Articles

Who am I? What am I? Where am I? 

July 20, 2023 by Cindy Angela

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

July 13, 2023 by Cindy Angela

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.

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.

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

July 13, 2023 by Cindy Angela

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

July 13, 2023 by Cindy Angela

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

June 29, 2023 by Cindy Angela

by Jonathan Haggard

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.

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?

June 29, 2023 by Cindy Angela

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

June 29, 2023 by Cindy Angela

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

June 28, 2023 by Cindy Angela

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.

Articles

Context and Character Development

Called to Reconciliation

Knowing Jesus in New Ways

Jonathan Haggard

Marco Güete

Understanding FL 1718

Some updates from Mosaic congregations in Florida:

Javier Márquez

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