Mosaic Mennonites

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An enduring Mennonite value emerges: New urbanism in Downtown Norristown

by

Cory Suter, Nueva Vida Norristown New Life
corysuter@gmail.com

A new movement is emerging that I believe is at the heart of what it means to be Mennonite. Embracing the values of community and stewardship, New Urbanism is a set of ideas that builds on our heritage and provide hope for our future. It may or may not be a suprise that Mennonite Central Committee’s humble Crossroad Gift & Thrift in Norristown, PA, is a model enterprise.

For decades, cheap energy, and new technologies have enabled a mass expansion of asphalt and large homes across our countryside. Fueled by a desire for increased personal space, many people have left close-knit urban/village communities to live in sprawling suburbs. Farm and woodland, once a plentiful wealth of renewable resources, is disappearing. To get from one place to another, we generally burn a rapidly depleting resource in an automobile, which is built out of numerous resources strip mined from the earth. These trends are not sustainable long-term, since we rely on our land and natural environment for life. Is there a way to be better stewards?

As Mennonites have known for centuries, quality of life is found in good relationships, not material resource consumption. Mennonites have a rich history of striving to live in community, simplicity and a caring partnership with the earth. To promote these same values, the new urbanism movement calls for walk-able communities where people can enjoy the convenience of shopping, work, school and an outdoor park within walking distance of home. In these classic neighborhoods, people are not dependent on automobiles for their mobility. The more intimate physical proximity enables richer relationships than when individuals are isolated in a car on their daily commutes.

Walkable neighborhoods typically have multi-use buildings where people live above the stores and offices where they or others work. This strategic way to use land is better stewardship than consuming acres of land to build houses with garages separated by roads from an office building with a parking lot.

Suburbs have some benefits such as, providing space for trees, gardens, and hobbies. However, if there are better ways to be stewards of the earth and create community, then Mennonites should be leaders. In some places, we already are. Located in a historic building, in the walkable old community of Norristown, Crossroad Gift & Thrift shares a building with a second floor residence. An informal survey shows that over 80% of Crossroad Gift & Thrift’s customers come to the store as pedestrians without an automobile. Nearby public bus, train, and trolley transportation
have aided this trend. Nevertheless, in true urbanism fashion, more than half of regular customers
live within walking distance of the store.

This intimate connection to place has enabled Crossroad Gift & Thrift to build a unique community.
Many customers stop by the store multiple times a week to catch up on local news, find out the latest bargain, or to have a friendly chat. The line between customer and volunteer often blurs as people in the neighborhood are excited to help make their ‘home’ store a nicer place. In fact, four of our most regular volunteers are non-Mennonite Norristown community residents.

To further embrace the ideals of new urbanism, Crossroad Gift & Thrift is committed to be a good steward of our resources. Our retail space is tiny by modern standards, but that hasn’t stopped us from diverting a truckload of merchandise per week from local landfills into ‘new’ homes. Our secret of success has been to charge low prices on quality items, which gives our customers the dignity of greater purchasing power and increases our weekly sales volume. As some successful retailers have also discovered, we believe that it helps more people and makes sound business sense to make a little profit off a lot of items rather than to make a big profit off a few sales.

Rene & Cory.jpgA visit to one of Mennonite Central Committee’s examples of new urbanism is well worth the time. Crossroad Gift & Thrift is best experienced during community hours, 9:30am to 4:30pm, Monday through Saturday. We encourage the use of public transportation and walking, but will welcome anyone with a big smile.

Journey toward ordination: For such a time as this

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Marlene Frankenfield
mfrankenfield@mosaicmennonites.org


ordin.jpgMarlene Frankenfield was ordained as a minister within Franconia Mennonite Conference on May 5, 2007, at Christopher Dock Mennonite High School. She serves as campus pastor and conference youth minister. The following is an adaptation of her words shared that morning in chapel.

I would never have imagined 18 years ago that I would be in this moment talking about my journey toward ordination. It was the invitation to be a volunteer youth leader at Salford Mennonite Church. Lori Danzenbaker is here today as the one who extended that invitation. This was the beginning of this wild ride toward ordination. I look back and I am deeply grateful for the experience that I received at Salford that prepared the ground for seeds of personal growth and ministry that are now deeply rooted in Franconia Conference and Christopher Dock ministry.

Many of you know that I love the warm wind. It is like God breathing on us! The verse in John 3:8 is powerful for me as I reflect on my journey, “The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” The experiences and people who showed up in my life helped me to feel the wind that sometimes blew as a gentle breeze and other times as a whirlwind of challenges, creating chaos and doubt. At those times people appeared in my life and modeled Jesus for me. I value the many rich experiences, holy moments and a community of faith discernment as I humbly step into ordination.

