Mosaic Mennonites

Missional - Intercultural - Formational

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Fall Assembly Updates: A Change in Plans

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Rooted in our love for God and each other, and under the guidance of the CDC regarding large gatherings, the annual Mosaic Assembly on Saturday, November 6, 2021, will be pivoting from in-person gatherings to a fully virtual gathering. Mosaic Conference’s Board had really hoped to gather in person this year but, in light of the current and forecasted rise in COVID-19 cases across the country, this change will ensure all delegates and guests are able to safely join our gathering from numerous states.

Delegates will now join the business session from their homes for a virtual delegate session. In order to facilitate attendance and voting, every delegate will need to register individually for the Assembly with an email address unique to her or him.

The Assembly worship service will also be fully virtual. We welcome and encourage individuals, congregations, and Conference Related Ministries to join the virtual worship. A block of time between the delegate session and worship service allows for local travel so that delegates can gather at a watch party or in individual homes for worship. Keep an eye on Mosaic’s Conference Assembly webpage for a list of watch parties in your area.

1 PM – 3 PM EST
10 AM – 12 PM PST

Starts at 7 PM EST
Starts at 4 PM PST

(*The schedule for Mosaic Assembly has been adjusted to allow for local travel to watch parties for the worship service.) 

Want to host a watch party?

If you would like to host a watch party for others to join in your ministry, congregation, or home, please fill out a brief form on our Assembly webpage so that we can communicate with others.

HOST A WATCH PARTY

Are you a delegate? Registration for the 2021 Mosaic Assembly is now open. To register, click here.

Keep checking back on the assembly page for local watch parties in your area.

Managing My House Plants

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I am beginning to enjoy house plants. As a child, I remember a few plants finding their way into our home. It was a welcomed, bi-annual chore to move several of my grandmother’s potted plants outside in the spring and then clean them up and move them back indoors in the fall.  

Now that my children are old enough to not tip over the plants to explore the dirt or eat the plants, a few house plants have found their way into our home. Some have bitter-sweet memories attached as gifts from a funeral; some came in bright abstract pots painted by my children; one was an exciting find at a discount grocery store, and others were shared from growing collections of family members.

Plants generally need a combination of soil, light, and water. Choosing the right amount of sunlight, soil type, and proper drainage combo varies with each plant variety. Now, I can make most plants survive, and most of them are fine and happy. However, the spider plant I have growing in a corner shelf that I never bother to rotate is not healthy. My vining pathos plant is luscious and deep green; however, if I experimented with different lighting, I wonder if it is actually a variegated leaf variety waiting to be exposed.

Photo provided by Brooke Martin.

If I treat each plant equally, with the same pot, soil, and sun-exposure, and put them on the same watering schedule, with equal amounts of fertilizer and pruning, they might survive, but they would not thrive. They share one home, but these are all different plants. Their needs may overlap, but each requires different attention.   

Photo provided by Brooke Martin.

It would not be wise to water my snake plant like I do my palm plants as my snake plant would suffer root rot.  Currently I prefer my arrowhead to be a bushy plant, so I need to prune it to keep it from vining and taking over. For a variety of plants to thrive and flourish in my one household, each plant needs to be tended in its own way. This is equity.  

In our lives, equity means every person is their own God-created, perfectly beautiful plant. Every person’s personality, culture, race, life stage, gender, economic status, health, relationships, and life experiences impact what sun exposure, fertilizer, pruning, watering, soil type, and frequency of re-potting is needed for them to thrive.  

Take a walk with the Holy Spirit through the household of your life. Listen to the Creator of the Garden of Eden.  Look inside you. What plants in you need to be pruned? What needs to be re-potted or fertilized?   

Look around you. What plants in your household, workplace, small group, congregation, community, country, and world are straining for sunlight? What parts are waterlogged and suffering root rot? Ask the Holy Spirit to direct your actions and inactions toward Holy Equity. 

Creator God, hear our prayer. 

“Can papyrus grow where there is no marsh? Can reeds flourish where there is no water?

 – Job 8:11, NRSV 

Responding to the Need in Indonesia, Regardless of Religion

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The church knows no geographical boundaries. When there is a call for help from across the globe, as a church, we are called to act. When the second wave of the pandemic hit Indonesia where vaccines are still limited, Mosaic congregations rose to action.  

Photo provided by Britannia Worotikan.

