friesen. Parents: John H. Becker Bartel. Funeral: March 4 at First Clemens. Children: James E., Judith A. and Martha Claassen Wiebe. Children: Mennonite Church, Aberdeen. Smucker; four grandchildren. Funeral: Donald, Douglas, Alan; 10 grandchildren; Beckler, Lawrence W., 87, Seward, Neb., March 4 at Pike Mennonite Church, Elida, seven great-grandchildren. Funeral: March died March 8. Spouse: Lillian Stutzman- Ohio. 7 at Bethel Mennonite Church, Mountain Lake. Eicher Beckler. Spouse: Della Reeb Beckler Conrad, Shirley Ilene Gingerich, 69, (deceased). Parents: William Wesley and Amana, Iowa, died Feb. 21 of cancer. Geiser, Mabel Neuenschwander, 85, Anna Roth Beckler. Children: Richard, Spouse: James Conrad. Parents: Ralph and Apple Creek, Ohio, died March 4. Spouse: Larry; five grandchildren; two great-grand- Gertrude Miller Gingerich. Children: George Geiser (deceased). Parents: Jacob children. Step-children: Warren Eicher, Michael, Ronald, Amy Yoder; three grand- and Lydia Neuenschwander. Children: Tamara Wergin, James Eicher; nine step- children. Funeral: Feb. 25 at Lower Deer Winifred Geiser, Rich, Glenn, Hazel Yoder, grandchildren; nine step-great-grandchil- Creek Mennonite Church, Kalona, Iowa. Betty Yoder, Lou Miller, Carol Weaver, dren. Funeral: March 17 at Bellwood Kathy Geiser, Bonnie Geiser, Lydia Troyer, Mennonite Church, Milford, Neb. Crossgrove, Stella Mary Wyse, 96, Archbold, Ohio, died March 6. Spouse: Tena Gerber, Ruth Nussbaum, Mille Drew, Bontrager, Gregory Alan, 43, Wauseon, Henry Crossgrove. Parents: William and Jeff; 22 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchil- Ohio, died Feb. 17 of an apparent heart Dinah Wyse. Child: Phillip; three grandchil- dren. Funeral: March 7 at Kidron attack. Spouse: Nancy Sauder Bontrager. dren; four great-grandchildren; one step- Mennonite Church, Kidron, Ohio. Parents: Emery and Emma Maxine Mast great-grandchild. Funeral: March 11 at Bontrager. Children: Lauren Bontrager, Central Mennonite Church, Fulton, Ohio. Jordan Bontrager, Aaron, Bontrager, Carly Bontrager. Funeral: Feb. 23 at Pettisville Missionary Church, Pettisville, Ohio.

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26 TheMennonite April 7,2009 FOR THE RECORD

