intercultural

Where is God Hiding in South Philadelphia?

June 6, 2024 by Cindy Angela

REFLECTION FROM INTERCULTURAL LUNCH

by Wayne and Mary Nitzsche

Is God present in South Philadelphia? I (Wayne) grew up pretty sure that God lived on a farm in northeast Nebraska. That was my life up until college, and my perception of the city at that time was that it was a scary place with lots of bad people and bad things happening. I felt my dad’s fear when our family got lost while driving through Detroit, Michigan, on our way to visit my brother who lived in an Ontario city at that time. We locked our car doors and released our anxious breath only when we were back in a more rural environment. My journey to meeting God in the city has been a long and winding road.

Mary’s journey began in Detroit, her birth home. Her father pastored a mission church there for six years. While growing up primarily in Hesston, Kansas, she lived in Indianapolis, Indiana, during her last year of high school and spent a year in voluntary service in Canton, Ohio.

The city was a place of diversity and adventure.

Our mutual journey of experiencing God in the city expanded as our daughters settled in two of this country’s largest urban areas, greater Los Angeles and New York City. 

The Intercultural and Missional Teams of Mosaic Conference invited us, on May 4, to come from wherever we live, gather at Centro de Alabanza on Snyder Ave. in South Philadelphia, and experience the city. Twelve of us gathered and were sent out to four different restaurants, Honduran, Asian fusion, Vietnamese or Cambodian cuisine. Before going out, our leaders, Danilo Sanchez and Noel Santiago, asked us to use our five senses as we pondered: “what is the Holy Spirit inviting you to experience and consider as you taste, touch, smell, hear and see?” 

Centro de Alabanza welcomed participants to their building for a time of reflection and sharing after lunch.

After lunch we returned to the church to share the stories of our experiences. We told of the aromas, flavors, and colors of the delicious food we ate. Some of us admitted our reluctance to try a new cuisine only to discover how tasty the food was. Several women felt vulnerable walking in the city. Others noted birds singing amid the loud traffic noise and flowers and vegetables growing in planters along with garbage. Two groups encountered those who were unhoused and shared their responses to them. Others were surprised to receive hospitality. All of us agreed that the Holy Spirit was active in our small simple interactions and observations.

For those of us from more rural or suburban places, to confront our fears, to be surprised, and notice that God is in the city is an intercultural bridge we are called to walk. Maybe traffic goes the other way on the bridge too. Urbanites might need to learn to see God in our rural or suburban neighborhoods. Thank you to Intercultural and Missional Teams for giving us the opportunity to notice God at work in the city. 

Wayne & Mary Nitzsche

Wayne and Mary Nitzsche are Midwest natives. Wayne is the pastor of Perkasie (PA) Mennonite Church, and Mary is a Leadership Minister for Mosaic Conference. They have two adult daughters, Alison and Megan, sons-in-law, Michael and David, and two delightful grandchildren, William and Audrey.

What Color Am I?

August 10, 2023 by Cindy Angela

I was intrigued by zinnias on the buffet table when I arrived at Mosaic’s first White Caucus on July 30 at Salford Mennonite Church (Harleysville, PA). A new variety with speckles was mixed in with the brilliantly colored flowers. I am drawn to color, and yet here I was at a White caucus group. What was I doing?

(L-R) KrisAnne Swartley, Berdine Leinbach, and Emma Frederick enjoy good food and fellowship at the White caucus gathering at Salford on July 30. Photo by Jordan Luther.

Andrew Zetts (Salford) made the most of the amazing weather by hosting the gathering outside. First, we savored a potluck meal with special music provided by local birds. Facilitators Jordan Luther (Methacton; Norristown, PA) and KrisAnne Swartley (Doylestown) created a friendly, safe space for this small gathering of participants from Plains, Souderton, Doylestown, Methacton, and Salford congregations.

