Mosaic Mennonites

Missional - Intercultural - Formational

Articles

Towamencin Congregation Leaves Mosaic Conference 

by

Towamencin Mennonite Church (Kulpsville, PA) has voted to disaffiliate with Mosaic Conference and Mennonite Church USA (MC USA). The Mosaic Conference Board was recently informed, via a letter, of the results of Towamencin’s congregational vote.  In the letter from the Towamencin church board, Gerald Leatherman, Towamencin’s Board Chair, acknowledged several growing concerns, including biblical authority, with both MC USA and Mosaic Conference that led to this decision. 

The congregation voted on June 4, 2023, and the members of Towamencin Mennonite Church voted unanimously to withdraw from Mosaic Mennonite Conference and MC USA, effective June 30, 2023.   

“This action was not taken lightly, but was the outcome of much prayer and discernment,” wrote the Towamencin Church Board in their letter. “We announce the decision to you with deep regret, yet with a solid sense of God’s leading.” 

“As Towamencin is in the process of searching for a new pastor, the elders sensed it was necessary for the congregation to discern its affiliation with Mosaic Conference and Mennonite Church USA,” said Mosaic Leadership Minister, Randy Heacock. “Though I only participated in a few years of their 300-year history, I pray they continue to sense God’s leading in their journey.”

Towamencin Mennonite Church has been a member of Franconia Conference and most recently Mosaic Conference since its inception over 300 years ago. The congregation is seeking prayer and God’s guidance as they establish future relationships and accountability within the Body of Christ.  

I Keep Learning

by

Outside the window of my home office, the bluebird keeps returning to her nest.  I wonder why.  She built the nest, entertained suitors, chose one to share in the feeding of her nestlings, and then sat on the fence and watched her babies fly away.   

Maybe she returns to the comfort of the familiar. Maybe it’s her forever spot.  I could watch all day, thinking of the line, “Nothing but bluebirds all day long,” in the song, “Blue Skies,” by Irving Berlin.  

Perhaps like my bluebird, I tend to return to familiar places, people, and experiences.   There is such a powerful comfort when I align myself more closely with what I already know, especially when I’m tired.   My bluebird was very busy; is she tired and feeling vulnerable?  Tuck in and rest your weary head, my bluebird. It is okay to rest. 

Photo by Marian Brandt on Unsplash

Soon, with wings fluttering, she is off.   Under a bird’s wings are fragile skin and bones easily able to be damaged, but with the wings down, the bird is protected and guarded.   So why would she lift her wings, and why be so vulnerable? What is so important that she takes the risk?

I watch from behind my window, safe and guarded.  During life, it is easy to watch in my comfortable spot and explore less of the unknown. I have had experience of the good and bad times and have less time left to make use of new possibilities.  Why take the risk?

I can either spend time in safety behind my windows, or I can open the door. How do I balance bold risk with wise safety? When self is yelling, “No, no, too risky!”, the Spirit may be whispering, “There is great Christ-exalting joy in this to be had.”  Open the door, and don’t miss the joy.   

I look again. Is that my bird at the feeder?  The flock of birds noisily thrashes around on the feeder, and then the next group heads in for its share.  Then it’s the ground feeders’ turn.       

Who hangs out with whom? Where and what do they like for lunch?  I don’t know, but an Oxford team that studied bird behavior noticed that birds rarely arrive alone. Birds come in groups–for birds, social connection, or community, is a matter of survival.  

Why should I take the risk and join the people groups and the noisy discussion around what is important for survival?  Why should I risk moving beyond the doors, the locks, and my alarm systems?

“Be friends with one another, kind, compassionate and generous.  Serve one another and submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” (a paraphrase of Ephesians 4:32 and 5:21). That’s the community of faith: individually and together, we become mature and grow in Christ. To my bird feeder friends, seed, friends, and nourishing social connections are God’s natural gifts for growth and security.  Maybe we humans can risk the call to community.

Photo by Ray Hennessy on Unsplash

What is the price of a bluebird?   Some loose change, right?  God cares what happens to them even more than we do.  God pays greater attention to us, down to the last detail – even numbering the hairs on our aging heads!  So don’t be intimidated.   Go on, rest, risk being vulnerable, and then join the noisy community.  You all are worth more than a million bluebirds (something like Matt. 10:29-31). 

To read more: “Community: God’s design For Growth,” by Howard Macy from NavPress. 

The opinions expressed in this content are those of the author and may not reflect the official policy of Mosaic Conference.