Four Mosaic churches, Salford (Harleysville, PA) Mennonite Church, Philadelphia (PA) Praise Center, Jemaat Kristen Indonesian Anugerah (JKIA) (Sierra Madre, CA), and International Worship Church (IWC) (San Gabriel, CA), raised funds to assist with needs related to the pandemic in Indonesia. Together the churches raised over $17,000. Through a Missional Operations Grant, Mosaic Conference gave an additional $15,000. Altogether $32,937.32 was sent to Indonesia through JKI Anugerah, to support vaccination programs and humanitarian aid.

A fundraising effort collected funds for Semarang City and Makassar, Indonesia to be distributed by JKI, a Mennonite organization in Indonesia. JKI began a free vaccination program in June 2021. The vaccines were provided for free from the Indonesian government, but the funds raised contributed to the facility costs, workers’ wages, and meals. To read more, click here. 

Boarding school students are vaccinated in Indonesia through the free vaccine initiative, supported in part through Mosaic churches and Conference. Photo provided by JKI Injil Kerajaan.

“The free vaccine initiative and aid toward the marginalized community that was impacted by the Covid 19 Pandemic is very strategic ministry for the church; this way the church can be salt and light to the community”, said Pastor Virgo Handojo of JKIA.

Hanah Sinjaya, the head of YABBM foundation, almost gave up on helping those in need in Indonesia, because she couldn’t afford the costs needed to run the free vaccine clinic and offer humanitarian aid. Thanks to the moral and financial support through this initiative, the free vaccinations program and humanitarian assistance continue to run today, reaching to the narrow alleys where many people live in the city of Makassar.

On Monday, August 30, 2021, Mosaic funds helped vaccinate 423 people from two Islamic Boarding school in Indonesia. Each person was also provided a free lunch, mask, gloves, vitamins and groceries to take to their home. In a country where 87% of the population is Muslim, the initiative offered a show of support and solidarity with all persons. 

Photo provided by JKI Injil Kerajaan.

“Today, God has a unique way of gathering us all. A Pastor and a Kyai (an expert in Islam) stand together, side by side, so we can all be healthy. In the midst of the danger of Islamic Radicalism that wants to use the Taliban victory as a weapon of influence, today we show something different to spread goodness and unity”, said Gus Nuril Arifin, Head of Soko Tunggal, Islamic boarding school. 

“…today we show something different to spread goodness and unity.”

– Gus Nuril Arifin

Photo provided by JKI Injil Kerajaan.

Update on Process with Dock Academy

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Last month, Mosaic Conference committed to developing an internal review process in response to allegations of misconduct at Dock Mennonite Academy (Lansdale, PA). In the last weeks, our Conference Related Ministry Committee and the Ministerial and Credentials Committees have developed a process that will include conversations between some of their members and members of the Dock Board, as well as the Dock Superintendent, to discuss concerns, affirmations, and future recommendations.  

A draft of this process will go to the Conference Board for approval at their next meeting. Next steps will be communicated by September 30.  We have continued to consult with Dove’s Nest to work toward a survivor-centered process.  We hope to not only provide insight into what has or has not been done in the past but also to initiate changes for our conference that foster healthy relationships, mutual accountability, and safe spaces for the vulnerable among us.  

Mosaic Conference takes allegations of abuse or misconduct seriously (resources for Safe Churches).  If you have information about an instance of child abuse in your ministry context, please report it by calling the child abuse hotline for your state:

CA: list of phone numbers by county

FL: 1-800-962-2873

MD: list of phone numbers by county

NJ: 1-877-652-2873

NY: 1-800-342-3720

PA: 1-800-932-0313

VT: 1-800-649-5285

Service as Worship on 5th Sundays

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There is a unique kind of bonding that happens when people work shoulder-to-shoulder together on a project. The leadership team of Doylestown (PA) Mennonite Church identified the value of this important bond in the sweat, dirt, and hands-on nature of service projects as something they thought would not only help their surrounding community, but also enhance congregational relationships.  

Service workers split logs from dead trees that had been taken down at a Doylestown congregant’s home. The split wood was delivered to several homes in the community for use as firewood. Photo by KrisAnne Swartley.

In late 2019, the pastors and ministry leadership team of Doylestown discerned that congregational life would be strengthened by designating regular times of serving together beyond the church walls. The relational connection that was built in service is special and distinct from the bonding that happens during Sunday morning worship and sharing. It’s not necessarily better, but it is different.   

To be intentional about creating service opportunities, our congregation set aside the fifth Sundays of the months as “Days of Service.” We would worship through working together. 

