Articles

Philadelphia Praise Prepares Future Leader through Summer Service

July 9, 2015 by Conference Office

by Colin Ingram

Philadelphia Praise Center (PPC) is preparing the young Alexandra Cindy Angela for leadership through the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Summer Service Program. Alexandra Cindy Angela, who goes by Cindy, has been attending PPC for the last year and a half. She is currently studying communication and entrepreneurship at Temple University and is ministering through the summer service program for 10 weeks, from June 14 to August 21. Orientation for the program was in Goshen, IN during her first week.

According to the MCC website, the Summer Service Program aims to have young people of color serve through working at their church and in their community. Service workers are often involved in running a peace camp, an urban garden, or being a health educator.

“My responsibility is to assist the church to be a part of the community,” Cindy said.

Cindy’s responsibilities include church involvement in the community, working with PPC’s peace camp, video editing and graphic design. Part of her role includes translating and taking people to the hospital or to a lawyer. One event she helped with was a block party called “Passport Day.” Pastor of PPC, Aldo Siahaan is her director. In addition, she reports to a church elder and a deacon.

“The future of the church is the young generation, and we are trying to prepare her to be a future leader of the church,” Pastor Aldo said.

As one of her main service responsibilities, Cindy is the program director for peace camp. She manages the overall vision, planning and activities. She also determined this summer’s theme for the camp — “Painting Tomorrow” — and each week’s theme focus: family, friends, the present, and the future. Cindy is also in charge of the roster, communication with parents, distributing lunches, and organizing teachers and volunteers. Some things she has incorporated into the camp are career talks from various professionals, including a medical doctor, an accountant and a farmer, and visiting urban gardens.

Cindy stated, “This work is much more rewarding [than waitressing]. I think it makes me grow more as a person, and as a Christian.”

The peace camp is an outreach to the community that has been running at PPC for five years. Kids from the neighborhood ages seven to 14, divided into a younger and older group for activities and lessons, attend the four-week program at PPC from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.

“The kids really love [Cindy], our camp director; for example, she knew how to track with them to get them to do what they needed to do,” camp volunteer Hanggia Nadeak said.

Cindy hopes to work in a job in the field of communication when she finishes school at Temple and is open to the possibility of using her studies for the church in the future. In her free time, her passions include writing and music.

Delegates Make Difficult Decisions: KC MCUSA Convention Update

July 2, 2015 by Conference Office

by Barbie Fischer

Riding in an airplane or a bus, the transportation to Kansas City was likely the easiest part of the journey for the 57 Franconia Conference delegates at this year’s Mennonite Church USA gathering in Kansas City that began on Tuesday, June 30^th. While there are still two days remaining, delegates have already worked on discerning difficult topics from denominational membership guidelines to drone warfare.

Opening worship … an invitation to no longer be the quiet in the land

To open convention Tuesday evening, Michelle Armster, director of Mennonite Central Committee Central States, preached in a joint worship service with youth and adults. She spoke of the stories of Mary and Martha and of brave women whose lives ended in horrifying death in ‘Martyrs Mirror’, and how they should remind us that we must help give a voice to those that society — or even the church — are trying to silence. Armster said, “We must speak up! We can no longer be the quiet in the land where a young man can walk into a church and murder at a Bible study,” referencing the events earlier this month in Charleston, South Carolina. She went on to say, “The Jesus movement is not for the comfortable, or the satisfied, or the insiders. May we, like Mary and Martha, be bold for Christ once again.”

On being a peace church in a time of violence

As the delegates gathered on Wednesday morning for the opening session, Elizabeth Soto Albrecht, moderator of Mennonite Church USA, reminded delegates that as racial tensions rise following violent events in Ferguson, Missouri; Charleston, South Carolina, and others, we need to come together to create peace.

In her opening remarks and throughout the week, she reminded delegates that “with the fruits of the spirit in mind, especially self-control, we can discuss items appropriately. Let’s witness to others that we are a peace church.”

Resolutions on drone warfare and Israel/Palestine: one passes, one is tabled

The first day of delegate sessions, Wednesday, the delegates considered resolutions on faithfulness amid endless war, and on Israel/Palestine. In addition, a third was brought forward asking for the delegates to acknowledge and extend forgiveness in response to the Executive Board’s statement of confession in an April pastoral letter to delegates. While the resolution on forgiveness was passed with extensive support, the others were not smooth processes.