Ordination seems like a big word to be me. I have been trying to unpack this word for the last few years during my time as a licensed youth minister. A few weeks ago I talked to the chapel committee about the ordination service as we were looking at the chapel schedule. As I was explaining ordination I said “It is like being sentenced to ministry for life” And Anna Ruth said, “that sure is a negative way of looking at ordination.” You got to love it, Anna, speaking the truth in love. I realized how much this word scares me and the identity and expectation that comes with ordination. I remember as I was growing up ordained ministers (and at the time they were all men) were scary and really serious. They were suppose to have all the answers to any questions and ministers were always called on to pray at meals and in public settings. I was also scared because maybe ministry wouldn’t be fun after ordination. I guess my biggest fear is being disconnected from the people on the edge of church or those who have left organized church, because some of these people are my best friends.

Or does ordination validate my call to ministry and especially youth ministry? Does this process acknowledges my passion and gifts as I continue on this journey that God has blessed? And I am deeply grateful for women and men role models and new images of ordained ministry who are ordinary people. Many of these persons are here today. Thanks to those of you who helped me unpack the ordination word that seemed so big.

Last week I was at Princeton Seminary for their youth ministry institute. The theme for the week was community. I heard sermons, and participated in discussion about what is real community and how do we create community in youth ministry. I realized how blessed I was to be apart of this faith community. To be here with faculty and staff and to be working along side other ordained ministers in Franconia Conference. You are all in my cloud of witnesses, knowing that you have encouraged and supported me on this journey these last 8 ½years.

As I continue in youth ministry here at Dock and my role with Franconia Conference I hope that youth feel God’s unconditional love, and experience God’ grace within a faith community. And that people in our congregations and here at Dock will surround youth with love, walk with them and point the way to Christ. This journey continues and it is all about God’s timing. It is a humble journey and I am blessed to be at this place, for such a time as this!

Taking a job that becomes a creative calling

by

Joy Sawatzky, Souderton
joy.sawatzky@verizon.net

scan.jpgAs I reflect on my call to minister as a chaplain at Dock Meadows I have to admit my work as a chaplain did not begin so much as a call by God, but as an opportunity – a job opportunity. I have known for quite some time that my greater call is as a sacred storyteller and I have the privilege to be able to do that work. When the position as a chaplain came open at Dock Meadows I thought it might be a good place to try using story as a vehicle for pastoral care. Also, I already knew many of the residents there, I had completed a year of residency as a chaplain while still in South Florida, I also spent many years planning and leading worship in various settings, and besides – I was wanting to let go of some night shift work that I was working at the time. “Why not?” I asked myself and took the job.

I did not actively pursue being licensed immediately after I began the position. I had been licensed before, as a pastor of a Mennonite congregation in South Florida. I knew that licensing normally leads to ordination, and I was somewhat ambivalent about the thought of that. Again, nothing new for me, as I had been approved for ordination by the Southeast Mennonite Conference back in 1992 and had declined, not feeling ‘called’ at the time.

I take being called by God very seriously; as the compass of my life, actually. With the job at Dock Meadows I found myself facing the question of whether it was call or convenience that brought me there. Even more important to me, if I pursued being licensed and eventually ordination would that somehow work to limit the creative spirit and expressions of spirituality that I live by?

Then a funny thing happened on the way to my licensing interview. I began to become aware of what was happening in my everyday experiences at Dock Meadows. Amidst the memorial services and chapel services, the pastoral care and worship leading and planning, I was being extended a grace to be myself that was new to me. In fact, it seemed like the Dock Meadows residents not only excelled in accepting me for who I was – they expected and enjoyed it when I was my most creative self. In return, my attention to creative detail and continual offering of God’s grace and hope to them helped them to feel cared for in a way that they had known for some time. What a wonderful combination! The amazing thing for me was that I was experiencing healing in ways that I had not even known how to ask for, and found myself realizing that God had indeed called me to this place for this time. The catch was that it was not for what I could do for the residents, but what they could do for me. The mutual benefit has been an overall sense in the community of well-being and ‘belovedness’.

There are challenges, as there are with ministering in any community setting. The various expressions of faith provide plenty of opportunity to educate, to understand each other, and to lead in different ways to worship and celebrate God’s presence. There are those stuck in their limited ways of thinking and their life limiting behaviors that no amount of pastoral care will influence.

I continually work to find ways to expand the world for those living in the facility – providing opportunities for them to collect coins for Bridge of Hope BuxMont, gathering pennies for Mennonite Central Committee’s Penny Power collection, and reminding them that the world out there needs our prayers and awareness. Their generous spirits come through each time. Our chapels three times a week are called, ‘Sharing Hope’, to welcome the widest variety of people.

