Articles

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.

Delegates Discuss Hot Topics During Heatwave

June 18, 2015 by Conference Office

by Colin Ingram, Conference Communication intern

“I’m glad that you took time out on our first heatwave of the summer to talk about some potentially hot topics,” Steve Kriss, LEADership Minister at Franconia Conference said to Conference delegates on Thursday, June 11th. The delegates had gathered at Christopher Dock High School to review delegate responsibilities and discuss MCUSA Convention 2015 resolutions. Some were delegates for Convention, while others were delegates for Conference Assembly.

With only two weeks left until Convention, the delegates sat at five tables discussing upcoming resolutions to be voted on at Convention. The 36 attendees also reviewed the roll and call of a delegate. A total of 230 delegates will represent the Conference between Convention and Conference Assembly.

“We have gathered here this evening to discuss important matters in the Mennonite Church,” Conference LEADership Minister Noel Santiago said.

After opening remarks from Conference Moderator, John Goshow, Santiago led the delegates through a reflection on the role of delegates leading into a time of Scripture-based devotion.

Questions were then posed to the delegates in a time of table discussion facilitated by John Stoltzfus, Conference Youth Minister.

“Together, [with] our collective wisdom we can come together and new insights and revelations can emerge as we lean into each other,” Stoltzfus said.

Moving between tables they discussed five questions World Café style, a discussion engagement style that seeks to obtain different perspectives between persons. Particularly, the delegates discussed the Status of the Membership Guidelines and Forbearance in the Midst of Difference resolutions.

“What we discussed here tonight was the resolutions,” John Nyce, conference delegate for Franconia Mennonite Church, said. “Depending on how those are either rejected [or] accepted will certainly set the agenda for November (Conference Assembly).”

Multiple concerns were expressed on the Membership Guidelines Resolution. In general, the resolution was considered by some as complex, unclear, and unneeded, while others found it values mutual accountability, the Confession of Faith, and common commitment to mission. However, some expressed concern that four years is too long for the delegate assembly to set aside considering changes to the Membership Guidelines.

Opinions on the Forbearance Resolution ranged between beliefs that it is a call for patience with each other and that it is “kicking the can down the road.” Some delegates found it wise and a seemingly biblical image of unity. However, some expressed that the ambiguity leaves them wondering how far it goes. Concerns regarding the Forbearance Resolution included that it may open the way for people to do “what they want”, though some believe the resolution reflects the value to search for wisdom with love and unity, having Christ as the center.

Overall, the discussion allowed delegates to further understand the resolutions and hear one another’s perspectives.

A lot of questions still remain from delegates, but the Conference is working on clarifying as much as they can before Convention. The Conference has begun planning for Conference Assembly preparing for how to address what may or may not happen in Kansas City. Communication will be shared with constituents as it becomes available.

Kendra Rittenhouse, Salford Mennonite Church, believed the discussion will bring Franconia Conference unity despite differing views. Moreover, as a first time delegate, she has a positive outlook on Kansas City Convention and the anticipated delegate interactions.

“I am expecting God to work. I am hoping that we can still hold onto one another even though we don’t agree, and that somehow we can roll through this new era [and] still have Christ as our focus,” Rittenhouse said.

A video of the event can be found here. Also, a transcript of the discussion question responses can be found here.

No doubt the outcome of this summer’s resolutions will spark further discussion amongst Conference delegates.

Plains Mennonite to Celebrate 250th Anniversary

June 11, 2015 by Conference Office

By Colin Ingram

Plains Mennonite Church survives across the span of 250 years enduring winters by fire, societal change by faith, and technological advances by flexibility. The faithful people of the congregation worship on the same flat land plot since 1765. Older than the United States, Plains testifies to God’s grace in the eternal Jesus. Biblical principles mold the community of believers set to follow an everlasting God who works salvation through history.

Fellowship, worship, meals, and music are weaved into the fabric of the people of Plains Mennonite Church. Plains will celebrate its 250^th year by just that. Gathering for remembrance, the church will host a three day weekend celebration at its location in Hatfield from Friday June 19 to Sunday June 21. The event entails singing, worship, storytelling, meals, and tours.

