Mosaic Mennonites

Missional - Intercultural - Formational

Articles

Gathering at the Table

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Editor’s Note: Nations & Generations Gatherings are a component of our annual Assembly gathering. These gatherings, are held for the leaders of the Global Majority (the leaders of color) in Mosaic Conference. Three gatherings, November 15 (English), November 18 (Indonesian), and November 20 (Spanish), were held via zoom this year.

I am a firm believer in God’s intentionality. On November 15, I had the pleasure of gathering with a small, diverse group of people from our Mosaic Conference for a gathering entitled, Nations and Generations. Not clear with our purpose at first, I quickly realized this was transformational work in progress.

It is my belief, that by divine appointment, those who were there for this session are those that were meant to be there. There was some pain at the table and a clear need for healing. Healing from seeing and experiencing racial injustice in sacred spaces. There was sorrow and regret at the table. Sorrow and regret that was birthed out of guilt by association. Bitterness had a seat at the table. Bitterness that had grown out of years of past hurt.

There were those who wanted to forget and those who wanted to remember. Those who felt like insiders and those who felt like outsiders. There were those who had a deep desire for transparency, trust, and truth.

But most importantly, Hope was at the table. Hope … that one day we would sit at a unified table where power, resources, and decision-making are evenly distributed. Where there is no them and us. Just one nation under God for generations to come.

The Generations that make up Mosaic Conference, with all its broken pieces, need to be at the table. For the ones who want to forget, let the elders help them remember. Remember the good for its value and the bad so it is not repeated.

Needs that were identified by this Nations & Generations Gathering:

  • Shoulder tapping to gather the nations and Generations together.
  • A realization of a different language, but a unified heart.
  • Sharing of power, resources, decision-making.
  • Realization that there is a History of Black Mennonites.
  • Recognition of all the history being built within the Conference.
  • Be the change that we are talking about.
  • We must engage in honest conversations that lead to forgiveness, not sweeping it under the rug.
  • We want to learn to live the example of Jesus who invites all to the table. Meeting them where they are in their language. Jesus knew he could not reconcile with people if He looked down on them, was condescending, or patronizing. Instead, Jesus desired to know them in their context.
  • We must look at our Conference in its entirety. Those who have been around a long time, both white people and people of color, have thoughts of a truly mosaic conference. Those who have paved the way in the Mennonite faith, we need you at the table. You have valuable wisdom and knowledge to share. You bring history. All of the nuances bring life.

A Canaan or an Egypt?

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Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in Anabaptist World and is used with permission by the author.

Someone asked me: How do you explain intercultural work to people who see immigrants as a threat and are afraid their jobs and resources are being taken from them?

I answer with questions. Who owns the resources in the first place? Aren’t immigrants supposed to have an equal opportunity to work and cultivate the land?

Who owns the resources in the first place? Aren’t immigrants supposed to have an equal opportunity to work and cultivate the land?

When my two boys fight over a toy, I tell them sharing is caring. Why do we have to fight, when there is enough for everybody? Isn’t God our provider?

The US attracts so many immigrants because of opportunities for employment, land ownership, religious freedom, and adventure. Another reason immigrants are here is because the U.S. was in their home countries. From regime change to economic impact, the results have not been as beautiful as US Americans might think.

I believe in mutual transformation and intercultural exchange, but the idea of the U.S. policing the world while selling the American dream can easily dominate and become a nightmare for those who are marginalized.

When I planned to come to the U.S., it took years to make it happen. I needed to build enough wealth, property, and business ties in my country for the U.S. government to approve my visa. It’s harder for foreigners to come to the U.S. than for U.S. citizens to go to other countries.

As an Indonesian, I saw the U.S. as the world’s economic and military power, the land of the free and the home of the brave. I did not understand that this power was not a sign of God’s favor but a tool of domination, intimidation and manipulation. With this power comes a curse and not a blessing.

