A Gardener Of

www.TheMennonite.org February 7, 2006

a gardener of kindness Page 8 12 Mennonite mystery writer 16 Wide open until you see God, then brake 18 Am I my brother’s keeper? 32 Hearing voices Gloria Lizcano (right) with her friend Ana in Colombia GRACE AND TRUTH

Transformed by God’s power

think I am having a midlife crisis. I’m not the failures of every kind and proportion. little red sports car type. Instead I enrolled in a It is right to say that the practices of Christian I Doctor of Ministry program at Lancaster (Pa.) worship work against or resist the effects of Theological Seminary. It seemed the right thing to human sin. The practice of confession, for exam- do in response to my crisis. ple, calls our sin by name and makes us aware of As my 50th birthday looms ever larger, I’ve the need for God’s mercy and grace. The practice found myself asking questions of personal and pro- of assurance or absolution reminds us that such fessional meaning. Does what I do matter? Does it mercy and grace are not only available but freely count for anything beyond the proverbial vanity? given. The practice of reading Scripture reminds Has my work resulted in anything lasting, in us of our place in the created world and in God’s changed hearts or minds or behaviors? Was it, saving work. The practice of prayer reminds us whatever it may be, worth it? that we are not independent actors but dependent I’ve come to realize that these personal midlife creatures preserved by and accountable to the questions form the backdrop for the subject of my Creator. D.Min. work. I am interested in learning what con- Engaging in these practices reveals the truth Ron W. Adams nection there may be between worship and ethics. about us human beings and about the God we wor- is pastor at East More specifically, I’d like to know how worship ship. That truth, particularly when proclaimed reg- Chestnut Street forms us into better, more Christian, people. Do ularly in worship, cannot help but move us at least Mennonite Church in the practices of worship, things such as praying a little closer to the image of God in Christ. Lancaster, Pa. and Communion and baptism and hearing the The practices of worship are not magical acts Scriptures read and interpreted, make us more that have within themselves the power to remake Christlike? Do they shape not only our spiritual us. They are not good works for which we can lives but also our behavior? expect to be rewarded. When I consider the history of Christianity, I And whatever power they have to transform admit the evidence does not seem to support an does not come from us. What is transformative affirmative answer. The church’s failings, past and about such acts is the presence of God in and present, are too many to count. On the face of it, through them. one would be hard pressed to argue that Christian It is that transformative power of God that I am worship has resulted in a holy, just, peaceful or excited about exploring. Not so I can bottle it up or compassionate people of God. Our sins are myriad package it, having found some perfect formula for and continue to beleaguer us some 2,000 years personal and congregational formation. Our prac- after our Savior’s birth. tices depend too much on the Spirit for any such In a recent conversation about my project, a fel- scheme. That Spirit, we know, moves and gifts and low student said, “You’re going to have to write empowers according to God’s designs, not our about sin.” She was excited about this prospect. I own. was less so. But she is right. It may be that what I really want to know in my Thinking of Christian formation requires think- midlife is not so much how well I have done but ing about human sin, that great countervailing how much God has done. How am I, how are we, force against which our practices work. It is our being transformed daily by God’s power? That’s a own sin that makes our history so riddled with midlife question worth pursuing. TM

The Mennonite is the official publication of Mennonite Church USA. Our TheMennonite Vol. 9, No. 3, February 7, 2006 mission is to help readers glorify God, grow in faith and become agents of healing and hope in the world. The Mennonite (ISSN 1522-7766) is normal- Editor: Everett J. Thomas Offices: ly published on the first and third Tuesdays of each month by the board [email protected] 1700 S. Main St. for The Mennonite, Inc. Periodical postage paid at Scottdale, PA 15683- Associate Editor: Gordon Houser Goshen, IN 46526-4794 1999. Canada Post international publications mail sales agreement no. [email protected] phone: 800-790-2498 40033185, GST no. R122192453. Subscription rates: $41.95 (U.S.) per year. Advertising Coordinator: Kristene Miller fax: 574-535-6050 Group rates available. Scripture references are from the New Revised [email protected] Standard Version unless otherwise noted. The views expressed in this pub- Circulation Manager: Rebecca Helmuth 722 Main St., P.O. Box 347 lication do not necessarily represent the official positions of Mennonite Newton, KS 67114 Church USA, The Mennonite, or the board for The Mennonite, Inc. [email protected] phone: 866-866-2872 Editorial Assistant: Nora Miller fax: 316-283-0454 Postmaster Design: Dee Birkey Send form 3579 to: The Mennonite Cover image of Gloria Lizcano and friend Ana Web site 1700 S. Main St. by Emily S. Will www.TheMennonite.org Goshen, IN 46526

2 TheMennonite February 7,2006 CONTENTS

6 8 A gardener of kindness Remembering Gloria Lizcano—Emily S. Will

12 Mennonite mystery writer Author Judy Clemens writes about bikers and Mennonites. —Cathleen Hockman-Wert

14 Maximize the gift of strength The stewardship of health—Roy E. Bronkema

16 16 Wide open until you see God, then brake A racing analogy can help Christians and congregations reflect on our approach to faith and action.—Sharon K. Williams and David Wolfe

19 Massive survey to study MC USA beliefs Church Member Profile 2006 follows research conducted in 1972 and 1989.

20 ABC-TV airs mental health program Response overwhelms staff at Mennonite Media in Harrisonburg, Va.—Melodie Davis

21 Burkholders minister to Katrina victims

13 22 Leaders are reminded to rest and pray

23 MC Canada looks at membership issues

DEPARTMENTS

2 Grace and truth Transformed by God’s power—Ron W. Adams

4 Readers say

6 News digest

18 Speaking out Am I my brother’s keeper?—Bill Hartwell

25 For the record

30 Real Families Traveling in our legacies—Michael A. King

32 Editorial Hearing voices—Everett J. Thomas

February 7,2006 TheMennonite 3 READERS SAY

Stop publishing letters Mennonite Church USA congregations that Continuing to print letters and articles regarding respond redemptively to sin in the lives of their Hyattsville (Md.) Mennonite Church’s voting members by calling them to repentance and lives rights being removed and their support for gay of faithful discipleship are doing the work of the membership is harmful to the Mennonite church kingdom, and should be considered congregations as a whole. Though I believe every voice should in good standing. The real issue in this case is This publication wel- be heard, a minority stance should not be in issue whether congregations should be free to redefine comes your letters, either about our con- after issue of The Mennonite. It was our denomina- sin in ways that differ from the confession of faith tent or about issues tion’s same method of listening to this minority yet remain in good standing within the denomina- facing the Mennonite Church USA. Please voice for too long during our recent merger that tion. Schmidt says yes, but Allegheny Mennonite keep your letters lost us so many churches and many members Conference and the Constituency Leaders’ Council brief—one or two paragraphs—and (thus our financial woes). When a vote finally was have correctly said no.—Karl Landis, Lancaster, about one subject allowed to happen, our denomination overwhelm- Pa. only. We reserve the right to edit for ingly supported our current stance of not allowing length and clarity. practicing homosexual membership. Continually Where is loving dialogue? Publication is also subject to space limi- revisiting this issue in our magazine gives the per- I have been wondering if and when Mennonite tations. Send to ception to many members and the outside world Church USA will engage in “loving dialogue” on Letters@TheMenno- nite.org or mail to that our denomination is actually considering gay the subject of homosexuality called for in the Readers Say, The membership, yet we are not. Hyattsville discus- Human Sexuality Statement adopted at Saskatoon Mennonite, 1700 S. Main St., Goshen, IN sions should be with their conference.—Wes ’86 and Purdue ’87. I do appreciate the bits of dia- 46526-4794. Please Culver, Goshen, Ind. logue we have in Readers Say, but sometimes include your name and address. We will these comments are not “loving” or helpful in not print letters sent Congregation not free to redefine sin understanding another’s point of view. anonymously, though we may with- Melvin Schmidt is right when he says that By the way, does anyone know what happened hold names at our Mennonite Church USA conferences ought to be to the report of the Listening Committee for discretion.—Editors consistent in how they call congregations to be Homosexual Concerns back in the early 1990s? I guided by our confession of faith (“Hyattsville thought the committee was supposed to be an Mennonite Church Follows Jesus,” Dec. 20, 2005). instrument for “loving dialogue,” listening to peo- However, the logic of his application is flawed. ple on both sides of this issue and then sharing The problem is that congregations that welcome their findings. I don’t recall ever reading about that practicing gays and lesbians as members have report.—Ruby S. Lehman, Harrisonburg, Va. established policies that welcome “believers” who have committed themselves to regularly yield to Editor’s note: The report is available from Menno- their besetting sin rather than repenting of and nite Board of Congregational Ministries files in the seeking to resist that sin. Mennonite Church USA Historical Committee Any congregation establishing a policy that wel- archives in Goshen, Ind. comes “believers” who regularly yield to sins of murder, sexual abuse, adultery, theft, greed or We are no longer thankful worshipers gossip should be disciplined in the same way. But Re the changing “giving” patterns among Mennonite Church USA members and a lowered IN THIS ISSUE commitment to supporting the ministries of the denomination (“Stewardship Surprises,” Jan. 10): he story about the life and death of Gloria Lizcano—a The problem is not in where the money is going. modern-day Dorcas (Acts 9)—embodies the genuine love The problem is where it is coming from and why it T demonstrated by the original St. Valentine (page 8). “One is given in the first place. person committed to living out the gospel of Jesus Christ can We live in the midst of a super-consumer socie- grow flowers in places that need them—not just gardens of ty where “getting your money’s worth” has be- actual blossoms but virtual gardens of kindness,” writes Emily come the motivation behind putting something in Will. Lizcano died on Nov. 26, 2005, when struck in the street the offering plate on Sunday morning, and where by a motorcycle in the Colombian president’s motorcade. A we behave as if Always Low Prices (the WalMart second extraordinary story is the success another woman is slogan) is the highest form of stewardship. finding as she writes mystery novels (page 12). Judy Clemens The truth is that giving to denominational pro- Smucker’s most recent book should be read by all Mennonite grams is falling because we are no longer thankful ministers “because of the way it talks about issues of the worshipers giving in response to God’s love for us. church,” says one minister (who is also her father).—Editor Rather we have become demanding consumers buying good feelings as cheaply as possible. We

4 TheMennonite February 7,2006 READERS SAY

have become careful investors looking for the best action and those that are opposed should then returns for our donations. have the opportunity to present their point of view I fear that unless we begin worshiping God with in light of new information.—Earl Sutter, Goshen, our offerings instead of our own need to be Ind. pleased or prudent, the Mennonite Church USA electricity bill will need to be paid by the last per- The bigotry of low expectations son to leave the office when it finally closes for In “Hope Amid Fear” (Editorial, Dec. 6, 2005), good. To quote an eminent theologian from the Everett J. Thomas lauds Jordan as an icon of digni- past, “We have met the enemy, and he is us.” ty and reason in responding to it’s own “9-11” ONLINE POLL —Lynn Miller, MMA stewardship theologian tragedy. Unfortunately, Thomas’ inspirational piece RESULTS quickly became an essay in rewriting historical Church people should do better facts. To their credit, Jordan is the only country I read murder In “Church People Should Do Better” (Nov. 15, that liberated refugees from U.N.-sponsored mysteries 2005), Al Albrecht pointed out procedural prob- camps by offering them citizenship instead. (67 votes): lems at the Great Lakes Conference’s meeting on However, the number of Palestinian refugees that Sometimes Oct. 13, 2001. In response, Dale Shank (Readers fled the wars against Israel are less than 1 million (30%) Say, Dec. 6, 2005) justified the Great Lakes deci- in total and scattered among countries including Often (15%) sion to allow no amendments to the main motion Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan and Syria. by saying the decision was not his alone. I would “In 1967, Israel took part of [Jordan’s] country Never (55%) have preferred that Shank defend what he and oth- that is on the west side of the Jordan river,” ers did by sharing their arguments for such a pro- Thomas writes. Correction: Israel captured this Check out the new cedure. Tom Kauffman and Allen Rutter (also in territory in a defensive war it was fighting for its poll question at Readers Say, Dec. 6, 2005) justified the decisions very existence. In addition, this territory between www. TheMennonite.org to permit absentee votes because of scheduling Israel and the Jordan River did not legally belong conflicts, prior consultations and the seriousness to Jordan. It had been set aside by virtue of a U.N. with which the absentee delegates took their vote in 1948 for a Palestinian state, a decision assignments. rejected by every Arab state including Jordan, A number of points made by Albrecht deserve which illegally occupied it from 1948 to 1967. And further consideration. The requirement for a super as far as Jordan being a country that “accepts majority has always been troublesome for me. The responsibility as custodian for so many important argument is often made that a proposed action biblical sites,” as Thomas says: Does the desecra- Correction: In requires a super majority in order to ensure sub- tion and destruction of the world’s oldest and Harold Miller’s letter in Jan. 24 stantial support for the course of action. What largest Jewish cemetery in 1948 count as responsi- Readers Say, about the majority whose will is denied? Does this ble custodianship? the dates for permit a small group that resist change to frus- Don’t misunderstand. Jordan is the best of all Saskatoon and trate the will of the majority? Fortunately, Albrecht Arab governments in the Middle East and looks Purdue were suggests other courses of action such as a mem- good next to all of them. But let’s not be guilty of reversed. It should read ber of the majority (not the minority) making a the bigotry of low expectations. Unfortunately, Saskatoon ’86 motion to reconsider the action. Christian pacifists like Thomas constantly mistake and Purdue ’87. Even better, is Albrecht’s suggestion that sup- pacifism for feel-good comfort—even going so far port can be determined before a course of action as to change important historical facts.—Akiva is taken. Those in support of a particular course of Gavriel, Chicago

