Mosaic Mennonites

Missional - Intercultural - Formational

formational

What I Learned About Anabaptism from Mosaic Institute

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By Kevin Opett

“In essentials, unity. In nonessentials, liberty. In all matters, love.”

“In essentials, unity. In nonessentials, liberty. In all matters, love.” These words left an indelible mark in my understanding of Anabaptism after participating in the Introduction to Mosaic Class, offered by Mosaic Institute and led by Steve Kriss and Rose Bender Cook. 

As part of Mosaic’s credentialing process, seven classmates and I spent time on Zoom and in person learning about the development and contributions of the Anabaptist movement to the Christian story. We read books, traveled to rural and urban churches, visited historical places, and talked with memorable people who represent the diverse makeup of Mosaic.

The Introduction to Mosaic class at Fern Rock Retreat.
Back row:  Ramona Pickett (7 Ways Home Fellowship), Brandon Landis (Finland), Tracy Commons (Swamp), Scotty Meiser (Bristol Redemption), Steve Kriss (Mosaic staff), Susan Alloway (Bristol Redemption), Hilarion Chidi Ihezuoh(LA Faith Chapel); Front row:  Michelle Ramirez (Luz y Vida), Kevin Opett (Alpha), Rose Bender Cook (Mosaic Institute staff).
Photo by John Drescher-Lehman.

Our cohort was a microcosm of the conference: it included both life-long Mennonites and newcomers to the fold, Americans and immigrants, as well as representations of several racial/ethnic backgrounds. Each of us had our notions of Anabaptism challenged, expanded, and enriched.

We started out as strangers but ended up as brothers and sisters who care deeply for one another. We enjoyed deep discussions and sought to understand our different perspectives as we galivanted around Pennsylvania, to Souderton, Harleysville, Philadelphia, and Lansdale. On the final in-person day of the class, a sabbatical retreat at Fern Rock bonded us together as we sang praises to Jesus and shared what he is doing in our hearts.

I was fascinated to learn that Anabaptists were not always the “Quiet in the Land,” a people who kept to ourselves. Far from being docile, our forebears were radical, urban-based, and adamant that Christians are to spread the gospel far and wide. Relentless persecution from other Christian traditions led to a centuries-old retreat into isolation that only now seems to be turning the tide, as our story widens and deepens with new cultures and people adding their unique perspective to the Mosaic story. We are being reacquainted with the Great Commission to go and make disciples of the nations by the fresh movement of the Holy Spirit in our world. 

The course offered a solid foundation to understand the Mosaic vision of being a Conference where homogeneity is not a prerequisite to cooperation. Like a patchwork quilt, no two congregations look or function the same. Mosaic includes both rural, traditional churches as well as urban immigrant congregations. There are multiethnic and multilingual congregations. Some were established 100 years ago, while others are just starting out. This array of diversity makes Mosaic Conference unique and beautiful.  

The diversity enables a person like me, whose background resembles a denominational kaleidoscope, to feel welcomed and to thrive just as those who can trace their ancestry back to the earliest expressions of the movement. We can each find our place in Mosaic and mutually support one another as we strive to live out the teachings of Christ and share the Good News to the communities around us.  

On behalf of my classmates, Brandon, Chidi, Michelle, Ramona, Scotty, Susan, and Tracey, I wish to convey our sincere appreciation to all who made this class so rewarding. The time you invested in us and the stories you shared allowed us to experience such a meaningful time together. We hope we have been as much of a blessing to you as you have been to us!

Kevin Opett

Kevin Opett resides in the Philadelphia area and currently serves as pastor of Alpha Mennonite Church in New Jersey. You will usually find him toiling in the yard of his new house or cooking international cuisine when he is not engaged in ministry work. Kevin just celebrated 21 years of marriage to his beautiful wife, Petra. 

Lent, Anabaptists, and Sausage 

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As a child, our Mennonite church had a few traditions, but Lent was not one of them. Traditionally, Lent was not observed by most Mennonites.    

Of course, we would celebrate the children on Palm Sunday. And, Shrove Tuesday was a glorious feast of yeasty home-made donuts.  It was Ash Wednesday that started the discomfort. What did those ashes made from last year’s palm branches say about my faithfulness or discipleship? 