Somewhere along the way to my licensing interview I decided that I was in fact called. Providing for the spiritual life in a retirement community when done with your whole heart, in a way that respects the wisdom and life experiences gathered is not ‘ministry lite’ compared to ministry in a congregation. I am filled with extreme gratitude for the opportunity to have my life and gifts intersect with the lives and wisdom of those I work with regularly. I look forward to the next step of ordination with much anticipation and delight.

The Beaumont Initiative: That God’s grace may be visible

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J. Fred Kauffman, West Philadelphia
jfk@mcc.org

In October 2004 four members of West Philadelphia Mennonite Fellowship (WPMF) met in the home of 70-year-old Miss June Jackson on the 5000 block of Beaumont Ave, three blocks from where we worship. On this block of twenty-three small row homes, ten were vacant and deteriorating. Miss June had called the meeting for neighbors to meet with WPMF and talk about the possibility of working together to rehab the vacant homes for sale to low income working families. Her first question was “How can we get this going?” At the end of the meeting she led a prayer for God’s guidance and blessing.

The idea for this project started “incubating” in the spring of 2004, when young adults at WPMF began discussing the rapid rise in housing prices in West Philadelphia. Middle and low income families were being priced out of the neighborhood. At the same time, on blocks nearby many homes were vacant and deteriorating. We saw these abandoned properties not just as eyesores and security problems, but as valuable assets if they could be rehabbed.

WPMF members met a Philadelphia City Council representative to learn about government subsidies or affordable housing, and we began having monthly meetings with residents. The residents turned out to be a far more complex mix than we had expected. They included: an Irish carpenter (who’s claim to be part of the IRA was far too believable), a retired German engineer, and two African American neighbors who grew up as kids on that block—one now a professional musician and the other a successful entrepreneur.

When we first met Miss June she told us that this block of Beaumont used to be one of the prettiest
in the area. What caused the deterioration? “Gangs in the 1970’s and crack in the 1980’s and 90’s.” she said. Once the block had run down, property values dropped to a point where owners simply abandoned structures when they moved out rather than trying to sell.

In 2005 we found incredible partners: the University of Pennsylvania law school offered free legal counsel, the community association, Cedar Park Neighbors, gave a matching grant for $1,800, and a project management firm gave us valuable direction in working with the City. In addition some WPMF members shared their skills in accounting, housing construction, Habitat for Humanity rehab work, and various aspects of urban real estate development. This mix birthed a new non-profit, “The Beaumont Initiative.” and received its 501(c)3 status in 2006.

As of May 2007, Philadelphia has committed two vacant properties on Beaumont Ave to the initiative: 5015 and 5019; one in fair wpmf.jpgcondition, and one a total “gut rehab” job. When our architect came to begin the drawings, she pushed us to acquire 5017, the vacant property in between also in need of a total rehab. The Beaumont Initiative has reached agreement with the owner to purchase it as well. The initiative will have three properties in a row which will make for more efficient and better construction.

Our prayer is that this partnership with neighbors on Beaumont Avenue will be an example of God’s grace taking shape in visible ways to support and sustain a part of the neighborhood that has seen hard times.

Intersections, May 2007

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    • God’s transforming calling

    by

    Noah Kolb

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    What constitutes a “calling” and how it is recognized and nurtured has been of interest in the Church from the beginning. Why did Jesus call only 12? How was James chosen as lead apostle at Jerusalem? What criteria did Paul use to appoint leaders? These were just the beginning of the elaborate processes of choosing church leadership throughout church history.

    Young educated Anabaptists appointed each other launching the radical wing of the reformation with evangelists, pastors, and lay persons moving across the countryside sharing the Good News as a gospel of peace and transformation. The focus on leadership by persecutors caused the Anabaptists to constantly refocus pastoral leadership so each flock had a shepherd. The deep concern that each congregation has quality leadership still shapes the Anabaptist tradition. We devise systems to make sure persons who hear the call are indeed called, prepared, supported, and publicly affirmed with credentials. Shifting cultural and global dynamics demand that we keep asking questions, observing how God calls ministerial leaders and how persons respond.

    When I read the stories of how persons continue to respond to God’s call to ministry in this issue of Intersections, reflecting on my own journey and those many persons I have walked with, several themes focused my attention.

