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MC USA Delegate Report

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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

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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.

What might you want to do someday as a result of today?

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by Marco Güete

Routine and habit intertwine and shape our daily lives. This includes our work, ministry, food, exercise, entertainment. Routine and habits are created and learned; it all depends on our interest and purpose.  

Personally, I found walking for exercise very boring and didn’t like it. One day everything changed. Russ Eanes, former Executive Director of MennoMedia, mentioned that he was planning on walking 800 km in Spain. I became interested and then researched, read books, listened to podcasts, and watched a movie on the subject. Eventually, my desire to do the Camino de Santiago and to walk 800 km (500 miles) in Spain was born.  

I set a date to walk the trail and established a routine of walking six miles three times a week, regardless of the weather. I decided to walk to train myself and to establish a routine, which later became a habit. As a result of my new walking habit, I have been inspired with this question, “What might you want to do someday as a result of today?” by Greg McKeown in his book, Essentialism. 

“Ultimately, your habits matter because they help you become the type of person you wish to be,” said James Clear, an author who writes about decision making and habits. “They are the channel through which you develop your deepest beliefs about yourself. Quite literally, you become your habits.” Walking became my habit. 

On May 16, 2023, I left my house in Sarasota, FL and arrived in Astorga, Spain, 25 hours later. I slept less than two hours on the trip. I was again dazzled by the beauty of the city’s architecture dating back to the 15th century. The year before, I had finished the second part of 260 km in Astorga. The next day, after a comfortable night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, I was ready to start walking the last series of 14 stages, which was 260 km, to reach Santiago de Compostela. 

Wearing hiking boots, a backpack, a wide-brimmed hat, and a waterproof jacket, I took my first step on May 18, with the temperature at 38 degrees Fahrenheit. That day and the following, the legs walked automatically. James Clear said, “A habit is a behavior that has been repeated enough times to become automatic.” 

I completed the Camino Frances de Santiago in three years, walking approximately 266 km each year. This path is the most popular and traveled by walkers from almost all over the world. The first year a pastor friend accompanied me, and the following two years I walked with my wife. She also trained alongside me. 

One of the beauties of the path, apart from the landscapes, is the relationship and communication with other walkers. We are all doing the same: walking through plains and mountains; crossing rivers in the rain and the sun; feeling hot or cold; eating and drinking almost the same.  

On the Camino, we walkers are all the same, regardless of race, profession, culture, or language. We become friends and   greet each other with the phrase: Buen Camino.  This is a time when we become more human and more spiritual, and where we can see God’s creation in ourselves without prejudice. 

I walked with two purposes: the first to achieve my personal goal and to raise funds for the Instituto Biblico Anabautista (IBA). The purposes were fulfilled with the help and love of God and his Spirit, to whom I give glory and honor. 

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

Marco Güete

Marco Güete is the Leadership Minister for Florida for Mosaic Conference.

The New Law Against Immigrants in Florida Affects the Church

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by Javier Márquez 

Editor’s note: Mosaic congregations in Florida requested that we share the impact of FL SB 1718 on their churches. Javier Márquez, Mosaic’s Spanish-language correspondent, wrote this article to share their experiences and perspectives on this legislation.    

There is a new, controversial law that takes effect in Florida on July 1, 2023. This new law, SB 1718, increases measures of isolation and persecution of undocumented migrants in Florida. The law will force businesses with more than 25 employees to verify the immigration status of their workers. In addition, the law will prohibit the free mobilization and circulation of undocumented people by prohibiting the use of driving licenses that are not issued by the state of Florida, a measure that is also directly against the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in article 13: “Everyone has the right to move freely and to choose their residence in the territory of a State.”  

These are dark moments for the church in Florida. It is not difficult for us to remember, as Christians, so many stories that have nourished our faith: when Christians were persecuted, when being a Christian was a crime and they took you to the Roman Colosseum to be killed by lions, when the disciples had to flee because the empire had captured and sentenced their Master to death.  

The new law is designed at similar levels of injustice. These are dark moments, and that is why we need a church of light that is useful to society with real actions.  The Mosaic congregations in Florida invite you to pray with them and for them.  

Understanding FL 1718

by Eileen Kinch

Florida’s recent legislation, known as FL 1718, goes into effect on July 1, 2023. This legislation requires employers to check on the immigration status of potential employees.  

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 made it illegal for employers to knowingly hire undocumented workers. Some employers simply chose not to ask for documentation. FL 1718 now stiffly fines employers in Florida for not checking a federal database to determine potential employees’ immigration status. Employers can be fined $1,000 per day for not using the database in a certain time period. 