Historically, Anabaptists have been reluctant to participate in the rituals of Lent. On the first Sunday of Lent in 1522, in Zurich, Switzerland, a gathering of people seeking church renewal challenged the rules of the Lenten fast by eating smoked sausages.  This action was a symbolic beginning of the Reformation in Zurich and a precursor to the Anabaptist movement.  (To learn more, click here.) 

Today, more Mennonite churches are observing the full liturgical calendar, including Lent. My church is one of them. Why now? Why sacrifice? Why fast as part of the Lent season?   

I like food, potlucks, fellowship meals, and dessert any place, but definitely in church. But maybe now, Anabaptists are hearing a renewed call to seek God. In this seeking of God, we are called to practice the discipline of surrender and sacrifice. And in doing so, we join others on the path to the cross during Lent.   

OK, I can give up donuts.  

But, Randolph Haluza-DeLay says, “Giving up donuts is obviously a superficial example,” even if I think of it as a sacrifice.

Maybe sacrifice and surrender mean opening new space for God to work. For example, a Lenten fast may be a social media fast, or giving up one meal a day to use that time to pray, or avoiding a regular leisure activity and instead spending time with a lonely neighbor.

What if I let the drama of Facebook unfold without my participation for 40 days?  I fast to reduce my attachments and find space for new ways. What if I use that claimed space for spiritual renewal, prayer, meditation?  For me, this is the reason for Lent now.   

Fasting is a personal choice. But I welcome the Lenten season’s focus on the life and death of Jesus as I fast.  I know that Lent doesn’t end at the cross. Easter Sunday is coming – a time for celebration, singing, sunrise services, and Easter cake.     

For we know that – 
God is our only hope, 
Feed us from your mouth, that we may see the poor, 
Listen to the lonely, and nourish our hungry neighbors 
In the strength of your Annointed. 

-from Take our Moments and Our Days: An Anabaptist Prayer Book

A Joint Sunday School Experiment

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by Jordan Luther, Zion (Souderton, PA) congregation

If your congregation is like mine, then you are familiar with the revolving door of Sunday school attendance most summers. This summer, however, the situation was different. With most of our congregation still worshiping from home, we needed to rethink how we do Sunday school—especially for our children.

Pastor Jordan Luther waits for virtual Sunday school to start.

Our youth group has been meeting virtually for youth group and Sunday school throughout the pandemic. One day I floated the idea about meeting as a joint Sunday school class of all ages, K-12. I was clear from the beginning that I could not teach this class alone. I needed help. 

When I asked the youth group if they would be willing to help, I was amazed with their response. Not only did they agree to help, but they agreed to be co-leaders and share responsibilities with me!

The following week at youth group we built our five-week summer Sunday school curriculum from the ground up. The youth were really helpful during the planning process, sharing what they believe is most important for Sunday school from a kid’s perspective. I learned two lessons that I hope never to forget from these sessions.

The first lesson the youth taught me is that stories are important. Stories are easier to remember than Bible memory verses. (Sorry Psalms and Romans … maybe another unit!) The youth shared with me about which Bible stories are relatable and memorable to them. 

We took notes on our favorite Bible stories and made a plan. Thankfully, all of the stories the youth chose were featured in Shine On: A Story Bible curriculum which made reading and sharing the story much easier for our younger classmates.

Second, the youth taught me that Sunday school should be a fun experience. “Don’t be boring,” was one youth’s advice to me. “Adults like to talk; kids need action.” This comment made it crystal clear that playing games is important to our faith development too. 

A different youth suggested that we should create original prompts in Quiplash 2 and Drawful 2, two online games that we play regularly together, as a way to have fun while going deeper into the Bible story. The youth and I created the prompts ahead of time after reading the Bible story together. Our prompts were meant to inspire everyone’s imagination and give us permission to wonder about some of the missing details of the story. Think Jewish midrash meets Family Feud. That was our Sunday school environment.

Our joint Sunday school sessions had their hiccups too. Sibling rivalries are just as apparent on screen as they are in-person. Poor wifi connections meant the occasional robot voice and frozen screen. 

Even with these hiccups in mind, I am still grateful for this joint Sunday school experiment. It was a great opportunity for our younger kids to reconnect, our youth to lead and participate in the planning process, and for me to consider fresh approaches to family ministry.

Great (Pastoral) Expectations

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by Randy Heacock, Leadership Minister

Over the past few years, I worked with several congregations as they looked for a new pastor.  I appreciate the opportunity to learn the joys and challenges of a search process with congregations.  I have also had interesting discussions with potential pastors regarding their expectations in a new setting. While we want good sermons, we desire a person who is relatable, the right age, properly educated, and, of course, experienced.