Faithfulness amid endless war was approved with an amendment, yet delegates expressed feeling rushed through the process. In the afternoon, the resolution on Israel/Palestine came before the delegates and several concerns were expressed. One delegate raised the point that many in his congregation are employed by Caterpillar, one of the companies listed as being deeply entrenched in the conflict and one that could be boycotted upon passing this resolution. He expressed concern for his congregation members’ jobs and the church’s ability to support them if they quit. Others expressed that as a peace church there is a call to build bridges — not “take sides.” Still others brought up the need for relationship building with the Jewish and/or Israelis, as well as Palestinians.

Two initial polls were taken to determine levels of support for the resolution; after much division, a motion was brought forward to table the resolution until the next assembly in 2017. Delegates voted by ballot on whether to table the resolution, and the motion to table passed by 55 percent — 418 in favor, 336 opposed, 28 abstaining.

Resolutions on forbearance and membership guidelines both affirmed

Thursday proved no less difficult as the delegates worked to discern regarding the forbearance and membership guidelines resolutions. Joe Hackman, Salford congregation, had been up front helping with worship and spoke of watching the over 800 delegates enter the room saying, “I had an overwhelming feeling of the beautiful body of people entering the space. The air felt thick with the Spirit, with joy, thick with pain, thick with tension, anxiety, humility, and thick with a desire to be faithful.”

The delegate session began with opening remarks, prayer, some singing, and a disruption by a few persons, intended to make a statement for the LGBTQ community. This disruption was quickly over taken by singing, although there were a few boos amidst the otherwise shocked delegate body. Elizabeth Soto Albrecht then read part of a statement from Pink Menno stating they were “de-pink[ing] the delegate session as a sign of their opposition to the resolutions at hand. Pink Menno supporters wore trash bags over their pink t-shirts. Soto Albrecht stated it is important that their voices be acknowledged.

A time of singing and prayer re-centered delegates. The authors of the forbearance resolution — Charlotte Lehman, pastor of Reba Place Church in Evanston, Illinois, and Megan Ramer, pastor of Chicago Community Mennonite Church — then framed the forbearance resolution prior to the delegates’ time of discernment.

Lehman said, “We know we have differences of conviction, but we don’t want a political debate. We long to have the kind of healthy conflict that you can only have with people you love.” The authors acknowledged they have differences between their two congregations. Lehman went on to say, “conflict is not the enemy. The enemy is the enemy. We want to glorify God in both the outcome of our dialogue and the way we conduct our dialogue.” The resolution went on to be approved by a 71% vote in favor: 581 yes and 228 no.

The day continued with discussion and discernment on Mennonite Church USA Membership Guidelines. This proved to be a resolution in need of clarification. Ervin Stutzman, executive director of MCUSA, referred to the Frequently Asked Question document, prepared for and released to delegates on June 18^th. After prompted by question, he noted, “If both of these resolutions pass, the Executive Board will see it as a mandate to hold together the traditional stance of our church with an approach that grants freedom to congregations and area conferences to work things out in their own context, with mutual accountability with the CLC … If the resolution on Membership Guidelines does not pass, the Executive Board will take it as a mandate to free congregations and area conferences to work out their own practices without specific accountability to the commitments stated in Part III of the Guidelines. In any case, the Executive Board will take into account the degree of support or non-support for each resolution in the voting process, as well as the specific feedback from table groups.” Following much discussion, the delegates voted to approve the resolution with 58% affirmation: 473 yes, 310 no and 28 abstentions.

Eastern District and Franconia conference delegates gather to acknowledge “not winning” together

However, the day was not over for Franconia Conference delegates or those attending convention on behalf of Eastern District. Conference and congregation delegates from both conferences joined for a time of reflection on the week and dialogue regarding what this means for us moving forward.

With over 60 in attendance for the conversation, Charlie Ness of Perkiomenville congregation, Lorie Hershey, pastor West Philadelphia Mennonite Fellowship, and Warren Tyson, conference minister for Eastern District Conference, shared their reflections on the week and hopes for moving forward.

Ness shared that these resolutions and the one on the Churchwide Statement on Sexual Abuse yet to be considered touch a nerve for him, as he has a deep personal story connecting him to the resolutions. He mentioned that many have spoken in the delegate session about living in tension and that “living together in tension, feels to some of us like living in contradiction. This will be a challenge for us in how we function with the diversity among us.”

Hershey said, “today was a hard day. It was hard work” and like nothing she has experienced in previous years as a delegate. Hershey elaborated that she would have appreciated an acknowledgement of the pain and the silencing even within the group. “As leaders we need to continue to name these things, because there is a big gulf between how we understand things and differing realities.”

