Conference News

Value-Based Decision Making

December 8, 2016 by Conference Office

by John Stoltzfus

When our oldest son was 13, he wanted to play in the park football program. Despite some misgivings about the benefits of youth football, my wife and I decided to let him play hoping that he would find a sense of confidence and purpose in a team sport. However, when the schedule came out indicating that some games may happen on Sunday mornings, we knew we had some additional discernment to do. So we engaged our son in conversation about what we would do.

Tim Bentch’s article “Are We Driving Our Children Away from God?” asks some important questions related to the values we as parents are modeling to our children. A frequent refrain among youth pastors is how to do ministry among the “busy schedules” that dominate the calendars of our youth and families.

A recent book, Overplayed: A Parent’s Guide to Sanity in the World of Sports, by David King and Margot Starbuck, asks some of the same questions. They address seven myths about youth sports that are deeply entrenched in our culture. What are the unintended messages we pass on to our children about what we value regarding performance, success, family, community, and justice and equity? What are alternative ways families can positively engage with youth sports culture?

They do not give a one-size-fits-all suggestion. Each family will need to make their own tough calls based on their priorities and values and responses to these questions:

What do we want to be doing with our money and our time?
What relationships are most important for us to honor?
What are three to five values we want to name as being important to us?

As parents and/or youth workers it is important that we help keep the focus of our youth on Christ and being disciples. Identifying family values in advance gives you tools for decision making about athletic and other types of extracurricular commitments. As youth workers and pastors we can help keep these values at the forefront for our youth when we see them making decisions. These values may lead to limited or no engagement in certain extracurricular activities, or as seen in a previous Intersectings article, “The Everyday Missionary,” you may find a way to help make disciples for the Lord through extracurricular activities. Either way engagement should be based off the values your family holds.

Here are some guiding values for us to consider as communities of faith. What would you add?

Sabbath. We need to be grounded in a Christian community committed to the sacred balance between work and rest. A life that incorporates Sabbath rest helps us to be more aware of the Spirit of God, more dependent on the providence of God, and more available for relationships of love. What does Sabbath look like in a world where choices abound and technology surrounds us? Sometimes our church youth programs buy into the “more activities and choices are better” mentality and only compound the problem. Let’s confront one of the diseases of our time: we are distracted from the “better” things often hidden among many “good” things.
Accompaniment. How can we come alongside our youth in their journey of discipleship? Our task is to initiate young persons into mature Christian faith through relationships with adults who join them in living the way of authentic discipleship. As elders we can offer youth friendship, guidance and listening ears as they make the passage through adolescence into spiritual maturity. This is the work of the whole church and not just a youth pastor or a few youth sponsors in the congregation.
Discernment. We need to be guided by prayerful discernment attentive to God’s living Word. We practice and teach the discipline of discernment with our youth so as to be responsive to the movement of God’s grace and mission. How can we be less anxiety and fear driven and more Spirit led in our ministry with youth? Involve youth in the decision making process in congregational life. Be open to how God is speaking to and through them to the larger church.
Multigenerational: Make church multigenerational as much as possible. In some of our attempts to do great youth programming we may be unintentionally disconnecting them from the larger body of Christ. Young people at multigenerational focused churches are more likely to remain connected to the faith and become active church members as adults, because that’s what they already are and always have been. When my wife and I were looking for a church home, we were not looking for a church with a dynamic youth program as much as we were looking for a community of believers modeling an active faith that included the nurture of children and youth.
Authentic action: We seek to engage youth and adults in authentic actions that reflect God’s mercy, justice and peace. Most studies of faith and youth point to parent’s faith as the key factor in their children’s faith. What is the shape of our faith that we are passing on our children? What is the one radical thing we are doing because of our faith? Our youth need to see the connection between life and faith.
Baptism: Let’s reimagine baptism and its role in Christian citizenship and discipleship. What does baptism look like in our current context? To early Christians, baptism meant a decisive step of leaving one’s civilian life behind and accepting the commitment of becoming a “living sacrifice” for God’s service. How can we as adults make more of our baptismal promises and journey? How can we give space for the baptism instructional experience and ritual to be more fully robust and transformational?

My conviction is that God is speaking to our youth in every part of their lives. How can we as adults help them respond with the words of Samuel, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”?

Are We Driving Our Children Away from God?