Next, KrisAnne Swartley shared how this gathering grew from a request of Mosaic’s Intercultural Committee. Each race and ethnic group within Mosaic Conference meets as a caucus for encouragement, growth, and accountability, so it seemed like a White group should meet, too. Meeting in a caucus can prepare us to interact in a multicultural environment with more cultural awareness and mutual respect.

After prayer, we collaborated on a memory-based retelling of the story of Peter and Cornelius from Acts. We noticed long-held traditions being challenged, personal emotions, and people listening. God felt the need to repeat the message 3 times. The Holy Spirit falling on this diverse group was powerful. The gospel is for all!

Jordan Luther then invited us to reflect on our experiences as White people in a race-based society. How/when did you become aware of your race? Was there a time you learned about your race from an uncomfortable experience? The conversation flowed easily even though I had never met any of these people before. Each of us had different experiences and perspectives on being White. Points of connection were made, and patterns were noticed. The time was blessed.

While counterintuitive, meeting as a White caucus for reflection shows respect for our brothers and sisters of color. Whites need to intentionally do some antiracism work on their own. I know I have much to learn. Current society gives me the choice to think about my race or not. Others are forced to deal with it every day.

I don’t like clicking a box saying I am just White. My identity is so much more in Christ. However, I can grow in awareness, consider new perspectives, and seek mutual transformation with all of God’s family.

Who knows what Mosaic’s mutual transformation will eventually look like, but maybe we will be like a colorful garden with some speckled zinnias!

Speckled zinnias. Photo by Jordan Luther.

If you would like more information about joining the White caucus or another caucus, contact Danilo Sanchez, Mosaic’s Leadership Minister for Intercultural Transformation.

Mosaic Conference Launches a White Caucus

July 13, 2023 by Cindy Angela

The Mosaic Intercultural Committee is starting a White Caucus for active, inactive, and retired White credentialed leaders. A White Caucus is a dedicated space for White people to talk openly about Whiteness, White privilege, and White supremacy culture. The purpose is to counsel one another on how to live into more mutually transformative relationships across racial, ethnic, and cultural differences. As followers of Jesus, we desire to share in Peter’s declaration in Acts 10 when he was changed through his encounter with God and the Gentile Cornelius “that God doesn’t show partiality to one group of people over another…He is Lord of all!”

The first Mosaic White Caucus will be Sunday, July 30 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. The group will meet in the fellowship hall at Salford Mennonite Church for a potluck meal and a group discussion. Salford Mennonite Church is located at 480 Groff Mill Road, Harleysville, PA. KrisAnne Swartley (Doylestown) and Jordan Luther (Methacton) will serve as facilitators.

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to help you learn more about the White Caucus and what to expect:

What is a caucus? A group of people coming together around a specific topic/issue, for discussion and counsel. Our topic is White culture. It is a place of healthy accountability rather than a place of blame or shame. It may even be fun! This caucus is an extension of the Mosaic Intercultural Committee’s work. In intercultural relationships, we periodically meet within our culture so that we are equipped to better relate to others outside of our culture. Caucusing is one tool we have, among many, for deepening our relationships both within and beyond our cultural background.

Why a White caucus as opposed to a diverse group? It provides a place where White people hold one another accountable for their own responsibility to organize and take action as they are willing and able. It frees people of color from the burden of educating and helping White people to learn and grow in the areas of anti-racism and mutual transformation. People of color are always welcome to come and observe and offer observations after the meeting.

What will happen at a meeting? We will build relationships of joy and trust by meeting regularly (every 6 weeks to start). We will center our anti-racism and mutual transformation in our Christian spirituality and discipleship. We will reflect on what we want to learn about anti-racism and ways we desire to practice it. We will learn and grow as we share openly our successes and shortcomings from our everyday intercultural relationships.

What will the meetings be like? We will begin with food and games, pot-luck style, during the first hour. At the beginning of the second hour, we will gather with a simple centering practice, followed by reflective sharing around our anti-racism theme. We will close the second hour with prayer and singing.

For questions or more information regarding the White Caucus, please contact Danilo Sanchez, Mosaic Leadership Minister for Intercultural Transformation.