I remember feeling intimidated and inferior as I prepared for my visa interview at the US Embassy in Jakarta. But my struggle was nothing compared to the hardships experienced by families separated at the U.S.-Mexican border or those who have died trying to cross the desert into the United States.

US-Mexico Border from the United States side. Photo by Hendy Matahelemual.

Why is the most powerful country in the world so afraid of outsiders and foreigners? I’m not sure, but maybe with power comes the fear of losing power.

Xenophobia — dislike or prejudice against people from other countries — is nothing new. Around 1400 B.C., in Egypt, the Israelites faced the same problem. Long after the era of Joseph, the Israelites had grown in numbers, and the Egyptians felt threatened. Pharaoh commanded that all newborn sons of the enslaved Hebrews should be killed. One baby boy managed to escape the atrocity, and the rest is history. God’s chosen people gained their freedom.

When I see U.S. power and superiority, I see the U.S. less as a Canaan, a land of promise, and more like an Egypt. I think the idea of one nation under God needs to be revisited and redefined. This god that the U.S. is under — is it the God of Scripture? Or another? Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters; for [you] will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth” (Matthew 6:24).

As an immigrant, I see hope in the church. When I came to the U.S., God brought me to a community of believers who practiced true love. This love was not just sentimentality but action — sharing possessions and resources to meet people’s needs. The sharing ranged from financial support to giving me keys to a house where I could stay during my seminary years.

I’m grateful that the God I love and serve doesn’t shut the gates of the kingdom but invites us all to come and share. Let us help all who are oppressed and marginalized, so we can bring blessings to the land.

Advent Resource for Families

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Mosaic Conference is again offering this FREE Advent resource for families. If you desire Advent and simplicity, here is a family practice that is centered on Jesus’ birth story.

“My family has participated in this practice for the past two years, and it has become a Christ-centering tradition for us in our home,” shared Brooke Martin, Mosaic Youth and Community Formation Pastor, shared. “We light a candle, marking the days until Christmas, and read the verse cards which build each day, pointing to and celebrating Jesus’ birth narrative. It is simple.”

Please feel free to share the link with your congregation or community.

Dinnertime family devotions include burning the daily Advent candle and reading part of the Christmas Story. Photo by Brooke Martin. 

Mosaic Annual Assembly Wrap-Up

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It was “Mutual Transformation,” not COVID-19, at the forefront when Mosaic Conference met for its Assembly on November 6, 2021. While in-person gatherings were originally planned, COVID-related upsurges led to a completely virtual event. Up to 175 logins were recorded during the annual delegate session.

From the beginning, the theme of transformation and the opportunities brought about by the Conference’s growing diversity were center stage. In the first hour, Moderator Ken Burkholder and Assistant Moderator Angela Moyer Walter, led the delegates in reflections on the theme’s text, Romans 12:2-10. Burkholder reminded the delegates that transformation only occurs when Jesus is at the center of who we are as a church.

Following, two congregations, Peña de Horeb (Philadelphia, PA), a predominantly Latino congregation, and Faith Chapel (Los Angeles, CA), a predominantly West African immigrant congregation, were welcomed into Conference membership. Peña de Horeb is a relatively new congregation, while Faith Chapel is an established congregation that realigned its membership within MC USA.

Joining Mosaic’s Church Related Ministries (CRM) is the Midian Leadership Project, of Charleston, WV. The Midian Project is an outreach ministry that develops leaders from the local youth community. Each ministry was showcased in a video log story that included interviews and site visits. Delegates then gave a 99% vote of affirmation for these new members of Mosaic Conference.

Thirteen newly credentialed leaders were introduced and welcomed with words of affirmation from Leadership Ministers.

Credentialed leadership was also celebrated. Thirteen newly credentialed leaders were introduced and welcomed with words of affirmation from Leadership Ministers. The Conference also noted those who were retiring from their years of meaningful service and paid tribute to those ministers who have passed away during past year.