While looking for the right pastor, many questions arise. What do we actually want a pastor to do?  What do we hope pastors accomplish?  Who is it that influences such conversations?    

How we answer these questions, might lead to more questions. How might our pastoral job descriptions and memos of understanding increase the chance for our congregations to become healthy?  Is it possible that a different focus could empower congregations to reach out to others more effectively?  Could greater clarity enable a given pastor to make best use of his/her gifts?  

I encourage congregational leaders and pastors to give these questions more intentional time and energy.  It seems some of our congregational patterns need attention.  

The following are three areas that may benefit both congregations and pastors to develop greater clarity and focus.  

  1. Do we hire pastors to do the work of the church or do we hire pastors to lead and equip individuals to carry out the ministry of the church?  This may seem simple, but many churches hire a pastor believing the pastor is responsible for caring, outreach, growth, spiritual nurture, and more. 

Clarity on this will help determine how we expect a pastor to spend her time. It will also raise expectations for congregational participants. Such clarity will encourage pastors to develop the varied gifts of people God has given a particular congregation. 

  1. Accountability is a crucial area where clarity is needed.  A number of years ago a friend declared, “Seminaries train pastors to be lazy.” Though I strongly disagreed with his opinion, pastors need to be responsible and welcoming of accountability.  Too often, however, I see boards and elders try to work at this by micro-managing the pastor. 

Three keys areas that can create accountability are task completion, accessibility, and
responsiveness.  

Does the pastor get his work done in a timely and thoughtful way? Is the pastor
approachable, both with her time and her spirit of openness to the concerns of
others?  Does a pastor thoughtfully respond to situations and conflict or just react/ignore?    

  1. Finally, are the patterns of communication open and clear so as to develop trust that empowers both pastor and laity?  Well-developed trust can provide freedom and the space to risk. Too often, however, hidden agendas sabotage the development of a trusting relationship. If a pastor feels the freedom to try something different, creativity can lead to spirit-led movement.  At the same time, honest feedback can help a pastor learn and understand context and impact.  

I am certainly grateful for a congregation that has shaped me and contributed to my growth in this way.  Pastors and churches need to find healthy patterns of communication and not just wait for an evaluation or assume silence is golden.

There are many wonderful congregations and potential pastors looking to lead. May we do our work to clarify expectations so we can better serve together!

Let’s Just Save Some

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by Emily Ralph Servant, Leadership Minister

My toddlers copy everything I do.  If I splash water on my daughter’s head, pick flowers, or spit food onto my plate, so do they.

They don’t know that I’m trying to get sand out of their hair, removing dead blooms, or spitting out spoiled food.  They just do what Mommy does!  And they should—it’s an important part of child development.

Even as adults we continue taking our cues from the people around us, some of us more than others. The threshold model of collective behavior suggests that people with high thresholds will change their behavior if they see a lot of other people doing something, even if they think it’s wrong, while people with low thresholds will do what they want, regardless of what others are doing.

The Apostle Paul seems to encourage Jesus-followers to be low-threshold people: don’t give in to the peer pressure of the world but stand strong and let your mind and behavior be shaped by God’s way of living (Romans 12:2).  Do the right thing, no matter what anyone else is doing.

At the same time, in 1 Corinthians Paul also seems to encourage Jesus-followers to be a force of change in society by using peer pressure itself.  Knowing that many people will look to see what everyone else is doing, Paul reminded the early Church to be a good example for those around them: yes, you are free, Paul declares, but use your freedom wisely (9:10); don’t just think about yourself but think about others (10:24).

Since I know my toddlers are watching, sometimes I need to modify my behavior.  I shouldn’t drag a chair into the kitchen to get things off the top shelf while they’re in the room.  I shouldn’t climb over the deck railing to pick something off the ground.  I have every right to do those things and I don’t modify my behavior because I’m smarter or better than them.  I do it because I know I influence them, and I love them too much to risk their safety for my rights.

We face a similar situation in our contexts today.  Yes, we have a right to worship together in our buildings.  We have a right to not wear masks, to give hugs, to have Bible studies or pool parties.  But maybe someone else isn’t as ready to meet their Maker as we are.  Maybe someone else isn’t as mindful of keeping a safe distance or doesn’t have as strong an immune system.

