Mosaic Mennonites

Missional - Intercultural - Formational

Articles

Still a Servant, Still a Witness

by

John Holsey Ordination Recognition Service – March 22, 2026 

by Noel Santiago

There are moments in a congregation’s life that feel less like beginnings and more like long-awaited arrivals. The recognition of John Holsey as an ordained minister is one of those moments.

Most ordination services mark a starting line. This one marks something different. Providence Mennonite Church (Collegeville, PA) gathered not to welcome someone new to the road, but to publicly affirm someone who has already been walking it faithfully among them. They have heard him preach. They have watched him care for people in hard seasons. They have received his encouragement. Together, the community is saying: “We see the calling God has placed on your life, and we affirm it.”

Executive Minister Stephen Kriss blesses John Holsey.
Members of the congregation pray for Holsey.

The scriptures that frame this occasion tell a story that fits. In Acts 26, the apostle Paul stands before King Agrippa with everything stripped away and offers only this about his life: “I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven.” Not a claim to perfection. Not a list of successes. Just the testimony of someone who kept saying yes to God even when the road was hard.

Out of that passage, four things stand out as words of encouragement for John and for all of us.

The first is this: your history with God is your testimony. Paul does not begin his defense before Agrippa by listing his credentials. He begins with his story. The long and uneven road God carried him through is not behind him. It is the ground he stands on. The prayers that took a long time to be answered. The dry seasons. The moments of wondering whether he had heard God correctly. All of it becomes the soil from which ministry grows. So remember: what God has carried you through is not behind you. It is the ground you stand on as you serve.

The second: God is still working on you. Paul was already trained, already a leader, already deeply formed in faith when God met him on the road. Not at a temple, not at a retreat, but in the middle of an ordinary journey. That is often how it happens. God so often meets us right in the middle of our everyday lives, in places we are already walking, in moments we did not plan or expect. And it is a needed reminder, because something can quietly shift in ministry over time. We learn how to do things well, and slowly, almost without noticing, we can stop expecting something new. We stop being curious. Faithful ministry, though, stays open. The hands that have baptized many can still receive. The voice that has preached for years can still be surprised by God. How deeply God works through us is connected to how deeply God is still working in us. So remember: years of experience are a gift. Stay open, so God can keep shaping them.

The third: God still lifts. Paul is on the ground, unable to see, when the One he had been fighting against speaks to him and does not condemn him. Does not rehearse his past. Simply says, “Get up and stand on your feet.” Ministry carries wounds that do not always show. Someone trusted hurts you. Something you worked hard for does not last. A prayer gets answered in a way you did not expect. Still, you get up. Maybe slowly. Maybe with help. But you get up, and that is grace. So remember: God lifted you before. God will lift you again. And when God does, stand.

The fourth holds all the others together: the call has not changed. Servant and witness. Those words from Acts 26 do not shift with titles or roles or new faces. Serve the people where God has placed you, and bear witness to what Jesus has done and is still doing. Both tenses belong together: what has already been seen and what God will yet show. That kind of life is lived from the inside out. Stay close to Jesus and let him remain the center. So remember: the call has not changed. Serve and witness, from what you have seen, and with hope for what God will still show you.

That is the call John continues in. And the congregation that receives him steps into it alongside him. Still a servant. Still a witness. Still walking together. And the One who called is still faithful.

Noel Santiago

Noel Santiago is the Leadership Minister for Missional Transformation for Mosaic Conference.

Mosaic values two-way communication and encourages our constituents to respond with feedback, questions, or encouragement. To contact Noel Santiago, please email nsantiago@mosaicmennonites.org.

Well-Watered Women Gather Across Mosaic Conference

by

Mosaic Women’s Gathering 2026

On Saturday, April 18, 150 women from 24 congregations across Mosaic Conference gathered for a shared day of worship, prayer and fellowship.

This year’s Women’s Event was in a different format than previous years, where meetings were held in eight regional locations, alongside Zoom participants, for a hybrid experience. Organized by a collective team of women from across Mosaic, the gathering centered on the theme “Well-Watered Women,” drawn from Isaiah 58:11.

The morning began with welcome and prayer, followed by worship led by College Hill Mennonite (Tampa, FL) and Luz y Verdad at Iglesia Menonita Shalom (Tampa, FL), inviting the Holy Spirit to move among those gathered. Scripture was read by women from Iglesia Menonita Fuente de Agua Viva (Los Fresnos, TX), and many gathered participants shared words of hope for the day.

