Mosaic Mennonites

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Reflecting on Advent and the Light We Bring 

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by Hendy Matahelemual

This reflection was originally posted on the MC USA Menno Snapshots blog. It is republished with permission from MC USA.  

As I reflect on the season of Advent, I think about what is meaningful for my family and church. We don’t really celebrate Advent as much as I remember when I was a kid. I remember growing up in a Catholic tradition, and during every Sunday Mass during Advent, the pastors would light a candle. There were four candles — one for each of the four weeks before Christmas, representing joy, peace, hope and love. But today, our preparation takes a different form. 

Today, while no physical candle is lit, our hearts and minds are certainly ignited with the spirit of preparation for Christmas. At the beginning of November, our church Christmas committee began working, the choir started their practices early, and the drama ministry came up with a script that aligns with this year’s Christmas theme. This Sunday, we put up our Christmas tree at the church and began decorating. It’s a festive time, in which most of our congregation participates. There are a few weeks ahead with much to prepare, but we are excited. 

We want to provide the best service to God, our congregation, and the guests who attend our Christmas service. It is customary among Indonesian churches to invite guests from other churches to our Christmas event, as well as friends and colleagues who have never been to our church before. In past years, our church attendance during Christmas has typically doubled. 

This is a wonderful opportunity for outreach to unchurched individuals. Many Christians who are not actively connected to a church still feel a strong inclination to attend a Christmas celebration. This season provides a unique chance to engage with them, as the festive atmosphere and message of hope draw them in, creating a meaningful moment to reconnect with faith and community. 

Advent, from the Latin “adventus,” meaning “coming” or “arrival,” is translated from the Greek “parousia” and reflects both Christ’s first coming in Bethlehem and his anticipated Second Coming in glory. 

I often imagine, living in the dark world we face today, that if Jesus were in a plane needing to land, our role would be to light the runway with joy and celebration. We are called to illuminate the path with sacrificial love, burning brightly in our service to others, so that his arrival is met with the warmth and welcome of our hearts. 

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” 

— Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV) 

As we prepare for Christmas, Advent reminds us that it’s not just about waiting but actively getting ready in our hearts and communities. Whether through lighting candles or through the work of our church teams, we are called to share Christ’s light in a dark world. This season gives us a special chance to welcome others into the hope, joy and love of Christmas. Let us shine brightly, not only through our preparations but in how we live, as we await Christ’s arrival. May our actions reflect his love and draw others to him during this special time. 

Hendy Matahelemual

Hendy Matahelemual is the Associate Minister for Community Engagement for Mosaic Conference. Hendy Matahelemual was born and grew up in the city of Bandung, Indonesia. Hendy lives in Philadelphia with his wife Marina and their three boys, Judah, Levi and Asher.

Reflecting on Our Red, Yellow, Green: How Our Discerning Looks on Paper 

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by Stephen Kriss

Out of a desire for a voting process that includes more discernment, Mosaic Mennonite Conference has moved to a three-fold green, yellow, red pattern for our gathered delegate sessions. The colors allow a more nuanced response and at times have made our voting process seemingly more complicated. We are still learning what it means to be community together and to allow space for the Spirit while working within our legal realities.  

At Assembly on November 2, the primary discernment that required a response was to move forward in receiving the recommendation of the Pathway Steering Team on affiliation with Mennonite Church USA (MC USA). The recommendation toward partnership advocates for a different kind of relationship with MC USA, one that is currently undefined. In the meantime, MC USA has also embarked on its own re-imagination process. 

At the November Mosaic Board meeting following Assembly, we tallied all the yellow, green, and red responses on the wall in the meeting room, so that we could see the spread of how congregations and Conference Related Ministries (CRMs) voted. With a vote of roughly 1/3 in each category of red, yellow, and green votes, there were some identifiable trends. 

Red votes were dominated by historic Franconia Conference congregations. They likely came from two different perspectives on our relationship with MC USA. Some of our congregations would like further distance, and others would like the status quo in relating to MC USA. About 1/3 of the red votes were abstentions, some of which were people who left the gathering before voting. There are some outliers in this category but if we’re looking at an overall message, we can make these broad considerations. Many of the red votes had elements of defining this discernment primarily around how queer-identifying persons are engaged in the life of the church. 

Green votes were at least half from congregations that are urban and/or BIPOC majority along with a strong representation of former Eastern District and Southeast Conference congregations. For many of these congregations, the relationship with Mosaic Conference has emerged as substantive and sustaining. Many of the green votes likely saw their concerns represented in the work of the Pathways Steering Team along with the leadership of the board. Their comments represented a willingness to trust the leadership’s discernment and to move forward with partnership. These votes may or may not be deeply shaped regarding issues on queer inclusion. 

