Mosaic Mennonites

Missional - Intercultural - Formational

Articles

Celebrating Mennonite Women in Service 

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by Anne M. Yoder

The Mennonite Heritage Center (a Conference-Related Ministry, Harleysville, PA) hosted a program on Saturday, March 23 to celebrate Women’s History Month. Some registrants were kept away due to the torrential rains of that day, but a small and enthusiastic group did gather. The program was conceived by MHC’s Education Committee and part of its mission was to highlight archival collections that held the papers of women who were missionaries or involved in a medical profession. There are often glimpses in personal papers that can inform and inspire us today, and it was wonderful to find some at the MHC as well as other archives. The bulk of what was discovered was of Mennonite women active from 1894 to 1928. 

The Mennonite Heritage Center’s Rosenberger Meetinghouse Room prepare for the Women in Service event. Photo by Regina Wenger. 
Retired Swarthmore archivist, Anne Yoder share the stories from the archives of Mennonite women who served. Photo by Regina Wenger. 

Regina Wenger, Educational Curator, in her spirited introduction, shared that this was a period of tremendous change for Christian women, including Mennonites. They began to organize their own societies and mission outreach networks, and single and married women became part of movements to bring about social change (for example, through the temperance crusade) and to share the Gospel. Their abilities and intellect shined in their increasingly public roles, and they gained authority in places where, for example, they were the only doctors in a large area of a country.  

My presentation was about Mennonite women who left their home environments to work in missions in U.S. cities or overseas, particularly in India, or as army nurses in Europe during World War I. Their diaries and letters illuminated their sense of calling, the challenges they found when they arrived, how they were perceived by others they met or to whom they ministered, and reflections about God. A quote by Sara Shisler, a missionary in Nigeria, who wrote in 1927, moved us all: “These [Bura] girls are beautiful…One does not need to try to love them, one just does…. In educating them, we are not handing anything down, only sharing what we have. May our sharing be done in justice and love.” [Sara C. Shisler Collection (Hist. Mss. 1-214), Mennonite Heritage Center] 

Anne Yoder tells the story of missionary Lina Zook. Photo by Regina Wenger. 
Carol Martin Johnson, an art therapist from West Philadelphia Mennonite Fellowship, spoke about the intersection of faith and service in her own life. Photo by Regina Wenger. 

Carol Martin Johnson provided a modern-day counterpart to these historical women. She reflected on the messages she had received as a child about work and art and how that impacted her career. The admonishments heard and modeled for her were that creating beauty was alright if it served a useful purpose. After years of nursing as a profession in the U.S., and in Uganda with Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), she began to feel restless. She credits the Holy Spirit stirring in her that led her to become an art therapist. Helping others in a way that taps into her creativity has helped her to finally feel settled. The messages from her childhood have been transformed: now she knows that making art and beauty is not a luxury; it is essential to her wellbeing and way of existing in the world. 

The program closed with comments and questions, a time of fellowship, and assembling MCC infant care kits from supplies brought by participants. 

Anne M. Yoder

Anne M. Yoder served as the Archivist for the Swarthmore College Peace Collection, from which she recently retired. She is a member of West Philadelphia Mennonite Church and also attends Methacton Mennonite Church. 

Finding a Community that Supports and Celebrates

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CLC Gathering Reflection

by Emmanuel Mwaipopo

Editor’s Note:

The Constituency Leaders Council (CLC) of Mennonite Church USA’s annual gathering took place on March 21-23, 2024, in Goshen, Indiana. Mosaic sends three representatives. Emmanuel Mwaipopo, Intercultural Committee Chair of Mosaic’s Conference Board, was invited to offer a reflection.  

At the CLC meeting, leaders from each area conference and MCUSA’s recognized constituency groups pray together, share ideas and resources, process concerns, and discern direction on issues of faith and life, and talk with MCUSA’s Executive Board.

My name is Emmanuel Mwaipopo, and I serve on the Intercultural Team of Mosaic Conference. I was raised in Tanzania in the Christian faith by a Catholic father and a Mennonite mother, and my extended family covers many faiths like Jehovah’s witness, Seventh Day Adventists, Islam, and others.

I appreciated that we were able to live together in harmony given the differences in our faiths, yet I wondered why our one family had so many different views of faith, and whether my faith made sense to me.

As by our customs, my siblings and I were brought up in the Roman Catholic church and loved every aspect of it. Yet, when I was at an age where I could no longer claim the cover of my parents’ decision making, and was expected to forge my own path, I ultimately had to ask myself some questions: “Why do I hold this faith? Why am I a Catholic? Why am I a Christian? Do I understand my purpose, and am I pursuing it?” 