Maybe someone else is more likely to do something if they see everyone else doing it, even if it wouldn’t be safe for them.  Maybe they’d feel silly if they were the only one not going, the only one not wearing a mask, the only one who seems to be afraid, the only one who seems to be less confident in the Spirit’s protection.

We indeed have rights, Paul acknowledges, but not everything is beneficial or constructive (1 Corinthians 10:23).  Don’t let anything you do “hinder the gospel” (9:12).  You don’t have to win everyone, he says; Paul was willing to give up his rights if it might even save some (9:22).

Paul summed it up simply: “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble—whether outside or inside of the church. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved” (1 Corinthians 10:32-33, NIV adapted).

Saving the Best Years for Last

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by Steve McCloskey, Pastor of Taftsville (VT) Chapel Mennonite Fellowship

My friend, Aoum, was an international student from Thailand. One night I asked him, “What is the one thing that shocked you the most about American culture?”  He said, “The way that you treat your elderly.”

Photo used with permission from Living Branches.

I can’t remember precisely what he said after this, but Aoum did not feel that we show the same dignity, honor, and respect to those who are aging as they do in other parts of the world. 

In Vermont we have a significant elderly population. In 2018 it was reported that the median age of Vermont is five years above that of the United States. Many people come to the town of Woodstock to enjoy their retirement years. In my own church, most of my congregation is older than me. 

As a millennial living in community with many people who are decades older than me, I recognize that I have at least two opportunities: 

1) to learn from older generations about how to make the most of our final years on Earth, and 

2) to honor those who have gone before me in ways that defy the norm that my friend Aoum found in US culture.

If we look to the Bible for inspiration, I am impressed with the biblical figures Abraham and Sarah. Their story pushes back against low-expectations of the elderly. The message from God to Abraham and Sarah is, effectively: “your later years will be your greater years.”

The book of Genesis introduces us to this couple when Abram is 75 years old.  God calls Abram to leave his homeland and gives him a promise:

“I will make you into a great nation,
and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
    and you will be a blessing.
I will bless those who bless you,
    and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
    will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12:2-3, NIV)

Specific promises are made to Abram and Sarai about their descendants yet they experience decades of infertility. 

Photo used with permission from Living Branches.

Over two decades pass and they still have not birthed a child together, but when Abraham is 99 years-old, God reiterates the promise, “I will surely return in due season and Sarah will have a son” (Genesis 18:10).

Sarah eavesdrops on God’s conversation with Abraham from within a tent, and laughs to herself, “After I have grown old, and my husband is old, shall I have pleasure?” 

Sarah laughs at this notion–because, even without American cultural bias–this pushes against the grain of human expectations. Biologically, a body can have children during a certain window of time and after that, it’s inconceivable (a retro-actively intended pun).

Abraham and Sarah lived in a time and place in which your offspring and your ability to reproduce was the only viable way to preserve your legacy. It was through children that you would be remembered.

In the story of Abraham and Sarah, I see an invitation: whatever age you are, whatever stage of life you are in, you are invited to open yourself up to the possibility that God still has plans for you. Whether you are single, married, divorced, or wherever you are in life, I see in this story an invitation to renewal. Yes, even in your later years, like Sarah, you can find pleasure! 

You are not infertile to God’s purposes. In the words of C.S. Lewis: “You are never too old to set a new goal or dream a new dream.”

What Do I Know About Trauma?

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by Mary Nitzsche, Associate Executive Minister

I had planned to participate in a Learning Tour with Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) in May. The trip to the Borderlands of Arizona and Mexico was cancelled in March due to COVID-19. About then, I learned of a class, “Trauma Resiliency and Healing During a Time of Pandemic,” offered through the Summer Peacebuilding Institute of Eastern Mennonite University. I felt a strong nudge to register for the course. 

My intrigue with trauma healing began during another MCC learning tour to Israel/Palestine in 2015. Hearing stories of trauma and oppression from Israeli Jews and Palestinian Christians and Muslims was very disturbing. I left the country wondering how one group of people who experienced terror and persecution could later terrorize and oppress another group of people? I concluded that insufficient healing of the trauma had something to do with it. This piqued my desire to learn more. 

Mary Nitzsche stands at the wall that separates Israel and Palestine.

Ironically, the opportunity to learn more about trauma healing came while living with the major disruption of a pandemic. Having an easily accessible online course prompted me to register and join 36 other interested pastors, therapists, community organizers, and students from around the world.