Pontius’ Puddle Joel Kauffmann

February 7,2006 TheMennonite 5 NEWS DIGEST

IN BRIEF Music and worship CPTers’ captors release video, make demand of us in Christian Peacemaker Teams remain very disturbed by the abduction of our teammates. We leaders weekend CHICAGO—The insurgent group holding four kid- More than 240 peo- pray that those who hold them will host them with napped Christian Peacemaker Teams activists has ple gathered Jan. 6-8 the grace that so many of us in CPT have received given U.S. and Iraqi authorities a “last chance” to at Laurelville Menno- as guests in Iraq. James, Harmeet, Norman and nite Church Center, free all detainees in their custody. Though no Tom are peace workers who have not collaborated Mt. Pleasant, Pa., for deadline was set, the Swords of Righteousness with the occupation of Iraq and who have worked the 19th annual Brigade said it would kill the four activists if their Music and Worship for justice for all Iraqis, especially those detained.” conditions were not met. Leaders Weekend. —CPT Participants repre- The latest demand—the first word of the four sented 84 congrega- CPTers since before Dec. 10, when a previous Hispanic Ministries director connects cultures tions from California deadline set by the captors passed—came in a ELKHART, Ind.—Last month, Mauricio Chenlo to New York and video aired Jan. 28 on the Aljazeera network. Ontario to Florida. began as Hispanic mission training academy pro- The four CPTers—Briton Norman Kember, 74, Well-known song- gram director, a new position created through a American Tom Fox, 54, and Canadians James writer, storyteller partnership between Iglesia Menonita Hispana and preacher John Loney, 41, and Harmeet Singh Sooden, 32—were (Hispanic Mennonite Bell, from the Iona seized at gunpoint in Baghdad on Nov. 26. Church) and Mennonite Community in The latest video, which was dated Jan. 21, Scotland, spoke Mission Network. Chenlo showed the four CPTers standing by a wall, and about the Psalms. joins the Mission Network’s then seated. They appeared to be speaking to the Ken Nafziger, profes- U.S. Ministries team, allowing sor of music at camera, but their voices could not be heard. the North Carolina-based pas- Eastern Mennonite In a statement released Jan. 28, CPT said: “All University, tor and church planter to Harrisonburg, Va., work with conferences, con- introduced Bell as gregations and partnerships someone at the top to help them develop of his “truthteller list, Mauricio Chenlo speaking with clarity Hispanic programs based on and directness.” their individual strengths. —Cheryl Paulovich A native of Argentina, Chenlo says children of first-generation Hispanic immigrants are being Project to support educated in the United States through high school, earthquake- college and seminary, bridging gaps between affected families home cultures and North America. He believes Through the next that promoting leadership programs for young year, Mennonite Central Committee adults who have the language and cultural skills to will support 10 fami- thrive in traditional multiple ethnic cultures will be lies, or about 100 key to the future of the church. people, in a Pakistan- While the Instituto Bíblico Anabautista controlled area of (Anabaptist Biblical Institute) offers biblical and Kashmir devastated by an Oct. 8, 2005, theological training, Chenlo says churches “also earthquake. MCC is need a set of tools to organize a group of people to working through plant a church”—his mandate is to help provide JAKCISS Oriental those tools. He says IBA, IMH and Mennonite Rugs, an artisan Mission Network will work together with the group of Ten Thousand Villages, Hispanic Mennonite community as it evolves. on the multifaceted Chenlo is associate pastor for youth at Raleigh project, which (N.C.) Mennonite Church and an urban ministry includes identifying Gehman Wayne director for Mennonite Mission Network in part- job opportunities Jumping for joy in the family of God nership with Virginia Mennonite Board of such as woodwork- Worship in South African Pentecostal churches can be ing. MCC will also Missions and the Eastern Carolina District. extremely active, says Phil Lindell Detweiler, but after provide aid for food —Mennonite Mission Network hearing stories of God’s work in church members’ lives, and basic necessities he sees there are reasons they jump for joy. The Lindell for these families Detweiler family moved last December to South Africa, Nursing program addresses Kansas shortage and assistance in where they serve as church-based community develop- HESSTON, Kan.—The director of the nursing pro- building temporary ment workers with Mennonite Mission Network. They homes and earth- gram at Hesston College says the program is are members of Pleasant View Mennonite Church in quake-resistant doing all it can to tackle the shortage of nurses in Goshen, Ind. —Mennonite Mission Network houses.—MCC Kansas.

6 TheMennonite February 7,2006 NEWS DIGEST

IN BRIEF mores were admitted, a pattern similar to the pre- More soldiers vious fall. Then in the fall of 2004, 48 freshman and want CO status 46 sophomores matriculated, an increase of 31 per- The number of sol- cent over the fall of 2003. diers applying for Last fall, 48 freshman and 48 sophomores were conscientious objec- accepted for admission, while 10 additional fully tor status has been growing, according to qualified applicants were not accepted and were the Washington Post placed on a waiting list. “I would be surprised if we (Dec. 31, 2005)— don’t have a significant wait list for next fall,” some 110 in 2004, or Sowers says.—Hesston College four times the number in 2000. The GI EMS honors pastors for 50 years of ministry Rights Hotline operat- ed by the Center on HARRISONBURG, Va.—Eastern Mennonite Conscience and War Seminary in Harrisonburg honored veteran pas- said it received more tors Jan. 18 for 50 years of church ministry. than 36,000 calls in H. Michael Shenk, William M. Weaver, Eldon 2005 from soldiers asking about how King and M. Lloyd Weaver Jr. received plaques they can get out of and letters of commendation during a banquet the service, compared Linda Shelly held during the annual School for Leadership with fewer than 1,000 Training. a year before the war Their spouses—Peggy B. Shenk, Viola Weaver, in Iraq began.—The Christian Century Kansas church works with Brazilians on church Dorothy King and Sarah M. Weaver—were also cited for their “significant supportive roles” over Mary Goering helps prepare a renovated grocery store for Six nations top painting before it was dedicated as a church on Jan. 21. She the years. earth-friendly list; was one of 10 people from First Mennonite Church, Newton, Ervin R. Stutzman, dean of Eastern Mennonite U.S. is 28th Kan., who responded to an invitation sent by the Mennonite Seminary, made the presentations at the recogni- A pilot study of envi- Church in Brazil to Mennonite Mission Network for a work tion ceremony. “These pastors represent persever- ronmental perform- team. For nearly two weeks last month, the group worked side ance and success in ministry,” Stutzman said. “But ance shows that just by side with the Brazilian congregation, Comunidade more importantly, they have demonstrated a pas- six nations—led by Evangélica Menonita, which anticipates greater ministry and New Zealand, fol- outreach opportunities from its new location in a commercial sion for evangelism where they are and have been lowed by five from area. The group had maximized and outgrown a house in a mentors to others.”—Eastern Mennonite Seminary Northern Europe— nearby residential area.—Mennonite Mission Network —compiled by Gordon Houser have achieved 85 percent or better success in meeting a set of Director Bonnie Sowers reports that 88 of the critical environmental 104 graduates (85 percent) during the past three goals, including clean years took their first nursing job somewhere in water, low ozone lev- els, sustainable fish- Kansas. The other 16 are working in other states. eries and low green- Solid statistics aren’t available for the 1,088 gradu- house gas emissions. ates from Hesston’s nursing program since the The study, jointly pro- first class of 13 graduated in 1968, but Sowers esti- duced by Yale and mates at least half live and work in Kansas. Columbia universities, ranks the United A report submitted to Governor Kathleen States 28th overall, Sebelius and the 2006 legislature by the Kansas behind most of Board of Regents last month indicated the state Western Europe, will need more than 11,000 new nurses by the year Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia, Costa Rica 2010. Dustin Combs and Chile. Called the At the request of the Hesston College Board of Goshen sings gospel on Martin Luther King Day 2006 Environmental Overseers about two years ago, Sowers and her At Goshen College’s 13th annual all-school Martin Performance Index, faculty and staff began increasing the number of Luther King Jr. Study Day Jan. 16 (left to right) senior the study was intend- students enrolled in the college’s nursing program Will Velez, junior Samuel Nicholson, junior Victor ed to focus more to address the shortage and to assist more stu- Oyeyemi, first-year Danielle Nelson and first-year attention on how various governments dents in meeting their career goals. The aim was Samantha Gordon, members of Goshen’s Voices-n- Harmony Gospel choir, sing songs of praise. Voices-n- have played the envi- to admit the maximum number of students Harmony includes students, faculty, staff and communi- ronmental hands they allowed by the Kansas State Board of Nursing—48 ty members from a diverse mix of cultural backgrounds have been dealt. per class. and ages.—Goshen College —New York Times In the fall of 2003, 40 freshman and 30 sopho- February 7,2006 TheMennonite 7 A gardener ; p y;g

8 TheMennonite February 7,2006 Remembering Gloria Lizcano of kindness by Emily S. Will

n Acts 9, we read of the grief-stricken Christians in Last fall a current- Joppa upon the death—sudden and unexpected—of day Dorcas, the beloved disciple Dorcas, a woman bursting with Gloria Lizcano of good works and charitable deeds. So great were their feelings of loss that they asked the apostle Bogotá, Colombia, IPeter, visiting the nearby town of Lydda, to come help them was killed, through their mourning. leaving a mourning Last fall a current-day Dorcas, Gloria Lizcano of Bogotá, community similar Colombia, was killed, leaving a mourning community similar to that of Joppa. to that of Joppa. Those who knew and loved her reside not just in Bogotá but in many other parts of the world as well. Upon learning of her death, they turned to email and the Internet to console one another and share information in an effort to ameliorate their pain. I know because that’s what I did as part of the extended Christian community shocked to learn of the abrupt death of this virtuous woman. The facts of her accidental death were easier to understand than what they implied about the state of Colombian society. The facts are that on the evening of Nov. 26, 2005, on a city street near the small apartment she shared with her two grown children, Gloria was run over by a motorcycle, part of Emily Will; Bogota iStockphoto the Colombian president’s motorcade. She died shortly there- after. She was 55. Gloria was walking home after having picked up the church bulletins at the home of Peter Stucky, pastor of Teusaquillo Mennonite Church. (The Stuckys, Lizcanos and several other church families live within walking distance of one another in the Continued on page 10 Teusaquillo neighborhood of central Bogotá, near the national university.) Gloria February 7,2006 TheMennonite 9 A legacy like Dorcas: Gloria Lizcano (right) with Ana

Continued picked up the bulletins every Saturday evening. At from page 9 home, she folded them so they’d be ready for the following morning’s two services. Oasis of kindness: Gloria wanted Sunday church services to feel hospitable—both to regular participants and newcomers. Bogotá, the capital, can be a harsh city, and it has become the destination (often of last choice) for people around the country who are pushed from their homes by armed groups vying for Colombia’s considerable wealth.