The yellow votes were more of a mix of who we are as Mosaic. Their concerns included a need for more clarity about partnership and some comments about what a redefined relationship with MC USA might mean for queer-identifying persons. Some yellow voters have long-term relationships with other Mennonite communities or institutions and don’t want to lose those connections.  

Some congregations voted as a block. Some congregations had votes spread across three categories. CRMs showed up in all of the categories. Some comments included a lament of possible lost relationships in a changed status with MC USA. Others questioned the value of membership in Mosaic Conference based on the outcome of the process.   

In the table group feedback, there was an underscoring of the value of ongoing communication between Mosaic Conference leadership and congregations. Over the next year as we figure out what partnership with MC USA might mean, we have work not only with the denomination but also in listening deeply to the life of our congregations, ministries, and leaders. 

I am committed to this work together and to listening as best as we can to the diversity of perspectives that make up our Mosaic realities. To navigate these challenges together, we will need the Spirit’s wisdom and wildness. To quote one of our leaders who shared reflections with me after Assembly, “The Spirit is up to something; I want to be part of it.”   

The Spirit usually brings a mix of life and chaos. After Assembly, I was reminded how being Mosaic together is both holy and at times with some confusion (Acts 2 reminds us how the first time the Spirit descended, it was both of these). I also notice that for some of us there is a sense of loss, and for others, a sense of being found, seen, and heard. 

My hope is that the red, yellow, and green process is just one of the ways we recognize the diversity of our experiences and perspectives. And that we find many ways to listen and to honor our diversity, centered in the reconciling love of Jesus. To be Mosaic requires us all to bring open postures toward creative and life-giving chaos and how the Spirit is still descending among us in a broken and beautiful world. 

Stephen Kriss

Stephen Kriss is the Executive Minister of Mosaic Mennonite Conference.

The Resilience and Faith of Hispanic Church Pastors During Hurricane Milton

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By Javier Márquez  

Hurricane Milton’s passage through Florida left a trail of destruction, but it also became a moment of strength and hope for the Hispanic churches of the Mosaic Conference. The pastors of these communities experienced uncertainty, yet their stories reveal unwavering faith and a supportive network that kept them steadfast through the storm.

Preparations and Protection

Pastors Secundino Casas and Haroldo Núñez, along with other conference leaders, shared their experiences of preparing for Hurricane Milton. Pastor Casas recounted how, despite having time to prepare, they focused on gathering essential supplies like water, canned food, and gas. They also boarded up windows to protect their homes from strong winds.

“The first thing we did was entrust ourselves to God in prayer, and then we took shelter in a place we considered safe,” he said. This initial act of prayer was a shared response among pastors, who saw faith as an additional layer of protection.

Pastor Núñez added that their preparation included practical measures such as securing windows and doors and having a generator ready for days without electricity. They closely monitored weather reports to stay informed about the storm’s progression and evacuation needs.

“Staying calm was key. We knew what was coming but didn’t let ourselves panic,” Pastor Núñez emphasized.

The Storm: Faith and Resilience Amid the Crisis

As Hurricane Milton hit, the pastors faced uncertainty with trust in God. Despite calls from concerned family and friends, the community remained united in faith.

“We trusted that God would take care of us,” said Pastor Núñez. This calmness was vital during moments of difficulty, especially when communication and electricity were lost.

However, emotions were mixed. While their faith remained steadfast, conflicting feelings arose. Pastor Casas expressed that, on one hand, he fully trusted in God’s protection, yet on the other, he felt some guilt for not leaving Florida before the storm, particularly as he saw fear in his daughters’ eyes.

“Although my faith stayed strong, I felt helpless and guilty seeing the fear in my daughters,” he shared.

Community as a Pillar: Mutual Support During the Storm

The church and local community played a crucial role during and after the storm. Pastor Núñez highlighted the support from church leaders who sent encouraging messages and the active involvement of neighbors in Ellenton.

“The greatest support came from our neighbors. Everyone was helping each other,” he noted.

Despite material damages, including fallen trees, destroyed fences, and damaged roofs, the unity and faith within the community stood out. Pastor Casas described the strength of the faith community:

“Shalom is a very close-knit community, and in situations like this—good or bad—we always come together.”

This unity was evident in the mutual support shared throughout the emergency.

