Installation Service
The Bally Mennonite Church community, friends and family will celebrate the installation of Klaudia Smucker as pastor of the congregation Sunday, September 12. Smucker began her service August 1. Worship begins at 9:30 a.m., with pre-service music by the congregation’s worship team starting at 9:15. A reception time then a carry-in meal will follow. Preaching will be Firman Gingerich, lead pastor of the Blooming Glen Mennonite Church, a former colleague of Smucker. Ministers Noah Kolb and Jenifer Erickson Morales, congregational support staff from the Franconia Mennonite Conference, will formally confer conference credentials. A native of Morgantown, PA, Smucker served until mid-summer this year on the pastoral team at College Mennonite Church, Goshen, Indiana, specializing in pastoral care. Klaudia and her husband Bob reside in rural Fleetwood and have two young-adult daughters.
Uncategorized
Notes to Pastors
Webinars bring workshop content to you
Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary announces a new emphasis on using webinars to make workshop resources more accessible. These events, scheduled about once a month, require only a reliable high speed internet connection and a land-line telephone.
The first webinars of the school year are:
Five approaches to preaching a biblical story
Ryan Ahlgrim, pastor of First Mennonite Church, Indianapolis, Ind.
September 9, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.Advent planning—An unexpected hour
Marlene Kropf, AMBS professor; Rosanna McFadden, free-lance artist and AMBS student
October 21, 7:30 – 8:45 p.m.The Naked Anabaptist
Stuart Murray, chair of the United Kingdom Anabaptist Network and author of The Naked Anabaptist
October 27, 2:00 – 3:15 p.m.No more church as usual! No! More church as usual: Young adults and the church.
Presenter: Sara Wenger Shenk
November 18, 2:00 – 3:15 p.m.Apocalypse and Allegiance
Presenter: J. Nelson Kraybill
December 2, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Connecting to a webinar requires at minimum a computer with reliable, high-speed internet access, and computer speakers or a telephone. A computer microphone (or headset) and/or a telephone with speakerphone capabilities can also be helpful in ensuring your participation runs smoothly. After registering online, participants receive an email prior to the start of the webinar with a web link and password to access the webinar.
Questions may be directed to the Church Leadership Center, 574-296-6269 or ChurchLeadership@ambs.edu. The full list of webinars includes many that will be of interest to a wide variety of people: www.ambs.edu/webinars.
Notes to Pastors
Pastors’ & Leaders’ Breakfast
Thursday, August 19, 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. at the Mennonite Conference Center, Jim Ostlund (Blooming Glen Mennonite Church) and Steve Kriss (Philadelphia Praise Center and Franconia Conference Staff) will lead in a presentation and conversation titled, “An Anabaptist/Mennonite Future in Turbulent Times.” Paradigms, perspectives and populations are changing both within and around the Mennonite community. Both Jim and Steve are Generation X leaders borrowing Mennonite roots to find a way of following Jesus that extends peace, grace and hope. They invite you to hear a bit from their experience, both formally and informally, in navigating toward a hopeful future in disorienting times. This work is rooted in listening and leading alongside young adults as well as emerging Anabaptist voices both inside and outside of the Mennonite Church.
Preview of Upcoming Pastors’ & Leaders’ Breakfasts: A variety of interesting topics are being planned for the fall. Be sure to mark the following dates on your calendar so you can be part of these conversations!
Wednesday, September 29 – Conversation about immigration issues and legislation and how they impact our Franconia Conference congregations and ministries.
Thursday, October 21 – Celebrating Shared Leadership Across Gender Lines: How do men and women work together effectively in ways that utilize our God-given gifts to the fullest?
Thursday, November 4 – The Naked Anabaptist: conversation with Stuart Murray Williams, leader of the Anabaptist Network U.K., regarding his recent book by this title.
Too far to drive? Franconia Mennonite Conference leaders would also like to make these conversations available to leaders who do not live within an easy driving distance. We are currently considering the best and most cost effective ways to accomplish this.
Director of Pastoral Care Services Needed
Living Branches, a small system of Mennonite-sponsored retirement living communities in southeastern Pennsylvania, seeks a compassionate Anabaptist leader with an ecumenical approach to ministry to serve as Director of Pastoral Care Services. The Director will lead a team of chaplains/pastors to meet the spiritual needs of residents of Dock Meadows, Souderton Mennonite Homes and Dock Woods. Five years of pastoral and/or chaplain ministry required, and masters-level training and CPE preferred. To learn more, visit www.livingbranches.org or call Russell Mast at 215-368-4438.