Through prayers and many discussions with my family, I eventually chose to follow the Anabaptist Mennonite faith that allows me to live my purpose and follow where God was calling me.  

Through church I’ve learned to love others, serve those in need, and show compassion. I’ve learned to live together with diverse cultures and traditions with a common purpose of answering God’s call. The church provides my family and me a community that supports us through life challenges, encourages us when facing doubts, and celebrates God’s gifts and provisions with us.  

My wife and I are raising five kids: two teenagers and three children under the age of five. Being a mixed family, foster family, and an immigrant family has complex challenges that we could not endure without the support from the church. I find joy through worship, prayer, and fellowship.  

From disruptions brought by technological advancements to news of famine back home, it’s challenging to stay focused on God’s promises. Sometimes it is tempting to resign and ask, “what’s the point?”  

Yet as far as the church is concerned, that’s the point. The joy given to me through faith transcends the hopelessness brought by life’s circumstances. And the body of believers bears a testimony of what could be when we pray together, worship together, and fellowship with one another.  

Emmanuel Mwaipopo

Emmanuel Mwaipopo was born in Tanzania. Although his mother was a Mennonite, he was raised in his father’s Roman Catholic tradition. He moved to the US in his 20s to study at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. Later he moved to Norristown, PA and now serves as an elder at Nueva Vida Norristown New Life Mennonite Church. Emmanuel is a software engineer and works for Comcast. He and his wife care for five children. 

Creating a Playground for All at Plains

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by Bev Miller

“Many weeks I sat in awe at the ways in which resourcing was happening just by providing a safe place for parents to share together,” reflected former Associate Pastor Dawn Ranck Hower. “My role was simply to provide the space, open with prayer, and then I sat back and learned.” 

It all started when some families at Plains Mennonite (Hatfield, PA) had children who received autism spectrum diagnoses. They reached out to the pastors for support. The pastors saw the need for an autism support group and invited other parents and caregivers from the local community. Catherine Schadler Heller, M.Ed., shared her knowledge and expertise around topics chosen by the group.  

That was helpful, but the pastors soon realized that the greatest resource for parents was meeting with other parents to talk and share ideas. For example, one parent would say, “My son hates zippers on his pants, and I found pants with an elastic waist that he likes at…”  

Another parent would say, “My son is exactly the same,” and would write down the name of the store. That was 12 years ago, and today our Autism Support Group has reached over 70 households who stay connected through monthly meetings, email, and a private social media site. 

The congregation became more aware of appropriate language, individual behaviors, and the need for acceptance of persons with disabilities. Local professionals provided insight to the congregation during the adult Sunday school hour on autism, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sensory differences, and other disabilities.  

As a congregation, “we realized that we could do more within our building, park, and property to include those who had been unintentionally placed on the margins,” said Heather Gingrich, current facilitator of the Autism Support group. 

In 2020, Plains was fortunate to receive an estate gift from congregational members specified for “children and youth of Plains Mennonite Church.” A church committee was formed to brainstorm how to use this gift and decided to plan an inclusive playground and increase the accessibility of Plains’ eleven-acre park. “We decided to include a crucial step in planning and designing the playground ‘with’ rather than ‘for’ the families in our community. So, we interviewed families in the Autism Support group to learn what they felt was most important to include in a playground,” said Gingrich.  

The responses included shade, a rubberized surface, equipment inclusive for a wide age range, equipment that offers a choice for social interaction or sensory breaks, and a fence to prevent eloping. 

Children of Plains Mennonite Church show their excitement for the new playground. Photo by Kiron Mateti.

The first Barrier Free Grant from Anabaptist Disability Network (ADN) helped pave an accessibility path through the park and form an entrance for the yet-to-be-built inclusive playground.  

A second Barrier Free Grant of $500 plus donations and grants from local businesses, community members, and congregants made the dream of a “playground for all” possible. The inclusive playground allows children of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to come and play on equipment, encouraging fun and entertainment for all. Gingrich adds, “We look forward to welcoming our neighbors and community!” 

This article was originally published in 2023 in Anabaptist Disabilities Network’s blog, Opening Doors. 

Bev Miller

Beverly Benner Miller is an Associate Pastor at Plains Mennonite Church and taking Clinical Pastoral Education courses from Eastern Mennonite Seminary. She has a Doctorate in Higher Education from Temple University.

