Mosaic Mennonites

Missional - Intercultural - Formational

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The Steadfast Love of God in a Time of Change

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by Stephen Kriss

In June, I wrote a Mosaic response related to the outcomes of the Mennonite Church USA Special Delegate Session at Kansas City.  In a second article, I outlined essentially nothing had changed in our relationships together as Mosaic Conference.  Now we are preparing for our annual Assembly, six months after those denominational meetings, and the waters have not calmed for us as a community.  It has become a difficult time to lead and navigate together. Yet, the steadfast love of God is still present. 

In response to the Kansas City meetings, we planned a series of listening sessions in June. The sessions were well attended, but we needed a more focused and intentional effort to hear across the breadth and width of our conference.  The Mosaic Board approved a Listening Task Force made up of gifted and committed leaders.  I am grateful for their steady work.  They set out to listen to every community and ministry.  Though they didn’t accomplish that fully, some clear themes emerged which give a possible way forward together. 

Meanwhile, some congregations and leaders have become increasingly frustrated. And some days that includes me. I have had numerous people repeat to me, “You have a tough job,” or, “I wouldn’t want your job.”  I’m grateful for the recognition of the difficulty of the work.  However, I am committed to walking us through this time together.  We can do the difficult work, and we can do it while allowing the fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control — Galatians 5:22-23) to be cultivated within each of us and our communities. 

We can do the difficult work, and we can do it while allowing the fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control — Galatians 5:22-23) to be cultivated within each of us and our communities. 

The Task Force has done important work of taking time to listen and brought significant recommendations back to the Board. There is a sense of urgency within some of us.  We live in a time of quick responses.  We want to be responsive. At the same time, the transforming work of God often has a different sense of timeliness than we might often prefer. 

As staff, we have begun to work in several areas that are highlighted by the Task Force.  We are working on clarifying the information and needs to help us make good decisions.  We do not all have the information we need.  We will work to identify and define these issues in the next weeks and months.   

I have been in conversation with key partners, including Mennonite Church USA, Mennonite World Conference, Everence, Mennonite Mission Network, Mennonite educational institutions, other MC USA Conferences, and leaders of other US-based Anabaptist networks.  We want to be able to make informed decisions about our future together. 

As Mosaic, our diversity is a strength and a challenge.  We are being mutually transformed together as a community, yet at the same time we also struggle to fully understand how to listen and discern well in ways that will allow us to make decisions together.  What we learned from Kansas City is that we are not at our best with processes that lead to divided votes resulting in winners and losers rather than inclusive discernment. Voting by ballot is one of the least communal forms of decision-making.  I believe we can work at decision-making differently that is honest, patient, and maybe even joyful Spirit-work.

I believe we can work at decision-making differently that is honest, patient, and maybe even joyful Spirit-work.

We are sharing the recommendations to the Board by the Task Force in preparation for the upcoming Assembly scattered sessions where we will hear more from Task Force members and continue conversations together. It’s excellent work. And it’s incomplete work.  We still have work to do. 

Mosaic Conference was born from our commitment to reconciliation; it has grown through our commitments to becoming missional and intercultural.  We are now being tested in our formation and discipleship, how we make decisions about essential and tough issues together.   

Our Mosaic vision to embody the reconciling love of Jesus in our broken and beautiful world is still unfolding even within us. We will physically gather to embody this for the first time next month in the midst of turmoil. Jesus will be present with us. 

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases.  His mercies never come to an end.  They are new every morning.  (Lamentations 3:22-23, ESV)  

Stephen Kriss

Stephen Kriss is the Executive Minister of Mosaic Conference.

Listening Task Force Recommendations Presented to Board

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The Mosaic Listening Task Force culminated their work by presenting findings and recommendations to the Mosaic Board last week. The recommendations, which were received and affirmed, emerged out of weeks of listening, praying, and reflecting on feedback collected from Mosaic congregations and Conference related ministries.  

The nine recommendations, which can be described as prayerful, relational, transparent, and transformational, are intended to guide the Board as they lead us through this time and into Mosaic’s future.  In this way, the recommendations can be seen as an opportunity that has grown out of a complex challenge.  The nine actions ask us to fast and pray, discern, walk together, clarify, focus on what unites us, build relationships across differences, communicate with MCUSA, plan, and roll out. 

Mosaic Listening Task Force members will be present at upcoming Assembly scattered sessions, in which the Mosaic family can further reflect and discern together. The Task Force recommendations are linked here for all to review before our upcoming gatherings. 

Watch the video in English, Spanish and Indonesian:

What Does Fruit Look Like?