Gingerich, Philip E., 87, Goshen, Ind., Kauffman, Fannie Irene Herschberger, Oberg, Anita L. Ebersole, 83, Sterling, Ill., died Feb. 28 of a heart attack. Spouse: 75, Middlebury, Ind., died Feb. 22. Spouse: died March 16. Spouse: Doug Oberg Faith Cooley Gingerich (deceased). Harvey Kauffman. Parents: Eli A. and Alma (deceased). Parents: Roy H. and Ruth Nice Parents: Albert J. and Josephine Miller Miller Herschberger. Children: Rick, Gayle Ebersole. Funeral: March 20 at Science Gingerich. Children: Joan Morningstar, Kohlmeyer, Darwin, Sonja Neal; 10 grand- Ridge Mennonite Church, Sterling. Susan Shetler, Amy Schrock, Paul, Stan, children; two great-grandchildren. Penner, Luella Esther Tieszen, 86, Mark; 19 grandchildren; eight great- Funeral: Feb. 28 at First Mennonite Freeman, S.D., died Feb. 28. Spouse: grandchildren. Funeral: March 4 at Clinton Church, Middlebury. Randolph Vernon Penner (deceased). Frame Mennonite Church, Goshen. Liechty, Herman, 88, Archbold, Ohio, died Parents: Dr. Henry P. and Aganetha Ewert Hartman, Freman S., 89, Goshen, Ind., Feb. 20. Spouse: Doris Schertz Liechty Tieszen. Funeral: March 6 at Salem died Feb. 28. Spouse: Esther Mishler (deceased). Parents: Joseph and Emma Mennonite Church, Freeman. Nelson Hartman. Spouse: Birdena Troyer Frey Liechty. Children: Carolyn Wenger, Powell, Gertrude Ada Kauffman, 92, Hartman (deceased). Parents: Amos and Allen, Phyllis Nofziger, Eric, Barbara South English, Iowa, died March 12. Susie Lehman Hartman. Children: Donna Detweiler, Rachel Eby, Rita Gingrich; 20 Spouse: John S. Powell (deceased). Oswalt, Elaine Thorpe, Charles Hartman, grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren. Parents: Noah D. and Kate Egli Kauffman. Floyd Hartman, Bert Hartman, David Funeral: Feb. 25 at West Clinton Children: Daniel Powell, Kathleen Troyer; Nelson, Nancy Jackson; 16 grandchildren; Mennonite Church, Wauseon, Ohio. three grandchildren; eight great-grand- three step-grandsons; 20 great-grandchil- Martens, Billie Jean Schroll, 87, Inman, children. Funeral: March 14 at Wellman “For the Record“ dren; two step-great-grandchildren. Kan., died March 3. Spouse: Edward Mennonite Church, Wellman, Iowa. lists obituaries for Funeral: March 4 at Shore Mennonite Martens. Parents: William Dayten and Mennonite Church, Shipshewana, Ind. Regier, Phyllis Ann Bartel, 86, Church USA Grace Pedicord Schroll. Funeral: March 5 Moundridge, Kan., died Feb. 5. Spouse: Hirstein, Velma Arlene, 83, Eureka, Ill., at Bethel Mennonite Church, Inman. John Warren Regier. Parents: Jacob and members who died March 17. Parents: Aaron B. and Miller, Alice Marie Shoemaker, 90, Rosella Regier Bartel. Child: Kathy Regier. died during the Martha E. Showalter Hirstein. Graveside Springs, Pa., died March 7. Spouse: Lowell Funeral: Feb. 21 at West Zion Mennonite past three service: March 20 at Collum, Ill. Miller (deceased). Parents: Ellis D. and Church, Moundridge. months. Ad- , 89, Dalton, Nettie Maust Shoemaker. Children: C. Hofstetter, Anne Gerber Richer, Marjorie J. Brenneman, 83, ditional informa- Ohio, died March 1. Spouse: Clayton Kent, Kevin L.; two grandchildren. Funeral: Archbold, Ohio, died Feb. 28 of a stroke. tion about the Hofstetter (deceased). Parents: Philip and March 10 at Newman Funeral Homes, Spouse: Ora Richer. Parents: Rhuda and deceased may be Pauline Gerber. Children: Ken, Carol Fielitz; Grantsville, Md. Elnora Brenneman. Children: Mike, Brooks, submitted to five grandchildren; five great-grandchil- Miller, Velma Johns, 92, Orrville, Ohio, Marcia Lehman, Ken; 13 grandchildren; The Mennonite at dren. Funeral: March 6 at Kidron died March 12. Spouse: Arthur D. Miller. five great-grandchildren. Funeral: March 7 Mennonite Church, Kidron, Ohio. www.TheMenno- Parents: Otis N. and Margaret Johns. at West Clinton Mennonite Church, nite.org. We will Hofstetter, Fern Gerber, 89, Kidron, Ohio, Children: Janet Sommer, Frederic, Dr. John Wauseon, Ohio. forward all infor- died Feb. 5. Spouse: Milton Hofstetter K.; nine grandchildren; nine great-grand- Stalter, Kathryn L. Mumaw, 88, Goshen, mation to (deceased). Parents: Aden and Sarah children. Funeral: March 16 at Beech Ind., died Feb. 20. Spouse: John Stalter. MennObits, the Gerber. Children: Earl, Betty Prater, Doris Mennonite Church, Louisville, Ohio. Parents: Enos and Ruth Lehman Mumaw. Smith, Mary Jean Arney, Irene Young, research Web site Mohler, Carl M., 76, Stevens, Pa., died Feb. Children: Stanford, Kathleen Ann Najar, Barbara Miller, Harold; 12 grandchildren; sponsored by 24 in a house fire. Spouse: Electa Keens Loretta Jane Cross; one grandchild. the Historical six great-grandchildren. Funeral: Feb. 9 at Mohler. Parents: Martin K. and Barbara Funeral: Feb. 26 at College Mennonite Kidron Mennonite Church. Siegrist Mohler. Children: Cynthia E. Good, Church, Goshen. Committee of Lois M. Mishler, Sarah A. Sauder, Jewel E. Mennonite Steckley, Mildred Roth, 80, Albany, Ore., Horst; eight grandchildren. Funeral: Feb. Church USA. To died Feb. 1 of leukemia. Spouse: Norman receive a paper 28 at Ephrata Mennonite Church, Ephrata, B. Steckley. Parents: Christian B. and Mary Pa. Roth. Children: Cheryl Wagner, Norma copy of the obitu- Steckley; six grandchildren; one great- ary form, call 574- grandchild. Funeral: Feb. 5 at Albany 535-6052. To Mennonite Church. receive the obitu- Weaver, Doris, 60, Lancaster, Pa., died ary form as an March 9. Parents: Paul M. and Evelyn MS Word docu- Dennis Weaver. Memorial service: March ment, email 11 at East Chestnut Street Mennonite Editor@themen- Church, Lancaster. nonite.org. Winsinger, Joy A. Stucky, 93, Goessel, Kan., died Feb. 10. Spouse: William Winsinger. Parents: Edward T. and Bessie Libich Stucky. Funeral: Feb. 14 at Moundridge Funeral Home, Moundridge, Kan. Yoder, Thomas D., 79, Normal, Ill., died Jan. 31. Spouse: Hazel Zehr Yoder. Parents: David and Arie Yoder. Children: Dawn Yoder Harms, Scot, Mark; seven grandchil- dren. Funeral: Feb. 4 at Mennonite Church of Normal.