Aftermath: Damage, Challenges, and Hope for Recovery

After the hurricane passed, the damages were significant, but thankfully, there were no fatalities.

“The hurricane struck around 9 p.m., and although the 100 mph winds caused some damage, there were no fatalities,” Pastor Núñez reported. Fallen trees and twisted fences were the most visible damages, but the community quickly began repairs.

Pastor Casas faced flooding on his property and the loss of several trees.

“It was devastating to see the destruction, but at the same time, we knew God had spared our lives,” he expressed with gratitude.

Despite the material losses, the community remained resilient, driven by faith.

An Unyielding Inspiration: Trust in God’s Promises

Throughout the hurricane, both pastors found inspiration and comfort in Scripture. Pastor Núñez recalled Psalm 27:1, which gave them peace and hope:

“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?”

Pastor Casas leaned on the promise of Matthew 28:20, reminding them that God is always with them, even in the most challenging circumstances.

A Testament of Faith, Unity, and Strength

The pastors’ and their communities’ response to Hurricane Milton stands as a testament to faith, unity, and resilience. Despite the damages and fears, their hope in God and mutual support were the pillars that sustained them through the storm.

This experience not only strengthened the local church but also highlighted the power of community during times of crisis.

The Heart of Worship

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by Josh Meyer

I was recently asked to define worship in exactly six words. After a bit of thought, I offered the following answer, “Seeing God accurately and responding appropriately.” Anytime we get an accurate glimpse of who God is and are moved to respond, that’s worship. My friend, music director, and worship theologian Helen Eastburn puts it this way, “Worship is drawing near to God as God draws near to us.”

Another definition, offered by my former seminary professor, suggests that “the inner essence of worship is to know God truly and then respond by valuing God, treasuring God, prizing God, enjoying God, being satisfied with God above all earthly things. And then that deep, restful, joyful satisfaction in God overflows in demonstrable acts of praise from the lips and demonstrable acts of love in serving others for the sake of Christ.”   

I love how this definition emphasizes that: 

  • Worship begins with God  
  • Worship leads to deep, restful, joyful satisfaction in God  
  • Worship leads to praise from our lips  
  • Worship leads to acts of love in serving others  

Particularly in a consumeristic culture that trains us to evaluate experiences based on their enjoyment or benefit to us, I’ve found it helpful to be reminded that worship is not primarily about us. 

  • Exalting God is not about what we get out of it; it’s about choosing to praise and trust God regardless of our circumstances because we have faith that God is good. 
  • Worship is about giving God glory, not seeking to receive something for ourselves. We’ve already received – which is why we worship. Worship is a response. We’ve received the good news of Jesus Christ, the suffering, sacrificial love of a Father who sends the Son, and who sends the Spirit, so that we might be saved…in this life and in the age to come.
  • Worship is always, ultimately about God. 

A few years ago, I read a short post by pastor reflecting on the nature of worship.   

For the last three years I have had the immense privilege of serving in Honolulu. Yes, that Honolulu, in Hawaii. The one where the sun shines most every day, the temperature is always perfect, and the ocean is just a short walk away. What’s ironic about this is that I was born and raised in Anchorage. Yes, that Anchorage, in Alaska. While 7-year-olds here in Honolulu were learning the importance of sun safety and SPF, I was learning (the hard way) why not to lick the school flagpole in the middle of winter. Sometimes I feel like my life is one big contrast.  

Perhaps that is why I love the picture of worship in Leviticus 9:23-24. “When the people saw it (the Glory of God), they shouted for joy and fell facedown.” The people of Israel saw the glory of God and their appropriate response was to shout with joy AND fall facedown to the ground. It seems like the ultimate dichotomy, exuberance and contriteness, celebration and reverence.  

What an amazing visualization of this response to who God is, the worshipper bowing face to the ground but alight with a radiant smile! This paradox is our appropriate response to God. It’s not one or the other. It’s not even a balance between the two. It is both sides in all their fullness, together becoming our answer to the question of how we will respond to a glimpse of who God is.  

May we do that together as a people of faith across Mosaic Conference.  

May we see God accurately and respond appropriately.  

May we draw near to God as God draws near to us. 

May we bow in reverence and celebrate with joy.  

Josh Meyer

Josh Meyer is a Leadership Minister for Mosaic Conference.