The Plains story will be told through a Hymn sing, tours of the meetinghouse and historic sites, a music service called “Our Musical Heritage,” and two catered fellowship meals.

Tours will explore the land that over two centuries of Mennonites have walked. Saturday will feature guided bus tours, cemetery tours, and exhibits of artifacts and pictures, according to Alyssa Kerns, Church Administrator of Plains.

Continuing the legacy of worship music a service called Our Musical Heritage led by Justin Yoder will be held Saturday, June 20th at 7pm.

Open for the community, Plains is offering a living history book of congregational endurance, Mennonite heritage, and God’s salvation history all in one weekend celebrating its 250 years. Come join in the celebration and see all the details of the weekend in the 250th Celebration Brochure.

Colin Ingram is a summer communication intern at Franconia Mennonite Conference and is a member of Finland Mennonite Church.

Living God’s Promises Together: 25 Years and Beyond

June 10, 2015 by Conference Office

By Sharon Williams

Nueva Vida Norristown New Life (NVNNL) is celebrating 25 years of unity in Christ! The congregation came together on July 1, 1990—a most unusual integration of three Mennonite churches of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds in Norristown.

Everyone in the Franconia Conference community, former members and attendees of the four congregations, and the Norristown community is invited to the Homecoming Fiesta and Concert, Saturday, July 11. A free pork roast dinner will be served outdoors at 5:30 p.m., followed by a concert with James Crumbly and Friends at 7 p.m. at the church. An offering will be received to support the congregation’s Enlarging Our Place in God’s World fund.

James Crumbly of Tampa, Florida, is an accomplished pianist and composer who led worship at the 2010 Franconia Conference Assembly, and has ministered several times with the NVNNL congregation. He taught Jazz Ensemble, Adult Voice Ensemble, and Songwriting at the Patel Conservatory of The Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. His strong background in classical, gospel, and jazz gives him a uniquely eclectic sound. Enjoy a sample of James’s piano artistry.

The worship celebration, Living God’s Promises Together, will be held Sunday, July 12, 10:30 a.m. James Crumbly will lead worship with the congregation’s bilingual worship team and pastors Ángel Tamayo, Marta Castillo, and Ertell Whigham.

The congregation is also hosting Mennonite World Conference guests for our outdoor worship service on Sunday, July 26, 10:30 a.m., followed by a fellowship meal. Everyone is welcome, and we especially hope to welcome persons en route to the Philadelphia airport following Mennonite World Conference in Harrisburg.

Sharon K. Williams is a musician, editor and congregational/non-profit consultant. She serves the Lord with the Nueva Vida Norristown New Life congregation as minister of worship.

Protecting God’s Gifts: Congregations Prepare for New Child Protection Laws

June 4, 2015 by Conference Office

Barbie Fischer

As Pennsylvania rolls out new Child Protection laws, Franconia Mennonite Conference is working to support congregations and leaders in the updating of their child protection/safety policies. In this effort, Franconia and Eastern District hosted a Child Protection Seminar held at Towamencin Mennonite Church on May 13^th and May 20^th. The seminar enabled pastors, associate pastors, youth leaders, along with children and family ministry directors to learn about the new Pennsylvania Child Protection laws that are now in place to help preserve the family.

“We need to set high standards as communities of faith for creating safe spaces for our children to grow in the image of God. The state is setting certain standards for us. This is an opportunity to be a witness in our communities for the value we place on our children and youth,” said John Stoltzfus, conference youth minister.

The seminar was presented by Mandy Mundy, from the Network of Victim Assistance (NOVA) in Bucks County. She reviewed briefly how the new child protection laws came to be, and gave an overview of what the laws say. She explained what and who a mandated reporter is. Noting that the new laws expand who is required to be a mandated reporter. For the Conferences and congregations this includes all pastors, credentialed leaders, and paid and unpaid staff who are responsible for children during a scheduled church activity or function. This would include nursery/childcare volunteers, and youth sponsors for all church related activities/events.