Pastor Leticia Cortes from Centro de Alabanza (Philadelphia, PA) brought the morning message with interpretation by Karisa Barlow (left).

Garden Chapel (Victory Gardens, NJ) then led the group in a worship song before Pastor Leticia Cortes from Centro de Alabanza (Philadelphia, PA) brought the morning message. The time concluded with a closing prayer led by Pastor Jaye Lindo of 7 Ways Home Fellowship (Bowie, MD and hybrid), who gave thanks for the day, the message, and the eight host churches that gathered women to be restored, renewed, and refreshed. All content was shared in either Spanish or English with interpretation provided.

Worship led by College Hill Mennonite and Luz y Verdad at Iglesia Menonita Shalom (Tampa, FL).
Closing prayer led by Pastor Jaye Lindo

Following the shared program, each site transitioned into a time of lunch and fellowship. Participants engaged in different art or craft activities reflecting the theme, facilitated by each host site.

Pastor Charlene Smalls of Ripple Church (Allentown, PA) wrote a poem for the occasion:

The Well-Watered Woman

The sun may beat upon the land,
The soil may turn to dust and sand,
But deep within a fountain flows,
Where every branch and blossom grows.

She does not fear the desert heat
With living water at her feet.
Her soul is lush, her spirit bright,
A garden blooming in His Light.

For He who leads her by the hand,
Restores the soul and heals the land.
A constant spring, a life made new,
Refreshed by grace like morning dew

“We enjoyed the entire fellowship,” shared Smalls. “Thank you Pastor Letty for the rich word, reminding us of the tools needed to be well-watered, and to share what God gives us. We all have obstacles, and Jesus has the solutions.”

Others echoed similar gratitude. “Such a blessed time we had. All glory to God!” said Lisa Quinones of Garden Chapel (Dover, NJ).

Centro de Alabanza
Iglesia Menonita del Cordero
Garden Chapel
Homestead Mennonite Church
Nueva Vida Norristown New Life
Ripple Church
Iglesia Menonita Shalom
Wellspring Church of Skippack

Looking ahead, there is anticipation for next year’s gathering and continued opportunities for deeper connection among women across Mosaic Conference.

Much gratitude was expressed for the planning team’s faithful work in organizing and holding the day together across multiple sites.

“Thank you to everyone for making this possible,” shared Yesenia Casas (Iglesia Menonita Shalom [Tampa, FL]).

Word cloud image by Marta Castillo.

Mosaic values two-way communication and encourages our constituents to respond with feedback, questions, or encouragement. To share your thoughts or send a message to the author(s), contact us at communication@mosaicmennonites.org.   

A Lasting Gift for the Next Generation

by

Introducing: The Marie Detweiler Fund for Next Generation Ministry

The Mosaic Board Executive Committee has approved the creation of a new ongoing fund that will nurture emerging leaders for years to come. The Marie Detweiler Fund for Next Generation Ministry has been created through with a generous estate gift from Bruce Brown, offered in memory of Marie Detweiler of Methacton Mennonite (Norristown, PA).

Though not recently a member of a Mennonite congregation himself, Brown grew up close to the Methacton Mennonite meetinghouse. His gift is a reminder that one person’s faithful life can ripple far beyond a single congregation or community. This fund transforms a memory of Marie into legacy and an opportunity for young leaders discerning their call.

The Methacton meetinghouse around 1975. Courtesy of the Mennonite Heritage Center.

Born in 1930, Marie Detweiler lived what many would call an ordinary life. A dietician at Grand View Hospital for 15 years, she was involved in the life of her church and financially supported her family. She served on the kitchen committee, where even her practical, innovative contributions, like organizing potluck meals with a simple but effective system according to last name, reflected her thoughtfulness and leadership.

Those who remember her describe a loving person who took a genuine interest in others. She and her family offered special music and singing. Her parents were plain-dressing and came from a conservative Mennonite background. Her life was marked by steady faithfulness within her community. It was, as one person described, “an ordinary life well lived.”

Marie died tragically in a car accident in 1976 at the age of 45. Mary Jane Hershey, a leader in Methacton at that time, was asked to write a reflection that was read aloud at her funeral, held at Souderton Mennonite. In it, Hershey wrote: “Her warm smile and happy chuckle were part of her pleasant manner… She had a knack of explaining diets to patients in an understandable way. Many times, she would take a single rose to a sick person and give a poem titled “A Rose.” … A coworker remembers that when her sister was critical before she died, Marie spent much time with her, prayed with her, and did much to comfort. Her coworkers remember her as a person who lived what she believed and shared her life willingly with others.”

