Charles A. Ness, Perkiomenville
perkmc@verizon.net
One of the ways I see God working in these times is by connecting persons in relational ways to advance his Kingdom on earth. This is happening in our area between Anabaptists in the United States and in Switzerland.
Since 2003 there have been several reconciliation events involving the Swiss Reformed Church and Anabaptists. In May of 2003 the Franconia Conference Executive Committee commissioned my wife Janet and I to attend a reconciliation conference in Switzerland. An outgrowth of these events is a growing interest in relationships among Swiss and US Anabaptists. In 2007 Amish leaders Ben Girod and Roy Yoder were invited by Swiss Mennonite pastors to meet with them for a time of ministry and understanding. Through those meetings, the Swiss developed a deep interest in connecting with Mennonites and Amish in the US and expressed a desire to come here to explore mutual relations.
In early 2008 it was discerned that Franconia, as the oldest US Mennonite conference, should host the meeting. The gathering was held in September at the Franconia Meetinghouse. In attendance were Pastors Ernest Geiser and Thomas Gyger from Switzerland and Amish and Mennonite persons from Pennsylvania, Montana and Idaho. Representing Franconia were Ray Bergey, Sandy Landes, Scott Landes, John Ruth, Noel Santiago, Ray Yoder and myself.
The purpose of the meeting as said by Noel Santiago was, “To gather Anabaptists/Mennonites from the US and Swiss to hear each others’ stories, pray and discern together some possible next steps that could potentially lead to bringing together a broader group of Anabaptist/Mennonites for continued healing, reconciliation and release into God’s Mission in the World.”
The Swiss shared their history and church life from the persecution years to the present. The US Anabaptists told our story of coming here in the 17th century and the many changes that we have experienced. We share a common history and theology. As we told our stories it became clear that while there are differences, we have had many common experiences in church life. It was a blessed time as we worshiped, prayed, shared our faith stories and formed friendships.
There is a strong interest in connecting heart-to-heart across national and church boundaries that goes beyond tourism and formal church structures. God is moving in apostolic ways, drawing persons together in relationships that releases the spirit in fresh ways. We all want to see our churches positioned to participate in God’s harvest for His Kingdom.
We desire to remain in discussion by creating more settings for listening and develop trust in each other and for God’s will for the churches. We need discernment on how we can help each other release the power of the Holy Spirit and the zeal of the 16th century Anabaptists in the church today. How can the Swiss help some of the US Anabaptists find freedom from legalistic expressions of church life? We affirm the power of unity and the release that reconciliation brings to the church. When and where should there be additional meetings between us?
It is a blessing to have support for and to participate in these historic meetings. Further, it is a great privilege God is giving us to help facilitate the working of the Spirit in our times. Anyone interested in these discussions are welcome to contact me. Please join us in prayer for clarity on the next steps between the two churches.