800.222.6695 www.mennohaven.org Menno Haven is committed to providing equal housing for all.

April 7,2009 TheMennonite 27 RESOURCES

118 Days: Christian Peacemaker Teams (Cascadia Publishing House and Herald Marpeck: A Life of Dissent and Held Hostage in Iraq, edited by Tricia Gates Press, 2009, $26.95) tells the story of how Conformity by Walter Klaassen and William Brown (Cascadia Publishing House and CPT, the Pentecostal peace witness was muted Klassen (Herald Press, 2008, $32.99) places 2009, $17.95), tells the story of CPT mem- and almost lost in the American Assemblies the life, work and theology of this early bers Tom Fox and Jim Looney along with of God. Anabaptist leader in the context of his vio- delegation members Norman Kember and lent, changing times. Harmeet Sooden, who were kidnapped on In Harm’s Way: A History of Christian Nov. 26, 2005. Fox was killed on March 9, Peacemaker Teams by Kathleen Kern Thy Maker Is Thy Husband by Martha 2006, while the others were freed two weeks (Cascade Books, 2009, $49) is the story of Nighswander (CMCO Publications, 2009, later, after 118 days of captivity. CPT, of Christians willing to risk their lives in $14.95) considers how every aspect of mar- nonviolent actions that aim to advance riage and married life is symbolical of some- Like Those Who Dream: Sermons for peace and justice in such places as the thing we may experience in our relationship Salford Mennonite Church and Beyond by Middle East, Haiti and Central America. with Christ and thus applies to singles. James C. Longacre (Cascadia Publishing House and Herald Press, 2009, $18.95) draws Follow Me: A History of Christian No Enemy to Conquer: Forgiveness in an readers into the meaning, joy and culture- Intentionality by Ivan J. Kauffman (Wipf & Unforgiving World by Michael Henderson subverting power of the faith. The sermons Stock, 2009, $30) tells the story of communi- (Baylor University Press, 2009, $19.95) engage in issues of suffering, judgment, ties of like-minded believers—some of lay reports true stories that demonstrate that family fights, war and peace, capitalism and evangelicals and others of celibate monas- forgiving and asking for forgiveness are not its effects, dignity and justice for those on tics—formed based upon their common merely personal or religious actions but can the lower rungs of wealth or power. desire to live more intentional Christian influence national and international affairs. lives. Loving Enemies: A Manual for Ordinary Reordered Love, Reordered Lives: People by Randy and Joyce Klassen The Lone Tree: A Novel by James D. Yoder Learning the Deep Meaning of Happiness (Cascadia Publishing House and Herald (Infinity Publishing, 2009, $14.95) tells the by David K. Naugle (Eerdmans, 2008, $18) Press, 2008, $13.95) is a manual for ordinary story of Lusanna Becker, who leaves Polish- explains that if we love properly—that is, if people willing to commit themselves to self- Russia in 1874 with her family and congre- we love beginning with God and progress- less love. gation. When they arrive in Hutchinson, ing to other humans, ourselves and the Kan., they are met with rejection and must world around us—we will also live properly Peace to War: Shifting Allegiances in the travel by boxcar to Florence, Kan., in minus- and, in so doing, find our own true happi- Assemblies of God by Paul Alexander 14-degree weather. ness.