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By Conrad Martin

I was having a discussion the other day with my wife about how people will know we are followers of Christ.  Her answer was a good one. Do we exhibit the fruit of the Spirit of God living in us?  She must have been thinking of Matthew 7:20: “… by their fruit you will recognize them” (NIV).  Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit: “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance [patience], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”

But I said, these are all intangibles. What does love actually look like… same for joy, peace, kindness, and all of the others?  If we look for goodness and faithfulness, what specifically will we find?  Can we point to something or someone and say, now there are examples of patience and gentleness?  How do we exhibit an intangible?

I wasn’t quite satisfied with the discussion and began to think about the fruit of the Spirit more deeply.  What if I converted the fruit into an adverb form? Could we identify the fruit more easily and tangibly?  What if we use these words instead: lovingly, joyfully, peacefully, patiently, kindly, virtuously, faithfully, gently, and disciplined. 

What if we use these fruit adverbs to inform the way we do our jobs, the way we relate to others, and pretty much the way we do anything? What if we live: 

  • more lovingly by caring for another person’s needs above our own, seeing the other person the way God sees them, and being more forgiving of others?
  • more joyfully by spreading our thanksgiving to God in infectious ways and lifting the spirits of others?
  • more peacefully by working to reduce conflict around us and in us, which leads to wholeness?
  • more patiently by showing a calmness when there is impatience and chaos all around us?
  • more kindly by guarding our negative words and instead lifting others up with words of encouragement?
  • more virtuously by working with the highest of integrity and moral standards?
  • more faithfully by honoring trust that others have in us by being true to our words and true to our beliefs in God?
  • more gently by showing a meekness and humility that casts aside callousness and pride?
  • more disciplined by working free from distractions, not giving into the whims of the moment or sudden impulses and fleeing the desires of the flesh as described in Galatians 5:16-21, the section preceding the fruit of the Spirit passage. 

Would people notice anything different about the way we live our lives and the way we relate to others that reflect the Spirit of God living in us?  “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water,” Jeremiah tells us, and points out that such a person “… never fails to bear fruit” (Jeremiah 17:7-8, NIV).  Will people see fruit that shows we have been transformed by the power of Christ and have a personal relationship with him, because we have put our trust and confidence in him?   

As I look back over my list of fruit adverbs, I am humbled at how difficult the list is and how much I need the Holy Spirit living within me.  Exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit is a daily challenge I face for my walk in the Spirit. 

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water,” Jeremiah tells us, and points out that such a person “… never fails to bear fruit”

Jeremiah 17:7-8, NIV

Conrad Martin

Conrad Martin is the Director of Finance for Mosaic Conference.

Celebrating Ministry & Service with the Tamayos 

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By Sharon K. Williams

Nueva Vida Norristown (PA) New Life celebrated Pastor Angel Tamayo’s 15 years of pastoral ministry with our congregation on August 28, 2022. Sister Lisa Caban Tamayo was also celebrated for serving as the congregation’s administrative assistant for 11 years.

Pastor Angel’s passion for ministry took him to some places where other angels might fear to tread. He loved to walk the streets of Norristown to share the good news of the gospel with anyone who would listen. His genuine care for people, friendly teasing, and quick smile are welcoming to new friends. He preached his first English sermon on a Palm Sunday, challenging us to be ready to offer our “donkey” when the Lord has need of it. Pastor Angel also participated in several mission trips to Cuba, and he went most recently to Honduras to train and support pastors and congregations.  

Pastor Angel and Sister Lisa Tamayo. Photo by Christine Raines.

 

Pastor Angel and Sister Lisa, both worship leaders with our Spanish and bilingual teams, anchored our worship ministry during the pandemic. They began with recorded bilingual services until we could transition to livestreamed and then hybrid services. 

Sister Lisa held a key role in managing Nueva Vida’s church office. During her time of service, Nueva Vida’s ministries expanded, as did the responsibilities for managing our church campus along Marshall Street. 


Pastor Angel Tamayo preaches at an outdoor worship service. Photo by Tim Moyer.

Pastor Angel regularly encouraged our congregation to love the Word of God, to read and study it, and to live by its teachings. His parting sermon encouraged us to be faithful, humble servants of the Lord, serving each other and our community. The word retirement is notably not found in the Bible. Even though Pastor Angel and Sister Lisa Tamayo are concluding their ministries with Nueva Vida, they are open to the next season of service to which God will call them. With gratitude, we pray for God’s blessing to fill their lives. 

Sharon K. Williams

Sharon K. Williams is Nueva Vida Norristown (PA) New Life’s minister of worship.

Mosaic Board Affirms, Laments, and Moves

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by Emily Ralph Servant

On Monday, September 26, Mosaic Conference’s Board met for their bimonthly meeting. Over the course of a packed agenda, the board acknowledged and lamented the loss of two Mosaic congregations, welcomed and affirmed a new congregation and Conference Related Ministry (CRM), blessed an outgoing board member, and moved on the recommendations of the Listening Task Force. 