A 1964 brochure from what was at the time called Worcester (Methacton) Mennonite, when Marie would’ve been about 34 years old. Courtesy of the Mennonite Heritage Center.

“During the past year she visited her niece in Jamaica… and spent time with the children singing choruses and teaching Bible stories. She also spent a week in Red Lake, Canada, teaching Bible School in the Indian Village on Pikanginkum Island. During the 10 weeks before Christmas, Marie taught children every Wednesday at Swamp Mennonite.”

Decades later, her witness continues to inspire. The establishment of this fund is a testament to how lives rooted in love and service can bear fruit long after they are gone.

The Marie Detweiler Fund is designed to support Mosaic-initiated projects focused on next generation ministry. In particular, the fund will help sustain and grow programs like Mosaic’s Summer Ambassadors, which offer young adults opportunities to explore ministry, leadership, and service in real-world contexts. These experiences are often pivotal, and shape calling, confidence, and connection to the broader church.

As Mosaic looks to the future, the need to invest in emerging leaders is as urgent as ever. The church is sustained both by the legacy of those who have gone before, and by those who are just beginning to step forward.

Contributions to the Marie Detweiler Fund for Next Generation Ministry will directly support the development of young leaders, ensuring that the faithful witness Marie embodied continues to take root in new generations.

GIVE TO THE MARIE DETWEILER FUND FOR NEXT GENERATION MINISTRY 

The 2026 Mosaic Summer Ambassadors has received more applications than ever before! The number of qualified applicants exceeds budgeted funds by over 50%.

Can you help us raise $15,000 to support these leaders?

Many of the Ambassadors come from under-resourced communities. This year, Mosaic will invite Ambassadors from Colombia and Mexico in addition to the United States and will host a formational retreat in Latin America.

Modest stipends allow these young adults to participate in this leadership development program for the summer. Ambassadors is tailored to Mosaic’s congregations and Conference-Related Ministries, including immigrant-majority communities, and this year is also welcoming two college students exploring ministry.

Give Now

Listening, Learning, and Leading Together at the March Board Retreat

by

The Mosaic Mennonite Conference Board met March 27-28, 2026, in Lansdale, PA, for a retreat that included relationship-building, intercultural learning, and formal board work.

The weekend began Friday evening at the So Much to Give Inclusive Cafe in Skippack, PA, where board members shared a meal and time together. This retreat was the first time the whole board was together in person, with three new board members joining in 2026 and three in new roles.

Saturday morning opened with a time of equipping led by Intercultural Team staff members Danilo Sanchez and Jennifer Svetlik, focusing on discernment and awareness of power dynamics in leadership.

A time of equipping led by Intercultural Team staff members Danilo Sanchez and Jennifer Svetlik.

“Power dynamics are always operative, even when unacknowledged,” reflected Michael Howes, Chair of the Ministerial Committee (West Swamp Mennonite [Quakertown, PA]). “By reflecting on and naming how power operates in our Mosaic system, we’re able to use it in a responsible way – that is, to build the Kingdom.”

A restorative circle facilitated by Board Member Maati Yvonne brought the board together with the Inclusive Mosaic Leader Group for listening and conversation.

“We were grateful for the opportunity to share our concerns and the challenges of ministering fully with LGBTQIA+ members of our congregations in Mosaic, as well as the ongoing pain from past decisions,” shared Sandy Drescher-Lehman, pastor of Methacton Mennonite (Norristown, PA). Inclusive Mosaic is a group of over 30 Mosaic leaders from a dozen congregations that have met since 2023.

Lunch was shared at Dock Commons with Mosaic staff directors, featuring an Indonesian meal prepared by members of Indonesian Light Church (Philadelphia, PA).

In the afternoon, pastors and leaders from several congregations based in California, Florida, and southeastern Pennsylvania shared with the board about how the current political realities related to immigration are impacting their worship, leadership, and ministries. Board members prayed for the impacted pastors and communities.

“Throughout the entire retreat, the Holy Spirit manifested in a special way among us,” shared Board Member Haroldo Nunes (Resplandece Mennonite [Pembroke Pines, FL and hybrid]). “We reaffirmed our commitment to seek new ways to strengthen our support for the Latino brothers and sisters within the conference—walking alongside them in their times of need, praying for them, and doing everything possible to offer them care and hope amidst their suffering.”