A New Chapter: Philadelphia Praise Center Dedicates PAX Center

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by Cindy Angela

On a sunny fall afternoon in South Philadelphia, the streets around 18th and Wolf Streets were buzzing with excitement. The energetic sound of Indonesian praise music filled the air as people filled the main sanctuary of the renovated building of PAX Center, the new home for Philadelphia (PA) Praise Center (PPC). About 200 congregation members attended PAX Center’s building dedication service on October 26, 2024.  

Photo by Haris Tjio

Earlier that day, PPC hosted an open house to invite the community to tour the historic space—formerly home to Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church—and explore all the building has to offer. 

‘Pax’ means peace in Latin, and it is exactly PPC’s hope for the building.  

“We want to bring light in the darkness, bring hope to the hopeless, and to bring peace to the entire community,” shares PPC Senior Pastor Aldo Siahaan.  

The building serves as a worship space for the PPC congregation, and PPC also hopes that PAX Center can be a blessing to other organizations and the neighborhood. Along with PPC’s activities, PAX Center is already being used by a Spanish-speaking congregation, gamelan (Indonesian traditional music) practice by a local organization, a preschool, as well as hosting other community events.  

Every Sunday, the first floor of the parsonage is transformed into PAX Cafe, a welcoming pay-as-you-wish café open to everyone in the community. 

For 18 years, PPC had worshipped in a building on McKean Street in South Philadelphia. As the congregation grew in size, it had become evident that they were outgrowing the space.  

In 2023, through Mosaic Conference’s Executive Minister, Stephen Kriss, PPC learned that this historic property on 18th Street was for sale. After a long process, PPC was finally able to acquire the building in July 2024. 

Executive Minister Stephen Kriss and Mosaic Conference received an appreciation gift. Kriss also delivered the message during the building dedication service. Photo by Haris Tjio.

“We are very grateful for Mosaic staff and board members who walked with us faithfully during the entire process until we finally got the mortgage and closed on the building,” reflected Siahaan. 

Within three months of purchasing the 200-year-old building, PPC completed several renovations to accommodate the needs of the congregation. PPC now has space for two services, a youth service, and three Sunday School classes every Sunday.  

“An overcrowded space is no longer an issue and now we can truly focus on discipleship,” said Siahaan.  

Photo by Haris Tjio

Cindy Angela

Cindy Angela is the Director of Communication for Mosaic Conference. She attends Philadelphia (PA) Praise Center, and she lives in Philadelphia with her husband, Andy, and son, Noah.

Peace Nights Connect Mosaic Youth

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by Rachel Mateti

 

The fall 2024 Peace Nights were funded in part by a Mosaic Conference Missional Operations Grant (MOG) requested by Salford (PA) Mennonite. The grant helped to cover expenses for food, supplies, and transportation for the Mosaic youth groups who participated. 

 

This fall, youth from around the southeastern PA congregations of Mosaic Conference have the unique opportunity to come together to learn about the peaceable way of Jesus through fellowship, formation, worship, and games.  

The original idea for the Fall 2024 series of four Peace Nights was a collaboration between Ambler (PA), Salford (PA), Zion (Souderton, PA), Whitehall (Allentown, PA) and Plains (Hatfield, PA), with the support of Mosaic’s youth formation team.  

A slide from the teaching portion of the “Peace with God” session on Sept. 14. Photo by Rose Bender Cook.  

 

The first Peace Night of the series took place in September at Zion, on the theme of Peace with God. Around 70 persons were in attendance, including youth and leaders from the above-named congregations and Souderton (PA), Ebenezer (Souderton, PA), Indonesian Light Church (Philadelphia, PA), and Deep Run East (Perkasie, PA). The second meeting took place on October 6 at Plains with the theme “Peace with Self.” 

“The idea for Peace Nights started as a way for churches in southeastern PA in Mosaic Conference to share resources and provide programming for youth faith formation,” shares Andrew Zetts, Associate Pastor of Youth and Outreach at Salford.  

Youth and leaders from Whitehall (PA) Mennonite. Photo provided by Rose Bender Cook. 

 

“As I ran the idea by other Conference youth leaders, a few goals emerged. In addition to sharing resources and gathering a critical mass of youth in one place, we wanted to live into Mosaic’s intercultural priority and bring youth from various geographic and socioeconomic backgrounds together to develop meaningful relationships; and to teach peace theology as a foundational part of living out the ways of Jesus.”

At Plains, the youth group is small but growing, with grades 6-12 together. It can be hard to provide spiritually invigorating activities for a large age range. Peace Nights are one of the few places they can interact with other Mennonite peers in a church setting. 

Youth from eight congregations work together during the games portion of the first Peace Night. Photo by Rose Bender Cook.  