In the second hour, delegates were invited to reflect on the Conference priorities of being missional, formational, and intercultural. A brief missional video told the story of Mosaic Pastor Virgo Handojo, of Jemaat Kristen Indonesian Anugerah (JKIA), of Sierra Madre, CA. In the past year, Pastor Virgo mobilized several Mosaic congregations and invited Mosaic Conference to assist Indonesians on the Island of Java and Sulawesi to access COVID-19 vaccines and other pandemic-related assistance. Raising almost $40,000 through the fundraising efforts in communities and matching grants from the conference’s missional operation fund, over 8,000 individuals received vaccinations and other material assistance.

A story of formational work in the Conference was told by a group of Mosaic Conference Latino youth who participated in a Civil Rights tour of the southern USA through Mennonite Mission Network. In learning the stories of a previous generation’s struggle, these Mosaic youth were encouraged and strengthened to engage in their own efforts to work for equality and justice in the world they are inheriting.

Blooming Glen (PA) Mennonite Church, a predominantly white congregation, shared an intercultural story. In response to recent civic and racial unrest, the congregation engaged in a process of study and reflection, utilizing MC USA curriculum and conversations with members from Oxford Circle Mennonite Church, an intercultural congregation in Philadelphia, PA.

Following these stories, delegates were assigned to small groups and invited to reflect on what they heard and experienced in their congregations. Of significant note from delegate feedback was the observation that Mosaic Conference is being mutually transformed by Jesus in our missional, formational, and intercultural competency.

“Mosaic Conference is being mutually transformed by Jesus in our missional, formational, and intercultural competency”

As Indonesian pastors lead missional efforts of global healing and hope, Latino youth explore what it means to be formed by a gospel that undoes the perniciousness of racism, and a white congregation listens and learns from faith communities of color, Mosaic is becoming a transformed body of Christ.

The next Mosaic Assembly will be Saturday, November 5, 2022. We plan, God willing, to meet face-to-face.

Dr. Joe Manickam, Hesston College president and preacher for Mosaic Assembly worship, talks with Mary Nitzsche, Associate Executive Minister, prior to Assembly worship on Saturday, Nov. 6.
Worship teams in Los Angeles, CA, and Franconia, PA led Mosaic Assembly worship music in a variety of languages and styles. From left to right, Stephanie Natallia (Philadelphia Praise), Danilo Sanchez (Ripple), and KrisAnne Swartley (Doylestown congregation) were part of the worship team in PA. 

Annoyances, Frustrations, & Inconveniences

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How do you respond when your plans change unexpectedly causing annoyance and inconvenience? I recently had one of these minor annoyances traveling home from California. My travel plans had to be adjusted after my first flight was delayed.  

As I began processing how this minor annoyance would affect me, I thought about all the negative impacts. How would I spend five hours in an airport waiting for my flight to Philadelphia? Would I be able to get comfortable and sleep on my five-hour, overnight flight? Would I be able to stay awake and get my work done while sleep deprived once home? How will this disruption affect my sleep cycle over the next several days?  

Then I began thinking about others impacted by flight delays and cancellations. Airline staff are overworked and stressed due to staff shortages, added work demands, and a growing number of aggressive passengers. Travelers whose work schedules, vacation, or special event cannot be rescheduled or require additional expenses also are stressed. I understand the increasing impatience and irritability dealing with the annoyance and inconvenience of travel disruptions. 

My thoughts shifted to people dealing with other disruptive and life-altering circumstances: the death of a spouse, family member, or close friend; news of a terminal illness, debilitating condition, medical treatment with major side effects; job loss or transition; house eviction, devastating natural disaster, or resettlement in a new country. What I was experiencing was so minimal in comparison to many dealing with loss, grief, and trauma.  

How would I respond to this minor annoyance and inconvenience? I could not change my circumstances, but I could control my response.  

Three things that helped me were naming and processing my feelings, expressing gratitude for the good that emerged, and accepting what I could not change. I processed my feelings and frustrations by writing this article and talking with family members. I prayed and took a walk. In other annoying situations, I processed my feelings by listening to peaceful music, reciting a scripture, or repeating a calming phrase.  