Lenape Asks PA Mennonites for Land to Bury Their Ancestors

May 25, 2023 by Cindy Angela

by Eileen Kinch

The Mennonite Heritage Center, a Conference Related Ministry (CRM) in Harleysville, PA, welcomed the Lenape (Delaware) tribe of Bartlesville, OK, on April 12. After a potluck supper with local Mennonites, Chief Brad KillsCrow, tribal elder John Thomas, and tribal historic preservation officer Susan Bachor presented their request: land to bury their ancestors.

Since 1990, the Native American Graves and Protection and Repatriation Act has required that museums and universities return Indigenous human remains and funerary items after consulting with descendants and tribal organizations. As Indigenous groups receive the bones of their ancestors, however, some tribes face the next question: where to bury them.

Mennonites arrived in southeastern Pennsylvania in 1683 and many now live on the Lenape ancestral homeland, which encompasses greater Philadelphia, New Jersey, and parts of New York.

“We have no presence in our homeland,” KillsCrow said. “How do we put our ancestors back in the ground?”

The Lenape have already worked with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to bury about 200 ancestors at Pennsbury Manor, William Penn’s country estate in Morrisville, in 2022. But thousands still need burial space.

Addressing the crowd of 120 gathered in the Mennonite Heritage Center barn, KillsCrow said, “Our ancestors helped you. Your ancestors helped us. I humbly ask if there is anything you can do.” He suggested a few acres, preferably an open meadow in a remote location. The Lenape would like to bury their ancestors with traditional ceremonies.

The Lenape had considered burying their ancestors in Oklahoma, KillsCrow said, but tribal elders pointed out these ancestors never lived in Oklahoma. The Lenape settled there in the 1860s after gradual displacement from Pennsylvania by European expansion and then forced removal by the US government. The Lenape want to honor their ancestors, whose bones have been kept in museums and other institutions, by bringing them home.

The event took place after a year of conversation between John Thomas, a Lenape tribal elder, and John L. Ruth, a noted historian of Mennonites in eastern Pennsylvania. The two men first met in 2022 at the Perkiomen Valley School District’s dedication of the Lenape Arboretum. The southeastern Pennsylvania school district partners with Ursinus College on the Welcome Home Project, which honors the history and culture of the Lenape people.

As Ruth and Thomas talked, they discovered they had common roots in southeastern Pennsylvania. Ruth’s Mennonite family has lived in the area since the early 1700s. Thomas’ ancestors lived on the same land for thousands of years before that. Eventually, Ruth said, “My people have been living on your land for 300 years. We didn’t run you off or kill you. We prospered here. We have freedom. What can we do to help you?”

Thomas responded, “We need a place to bury our ancestors.”

Ruth began to lay groundwork with Mosaic Mennonites. In November, Ruth introduced Thomas and his wife, Faye, to about 80 people gathered at the Salford (Harleysville, PA) Mennonite meetinghouse. Ruth also gave a talk at the Mennonite Heritage Center about his own journey with Lenape history.

At the April 12 meeting, Bachor, the tribal historic preservation officer, said it is not appropriate for ancestors to be buried in Mennonite church graveyards. She also requested Mennonites not offer land with a known history. “We also have to look out for everybody’s historic preservation,” she said. Archaeological research is more expensive for lands with known histories.

The evening ended with John Ruth leading the group in singing “Blessed Be the Tie That Binds.” At a follow-up discussion on April 25 at the Mennonite Heritage Center, attendees reflected on the conversation with the Lenape and discussed possible ways to continue Lenape-Mennonite dialogue and to respond to the land request.

Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in Anabaptist World on April 20, 2023 and is reprinted here with permission. To view the original article, click here.

Eileen Kinch

Eileen Kinch is a writer and editor for the Mosaic communication team. She holds a Master of Divinity degree, with an emphasis in the Ministry of Writing, from Earlham School of Religion. She and her husband, Joel Nofziger, who serves as director of the Mennonite Heritage Center in Harleysville, live near Tylersport, PA. They attend Methacton Mennonite Church. Eileen is also a member of Keystone Fellowship Friends Meeting in Lancaster County.