Warren Tyson said the imagery he once heard of the Spirit being like a “wild goose” came to mind. He said “the goose comes in and flaps around, makes lots of waves and noise and commotion, and disrupts life.” He wondered if there was a sense that God was wanting to stir us up and maybe even have us feel pain.

Joe Hackman mentioned language used by Michael King (also of Salford congregation) of pastors being “pain holders.” He said, “I felt that was taking place in some real and tangible ways today.”

In the delegate gathering, there was a sense that there were no winners in the difficult day. “So we are all in it, not winning together.”

Yet, there was profound hope in the room amongst Eastern District and Franconia conferences’ delegates. All three of those who shared spoke of the deep and authentic conversations that happened at the delegate tables. They spoke of the differing views and how, through that, they were able to see one another as people. By doing so, some were even shifting in their understanding and perspective.

The delegates acknowledge that deep authentic conversation is not always easy when you have to work and live with one another. It was acknowledged that with the passing of the forbearance and membership guidelines resolution, we are being called to this uncomfortable place of engaging with one another in authentic conversation. One delegate shared, “It’s going to be hard and it will take a lot of time. We cannot go home on Sunday and say it is done. It will never be done. We need to do what we can do in our congregations and conferences.”

While difficult decisions were made by our delegates, the difficult work is not yet done. Through the passing of these resolutions, we have committed to engage in this uncomfortable place, sit with our brothers and sisters and discuss our differences, being vulnerable with one another as we explore the depth of our conviction. While this task may seem daunting, the commitment to our denomination, conference and congregations was clear, as these over-60 individuals from Franconia and Eastern District conferences came together after two intense and draining days, to stand together and say “we made the decisions — now how do we move forward together?”

May God grant us wisdom as we continue on this journey together. May we strive to allow the fruits of the Spirit to guide us. May we see one another as God sees us.

Update Posted July 6, 2015:

Final delegate session sees two more resolutions affirmed and installation of new moderator

On Saturday, July 4th the delegates met for a final session where they passed two more resolutions. The resolutions included a statement proposed by the Mennonite Palestine-Israel Network (MennoPIN). The statement declared support for both Palestinian and Israeli partners in peacemaking and was written after the tabling of the Israel/ Palestine resolution. The other resolution discerned on Saturday, a resolution of expression and lament, called on MC USA and “all its parts [to] continue to build awareness and direct resources and energy to continued anti-racism education among our constituencies and to stand in solidarity with the African-American community as destroyed properties are rebuilt and ministry occurs to broken bodies and souls.” Both passed with overwhelming support.

Following the final resolution discernment, the delegates received a report from Mennonite Central Committee, the Listening Committee, and the Anti-Racism Team. Many affirmations and concerns were heard by the Listening Committee and they noted that many of the concerns were around procedure. The Anti-Racism Team noted that this convention was the most diverse convention to date. However, the delegate sessions did not reflect this diversity with only 10% of the delegates being people of color.

Ewuare Osayande of the Anti-Racism Team noted, “until the delegate session — where voting power lies — looks a bit more like the seminar and learning sessions, no real change will occur in the broader church.”

Elizabeth Soto Albrecht prays with Patricia Shelly, newly installed moderator. (Photo courtesy of: MCUSA)

To end the day, Ervin Stutzman, executive director of MCUSA thanked Elizabeth Soto Albrecht for her service as moderator over the past two years. Patricia Shelly and David Boshart were then installed as moderator and moderator-elect for the next two years.

Finland Congregation Celebrates Ordination of Kris Wint

July 2, 2015 by Conference Office

by Colin Ingram

According to Marvin Reinford, it was only the second ordination worship in recent history at the Finland congregation and the first in its new meetinghouse facilities on Ziegler Road. After three years of licensed ministry, Finland’s lead pastor Kris Wint was ordained on June 28. Wint has moved into the lead pastor role following John Ehst, who is now serving as the congregation’s associate pastor until a new pastor might be called.

“We just give thanks to God for His grace and His leading in the way we here at Finland sense God building his church,” Ehst said.

In the ordination sermon, Derek Cooper of Biblical Theological Seminary affirmed Wint’s gifting as a prophet amongst the spiritual gifts of Ephesians 4:11. After highlighting the ministry of Kris to his family and congregation, Cooper said, “I specifically believe that one of the primary callings that God has on Kris, is that he is a prophet.” Wint has a love for the truth because of his given spiritual gift of prophecy and must continue to speak God’s Word to people content with the “status quo” even as a “lone voice in the wilderness” according to Cooper.