December 7, 2016 by Conference Office

By Tim Bentch, Pastor at Souderton Mennonite Church (originally published in the Souderton Mennonite Church November 2016 newsletter)

As I write, this article, I am already feeling guilty about my own deficiencies as a parent – all the ways I could have helped my children excel in sports, music, and academics. I could do more! All the missed opportunities to help my children become successful in life! We parents are plagued by guilt and we also feel the constant pressure from our society to be super parents and to turn out super kids.

But, are these pressures and expectations in balance with what we know is the ultimate goal of Christ-following parents – to help our children find Jesus? Are we helping our children find God and doing all we can to model a pursuit of God for them?

One area we need to take a strong look at is the current sports obsession (though there are many obsessions in other areas). With this in view, I ask the question: Are you driving your children away from God – literally? When you drive your child to a soccer match or practice on Sunday mornings, what is that teaching your child?

My wife and I served in Eastern Europe beginning a few years after the fall of Communism. In many of the countries under Soviet domination, Christians faced discrimination and persecution. In Moscow, I met a talented young musician who played the clarinet beautifully. He was in his late twenties. Why, I asked, didn’t he go to the conservatory of music or to a university for formal studies? He looked at me with a puzzled expression that said, don’t you know? Under Communism, there was no way he could be accepted into a conservatory or a university because he was active in the church – automatic disqualification. But, he chose to be faithful to God by staying active in the local church even though it meant that ‘success’ for him in a musical career or in any other field that required a college education was not possible.

I met an outstanding singer in Timisoara, Romania. He had one of those voices you usually only find in the east – a deep, dark, profound, resonant voice. When I heard him sing, I was incredulous. “Why aren’t you a leading soloist in the opera?” I asked. Again, that puzzled look; don’t you know? He told me that when he finished conservatory, he was offered a contract to be a soloist with the opera. But, they said, there’s one thing, “You will have to give up going to church. A soloist in the opera cannot be known to be a Christian.” He told them immediately, “No way,” and turned down the contract. Instead, he took a position with the choir of the philharmonic – not nearly as prestigious, but he stayed active in his local church.

I think about many others who made huge sacrifices in order to be faithful to Jesus and to honor him by serving in church. Yet, we choose sporting events over church? Really? When we are driving our children to a practice or a game instead of worship or instead of a Wednesday night youth meeting, what message does that send to our children? Are we saying, we only go to church when there’s nothing better to do? Are we placing sports, or work, or leisure, above knowing and serving God? The Bible calls this idolatry.

Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” The patterns that we give to our children will stay with them the rest of their lives. If we are communicating that church is not important now, how can we expect that they will go to church when they are older? If we are modeling for them a faith that requires no sacrifice, then what good is it? What could be more important than our children’s eternal destiny?

Unity in Thanksgiving

December 7, 2016 by Conference Office

By Sandy Drescher-Lehman, Pastor of Methacton Mennonite Church

Four Franconia Mennonite Conference churches met on the Sunday before Thanksgiving to proclaim the One who unifies them even amidst the diversity of opinions, theology, wealth, and political persuasions among other things. Ideas had been brewing in the hearts of several pastors of small churches in close proximity to each other for some time, to find ways to support and resource each other. Last summer, that dream became a reality as the pastors began to meet together. One of the outcomes of those meetings was this joint Thanksgiving worship service.

The pastors and congregations of Wellspring Church of Skippack, Frederick Mennonite Church, and Spring Mount Mennonite Church gathered at Methacton Mennonite Church on November 20 for the anticipated and momentous event! People who usually have plenty of room on their benches, were packed in like smiling sardines. Singers who ordinarily can identify every voice, were overwhelmed with the grand blend of harmonious praise. A colorful mountain of boxes and cans and bags began to grow in the front of the sanctuary as people streamed in with their offerings of food to be shared with their neighborhood food pantry. An open conversation among the four pastors, inspired comradery with other churches who also have an average of 15-30 members and who also each share the vibrancy of unique vision and mission intentions, centered around following Jesus Christ. Three pastors were happy to hear Mike Meneses share the Word and four song leaders led their congregations in a round of “Go now in peace,” (#429 HWB).

Friendships were lit and fanned into beautiful flames as we then spent informal time together around the tables of food and drink, with hopes of more joint ventures to come. Emulating what was shared at Conference Assembly two weeks earlier, we celebrated what is being planted and watered in our separate congregations and were inspired to notice how God calls us to grow into the days before us.