Notes to Pastors
Pastors’ and Leaders’ Breakfast
Save the date for the next Pastors’ and Leaders’ Breakfast – Thursday, August 19, 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. at the Mennonite Conference Center. Jim Ostlund (Blooming Glen) and Steve Kriss (Philadelphia Praise Center and Franconia Conference Staff) will lead in a presentation and conversation titled, “An Anabaptist/Mennonite Future in Turbulent Times.” Paradigms, perspectives and populations are changing both within and around the Mennonite community. Both Jim and Steve are Generation X leaders borrowing Mennonite roots to find a way of following Jesus that extends peace, grace and hope. They invite you to hear a bit from their experience, both formally and informally, in navigating toward a hopeful future in disorienting times. This work is rooted in listening and leading alongside young adults as well as emerging Anabaptist voices both inside and outside of the Mennonite Church. Please RSVP your attendance by Monday, August 16, to office@mosaicmennonites.org or by calling 267-932-6050, Ext. 110.
New Youth Breeze Newsletter Format
Watch for a new Youth Breeze Newsletter format. Youth Ministry resources and upcoming events will be included in Notes to Pastors and will also be sent by email to all youth pastors, sponsors, mentors, and Sunday school teachers that are in the Franconia Mennonite Conference and Eastern District Conference youth ministry database.
Spritual Life Emphasis Week Pastor’s Day at Christopher Dock Mennonite High School will be on Wednesday, September 15. The day begins with breakfast at 8:00 a.m. followed by joining your students in class. Glen Guyton, associate Executive Director for Constituent Resources for Mennonite Church USA along with Rachel Swartzentruber Miller, director of Convention Planning for Mennonite Church, will be the speakers for the week. After chapel there will be a time to meet with Dock administrators for discussion and enjoy lunch with students.
Watch for more details coming for a parent, youth leader and pastor resource event, November 2, 7:00 p.m. to be held at Salford Mennonite Church. This event is sponsored by youth pastors and Mennonite Schools, GPS 2012, Connections Goal team. Nate Stucky, PhD student at Princeton Seminary, will be the keynote speaker on the theme, Children and Youth Faith Formation. His keynote will be taken from the book “Almost Christian” by Kenda Creasy Dean, Prof at Princeton Seminary.
There is an exciting one day youth leadership event being planned. This event will replace the past Franconia Mennonite Conference and Eastern District Conference youth leadership retreat that was held at Spruce Lake. We are now planning something new that will be held on Saturday, November 20. This event will be geared to high school youth that have leadership gifts and abilities. We are hoping to secure a location shortly. Look for more details to follow.
Mennonite Church USA Call to prayer for August 12–13 delegation to Phoenix, Ariz.
Deuteronomy 24:17-18 (NIV)
17Do not deprive the alien or the fatherless of justice, or take the cloak of the widow as a pledge. 18Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the LORD your God redeemed you from there. That is why I command you to do this.
Purpose of trip
In response to concerns raised by Iglesia Menonita Hispana, Mennonite Church USA’s Executive Board is sending a delegation to Phoenix, Ariz., to witness “on the ground” the effects of Arizona’s new immigration law, the Support Our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act. Phoenix currently is the location for the denomination’s 2013 convention.
Phoenix city government leaders, who have expressed their disappointment with the new legislation, extended the invitation to the delegation to come; the Phoenix Convention and Visitors Bureau will cover expenses for the trip.
The group will meet with city officials, convention planners, local Hispanic and Mennonite Church USA congregations, and human rights workers who specialize in immigration. Delegation members will gather information about the potential multi-faceted impacts of holding the denomination’s 2013 convention in Phoenix, and will discern options for staying in Phoenix, finding a different location, or canceling the 2013 gathering.
On Friday evening, Mennonite Church USA Phoenix-area churches will join delegation members for a forum on immigration to discuss the issues and guiding principles surrounding the Phoenix 2013 decision.