Hope is Ringing Out!

by

Reflections from the 2023 Anabaptist Worship Network songwriting retreat 

Although I left home, in late May, at 4:00 AM for my flight from Los Angeles to Toronto, the traffic around LAX was already bumper to bumper. The Canada Air flight was full to the last seat. I was finally able to ponder about what awaited me in Canada: Old style Mennonite songwriting? New hymns in 4-part harmony? Tall, bearded men singing versions of the old 606? 

Emily Ralph Servant (Mosaic staff), Stephen Zacheus (Jemaat Kristen Indonesia Anugerah; Sierra Madre, CA), and I were picked up from the Toronto airport by Matthew Boutda. His humble charm and infectious smile immediately drew us into his story about his Laotian roots and his urban Mennonite upbringing. The image of the traditional bearded Mennonite quickly dissipated. Arriving at the Hidden Acres Mennonite retreat center, just outside New Hamburg, Ontario, we were greeted by a diverse group of Anabaptist worship leaders, singers, and songwriters from Canada, US, and as far away as Congo and Mexico.  

Participants of the Anabaptist Worship Network songwriting retreat, which included 4 people from Mosaic Conference. Photo by Anneli Loepp Thiessen.

The days and nights were filled with worship, collaborative song writing, deep reflections about God and God’s people, eating together, and getting to know each other. Anneli Loepp Thiessen, co-director of Anabaptist Worship Network and retreat coordinator, found just the right balance between worship, collaborative song writing, personal time with God, meals, and group fellowship. She also gave ample time to the sharing of the newly minted songs.  

Marisol Arriaga (Iglesia Fraternidad Cristiana Vida Nueva; Mexico City, Mexico) shares a song with accompaniment from Bryan Moyer-Suderman (Kitchener, ON). Photo by Anneli Loepp Thiessen.
Emily Ralph Servant (Mosaic Staff) and Nathan Grieser (Lancaster, PA) collaborate on a song. Photo by Anneli Loepp Thiessen.

And songs were written indeed! The abundance of ideas flowing out of the gathering from so many creative minds was astonishing. The presence of God was palpable everywhere we gathered. The sounds of guitars, keyboards, pan flutes, violins, flutes, and voices filled the building, the lunch hall, the garage, the veranda, the pavilion.  The anointing flowed freely and gave voice to a surprising variety of songs and musical expressions: Hymns, folksy praise songs, northern testimonial songs, songs with Columbian, Mexican, African, Indonesian melodies and rhythms, in a variety of languages, styles and expressions. Personal laments, adoring worship, and exuberant praise rang though the retreat center, and God-given inspiration was manifest in each work group, expressing itself in a multitude of awesome song creations that gave glory to God. 

One of the most positive aspects of the retreat was the sense of absolute unity and harmony reigning among a group with such diversity. There were no tempers flaring, no political discussions, or divisive opinionating. We all gathered, connected in a deep spiritual place, and let God have his way in us. Peace and love flowed and gave expression to worship. It gave me hope that indeed peace and unity among us is possible when we let God’s presence guide our activities and submit to God’s leading.  

As one of the songs choruses exclaimed:  

“Hope You’re bringing, Hope we’re singing,  
Hope is ringing out! Hope is stirring, leading us to life!” 

George Makinto (LA Faith Chapel), in the middle, shares a song with the group. Photo by Anneli Loepp Thiessen.

Thanks to Darryl Neustaedter Barg and his patience and expertise, we were able to record many songs, which will soon find their way to the Together in Worship website for the benefit of our world-wide Anabaptist community.  

Stephen Zacheus (Jemaat Kristen Indonesia Anugerah; Sierra Madre, CA) shares a song he wrote during an evening songwriting circle. Photo by Anneli Loepp Thiessen.

Thanks to the Anabaptist Worship Network for bringing us together, according to the word of God in Psalm 96:1-3: 

Sing to the Lord a new song; 
    sing to the Lord, all the earth. 
 Sing to the Lord, praise his name; 
    proclaim his salvation day after day. 
Declare his glory among the nations, 
    his marvelous deeds among all peoples. (NIV) 

Who am I? What am I? Where am I?  

by

Editor’s note: Doh Nay Kaw attended the Mennonite Church USA Convention in early July with her youth group of Whitehall (PA) Mennonite Church. She wrote this poem as an expression of her experience at MennoCon.  

Who am I? What am I? Where am I?  

These are questions I often perceived myself searching for. After years of many trials and turbulence, the renewal of both mind and spirit never ceased to end.  