Mundy also explained that “a mandated report is required to report suspected child abuse.” She briefly explained what is meant by “suspected” and the information a mandated reporter would need to make a report. Participants were reminded that a report does not mean a child will be removed from their home. Mundy also reminded participants that child abuse is not just physical or sexual but also mental and emotional. Some of the definitions of child abuse have also changed with the new laws and those changes were noted in the presentation.

Following that, Mundy reviewed the basic process for reporting suspected child abuse. She also discussed with the participants who under the new laws would be required to have background checks (referred to as clearances).

At the end of the seminar participants were given an opportunity to share what is already in place at their churches and what changes they have been making to address the new laws. Many ideas were exchanged and discussed.

Stoltzfus stated, “Attending this seminar made it clear to me that while many of our churches already have good child safety policies in place, we also have much work to do in updating our policies to meet new state requirements and in better aligning our vision of who we are called to be as a people of God with our practices of creating safe spaces for our children.”

Franconia Conference continues to work to aid congregations in this transition with the new laws and will be posting a page on the website dedicated to Child Protection. On this page the Conference plans to post the updated Conference Child Protection Guidelines and looks forward to being able to provide sample forms for congregations. If your congregation is willing to share your policy or forms for others to use as an example please contact Barbie Fischer at BFischer@FranconiaConference.org. Stay tuned to Intersectings for the announcement of when the new Child Protection Page is up and running.

To download the slides presented by Mundy at the Seminar click here.

Conferences Meet with MC USA Executive Director

June 4, 2015 by Conference Office

Colin Ingram

Ervin Stutzman, executive director of Mennonite Church USA, met with Franconia and Eastern District Conference members on May 28 at Zion Mennonite Church. The meeting aimed to educate attendees on the MC USA structure and what is happening in the denomination, along with preparing delegates for the upcoming Convention.

“We are gathered this evening to know what it means to be delegates at Kansas City this summer,” Stutzman said.

About one-fifth of the 68 attendees to the meeting were first time delegates. Stutzman reminded delegates their role includes prayer, open discussion, and discernment regarding resolutions. A delegate job description can be found on the MC USA website.

One of the responsibilities of the delegates at the 2015 Convention, Stutzman pointed out, will be discerning what a “majority” is when approving resolutions. Previously, this has been 51 percent of delegates. MC USA is suggesting using a two-thirds majority approach. Delegates will be given time to discern what approach they would like to use prior to voting on the resolutions at Convention.

Throughout the evening, Stutzman highlighted parts of Mennonite Church USA: An Overview, the Purposeful Plan, the updated 2013 Membership Guidelines, and the five Resolutions.

Mike Derstine of Plains Mennonite Church said, “The Purposeful Plan was helpful to see exactly what they’re doing and to hear [Stutzman’s] desire to help the church focus on our common strengths and common vision.”

The Purposeful Plan contains the “seven priorities” of the MC USA Executive Board. Page 20 starts a list of the priorities and displays specific goals intended to fulfill them.

Stutzman reviewed the five Resolutions last. The first three resolutions were addressed individually: Israel-Palestine Resolution, Faithful Witness Amid Endless War Resolution, and the Churchwide Statement on Sexual Abuse. The other two resolutions relate to one another and therefore were talked about together. Those resolutions being the Resolution on the Status of the Membership Guidelines, and Resolution on Forbearance in the Midst of Difference.

The Membership Guidelines were reviewed before assessing the resolution regarding them. Number 3, 4, and 5 of Part I of the Guidelines were highlighted to show the relationships of authority between congregations, conferences, and MC USA. Stutzman made note that this is important to remember when considering the resolutions on the guidelines and the resolution regarding forbearance.

Stutzman also noted that Part III of the Membership Guidelines was added in 2001 and reviewed why and how it was added. He spoke of this section of the Guidelines being reviewed with the resolution as there is continued tension around the content of Part III.

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