Acknowledging Losses

On July 24, Covenant Community Fellowship (Lansdale, PA) voted to withdraw from Mosaic Conference, effective immediately, in response to Mennonite Church USA delegates’ decision to retire MC USA’s membership guidelines and to adopt “A Resolution for Repentance and Transformation.”  Likewise, Finland Mennonite Church (Pennsburg, PA) voted on August 28 to withdraw from the Conference, effective September 30.  Both congregations are entering into a time of discernment about future affiliation; for the next year, Mosaic Conference will continue to hold the credentials of their pastors until the congregations’ next steps have been determined. 

“I have appreciated working with the leadership of both Covenant and Finland congregations,” reflected Leadership Minister Noel Santiago.  “I am grateful for the ways they have pursued God’s Kingdom among us and I’m saddened that we’ll miss who they are and the gifts that they bring to our Conference community.” 

I am grateful for the ways they have pursued God’s Kingdom among us and I’m saddened that we’ll miss who they are and the gifts that they bring to our Conference community.

NOEL SANTIAGO

Finland’s Lead Pastor, Kris Wint, has served on the Conference Board as a member-at-large since 2016.  The Board offered words of appreciation and prayed with Wint, whose board departure came as a result of Finland’s decision. “I’ve appreciated Kris’ heart for Christ, passion for God’s kingdom work, his strong convictions, and willingness to ask challenging questions,” shared Moderator Ken Burkholder, Souderton (PA) congregation.  “He’s been an asset on the Board, having served well.  We will miss his voice.” Wint’s Board position will be filled by an affirmation of delegates at Mosaic’s Assembly on November 5. 

Welcoming New Members

At the same meeting, the Board accepted into membership a new congregation, Iglesia Evangélica Menonita de Oración y Adoración (Evangelical Mennonite Church of Prayer and Worship) in Northeast Philadelphia.  The congregation, pastored by Nicolas Sandoval, began as a prayer meeting five years ago and grew into a congregation that continues to prioritize prayer and evangelism, virtual connections, and street outreach. Sandoval had previously been a pastor of Iglesia Menonita Ebenezer, a Mosaic congregation in Souderton, PA. “IEMOA brings joy, energy, and faithfulness into this new relationship with Mosaic,” observed Associate Executive Minister Marta Castillo.  “They are ‘us’—an Anabaptist, Jesus-centered, Spirit-led community of believers that seek to share the Good News for the growth of God’s kingdom.” 

They are ‘us’—an Anabaptist, Jesus-centered, Spirit-led community of believers that seek to share the Good News for the growth of God’s kingdom.

MARTA CASTILLO

The board also accepted Amahoro International as a new Conference Related Ministry (CRM).  Amahoro, led by George and Mukarabe Makinto (part of the pastoral team of Faith Chapel, Los Angeles), is a humanitarian organization that provides hope and community for Burundian refugees in Uganda. The conference CRM committee is looking forward to partnering with Amahoro moving forward, said Margaret Zook, Mosaic’s Director of Collaborative Ministries. “The mission of Amahoro, as agents of peace and reconciliation, is living out the Good News of Jesus and resounds with Mosaic’s mission and vision.”  

Mosaic delegates will vote to affirm the acceptance of these two new communities at the November 5 Assembly.  

Affirming Recommendations

The Board received and affirmed the recommendations of the Listening Task Force, which was formed in July to listen to each Mosaic community and ministry and to provide direction for further discernment at Assembly on November 5.  The task force shared an overview of what they heard in their conversations with Mosaic congregations and CRMs and provided guidance for the Board in designing a path forward.  The executive committee of the Board is finalizing a proposed action for delegate discernment in November.  This action, along with the full recommendation of the Listening Task Force, will be released in a special edition of Mosaic News next week. 

The Board’s next meeting will be on November 21. 

Emily Ralph Servant

Emily Ralph Servant is the Leadership Minister for Formation and Communication for Mosaic Mennonite Conference. Emily has served in pastoral roles at Swamp and Indonesian Light congregations and graduated from Eastern Mennonite Seminary.

Listening to Wisdom’s Call

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Faith and Life Gathering Reflection

by Charlene Smalls

The August 17 Faith and Life Gathering gave me the opportunity to be the voice of wisdom.  Following introductions, we prayed for the leading of the Holy Spirit to be with us, as we discerned what wisdom had to say. The people at my table asked me to read the scripture, so that we might hear wisdom from a woman’s voice, as personified in Proverbs 8:1-5 (NIRV).

1Doesn’t wisdom call out? 
    Doesn’t understanding raise her voice? 
2 At the highest point along the way, 
    she takes her place where the paths meet. 
3 Beside the gate leading into the city, 
    she cries out at the entrance. She says, 
4 “People, I call out to you. 
    I raise my voice to all human beings. 
5 You who are childish, get some good sense. 
    You who are foolish, set your hearts on getting it. 