In addition to this rich time of listening to Mosaic communities, the board spent time discussing a series of Spring Listening Sessions to continue two-way communication across the conference. These gatherings will be intentionally small, with 20 to 25 participants each, to create space for meaningful dialogue.

Scheduled sessions include May 16 at the Mosaic Conference office, May 19 at Philadelphia Praise Center, and May 26 via Zoom, with a gathering to be determined in California. A session was already held in Florida on February 21 during a pastors’ cluster meeting, with the Board Moderator and Assistant Moderator present. More information and registration is available here.

The board also spent time with Scripture and in prayer. Assistant Moderator Janet Panning offered a devotion on Philippians 1:9-10, highlighting the importance of discernment shaped by love, knowledge, and insight.

In board business, members acknowledged with appreciation letters received from Salford Mennonite (Harleysville, PA) and Nueva Vida Norristown (PA) New Life in response to “A Letter of Care and Commitment from Mosaic.” The board also reviewed and approved the Balance Sheet and Profit and Loss statements for the February 2025 through January 2026 fiscal year. The board expressed gratitude for the work of staff and acknowledged the positive financial situation.

In the Executive Minister report, Stephen Kriss shared updates on congregational transitions toward and away from Mosaic, summarized themes from annual staff conversation, and noted the interest among some staff in increased hours. He announced the addition of Rev. Dr. Calenthia Dowdy (Ambler [PA] Mennonite) as Director of Collaborative Ministries. Kriss also noted that Mosaic is preparing to apply for another Lilly Endowment, Inc. Grant.

“The fact that the board occasionally meets face-to-face and can eat and fellowship is important to me,” shared Conference Moderator Roy Williams (College Hill Mennonite [Tampa, FL]). “It is not as efficient from a programmatic point of view, but we need some of those inefficient experiences to bond together as a team.”

The retreat concluded with a spirit of laughter and connection.

Mosaic values two-way communication and encourages our constituents to respond with feedback, questions, or encouragement. To share your thoughts or send a message to the author(s), contact us at communication@mosaicmennonites.org.   

A Gentle Prophet Among Us

by

In Loving Memory of
HUBERT SCHWARTZENTRUBER (1929-2026)

Hubert Schwartzentruber, longtime Mennonite pastor and conference leader, died March 25, 2026, at the age of 96. His life and ministry left a lasting imprint on Franconia Conference and the broader Mennonite church, particularly through his advocacy for urban ministry, inclusion, and faithful presence among those on the margins.

Schwartzentruber served in a wide range of leadership roles across his lifetime, including as Conference Minister and Overseer for Franconia Mennonite Conference. In that role, he called congregations to greater awareness of their contexts and responsibilities, especially in urban settings. His earlier pastoral work in St. Louis helped shape a theology grounded in liberation and grace, nurtured through relationships.

Those who worked alongside him remember both his conviction and his humility. Mike Derstine, pastor of Plains Mennonite (Hatfield, PA), recalled a defining moment at a Franconia Conference Delegate Assembly in the 1990s, when Schwartzentruber “pleaded with tears… to not cut off Germantown Mennonite from our membership.” Derstine noted that his oft-repeated conviction, “Every congregation is a gift from God to their community,” continues to be a helpful reminder to respect and honor the broad diversity that exists within Mosaic Conference.

Pastor Ertell Whigham, former Franconia Conference Executive Minister, reflected on Schwartzentruber’s personal character, saying, “What I primarily remember about my brother is his humble commitment to unity and collaboration, his willingness to risk comfort and safety for the purpose of sharing the Gospel with others, and his capacity to listen patiently beyond what was being said.”

Throughout his ministry, Schwartzentruber served in many leadership roles and pastored congregations including Spring Mount (PA) Mennonite, Interim Pastor of Plains Mennonite, and as Chaplain for the Conference-Related Ministry Souderton (PA) Mennonite Homes.

A lifelong learner, artist, and advocate for justice, Schwartzentruber brought together faith, creativity, and action. He championed the dignity of all people, encouraged simple and responsible living, and remained deeply committed to the church’s calling in the world.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, 10-11 am at Plains Mennonite, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11 am (the service will be livestreamed).

Read Schwartzentruber’s full obituary here.

Mosaic values two-way communication and encourages our constituents to respond with feedback, questions, or encouragement. To share your thoughts or send a message to the author(s), contact us at communication@mosaicmennonites.org.   