While needing to adapt to a new way of living and working during the past four months, I have not experienced the trauma that many others have, such as: personally contracting COVID-19 or having a family member or friend sick with the virus, having a loved one die alone, not having access to good healthcare, losing a job, income, or business and not having financial resources to provide for my family. 

Little did I know when I signed up for the class that another major disruption would occur – the racial violence and unrest due to the murder of an unarmed black man, George Floyd, by a white police officer in Minneapolis. 

On her MCC learning tour to Israel and Palestine, Mary Nitzsche listened to a Muslim woman and Jewish man share about their common experiences of the trauma of losing a loved one to violence.  

The pandemic and George Floyd’s murder exposed so many systemic inequities: access to healthcare, housing, education, job opportunities, finances and police protection. Racial bias and inequality of black, brown, and Native Americans in all of our systems have been ignored or inadequately addressed for far too long. People of color live with trauma on a daily basis that cannot be healed without reforming our abusive systems.

What have my experiences with COVID-19, increasing awareness of racial injustice, and learnings on trauma healing taught me?  Trauma disrupts a person or group’s sense of identity and self-worth, assurance of safety and provisions of basic needs, and trusting, supportive relationships. 

As a privileged, white, middle-class woman who, compared to so many, has had a minimal amount of trauma in my lifetime, I humbly offer my reflections of actions which facilitate healing in traumatized individuals and groups:

Trauma healing takes courage, perseverance, and support. 

  • Tending to basic needs (safety, food, housing, education) restores dignity and value.
  • Staying connected with others reminds us we are not alone.
  • Being humble and willing to learn and grow normalizes our experience and helps us grow in understanding and empathy for self and others.
  • Listening to and telling our stories validates our experiences and helps us integrate the trauma into our entire life.
  • Lamenting and grieving losses is an act of courage and release.
  • Adapting to a new reality empowers us to discover resources we did not know we had.
  • Being grateful helps us experience joy in the midst of suffering.
  • Caring for self gives us perseverance and strength to endure.

Courageously doing the work of trauma healing for ourselves and others requires all of us to do our part so that we do not transmit our unhealed pain and suffering on to others.

Jesus and Coffee

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by Marta Castillo, Conference Leadership Minister

A friend of mine gave me a mug with “Jesus & Coffee” inscribed on it.  I didn’t really like it at first because it felt irreverent.  I mean, I love coffee, but it couldn’t and shouldn’t be compared with Jesus.  

In the recent months of the stay at home reality of COVID-19, my “Jesus & Coffee” mug has come to represent a deep need in my spirit to slow down, seek the Kingdom, and spend time in God’s presence. 

When I had small children, I learned to eat really fast so that I could be done before they were done. I also learned to pray breath prayers (Lord, please help me; Give me patience; Let me sleep) because I had no time to sit and be still. That season of my life is long gone, but I am still learning how to eat more slowly and enjoy my food. I am also still learning to pray more slowly and deeply, and enjoy my time with God.

I technically work three jobs and manage a household, so life is full and crazy. But there are slow days. Whether my work day is busy or not, I still struggle with sitting still and spending time with God.  I get distracted by small tasks, social media, and reading.  

The scripture passage that has been on my heart these days is Isaiah 30:15, “This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: ‘In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it’” (NIV). 

When I do sit with God, and listen, pray, and reflect, God’s Spirit moves and disciples me.  I am re-aligned to the plans and purposes of the Kingdom of God.  I am strengthened and encouraged in God’s peace and love.  It is the repentance, the turning towards and waiting on God, and the rest  that saves me from my anxious thoughts, distractions, and fear.  It is the stilling of my body, soul, and spirit and the confession of faith and trust in God that gives me direction and strength.  

So why would I have none of it?  Why would I drag my feet on the way towards the Shepherd who provides?  Why would I resist the green pastures and still waters?  Why wouldn’t I jump out of the boat with abandon and swim toward Jesus like Peter and rush to have breakfast with my Lord on the beach?  

Even as I resist, the word of God promises, “The Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!” (Isaiah 30:18, NIV) 

I extend to you the invitation that God’s Spirit through Jesus has extended to me for ongoing salvation and strength: “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” (Revelation 3:20, NIV)  

Therefore, I will choose to sit on my front porch and enjoy my coffee with the blowing wind, the warmth, and the shelter of the trees.  I will choose to quiet myself, to turn towards God in repentance and wait for my salvation and strength.