FL 1718 also requires hospitals to ask about patients’ immigration status. According to the legislation, patients may choose not to answer the question on the form. Patients will not be denied healthcare however they respond. Hospitals send the statistics to the Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration, which then estimates the amount of money spent on undocumented workers. 

Florida’s new legislation also invalidates certain types of driver’s licenses issued to undocumented workers from 19 other states.  

A summary of FL 1718 can be found here. For more information on understanding the bill, see American Immigration Lawyers Association. 

Some updates from Mosaic congregations in Florida:

  • “Here in Tampa (FL), there is also a lot of fear in our faith community.  Our faith community is 95% immigrants; half have gone to other states,” shared Pastor Secundino Casas, Iglesia Evangélica Menonita Shalom (Shalom Evangelical Mennonite Church). “So, we try to respond to those who remain. We have invited an immigration lawyer to our church, to have guidance and first-hand information.” 
  • Pastor Marcos Acosta, pastor of Homestead (FL) Mennonite Church near Miami said, “I was meeting with local organizations and other pastors, and there is a lot of fear in general and bad information circulating on social networks. Last Saturday we organized a protest here in Homestead. We are trying to show support and provide information and be attentive to see how the law is applied. I also heard that here in Homestead, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been more active these last few weeks and that adds to the general fear that exists because of the law.”  
  • “Here at the Iglesia Menonita Encuentro de Renovación (Encounter for Renewal Mennonite Church) in Miami (FL), some brothers and sisters are planning to leave the state of Florida,” reported Pastor Andres Mendoza. “Let us ask God together to help them make good decisions and give them peace. One of these families has young daughters, and they are very afraid of being separated from their loved ones. Let us pray together to our God, so that he gives a way out of this situation. Thank you again for your support and your prayers. Peace of God.”  

Javier Márquez

Zion Mennonite Church and Indonesian Light Church Worship Together

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On June 11, Zion Mennonite Church (Souderton, PA) invited Indonesian Light Church (Philadelphia, PA) to join together for worship and communion. 

Zion created a special sign to welcome the Indonesian Light congregation. Photo by Hendy Matahelemual.

“It’s a natural thing if we’re around people who share the same culture, language, and background,” Pastor Hendy Matahelemual of Indonesian Light Church said at the opening of the joint worship. “But we worship a supernatural God, the One who will unite us to a new spiritual family that enriches us in fraternal love, mutual cooperation to build and complete each other.”

After the worship service, the two churches enjoyed a picnic lunch together.  

Pastor Sonya Stauffer Kurtz (Zion) preaches the sermon while Pastor Hendy Matahelemual (Indonesian Light) interpretes into Indonesian.
The joint worship band of Indonesian Light and Zion.
Indonesian Light Church members posed for pictures in Zion’s courtyard.
Indonesian Light Church and Zion Mennonite Church join for a photo after their joint worship in June. 
The service was followed by a picnic together, including cupcakes with Indonesian flags.

God’s Perfect Timing

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By Cindy Angela

We sing a song regularly at Philadelphia Praise Center called, “Waktu Tuhan” or “God’s timing.” The song’s lyrics explain how we should trust in God’s timing and how God’s time is always best for us even though it’s hard to understand. The song is so easy to sing, but, living out the words is much harder. It’s not always easy to trust in God’s timing.  

I especially feel the pressure of trusting God’s timing when the world seems to demand quick decisions, and I don’t feel like I have time to wait for God to respond. Even if I pray, I still ask myself, “How do I know if my plans are in accordance to God’s plans for my life?” 

Proverbs 16:9 says, “We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps” (NLT). I don’t always know for sure if I’m following God’s timeline for my life. But I know that my plans can’t supersede God’s answers. God’s answer can vary between “yes”, “no,” or “wait”, but I think they all work together to reveal His perfect timing for my life. 

The Green Light (Yes, Go, Now!) 

When God says, “Now is the time,” I sometimes find that it is not the answer I expected. It might feel fast… even too fast. Often, God’s guidance is in response to things I didn’t even pray or think about. These green lights from God have come in many forms to me: a job offer, a graduate program, or even marriage. But in the end, I found myself looking back at these green lights and being incredibly humbled and amazed by God’s faithfulness in my life, even if it didn’t feel like it at the time. 

