Mosaic Mennonites

Missional - Intercultural - Formational

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Seminary course gives context for service workers in Israel

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by Laura Lehman Amstutz

Eastern Mennonite Seminary is experimenting with different ways of expanding the learning process.

cliff-galilee.jpgDuring the spring semester, six students and one professor tested the limits of online and in-person education with a “hybrid” course called “The Jesus Movement in the Early Context.”

The students were all service workers living in various locations in Israel/Palestine. The major component of the course was a research project based on their interests and work in these regions of protracted conflict.

For example, Becki I. Day from Lancaster, Pa., is a volunteer at Nazareth Village, a re-creation of the town as it would have appeared in the time of Jesus. She spends her days herding sheep for the Village. She chose to research sheep and shepherding in the first century as her project.

“I gained new insights into Jesus’ view of shepherds and the importance of shepherds in the Bible,” Day said.

“It was great to study things that are relevant to where I am living and relate directly to my work,” she added.

David P. Landis from Harleysville, Pa., spent his time developing and promoting the Jesus trail, a new hiking trail intended to re-create the routes Jesus would have walked in Galilee.

“I took this course because it strengthened the work I was doing with the Jesus Trail,” said Landis. “The course provided historical and theological context to the impetus behind Jesus’ travel.”

“The students were the most enthused, passionate, well informed and engaged of any students I have ever related to,” said Linford L. Stutzman, associate professor of culture and mission at EMS. “The students agreed that living in Israel made their research incomparably more engaging and rewarding to them personally and gave them insights they might otherwise have overlooked.”

The course incorporated a combination of online instruction, directed student research, intensive seminars on location and student teaching of others in Israel.

From January through March, students engaged in online discussion around research questions having to do with the context of Jesus’ ministry in the first century.

trail-1.jpg“This course was unique in that the focus was not first of all on Jesus’ teaching, or even how people reacted to Jesus,” said Dr. Stutzman. “Rather, it was about how Jesus’ message affected people in light of how they lived and other features of their lives that aren’t part of the recorded biblical accounts.

“Because students worked independently on their research and chose topics that interested them and related to their personal experiences, there was a level of authenticity that doesn’t always happen when studying others living in distant times and places,” he continued.

“The most exciting part of the course for me was discovering parts of Jesus’ life that I never knew before, which made the life and teachings of Jesus so much more real and relevant for me,” said Tara Kreider from Harrisonburg, Va.

In April, the seminary students presented their research to an EMU undergraduate cross-cultural group Stutzman and his wife Janet were leading.

“The teaching component of this course was helpful in providing an avenue for us to share our research with others, offering a unique classroom that included the broader world in our learning,” said Landis.

“For me, the most exciting part of the course was sharing my research with a group of students by taking them on a hike on the Jesus trail for a day,” he said.

Anita L. Rhodes from Dayton, Va., studied food and hospitality and shared her research through a meal for the undergrad students.

“We had a full first-century meal complete with hosts, servants and even sharing the Lord’s Supper together,” said Rhodes. The meal was served on the floor, the room lit with oil lamps.

“The combination of first-hand experience in the land, research and teaching was definitely unique,” Rhodes continued. “I loved the fact that we got to put our new-found knowledge to use right away by teaching the undergraduate cross-cultural students.”

Eastern Mennonite Seminary is planning more courses like this with both an online and in-person component. In the summer of 2009, Stutzman will teach “The Christian Movement in the Mediterranean” that will involve students who are living and working at sites of the early church.

Toolbox

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BOOKS

Prayer: Does it Make any Difference?
Philip Yancey. Zondervan, 2006.

Prayer and Worship: A Spiritual Formation Guide
Lynda L. Graybeal, Julia L. Roller. HarperOne, 2007.

Take Our Moments and Our Days
Eds. Arthur Paul Boers, Barbara Nelson Gingerich, Eleanor Kreider, John Rempel, Mary Schertz. Herald Press, 2007.