Transformation is not linear or comes to a stopping point, it’s day by day, grace by grace, strength to strength. We do not evolve into butterflies and stay like that for the entirety of our lives, but radically embrace on the journey of self-discovery, fears, weaknesses and mistakes.  

Following the flow of life, I grasped to learn from the invaluable lessons and insights that will continue to build my resilience and guide future me into success,  

Who am I? What am I? Where am I? 

I am a soul experiencing what it’s like to be human, learning the depths of my tender heart. 

I am a catalyst to forge a path of transformation unshaken by adversity, letting my spirit be a beacon of love and healing.  

I am present to proclaim redemption can be found in the most unexpected places, and the testament of our scars help us to navigate through the stormy seas of life into infinite possibilities that lie ahead.  

Like Ruth, Immigrants Know Risk — & the Value of Sharing Burdens

by

I have been reflecting on what it means to be a first-generation immigrant. The biblical story of Ruth resonates deeply with me. 

Before accompanying Naomi to a foreign land, Ruth expressed her profound commitment by saying, “Where you go, I will go; where you stay, I will stay” (Ruth 1:16, NIV).  

As an immigrant, choosing where to go involves an element of faith, as the future unfolds with unknown possibilities. 

Ruth’s commitment didn’t end there. She continued: “Where you die, I will die — there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me” (Ruth 1:17, NIV). Rejecting the easier option of returning to her own people, Ruth prioritized the relationship with her mother-in-law, Naomi. 

Ruth, a Moabite, willingly left behind her family and homeland to venture into a foreign land, where she would reside among unfamiliar people. She knew the risks. 

One risk, for Ruth and for immigrants today, is being made to feel unwelcome. “Go back where you came from” — whether spoken or unspoken — is a common challenge. If someone were to heckle me and demand I go back to my country, my response would be, “I am not a tourist. I am an immigrant, and I intend to stay.” 

Photo by Christopher Campbell on Unsplash

For some immigrants, returning to their home country is not an option. They may have fled persecution or violence or severe economic hardship.   

When immigrants arrive in a new country, they often isolate themselves, avoiding the settled population’s rejection. This was not the case with Ruth and Boaz. They worshiped a God who breaks barriers and reconciles people, turning foes into friends. 

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

Serving in an immigrant community in Philadelphia, it is crucial for me to journey alongside individuals and families, helping them settle in and preparing them for the tribulations that lie ahead. 

Many immigrants have a hard time finding a place to stay. Property owners typically demand background checks, credit scores and proof of income, which new immigrants often lack.  

To resolve this predicament, Mennonite churches and families in Philadelphia step in by offering temporary housing. They provide rent-free accommodations until the individuals or families can secure a more permanent residence. 

Building friendships and alliances, sharing burdens across cultures and generations, are of utmost importance. We should not hesitate to ask for help and extend assistance to others.  

“Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). The burden of tests and tribulations is lightened when we face them collectively.  

Ruth relied on the generosity of others. As a first-generation immigrant, she did not own any land, so she collected food from leftovers. Her story reflects the experiences of immigrants who work in less desirable jobs — leftover jobs that others avoid. 

Ruth recognized she needed a local person’s wisdom. She placed her trust in Naomi, diligently following her instructions. She found another ally and friend, Boaz, who provided protection. Ruth didn’t hesitate to ask for help. She told Boaz, “Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a guardian-redeemer of our family” (Ruth 3:9, NIV).  

Spreading the corner of one’s garment symbolized a marriage proposal. Ruth boldly asked Boaz to marry her, and he said yes — although the Torah prohibited marrying a foreigner. But, as boldly as Ruth, he was willing to take a risk. 

Photo by Austin Kehmeier on Unsplash

I believe that as our relationship with God deepens, we become more sensitive to the needs of others, fostering reliance on one another, regardless of our country of origin, taking risks and sharing burdens. 

This article originally appeared in Anabaptist World and is reprinted with permission.  

The opinions expressed in this content are those of the author and may not reflect the official policy of Mosaic Conference.

Mosaic Conference Launches a White Caucus 

by

The Mosaic Intercultural Committee is starting a White Caucus for active, inactive, and retired White credentialed leaders. A White Caucus is a dedicated space for White people to talk openly about Whiteness, White privilege, and White supremacy culture. The purpose is to counsel one another on how to live into more mutually transformative relationships across racial, ethnic, and cultural differences. As followers of Jesus, we desire to share in Peter’s declaration in Acts 10 when he was changed through his encounter with God and the Gentile Cornelius “that God doesn’t show partiality to one group of people over another…He is Lord of all!” 