Delegation members
Iglesia Menonita Hispana representatives
Nicolas Angustia, Yvonne Diaz, Madeline Maldonado, Juan Montes, Jesús Muñoz
Intercultural Relations Reference Committee members
Leslie Francisco III, Kuaying Teng
Executive Board members
Ed Diller, Dick Thomas, Elizabeth Soto Albrecht, Tina Begay, Charlotte Hardt, Juanita Nuñez
Mennonite Church USA staff
Ervin Stutzman, Glen Guyton, Marty Lehman, Susan Mark Landis, Rachel Swartzendruber Miller
Racial Healing Task Group representative
Lloyd Miller
Other representatives
Marc Hershberger (pastor), Saulo Padilla (director, Immigration Education Office, Mennonite Central Committee U.S.)
Prayers for the August 12–13 delegation
Our delegation invites you to join us in prayer before, during and after our time in Phoenix. Now is the time for all members of Mennonite Church USA to dwell together in unity and in prayer to begin the journey toward sharing a holistic witness to the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Thursday, Aug. 5
“Pray for the ability to listen deeply and compassionately to all involved and for willingness to openly lay all cards on the table as we discern this significant decision.”—Lloyd Miller
Friday, Aug. 6
“Ask God to help us to acknowledge that we are part of his creation and that every action we are taking is like a seed planted in the ground waiting to grow. My hope is to see the issues turn to blessings.”—Kuaying Teng
Saturday, Aug. 7
“Lord, this is a struggle for me and a struggle for all of your church. Help us to see, hear and observe how you are working in Phoenix, and to discern your will. Be with us and all of our brothers and sisters.”—Charlotte Hardt
Sunday, Aug. 8
“Pray that Jesus would show us—as people of God—opportunities to be witnesses against injustice and to bring healing and hope to those cloaked in despair. Pray that this process would bring about transformation in Mennonite Church USA.”—Glen Guyton
Monday, Aug. 9
“Pray that we would discern—not with the spirit of the world, but with the Spirit of God; and that we would seek wisdom—not of natural man, but from the mind of Christ (I Corinthians 2:12-16).”—Marc Hershberger
Tuesday, Aug. 10
“Pray that God would enlighten us and grant us grace during our time in Arizona and that we would be receptive to what God would guide us to do.”—Nicolas Angustia
Wednesday, Aug. 11
“Pray that God would give us a generous spirit and the ability to listen patiently to both the city officials and the needs of our Hispanic brothers and sisters as together we discern God’s leading in this important decision.”—Marty Lehman
Thursday, Aug. 12 (First day of delegation)
“Pray that the eyes of our hearts would be enlightened to discern the hope of the oppressed people of God.”—Jesús Muñoz
Friday, Aug. 13 (Second day of delegation)
“Pray that the Eternal Creator and lord of all the fullness of earth would:
– Bring emotional and spiritual healing to all the children of Abraham who flee poverty and persecution; and who in obedience to Jesus have left their family, country and culture to pursue a golden dream in the land of justice, hope and opportunity.
– That the divine Jesus would set free those without a voice and rights to defend them-selves, from the evil spirits of fear and anger.
– That the great I Am would make us more human and more sensitive to the needs and fears of the poor and undocumented in the U.S.
– That the church would model the example of the Father and the Son; when Jesus came as an immigrant from heaven, he was persecuted, mistreated and even killed, but the Father was with him at all times. The church should be with the undocumented, no matter what the system or SB 1070 says.
– Finally, the church must look to the example of Jesus’ family, who left Bethlehem for security reasons and emigrated to Egypt. I pray that the church would support those who have come to this country to protect their families.”—Juan Montes
Saturday, Aug. 14
“Pray that our church would use this critical moment to think collectively about how best to engage questions of politics, culture and faith in new and innovative ways.”—Felipe Hinojosa (invited delegation member unable to participate)
Sunday, Aug. 15
“Pray that the church would not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds—so that we would be able to test and approve what God’s will is—God’s good, pleasing and perfect will.”—Saulo Padilla
Let us know your prayers, and that you are praying for us! Send your thoughts and prayers to SusanML@MennoniteUSA.org by Aug. 10, and she will give them to the delegation.
Mennonite Church USA is a member denomination of the Ecumenical Stewardship Center. The theme for the 2010 Leadership Seminar is “Preaching and Teaching Christian Stewardship”. This event is designed for steward leaders involved in teaching others how to present stewardship concepts and ideas. The plenary speakers are teachers and will give valuable insight for presenting stewardship in your ministry setting.