Taftsville Chapel Mennonite Fellowship Awarded Solar Grant

December 7, 2016 by Conference Office

At Fall Assembly, Taftsville Chapel Mennonite Fellowship in Vermont was featured in one of the Plant, Water, Grow videos, discussing their creation care initiatives. Part of that includes going solar. This week in the Mennonite World Review, is was announced that they will receive a $10,000 award from Mennonite Creation Care Network to assist in these efforts.

Read the article here; to see their testimony video (second story in the video) from assembly visit: https://vimeo.com/190770169.

Standing with our Immigrant Family in the Body of Christ

November 23, 2016 by Conference Office

by Barbie Fischer

The Friday following the presidential election, leaders from Franconia Conference’s south Philadelphia churches asked for representatives from the conference to be present with them on the following Sunday for worship. Each of these congregations — Centro de Alabanza, Indonesian Light, Nations Worship Center, and Philadelphia Praise Center –have members who have immigrated to the United States. Some have been here for decades, others only a few months. Regardless of the length of time, there is a new sense of anxiety and fear following the recent elections. Many brothers and sisters in Christ no longer feel welcome, some fear for their safety, separation from family, and continue “praying so that God gives us the peace and wisdom to get through all of this situation.”

As representatives of Franconia Conference, Mary Nitzsche, the Franconia Conference Ministerial Committee Chair, and Jenifer Eriksen Morales, a Franconia Conference LEADership Minister, attended all four worship services to offer support and prayer. Some of the words they shared include:

We are here today on behalf of the sisters and brothers of Franconia Conference. We are here today to remind you that you are not alone. We are in this together. Our commitments to your congregation are un-wavered. We will walk through this time together…We are here with love, to recognize that you might be feeling particularly vulnerable. We do not have all the answers. We do have the words that the Bible repeatedly says, “to not be afraid.” We recognize that those words can seem hollow, without a real sense of support. We are here today to offer that support, to make sure that you know that you are loved. That the God who promises to not leave us is with us for sure. But that we are also in this time together. Your pastors and leaders have access to Conference staff for questions, for support. Other persons in Franconia Conference congregations have already begun to ask how they can support you in prayer and in other more tangible ways. In the meantime, we are committed to being part of the work that God has begun with us. We will seek the peace of the city, and of this land where God has sent us. We want to offer a prayer with you…that God might keep you in perfect peace.

Mary stated, “Our south Philly churches warmly welcomed us and offered generous hospitality. Appreciation was expressed in word, facial expression, and hugs for our presence and support. The worship was vibrant and hopeful even as fears for the future were expressed. I was reminded of our need for each other as Christ’s ambassadors of love, peace, and hope.”

“In spite of their feelings they worshiped with gusto and sincerity. Placing their hope and trust in Jesus, the King of Kings,” said Jenifer. “I was blessed by the opportunity to be a small beacon of hope to my brothers and sisters during this tumultuous and uncertain time.”

Pastor Aldo Siahaan, Philadelphia Praise Center, stated that their presence and words reminded him and his congregation that they are “part of a big family” and it made them feel cared for.

As this time of uncertainty moves forward, ways to express support can be through prayer, words of encouragement to the leadership of the congregations, visiting their worship times and taking part in activities the communities host. Become informed about immigration laws and offer a voice for our brothers and sisters with legislatures. Support New Sanctuary Movement and maybe even have your meetinghouse become a sanctuary.

“When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself,” Leviticus 19:33-34a.

Nations Worship Center Celebrates Mission: I’m Possible

November 23, 2016 by Conference Office

By Sharon Williams

Joyful, heartfelt praise to God filled the new home for Nations Worship Center (NWC) on Sunday afternoon, November 20. The house was packed as the congregation gathered with sister congregations and friends to dedicate their newly renovated building at 1506 Ritner Street in south Philadelphia. Pastor Beny Krisbianto and the NWC worship team led a full house of worshipers in songs and prayers.

The congregation has faced many challenges in establishing a home base for worship, discipleship, and mission in their south Philly neighborhood. In August 2012, they purchased Paradise Gardens, a catering hall with offices and an apartment on the 2nd and 3rd floors. The building had been abandoned and empty for 12 years. With much prayer and faith, NWC faced strong opposition from the local community, red tape from city government, contractor woes, and financial challenges. Each step was embraced with grace and dignity, trusting that God would accomplish the impossible mission.