Been in the Struggle

May 18, 2023 by Cindy Angela

Reflections on Mosaic’s Intercultural Book Study

by Tim Weaver

The book, Been in The Struggle: Pursuing an Antiracist Spirituality, invites the Anabaptist community to examine our history of resistance to antiracism work in light of our commitment to following the way of Jesus. The authors, Tobin Miller Shearer (a white man) and Regina Shands Stoltzfus (an African American woman), have worked together for more than 30 years around the task of antiracism. They shared stories of both grief and joy in examining the church’s willingness to address white supremacy in our life together. I was part of a Mosaic Conference discussion group for this book. We were an even mix of men and women, with people of color being the majority represented.

“An Antiracist spirituality is a way of being in the world that draws on the Spirit to encourage, empower, and enthuse the action of undermining systems of White supremacy around us.” Our group learned that an antiracist spirituality is a resource to sustain the struggle against racism, to invite growth in our lives, and to help us learn to be humans who refuse to give in to white supremacist power. It is learning to love with integrity and to be authentic in our work and our witness.

An antiracist spirituality values stories and relationships. There was a profound respect among us as our group met together. As we shared, it was sobering to hear accounts of white supremacy in our neighborhoods and our churches. Our faith stories center on our conviction that God loves ALL the world. Life has not been equal for people of color, even within the church. Even though Jesus indicated that the Kingdom of God has come near, many people of color have found themselves to be second class citizens in the church.

We examined how Whiteness has often been seen as the norm and how segregation did not happen accidentally. An insight that was new to me was how Whites often view racism in interpersonal ways, which made me wonder, as a White man: Have I demonstrated racism in any relationships that I have? However, African Americans often understand racism as systemic in nature and not in specific interpersonal relationships.

An antiracist spirituality does not ignore the past, yet it calls us to move forward. It names our errors when we have fallen short, and it boldly makes public our commitment to being antiracist. It is done effectively as we work together as a community. We need the voices of the elders who have been in the struggle before us and to listen to their words of wisdom for our current time.

As we completed our book study, I found myself reminded that in Christ there is no longer Jew or Greek, male or female. The book of Revelation says there will be a great multitude from every nation, tribe, and language—and here and now, I want to surround myself with a community that is committed to telling the truth about our history, working to interrupt systems of oppression, and seeking the healing of those who have been or continue to be harmed. Will our church communities be places that focus on the hurts of the world and that respond with courage and integrity?

Tim Weaver

Tim Weaver recently retired as Chaplain from The Community at Rockhill (Sellersville, PA). His ministry experience included leadership training in Venezuela, pastoring three congregations, and several interim pastorates. His spouse, Juanita, is a professor at Villanova University and they are parents to 2 daughters and have 2 grandchildren and 3 granddogs. Tim lives in Perkasie, PA and attends Souderton (PA) Mennonite Church. He has traveled to Honduras annually with Healthy Ninos Honduras for 20+ years.

Sanchez Named Leadership Minister for Intercultural Transformation

June 9, 2022 by Conference Office

Mosaic Conference has named Danilo Sanchez to a new position as Leadership Minister for Intercultural Transformation effective May 1, 2022. Sanchez had been part of Mosaic’s Youth Formation team over the last several years and also worked with intercultural initiatives. In his new role, Sanchez will support the work of the Intercultural Committee which began with the formation of Mosaic Conference in 2020.

Sanchez grew up as an active participant at Boyertown (PA) Mennonite Church. As an adult, he has worked with Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) and has served on the pastoral teams of Whitehall (PA) Mennonite Church and Ripple (Allentown, PA) congregation. Sanchez will continue his work with Ripple Community Inc (a Mosaic Conference-Related Ministry) and Ripple congregation. Sanchez’s experiences with diverse congregations combined with his deeply rooted commitment to Anabaptism and the various Mosiac communities are an exciting combination of passion and knowledge.