Notes to Pastors
Foundations of Christian Belief and Behavior – 1
What is your worldview? This series is designed for Christian laypersons, covering some of the most vital areas of Christian belief and behavior. No Christian should ever be turned off by the study of biblical truth. Sadly, this can occur when too much focus is placed on minute details and little focus paid to practical applications. Each evening will be fast paced with lively discussion led by a fascinating variety of teachers. Some of the topics covered will include: The Bible and Culture, Christ and the Gospel, Christian Leadership, The Church, among others. The course is 13 weeks, held on Wednesday evenings at Line Lexington Mennonite Church, and runs from September 15 to December 15. For more information visit Line Lexington Mennonite Church’s website at www.LLMC.org.
Intersections Spring 2010
- Connecting our past to our future: Growing faith and community alongside food ~ Sheldon C. Good
- Climbing on: A farewell of gratitude and hope ~ Jessica Walter
- Casting out all fear: In God’s hands ~ Rose Bender
- Participating in the movement of God’s spirit:Invited into the ‘dance of cooperation’
~ Ken Beidler - Peaceful Living’s fall conference: The divine power of friendship ~ Ella M. Roush
- Junior High Lock-In: Be a follower!
Connecting our past to our future: Growing faith and community alongside food
Sheldon C. Good, Salford
shelds3@gmail.com
In 1999, Kenny Chesney sang about why “she thinks my tractor’s sexy.” During the past decade, we’ve expanded Chesney’s claim – because now, farming is sexy.
Country music aside, Facebook, the Obama family, and Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution all contribute to the recent popularity of farming. For many people, life doesn’t involve dirty fingernails, overalls, and an almanac. But for an increasing number, farming is cool again (though some have always thought so). Whether or not one actually digs in the dirt, something about rediscovering the spiritual value of God’s abundant earth stimulates heart, mind, body, and soul.
Years ago, people worked the fields from dusk till dawn. Now the closest many get to dirt is by playing Farmville on Facebook (long ago, we played SimFarm). But Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” campaign is bringing healthy, local food back, with plans to eradicate childhood obesity. She recently described her “mission as first lady” as creating ways for families to make “manageable changes that fit with their schedules, their budgets, and their needs and tastes.”
Like Obama, Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution TV series on ABC documents how a grassroots campaign to curb obesity starts with getting families excited about local farming. Though a classroom of first-graders can’t tell the difference between a tomato and a potato, they can all identify French fries. But days later, after a dose of the food revolution, the six-year olds can all identify an eggplant when they see one.
Part of the reason why our children can’t identify produce is because, over time, farming has become industrialized. As author Bill McKibben says, efficiency and growth have taken over our food system. “Our affluence isolates us ever more,” McKibben says in his book Deep Economy. “What ties are left to cut? We change religions, spouses, towns, professions with ease.” But at Living Hope Farm in Harleysville, Pa., my family is busy putting some of these ties back together.
I was recently led in an exercise to reclaim my personal heritage. I often think about my ancestral lineage in linear terms (birthdates, jobs, etc.) – data I basically memorized as an adolescent for my seemingly irrelevant school projects. However, I don’t usually consider how strands of my ancestral history are woven together, or how they intersect with other people’s strands. So as our country focuses on jobs, jobs, jobs – I too began reflecting on jobs, on the vocational history of my family.
From what I can gather, nearly all of my ancestors were farmers. Up until my grandparents, both sides of my family – whether living in Pennsylvania or Virginia – farmed small plots of land, which supplied them with much of their food and income. But then both of my grandfathers, Emory Good and Marvin Clemmer, traded in their tractors for automobiles and hit the road as businessmen. In 1947, Emory started a plumbing company. And after spending years selling produce and meat in Philadelphia, Marvin switched mid-course to join a direct-selling company. My extended family became successful entrepreneurs at the expense of being grounded in our backyards; we have benefited greatly.
So the generational story goes for many families living among the farmlands of Southeastern Pennsylvania and the Shenandoah Valley. As the “Greatest Generation” (my grandparents) left farming, “Baby Boomers” (my parents) were raised with new vocational possibilities, and Millenials (me) haven’t looked back. Over the years, many of us have enjoyed the benefits of grocery stores, agribusiness, and Sunday afternoon shopping.