As a woman, I was captivated. I sensed the Holy Spirit speaking, saying that wisdom calls and she is like a mother who meets her children at all points. No matter where they are, she is there, beckoning them to safety and assurance. She is bold in her efforts to make sure they receive all that she has to offer, and when they veer off the path, she stands tall like a willow tree blocking their path to destruction. When they call, she answers. 

Does wisdom not point us to a loving God, the one who answers when we call, giving direction? But we don’t always like the answer, so we ignore wisdom’s nudge to turn to God and away from destruction.  

After reading Proverbs 8, we discussed four questions. Below are the questions and a summary of our responses:  

What are the characteristics of wisdom described in this passage?

Some of wisdom’s characteristics are slow, but powerful, and attainable. Wisdom is knowledge and experience correctly applied. Wisdom is the ability to discern what is right and what is wrong. 

What is wisdom’s call or counsel and to whom?

Wisdom’s call and counsel is to all humankind. It calls us to live and share a life centered in Christ, a life lived in light and not darkness. Wisdom invites us to live life at its best.  

How are we to access the needed wisdom to help us know how to proceed?  

To access this wisdom, we need to create safe spaces where we can listen, yield, and be open to receiving wisdom. “Wisdom creates a safe space to share our deepest and hardest questions through a spirit of love that frees us from fear,” said Noel Santiago. 

How can we support one another as we pursue wisdom in our different ministry contexts?  

We need to make ourselves available to one another outside of meetings, conferences, and other formal settings. We must respect our differences and seek understanding of those differences. We need to listen so that we hear in different contexts and pray for a non-anxious spirit as we guide our congregations. We also need to pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance on how deep to go into the issues being addressed at this fall’s Assembly. 

It is our prayer that these conversations will help us to speak clearly and truthfully, lead justly and diligently, and to pursue wisdom before riches, power, status, or anything else.

Charlene Smalls

Charlene Smalls is co-pastor of Ripple in Allentown, PA.

Listening With the Ear of Our Heart

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By Karen Bennett

Editor’s note: Karen Bennett participated in the call to Listening Prayer throughout Mosaic Conference this summer. She was invited to share her reflections from that experience.

Jen was a dear friend from elementary school.  I fondly recall playing on a swing inside Jen’s home.  Like trapeze artists, we used to swing through Jen’s spacious living room doing flips and frolicking in delight.  It was the best of times, and yet, the sun set on that picture-perfect memory.  In the often-difficult transition from elementary to middle school, jealousy and competition had surfaced and severed our relationship.  While I was sociable with Jen, I was also friendly with Trina, but Jen and Trina did not see eye to eye.   

To gain my allegiance, both Jen and Trina demanded that I unfriend the other.  However, I was resolved to being first and foremost a friend of Jesus.  For me, being a friend of Jesus meant that I could engage with both Jen and Trina.  As a result of following Jesus, and not Jen or Trina, the two girls unfriended me.

During this juxtaposed season of earthly loss and heavenly gain, the inner quiet voice whispered [cue Jesus]: “What if Jen and Trina had respected each other?  What if they had respected me?  What if they had openly shared their differences?  What if they had valued their shared humanity as students in the same classroom?  What if they had spent time listening?” 

To listen to God is to silence the noise outside and within us in order to receive the wisdom from above that enables us to grow in relationship with Jesus and one another.  The more we are able to listen and receive from God, the more we are able to listen and receive from others.  “For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and wickedness of every kind.  But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace.” (James 3:16-18, NRSV). 

As I reflect on the Mosaic-led listening prayer sessions this summer, as well as those held in my home congregation of Souderton (PA) Mennonite Church, I am grateful for the intentional chesed community that was shaped through prayer, engagement, and dialogue. It was marked by vulnerability and authenticity.  To come to the Lord empty-handed, to meditate on scripture, to wait attentively, to be still and know that the Lord is God, to share perspectives and experiences, and to honor and be a part of the unity of the Spirit revealed a fuller picture of Jesus, others, myself, and the harmonious life in community.   

Thank you to the individuals and the congregations who participated in Mosaic’s summertime listening prayer sessions. Thank you for listening intentionally and sharing authentically in chesed community, and for your continued commitment to discipleship through listening prayer, listening obedience, and listening friendship in Christ. 

Perhaps if Jen, Trina, and I had come to the table we would have learned that listening is a profound act of love and that we are not to hold fast to a position or to power, but to a Person, Jesus. With the ear of our heart, may we prayerfully listen, receive, and respond to Jesus’ presence in our midst. 

Karen Bennett

Karen Bennett serves as a volunteer chaplain for Nemours Children’s Hospital and as a volunteer mentor for the Campolo Scholars of Eastern University.  She is a recent graduate of Palmer Theological Seminary and is a member of Souderton (PA) Mennonite Church.