The Courage to Bring Our Full Selves

by

by Wayne Nitzsche

“Father God, you are the author of every language and painter of every skin tone. The Composer of every song sung in every land… May we be free to bring our full selves… may our differences never be walls of separation but windows through which we see more of your truth.”

This opening prayer from Intercultural Team member Jaye Lindo set the tone for Mosaic Conference’s webinar, “When We Belong: Bringing Our Full Selves.”

Danilo Sanchez, Leadership Minister for Intercultural Transformation, moderated the meeting. Panelists were Samantha Lioi, Interim Pastor at Perkasie (PA) Mennonite; Hendy Matahelemual, Pastor of Indonesian Light (Philadelphia, PA); and Sergio Nava, leader in Resplandece Mennonite (Pembroke Pines, FL and hybrid).

Lindo’s prayer beautifully grounded the session in the team’s goal: to name and address barriers to belonging within our broken and beautiful world and within our conference. Building trust and exploring what it means to live into Mosaic’s vision of a “centered- set” conference—where commitment to the way of Jesus is at the center—were key themes. While much has changed in recent years within Mosaic, leaders acknowledged that many still struggle to feel they truly belong and can bring their full selves.

Sanchez introduced two visual frameworks to guide the discussion. The “cage of oppression” names forms of marginalization such as racism, ableism, sexism, and heterosexism. The “wheel of power and privilege” illustrates how power is concentrated and how people experience varying access to it. Together, these tools help us reflect on where we, and others, are situated within systems of power and limitation.

Panelists spoke candidly about their experiences. Matahelemual and Nava highlighted the daily realities immigrants face in navigating language and cultural barriers. The panelists affirmed the progress Mosaic has made in strengthening intercultural competence and prioritizing it across the conference.

Lioi, speaking as a queer pastor, shared that the lack of clarity around where queer people stand in Mosaic has been harmful. “I feel like my best bet is to be invisible—that it’s the best I can hope for.” she said.

Nava expressed appreciation for Mosaic’s efforts to bring people together and live into its name. He emphasized the importance of staying rooted in Christ: “We want to build a church that is strong because we share a common surrender to Christ.”

Sanchez reflected on both progress and possibility: “We have come a long way and worked hard, but there is still room to grow. If Jesus is at the center, how might we embrace differences around queer inclusion as we have around racial and cultural differences?”

Lioi invited us to examine both visible and hidden forms of power. Understanding where we hold power, and where we are vulnerable, creates opportunities to share power and build trust. Honesty and openness, she noted, help us better understand one another and love each other more fully.

In closing, panelists offered words of encouragement and challenge. Matahelemual said, “Breathe. Tell your story. Take care of your people.” Nava reminded participants, “Because of Christ’s redemptive work, we are beloved, no matter our past. In Christ, we are limitless.”

Lioi shared, “My dream for Mosaic is that we would really truly celebrate each other in the fullness of who we are… so we can embrace the fullness of each person’s humanity, and that we wouldn’t have to leave anything at the door for that to happen.”

I urge you to watch the webinar. I was encouraged by the honesty, vulnerability, and gentle caring spirit of each of the panelists. Thank you, Intercultural Team, for leading us in this countercultural and Spirit-filled work with courage and faith in God’s redemptive work among us.

Wayne Nitzsche

Wayne Nitzsche is Bridge Pastor of Salford Mennonite in Harleysville, PA, and former pastor and member of Perkasie (PA) Mennonite.

Mosaic values two-way communication and encourages our constituents to respond with feedback, questions, or encouragement. To share your thoughts or send a message to the author(s), contact us at communication@mosaicmennonites.org.   

Gathering with South Texas Congregations Strengthens Fellowship and Shared Mission

by

by Javier Márquez

On February 28 and March 1, congregations from South Texas came together for a meaningful gathering including pastors, their spouses, and lay leaders. This meeting is one of the twice-yearly visits to accompany, listen to, and strengthen faith communities. On this occasion, Marco Güete, leadership minister for Mosaic Conference was present with the group.

There was a strong sense of closeness and fellowship, where leaders openly shared their experiences, challenges, and hopes. Prayer was a constant throughout the gathering, along with times of dialogue and shared fellowship meals.

In early March pastors from South Texas and Mexico met at Iglesia Menonita del Cordero (Brownsville, TX) with Mosaic staff for equipping sessions utilizing the Mosaic Priorities Guide. Photos courtesy of Marco Güete.