Teusaquillo Mennonite Church sponsors pro- y grams to help some of the displaced, and some attend Sunday worship services. Who needs a warm reception more than these homeless, often country’s wealthy and powerful. Gloria’s death was persecuted souls? Gloria wanted to make sure that not intentional, in the sense that an armed group all who came through the doors felt welcomed. had targeted her. Yet she was just one more of She could help create an oasis of kindness and countless unnecessary victims—“collateral” casu- friendliness in an impersonal city. Among other alties—in the death engine that drives Colombia. things, this meant she was the first to arrive at The motorcade that transports President Álvaro church on Sunday mornings and the last to leave Uribe drives at recklessly high speeds through in the early afternoon. city streets. The speeding is purposeful, an effort to shield the president from anyone who may want to harm him. His comings and goings are kept Gloria wanted to make sure that all unannounced, and his convoy moves quickly. Pedestrians are not necessarily a factor in this who came through the doors felt security calculus, in this everyone-for-himself mentality. welcomed. She could help create Gloria did not accept a me-first attitude. It didn’t gel with whom she was. What’s more, it was part an oasis of kindness and friendliness of a mindset she had cast off when she became a Christian. In his sermon at Gloria’s funeral, Pastor in an impersonal city. Stucky explained how this came to be and why Gloria became tireless in doing good. When Gloria was a new Christian in the 1980s, a friend in her Last July, I was on the receiving end of Gloria’s church (Berna Mennonite, in south central conviviality. I was in Colombia with two other Bogotá) was diagnosed with cancer. Gloria wanted members of a sister-church delegation from to do something special for her but didn’t get Shalom Mennonite Fellowship in Tucson, Ariz. I around to it, and the friend died. first met Gloria when she stopped by to pick me “This left a profound lesson in her, which she up, to accompany me to her apartment the second summarized in the phrase, ‘Whatever we can do in and last week of our visit. As soon as I met her I life, we must do,’” Stucky says. knew I was in good hands. I was not mistaken. We Contagious smile: Gloria became a cheerful got along from the get-go. Gloria was not just kind; adherent of her chosen motto. I doubt anyone in she was also fun and funny, with an impish sense the Teusaquillo congregation has a photo of Gloria of humor. sitting down. There are photos of her standing by Since learning of Gloria’s passing, I’ve shared the church door, where she posted herself to greet the congregation’s grief. I’ve also felt anger at the arrivals, to care for anyone needing help or to be

10 TheMennonite February 7,2006 able to intervene in any situation that might dis- ushers’ table dur- rupt church services. There are photos of Gloria ing the service at church with a tea towel over her forearm, of her because I felt so helping her elderly friend Ana prepare after-ser- comfortable next vice coffee. There are photos of Gloria embracing to those smiling Ana in a big hug. In all the photos, Gloria wears women, among her contagious smile. But there are no photos of them Gloria, who Gloria sitting and taking it easy. always greeted me Only death could bring Gloria to rest. President with a sincere Uribe and his wife, Lina Maria, did attend Gloria’s smile and hug. She Emily Will funeral. The president’s military guard even con- would prepare a ceded to the congregation’s request that no cup of healthy herbal tea for me, and she carried a

bag of round Angel Marth Gloria had a special heart for coconut cookies that she took out older people and frequently to share. Of all the things I most miss being here, it is that welcome visited the home for the eld- from the church from those adorable women.” More than coconut cookies, Gloria was known erly run by the Mennonite for her flowers, especially her roses. She coaxed a churches of Bogotá. flower garden into existence in a postage-stamp plot next to her apartment building. She would cut some blooms and take them to those who were sick, shut in or in need of a listening ear. She also weapons be brought into the church. (Ironically, helped her friend Ana plant and tend a petite gar- Gloria’s son John, who works on behalf of consci- den at the nursing home where Ana lived. Gloria entious objectors in this militarized country, sat had a special heart for older people and frequently next to Uribe at his mother’s funeral.) visited the home for the elderly run by the As one of Gloria’s close friends, Martha Mennonite churches of Bogotá. Santanilla, put it, “I’m sure President Uribe never Gloria leaves a legacy similar to that of the bibli- would have guessed that Gloria was a woman who cal Dorcas. Her testimony, like Dorcas’, is that one was so appreciated by so many, surrounded by a person committed to living out the gospel of Jesus community that loved her dearly, a community Christ can grow flowers in places that need that speaks for peace, forgiveness and for another them—not just gardens of actual blossoms but vir- reality distinct from the violence around us.” tual gardens of kindness. May the Holy Spirit Gloria, a woman simple by the world’s stan- grant strength to those who mourn her loss, espe- dards—no big degrees, few material goods, rent- cially to her two adult children, John and Andrea, ing a small, rundown apartment in an old area of as they carry on without her. Bogotá—was beloved. Phone calls and emails of grief and shocked disbelief poured in from friends Emily Will is a member of Shalom Mennonite throughout Colombia and from other counties, Fellowship in Tucson, Ariz. including some from displaced people now living as political asylees in Canada. ‘Adorable women’: A church member working as a volunteer in Brazil wrote: “I always sat at the

February 7,2006 TheMennonite 11 Author Judy Clemens writes about bikers and Mennonites. mysteryMennonite by Cathleen Hockman-Wert writer

tudy the cover of Three Can Keep a Secret to find the first clues that this isn’t a typical mystery novel. A grainy black and white photo pictures a plainly dressed woman with covering strings dangling from her hair. Holmes-caliber S sleuths will identify the drawing underneath as a bit of folk art fraktur. Open the book, and before the story begins notice a pair of scene-setting quota- tions: the first a 1755 Mennonite statement against taking up “Arms to defend our King, our Country or our Selves,” the second the motto of the Hell’s Angels: “Three can keep a secret, if two are dead.” If this isn’t enough of a study in contrasts, read on and meet Stella Crown: a prickly Bucks County, Pa., dairy farmer with a special place in her heart for motorcycles—and for her Franconia Mennonite Conference friends. She’s the hero of a new series of mysteries by Judy Clemens, a member of Grace Mennonite Church in Pandora, Ohio. Breaking further with tradition: neither Three Can Keep a Secret nor the series’ award- While not painting winning first book, Till the Cows Come Home, opens with a corpse in the first chapter. Is this a kinder, gentler, Mennonite way to write mysteries? “Not really,” Clemens an overly says. “I love mysteries, but I can get bored real quickly with that formula where the main character is always stumbling across dead bodies. It’s just not real. I wanted to rosy picture of try something different.” Part of that difference is to create characters and scenarios that break down stereo- Mennonite culture, types—such as the image of big, bad motorcyclists. In their prechildren life, Clemens Three Can Keep a and her husband, Steve Smucker, were avid bikers. And as she puts it, “None of the people we rode with finance a string of brothels, produce methamphetamines or pub- Secret highlights lish hard-core porn. They are simply nice folks who love the feel of the wind in their hair and the rumble of their bikes in their ears.” She wanted to portray the good guys what Clemens beneath the leather. Clemens wasn’t necessarily planning to focus on another group of folks often stereo- considers typed by their clothes. “But after my first book, when my editor found out that I’m Mennonite, she said, ‘Oh, you have to write about Mennonites. People love to hear Mennonite about Mennonites.’ ” Thus developed Three Can Keep a Secret, in which an outlaw biker gang and an strengths. MYF youth group play key roles, and Harley-Davidson chrome contrasts with a Mennonite pastor driving, naturally, “an ancient Corolla.” Scrapple, Martyrs’ Mirror, Mennonite Disaster Service, hymn #606/#118, MMA, Lancaster Conference, “welcoming” congregations, funny cake, national assemblies, “healing and hope” and Herr’s potato chips all make appearances. Yet the book presents more than the trappings of Mennonite life. “I wanted to talk about some of the things Mennonites don’t talk about,” Clemens says. A prime example is conflict. As one character puts it: “Mennonites … are not

12 TheMennonite February 7,2006 I wanted to talk about some of the things Mennonites don’t talk about. —Judy Clemens

good at confrontation. It’s much more common to keep everything inside or to talk to everyone but the person you have an issue with.” The book acknowledges disagreements among Mennonites today, such as over women in church leadership. Such struggles or flaws are simply part of being real, Clemens says. Sometimes it’s easier to raise this kind of issue in a fictional story than, say, a letter to The Mennonite or at an assembly. “If I get up to talk about things like this, I just cry,” Clemens says. But, she continues, if the Stella Crown books get difficult topics out in the open and prompt discus- photo Courtesy sion about actual relationships and congregations, all the better. While not painting an overly rosy picture of Mennonite culture, Three Can Keep a Secret highlights what Clemens considers Mennonite focus on the tattoo industry. It is scheduled for strengths: how Mennonites come together in release in August. times of crisis, creative, peaceful ways of working In June 2004, Clemens’ one-act play “Attics” was through problems (“I’m going to do this the performed at Bethany Christian Schools’ 50th- Mennonite way,” one woman states grimly. “I’m anniversary celebration, and it too is now being going to kill them with kindness.”) and the por- published. To learn more about it and the Stella trayal of a loving pastor. Crown books, visit www.judyclemens.com. “I grew up as the daughter of a minister,” For someone rooted in a church that once Clemens says, “and my dad—well, he’s my dad, of banned the reading of such novels, it is a twist to course he’s going to be supportive—says he wish- become a mystery writer, Clemens admits. “But I es all ministers would read Three Can Keep a hope the message the books get across is about Secret because of the way it talks about issues of Christian morals—about love, taking care of each the church, and how the different congregations other, being honest, having integrity,” she says. in the book relate to each other.” “The second book doesn’t have the intensity a lot While the series doesn’t contain much violence of mysteries have, but most people say they like it (few references to blood and guts are more graphic better than the first. It’s a book about family.” than the first book’s opening scene: a cow C-sec- tion), it does have a sprinkle of profanity. Readers Cathleen Hockman-Wert is a member of Corvallis from eastern Pennsylvania will spot familiar land- (Ore.) Mennonite Fellowship. marks. Telford, where Clemens used to live, is never named, but Perkasie and Bethlehem Pike are. Boosted by enthusiastic fans, Till the Cows Stella Crown’s take on Mennonite dress Come Home was nominated for two “best first A few elderly women still bore the coverings Mennonites had worn for so novel” mystery awards, the Agatha and the long, a white mesh bonnet pinned lightly to the backs of their heads. Not Anthony. After finding a publisher for the first two practical for anything, the coverings are merely a symbol of submission to Stella Crown books herself, Clemens has now, God. Ma had chosen long ago to stop wearing hers, but it was mostly because she was ready for a more stylish hair-do. She thought her hair with the help of an agent, signed a contract to would work better in a short cut, and once she got it done she decided the write three more in the series. The next, To Thine covering looked … well, a bit silly. Own Self Be True, takes its name from the I thought the whole idea of coverings is ridiculous, but then, no one cares Shakespearean quote tattooed on Stella’s arm and what I think.—From Three Can Keep a Secret by Judy Clemens (Poisoned Pen continues Clemens’ stereotype-busting work with a Press, 2005)

February 7,2006 TheMennonite 13 The stewardship of health Maximize the by Roy E. Bronkema

ix months after my wedding, my new wife and several of her close relatives were in a tragic car accident. Her father was killed instantly, and Nancy, next to him in the front seat, was hospitalized with major head trauma, S severe facial injuries, broken ribs and punctured lungs. She was rushed to the hospital in South Bend, Ind., where we spent a frantic and horrific six weeks. My wife’s most profound loss was her memory. Nancy did not know me for about three weeks. Her memory was wiped out for a significant period of time, and she had to learn who I was all over again. As a result, we spent an intense, often emotional rebuilding period. For a long time, the physical and emotional injuries overshadowed everything and colored our world gray. One significant thing God taught me as a result of her injuries (and her lengthy but complete recovery) was not to take health for granted. Many of us tend to believe the strength and resilience of our youth is a right we will possess forever. But the truth is we are vulnerable to illnesses, accidents, and physical and mental frailty, all the more as we age, bringing us face to face with our stewardship We must guard our health as a of a precious gift given to us from God: health. The Bible states in poetic terms God’s per- precious jewel, because without spective of our physical bodies: “We have it, our capacity for effective this treasure in jars of clay, to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and does ministry and giving is lessened. not come from us” (2 Corinthians 4:7). The Scripture paints our health as frail and fleet- ing, and our bodies as temporary. We are not superheroes; leaping tall buildings and racing speeding bullets is not our right at any age. The Bible says “the days of our life are 70 years, or perhaps 80, if we are strong” (Psalm 90:10). In 1846, former president John Quincy Adams suffered a stroke. Although he returned to Congress

Courtesy MMA the following year, his health was clearly failing. Daniel Webster described his last meeting with Adams: “Someone, a friend of his, came in and made particular inquiry of his health. Adams answered, ‘I inhabit a weak, frail, decayed tenement; battered by the winds and broken in upon by the

14 TheMennonite February 7,2006 gift of strength MMACourtesy

storms, and from all I can learn, the landlord does remained strangely silent on issues of health. We not intend to repair.’ ” seem embarrassed by the mention of bodies or Our bodies are meant to be replaced when we sickness, as if that instruction were somehow not finally see Jesus. Until then we will live with weak- as spiritual as preaching on the inner life. But ness and illness. If we don’t watch with care over MMA, the stewardship agency of Mennonite the gift of our health, we may not be able to maxi- Church USA, is helping churches bring a biblical mize other gifts we have. The scope and frequency perspective to bear on health issues. For example, Correction: In the of our ability to be good stewards of our other gifts MMA’s Stewardship University offers health class- Jan. 10 issue, is affected as health declines. Though many people es and seminars on a variety of topics, such as page 15, line 7, the word “hus- with physical problems maintain productive lives, it healthy foods, diet comparison, exercise as spiritu- tlers” should be takes more effort. We must guard our health as a al discipline, stress management and aging issues. “hostlers.” precious jewel, because without it, our capacity for The hope is to foster better and longer periods of effective ministry and giving is lessened. maximized health for church members, which in As believers we must understand that proper turn promotes better stewardship of all other gifts stewardship of our health and well-being means and resources. that we treat our bodies with respect and with The church can also encourage improved stew- their design in mind. The worship of the church ardship by not neglecting practical health issues, can help deepen our knowledge of physical and such as scheduling blood pressure screenings, mental care. Congregations can play a more active promoting immunizations and discussing mental role in helping us stay healthy, helping us use our health and other related issues regularly. resources wisely and responsibly in the pursuit of good health and help us see how ill-health impacts others. This can be taught to all ages and As a community of faith, we must help addressed with the particular needs of each age each other rejoice in the gift of life, group in mind. The care of our bodies is not motivated by a fear while also providing accountability, of dying but by good stewardship of limited life. forgiveness and healing when our Because we teach and preach a biblical worldview, the church can face the issue of mortality from a lives sometimes seem broken. more balanced perspective. Rather than avoiding death, the church can advocate embracing life, A study conducted by sociologists at Purdue both here and in God’s new creation someday. University (Spokesman Review, October 1992) veri- Instead of fearing what is lost as we grow older, fied that 4 percent of those who regularly went to believers should seek to appreciate the unique gifts church reported poor health, compared with 9 per- that each season of life brings. Instead of trying to cent of those who did not attend a house of wor- remain young, we can communicate that aging ship. Why the difference? It has been shown that should be accepted in wisdom and community. freedom from guilt, worry and fear has an enor- Continued For a long time, the church at large has mous positive consequence on health. As a com- on page 17