Choose the perfect gift for your college graduate.

28 TheMennonite April 7,2009 CLASSIFIED

Illinois farm internship at Plow Creek Farm for 2009 season. Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS) invites nomi- Grow organic type strawberries, blueberries, more. Community, nations and/or applications for the position of president, expect- learning, room, board, small stipend. See ed to assume office sometime between Jan. 1, 2010, and July 1, Plowcreekfarm.com/intern.htm; 815-646-9910. 2010. AMBS is a fully accredited post-graduate seminary located in Elkhart, Ind., affiliated with Mennonite Church USA and Faculty position in the Conflict Transformation Program of the Mennonite Church Canada. Additional information about the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding: Full-time, continuing facul- ty position in a graduate program in conflict transformation with seminary and a complete description of this position can be a specialization in development and restorative justice. Earned located at www.ambs.edu. doctorate in conflict transformation or a related discipline Qualifications: The ideal candidate for president will be an active required. Applicants should have teaching or training experience, follower of Jesus, a convinced Anabaptist and an advocate for the Advertising space along with field experience in international and/or community missional church in a diverse theological, denominational and in The Mennonite development. Complementary experience in restorative and/or faith context; have ability and passion for theological education is available to transitional justice is desired. Position begins August 2009. Send and pastoral formation that includes new models of church, min- congregations, letter of application, curriculum vitae, official transcripts and three istry and pedagogy; be a creative, entrepreneurial, visionary conferences, leader; demonstrate theological depth and have earned an references to Lee Snyder, Interim Provost, Eastern Mennonite advanced degree (Ph.D. or D.Min. strongly preferred); understand businesses and University, 1200 Park Road, Harrisonburg, VA 22802, or email churchwide [email protected]. Applicants may be asked to respond to ques- and be committed to the missions of Mennonite Church Canada and Mennonite Church USA. boards and tions specific to EMU’s mission after the initial inquiry. For more agencies of information visit our Web site at www.emu.edu/humanresources. Search process: Nominations and/or letters of application with CV People who bring diversity are encouraged to apply. EOE. or résumé may be submitted to Randall Jacobs, Chair of the Mennonite Search Committee, c/o [email protected] or Church USA. Goshen College seeks full-time communication professor and through postal mail to AMBS Presidential Search Committee, c/o Cost for one-time coordinator of video production to begin July 1, 2009. Mennonite Education Agency, 63846 County Road 35, Suite 1, classified place- Responsible for teaching video production and broadcast writing Goshen, IN 46528-9621. The search committee will begin review- ment is $1.30 per and supervising the college video production unit, including ing applications in Spring 2009 and continue until the position is videography and editing. Master’s degree preferred; teaching filled. Women and minority people are encouraged to apply. word, minimum experience desired. To apply, see the position announcement at AMBS, an affirmative action employer, is committed to Christian of $30. Display www.goshen.edu/employment. Women and minorities are espe- beliefs and values as interpreted by the Mennonite church. space is also cially encouraged to apply. Goshen College, an affirmative action available. To place Greeley Mennonite Church in beautiful northern Colorado employer, is a liberal arts institution affiliated with Mennonite an ad in The Church USA. desires candidates for the position of full-time lead pastor. We seek a dedicated Anabaptist to provide spiritual and church Mennonite, call Mennonite Publishing Network seeks a full-time person to growth leadership (as a friend, listener and teacher) and thought- 800-790-2498 serve as editorial director of Herald Press, its book imprint. ful sermons for our warm congregation of 60+ members. Salary and ask for Responsibilities: serve on the Publisher’s Management Team to provided in accordance with Mennonite Church USA guidelines. Rebecca Helmuth, help set overall strategy and direction; provide leadership of Contact Herm Weaver at 303-895-0801; or email detailed planning for Herald Press titles; manage process of [email protected]. Advertising@The preparing accepted manuscripts for production. Qualifications: Mennonite.org. knowledge of and experience in book publishing—both in plan- ning and in management of the publishing process; ability to work collaboratively as part of a publishing team; a disciple of Jesus Christ and a convinced Anabaptist; commitment to the vision and mission of the MPN Board and its governing denomi- nations (Mennonite Church USA and Mennonite Church Canada). Contact Ron Rempel, Executive Director/Publisher, Mennonite Publishing Network, [email protected], 519-496-9487. Director of Project Development (new position) with a minimum of five years of supervisor/management experience, preferably in retirement services and health-related fields. Prefer experience in development of new programs, and project management. Minimum bachelor’s degree. Send a letter along with a resumé to Senior Investment Officer Steven Ringenberg, at Fairlawn Haven Nursing Home, located at 407 E. Lutz Road, Archbold, OH 43502. MMA is seeking an investment officer to provide development, Rockaway Mennonite Collegiate, a dynamic school with a cur- oversight, and support of the delivery of MMA’s non-proprietary rent enrollment of 325 students (grade 6-12), invites applications investment platform. Qualified candidates will have an under- for the position of principal. Duties will begin either Feb. 1 or graduate degree in business or related field; minimum 5 years’ Sept. 1, 2010. The successful candidate will possess commitment ® to the Mennonite church and Christian education, successful and significant investment experience, Series 65 license; CFP or proven administrative and management experience; teacher cer- ChFC designation. tificate of qualification. Experience or training in the following MMA is an Anabaptist stewardship organization that helps areas would be an asset: theological training, cross cultural expe- people integrate their faith with their financial decisions. We are rience, secondary school experience, principal’s certification. an equal opportunity employer offering a competitive salary and “Together we shape great lives through learning, opportunity, caring and faith.”Applications should be sent to: Brian excellent benefits. For more information about this position, visit Hunsberger, Personnel Chair, [email protected]; our Web site, www.mma-online.org. Send cover letter and www.rockway.ca. Deadline for applications is April 30, 2009. resume to: MMA Human Resources P.O. Box 483 Goshen, IN 46527 Fax: (574) 537-6635 [email protected]