Reminding myself of what I am grateful for keeps my mind focused on the good that emerges rather than my frustration or resentment. I was fortunate for the option to schedule a different flight, helpful and courteous airline staff, patient and respectful passengers, financial resources to travel, good health and being vaccinated, and supportive family praying for me. 

I could not change my situation, but I could accept my circumstances even with the challenges. Reaching out for assistance from others helped me know I was not alone. My husband helped me look for other flight options and decide which option was best. Several family members sent supportive and encouraging text messages as I waited in airports. I prayed for patience and strength. Having support from family and the Holy Spirit helped me accept my circumstances and gave me peace and hope to persevere.  

I am reminded of these three practices in dealing with life’s annoyances when looking to the Psalms. Psalm 77 begins with a complaint for life’s circumstances. “I am so troubled I cannot speak … Has God forgotten to be gracious?” (Ps. 77: 4, 9, NRSV) This complaint is followed by an expression of gratitude. “I will call to mind the deeds of the Lord … I will meditate on all your work” (Ps. 77:11-12). Gratitude leads to acceptance, bringing peace and hope for restoration. “With your strong arm you redeemed your people” (Ps. 77:15). 

Using these three helpful practices to deal with life’s minor annoyances, encourages me to make choices that offer peace and hope. 

Assembly Countdown Details

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ASSEMBLY IS THIS SATURDAY!
We are looking forward to our time together.

In final preparation for Saturday, please read the following: 

1 PM – 3 PM EDT | 10 AM – 12 PM PDT

  • The zoom link was emailed to all registered delegates, pastors, and guests on Tuesday, November 2. Zoom links are only emailed to REGISTERED delegates, pastors, and guests. If you have not yet registered, please do so here before Friday, November 5 – 12 noon EDT. If you have registered, but have not received your link, email office@mosaicmennonites.org.
  • On Saturday, all delegates must log-in on separate devices to allow for small group discussions, affirmations, voting, and attendance.
  • When you log in to the Assembly Zoom meeting, please click on yourself, and edit your name to be your first and last name as well as the congregation or ministry you are representing, for attendance record purposes.
  • Be ready to engage in small groups that are multilingual. Please be hospitable as some small group members may need to translate for others.
  • The docket was emailed to all delegates and is available in ENGLISH, SPANISH, INDONESIAN, VIETNAMESE, CANTONESE.
  • For Zoom instructions or questions: watch our video tutorial

Starts at 7 PM EDT | Starts at 4 PM PDT

  • Join a watch party in your area or tune into Mosaic’s YouTube or Facebook page from your home. To find a watch party to attend, see the complete list here.
  • Spanish Stream of the Worship Service will be available via Zoom.

Need to catch up on pre-Assembly info? Read and watch previous articles and vlogs about this year’s Assembly:

Never Too Young for God

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I remember feeling a calling to the ministry as a young boy growing up in the Catholic Church. In third grade, I was preparing to receive my communion for the first time. I took this very seriously; it was a big deal.  

Leading up to this time, I recall being picked on and teased for my faith. “Kyle is going to be the priest of the family,” I heard.  Even though I was teased, I found a love for God’s church. However, due to unfortunate circumstances, my family stopped going to church before I started high school.  

This was the beginning of some very dark years for me. During my high school years, I was involved with the wrong group of friends, my family relationships were distant, I did not care about my studies, and I had little to no relationship with God.  

In my early college years, I met Alicia, who later became my wife. Alicia told me more about Jesus than I had ever known before. This also led me to have my first interaction at Franconia (PA) Mennonite Church, where I felt a real sense of welcome and community.   

During the Good Friday service in 2015 at Franconia Church, I heard the voice of God. God told me, “This is where I want you; this is where you will raise your family. This is where you belong.” This was the first time I heard the audible voice of God, and I have desired to be obedient to his calling for me to be at Franconia.  