Even through the pandemic, we still served and worked together at places like Pinebrook Retreat Center in Stroudsburg, PA, The Simple Way in Philadelphia, Ripple Community in Allentown, PA,  A Woman’s Place in Doylestown, PA and at a few of our congregant’s homes.  

“To go” meals are prepared by Doylestown congregants to hand out after the worship service at Ripple. Photo by KrisAnne Swartley.
Doylestown congregants sort and fold donated clothes at Ripple Church for distribution in the Allentown, PA community. Photo by KrisAnne Swartley.

We have seen our relationships enhanced as we laughed, used our muscles, and faced rain, snow, and extreme heat in our adventures together. Friendships across the generations have been forged and deepened as teenagers have worked alongside octogenarians. Brand new relationships have begun as we engaged with people beyond our church walls. 

“Brand new relationships have begun as we engaged with people beyond our church walls. “

Fifth Sunday Day of Service has not always been easy, but it harkens back to a time when Mennonite barn raisings were a significant part of our culture. The sense of community and accomplishment, the unity of purpose and gratitude for each other’s presence and contribution—these are values that we have always held but now experience more deeply. We are thankful for what we are learning and experiencing together as we join shoulder-to-shoulder in work that blesses others and shapes us. 

Service workers from Doylestown Mennonite prepare the outdoor space at Pinebrook for Summer Day Camp this past May. Photo by KrisAnne Swartley.

ABC or DEF: What is Your Faith Community Prioritizing?

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When someone finds out I am a pastor, the typical response is, “You sure don’t look like one.” The next question is typically, “Where do you pastor?” followed by, “How big is your church?” 

There it is: the grading system of ABCs that we have for our faith communities.   

Attendance 
Buildings
Cash 

Often, the success of a church is based on how many people show up on a Sunday. Then, the buildings are examined. What do they look like? How big are they? What is their acreage? Lastly, is the church financially well off?  

What does it mean to use these markers of a “successful” church?  What were Jesus’ ABCs? 

Attendance was anywhere from 12 to 120 for Jesus. Now he had some major services that grabbed 5000+.  But when we look at it, can we really determine the attendance?  Do we even know the real impact? 

Regarding buildings, well, he was technically homeless. Sooo… there goes that one! If we really look at it, he used public places, people’s homes, and the temples.  Kinda makes you wonder… 

As for cash, we know there was a treasury of some sort.  At times people gave money and donated resources along the way, but we don’t see a lot of discussion about the money flowing from his coffers.  In fact, Jesus and having a budget doesn’t seem to jive at all. 

I by no means am saying meetinghouses are bad, having people engage your faith community is wrong, or that having a budget to transact affairs and assist in advancing the kingdom is misguided.   However, these are not the measurements of what a “successful” kingdom community is. 

Instead, I encourage us to consider DEFs:  

Discipleship
Evangelism
Fellowship 

We hear these DEF words often, but many times they seem so nebulous. What do they really mean? 

Discipleship is the pouring in and pouring out. As we get filled with joy from the Holy Spirit, are we able to pour into and receive from others?  It requires a level of spiritual intimacy that allows our faith walk to intersect with others.  

Evangelism is not an attitude of ensuring people are saved. Instead, it is sharing the Good News of the Gospel.  Are people in our church sharing their faith with those who do not follow Jesus? Does a relationship develop from this sharing? Fellowship is joining others on their faith journey and creating community.   

Evaluating DEFs is not based on numbers, but a cultural measurement. Are DEFs happening in our faith community? 

In Matthew 22, “Jesus replied, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (NIV)  

The essence of these two commandments is DEF.  When we do these commandments, we will make disciples.  Then, we will need more space for all the people we are engaging in our communities. Then, we will have the funds to building the Kingdom on Earth as it is in Heaven. ABC will happen because of DEF.  This is the marker for a faith community.   

What are you chasing after?  Where are you headed?  What can you do to chase after the DEF and make that the mark?  In the end, we can only control our own actions to stand up to the darkness in this world and be the light to those around us. 

Boxing, Food, and Peace: Crossroads Community Center

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Crossroads Community Center is located on N. 6th St in Philadelphia, PA in one of the poorest communities of any major US city. Jesus’ words are the foundation for their ministry: “I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink … I was in prison and you came to visit me” (Matthew 25:35-36, NIV)  

Crossroads Community Center is housed in two row homes in the Fairhill community of Philadelphia and serves the community in variety of ways. Each week, Crossroads distributes 3,000 pounds of food to the community. The Center also provides a safe haven to at-risk teens, tutoring, culturally-minded books, swimming, basketball, and even boxing, allowing them to stay safe and learn about the Lord.  