February 7,2006 TheMennonite 15 A racing analogy can help Christians and congregations reflect on our approach to faith and action.

by Sharon K. Williams and David Wolfe iStockphoto

ide open … till you see God. Dave of braking. It’s in the curves. The racecar driver saw it a few years ago on a T-shirt must not hesitate but accelerate. Going fast is easy at a gathering of sports car enthu- on the straightaway. The secret to a fast lap is siasts. One day, while mowing the being smooth through the turns. The driver W lawn, he wondered what this T- brakes at the last moment, slowing the car, down- shirt theology means for us who follow Jesus. shifting and steering into the turn. Just after reach- Then he tested it as a devotional for a men’s ing the turn’s apex, the driver is full on the gas prayer breakfast at his church. and wide open until the next turn. “There must be a zillion scriptures that would You don’t have to drive a racecar to enjoy this support that image,” Sharon said. thrill on a smaller scale. Here on the East Coast, “Absolutely,” Dave said, “like, ‘You shall love your many of us encounter winding back roads in our God with all your heart, soul and mind and your everyday travels. When your car works well and neighbor as yourself.’ And I guess the braking part you know the road, you can exceed the speed limit happens when we get to heaven. Then we can brake.” and know just the amount of braking needed to What does it mean to live wide open until we see gracefully take the curves. Long straight roads God? We may come close to it in a few moments of are, well, boring. passionate commitment. Or desperation. Can we, Other sports, such as horseback riding, also uti- with our human limitations and inhibitions, even lize this wide open and braking phenomenon. hope to live this in any sustainable way? Whether doing competitive or pleasure riding, the rider and horse can experience a oneness in move- The challenge. It involves being willing ment that is freeing and exhilarating. That’s why it’s so much fun to do it or even just watch it. to take risks, to focus on the goal and Wide open until you see God doesn’t mean living in a reckless, brakeless state. Rather, it calls us drive away from all distractions and to use our brakes appropriately to achieve swift, forward movement toward and with God. It gives easy ways out. new meaning to “there is no shadow of turning with Thee” (“Great is Thy Faithfulness”). It’s living That is the challenge. It involves being willing as the apostle Paul describes: “By entering to take risks, to focus on the goal and drive away through faith into what God has always wanted to from all distractions and easy ways out. do for us—set us right with him, make us fit for The race car driver’s sole passion is to complete him—we have it all together with God because of the course as quickly as possible—wide open, foot our Master Jesus. And that’s not all: We throw to the floor, pedal to the metal. Lap times are open our doors to God and discover at the same measured in thousandths of a second. How will moment that he has already thrown open his door our Christian lives be measured? Would that we to us. We find ourselves standing where we always could live so passionately for the purposes of God. hoped we might stand—out in the wide open Then brake. Later, we contemplated the purpose space of God’s grace and glory, standing tall and

16 TheMennonite February 7,2006 We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next.

shouting our praise” (Romans 5:1-5, The Message). wide-open people, do they often experience the There’s more to come: We continue to shout down drag of the rest who have a collective, heavy our praise even when we’re hemmed in with trou- hand on the emergency brake? What are we miss- bles because we know how troubles can develop ing if we are not a “wide open until we see God” passionate patience in us and how that patience in kind of congregation? It could make all the differ- turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping ence between being a missional church or a main- us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert tenance church. iStockphoto expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling Wide open faith, wide open prayer, wide open shortchanged. On the contrary, we can’t round up service … until we see God. The analogies abound, enough containers to hold everything God gener- and we hope they will engage your imagination, ously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit. too. Brothers and sisters, start your engines. So what kind of driver are you as it pertains to your Christian life? Are you pursuing a “wide open Sharon K. Williams is a senior consultant with until you see God” philosophy for your life? Or are Design For Ministry and a worship leader at Nueva you tapping the brakes regularly, perhaps even on Vida Norristown New Life Mennonite Church in the straightaway? Norristown, Pa. David Wolfe is a member of the This discipline also applies to the church. If Madison Avenue Church of the Brethren in York, your congregation is blessed to have even a few Pa. ©2005 Design For Ministry™

Maximize the gift continued from page 15 munity of faith, we must help each other rejoice in Dennis’ willingness to adapt wisely to his the gift of life, while also providing accountability, changing health situation is an example to all of us forgiveness and healing when our lives sometimes of good stewardship. Since life is limited and seem broken. health is finite, we must be the best guardians of Caring for our health is a part of being a trusted our well-being we can be, knowing that if we are steward of God’s grace. One man’s willingness to faithful, we can better serve and glorify God. adapt wisely to his changing health situation is an example of this kind of wise stewardship of health. Roy E. Bronkema is a free-lance writer specializing Dennis LeFevre, an MMA counselor in Hesston, in work for churches and Christian organizations. Kan., made a conscious effort to have regular Roy and Nancy, his wife, reside in Niles, Mich. Next checkups and preventive tests as he approached month’s article will explore the holistic stewardship age 40. When he was diagnosed with high choles- of time. terol, Dennis worked with his doctor to find a way to improve his health. Together they decided that Dennis should try changing his diet and adding a Associated resources running regimen in his busy life. • Health-related educational materials are available at the MMA In the first six months, Dennis saw his choles- Bookstore (http://bookstore.mma-online.org). terol drop, precluding the need for medication. • Look for a local MMA Stewardship University event in your area at And as an additional benefit of his hard work, he MMA-online, under Education and resources. lost about 20 pounds. • “Making your wishes known,”a resource on putting your medical care wishes in writing, available at MMA-online under Insurance services. “It is a lifestyle change,” Dennis acknowledges. • “The continuum of health insurance in the United States,”a resource on “I know I will always need to be active. If I’m not, increasing the understanding of various types of health insurance, available the cholesterol could be a problem and there may at MMA-online, under Insurance services. be a point in time when I can’t counteract that • “The gift of health,”an insert in the Summer 2005 issue of MMA’s anymore and have to take medication. It’s been a Sharing magazine, focusing on the gift of health and what it means to be a good steward of our health.—Roy E. Bronkema positive change.”

February 7,2006 TheMennonite 17 SPEAKING OUT

Am I my brother’s keeper?

Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our In prisons, during Bible study, I introduce the debtors.—Matthew 6:12 Word of God. By encountering God’s absolute truth, hearts and minds are awakened. They see eflecting on the past 11 years of being a chap- precisely what they have been doing wrong, how lain in prison ministry, I have discovered just they have been thinking wrong. God gains a R how powerful God’s Word is. One would foothold in their hearts and begins to transform think that people would have made peace with them. “I was naked and you gave my clothing, I God by considering the sacrifice of his Son on the was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison cross for our sins. and you visited me” (Matthew 25:36). There should be no enmity within people My heart becomes flooded with such joy when I toward God. By the wonderful fact of God’s love look at all the names of inmates who accepted for us, new ways of thinking Jesus as their Lord and Savior. should be happening. A new per- So numerous are the names that spective could open our lives to I can’t remember the faces, but great spiritual moments. We God can. Bill Hartwell is We should now begin an ordained should now begin to see others I receive letters from as far prison chaplain through the eyes of Jesus. to see others through away as the Medical Center for in Omaha, Neb. Others simply need to see Federal Prisoners in Springfield, Christians trying to practice the eyes of Jesus. Mo., the Federal Maximum God’s principles, trying to mold Others simply need to Security Prison in Waseca, our lives according to the truth Minn., the U.S. Federal in God’s words. see Christians trying Penitentiary in Leavenworth, Wouldn’t it be great if good to practice God’s Kan., the Federal Transfer deeds could overwhelm all the Center in Oklahoma City and as bad ones? But the reverse seems principles, trying to near as Tecumseh (Neb.) State to be happening today. We’re mold our lives Correctional Prison and Lincoln drowning in a sea of lawlessness (Neb.) State Prison. On average and rebellion. Crimes grow according to the truth I receive four to five letters per more and more vicious. in God’s words. week. I answer them all by post- Lawlessness can violate and cards mailed to me by relatives destroy the most trusted rela- from out of state. These post- tionships. cards allow the inmates to see Our society just tries to manage or confine the outside while inside. “perpetrators.” But wait a minute, what about all Paul said, “Let no despise your youth, but set those men and women behind prison walls? Is the believers an example in speech and conduct, in there any hope for them? Once again the question love, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). comes: Am I my brother’s keeper? Thanks be to I am often asked, “How do you handle what God because there is good news. God’s Word can must be a really difficult job?” I answer that God make a difference even among men and women keeps me supplied with a daily diet of his love and who have grown up without a clear sense of right strength to feed my faith. I have learned to place and wrong. the sins of the inmates on the shoulders of God, who has all the answers to any problems. I don’t IN THE NEXT ISSUE judge those to whom I minister; I am compelled to love as Jesus did. Yes, Jesus hates our sins but • Thank you for zebra mussels, Asian ladybugs loves the sinner. and sharing?—Arthur Paul Boers Am I my brother’s keeper? My answer is no. I am my brother’s brother. TM • Chattering monkeys, trembling hands and loving embraces—Anita Cleeton Greening The views expressed in this publication do not necessar- • The first Christmas song—Jan Johnson ily represent the official positions of The Mennonite, the board for The Mennonite, Inc., or Mennonite Church USA.

18 TheMennonite February 7,2006 Massive survey to study MC USA beliefs Church Member Profile 2006 follows research conducted in 1972 and 1989. ennonite Church USA has begun a two-year vey members of Mennonite Church USA’s racial- study of members from 120 congregations; ethnic congregations. They represent 18 percent M it is called Church Member Profile 2006. of the denomination’s congregations, and mem- The study, which will also evaluate two other bers have been underrepresented in previous sur- Anabaptist denominations—Church of the veys. Brethren and Brethren in Christ—will serve as a “Some of the largest and most rapidly growing follow-up to surveys done in 1972 and 1989. congregations in Mennonite Church USA are the The primary goal is to collect data on church racial-ethnic congregations,” Kanagy says. “Yet members’ beliefs and opinions and whether or knowledge about our brothers and sisters in these how they have changed since 1972 and 1989. congregations is often fairly limited.” A lot has Those leading the study also hope to gain insight Kanagy is hopeful the study’s results will enable happened into Mennonite Church USA’s increasing number the denomination to understand and hear the sto- of racial-ethnic members and congregations. ries of God’s work among those congregations as since that Conrad L. Kanagy, associate professor of sociol- well as “bring about forums for developing new last survey ogy at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College and an conversations and strengthening relationships ordained minister in Lancaster (Pa.) Mennonite across racial-ethnic boundaries that remain in the in 1989; Conference, will direct the study of Mennonite church.” this study Church USA congregations. The Young Center of “My prayer is that the responses of members to Elizabethtown College will conduct the survey, this survey will help provide clarity and direction will give us and Donald B. Kraybill will serve as senior project for pastors, congregations, area conferences and a sense of director. Carl Bowman will direct the study for the agencies who are discerning God’s plans and pur- Church of the Brethren. poses in this new century. I trust that God’s Spirit where people “We can use this to capture 35 years of change,” will use this project to provide new insights, sharp- are as well as Kanagy says. “A lot has happened since that last en our sense of identity and motivate each of us to survey in 1989; this study will give us a sense of do our part as we move toward the fulfillment of where we are where people are as well as where we are going as God’s reign,” Kanagy says. going as a a church. This is a significant opportunity to get a Nearly 35 years ago, Howard Kauffman and picture of the church.” Leland Harder opened a new window of under- church. By evaluating how members’ opinions have standing into Mennonite faith and practice —Conrad changed since 1972, Kanagy said churchwide lead- through their survey of members in five ers—ranging from the executive director to con- Anabaptist denominations. Conducted in 1972, Kanagy ference ministers and congregational pastors—will their study was entitled Church Member Profile I. be able to examine what the denomination’s future Along with Leo Driedger, they repeated the study will or should look like. The study’s findings will in 1989. Major findings of both projects were pub- be presented at San Jose 2007, and at least one lished by Herald Press as Anabaptists Four book may be written on the data collected. Centuries Later: A Profile of Five Mennonite and The questionnaire for Church Member Profile Brethren in Christ Denominations (1975) and The 2006 was created after consultation with more than Mennonite Mosaic: Identity and Modernization 100 people across the denomination including (1991).—Mennonite Church USA scholars, conference ministers, agency leaders and pastors. It includes questions about each respon- dent’s faith story, devotional practices, religious What’s changed since 1972? beliefs, family life and background, congregational Changes among North American Mennonites since 1972, the date of the first involvement, evangelism, political views and more. Church Member Profile, include the integration of the General Conference Questions from previous surveys also will be Mennonite Church and the Mennonite Church to create Mennonite Church USA and Mennonite Church Canada. About 25 percent of current Mennonite included. Church USA congregations joined or have been founded since 1972, and More than 3,000 members from 120 congrega- other congregations have left Mennonite Church USA since its formation. tions will receive the questionnaire in mid- Generational change is another significant factor. Some respondents who February. The sample was randomly selected from were part of the earlier surveys are deceased and have been replaced by congregational membership lists, and between 15 their children and grandchildren. For example, Baby boomers who answered the first Church Member Profile Survey in 1972 are now approaching or and 30 people were chosen from each congrega- entering retirement. The fastest growing part of Mennonite Church USA is tion, depending on its size. The study includes racial-ethnic congregations. It’s a population that for the most part has congregations of various sizes and from each of joined the denomination since 1972. Racial/ethnic congregations now repre- Mennonite Church USA’s 21 area conferences. sent about 18 percent of all Mennonite Church USA congregations. Mennonite Church USA The project includes an intentional effort to sur- —

February 7,2006 TheMennonite 19 ABC-TV airs mental health program Response overwhelms staff at Mennonite Media in Harrisonburg, Va.