April 7,2009 TheMennonite 29 REAL FAMILIES

Community shapes us

n the collection of candles and candle holders mature parents assured me they would. But what I that I’ve gathered over the years, a few are sim- find more remarkable is how I changed. The reali- I ple, such as the Ball canning jar that holds a ty of living in a household full of distinct personali- candle nestled in a bedding of multicolored sand. ties helped me grow into a different kind of person A few years ago I officiated at a wedding. On that from what I thought I knew myself to be. There December evening, participants in the ceremony, are many examples of how this came about, but including me, carried these lanterns. The colors of nothing brought it home to me more clearly than the layers of sand were yellow and blue, the colors having a troubled child on whose behalf I request- worn by the bride and groom. Two people, sur- ed prayers from everyone who knew me. I learned rounded by friends and family, joined their lives that reaching out in all our ragged despair for together that day. shoulders to lean on was much more important After the wedding, my lantern sat on my than presenting an image of our family to the kitchen table for several weeks; eventually I world that said, We’ve got it all together. We’re a moved it into a cabinet. Not long ago, as I was put- good family. I had to give myself and my family ting dishes away, I spied the jar some slack. In order to get Regina Shands and decided to bring it to my through the hard times, I had to Stoltzfus teach- office. After nearly two years of let go of the notion of myself as es peace, justice being carried about and placed the kind of person who doesn’t and conflict Community in its studies at here and there, the colors of the need help and can solve my own Goshen (Ind.) sand layers had mixed a bit, but many shapes and problems. I had to shift. College. the layers were still discern- In these troubled times (and able—bright yellow and cobalt forms is good. But there have been troubled times blue. The original candle had before) it is all the more urgent long burnt low, and I had we have to let it do that households and families replaced it a couple of times. learn to lean upon each other. Now I put another new candle in what it does—hold The Preacher in Ecclesiastes the sand, carefully placed the jar one another and declares, “Two are better than in a box in the back seat of my one, because they have a good car and drove to work, dropping shape us into reward for their toil. For if they my son off at school along the fall, one will lift up the other … if way. Somewhere along the way, something new. two lie together, they keep the jar tipped over on its side. warm. … A threefold cord is not Now the sand was even more quickly broken” (4:9-12). mixed up together. Community in its many shapes Families and communities are created in order and forms is good. But we have to let community to fulfill the human needs—the basic needs of sur- do what it does—hold one another and shape us vival, to be sure—food, warmth, shelter. Living in into something new. It does not mean losing our- community creates a structure for those needs to selves, becoming less or being subsumed by the be met more efficiently than what would be possi- other. ble as individuals. Entering a shared living experi- True, those grains of sand in the jar don’t have ence—as roommates or housemates, as a married sharply distinct layers any longer. Yet the blue couple or as an intentional community, for exam- grains and the yellow grains swirl and move about, ples—certainly requires a measure of self-aware- creating new patterns and designs. If I wanted to, I ness. Yet we are only able to enter into such could scoop out a spoonful and carefully, painstak- arrangements based on who we know ourselves to ingly separate the colors from one another. And on be at the time. There is a measure of mystery close inspection, I discover there has been another about who we will become. How will the passage color there all along—red grains of sand in the This article is available as a of time shape and mold us, and how will shared mix that I never paid attention to. podcast at living shift us into new—or at least different—peo- Every now and then I light the candle in the jar www.The ple? Perhaps we lose sight of the possibility—the as a reminder of God’s Spirit dwelling among the Mennonite.org probability—of change. families of the earth. As the flame burns, the wax Remembering my early parenting years, I am pools over the shifting sands, the mixture of colors astonished at how quickly they passed, as more that is now a new thing. TM