Prior to that, my plan for my life had been one of destruction and sin. Yes, I felt a calling to ministry when I was a boy, but I wanted to ignore that calling. But when I heard God speak, I was open to his guidance and will for my life. I was tired of keeping my back to him. When God spoke, I realized that his plan for my life was better than my own. When God spoke, I was ready to listen. Since then, I have developed a strong desire to share God’s truth and God’s truth alone. 

I have been told that I am too young to be a pastor, too young to be preaching the Word, or too young to be so conservative. In the past, these comments would hurt, and it would cause self-doubt. Maybe I am not ready?  

However, I have taken a new approach to this mindset. I desire for God to use me for the church today and the church of the next generation. Too often I see youth and others feel like they need to take a back seat because they feel too young and inadequate. I want to help them be open for God to use them, whether they are 11 or 43.  

While in my pastoral role at Franconia, I have seen God use the youth in powerful ways, ways that have taught me, and other adults, a thing or two. So, I challenge you: How is God using the children or youth in your life? What can you learn from them? Don’t say they are too young. God can use them just like he can use you!  

A Devout Outsider and an Impulsive Insider

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Editor’s Note: This article is based on a devotional that Janet Panning, Mosaic Board member, shared at the September 2021 Board meeting. 

In the story of Cornelius and Peter (Acts 10: 1- 48), we have an outsider, Cornelius, who is devout and God-fearing, and an insider, Peter, who is impulsive and enthusiastic.  

Peter is processing his vision regarding killing and eating unclean animals when Cornelius’ men arrive, to invite him to Cornelius’ home.  After Peter’s testimony, Cornelius and his household become believers and the gift of the Holy Spirit is poured out, even on Gentiles. Peter orders them to be baptized in the name of Jesus.  I’m not sure Peter even considered circumcising them at that time.  

But soon, Peter is back with the other insiders, and the issue of circumcision comes up.  In Acts 11, the circumcised believers criticized Peter; “You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them” (Acts 11:3, NIV). Peter shares his experience with Cornelius and the work of the Holy Spirit with the insiders. After hearing Peter’s account, the insiders seem to understand. They are excited to hear Peter’s testimony.  

But the circumcision issue doesn’t go away. Peter himself may be wavering and wondering whether he did the right thing. Peter, who denied Jesus three times, has a history of being afraid of what other people think.  

In Galatians, Paul says that Peter used to eat with the Gentiles. But when certain men arrived, Peter began to separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of the circumcised group. Paul is not very nice when he talks about Peter and goes further, saying: “Those who want to impress people by means of the flesh are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ” (Galatians 6:12, NIV)  

Where would the descendants of the Gentiles (us) be without Peter? Peter had a dream and somehow wound up baptizing the first Gentiles.  Peter was impulsive and reacted to what was happening to Cornelius and his family. He seemed to be oblivious to the theological consequences of what he is doing. Yet, later, he may have actually been afraid, as Paul writes in Galatians, and may have wavered because of what people thought. I can imagine what comments would have looked like about the situation on today’s social media.  

Perhaps Peter lacked the confidence that he had acted correctly, since he was acting in faith without thinking of the consequences. Or maybe Paul was right, and Peter just wanted to avoid persecution, so began to separate himself from the Gentiles.  

Peter acted in faith and followed the Holy Spirit which led to an incredible welcoming of all the non-Jews into a faith in Jesus. Is it possible that he did this without thinking through the theological implications and without thinking about the consequences to his own safety or his own reputation? I would encourage us to remember Peter as we discern where God is in our own difficult discussions. 

Where is the Holy Spirit leading us? How can we follow?  Let us remember Peter as we discern where God is when we are among people who are the “outsiders.”  

We also need to have grace to forgive those who, like Peter, waver – perhaps from a lack of courage or confidence. And may we also have grace to forgive the “Pauls” in our lives, who highlight our wavering for all to see.  

May the God of hospitality and welcome, the God of both circumcised and uncircumcised, be with us as we seek to follow Jesus.