Pastor Juan Marrero has been the Executive Director of Crossroads Community Center since 2005. Marrero also pastors at Christ Centered Church and has a blended family with his wife, Sandra, and seven children. 

Crossroads also has a full-time prison chaplain, Chaplain Ron Muse, who works to support inmates, especially as they transition back to society as returning citizens. Christ Centered Church, where Marrero pastors, was planted ten years ago to provide something “more relevant” for returning citizens, who make up about 70% of the congregation. 

Pastor Marrero often takes youth from Crossroads to Pivott Boxing Academy just down the street. Along with providing discipline, boxing can also be a non-lethal means to end conflict. 

“Once during a gun violence episode,” Marrero recalls, “I met with both parties, and asked, `How can we resolve this peacefully?’” They decided to go to the boxing ring, boxed for two minutes, and it was over.  “No blood spilled and no issues with the police,” reported Marrero. “While it may seem unorthodox, it was a means to a peaceful resolution.” 

In the gospel of Mark, after a man is rid of a legion of demons, he begs to go with Jesus, who responds: “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you” (Mark 5:18-20, NIV). Inspired by Mark 5, Marrero believes that communities should transform and raise up leaders rather than just partnering with outside ministries.  

“When Crossroads gave me my opportunity, I had a hint of the street in me,” explained Marrero. “A graffiti artist’s skills can be honed for good. Kids who like to fight can be trained to box and become role models for discipline. God can redeem the negative and use it for his Kingdom.” 

Pastor Marrero has seen this redemption in many ways, with some Crossroads youth becoming lawyers or piano teachers. “That gives us hope,” he says. “On the other hand, some still struggle; some go to prison. But you don’t give up on them. You walk with them in the midst of their struggles.” It is at this meeting place, this crossroads, that Marrero and his team try to lead the youth to good decisions and how the center got its name.  

Through serving the hungry, providing support for children and youth, and serving prisoners and returning citizens succeed in society, Pastor Marrero and Crossroads Community Center are committed to bring peace to the world. “The word  ‘peace’ comes from the Hebrew word shalom, meaning ‘nothing missing, nothing broken,’” explains Marrero. “God wants you to be whole. Crossroads is a vehicle by which people can connect with Christ and be prosperous and whole in every aspect of their life.” 

Watch the video here:

Can You Bear the Thought?

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Recently I heard a woman say that she was glad that she was fearfully and wonderfully made.  What does it mean to be fearfully and wonderfully made and what does that mean to you?   

I wasn’t sure, so I looked up “fearfully.”  It means full of fear, in an anxious manner, apprehensively, dreadfully, and extremely.  How does that relate to being fearfully made?  How does one behave knowing that they are fearfully made?   

We were not just made full of fear; we were made so amazingly that we come to revere the one who made us.  It is not that we are fearful at all, because God says that he did not give us the spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7).   

But it says that we are made so well that we have a reverent fear of our creator.  Our Father does not want us to have a timid or cowardly fear of Him or anyone else.  God wants us to know that we were made so well that it is difficult to comprehend.   

When I ponder this word, it stirs up a feeling of being in awe … you know how when something is so beautiful it is hard to keep looking at it?  Or when something tastes so good that your senses feel like they are exploding? That is the fearfully made part.  That is the, “Oh my, look what God did in me, for me, for His Glory” part. That is the, “Oh, thank you Jesus for what you did for them and for you and for us.”   

We are all fearfully made.  So now, can we bear to look at wonderfully?  Can you imagine just thinking about yourself and your issues, your drama, and your thoughts being wonderfully made too?  Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8) and that our Lord made us very good (Genesis 1:31).   

“Wonderfully” means full of wonder, in a way that inspires delight or admiration, extremely well. I can barely stand it!  I am so humbled by the thought that God chose to give that to us, you, even me.  I think of the word wonderfully and think “amazement”!   

We are fearfully and wonderfully made.  Putting those two words together and thinking about this human form on earth gives me hope. When we live in the fear of the Lord and the wonderment of how God created us, it gives us faith.  We become unstoppable with God!  

What joy if we really believed that and lived it and believed it about everyone else! What kind of world changers could we be? What if we believed that the entire human race is fearfully and wonderfully made, even if they don’t look like you or me, even if they/we limp or stutter, even if our bank accounts are not the same, even if we don’t speak the same language?  

What if we believed that ALL of us are fearfully and wonderfully made, even those of us who don’t even know it yet? How might that change the world?