Finland’s LEADership Minister Noel Santiago led the ordination. “On behalf of these your brothers and sisters here at Finland, on behalf of Franconia Conference, we ordain you as a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and commit this congregation to your spiritual care,” Santiago said.

Stephen Kriss, Director of Leadership Cultivation and Congregational Resourcing, presented gifts of a fraktur and oil lamp from the Conference.

At the end of the ordination service, Pastor Sandy Drescher-Lehman of Souderton Mennonite Church, presented her father John Drescher’s last Bible to Wint in a stirring and teary moment. Drescher was a significant influence on Wint, Ehst, and the people of Finland. Drescher died last summer. Wint is married to Drescher’s granddaughter Ginger and they have four children.

Ministry Intern Merges Science, Art Into Health in Allentown

July 2, 2015 by Conference Office

by Colin Ingram

Both left and right brained, Ripple summer intern Hannah Yoder weaves science and art together as she carves out her ministry path in Allentown bringing hope and health.

Hannah joins Ripple Allentown as a Ministry Inquiry Program intern. She is shadowing Ripple’s five pastors throughout the summer. Under the direction of Pastor Angela Moyer her service lasts from May 30 to August 15. Hannah double majors in nursing and art at Goshen College. When home from college, Hannah goes to Akron (PA) Mennonite Church. Ripple is a frequent placement site for Goshen College students.

“One of the important parts is living in Allentown,” Hannah said, when asked about fitting into Ripple’s mission. “Living here you’re constantly engaged with the community.”

With room to pursue her interests and talents, responsibilities include working at a medical clinic, creating a grief mural, starting a material resource center, and leading involvement in a city summer art project.

“It’s a lot of piecing together different parts of what Ripple does in the community,” Hannah said.

As a nursing student, Hannah works with the street medicine clinic that meets Wednesdays at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Allentown, where Ripple meets on Sundays for worship.

She may help coordinate an emerging material resource center (MRC) to gather people together and encourage serving others. The materials collected, such as blankets, would go to Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) and be distributed around the world. In terms of art, the mural will include memories of people processing the deaths of loved ones, including those from the Ripple community.

The 10-week summer internship is part of the Ministry Inquiry Program (MIP), connected through Mennonite colleges and universities. A Mennonite Church USA initiative, the program is supported by Franconia Conference, as well as other area conferences. The program is designed for college students to explore ministry, job shadow a pastor, and discover ministry gifts.

“It’s a way to call out students who might have interest in church leadership or have pastoral gifts and give them an opportunity to try out their gifts to see if they’re interested in it,” Pastor Angela said.

In her free time at Goshen, Hannah is involved with Student Senate, environmental club, and Art Club.

Towamencin Youth Inspires and Blesses

July 2, 2015 by Conference Office

Peter Zucca 2 - 7-3-15 - web — Photo courtesy of www.peterpowerhouse.org

“As a church, we have often felt as if we are part of both Peter’s struggles as well as his celebrations. He has such a positive personality that he draws people into his life’s story and in the end, we are always inspired and blessed through each and every victory in his life. Peter has taught me how to trust God with a smile on my face.” –Mike Clemmer, pastor at Towamencin Mennonite Church.

Forbearance That Leads to Repentance

June 25, 2015 by Conference Office

by Kris Wint

The blast and boom of the fireworks was not all that made my heart pound that night as I headed home. Saying goodbye to my then girlfriend (now wife) caused joyful lingering and it was now well past midnight. As I drove back home I remembered the zeal of local police officers and was mindful to make complete stops and go the speed limit (if not a little under). I didn’t even turn my music on to keep my subwoofers from bringing any unwanted attention my way. Even in my caution, my rearview mirror exploded with bright dazzling lights. This time, it wasn’t fireworks; it was police lights.

After a brief exchange, the officer informed me that my license plate light was out. Then, contrary to the fervor I had heard about for their enforcement of the law, he gave me a deal. It was a warning. Fix the light and stop by the police station. However, if I failed to fix the light in time a ticket and fine would ensue. I quickly agreed to the deal, thankful for the kindness and leniency. His response was a demonstration of forbearance at work.

The Bible speaks of forbearance as well. Jesus shares a parable about forbearance illustrating why God would forbear with us. Luke recounts this parable in his gospel. “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. And he said to the vinedresser, ‘Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down. Why should it use up the ground?’ And he answered him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure. Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down’” (Luke 13:6-9 ESV).