The first Mosaic White Caucus will be Sunday, July 30 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. The group will meet in the fellowship hall at Salford Mennonite Church for a potluck meal and a group discussion. Salford Mennonite Church is located at 480 Groff Mill Road, Harleysville, PA. KrisAnne Swartley (Doylestown) and Jordan Luther (Methacton) will serve as facilitators. 

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to help you learn more about the White Caucus and what to expect: 

What is a caucus? A group of people coming together around a specific topic/issue, for discussion and counsel. Our topic is White culture. It is a place of healthy accountability rather than a place of blame or shame. It may even be fun! This caucus is an extension of the Mosaic Intercultural Committee’s work. In intercultural relationships, we periodically meet within our culture so that we are equipped to better relate to others outside of our culture. Caucusing is one tool we have, among many, for deepening our relationships both within and beyond our cultural background. 

Why a White caucus as opposed to a diverse group? It provides a place where White people hold one another accountable for their own responsibility to organize and take action as they are willing and able.  It frees people of color from the burden of educating and helping White people to learn and grow in the areas of anti-racism and mutual transformation. People of color are always welcome to come and observe and offer observations after the meeting. 

What will happen at a meeting? We will build relationships of joy and trust by meeting regularly (every 6 weeks to start). We will center our anti-racism and mutual transformation in our Christian spirituality and discipleship. We will reflect on what we want to learn about anti-racism and ways we desire to practice it. We will learn and grow as we share openly our successes and shortcomings from our everyday intercultural relationships. 

What will the meetings be like? We will begin with food and games, pot-luck style, during the first hour. At the beginning of the second hour, we will gather with a simple centering practice, followed by reflective sharing around our anti-racism theme. We will close the second hour with prayer and singing. 

For questions or more information regarding the White Caucus, please contact Danilo Sanchez, Mosaic Leadership Minister for Intercultural Transformation.  

MC USA Delegate Report

by

Approximately 300 delegates from throughout Mennonite Church USA (MC USA) gathered July 7-8, 2023, at the Kansas City (MO) Convention Center to discern together some aspects of the denomination’s future. Many of the attendees had participated in MennoCon ’23, held prior to the delegate assembly.  

Each session of the delegate assembly began with worship music and a Bible study by Rev. Dr. Sarah Bixler. The Bible studies looked at different scenes from the Upper Room before Jesus’ betrayal and crucifixion and after his resurrection. 

After the first Bible study, the assembly was convened by MC USA Moderator Linda Dibble. An agenda and rules were adopted and minutes from the 2022 Delegate Assembly were summarized and approved. Then Sue Park-Hur, MC USA Director of Ethnic Engagement, led the delegates in a game of Mennonite bingo to get to know one another. After a break, Glen Guyton, MC USA Executive Director, gave a State of the Church message. After this, there was an introduction to the Agency Governance & Operational Alignment Resolutions being put forward by the Executive Board. 

After lunch and a further time of singing and Bible study, delegates heard a report from the Mennonite Education Association and received and voted to affirm a slate of new members for various denominational boards and committees. Delegates then heard a report from Mennonite Mission Network and a testimony from the pastor of Koinonia Indian Mennonite Church (Clinton, OK) about how they are implementing their Peace and Justice Grant. After a break, Everence and Mennonite Health Services Association (MHS) gave reports about their work. 

Banners line the hallways of the convention center in Kansas City for MennoCon 23. Photo by Marta Castillo.

The delegates then voted on whether or not to modify the denomination by-laws to change the occurrence of delegate assemblies from every two years to every three years. To pass, the resolution needed to receive a two-thirds majority vote for adoption. The resolution failed by a very narrow margin. Many of those who spoke against the resolution cited a concern that youth would not be gathering as frequently and a general desire to meet more rather than less frequently.  

Resolution two, to amend the bylaws to clarify the role of program entities, passed by an overwhelming majority. Before adjourning for day one, delegates began to provide feedback and counsel about resolution three, to change Everence and MHS from agencies to program entities. 

Saturday morning began with singing and the final Bible study segment. Michael Danner, MC USA Associate Executive Director, gave an update on the development of new procedures to prevent and deal with incidents of abuse of various kinds in congregations. This was followed by a report from MennoMedia.  

After a break, delegates moved on to floor discussion and voting on resolution three, to change the status of Everence and MHS from agencies to program entities. This resolution passed with an overwhelmingly positive vote.  