A four-week cycle of morning and evening prayer services prepared for the period in the church year between Pentecost and Advent. The prayer services are designed for small groups and families, although they are suitable for individuals as well. (More information at www.ambs.edu/prayerbook)


The Missio Dei Breviary
Ed. Mark Van Steenwyk.

A simple, accessible book of morning and evening prayers. It reflects a commitment to a missional, incarnational way of life with a counter-cultural vibe. The Missio Dei Breviary draws primarily from the Anabaptist tradition, but is also inspired by Benedictine, Franciscan and Eastern Orthodox spiritualities. It offers a 28-day repeating cycle of morning and evening prayers that draw from all four gospels.

ONLINE

www.renovare.org
Renovaré is a resource on spiritual formation co-aunthored by Richard Foster.

Ten Franconia students graduate from Eastern Mennonite

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graduation.jpgThe 2008 graduating class at Eastern Mennonite University included ten people from Franconia Mennonite Conference:

Nathan J. Benner of Telford graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and computer science. He is the son Arlin and Donna Benner and a member of Finland Mennonite Church.

Deric R. Delp of East Greenville received a B.S. in accounting with a minor in finance. He is the son of Robert and Nancy Delp and a member of Swamp Mennonite Church.

Brian C. Hackman of Emmaus received a Bachelor of Arts degree in social work. He is the son of Joseph and Marcia Hackman and a member of Swamp Mennonite Church.

Elizabeth C. Hagey of Lansdale received a B.S. in liberal arts. She is the daughter of Brian and Maryann Hagey and attends Salford Mennonite Church.

Bradley S. Kolb of Spring City graduated cum laude with a B.S. in camping, recreation and outdoor ministries and a minor in Bible and religion. He is the son of Paul and Beth Kolb and a member of Hersteins Mennonite Church.

D. Jolene Kratz of Telford graduated summa cum laude with a B.S. in liberal arts and elementary education licensure, and a minor in history. She is the daughter of Floyd and Debra Kratz and a member of Souderton Mennonite Church.

Jonathan D. Miller, also of Telford, received a B.S. in biology. He is the son of Ronald and Elizabeth Miller and attends Franconia Mennonite Church.

Peter L. Nelson of Harleysville graduated cum laude with a B.A. in communication and minors in mathematics and theater. He is the son of Paul and Dawn Ruth Nelson and a member of Salford Mennonite Church.

Maria J. Rodriguez of Harrisonburg, Va. received a Master of Arts degree in school counseling. She is the daughter of Steven and Rosemary Landis and a member of Franconia Mennonite Church.

EMU President Loren Swartzendruber conferred degrees on 411 members of the class of 2008, during the 90th annual commencement ceremony, held April 27 on the front lawn of campus. EMU provost Beryl H. Brubaker gave the main address, entitled “A Metaphor for Remembering.” Dr. Brubaker is retiring after serving 37 years in various teaching and administrative roles at EMU.

In addition, Eastern Mennonite Seminary awarded Timothy D. Moyer a Master of Divinity degree during its 59th annual commencement on April 26. He is a member of Towamencin Mennonite Church and will be serving as pastor at Vincent Mennonite Church in Spring City. Dr. Marva J. Dawn, who is a teaching fellow in spiritual theology at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia, gave the commencement address on the theme “Spirit Equipped.”

Seminary mentoring program completes first year

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leap-logo.jpgby Laura Lehman Amstutz

LEAP365 (Learning, Exploring and Participating) completed its first mentoring cycle with a mentor/mentee retreat held May 16-18 at Eastern Mennonite Seminary in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

Ten high school students and 10 adults were involved in the mentoring program. Participants praised the program for the way it helped them learn and grow as individuals.

“Through this program I have grown spiritually, received guidance and gained a lifelong mentor and friend,” said Paige Quill of Philadelphia,
Pa. The mentoring pairs met twice a month for six months to talk about issues young people are facing.

“I think that we mentees are fortunate to have mentors in our lives, because where I’m from there is a lack of role models or positives figures
to look up to,” said Olin Johnson from Philadelphia.