30 TheMennonite April 7,2009 READERS SAY

crafts and telling their stories in our community. Reverse church growth? Continued from We are mission-driven, and as a Ten Thousand In “Blessed Insurance” (March 3), Marco Guete is page 5 Villages U.S. wholesale account, we will continue quoted as saying, “Of the 15 Mennonite Church to offer hand-crafted products from our Ten USA congregations in Texas, 10 of them use Thousand Villages artisan partners. I invite every- Spanish as their primary language.” That state- one to visit Southeast Colorado, and while you are ment is incorrect. It would be correct in one of the here stop and enjoy the unique shopping experi- following variations: ence at CrossRoads.—Pat Miller, manager, 1. “Of the 15 Mennonite Church USA congrega- CrossRoads MarketPlace tions in Texas affiliated with Western District Conference …” Appalled by column on adoption 2. “Of the 15 Mennonite Church USA congrega- Since I’m serving with Mennonite Central tions in mid-Texas …” Committee in Indonesia, I get The Mennonite late. 3. “Of the 23 Mennonite Church USA congrega- There may have already been wise responses to tions in Texas …”—in which case, the number the Speaking Out (“A Biblical Consideration for that use primarily Spanish would need to be Adoption,” Feb. 17). But I feel compelled to add changed from 10 to at least 14, with the other four what is hopefully another. affiliated with South Central Conference being My spouse and I chose to form a family bilingual and using both Spanish and English in through adoption, and I am an advocate for adop- their worship services. tion. However, I found the column by C. Richie an There are eight Mennonite Church USA con- appalling and chilling perpetuation of some horrif- gregations in Texas affiliated with South Central ic and dangerous myths about adoption. I take par- Conference. Probably the most correct version ticular exception to the implication that adoptive would be number 2 above, since not all the other parents who relinquish “the ability to have biologi- characteristics would apply to all of the pastors in cal children” are somehow paragons of selfless- the SCC churches. ness and generosity swooping in to save unwant- All 15 of those congregations in mid-Texas now ed, unloved children from a life of “hell on earth” affiliated with Western District Conference were who will then be rewarded by the great love of the dually affiliated with SCC up until a year or so ago, child for the “parents who come and pick them out when all were encouraged to end the dual affilia- of a life of destitution.” tion—since either way they belonged to Menno- There is so much wrong with that, it makes me nite Church USA—and to choose which area con- ill. People adopt for a variety of reasons, few of ference they preferred to identify with. All 15 them selfless. Many children and adults live in chose WDC. So SCC “lost” 15 churches. Reverse deplorable and unjust conditions in our world. church growth?—Bill Zuercher, Hesston, Kan. Children, because they are most vulnerable, too often end up as victims of poverty and politics. But Why end The Shack debate? they are not necessarily unloved or unwanted. Regarding the editor’s note in the The Mennonite Extreme circumstances cause some parents to feel regarding the book The Shack: Our Sunday school their only options are to give a child over to some- class at Park View Mennonite Church, one else to raise or to abandon them. Blythe, off- Harrisonburg, Va., focused on this in one of our hand statements about “parents who didn’t want sessions. We were surprised when the Jan. 20 them” hide not only the pain experienced by birth Mediaculture column was published. We were parents but the social, economic and political con- amazed with the note that you did not want any ditions that we adoptive parents share in creating more letters on the subject. Surely The Mennonite that pain. is more openminded than what these notes from I love my children more than I could have the editor may first suggest.—Lee M. Yoder, thought possible and am humbled and honored Harrisonburg, Va. every day to be permitted to be their mother. But I know that my joy in being their mother is built on Why publish the names of givers? the backs of injustice that led to their relinquish- I am frankly dismayed that church agencies have ment by parents and family somewhere in China forgotten Jesus’ reminder that the widow’s mite they may never know and by my snatching them was better than all the big givers. Some even list away from a culture, language and heritage that is these in order of how much more they gave and rightfully theirs. That there is love in our family is sometimes honor the big givers with positions on God’s grace, not that I saved them.—Elaine their boards. Is this the way of Christ or the way of Swartzentruber, Yogyakarta, Indonesia the world?—Don Reber, Goshen, Ind.