After this, Ivanna Johnson from Boulder (CO) Mennonite Church spoke about how her congregation is using a peace and justice grant to partner with a nearby elementary school to provide resources and support for impoverished students. The MC USA Anti-racism team then gave its report and there was a report from the Corinthian Plan. 

The Transforming Wall at MennoCon 23. Photo by Danilo Sanchez.

To close out the delegate assembly, Jon Carlson, pastor of Forest Hills Mennonite Church (Leola, PA) was installed as the new Moderator of MC USA. Carlson spoke about his desire to focus on three Mennonite values in the next biennium: peace, especially living at peace with one another despite deep differences; simplicity, especially in how we organize our work together; and family, emphasizing the ongoing transfer of leadership to younger generations.  

Review: The Chosen

by

by Jonathan Haggard

© The Chosen 2023

What was Simon Peter’s life like before he started following Jesus? How could Simon the Zealot collaborate with Matthew, a tax collector? If you are looking for a resource to revitalize your study of the Scriptures and open the door for sharing Jesus’ message with unbelievers, then we have a resource for you. 

The Chosen is a historical drama video series on the life of Jesus and his disciples. Three of the seven planned seasons are now available. According to the series’ distributor, the goal is “to reach a billion people with the authentic Jesus, taking viewers deeper into the gospel stories by retelling and expounding on the character and intentions of Jesus and those who knew him.” I find the character development to be very credible, and the show has deepened my faith and provided great material for conversation with other believers and nonbelievers alike. 

Context and Character Development 

The writers provide additional insight into the gospel message by portraying the culture of first-century Palestine. The Roman occupation is a persistent presence. For example, the diversity among Jews becomes clear in the plausible backstories of Simon the Zealot and Nicodemus and other Pharisees. We also learn about the two primary competing schools of rabbinic exposition at the time of Jesus, those of Hillel and Shammai.  

Women are prominent as Jesus’ disciples and in other roles. Some are biblical characters such as Mary Magdalene. Others are added, such as Nicodemus’s wife Zohara, Simon Peter’s wife Eden, and Ramah, an expert in wines introduced at the wedding at Cana. The women often play key parts in the story, although they are sometimes relegated to stereotypical roles.  

Interestingly, Matthew is depicted as being on the autism spectrum. He is brilliant with numbers, which is one reason he chose to become a tax collector, and after he decides to follow Jesus, his meticulous notetaking will eventually help him write an accurate gospel account. 

Called to Reconciliation 

Reconciliation among the disciples is a common theme. In the second episode of season 3, Jesus pairs his disciples to send them out. The Bible doesn’t mention who is paired with whom, but the way this is done in The Chosen forces the disciples to live out this reconciliation. Who do you think is the better candidate to be paired with Matthew—Simon Peter, who used to pay his taxes to Matthew, or Simon the Zealot, who had at one time sworn an oath to kill tax collectors? 

Knowing Jesus in New Ways 

The church small group that I’m a part of has been watching and discussing The Chosen together. One person pointed out how the series brings out Jesus’ humanity, making him more relatable, such as when he is exhausted after a day of healing many people. Another shared that she now reads the Bible in a fresh way by imagining the tone of voice in dialogue passages. Yet another said that after every episode he feels like he has had an encounter with Jesus. 

Why is the title The Chosen? While the series has not made this explicit, I believe it’s related to the focus on the disciples whom Jesus chose. If we can be like this fabulously flawed, doctrinally diverse group who were drawn to follow Jesus, we as a forgiving and forgiven community have the opportunity—indeed, the calling—to continue the mission that they began: to turn this world upside down. 

Episodes are available free on The Chosen app and at Angel.com/Watch/The-Chosen in many languages, including with voiceovers in Chinese, French, Indonesian, and Spanish, and closed captions in these and additional languages, including Haitian Creole and Vietnamese. 

This article first appeared in Leader, Summer 2023, © 2023 MennoMedia. Reprinted by permission. 

Jonathan Haggard

Jonathan Haggard is the finance director for Beyond Borders, a ministry working to end child slavery, among other movement-building activities in Haiti. At Nueva Vida Norristown (PA) New Life Mennonite Church, he can usually be found at the keyboard, leading the English-speaking adult Sunday school class, or helping facilitate an intercultural “spiritual shelter” small group. In his spare time, he enjoys playing tuba in a brass band, biking, and playing Ultimate Frisbee or board games on Sunday afternoons.