“My mentor, Ms. Joanne, gives me advice that works. She challenges me to things that I wouldn’t normally do and she gives me things like books and
other things to help me,” said Shannon Hurley, also from Philadelphia. “The thing I love the most about Ms. Joanne is that she truly cares for
me, and I can see it show through the things she does and sacrifices for me.”

The youth spent time last summer at EMS studying with professors and then embarked on a 10-day cross-cultural trip to either Guatemala, Mexico, or
Trinidad. Upon returning home,they began meeting with their mentors to process the experience and to continue the learning process.

“The trip to Trinidad and the mentoring really helped me,” said Lauren Snowden from Chesapeake, Va. “I have become a stronger person without
being so aggressive, and I’m also more involved in school and other activities.”

The mentors helped the youth think about their future, understand themselves and grow spiritually.

“Getting to understand myself through my mentor Tasha is a great help,” said Bianca Nelson from Upper Darby, Pa. “Just knowing that ten years ago
she had a snappy attitude like mine and seeing how far she’s come with the shaping of Christ to help her.”

“The Bible is not just the Bible anymore, it is my companion,” she continued.

“Being mentored has shown me the hope of living for Christ, something I already knew, but was having a hard time accepting,” said Greg McFarland
of Philadelphia. “My mentor Minister Ruff came in my life at a crucial time and gave me new hope.”

The mentors said that they felt honored to be asked to share in the lives of these young people.

“Every aspect of mentoring Lauren has been delightful, from the preparation for our meetings, to the dialogue to the resulting bond that has
formed between us,” said Nicole Francisco from Hampton, Va. “I believe I have benefited from this program just as much as Lauren has.”

“I enjoyed being a part of Olin’s progress as he charts his course for the future,” said Wesley Proctor from Philadelphia.

LEAP365 is a year-long mentoring program for high school juniors and seniors. For more information, call Director Marvin Lorenzana at 540-432-4697.

Ted Swartz and Ingrid De Sanctis to perform at Plains

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Read through the Bible and you will find countless stories of men and women relating to each other: David and Bathsheba, Zechariah and Elizabeth, Samson and Delilah. What really happened when Jacob awoke the morning after his wedding and found himself married to Leah, instead of Rachel? What did Abraham and Sarah say after being told they’d have a baby late in life?

ted-cropped.jpg“Excellent Trouble: Finding the Humor and Heart in Biblical Relationships” will be performed at Plains Mennonite Church in Hatfield, Pa. on June 14 at 7:30 p.m. The show, written and performed by Ted Swartz and Ingrid De Sanctis, connects us to a God who can and who longs to be part of our everyday relationships.

“Excellent Trouble” is written in the style of Ted & Lee, creators of “Fish-Eyes” and “Creation Chronicles,” which focus on the humor and heart of biblical stories. The material is colorful and surprising, from wit and wordplay to silliness, but always probing what God and humans do in relation to one another. Foundational to the work is the belief that with humor we can teach, heal and build community.

Ted Swartz lives in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. In 1987, he graduated from seminary and began a ministry that took him, not to a pulpit in a congregation, but to more than a quarter of a million people across the United States and into Canada, Kenya, Japan and beyond. For the past 15 years, Ted toured as part of Ted & Lee TheaterWorks. Since Lee’s death last May, Ted has been working with a variety of actors to continue the “Ted & Lee” tradition of using humor as a means to open the heart to courageously and honestly look at important things. Along with writing and acting, his loves include his wife, three sons and baseball. In that order.

Ingrid De Sanctis is a writer, director, actor and teacher and has worked with Ted for more than a decade. She has taught full time at Eastern Mennonite University and Clemson University, and also spent four years at Willow Creek Community Church as an associate director of drama. She recently served with Americorps, using theatre as a tool for empowerment. She is an adjunct instructor at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va. De Sanctis has won writing grants creating edgy, challenging plays on issues of peace and justice.

Plains Mennonite Church is located at 50 W. Orvilla Road in Hatfield. The show is appropriate for all ages. For tickets, call 215-565-2535 or email cgr1@comcast.net.