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12 Once for All 15 Easter in Baghdad 18 MLK and the Struggle for a Better World 32 Easter Chaos 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.
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