 

Instead of one shared culture, multiple cultures are represented at Peace Nights. Instead of most kids knowing each other, the majority are meeting for the first time. Awkwardness abounds, but a willingness to participate has prevailed. Through games like 9 squares (provided by Bloomin Glen [PA] Mennonite), and “Get -to-Know-You” Bingo (crafted by Andrew Zetts) youth have opportunities to make connections while having fun. Good food energizes everyone to talk and fellowship around tables deepens relationships. 

Loud voices singing together in worship has been a blessing. Youth seeing other youth singing boldly invigorates the whole group and creates a spirit of readiness for our teaching time. Teaching is followed by discussion groups that give youth a chance to come together and internalize the message they have heard. It is beautiful to observe. 

Participants from Deep Run East led worship. Photo by Hendy Matahelemual.  

 As Andrew Zetts shared, Peace Nights have a many purposes (sharing of resources, teaching peace theology, making connections outside our own congregations) but I also see Peace Nights as a place for youth to belong. Even those who might have held back in the beginning of our gathering seem to find their place throughout the night.  

Being Mennonite in our modern world can sometimes make a person stick out or feel different. Being a Christian youth can also feel alienating at times. Finding a place of belonging is, therefore, vital in keeping our youth engaged, connected, and inspired to follow Jesus. 

Peace Night worship. Photo by Mike Ford. 

The third Peace Night took place at Zion on Saturday, Nov. 9, 5-7:30pm; the theme was Peace with Creation. Our last gathering will be on Sunday, December 8 at Plains where we will look at Peace with Others; all Mosaic youth in 6th-12th grade and their youth leaders are invited to join us.

Plans for future gatherings in 2025 are underway and will be shared with congregations soon. As a leader, I am encouraged to see this vision come to fruition and to hear other leaders express their sense of energy and hope for the future of these gatherings. 

Participants gather outside for games. Photo by Hendy Matahelemual. 

Rachel Mateti

Rachel Mateti is the Children and Youth Minister at Plains Mennonite (Hatfield, PA). She is married with three kids and lives in Telford, PA. She enjoys reading when she finds the time and recently picked up running as a hobby.

In An Upper Room in Mexico City

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by Noel Santiago

Leaders from Mosaic Partner in Ministry RIMI met in Mexico City from September 19-21, 2024. Coming from Mexico, the USA, Paraguay, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Colombia, they gathered for their annual meeting. RIMI is the Red de Iglesias Misioneras Internacionales (International Network of Missionary Churches). The meeting took place in an upper room at Iglesia Cristiana La Paz in Mexico City, one of the world’s largest cities. 

The La Paz congregation was started by Franconia missionaries Kirk and Marilyn Hanger, along with Mennonite Brethren missionaries Jonathan and Juanis Pritchard from Kansas and Mexico. Leticia Cortes, who had worked with the Hangers at Palabra de Gozo church in Mexico City, helped start Iglesia Cristiana La Paz. Later, Leticia married Fernando, moved to the US, and together they now pastor Centro De Alabanza, a Mosaic member congregation in South Philadelphia. 

Amid Mexico City’s noise—barking dogs, street vendors shouting, a constantly-ringing mini church bell used as a doorbell, and the sounds of cars, buses, motorcycles, and people— we had to focus hard on listening to make sure we heard each other clearly over the noise. 

The purpose of this annual gathering was to worship, pray, and connect. Leaders shared ministry updates from each country, supported and prayed for one another, and planned how to best organize a growing and multiplying movement of churches, leaders, and groups. 

The work involved reviewing RIMI’s mission and priorities to keep ministry aligned with its vision. The main challenge was creating a structure that stays organized and flexible without becoming rigid. Like Mosaic, they used pillar statements as part of their guiding principles and have focused them on missional discipleship; building lasting relationships; developing self-sustaining churches; sending called individuals to other cultures; starting and multiplying churches; and organizing in organic, life-giving ways. 

The highlight of the meeting was hearing stories of God’s work in different countries, with people coming to faith in Jesus. One story involved a RIMI leader who was invited to speak at a community funeral. The family appreciated his message so much that they asked him to return a month later to share more from the Bible. Three months later, a Bible study group formed. Similar stories were shared from all the countries. 

Current numbers churches connected with RIMI. Image provided by Noel Santiago. 

RIMI focuses on finding and empowering leaders with a vision for starting new churches or groups. When they identify such people, they come alongside them, and if agreeable to all involved, they start working together. 