One of the most special moments was the introduction of Pastor Mileton Viveros, who lives in Matamoros, Mexico, just south of the border with the U.S. Viveros is a Mennonite leader and graduate of SeBAH (the Hispanic Anabaptist Biblical Seminary) and IBA (the Anabaptist Biblical Institute), and he currently leads a ministry for children and youth in his home called “The Society of Tomorrow: Sanctuary for the Lord.” During the meeting, participants prayed for him and for his calling to establish a church in that place.

Reflecting on the experience, Viveros shared: “It was very pleasant. We attended as guests with my wife and children. It was beautiful to connect and share with the brothers and sisters, to hear what the churches are doing and the challenges they face. It was very strengthening, and it was a surprise to be invited to Mosaic Conference.”

As part of the gathering, Güete also shared an introduction to the Conference’s Priorities Guide, creating space for reflection on the path congregations are called to follow together in community. In addition, on Sunday he was invited to preach at Iglesia Menonita del Cordero (Brownsville, TX), where he shared a message based on the book of Ruth.

The gathered leaders expressed their gratitude for the visit with Mosaic Conference. This kind of accompaniment is deeply meaningful; it strengthens a sense of belonging and fellowship. “This kind of visit is very important, so we do not feel alone, but welcomed,” it was noted during the gathering.

These spaces continue to affirm the commitment to walk together as the church, sharing the mission, supporting one another, and discerning God’s work in each context.

Javier Márquez

Javier Márquez is Associate for Community Cultivation and Leadership Development. He is an Anabaptist Colombian pacifist and poet. He is based in Bogota, Colombia.

Mosaic values two-way communication and encourages our constituents to respond with feedback, questions, or encouragement. To contact Javier Márquez, please email jmarquez@mosaicmennonites.org.

Eternity

by

by Ruth Baugher Palmer

Editor’s note: This reflection is drawn from the 2026 Souderton (PA) Mennonite Lenten Devotional Guide and reprinted with permission. The devotional, titled Breathing Light and Life: Stories Shaped by Jesus contains daily reflections on the Gospel of John, through Easter Sunday, and was written, illustrated, and edited by many members of the congregation.  

Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.

John 19:25
Michelangelo’s Pieta, by CC BY-SA, via Wikimedia Commons

Scripture for Friday, April 3, 2026: John 19:23-42

What was this moment like for Mary, the mother of Jesus? Despite what we are told, death is not “a natural part of life.” Jesus’ murder on a cross held agony, terror, and final desperate gasps for breath. No – Death is an offense.

In early January, I was with my mother-in-law the night she died. I sang to her the old hymn, “Face to Face with Christ My Savior,” praying the Lord would take her gently. In the morning, she was gone. I felt relieved that our sweet Mimi got her wish to “just slip away.” Yet I felt outraged as I came to her deathbed that morning. Nothing left of her vibrant 93 years but a corpse – cold, rigid body and gaping mouth. The poem Dylan Thomas wrote for his dying father, “Rage, rage against the dying of the light,” was now personal.

My own dear grandmother passed away at 90. The pastor at her funeral looked out at our grieving family and said, “You had Helen a good, long time.” He seemed to be scolding us into thankfulness. As if gratitude for her life precluded grief at her death.

The morning of his mom’s death, my husband walked around her house saying, “The absence of her presence is so big.” Why does every death—even those of “natural causes” seem wrong? Why does the death of someone in their nineties still feel too soon?

Ecclesiastes 3 declares, “To everything there is a season…a time to be born, a time to die,” yet later in the same chapter we find the missing clue: “God has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart.”

There we have the human condition—burden, beauty and mystery. Could it be that we weep at a 90-year-old grandmother’s dying and are appalled at seeing a lifeless body because we know—deep in our bones—that we weren’t meant to die? Rather, we were created in the image of our eternal, relational God—and meant to live in a garden forever in sweet communion with God and each other. St. Paul declares, “The last enemy to be destroyed is death.” (1 Cor. 15:26). Death is not “natural,” and deep in the human heart we know it.

So yes, I will weep for loved ones lost—the severing of the bonds of love. And I will rage at death’s robbery. But I will not despair. For I know the grave does not get the last word.

Easter is coming.

Ruth Baugher Palmer

Ruth Baugher Palmer is Vice President of Program Development at Lakeside Educational Network and attends the Movement and Meditation ministry at Souderton (PA) Mennonite.   

Mosaic values two-way communication and encourages our constituents to respond with feedback, questions, or encouragement. To share your thoughts or send a message to the author(s), contact us at communication@mosaicmennonites.org.