Steve Kriss, Franconia Conference Director of Leadership Cultivation and Congregational Resourcing, offered a greeting from the conference. He connected the congregation’s testimony to that of the first immigrant Mennonites in Philadelphia who embraced an ethic of “work and hope” as part of their witness. In a recent meeting with community residents, someone inquired about the use of government funds for the building’s transformation. “Oh no,” Kriss replied, “this is a result of the congregation’s hard work, prayers, and partnerships — all made possible by God’s grace.”

Pastor Timotius Hardono, Beny’s pastor from Indonesia, shared a message about God’s impossible missions made possible through immigrants such as Moses and Daniel, and Mary, the mother of Jesus (Luke 1:26-38). NWC will continue to fulfill Jesus’ Great Commission, making disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). Many worshipers rededicated themselves to being used for God’s mission: I’m possible!

Sharon K. Williams is a musician, editor and congregational/non-profit consultant. She serves the Lord with the Nueva Vida Norristown New Life congregation as minister of worship.

Planting, Watering and Watching God Grow: Conferences Gather for Annual Assembly

November 10, 2016 by Conference Office

“The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. ⁹For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.” – 1 Corinthians 3:8-9

On November 4 and 5, 2016, Franconia Conference and Eastern District held their annual fall Conference Assembly. Since 2011, the conferences have come together for assembly holding separate business sessions, yet enjoying joint times of worship on Friday evening and Saturday morning, sharing in the recognition of newly credentialed leaders, lunch, and workshops.

This year Assembly was centered on the theme of Plant, Water, Grow with 1 Corinthians 3:8-9 guiding the weekend. Over 200 members from both conferences gathered for worship and an ice cream social on Friday evening. They enjoyed being led in music by worship teams from Nueva Vida Norristown New Life, Centro de Alabanza de Filadelfia, a worship team comprised of credentialed leaders from the conferences, and a children’s choir comprised of 17 kids from congregations throughout the conferences, led by Michael Bishop from Blooming Glen Mennonite Church.

The evening was full of videos, highlighting how congregations have been planting, watering, and where they see God growing in their congregations and broader communities. There were stories of a bi-lingual women’s retreat, congregants gathering to support a refugee brother and sister as they navigate resettlement, ministry to motorcyclists, work toward being good environmental stewards, and more. All of the videos will be available for viewing on EDC-FMC.org/assembly by next week.

The message Friday evening was brought by Nate Stucky, Director of the Farminary at Princeton Theological Seminary. Nate is credentialed through Eastern District and spoke on “Lessons from the Garden,” including the process of death and transformation. Nate, who thought himself a Kansas farm boy, imagined that his journey to Princeton would mean leaving behind his agrarian roots. Instead, God used his background in farming and love of theology with his work at Princeton’s Farminary, where he integrates theological education with small-scale, sustainable agriculture.

Saturday was a historic day as over 240 delegates from Eastern District and Franconia Conferences met in separate business meetings to discuss a proposal for intentional exploration of reconciliation between the two conferences. Prior to assembly, delegates received a letter (read it here) from both Rodger Schmell, moderator of Eastern District, and John Goshow, moderator of Franconia Conference. The letter laid out some of the shared history, reasons for the split 169 years ago, and the collaboration that has been happening in the last two decades. In addition, the letter included a proposal to engage two consultants over the course of 2017 to intentionally explore what differences still exist between the two conferences and how the conferences may work toward reconciliation. Both moderators in their separate business sessions emphasized the current collaboration at a congregational and conference level. They also highlighted that the focus is on reconciliation which may or may not include a merger; however, both are hopeful that a merger may happen.

Table discussions from both conferences about the proposal included comments about how this is a great witness to the world and that as Mennonites “we are a people of reconciliation.” The timeline and not rushing the process was affirmed, along with the acknowledgement that the spirit is leading in this direction so it is wise to follow. At the same time, there were concerns voiced over differences in polity and views of the Confession of Faith, along with a call to ensure history of both conferences is respected and preserved.

The proposal for the intentional exploration of reconciliation between the conferences was affirmed by 96% of Franconia delegates and 100% of Eastern District delegates. This means that both conferences will now work to form a reference team representing both conferences’ diversity, that will begin to meet in January with consultants David Brubaker and Roxy Kioko from Eastern Mennonite University (EMU).

The leadership of both conferences believes that both Dave and Roxy’s extensive experience on organizational leadership and working at church conflict will be invaluable to this process. Brubaker brings both an organizational and peacebuilding background as he is both the Director of the Master of Business Administration and Master of Organizational Leadership Programs at EMU and Associate Professor of Organizational Studies for EMU’s Center for Justice and Peacebuilding. Roxy brings over 10 years of experience in the social change sector and currently is a doctoral student at James Madison University’s School of Strategic Leadership Studies with a concentration in nonprofit and community leadership. A reconciliation process like this has never been attempted before and both conferences’ leadership have faith that these two are uniquely qualified to assist in exploring this path to reconciliation.