At the program’s Web site, a man named Gary responded to another woman who had written about her depression and just “waiting to die.” The

Wayne Gehman Wayne woman responded to Gary, thanking him for his encouragement, which he in turn shared with Mennonite Media. A woman in New York state found out about the program online, emailed a note and then phoned. She desperately wanted to find a Mennonite church in her area, about an hour north of Manhattan. Staff members sent her information about the closest churches in Pennsylvania. “I want to thank you for reaching out to families in this way,” she said repeatedly. A man named Ross emailed saying: “I can’t really remember the last time I said thank you to someone. I’m bipolar and tried suicide five years ago. I saw your TV special [and] for the first time, Lois Hertzler ohn Clark, 49, has been homeless, without a I smiled and cried. Finally someone knows what I responds to vehicle at times, without adequate funds and feel like, and I know it’s not just me. It is such a callers at Menno- J often hospitalized with bipolar disorder and taboo subject, and my friends, very few now, dare nite Media after chemical sensitivities following an on-the-job injury releases of the not even bring it up.” Shadow Voices: in 1989. On New Year’s Day, he watched Burton Buller, director of Mennonite Media, Finding Hope in Mennonite Mission Network’s Shadow Voices: says the response was gratifying, especially “after Mental Illness Finding Hope in Mental Illness documentary on a year of intensive work, to have over 70 percent of documentary on ABC-TV. ABC local stations air the program for free and ABC-TV. Clark could relate. He ordered a copy of the viewers responding like John Clark.” program and then wrote a follow-up letter. Clark compares his injury to the same type that “Like all the mental-health problems men- an unsupervised child might incur by inhaling tox- tioned,” Clark said, “and the people shown on your icants from paint cans or aerosols, causing brain program, my disability problems are debilitating injury or death. Living in an Illinois-run apartment and frustrating as well.” for senior citizens and the disabled, and living on a He wants to learn more from the video so he monthly disability payment, Clark said he is adjust- can advocate for people with mental-health impacts ing to living slowly in a world set to warp 10. and disabilities. “It has been a slow and painful journey of dis- To date, more than 800 viewers (and some covery, discouragement and depression, but also respondents who have only heard of the program filled with hope, abilities, vision, potential, continu- by word of mouth or on the Internet) have been ing hard work—blood, sweat and tears,” Clark moved enough by the Mennonite Media-produced said. program to order a DVD or VHS copy for them- “I live an austere, close-to-poverty lifestyle, as selves. Almost 150 have posted their own story on many mental health and disability-impacted people the program’s Web site, www.ShadowVoices.com. do. I have gone hungry many times, at one point Hundreds more (not tabulated) called growing and eating snails [when he lived in a Correction: Mennonite Media’s toll-free number just to talk or warmer climate] for protein.” Mennonite get information. Staff members answered phone Now he grows a garden to help provide food for Publishing calls live at the close of most of the releases— the Rockford (Ill.) Rescue Mission and works at a Network raised including New Year’s Day and many Sundays—so about $85,000 by variety of hobbies, including some level of profi- the end of that people might connect with a real person when ciency on seven musical instruments. November 2005 they call. Callers wanting to connect with professional for new Sunday After viewing Shadow Voices (aired at various help or support groups were referred to National school curriculum times at the discretion of local stations), many Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at 888-999-6264, development. callers wanted to talk at length and tell their sto- The amount a national advocacy group that consulted with reported in a Dec. ries. Some broke down, such as one woman who Mennonite Media throughout the production of 20, 2005, article said, “This is the first time I’ve ever talked to the documentary.—Melodie Davis of Mennonite was incorrect. someone about my illness.” Mission Network

20 TheMennonite February 7,2006 Burkholders minister to Katrina victims Eastern Mennonite Missions workers connect with Asian communities.

s soon as he learned of the ravages of Leonard Burkholder Hurricane Katrina, Leonard Burkholder A wanted to go south. Through his Eastern Mennonite Missions work with the Asian community in northern U.S. cities, he had numerous connections to the hard-hit Vietnamese, Laotian and Cambodian communities clustered in the low-lying areas of the Gulf Coast. Burkholder serves as EMM field staff for language group churches, based in EMM’s offices in Salunga, Pa. Burkholder proposed a sabbatical that would take him south with time to reach out to Asians affected by the disaster. His EMM administrators scratched the sabbatical plans, but blessed his move to work in Alabama and Mississippi at the invitation of Good News Fellowship (GNF), an Lam Nguyen, a member of a EMM partner conference. group from From mid-October 2005 through January, Delaware, deep- Burkholder and his wife, Anna Mary, lived in an fried some of the apartment owned by a member of Way of Life 500 egg rolls out- Community Fellowship, a GNF church in Mobile, side the Way of Life Community Ala., and connected with local Asian communities. Church in Mobile, “The devastation is absolutely shocking and Ala. indescribable,” Burkholder says. “And in the midst of the wider disaster, the Vietnamese are a forgot- rebuilt a house that had had water up to the ceil- ten community. Many are desperately poor. Some ing, another group set up for the celebration, and were brought over illegally to work in the shrimp- another produced nearly 500 egg rolls, mounds of ing industry and cannot access federal assistance, noodles and other New Year’s delicacies for the [which] is, of course, limited.” more than 50 guests who showed up each He cited the example of numerous landed fish- evening. ing boats. The cost for transporting the huge ves- After the celebration, which included lively sels four to five blocks back to the sea is rumored music and an evangelistic message, the ministry to be $60,000 plus—a cost that is not covered by team received 23 response cards from guests who The federal funding. indicated that they wanted to learn more about As the Burkholders networked with local Asian God. Vietnamese churches and communities, they focused their In the weeks following the celebration, Leonard are a efforts in Bayou La Batre, a fishing village 30 and Anna Mary visited the homes of people who miles south of Mobile. Katrina’s storm surge in had filled out response cards. They also offered forgotten Bayou La Batre reached 12 to 13 feet. In the town gifts of the Jesus film on DVD in several community. of 6,000, one third of the people are Asian, mostly Vietnamese languages. Vietnamese. Burkholder says he is hoping and praying that a Many are The Burkholders put a lot of energy into plan- Vietnamese pastor will be able to continue follow- desperately ning a special Christmas and New Year’s celebra- ing up the relationships they’ve been able to estab- tion for the local Asian community. lish during their southern sojourn. poor. “Our purpose is to introduce Jesus Christ as the “Although I’m not officially on sabbatical, I’ve —Leonard healer,” Leonard says. “There is a spirit of discour- enjoyed the change of pace that allows me to focus agement and depression within the community on evangelism and the initial steps of a possible Burkholder here. Our hope and prayer is that by lifting Jesus church plant,” Burkholder says. up, he will break strongholds and draw people to Bayou La Batre has three Buddhist temples but himself.” no evangelical Vietnamese church. Regardless of During the week between Christmas and New whether their work results in an actual church Year’s Day, a team of 19 from the Vietnamese plant, Burkholder says their time in the South has American Mennonite Church of Delaware went helped strengthen ties with GNF and create good- south to assist with work projects and the celebra- will within the Asian community.—Jewel Showalter tion. They split into three groups. While one group of Eastern Mennonite Missions

February 7,2006 TheMennonite 21 Leaders are reminded to rest and pray Eastern Mennonite Seminary event focuses on spiritual disciplines.

reflected on differences between “being busy and being fruitful” in pastoral ministry. Jim Bishop Beck, former lead pastor of Belmont Mennonite Church in Elkhart, Ind., for 21 years, opened each session with corporate “stretching exercises” aimed at helping participants reach toward and bless God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit and bring fresh awareness of their empowering presence. “What do we do when things become frantic in our lives?” Beck asked. “Those things that can help us change for the better—quiet reflection, contemplation and communion with God—fall by the wayside.” Beck stressed the need for people to undergo School for “pruning processes” in order to become more pro- Leadership ductive and fruitful, noting that “the more we deal Training speaker Duane Beck with the unredeemed areas of our lives the more stresses the need we can experience God’s healing and grace in our for practicing lives.” spiritual disci- Beck quoted author Leslie Newbigin: “The min- plines as a vehicle ister’s leadership of the congregation in its mission for transforma- tion in pastoral to the world will be first and foremost in the area ministry. of his or her own discipleship, in that life of prayer and daily consecration … is the place where the t sounds so obvious and necessary, but it is so essential battles are either won or lost.” difficult to achieve. The need to spend regular “Pay attention to [what’s happening] in your I time in contemplation, reflection, rest and com- daily lives,” he advised. “Let your bodies catch up muning with God amid busy schedules was under- with your souls in order to embody God. Our scored repeatedly at the annual School for Leader- inner lives need to dwell where Jesus dwells. ship Training held Jan. 16-19 at Eastern Menno- Staying near God’s heart shapes and transforms nite Seminary, Harrisonburg, Va. us as ministers. Go back to your baptismal call and Some 250 pastors, lay leaders and seminary stu- receive it anew. Know that God loves you and dents attended corporate sessions and classes reflect on the awareness that ‘you are my beloved around the theme, “Embodying God’s Wholeness child.’ ” in a Frenzied World,” based on texts from the Beck recommended developing a personal call Gospel of John. and mission statement as a framework for regular In three messages, principal speaker Duane spiritual disciplines that include meditation on Beck, pastor of Raleigh (N.C.) Mennonite Church, Scripture, prayer and a regular period of retreat and acquiring a spiritual director or mentor. Judy Zook, pastor of New Holland (Pa.) MLK Day Celebration Mennonite Church, affirmed the conference Martin Luther King Jr.’s primary emphasis on “abiding in Jesus,” noting that min-

Jim Bishop message “was more about repentance istry flows from establishing boundaries of quiet and reconciliation than about a dream,” space with God that empowers pastors to live in a declared Cheryl Sanders, senior pastor frenzied world with the peace and joy of God’s of the Third Street Church of God in Washington and professor of Christian holy presence in their lives. ethics at Howard University School of “I was renewed and energized,” said Sam Divinity. We begin at the wrong place— Thomas, pastor of Landisville (Pa.) Mennonite with [King’s] dream rather than with his Church, “to continue being an ambassador of the call to repent and be reconciled to God gospel of Christ by the profound reminder that in and each other, said Sanders on Jan. 16 at the opening session of the annual my baptism, God’s Spirit came upon me and I was School for Leadership Training at named God’s beloved. Renewed in God’s love for Eastern Mennonite Seminary, me, I’ve been renewed to embody that love to Harrisonburg, Va.—Jim Bishop of others.”—Jim Bishop of Eastern Mennonite Eastern Mennonite University University

22 TheMennonite February 7,2006 MC Canada looks at membership issues Some congregations want to be active in provincial body, not national church.