Ministerial Committee Update – March 2024

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The Ministerial Committee makes decisions on ministry credentials and policies that promote the support, health, and training of credentialed leaders and safe church practices for congregations. They meet quarterly to act on recommendations from the credentialing committee, review and revise current policies around credentialed leaders, and provide leadership in cases of misconduct.   

Report from the March 13, 2024 Ministerial Committee Meeting: 

Credentialing 

License Toward Ordination

Ordination 

  • Brooke Martin, Salford/Mosaic
  • Secundino Casas Martinez, Iglesia Menonita Shalom
  • Nering Huete, Nueva Vida Norristown New Life

Status Changes/Transitions

Retired

  •  Nelson Shenk

Withdrawn

  • Sam Claudio Jr

Transfer Complete

  •  Lydia de Jesús

License to Ordination Extension

  • Emmanuel Villatoro, Philadelphia Praise Center
  • Jaye Lindo, 7 Ways

Moved to Active without Charge

  • Franco Salvatore
  • Tim Moyer

Credentialing Renewal Process 2024: Every three years, Mosaic Mennonite Conference enters a year-long credentialing renewal process for all credentialed leaders. As our conference becomes more diverse, geographically, culturally, and in legal status, we need to continue to consider the elements of legality, safety, and culturally appropriate practices within this process and expect that we will continue to be respectful and relational. See more at:https://mosaicmennonites.org/credentialrenewal/

Definitions Related to Credentials:  

  • Licensed for Specific Ministry (LSM) – Person called from within the congregation to serve in a specific leadership assignment within the congregation or another organization  
  • Licensed toward Ordination (LTO) – Issued for a three-year period with the purpose of testing the inner and outer call to ministry, further discerning of ministerial gifts, abilities, and aptitude; may or may not lead to ordination.  
  • License Extension – A three year-extension is given to a person in active ministry who has a license towards ordination but is not ready for ordination. 
  • Ordination (ORD) – Long-term leadership ministry credential appropriate for all pastors, area conference ministry staff, chaplains, missionaries, evangelists, and those determined by the church to have a continuing ministerial-leadership role in and on behalf of the church.  

Status Definitions

  • Active – held by those serving in a leadership-ministry assignment. 
  • Active without Charge – held by those not presently holding a ministry assignment.  
  • Inactive – held by those who have been without a ministerial assignment for more than three consecutive years.  
  • Retired – held by those who have retired from active ministry.  
  • Withdrawn – is given when a ministry credential is ended for non-disciplinary reasons. 

Anabaptist Community of Medellín becomes Mosaic Partner in Ministry

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by Javier Márquez

The full version of this article, in Spanish, first appeared in MenoTicias.

Bringing the Good News of peace and nonviolence to the community of Medellín. Photo courtesy of Carlos Sánchez.

Last month, members of the Mosaic staff met online with leaders of Comunidad Anabautista de Medellín (Anabaptist Community of Medellín). During this meeting, the Community’s status as a Partner in Ministry with Mosaic was made official. A support team was appointed for the partnership, with a duration of two years.  

Who is the Anabaptist Community of Medellín? 

Carlos Sánchez and Nidia Montoya began planting this beautiful project approximately three years ago in Medellín, Colombia. They drafted no specified strategy, but their ministry was not without method. 

Accompanying Indigenous communities in Puerto Nariño, in service to the Church. Photo courtesy of Carlos Sánchez.

By visiting families house-to-house, accompanying elderly persons and their loved ones in their final days, supporting young people (Montoya is a psychologist by profession), and offering bread, hot chocolate, and biblical reflection to their visits, a small community emerged. Soon, they began to gather virtually and in-person, with the simple purpose of taking care of each other. 

Comunidad Anabautista de Medellín was not a strategic project. Its current form has blossomed out of an organic mission based on service and Sánchez and Montoya’s determination to continue to visit these people. 

Another face of the community is a prophetic voice of peace in Colombia. Sánchez (who is a theologian and Master in Peace Studies) and Montoya have participated on behalf of the Mennonite Church in reconciliation processes between actors in the violence which has occurred in the country.  

This pastoral couple practices what they preach and remembers that the ecclesial work of Comunidad Anabautista de Medellín takes place both in the houses where they break bread and share the word, and in society, always remembering the call for Christ’s peace, non-violence, and reconciliation. 

Delegates from Mosaic Conference will go to Medellín to get to know the church better through an in-person visit in mid-April. 

This is the first time that Mosaic has shaken hands in this way with a Colombian community. 

“It is significant to be part of Mosaic. We expand dreams, paths, prayers, love, and above all, we support each other. We take the Kingdom to other places,” says Pastor Sánchez. 