Clearly, God is full of grace and rich in mercy. His forbearance and patience is at work in all of our lives. I turn away daily toward idols, self-reliance and pride but God waits, not cutting down the tree, but digging around instead. He cultivates growth and calls me back.

Just as in the parable, forbearance has a purpose. God does not endure our sin so that we remain unchanged. Divine forbearance is not tolerating our sin. The verses before the parable tell us the purpose and nature of forbearance, especially verse 4. “No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” Jesus links forbearance with repentance, giving insight into why God forbears with us. His forbearance is so that we would turn from our ways and align ourselves with God.

The police officer extended patience expecting the same: that the broken light would be fixed. What did I do in response? Did I fix the light and drive to the police department? Nope. Somehow, I never got around to it. This kind officer who showed forbearance also then demonstrated his justice and truthfulness when a couple weeks later I got the ticket in the mail as he said I would. What should have only cost about a dollar to fix ended up costing a whole lot more.

In his letter to the Romans, Paul was led by the Holy Spirit to write these words, “Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead to your repentance? But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed” (Romans 2:4-5).

Paul is simply saying the same thing that Jesus did in his parable. God’s forbearance is a suspense of wrath (which will eventually be exercised) unless the sinner repents (accepts God’s conditions). We cannot rely on forbearance alone, taking God’s kindness for granted. But rather God’s forbearance invites us to confession and repentance.

Regardless of the offense–pride, greed, joylessness, lack of compassion, unforgiveness, lust, sexual intimacy outside of marriage between a man and woman, hate, anger, envy–we are all broken and need to repent before our good and holy Creator. When we do Christ takes us and just like the gardener in the parable transforms us into trees that bear fruit. This is patiently enduring for the purpose of cultivating repentance. This is forbearance that I can stand behind and get excited about. This is the forbearance that we should all be thankful for. This is what Christ offers, restoration through repentance for our good and God’s glory.

Kris Wint is lead pastor at Finland Mennonite Church in Pennsburg, PA. This article is part of a series that the Conference has invited in considering responses to the resolutions for Assembly at Kansas City 2015.

The Other Statement on Sexuality: Why it's Important and What it Might Mean

June 25, 2015 by Conference Office

by Gwen Groff

The Churchwide Statement on Sexual Abuse is a strong, unequivocal statement about sexual abuse in our families, churches and broader culture. When I first read the other statements about sexuality to be discussed at the Mennonite Church USA convention in Kansas City, I internally responded with reservations and disappointments, noticing places where they sound like they were written by a committee struggling to satisfy conflicting interests, places I felt the statements didn’t go far enough or went too far. When I read this statement on sexual abuse I responded with unequivocal affirmation and deep gratitude.

This statement was written in response to the church’s institutional mishandling of the sexual abuse perpetrated by John Howard Yoder. It is part of a process of lament and repentance, but it also addresses the need for actions that will have broad beneficial effects on congregations and other church institutions. The tone of the statement is remarkably positive given that its subject is heinous and anxiety producing. It does not perpetuate an illusion that healing is easy or quick, but it does point to the constructive goals of truth-telling, education, and prevention.

The resolution is beautifully written. It makes simple, clear statements. It declares “human bodies are good.” It commits us to developing and teaching “healthy, wholesome sexuality.” It equates inaction with sin. It acknowledges links between sexism and racism. It draws distinctions between sexual immorality and sexual abuse of power.

The statement identifies the need for concrete action. It reports that 21 percent of women in Mennonite Church USA congregations and 5.6 percent of men reported having experienced sexual abuse or violation. Those who have been sexually abused can hear their voices reflected in this statement. Those who are in leadership in congregations and church institutions can hear this as an explicit call to action.

As I read the statement and its three invaluable appendices, “Actions and commitments,” “Lenses for understanding sexual abuse,” and “Resources,” I recalled working in Mennonite Central Committee’s (MCC) Peace Office when MCC was drafting a peace statement. As the Peace Office presented a finely wordsmitedh draft, one board member lamented that although all the parts of the statement were sound, the document didn’t “sing.” He wished the words were more resounding and poetic. Reading this document I felt that some sentences of this sexual abuse resolution do in fact sing: “Our spirituality and our sexuality are not disconnected or competing aspects of our lives but express our longing for intimacy with God and with others.” Not quite sing-able, but certainly true and beautiful.