n the spring of 2004, Mennonite Church British outside the denomination—easy to do in the Columbia (MCBC) began a discernment Internet information age. I process regarding the desire of some congrega- Although such thinking can help broaden per- tions to be provincially active only. And a five-year spectives beyond the Mennonite body, Baergen agreement between MCBC and Mennonite says, there can be risks. Church Canada to offer provincially active only “I’ve seen that in Colombia,” says Baergen, status on a trial basis will expire in 2006. “[where] independent churches run into serious MC Canada’s General Board has given this difficulties because they are drinking from so issue top priority for its newly formed Faith and many different wells they get this total mixture of Life Committee. The group is working to have a theological understandings within their congrega- Rudy Baergen recommendation available for testing by delegates tion, and when they develop a problem or crisis it’s at Edmonton 2006—the next time representatives really difficult to resolve because you’re just not from congregations across Canada will meet. unified in anything and you don’t have any com- Rudy Baergen, chair of the Faith and Life mon ground to stand on.” Committee and pastor at Bethel Mennonite Baergen says the discernment of a wider body Church in Winnipeg, wants to apply theological offers some comfort. “If we can develop a sense of rigor to the question. Baergen is keenly aware of trust with one another in the wider church, then the need for congregations to be and feel heard. perhaps we don’t need to feel as though every con- “We need to respect congregations that chal- gregation needs to wrestle alone with every issue lenge the wider church,” Baergen says. that comes along. The question is, Are we better One of the screens the committee will apply to off to work at this as part of a larger body?” the discernment process will be to identify paral- Indeed, there is doubt about the trust issue. lels between congregational and wider church Lorin Bergen says the homosexuality issue is a membership. For example, members of the same symptom of deeper disillusionment with the congregation may not all agree on everything but denomination and its polity. can still be in communion with one another. “There is an incredible lack of trust in leader- There is But even the word membership has baggage, ship and a real dissatisfaction with the polity that an incredible says Lorin Bergen, pastor at Living Hope, Surrey, we have in MC Canada,” he says. “We find it fairly B.C., a congregation with a membership predomi- alarming that our MC Canada leaders can’t ap- lack of trust nantly under age 50. proach a church—using the example in Ontario— in leadership “With that demographic,” says Bergen. “we about a clear break in our confession of faith behave clearly seen a hesitancy to become a member cause that would be stepping on the toes of and a real on paper of the church. There is a question of Mennonite Church of Eastern Canada, and people dissatisfaction Why is membership important? I am coming here; would be saying … ‘I just can’t understand that.’ ” I am putting myself under the authority and Baergen acknowledges the accountability and with the accountability of the church; I’m going to a small authority issue—and how wearisome it must get polity that group regularly, I am ministering and using my for a handful of congregations to be the little fish gifts. … We’ve got people who aren’t members swimming upstream in a big river. On the other we have in who are more committed than members. We’re hand, he says, “If we disagree on something, we MC Canada. seeing a move away from official membership.” need to hang in there and keep on insisting that George Hoeppner, pastor at First Mennonite this is wrong, we don’t agree, why are we doing it —Lorin Church Greendale, Chilliwack, B.C., concurs with this way? That’s the accountable thing to do.” Bergen Bergen. He says that while some older members A significant part of the committee’s work will in his congregation lament the loss of being con- be studying and discerning what Scripture says nected to a wider church body, “the younger gen- about followers belonging to a wider discerning eration is not tied to anything as far as denomina- community of believers. There is some biblical evi- tion goes.” dence to support the notion of being one body and Practical reasons for belonging to a wider holding on to unity, if not official membership, church body at the denominational level include says Baergen. considerations such as benefits (e.g., pension It’s hard and sometimes painful work, whether plan) for pastors and congregational staff, teaching churches leave the wider communion or commit resources, Sunday school curriculum and opportu- to stay with a long view of working at disagree- nities to engage in international ministries. But the ments. Finding respectful ways of dealing with younger demographic is more likely to research both circumstances is another part of the chal- and use supports from a wide range of sources lenge.—Dan Dyck for Mennonite Church Canada

February 7,2006 TheMennonite 23 Bethel College remembers King visit Former board chair remembers animosity in the Newton, Kan., community.

fter 46 years and waves of history to wade Vada Snider through, it’s hard to remember details of A Martin Luther King Jr.’s visit to Bethel College, North Newton, Kan., on Jan. 21, 1960. Nevertheless, people who were there say he left an indelible impression. Many had their memories stirred when Mark McCormick, a columnist for the Wichita Eagle, wrote about King’s visit to Bethel in his column on Jan. 15—King’s birthday. [Martin Blanche Spaulding of North Newton is the Luther widow of former economics professor J. Lloyd Spaulding. Spaulding chaired the committee that King Jr.] planned the Memorial Hall Series that brought stressed the King to Bethel. “Lloyd was an enthusiastic supporter and fol- A gospel choir made up of community members and Bethel importance lower of Dr. King’s work,” Spaulding says. Since College students sang as part of the college’s annual cele- those were the early days of the civil rights move- bration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday (left to right): of love and Keith Hiebner, Kiara Sterling (front), Morgan McCray, Bridget ment in the United States, and since King was not Kratzer, Chelsea Hahn and Sara Dick. nonviolence yet widely known, she thinks it was probably her in the future husband’s personal interest in King that helped According to the 1960 Bethel College yearbook, put him on the Memorial Hall Series roster. King’s “forceful lecture, in which he stressed the of the Negro Like many of those who remember being at the importance of love and nonviolence in the future movement faculty and board dinner for King the evening of of the Negro movement toward equality and jus- Jan. 21, 1960, and his speech following, Spaulding tice, was well received by a full house in Memorial toward recalls few details. Hall.”—Melanie Zuercher of Bethel College equality and “It was an occasion,” she says. “ It was one of the high points of our time at Bethel.” justice. John O. Schrag, North Newton, was chair of the —Bethel Bethel College board at the time. He and his wife, Esther, sat on either side of King at the dinner, Go ahead – College held in the basement of Memorial Hall, which was yearbook then the dining hall. raise the roof “I have vivid memories of having that access to him” Schrag says. “I’d forgotten how much ani- Building a ministry sometimes means mosity there was” in the wider community toward new construction. Or maybe a refi- nanced loan at a lower rate could free King. more money for your ministry. Either “I remember the enthusiasm at Bethel [for his way, we can help. coming] but also the question: What will happen?” Check with MMA first if you’re says Spaulding. thinking about a construction loan, By all accounts the event went smoothly. a standard first mortgage loan*, or refinancing. You’ll find competitive rates, no points or fees charged by MMA, and no hassles. Plus, your lenders are fellow church members. Another good example of how MMA Lenten worship videos provides stewardship solutions to the Deepen your Lenten journey with short stories of Anabaptist community. anger, pain and redemption. Look for these worshipful presentations on a DVD mailed to congregations in January. For a free information kit, contact For a preview and related resources, visit the church mortgage loan department www.MennoniteMission.net/Resources at (800) 348-7468.

Photo by Mark Wassar * There will be a 1 percent premium on construction loans during the construction period. Together, sharing all of Christ with all of creation

24 TheMennonite February 7,2006 FOR THE RECORD

CALENDAR Helmuth, Sienna Rose, Dec. 22, 2005, to MARRIAGES Todd and Lisa Mullett Helmuth, Sarasota, A reunion of all missionaries who have Fla. Abdul/Willer: Jonathan Abdul, Hartville, served in Japan under Mennonite and Ohio, and Alana Willer, Canal Fulton, Ohio, related mission boards is being held at Hicks, Gracyn Taphena, Dec. 23, 2005, to Jan. 7 at Hartville Mennonite Church. Tommy and Shawny Nelsen Hicks, Camp Mack, Milford, Ind., May 17-19. Call Dorchester, Neb. Fransen/Weidner: Kay Fransen, Cincinnati, 574-534-1783 for further information. Ohio, and Mark Weidner, Cincinnati, Jan. , Dec. 5, 2005, to Jim Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society, King, Caleb Edward 14 at Cincinnati Mennonite Fellowship. and Angel Fessler King, Bellefontaine, Ohio. 27th Annual Lancaster Family History “For The Record” Gerber/Stice: Sonya Gerber, Kidron, Ohio, lists obituaries for Conference for Genealogists and Family Maury, Mikayla Joy, Dec. 28, 2005, to and Nicholas Stice, Westville, Okla., Nov. 19, those who died Historians, March 31-April 1, Lancaster, Doug and Elizabeth Heatwole Maury, 2005, at Sonnenberg Mennonite Church, Pa. For more information, contact 717- Hesston, Kan. Kidron. during the past 393-9745 or [email protected]. Visit online at Morris, Regan Olivia, Jan. 19, to Steve three months. www.lmhs.org. Gingrich/Wenden: Michelle Gingrich, Additional and Sharon Faul Morris, Hutchinson, Kan. Mountville, Pa., and Chris Wenden, information Roth, Gannon Heiland, Nov. 9, 2005, to Sydney, Australia, Jan. 14 at Landisville WORKERS Landon and Alicia Heiland Roth, Kansas (Pa.) Mennonite Church. about the City, Kan. deceased may be Brubaker, Shirley Yoder, was installed Graves/Spaulding: Brian Graves, Auburn, submitted to Schrag, Ava Joleen, Nov. 6, 2005, to Myles Ind., and Heidi Spaulding, Auburn, Sept. Jan. 8 as interim pastor at Carpenter Park The Mennonite at Mennonite Church, Davidsville, Pa. Schrag and Shelley Smithson, Urbana, Ill. 17, 2005, at Maplewood Mennonite Church, Ft. Wayne, Ind. www.TheMenno- Jantzi, Beryl, ended Dec. 31, 2005, as pas- Shelly, Brandt Victor, Jan. 18, to Jason nite.org. We will tor at Harrisonburg (Va.) Mennonite and Renita Bergey Shelly, Telford, Pa. Keene/Walker: Debbie Keene, Columbus, forward all infor- Ohio, and Christopher Walker, Dayton, Church. He began with Mennonite Mutual Steiner, Isaac Ray, Jan. 23, to Rob and mation to Aid in January. Sarah Burkholder Steiner, Goshen, Ind. Ohio, Oct. 15, 2005, at Columbus Menno- nite Church. MennObits, the Stoltzfus, Shania Noel, Dec. 25, 2005, to research Web site Daryl and Kimberly Stoltzfus, Gap, Pa. Longenecker/Webel: Christopher Longe- sponsored by necker, Bellefontaine, Ohio, and Allison BIRTHS & ADOPTIONS the Historical Yoder, Caitlyn Elizabeth, Oct. 16, 2005, to Webel, Youngstown, Ohio, Dec. 3, 2005, at , Sept. 20, 2005, to Geiser, Jethro David Justin and Corrie Gardner Yoder, Orrville, Columbus (Ohio) Mennonite Church. Committee of Olin and Karen Gerber Geiser, Dalton, Ohio. Ohio. Mennonite Mereness/Schrock: Ann Mereness, , Nov. 7, 2004, Church USA. To Helmuth, Emma Palida Yordy, Luke Jonathan, Dec. 28, 2005, to Cincinnati, Ohio, and Jeff Schrock, recieved for adoption Jan. 10, by Todd and receive the Eric and Kristy Shellenberger Yordy, Wakarusa, Ind., Nov. 12, 2005, at Rebecca Helmuth, New Paris, Ind. Goshen, Ind. Columbus (Ohio) Mennonite Church. obituary form as an MS Word Monzon Paz/Stoltzfus:Marco Monzon document, email Paz, San Marcos La Laguna, Guatemala, Editor@themen- "I had an and Jessi Stoltzfus, Lakewood, Colo., Dec. 3, 2005, in San Marcos La Laguna. nonite.org. intuitive sense To receive a Paulson/Schmell: Robert Simeon Paulson, paper copy of Cassopolis, Mich., and Rebekah Lee of the art of the obituary Schmell, Ft. Wayne, Ind., Dec. 30, 2005, at development, Maplewood Mennonite Church, Ft. Wayne. form, call 574- 535-6053. but Rich Gerig, knowing the DEATHS science of the Amstutz, Sidney, 64, Elkhart, Ind., died Jan. 1 of a heart attack. Parents: Rufus and craft, gave me Clara Amstutz. Funeral: Jan. 6 at Kidron confidence to (Ohio) Mennonite Church. Bucher, Mildred L., 78, Salunga, Pa., died do it well." Dec. 9, 2005, of Parkinson’s. Spouse: John C. Bucher. Parents: Harvey and Susan Dale Barron Alderfer. Children: John Paul, Kenneth, Director of Development Ruth Mellinger, Nancy Rotfort; 12 grand- World Hunger Relief children; four great-grandchildren. Waco, Texas Funeral: Dec. 12, 2005, at Erisman Mennonite Church, Manheim, Pa. Buller, Harold W., 83, Beatrice, Neb., died ADVANCEMENT Associates Jan. 4. Spouse; Anne Wiebe Buller. Parents: Building relationships. Advancing your mission. Peter J. and Anna Wiens Bulller. Children: Paul, Glenn, Mary Ann Triller; four grandchildren. Funeral: Jan. 7 at First Mennonite Learn more about our work at Church, Beatrice. www.advanassociates.com Chaika, Sylvia I., 74, Robbinsdale, Minn., died Jan. 5. Spouse: Kenneth Chaika 866-777-1606 toll free (deceased). Parents: Henry M. and Aganetha Harder. Children: Cynthia [email protected] Roberts, Kenny; one grandchild; three great-grandchildren. Funeral: Jan. 10 at First Mennonite Church, Mountain Lake, Strategic visioning / Fundraising campaigns / Constituency relations / Communications Minn.