The timeline for this exploration of reconciliation includes information gathering, such as surveys, focus groups, and some individual interviews, proposed to take place between January-March 2017; a time of analysis, working to summarize what has been learned, during April-May 2017; finally, developing clear recommendations as to how both conferences might move forward together in a shared future will be done June-August 2017 and refined in September-October with key stakeholders. The goal is to present the recommendations and reasons for them to the delegates of both conferences at the November 3 and 4, 2017 Assembly. At that time, there will be conferring and discernment about accepting and implementing the recommendations.

Other business addressed during the Franconia Business session included the affirmation of several board and committee members for additional terms. All reaffirmed by over 97% of the delegates. In addition, a new board member, Smita Ruby Singh from Whitehall Mennonite Church, was voted in by 96% of the delegates and will begin her first term in January 2017.

Reports were also given to the Franconia Conference delegates by three groups that came out of the 2015 Assembly Church Together Statements. The Faith and Life Commission reported on their quarterly gathering of credentialed leaders and shared plans for the next gatherings to be held in February and March 2017. The Addressing Abuse Taskforce spoke of their work to provide support to adult survivors within the community, working to ensure appropriate policies are in place, and that there will be educational opportunities for congregations in 2017. The Israel/Palestine Taskforce reported on their work to educate the conference about the situation there in anticipation of the upcoming Mennonite Church USA (MCUSA) resolution which was tabled last year.

In addition to these reports, the Executive Minister Search Committee provided an update that they have been meeting weekly and are narrowing the list of nominees through prayer, discernment and interviews. The committee did state their hope is to have a recommendation for the next Executive Minister to the conference board by the end of December 2016.

This was the final assembly as Executive Minister for Ertell Whigham who has been on staff with the conference for over 14 years. In his closing remarks at the end of the Franconia business session he thanked God and the delegates for the opportunity to serve God during this season stating things he has been reminded of and thankful for. Ertell spoke of being called to the role of Franconia Conference Executive Minister for “such a time as this,” and that “this time has ended.” He offered to all present his “true love for this conference, and the grace I have felt from those who have embraced me.” Whigham will finish his role as Executive Minister in January 2017. He will remain a pastor at Nueva Vida Norristown New Life, and looks forward to continued engagement with the conference and the denomination. To hear his full remarks (and other assembly audio), CLICK HERE.

Following the business sessions, Eastern District and Franconia Conferences joined once again in worship led by Tami Good of Swamp, Kris Anne Swartley of Doylestown, Franco Salvatori of Rocky Ridge, and Brent Camilleri of Deep Run East. Two videos were shared highlighting the work of Ripple and Whitehall in the Allentown community as they joined forces to grow a community garden and use that as a teaching tool for local children, along with a video sharing how West Swamp is a key member of the Upper Bucks Code Blue Shelter and how their involvement there is spreading God’s love through meeting physical needs.

In the midst of Saturday worship, recognition was given to the passing of John Bender, a credentialed leader within Franconia Conference with a slideshow and the lighting of a candle by his wife Marilyn Bender and sister Rose Bender, who are also both credentialed within the conference.

Franconia also recognized 10 leaders who chose to have their credentials moved to retired status rather than undergo the extensive credential renewal process last year that included new background checks required by Pennsylvania Law. While 10 retired the conference welcomed 9 newly credentialed leaders including two transfers, three ordinations, one reactivation of ordination and three licensed toward ordination.

The Saturday worship closed with a joint recognition by Eastern District and Franconia Conference of Franconia Executive Minister, Ertell Whigham. Acting Eastern District Executive Minister, Scott Roth, shared how Ertell’s fathering led to his wife’s salvation, as one of Ertell’s sons was her youth leader and led her to Christ.

Following worship both conferences enjoyed a joint lunch and then participated in their choice of workshops.

One workshop was led by David Boshart, moderator-elect of MCUSA entitled “Same-sex Marriage and the Witness of the Church” where participants discussed five commitments that can help the church navigate the current conflict with faithfulness and integrity: 1) communal biblical discernment, 2) constructive biblical exegesis and theology, 3) Christocentric ways of knowing, 4) grace-based spirituality, and 5) public worship as witness.