I wondered who wrote this powerful statement on our behalf. Who are these individuals on the “Mennonite Church USA Discernment Group”? The MCUSA web site names them as Carolyn Holderread Heggen, Regina Shands Stoltzfus, Ted Koontz, Chuck Neufeld, Linda Gehman Peachey, Sara Wenger Shenk, and Ervin Stutzman. Their brief bios explain their passion for this work. They represent Mennonite institutions that are committed to necessary change. I look forward to personally thanking some of them in Kansas City.

The work is not finished with drafting and affirming these words. The statement calls us to take very difficult action. It commits us to careful theological work, for example, exploring how our peace theology might contribute to tolerating abuse: “Examine religious teachings that make it difficult for victims to protect themselves or speak up when they have been violated and hurt,” being “especially alert to teachings that advocate … suffering and bearing the cross as signs of discipleship.”

The statement also calls us to tough and sometimes tedious concrete work that might seem contrary to our usual trusting ways of relating in the church. Do we really have to put “windows in all interior doors” of the Sunday school rooms and require “screening for all staff and volunteers”?

Finally the statement calls us to careful, thoughtful work in our institutions. Leaders of institutions often see it as their primary job to protect the institution, sometimes at the expense of victims of abuse committed in the institution. This statement confesses that leaders “have often responded with denial, fear and self-preservation. We have tended to listen to voices who have positional power, rather than to those who have been violated and those who are most vulnerable.” Institutions are good at self-preservation. Doing the patient, transformative work that this statement advocates is the best way to preserve what is worth preserving of our institutions.

Gwen Goff is lead pastor at Bethany Mennonite Church in Bridgewater Corners, VT. This article is part of a series that the Conference has invited in considering responses to the resolutions for Assembly at Kansas City 2015.

Community Members Join Together for Passport Day

June 25, 2015 by Conference Office

by Dr. Lindy Backues

On Saturday, June 13^th, 2015, Philadelphia Praise Center (PPC) put on an event filled with color, culture, fun, dancing, music, and joy. Given the name Passport Day, with a subheading, “yours to discover,” the event featured the serving up of fresh foods from many countries such as Indonesia, Mexico, Nepal, China, Vietnam, and even the US territory of Puerto Rico, as well as various musical acts, cultural games, contests, and dances both in the way of performances as well as collective dance-alongs in the street! There was also a dunk tank where quite a few individuals were plunged into cold water thanks to the throwing ability of those who paid to have the chance of seeing them go under. It was a wonderful, all-day affair, something that rocked the area and attracted on-lookers and spontaneous participants to join in.

The goal of the event was two-fold. The event was designed to emphasize unity, sharing, and mutual appreciation, that through a time of celebration, fun, and festivities, PPC, its building and premises might serve as a vehicle in the neighborhood for bringing together a diverse number of communities in order to share and learn from each other. This part of the goal was achieved to a degree even beyond initial hopes, so much so that the leadership of PPC are seriously considering making it an annual event of celebration and unity. The second part of the goal was to raise funds for a neighborhood beautification project including a mural. Through food sales and charging for games participated in, over $2,000 in funds were raised for the mural project attached to the church building located at 1701 McKean Street in South Philadelphia, this project will be completed in cooperation with Philadelphia’s Mural Arts Program. Also, 10 percent of the proceeds will go to survivors impacted by the earthquake in Nepal in April. The hope is that the mural project might serve to beautify the location and the PPC building, becoming an icon of hope for the development of strong communities, serving as an inspiration and a point of connection to our surroundings. It is also hoped that an improved building can serve as a catalyst toward local economic development, helping to attract interest on the part of tourists and visitors to the neighborhood. PPC was greatly encouraged by the significant start made by just one day of fun, festivities, and celebration.

Several participants gave testimony to their own sense of enjoyment related to the day and its events. For instance, one person stated that “…the event was a wonderful way to showcase the diversity of the community! I loved the activities, the variety of food and the overall friendly atmosphere of Passport Day. Looking forward to it being an annual tradition.” Chenora Scott exclaimed that she and her family “…REALLY enjoyed the event. The children enjoyed it as well. We found [it to be] educational and very welcoming. The cause…brought awareness to a serious issue…[and] truly gave off a family vibe….We would love to attend [in the future].” Event staff member Donna Backues – who led the Indonesian batik design classes – felt this way: “The part I loved the best about Passport Day was being able to play and work together with the other ethnic groups represented in the community. I think as far as community outreach is concerned, this is one of the most effective ways since it is not just our church helping the community, but it’s the rest of the community participating with the church to do something together and something fun.” It was a grand success – PPC looks forward to repeating it in the future.
Dr. Lindy Backues worships at Philadelphia Praise Center and is a Professor at Eastern University.

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