February 7,2006 TheMennonite 25 FOR THE RECORD

Claassen, Marie M. Jantzen, 99, Salina, Landis, Ruth Shank, 90, Albany, Ore., died Nissley, Vera Becker, 78, Manheim, Pa., Kan., died Jan. 4. Spouse: John P. Claassen Jan. 6. Spouse: Louis Landis (deceased). died Nov. 10, 2005. Spouse: Clayton R. (deceased). Parents: Cornelius and Anna Parents: Eli and Esther Lapp Shank. Nissley. Parents: Jacob and Mary Becker. Ensz Jantzen. Children: Doris Locke, Ellen Children: Rosalee McElmurry, Lois Justus, Children: John D., Jay W., Barbara Nissley Berger, Judith Goertzen; seven grandchil- Esther Hofer, George; 14 grandchildren; 22 Good, Mary Ellen August; 13 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren. Funeral: Jan. great-grandchildren; one great-great- dren; 11 great-grandchildren. Funeral: 9 at First Mennonite Church, Beatrice. grandchild. Funeral: Jan. 10 in Albany. Nov. 14 at Erisman Mennonite Church, Manheim. Esh, Virginia May Smucker, 84, Columbus, Leatherman, Ida Mae Brunk, 89, Ohio, died Dec. 22, 2005. Parents: Clarence Waynesboro, Va., died Dec. 7, 2005, of can- Nolt, Miles O., 89, Manheim, Pa., died Oct. and Clara Martin Smucker. Children: cer. Spouse: Richard Wismer Leatherman 31, 2005. Spouse: Irene E. Nolt. Parents: Samuel, Ellen Wiseman, Steven; five (deceased). Parents: Samuel H. and Mollie Clayton and Lizzie Nolt. Children: Fay E. grandchildren. Memorial service: Jan. 2 at W. Brunk. Children: Betty See, Richard; 10 Landis, Glenn E., Clair E., Dale E.; nine Columbus Mennonite Church. grandchildren. Funeral: Dec. 14, 2005, at grandchildren; six great-grandchildren. First Mennonite Church, Richmond, Va. Funeral: Nov. 4 at Erisman Mennonite Jackson, Joyce B., 70, Wellsville, N.Y., died Church, Manheim. Nov. 10, 2005. Spouse: Millard U. Jackson. Lyndaker, Leslie R., 85, Croghan, N.Y., Parents: James and Flossie S. Brownell. died Jan. 19. Spouse: Vera Lehman Obold, Eleanor A. Diefenderfer, 87, Children: Richard, Denis, Suzanne Mix, Lyndaker. Parents: Joseph and Sarah Hesston, Kan., died Jan. 9. Spouse: James Andrew; seven grandchildren. Funeral: Yousey Lyndaker. Children: Vernon, Marlin; Frederick Obold (deceased). Parents: Nov. 13 at Yorks Corners Mennonite five grandchildren; six great-grandchil- James T. and Elise Troelsch Diefenderfer. Church, Wellsville. dren. Funeral: Jan. 22 at First Mennonite Children: Fred, Kathryn Obold Church of New Bremen, Lowville, N.Y. Hunsberger; four grandchildren; seven Keyser, Alma Koffel, 85, Souderton, Pa., great-grandchildren. Funeral: Jan. 12 at died Nov. 19, 2005. Parents: Nathan and Mast, Elvin, 45, Parkesburg, Pa., died Dec. “For The Record“ lists Schowalter Villa Chapel, Hesston. obituaries for those Anna Mary Keyser. Funeral: Nov. 22, 2005, 28, 2005, of multiple myeloma. Spouse: at Souderton Mennonite Homes. Carol J. Blank Mast. Parents: Elmer and Roggie, Pearl N., 80, Croghan, N.Y., died who died during the Barbara Stoltzfus Mast. Children: Kim, Jan. 19. Parents: John and Anna Hersh past three months. King, Floyd Robert, 72, Belleville, Pa., died Jan. 13. Spouse: Orpha Stoltzfus King. Keith. Funeral: Dec. 31, 2005, at Maple Roggie. Funeral: Jan. 23 at Croghan Additional informa- Grove Mennonite Church, Atglen, Pa. Conservative Mennonite Church. tion about the Parents: Cletus and Mary Leah Yoder King. Children: Floyd Robert Jr., Judith Ellen Roth, Clarence Daniel, 88, Archbold, deceased may be Bender; four grandchildren. Funeral: Jan. Ohio, died Jan. 7. Spouse: Marjorie Roth. submitted to 17 at Maple Grove Mennonite Church, Parents: Enos and Fannie Roth. Children: The Mennonite at Belleville, Pa. Joyce, Lonnie; four grandchildren; 13 www.TheMenno- great-grandchildren. Funeral: Jan. 10 at Kirkton, Hugh Max, 83, Chenoa, Ill., died nite.org. We will for- Jan. 10. Spouse: June Oyer Kirkton. Fairlawn Chapel, Archbold. ward all information Parents: Hugh and Jeannetta Drury to MennObits, the Kirkton. Children: Sharon Hughes, James, research Web site Dean, Rick; nine grandchildren; nine great- sponsored by the grandchildren. Funeral: Jan. 13 at Historical Committee Meadows Mennonite Church, Chenoa. of Mennonite Church Krauter, Vesta May Lowenberg, 84, Check out USA. To receive the Donnellson, Iowa, died Jan. 3 due to com- obituary form as an plications from pneumonia. Spouse: offerings! MS Word document, Christian Frederick Krauter (deceased). More than 20 our email Editor@the- Parents: Edward J. and Lydia R. Handrich mennonite.org. Lowenberg. Children: Edward, Kristi Keller, Principles of Youth Ministry summer To receive a paper Stephen, Donna Vogel; 10 grandchildren; one great-grandchild. Funeral: Jan. 6 at Andy Brubacher Kaethler, M.A.; May 26–June 2 copy of the obituary Zion Mennonite Church, Donnellson. form, call 574-535- Anabaptist History and Theology courses 6053. Kraybill, Orpha E., 95, Lancaster, Pa., died Karl Koop, Ph.D.; May 30–June 16 Jan. 7. Spouse: Norman R. Kraybill (deceased). Parents: David and Minnie Seminar in Theology: Faith, Film, Fiction Witmer Erb. Children: Harold, Helen Miller, Gayle Gerber Koontz, Ph.D.; June 5–16 Herbert; seven grandchildren; four great- grandchildren. Funeral: Jan. 13 at Turnaround Strategies for the Local Church Elizabethtown (Pa.) Mennonite Church. Art McPhee, Ph.D.; June 12–18 Landis, Howard D., 64, Lebanon, Ore., Celebrating Christian Ritual in Worship died Dec. 18, 2005. Spouse: Joan Landis. Marlene Kropf, D.Min; June Alliman Yoder, D.Min; July 31–August 11 Parents: Louis and Ruth Landis. Children: tions Becky Savage, Amy Dannen, Kevin; six Islam and Christian-Muslim Rela grandchildren. Funeral: Dec. 21, 2005, at Jon Hoover, Ph.D.; and Jacqueline Hoover, M.A.; July 5–14 Lebanon Mennonite Church. Vision, Identity, and Task: Studies in Ephesians Landis, I. Marvin, 90, Lancaster, Pa., died Jan. 15. Spouse: Anna Mae Landis. Parents: Tom Yoder Neufeld, Ph.D.; August 4–11 Phares B. and Martha Landis Groff. Associated Funeral: Jan. 19 at Forest Hills Mennonite See details at www.ambs.edu Church, Leola. Mennonite AMBS–Great Plains: www.ambs.edu/GreatPlains Biblical Winnipeg, Man.: www.ambs.ca/WCMS Seminary Contact: [email protected]. Elkhart, IN 46517 1 + 800 964-2627

26 TheMennonite February 7,2006 FOR THE RECORD

Ropp, Ardith Hershberger, 80, Kalona, Stockton, Lorraine M., 96, West Liberty, Ward, Clinton Robert, 67, Lebanon, Ore., Iowa, died Jan. 4. Spouse: Ernie G. Ropp Ohio, died Jan. 11. Spouse: John M. died Dec. 31, 2005. Parents: Robert and (deceased). Parents: Samuel and Cora Stockton (deceased). Parents: James and Ellamarie Baysinger Ward. Children: Donna Brenneman Hershberger. Children: Phil, Nellie Flynn Maley. Child: Patricia Zook; Lorraine Curry, Kenneth, Wendy Sisko. Myron, Warren; seven grandchildren; six three grandchildren; two great-grandchil- Funeral: Jan. 9 at Lebanon Mennonite great-grandchildren. Funeral: Jan. 7 at dren. Funeral: Jan. 15 at Bethel Mennonite Church. Kalona Mennonite Church. Church, West Liberty, Ohio. Weldy, Evelyn Elnore Kauffman, 69, Rufenacht, Maynard E., 83, Archbold, Stutzman, Lester S., 96, Milford, Neb., Glendale, Ariz., died Jan. 11. Parents: To submit event Ohio, died Jan. 21. Spouse: (1st) Elverda died Dec. 28, 2005. Spouse: Velma William and Edna G. Lehman Kauffman. information to The Nofziger (deceased), (2nd) Bernice Stutzman. Parents: Sanford and Lizzie Children: Jonathan M., Patricia A. Murray, Mennonite, log on at Nofziger. Parents: Elias and Louisa Khuns Stutzman. Children: Richard, Glenda F. Oakley; six grandchildren. www.TheMennonite. Aschliman Rufenacht. Children: Jean Dorothy; 10 grandchildren; 33 great- Funeral: Jan. 21 at Trinity Mennonite org and use the “For Hartzler, Jim, Corwin, Terry, Lonnie; 11 grandchildren; four great-great-grandchil- Church, Glendale. the Record” button to grandchildren; three great-grandchildren. dren. Funeral: Dec. 31 at Bellwood access our on-line Yoder, Erma Sigler, 89, Goshen, Ind., died forms. You can also Memorial service: Jan. 25 at West Clinton Mennonite Church, Milford. Dec. 28, 2005. Spouse: Harold A. Yoder. (Ohio) Mennonite Church. submit by email, fax Vercler, Wayne Weldon, 90, Washington, Parents: D. Dallas and Montez M. Evans or mail: Rupp, Marie Flaming, 98, Westminster, Ill., died Jan 14. Spouse: Edna Vercler. Zigler. Children: Miriam Kauffman, Glen; •Editor@ Colo., died Dec. 26, 2005. Spouse: Carl H. Parents: Christian and Susan Wagner one grandchild; four step-grandchildren. TheMennonite.org Rupp (deceased). Parents: Peter and Vercler. Child: Richard; four grandchildren; Funeral: Dec. 31, 2005 at First Mennonite Aganetha Flaming. Children: Carla, Larry; six great-grandchildren. Funeral: Jan. 18 at Church, Middlebury, Ind. •fax 574-535-6050 three grandchildren; one great grandchild. Calvary Mennonite Church, Washington. •1700 S. Main St., Yoder, Stanley Emerson, 81, Sarasota, Fla., Funeral: Jan. 1 at West Zion Mennonite Goshen, IN 46526- Weaver, Dorothy Kandel, 87, Dalton, died Nov. 19, 2005, of cancer. Spouse: (1st) 4794 Church, Moundridge, Kan. Ohio, died Jan. 4. Spouse: Ralph A. Weaver Anna Pauline Weaver (deceased), (2nd) Snyder, Lula H., 83, Elkhart, Ind., died Jan. (deceased). Parents: William and Martha Roxie Shank (deceased), (3rd) Elva 14 of cancer. Spouse: William Snyder Hochstetler Kandel. Children: Larry, Kornhaus (deceased). Parents: Earl and (deceased). Parents: Charles and Laura Gordon, Twila Snyder, Mary Shoup, Barbara Allgyer Yoder. Children: Alan G., Hahn. Children: Marlene Hartman, Elaine Martha Hoover, Cheryl Wengerd, Carol Jan. S., Virginia (Ginny) E. Wright, David B., Yoder, Duane; nine grandchildren; 18 Scheufler; 20 grandchildren; 28 great- Anne M., Nathan L.; eight grandchildren; great grandchildren. Funeral: Jan. 18 at grandchildren. Funeral: Jan. 7 at Martins three great-grandchildren. Memorial serv- Olive Mennonite Church, Elkhart. Mennonite Meeting Place, Orrville, Ohio. ices: Dec. 3, 2005, at Bethel Mennonite Church, West Liberty, Ohio, and Dec. 16, 2005, at Bahai Vista Mennonite Church, Sarasota.

New from Cascadia, copublished Herald Press

Without the Loss of One: The Story of Nevin and Esther Bender and Its Implications for the Church Todayy, Don, Mildred, and Titus Bender. “Here is a beautiful picture of unusual honesty and clarity, painted with words.“ —Ruth S. Weaver 278 pp. with photos, $15.95

Viewing New Creations with Anabaptist Eyes: Ethics of Biotechnology, ed. Roman J. Miller, Beryl H. Brubaker, James C. Petersen. “This work comes with a passion for integrity as well as the sanctity and beauty of the created order.” —MyronS.Augsburger 310 pp. with illustrations; $23.95

Creating the Beloved Community: A Journey with the Fellowship of Reconciliation, Paul R. Dekar, whose book “speaks...toall who reject the means ofviolence to break and kill and the simplistic bifurcation of the world into good guys and bad ones.” —Donald B. Kraybill 326 pp. with photos; $23.95 www.CascadiaPublishingHouse.com [email protected] Herald Press: 1-800-245-7894