April 7,2009 TheMennonite 31 EDITORIAL

Easter chaos

What you see as chaos, I see as a fractal. imagine a loving God brooding over what would —Papa (God) in The Shack have been chaos—a “formless void”—before there was day and night, before heaven was separated od died on Good Friday. There could be no from the earth, before there were green plants and more chaos in the universe than in those animals, before Adam (literally “earth”) and before G hours between Jesus’ crucifixion and resur- Eve (literally “life”). rection. But what the disciples experienced as The uncertainties of our world today—econom- chaos during those hours—and what we experi- ic recession, interminable wars, divisions among Everett J. Thomas ence as chaos today—God sees differently. earnest and well-meaning people of faith—can The chaos for the disciples began when a col- leave us feeling hopeless. But God is still brooding league, Judas Iscariot, betrayed Jesus with a kiss. over what looks like chaos. What is birthed from It continued later that night as Peter, now the God’s nurturing presence cannot be predicted or leader of the disciples, three times denied that he managed. knew Jesus. In The Shack, William Young has God (“Papa”) I imagine the disciples gathering in shock and explaining to the desperately sad Mack that what gloom the evening of the crucifixion—just 24 afflicts him is not chaos but a fractal—a geometric hours after their Lord asked them to pray with him pattern that is repeated on ever smaller scales to in the Garden of Gesthamane. produce irregular shapes and surfaces that cannot The chaos continued with a wildly improbable be represented by classical geometry. Fractals are tale from Mary on Sunday morning: The stone used especially in computer modeling of irregular that covered Jesus’ tomb was rolled away, and his patterns and structures in nature. body was missing. Among the clearest evidences What would it mean for us to relinquish our of this chaos is the account of the disciples walk- need to control and to predict the future of the ing on the road to Emmaus. In the Luke 24 telling church—and believe what happens is not chaos? of this event, two of the disciples were so blinded What would it mean to yield our prescriptions for by the chaos in their lives that they did not even our adult children and trust that God will work recognize Jesus as he walked and talked with some new thing in their lives far better than what them. we might have imagined? What would it mean to believe that what looks like chaos is exactly the place God is producing “irregular shapes and sur- What seems chaos is a gift when we wait for God to use it faces that cannot be represented by classical in our lives. geometry.” During Holy Week this year, we can immerse ourselves in the uncertainty of those hours be- Several weeks ago, during a conversation with tween noon on Good Friday and Easter Sunday Jim Schrag, Mennonite Church USA’s executive morning. If in our unsettledness we trust God to director, I asked him how our church looked to create a new thing in us, we, too, can rise on Easter him as he neared the end of his tenure and retire- Sunday morning with renewed hope and joy. ment. He did not describe our situation as chaotic “Almighty God,” Phyllis Tickle prays in The but described this period of uncertainty as a time Divine Hours, “you know my necessities before I This article is available as a to wait on God’s Spirit to bring forth a new thing. ask and my ignorance in asking: Have compassion podcast at The conversation reminded me of a favorite on my weakness and mercifully give me those www.The Hebrew word in Genesis 1: The King James things which … for my blindness I cannot ask.” Mennonite.org Version describes God’s Spirit as “brooding” over What seems chaos is a gift when we wait for the “face of the deep” before creation. Just as a God to use it in our lives. Jesus’ resurrection mother hen broods over the eggs in her nest, I emerged from the chaos of the crucifixion.—ejt

32 TheMennonite April 7,2009