“Being part of Mosaic Conference is a great joy. It makes me feel part of a great community where the encounter between diverse believers reinforces faith and walking in the footsteps of Jesus… A great commitment!” shares Montoya. 

As the author, I must also comment on the great joy this partnership inspires in me. The Conference will be blessed with the Comunidad Anabautista de Medellín, and Comunidad with the Conference. Their mutual identification with Anabaptist theology and their parallel efforts to bring a message of peace and reconciliation in their respective realities are the highlights of this new partnership.

Building life projects with girls and boys, with the teachings of Jesus. Photo courtesy of Carlos Sánchez.

Javier Márquez

Javier Márquez is an Anabaptist Colombian pacifist and poet and a writer for the MCUSA publication MenoTicias.

A Pilgrimage of Formation: The Call of Pastor Juan José Rivera (Seguidores de Cristo, Sarasota, FL)

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Pastor Juan José Rivera (right) sings together with Leadership Minister Marco Güete (left) and Tomás Ramírez (center, Luz y Vida Mennonite) at a Mosaic Florida pastors meeting in February 2024, at Pastor Secundino Casa’s ranch in Tampa.

The Lord called me to establish 25 churches, travel to different places, and form new leaders. 

As a youth in Honduras, I took a chance at serving as an altar boy in my Catholic church for a while. I wanted to confirm for myself that the Catholic church was the true one, and in a way, contradict the Evangelical church. However, when I noticed time and time again the priest could not answer my questions, and the Christian pastor always could, God began to call me to a different path. 

My conversion to Protestantism caused fights between my parents and me. They forced me to decide between them or my religion. I tried to explain, “it’s not religion, it’s Jesus,” but my mother kicked me out of her house. Thus, a pilgrimage began in my life. 

In my newfound independence there was of course the need to survive, but I did not want to leave the church. I began studying and obtained a bachelor’s degree in psychology at the National Autonomous University of Honduras (UNAH). 

There was a pastor and some church members who helped me complete my theological studies. I studied with the church Iglesia de la Santidad, where I was taught through a Bible institute not unlike today’s Anabaptist Bible Institute (IBA). Afterward, I went to seminary in Costa Rica for three years. 

I later taught as part of a missionary outreach program with Lancaster Mennonite Conference (LMC) and obtained a certificate from the Anabaptist Hispanic Biblical Seminary (SeBAH). 

While studying in the Semilla Seminary in Honduras, I was invited to work with LMC in the U.S. I arrived there in 1988 with my wife Elena and my children Isaac, Islia Edith, Jacer (born in Honduras), and later, my son Wolseley was born in New Jersey. 

In Camden (NJ) I established the church Iglesia Menonita Manantial de Vida (Fountain of Life) as an LMC church. I was a member of the council of Hispanic Mennonite churches in Pennsylvania and participated as coordinator of the Mennonite churches in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.  

Years later, I read in a Mennonite newspaper that they were looking for leaders to help consolidate a Mennonite church in Sarasota, Florida. I went to Sarasota with the goal of establishing the congregation, which consisted of newcomers. Marco Güete recommended that we join Mosaic Conference. 

This has been just a little of what I have done in my ministry. The theme of establishing congregations has been present in my life since I was young. God calls me to train leaders using Jesus’ method described in Matthew 28:19 (NLT): “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” 

Signs of Hope and the Butterfly Effect 

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by Margaret Zook

Amid so much violence, loneliness, and deep despair in our world, even in our church communities, I am asked by many, “How are you finding hope this year?”  

My response, usually, is that I have a large, loving family, the work of Mosaic inspires me, the small signs of spring assure me, and my congregation cares for the community. I follow the encouragement of Lizzie Moyer, the matron of Souderton Mennonite Homes (1927-1952), “Look to Jesus.” My trust in the Lord and the choice and freedom to follow in the path of Jesus, all these give me hope.   

But where is the hope in response to the world’s suffering?  

I see the hope in the depth, width, and impact of the Conference-Related Ministries (CRMs) in their communities.:   

  • On the porch of Ripple Community, Inc. in Allentown (PA) where the door opens to all with a snack, a bathroom, a table and a friendly hello.  
  • At the homes of Peaceful Living (Harleysville, PA) where belonging and acceptance are always present for people of all abilities.  
  • At Bike and Sol (East Greenville, PA) where the dedicated service center makes rebuilt bike magic happen. 
  • At Living Branches (Souderton, PA) where a friend is just a door away.  
  • In the village children of Honduras served by Healthy Niños and in the pastors of India accompanied by Peace Proclamation Ministries.  