February 7,2006 TheMennonite 27 CLASSIFIED

Advertising space in Mennonite Historians of Eastern Pennsylvania seeks a direc- Portland (Ore.) Mennonite Church is seeking a ¾- time sum- The Mennonite is tor of development to provide leadership in the areas of church mer pastor to provide leadership during the sabbatical of our available to congre- and community relations, fund-raising and membership growth. lead pastor, from May 15 to Aug. 27. Areas of responsibility gations, conferences, Responsibilities include organization and management of a include worship, administration and pastoral care. For more infor- businesses, and churchwide boards development program, donor and contact information, coordi- mation, contact PMC at 503-234-0559 or and agencies of nating public relations activities and fund-raising events, building [email protected]. relationships with members, churches and donors. See full job Mennonite Church Executive director sought for western Pa. church camp who has a USA. Cost for one- description at www.mhep.org. Interested candidates should send vision and passion for camp ministry. A professional degree or time classified place- their resumé to Sarah Heffner, Director, MHEP, PO Box 82, experience in a related field is necessary. Experience in supervi- ment is $1.15 per Harleysville, PA 19438 or [email protected]. word, minimum of sion and business management is required. Grant writing experi- $30. Display space is Bluffton University (Ohio) seeks applicants for the position of ence is a plus. Send resumé to Search Committee, c/o Camp also available. campus pastor. The campus pastor nurtures and coordinates Harmony, Inc., P.O. Box 158, Hooversville, PA 15936-0158 or email To place an ad in spiritual life and serves as a pastor to the campus community. The [email protected]. Deadline is March 31. The Mennonite, call candidate will have an appreciation for and be supportive of the Goshen College invites nominations and applications for the 800-790-2498 and Anabaptist-Mennonite faith perspective and possess a Master of position of vice president for institutional advancement. A suc- ask for Kristene Divinity (or equivalent degree). More detailed information about Miller, or email cessful and experienced professional is sought to lead this well- this position is available at Advertising@ established and historically productive advancement program. TheMennonite.org. http://www.bluffton.edu/about/employment/. The vice president for institutional advancement is the chief development officer of the college reporting directly to the presi- ••travel with a purpose •• dent and is a member of the President’s Council. For more details and to apply, visit the specific position announcement on the Goshen College Web page MID-ATLANTIC FLOWERS http://www.goshen.edu/employment/. AND PLANTATIONS New position: Independent living manager Seeking a mature individual who is self-motivated and com- March 22 - 29, 2006 fortable being responsible for 150 residents and coordinating a team of 45 associates. A college degree and/or experience in working with older people is required. This full-time administra- Enjoy an early springtime of flowers & historic tive position will focus on programming for independent living, catered living, assisted living and a new Alzheimer’s program. plantations along the Atlantic coastline. Current facilities include the retirement home, the Commons, the Meadows and a projected campus center. • Jekyll “Golden” Isle, the • Stroll Magnolia and Orton Walnut Hills is a privately owned, continuing-care retirement resort of millionaires antebellum plantations community that offers four lifestyles (skilled nursing, assisted liv- • Wesley’s Christ Church • Nature tram through 60 acres ing, catered living, independent living) to 250 residents in the on St. Simons Island of blooms and scents middle of Ohio’s Amish community since 1971. Interested people • The 21 squares of • Waterfront carriage ride to old should contact David A. Miller, President, at 330-893-3200 or Savannah in full bloom mansions of Charleston www.WalnutHillsLiving.com. • Tour JAARS Mission HQ • Luncheon cruise in Wilmington Atlantic Coast Conference seeks part-time (50 percent) confer- • Site of novel by Eugenia Price • Myrtle Beach’s Grand Strand ence minister to join conference ministry team in providing leadership resources and oversight ministry with member congrega- (pick-ups possible along tour route in MD and VA) tions. For additional information and to apply, please contact Warren Tyson, phone 800-238-0126 or 717-355-0550; MYW Tours • Box 425 • Landisville, PA 17538 • 717/653-9288 • 800/296-1991 [email protected]; 115 East Main St., New Holland, PA Email: [email protected] • web: www.mywtours.com 17557.

Remember globe-shaped mission banks? Available May 15 1-866-866-2872 They’re Back www.MennoniteMission.net Mennonite Mission Network is providing new banks and teaching tools for children in Mennonite Church USA congregations. Use them to shape giving habits and mission awareness in Sunday school, vacation Bible school and other settings. hrist with all of creat ing all of C ion her, shar Toget

28 TheMennonite February 7,2006 RESOURCES Cinéma Divinité: Religion, Theology and House and Herald Press, 2005, $23.95), sculpture to photography and mixed-media the Bible in Film, edited by Eric S. investigates the promise and perils of cur- collage, showing the creative breadth of Christianson, Peter Francis and William R. rent genetic biotechnology. present-day art inspired by the Judaeo- Telford (SCM Press, 2005, $29.99), is an Christian tradition. It includes full-color interdisciplinary study of theology and film. Without the Loss of One: The Story of reproductions of each piece. Its 17 essays consider case studies of films, Nevin and Esther Bender and Its filmmakers and genres and look at religion Implications for the Church Today by Don, War and Faith in Sudan by Gabriel Meyer, in film. For serious students. Mildred and Titus Bender (Cascadia photographs by James Nicholls (Eerdmans, Publishing House and Herald Press, 2005, 2005, $20), is a stirring account of the tragic Finding St. Paul in Film by Richard Walsh (T $15.95) surveys a life of ministry ranging civil war in Sudan—as endured by the Nuba & T Clark, 2005, $22) finds a Paul who is a from Greenwood, Del., to Philadelphia, people of central Sudan. Nicholls’ 44 strik- stranger to our questions and ideologies. As Miss., and beyond and tells how Nevin and ing photos put a human face on the tragedy Paul does not appear often in film, the films Esther found the church a place of both joy of modern Sudan. the book brings into dialogue with Paul and disappointment. have primarily metaphorical connections A Lifelong Apprenticeship by Cam Stuart with the Paul of Christian theology. Writing Peace: The Untold Stories of Great (Kindred Productions, 2005, $6.99) is part of War Mennonite Objectors by Melanie the Description of a Growing Disciple series. Creating the Beloved Community: A Springer Mock (Cascadia Publishing House It is a guide for believers who want to Journey with the Fellowship of and Herald Press, 2005, $23.95) analyzes explore what it means to be growing disci- Reconciliation by Paul R. Dekar (Cascadia and publishes the diaries of Mennonite con- ples in a group setting. Each session intro- Publishing House and Herald Press, 2005, scientious objectors from the First World duces one of six qualities of a growing disci- $23.95) is a history of FOR in the United War. Historical, biographical and literary ple and presents spiritual disciplines for States that shows FOR members have been approaches reveal the significant role of individual and group practice. practical dreamers, both imagining a more these diaries in telling the story of the peaceful world and working to realize the Mennonites and of wartime in America. Hope of a Better Tomorrow (MCC, 2005) is dream. a 13-minute video and DVD from Menno- The Next Generation: Contemporary nite Central Committee, P.O. Box 500, Viewing New Creations Through Expressions of Faith by Patricia C. Pongracz Akron, PA 17501-0500, www. mcc.org. Anabaptist Eyes: Ethics of Biotechnology, and Wayne Roosa (Eerdmans, 2005, $60) Colombians tell of their lives and recount edited by Roman J. Miller, Beryl H. Brubaker features the work of 44 North American how increased U.S. military aid to Colombia and James C. Peterson (Cascadia Publishing artists in media ranging from painting and adversely affects them.

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February 7,2006 TheMennonite 29 REAL FAMILIES

Traveling in our legacies

he says, “Michael, thank God you had such a the demons I confronted, defeated and endured strong personality, so you could survive all were there all the time I raised my daughters and S the wrong moves I made as an inexperienced passed into them. I pray they’re strong enough to parent.” I like the sound of that. I imagine myself survive me. back then, tough little kid standing for truth, jus- Then I find myself grateful my parents are still tice and the American way when my parents got it alive. Because finally I’m old enough to grasp this: wrong, which is what I mostly thought they did. Not only have I survived them, I owe them more But even now that I’m 51, my mother catches than I dreamed when I was that whippersnapper me in her sly traps. In exactly the same tone she seeing only what was wrong with them. continues, “And thank God I was one strong moth- Train children. Honor mother and father. er, so I could survive all the Indeed. But in our training and things I shouldn’t have had to our honoring, what rutted life- put up with.” I find myself time roads through the cliffs and In those two sentences my valleys and badlands of our mother captures key challenges grateful my respective broken parts we trav- Michael A. King children and parents face in our el! is pastor of journeys with each other. She parents are still Then my dad reports they Spring Mount also pulls my mind toward two have their hearts set on a snazzy (Pa.) Mennonite alive. Because Church. classic Bible texts: “Train chil- PT Cruiser. So their 1990 dren in the right way, and when finally I’m old Subaru Legacy needs an owner. old, they will not stray” My heart leaps. I don’t want a (Proverbs 22:6) and, “Honor enough to grasp PT Cruiser. I want that Legacy; I your father and your mother, as want it as a symbol of my par- the Lord your God commanded this: Not only have ents’ legacy to me. you” (Deuteronomy 5:16). I suppose it will wear off even- Indeed. I survived them, I tually, but even months later I But as my mother’s confes- still can’t shake the feeling, sion helps highlight, such verses owe them more every time I drive the Legacy, can be used to force submission than I dreamed that here at last it has all some- to the parent’s presumed superi- how come together. I drive that or insight when in fact no parent when I was that car where I, not my parents, trains any child in exactly the need to. I use it to live my life in right way—because all parents whippersnapper all its similarities with and differ- are wounded by their parents ences from my parents. It’s up to and pass wounds down. So chil- seeing only what me now to fuel it, maintain it, dren are often right to think decide when to repair it, pass it they see things their parents was wrong with on or junk it. But oh how they’re don’t. Because children live not in it. How much I draw from only within the airbrushed reali- them. feeling—in its seats, its growly ty of their parents’ public lives Subaru engine my dad has so but also in the shadows of their parents’ broken lovingly cared for, its surefooted four-wheel lives. Children see past parents’ PR efforts to the drive—all the living and feeling, the hurting and truth. dreaming my parents have done across its many On the other hand, my conversation with my miles. mother comes soon after my oldest daughter’s I find a paper towel squeezed behind the radia- Real Families is a marriage, as my middle daughter neared the end tor. I can’t throw it away; my dad used it to check new column that of college and as my youngest daughter neared the oil. will appear the end of high school. Suddenly my years of train- In the back window is a pillow. monthly. ing children still in the nest are nearly over. “What’s that doing in there?” someone asks. “It Now I’m the parent hoping what I’ve taught and doesn’t look like you.” modeled and wished for them, including when I “Of course it doesn’t,” I answer. “It’s my moth- had to be strong enough to survive them, has er’s pillow. It looks like her. That’s why it has to nourished them. And now I’m all too aware that stay there.” TM

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February 7,2006 TheMennonite 31 EDITORIAL

Hearing voices

ome of our readers want each page in this I discovered one such grain of truth when we magazine to speak a clear and unambiguous published a Speaking Out last fall. John Stoner’s S word about what Mennonite Church USA opinion piece (“We Need a Larger Purpose,” Nov. believes and then advocate only for those beliefs. 1, 2005) was critical of Rick Warren’s popular book This request often emerges from a yearning for The Purpose-Driven Life. It sparked many Readers the church to be less polarized. Say letters that we published in November and “Many of us are longing for peace,” wrote one December. reader who did not want her letter published. “If I like that book and consider it personally help- Everett J. Thomas we can’t stop talking and writing about our differ- ful. And I admit that I found most of Stoner’s com- ences and spreading discord among the members, plaints excessive and his tone extreme. But in fol- how in the world do we expect Jews and Muslims lowing his complex arguments, I realized that to get along? Just stop writing about our differ- there are a few things about which Anabaptists ences. It’s not helpful.” ought be careful. I also believe that the church is We regularly receive counsel similar to hers. stronger after focusing on the issue; Stoner did us The reason relates to the role this magazine plays a service by writing something so provocative. in Mennonite Church USA. The logic seems to be However, any forum for the voices within that since The Mennonite is the official periodical Mennonite Church USA is not the same as dia- of our denomination, the only content in its pages logue. Rather, it is a collection of monologues. should be those things about which we all have When the cumulative affect of those monologues publicly and officially agreed. becomes destructive, the forum purpose has But delegates to Charlotte 2005 adopted purpos- reached the limits of its effectiveness. This maga- es for The Mennonite, and one of them is to serve zine bumped up against that limit seven years ago. as “a forum for the voices within the denomina- In 1999, former editor J. Lorne Peachey called a tion.” Since there are widely divergent beliefs and halt to any more letters and articles about our convictions in Mennonite Church USA, and since emerging denomination’s teaching position on the delegates in their wisdom authorized these homosexuality. I have continued that moratorium during the past five years. The reason: the prenatal health of our nascent denomination was so heavily Listening for that small grain of truth in what someone else says stressed by the “unloving” debate that it threat- is also a spiritual discipline. ened the future of our denomination even before it was born. Consequently, both supporters and crit- ics of that teaching position must find another pages to be a forum for those voices, readers will medium for their debate—at least until we can find regularly see the opinions of sisters and brothers a way to have “loving dialogue” in print. with whom they may disagree. It seems that some We tread a fine line at The Mennonite. On the readers want us to change the rules so that those one hand, we provide a place for the many mem- with whom they disagree will not have a voice. bers of Mennonite Church USA to share their con- But that is not what it means to be church. cerns regarding matters they consider important. Peace is not the absence of conflict. Lack of public But we limit this privilege if such sharing becomes disagreement does not mean we are at peace with screaming and shouting and, in our judgement, each other. Furthermore, public and spirited dis- dangerous for the church. agreements need not polarize us further. Listening I have heard it said that when three Mennonites for a small grain of truth in what someone else gather in a room there are at least four opinions says is a spiritual discipline. It also demonstrates a present. That’s OK. We need each other’s perspec- humility that acknowledges our own limitations tives to be strong as a church; we also need a and can help us agree or disagree in love. forum for hearing each other’s voices.—ejt

32 TheMennonite February 7,2006