They accompany and equip pastors of established congregations and sponsor Generación Sana, an annual international youth gathering focused on raising up and empowering young people for ministry. 

Many in these countries face challenges for ministry, including concerns about personal safety due to violence, travel uncertainties, and limited resources. Despite these obstacles, people shared stories of God’s faithfulness and how God supported them in their work. 

A crucial part of RIMI’s leadership meetings is the intercessory team. In addition to being active members, they listen for how God is speaking and moving among them. Their insights are regularly sought during decision-making. 

RIMI’s vision is to see people transformed by Christ to impact all nations. Their mission is to connect and multiply churches and ministries to fulfill God’s purpose. They value leaders who serve in underserved areas and who demonstrate healthy relationship skills, discipleship and empowerment, teamwork, and holistic ministry engagement. 

Pastor Kirk Hanger sums up a central piece of RIMI’s as follows: “We provide mentoring, coaching, encouragement, training, and spiritual support to leaders as well as a network of people who share a common vision and commitment to Christ”.  

In Mexico I was struck by the deep gratitude those present expressed for the opportunity to serve. Whether it was through preparing meals, ministering to one another, hosting guests, or running errands, their joy was truly evident. I pray I can capture a bit of this joy in my own heart as I seek to serve others. 

God keeps inviting and expanding Mosaic’s reach across the world. May God continue using this church-planting network to share the good news of Jesus in our broken and beautiful world. 

RIMI leaders meeting in an upper room at Iglesia Cristiana La Paz, México. Photo provided by Noel Santiago.  

Noel Santiago

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

Being Part of the Multitude

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by Marta Castillo

Thirteen people were recognized as newly credentialed leaders at the 2024 Mosaic Conference Assembly. They represented seven nations, four continents, five languages, and ten Mosaic congregations. What a beautiful sight! What a wonderful work of God’s Spirit!  

“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: ‘Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.’”

Revelation 7:9-10, NIV

Salvation belongs to our God! These are the leaders that God has called forth and into Mosaic from the east, the west, the north, and the south. These are the ones whose lives and ministries share the Good News. These are the ones who bring their calling, faith, experiences, culture, and love to share with us. What a powerful experience to be joyfully received and acknowledged by the gathered assembly and immediately empowered to anoint others in that space of hospitality and grace! 

After years and years of receiving predominantly white males as newly credentialed leaders, we began to see white women emerge as leaders alongside the men. Now we are experiencing a significant shift toward a diversity of men and women that reflect the multitude of heaven. It is cause for celebration and will mean a shift in the ways we are “conference” together.   

Do we understand what these shifts mean to our system? Being together is the same and yet different. Prayer is the same and yet different. Worship is the same and yet different. Making decisions is the same and yet different. Time is treated differently, and we flex to be less linear and less concerned with completing tasks and getting to business. We make time to drum together.  

We ALL need to graciously move aside to leave space for others. Our covenants of conversation are necessary to leave more room for Spirit movement and voices that are new and different as well as those who have been around for a long time.   

We are all feeling it; a deep sense of being welcomed and belonging and at certain times feeling out of place and unsure, no matter who we are. When prayers are spoken in only Spanish, Indonesian, or another language and there is no interpretation. As people around us at Assembly greet each other with hugs and excitedly chatting in a language we don’t understand.  

Pastor Effiem Obasi (left) with Leadership Minister Jeff Wright at LA (CA) Faith Chapel.  
Pastor Segundino Casa’s (center) ordination at Iglesia Menonita Shalom (Tampa, FL), being blessed by Leadership Minister Marco Guete.  

If you are used to understanding everything that is said everywhere you go, it is hard. If you are used to a certain way to process decisions and carefully track time and productivity, it is hard. If you are used to being more focused on the conversation and not watching the clock, it is also hard.  

If you are used to being the only one in the room who doesn’t understand or looks different, it is freeing to hear others speak your language and look like you. In whichever of these experiences, you find yourself, be gentle with yourself and others in the discomfort and in the joy. 

We are learning to be united in diversity. We are being mutually transformed. God is moving quickly before us and we are seeking to be obedient by getting out of our own way to receive the gift of being together in new ways, to see new people in leadership, and to experience being part of the “multitude.” Together we worship God and cry out, “Salvation belongs our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” 

Let’s recognize that our experience together is beautiful and complicated as we “embody the reconciling love of Jesus in our broken and beautiful world.” 

Marta Castillo

Marta Castillo is the Associate Executive Minister for Mosaic Conference.