Until now.
Farming activists come in all varieties: an ignoramus addict of Facebook’s Farmville game; a twinkle-eyed Obama supporter; a dedicated vegetarian; or something in between. No matter where one lives, this nation is noticeably rediscovering its farming roots. Because after 500 years of rushed technological innovation, people are noticing that we’re standing on what author Bill McKibben calls “the shard ridge between the human past and the posthuman future.” Living Hope Farm is here to help reverse this trend, by growing faith, food, and community.
Over the past few months at the farm, a greenhouse and hoop house have both been installed. Jill Landes, the lead farmer, is currently working alongside her full-time interns, planting for an 80-member CSA. In addition, they are also growing for two families in the Bridge of Hope Program and making connections with the Germantown area of Philadelphia. Several regular volunteers have even graciously contributed countless hours to this mission.
Though it certainly exists on Indian Creek Road in Harleysville, Living Hope Farm is more than an earthly phenomenon. The farm is an opportunity for people to put faith into action. Farming can be spiritual. It’s a chance to rediscover values of corporate faith, local food, and loving community. And for many of us, it’s an opportunity to realize what it means to be living testimonies to our ancestral heritage of farming and entrepreneurship.
Ultimately, the best farming (including at Living Hope Farm) shifts our economy – and our relationships – away from hyper-individuality and towards each other. McKibben says this way of living requires us to “reorient your personal compass” and “live with a stronger sense of community in mind.”
There’s interest in growing food, faith, and community, so let’s get involved. May we all consider what it means to reconnect with our food, our families, and our farms.
photos provided by Living Hope Farrn
Climbing on: A farewell of gratitude and hope
Jessica Walter, Ambler
jessawalter@gmail.com
As I prepared to write this, my last editorial for Intersections, I decided I needed to look back at some of the writing I have done for Franconia Conference in my almost four years of work and ministry here.
I began the writing portion of my work with an article in the now retired MennoLife. I wrote about how my faith and calling journey had been like rock climbing. My journey was one of questions and confusion and while I would cry out for help on what my next move, or hold, should be I often wouldn’t listen to God’s answer. Taking the leap of faith to grab ahold of the opportunity to work at Franconia was a move toward listening for me, one I have been greatful for.
Since that first article and those first few months of work I have gained many valuable experiences and knowledge. Franconia Conference not only hired me to work with communication and leadership cultivation it also invested in my leadership. I could not have asked for a better place to explore my leadership gifts, develop useful skills and contribute to the equipping of other leaders both young and old. I have felt truly valued and respected despite my age.
And as I spent time here my journey, my rock climb, became less confusing and some questions were answered. I am leaving my post at Franconia Conference with a better sense of who God is calling me to be, answered questions or not.
It is fitting that this issue largely features stories of ministries that have begun to take root throughout the conference because though I am leaving my role at Franconia my roots in the larger conference community run deep.
So deep that I am about to begin work in two ministries connected to Franconia Conference. In June I will become both the manager of Care and Share Thrift Shoppes’ soon to be opened bookstore and an Outreach Minstry Enthusiast/Pastor of Ambler Mennontie Church.
Like the beginning harvest at Living Hope Farm I have been harvested from the soil here at Franconia Conference to be re-planted in the larger community.
Like Rose Bender, God has used many hands to help mold, shape and guide me over the last four years of my life. Interactions with pastoral leadership throughout the conference, visits to many congregations, representing conference and young adults to the larger Mennonite Church, and aid in exploring seminary education have all shaped the creativity, hospitality, and hope that informs my leadership.
Like Lorie Hershey couldn’t have imagined she would be an ordained minister ten years ago I couldn’t have imagined that I would become both a store manager and pastoral leader. And yet the opportunities I have gained from my term at conference have prepared me for these new roles.
During my time at Franconia Conference two passages in the New Testament have shaped my faith and calling journey. Matthew 22: 37-40 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”
And Matthew 13: 31-32 Here is another illustration Jesus used: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches.”
I leave Franconia Conference with the hope that we all will continue to invest in the leadership of young adults, to remember that its the small steps toward change and growth in our congregations that stick, to love God with all of ourselves and to let that love radiate out into love of ourselves and others and to plant the Kingdom of Heaven one mustard seed at a time.