The Yellow Light (Wait) 

I’m currently in my 2nd trimester of pregnancy and being pregnant has made me reflect on God’s process of timing. A typical pregnancy is 40 weeks, and those 40 weeks can feel very long and full of anticipation, especially for a first-time mother like me. In these weeks, the baby is being shaped in the womb and growing daily. There is some pain, discomfort, and anxiety, but I wouldn’t trade these months of waiting and growing for anything. How wonderful is God’s design! 

 “The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake.” 

2 Peter 3:9, NLT

The Red Light (No) 

Lastly, when God gives His red light (which God often does), I always believe that there are better things in store for me. I remember this verse often because I see it happen throughout my life: “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11, NLT). 

When I look back at my life, I can see the bigger picture form. I see the wonder in God’s “yes”, “no,” or “wait”. I hope to be a better listener to God’s answers. I want to trust and anticipate God’s perfect timing, and maybe I will actually live out what I sing on Sundays at church. 

“Waktu Tuhan pasti yang terbaik 
Walau kadang tak mudah dimengerti 
Lewati cobaan, ku tetap percaya 
Waktu Tuhan pasti yang terbaik” 

“God’s timing is the best 
Even though it’s hard to understand
Though I go through trials, I still believe 
God’s timing is the best.” 

NDC WORSHIP – WAKTU TUHAN

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

Cindy Angela

Cindy currently works as a Digital Communications Associate for the conference. Cindy was born and raised in Surabaya, Indonesia before moving to Philadelphia, PA where she graduated with a degree in Communications and Digital Media Technology from Temple University. She attends Philadelphia Praise Center with her husband, Andy.

A Celebration of Ministry: San Francisco Chinese Mennonite Church

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San Francisco (CA) Chinese Mennonite Church celebrated 33 years of ministry by Pastor Joshua So on ​May 28, 2023, as he now retires as the Pastor of the Mosaic congregation. Photos by Danilo Sanchez.

San Francisco Chinese Mennonite Church Choir sang special music during worship.
Jeff Wright, Leadership Minister, presented a Certificate of Service from Mosaic Conference to Pastor Joshua So for his many years of ministry as Pastor of San Francisco Chinese Mennonite Church. Pastor Joshua served for a total of 33 years at SFCMC.
Pastor Joshua So (second from left) and his wife, Anita So (far left), are joined by a guest pastor and his wife, with a cake to honor Pastor Joshua’s retirement.
David Pang, church deacon, and Enoch Wong led the worship service.

Finding the Right Balance 

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by Randy Heacock

I recently began physical therapy to improve my balance.  For the past several years, so-called friends and family have suggested that my walk does not look natural.  Though I do not feel any pain when I walk, some have remarked that it is painful to watch.  On my initial visit, my therapist said my gate is “different”.  Slowly, over 62 years, my adjusting for pain has caused me to walk in a less-than-healthy way.   

I have been wondering if my prayer is also lacking balance. Like walking, has my prayer life been adjusted by and directed by pain? A bulk of our prayers seems to be need-driven.   If a loved one experiences suffering, we ask God to give healing. If we are facing a challenging circumstance, we ask for wisdom or strength. The many prayer requests that fill our bulletins seem to be driven by need.  

As an example, southeastern PA has not had much significant rainfall in the past few weeks, causing very dry conditions. I would imagine that some of us have prayed for rain. In 2 Chronicles 7, God declares, “At times I might shut up the heavens so that no rain falls … Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land” (vss. 13-14, NLT). I cannot recall the last time I heard someone suggest this formula for prayer. I cannot ever remember seeing this type of request on a prayer chain.    

As I continued with physical therapy, I did stretches, a few weights, and eventually some balance exercises.  In the end I went from being able to balance on one leg for 2.5 seconds to consistently more than 30 seconds in six weeks.   

I believe changing my prayer balance will take much longer.  But there are a few things that I have already discovered.  To my surprise, the biblical witness has a much greater view and practice of prayer than the need-driven approach that seems so common in our churches. 

In Ephesians 3, Paul tells his audience of the many wonderful ways he prays for them so that they may be filled with the fullness of God. Surprised, I discovered our need-based approach to prayer is short-sighted in what we wish to see accomplished.  Being filled with the fullness of God is to be filled with the God who in creation created life out of nothing and who in Jesus gave life in the midst of death.  Praying out of need sets the bar too low for what God wants to do.    

To my surprise, the biblical witness has a much greater view and practice of prayer than the need-driven approach that seems so common in our churches. 

How is your prayer balance? Why settle for anything less than being filled with the fullness of God?   

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

Randy Heacock

Randy Heacock serves as a Leadership Minister for Mosaic Conference while continuing in his role as pastor of Doylestown Mennonite Church.