    • The call to ministry in the church persists.
      As James Lapp noted, in the past, the call was not something you talked about. What mattered most was the call of the church. Almost all who in recent years heard the call focused mostly on the personal inner call from God, which was then confirmed by an outer call. What matters most today is that both the inner and outward sense of call comes together in public affirmation for fruitful ministry.
    • It is exciting to see diverse groups of people; young and old, women and men, laborers and professionals, and persons of different faith backgrounds, cultures, and colors; responding to the call to pastoral ministry. There’s an array of gifts, experience, and wisdom. How can such a splendid diversity of called persons transform a historically Germanic people of faith? Can we become God’s new creation?
    • The cultural differences are impacting how we hear, respond, and affirm the call of God. Women face certain obstacles and expectations that men do not. Economic demands may keep persons from responding in early years. Faith traditions use different language to express the call. Precise language and terms can no longer define who we are. We need to relate deeper to find the connections.
    • The call is increasingly focused around unique gifts and ministries that reach beyond traditional clergy roles. There is less demand for the general pastor. The call is often a response to a specific kind of ministry. Congregations call for pastors who lead and can carry the vision, minister effectively to youth and young adults, or are experts in pastoral care, worship, or administration. Even as we ask which ministries of the church we should grant credentials for, the stories of call increasingly blur the lines between credentialed and non-credentialed ministries.
    • The called are sustained by the grace and presence of God. Almost all of the persons who shared noted their journeys have not always been easy. The call does not lead to “happy ever after” endings. It is often attached to a deep passion that, when lived out, gives a sense of fulfillment. Frequently, the passion is hindered in some fashion. Most accept that as part of the training, growth, and shaping of ministry. Occasionally persons may step out of the call when it becomes overwhelming or unfulfilling. Can we who call the called be as gracious as God who loves and sustains those who struggle in it?
    • The call is seen more as a segment of one’s whole life, rather than a lifetime commitment. In the present reality few persons commit themselves to a life-long career. This seems to be true in the call to pastoral ministry. Many persons expect a life of two or more careers and increasing numbers of persons answer the call in their 40s, 50s and even 60s. Some who began ministry in their early years later move to other careers in or out of the church. What happens to the call or the passion? Does God give a new call or is the passion shifted into another channel? How much of this is a reflection of the shifting dynamics of the culture in which one is called?

    God continues to call persons to pastoral ministry and the church continues to figure out how to affirm those called. As one deeply committed to calling and affirming those God is calling the task feels more like putting a 500-piece puzzle together rather than a 100-piece. But the joy of doing it and seeing the picture is worth it all.

    Growth and transformation: Investing in people in Vermont’s Upper Valley

    by

    Brandon Bergey
    bbc@vermontel.net

    Stephen Covey writes about the Knowledge-Worker age in his book titled The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness. He believes Western culture needs to adjust its perspective on human resources. For example, if you’re familiar with any accounting software package like QuickBooks or Peachtree, you’ll notice that buildings and equipment are considered capital. Payroll, however, is considered expense.

    In an age of relationships, in which Google, a company whose only notable capital—besides the buildings they own—are servers, we must begin to recognize the significance of the employee, at all levels. Employees freed to use their minds and creativity, working in organizations and jobs that they care about and are good at can change the world. When we free people to frame their work in a way that makes sense to them, we allow them to become integrated. This integration of being or personhood results in the development of voice—someone’s ability to know what they want and say what they mean. In a Christ-following organization these employees who are released to find their voice can build the Kingdom and do more than change the world. They will change paradigms, hearts gaining clarity of vision that brings focus and fulfillment.

    Bethany Birches has been investing more intentionally in its facilities, staff, program, board and campers. Last year we experienced a 16.4% growth in attendance over the prior summer. As a statement of faith and hope for the years to come, we have made a decision to hire a year-round program director. This decision will require a total additional investment of $50,000 over the next three years. For years, different board members and parents have talked about the need to connect with our campers on a more regular basis, not only during summer. Young Life has set a good example in this area. Many traditional religious camps rely on the churches they are connected to for the relationships with campers to continue. Many of our campers, however, do not attend church and we are not Young Life. How then, can we continue to plant seeds in these kids’ lives after they leave summer camp? We have been running snow camps for almost 20 years as a way to reconnect with kids who are here during the summer. Recently, we’ve started envisioning ways to keep in touch with the teens of the area throughout the year through semi-monthly gatherings.

    Why keep in touch with campers during the year? There are only about 600,000 people in the state of Vermont. This amounts to roughly 65 people per square mile. Simply put, there are not a lot of people around. Teens often talk about their desire to connect with other teens like them. I’ve heard many teens here at camp talk about the need to find good role models and positive influences. These desires motivate their return to camp year after year. If we have the capacity to help youth build relationships with each other and continue to build on the experience and spiritual growth they have here during the summer, why not explore these opportunities?

    Soon after I came to Vermont, a Young Life guru in the area told me “Bethany Birches Camp has made a bigger impact on the lives of the youth in the Upper Valley (a region in Vermont and New Hampshire) than any other one organization.” I believe we can continue to make a difference in the lives of the children and teens of Vermont and the surrounding region. Our board believes that hiring a program director will give us the staff capacity to follow more faithfully wherever God is leading. What is your situation calling you toward (Matthew 16:1-4)?