This is hope in what Dr. Betty Pries calls “the butterfly effect.” The idea that the distant beating of butterfly wings over time and space may produce a whirlwind elsewhere in the world. Making a difference.   

The CRMs beat their wings over the world to bring hope, healing, education, and belonging to their communities.  

Every small act of showing up well for one another, leading with kindness, and sowing small seeds of hope makes a difference. “Make a difference in someone’s life every day,” encouraged Kathryn Kulp, former Administrator at Hatfield Home (1969-1987, now The Willows, part of CRM Living Branches).  

These small acts of love, one person at a time, may be the butterfly wings’ whirlwind. While these acts won’t stop the wars, violence, or climate crisis, they bring peace to the people that they touch.  

Doing their best in what they’ve been called to do, working with what is available, our CRMs create community, connections, and support. They are butterfly wings of caring, loving, and sharing that whisper hope into the community. They give me hope for our church and our future.  

Will you join me in praying for the leaders of our CRMs (from the Voices Together hymnal, #968)?          

God who calls you to this ministry,  

grant you grace, joy and endurance 

Guide and empower you for service 

Fill you with the gifts you need 

And may the one whose love unites us as the body of Christ  
strengthen us to live and proclaim the gospel together.   

voices together hymnal, #968

This reflection was inspired by one written by Dr. Betty Pries in December 2023.  

Margaret Zook

Margaret Zook is the Director of Collaborative Ministries for Mosaic Conference. She and husband, Wib, are members of Salford Mennonite Church and live in Harleysville, PA.

Supporting Indonesian Families of Children with Disabilities in Philadelphia

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by Hendy Matahelemual

Amid Philadelphia’s hustle and bustle, an extraordinary initiative has emerged that aims to be an information and support hub for families with children with disabilities. This project, known as the Indonesia Cares for Children with Special Needs (PIPA) Project, was initiated by three inspiring women: Britannia Worotikan, Ernie Budy, and Lusiana Soegianto. They unite their strength and passion to provide support for Indonesian immigrant families with children with disabilities living in Philadelphia. 

(from left to right) Lusiana Soegianto, Ernie Budy and Britannia Worotikan. Photo by Hendy Matahelemual.

The PIPA project is rooted in Britannia Worotikan’s personal experience. After the COVID-19 pandemic, Britannia taught in a preschool that had children with disabilities. She has a certificate in teaching special education. From that experience, Britannia realized that access to resources and support for children with disabilities is abundant in Philadelphia. After consulting with Pastor Aldo Siahaan (Philadelphia [PA] Praise Center [PPC]), Britannia took the initiative to form a community that could provide support for Indonesian immigrant families in Philadelphia. 

During her journey, Britannia met Lusiana Soegianto and Ernie Budy, two women who have experience and a deep understanding of the needs of children with disabilities. Not only do they have personal experience as parents, Ernie and Lusiana have also worked at Elwyn, an early intervention organization for children with autism, and intellectual and developmental disabilities.  

Children activities. Photo from PIPA’s Facebook Page.

Although the pandemic delayed their plans, PIPA persisted. They launched PIPA with their first meeting in March 2023. They meet every month, covering topics according to the needs of the group, such as education, legal issues, benefits, transition to adulthood, and preparation for college. 

One of the obstacles faced by immigrant families with children with disabilities is language barriers. Many have difficulty accessing information or getting support from the city government. PIPA seeks to remove those barriers by providing support, liaising between families, and teaching that children with disabilities are not taboo or shameful. 

Apart from their monthly meetings, PIPA also provides a WhatsApp group which offers 24/7 support, and a Facebook group to promote communication and connection. With support from PPC, PIPA is open to anyone, with an approach that is more community-oriented than faith-based. 

One of the education class in PIPA. Photo from PIPA’s Facebook Page.

PIPA’s existence at PPC means that more families with children with disabilities feel comfortable bringing their children to Sunday school. This increases disability awareness within the PPC community. 

When asked about PIPA’s vision and goals, Worotikan stated, “To educate and increase awareness. There are 13 categories of special needs, and we can share the knowledge we have with each other.”  

PIPA’s monthly meeting in Philadelphia Praise Center.

Budy added, “I hope this group can be sustainable and continue to support each other as needs grow in our community.” 

With a strong spirit and determination, PIPA brings hope and enlightenment as a support for families in Philadelphia who have children with disabilities. 

“We must give back to the community what we have learned. By sharing knowledge and information in the Indonesian language, we can help each other,” said Soegianto. 

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.