Another workshop was presented by acting Executive Minister of Eastern District, Scott Roth, and Franconia LEADership Minister, Noel Santigo, called “What it means to be the Church.” They examined if the church is growing the Kingdom or just tending to those that are showing up on Sunday. Through examples from within the community they looked at what Christ did and how that transpires today in 2016. Hear the podcast of their workshop by clicking here.

Also offered was a workshop on “Youth Ministry for the Margins” by Danilo Sanchez of Ripple, Whitehall, and Vietnamese Gospel congregations, and Josh Jefferson from Souderton, where they discussed sustainable strategies for youth ministries that are “going to the margins” in both urban and suburban contexts.

The workshop “Seeking Peace in Israel/Palestine” was presented by the Franconia Conference Israel/Palestine Taskforce, offering stories from those who have participated in the Come and See Tours and ways in which the conferences can respond. They also reviewed the Kairos Palestine document and the resolution process from Kansas City 2015, looking ahead to preparing a resolution for Orlando 2017.

There is truly a lot of planting, watering and growing going on amidst Eastern District and Franconia Conferences. That is evident in the testimonies and stories shared throughout Assembly 2016. May God continue to guide both conferences as they embark on a historic journey exploring the possibility of reconciliation over the next year, while continuing to plant, water and watch the kingdom of God grow.

* For Assembly 2016 videos, podcasts and photos visit EDC-FMC.org/assembly (all items will be posted within the week)

The Spirit Moves Within Fear & Trembling

November 10, 2016 by Conference Office

by Stephen Kriss

I’ve had the bilingual version of Michael W. Smith’s “Agnus Dei” as an ear worm since last Friday’s Conference Assembly. A small ensemble from Centro de Alabanza led the song as a response to Nate Stucky’s sermon on Friday night, moving smoothly from English to Spanish and back again. The Alleluia’s were markedly the same words in all three of the languages posted on the screen up front (English, Spanish and Indonesian). The four musicians later told me that they were shaking as they went up front to lead. This was a large group to lead, close to 200 people. Shifting back and forth between English and Spanish while you’re nervous is especially challenging.

But something seemed to happen to us as we sang. I heard Indonesians behind me move readily into Spanish; in other parts of the auditorium at Dock Mennonite Academy EC-8 campus, Tanzanians did the same thing. We were moved to stand together without an invitation to do so. Some of us raised hands. There were some tears. There was some speaking in tongues (and I can verify that the languages were not of our assortment of languages that we normally speak outside of English).

For years, we’ve struggled in conference assembly over worship styles and songs and languages. We’ve tried hard to incorporate all of our worshipping languages and song preferences. Some of us fold our hands when hymns aren’t sung. Others of us feel lost when we’re singing in a language other than our native tongue. Some of us can’t figure out how to sing the soprano line when we try to break into four parts. Sometimes we feel the Spirit and sometimes we don’t while others have.

This time I felt the Spirit somehow pull us into words meant to mimic those of the eternal city of God in their Agnus Dei, based on a passage from the Book of Revelation. St. John of the Cross called this something that I sensed to be on the brink of something, “I know not what.” In the seemingly smooth transitions between English and Spanish led by a young group of worship leaders on vocals, keyboard, guitar and drums — who were there in fear and trembling –something quite beautiful emerged. Maybe that was the key to open us up together; their humility might have made it all possible, inviting others to worship along with them with a sense of nervousness and awe.

After the worship, around ice cream, I noticed this crazy mix of people that we are: refugees, migrants, immigrants, citizens; millionaires and those only a payday away from living on the street again; from the mountains, suburbs, small towns, Allentown, Philadelphia, metro DC and NYC. While serving regular, sugar free and lactose free ice cream, I noticed who we are. How beautiful it is, when on one night even 5% of our community of approximately 7000 joins together from across our geographies to gather, sing, listen, pray, and re-group in our shared identity … to feel even a glimpse of Pentecost that binds us within and beyond language, through a group of us who lead with honest fear and trembling.

I’ve been grateful this week to have this song in my head as a reminder beyond the election’s possibilities and fears, that calls me to identify where real citizenship and purpose abides — in the reign of God, among the communion of the saints, by the power of the Spirit who unites us across our differences and languages. This is who we are called to be, both in the here and now and into all eternity. Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty. Santo, Santo. El Senor es Poderoso. Kudus,Kudus Engkaulah tuhan berkuasa.

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