“Danilo brings a depth to our Conference work and broad relational connections,” said Stephen Kriss, Mosaic Conference Executive Minister. “His Spanish language skills help to strengthen bridges to our growing Spanish language communities. I’m grateful he was willing to step into this new role.”

Marta Castillo previously held this position and began a transition from the role when she began as Associate Executive Minister in February of this year. Sanchez will continue to serve as part of the Youth Formation Team and in his role as the Mosaic Conference representative to the board of Mennonite Central Committee East Coast. He also will serve as one of the Conference representatives to the Mennonite Church USA Constituency Leadership Council. Sanchez lives in Allentown, PA with his wife, Mary, and two daughters and will continue his work based in Allentown.

Haciendo Iglesia en Tiempos Difíciles (Doing Church in Difficult Times)

March 31, 2022 by Conference Office

Associate Executive Minister Marta Castillo and I traveled to Puerto Rico in mid-March and participated in the Convencion de Iglesias Menonita Evangelicas de Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico Mennonite Conference) as part of a Mosaic Conference Partner in Ministry exploratory trip.

This Convencion has a long and treasured history arising from Mennonite work that continues to this day. Marta and I had the opportunity to lead workshops, preach, and share about the work of Mosaic Conference.

When we arrived in San Juan, we were greeted by Pastor Jose Luis and Sister Linette Vargas. Marta and I stayed in different hosts’ homes in La Plata, the hometown where both my father and my wife, Juanita, grew up.

Mennonite Church of Aibonito, location of the closing worship service of the 74^th Annual Puerto Rico Mennonite Conference. Photo by Noel Santiago.

Early the next morning we made our way along winding, curving, and sometimes horseshoe turning roads, as we drove up to the beautiful, sunny, and breezy town of Barranquitas. Here, the Palo Hincado Church hosted the assembly.

Delegates and visitors gather for the PR Conference Assembly closing worship service and installation of the new Conference Executive Secretary, Jose Luis Vargas. Photo by Noel Santiago.

Delegates and visitors from the island gathered. COVID fist bumps, masked-covered smiles, and choruses of “Dios te bendiga, come estas, tanto tiempo” (God bless you, how are you, it’s been so long) filled the little church. Cars piled into the available parking spots and others had to find space where possible.

The sessions were called to order. The Assembly theme, “Haciendo Iglesia en Tiempos Difíciles,” (Doing Church in Difficult Times) was noted and the Exodus text read:

Éxodo 15:2 (NVI) – El SEÑOR es mi fuerza y mi cántico; él es mi salvación. Él es mi Dios, y lo alabaré; es el Dios de mi padre, y lo enalteceré. (Exodus 15:2 – The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him. ESV)

The worship was lively and uplifting; reports of 12 churches were read revealing active, community engaged churches seeking to grow through witness, service, and invitation. Quality, passionate leadership helped guide the work of the Convencion.

Challenging institutional realities were noted by their Conference Related Organizations and Institutions. The challenges at Academia Menonita Betania, a Mennonite K-12 school, are being navigated by competent, committed leaders who along with other organizations/institutions, support the work of the Convencion. Prayers for increased resources and teachers were lifted and continue to be welcomed.

The tasty and delicious Puerto Rican cuisine of arroz con gandules y pollo (yellow rice with peas and chicken) among other dishes, were graciously prepared and served by warm, friendly folks who expressed gratitude for the privilege of serving. As always, no puede faltar el cafecito (we can’t do without the coffee).

As Marta and I shared about Mosaic Conference, Convencion leaders received the affirmation of the assembly to explore the possibilities of a Partner in Ministry relationship between Mosaic and the Conference of Evangelical Mennonite Churches of Puerto Rico in the coming year. We look forward to what the Lord has in store for us as we walk together in this potential partnership.

Installation and commissioning of new Puerto Rico Conference Board members. Photo by Noel Santiago.

The climax of the assembly was the Sunday closing worship service held at the Iglesia Menonita de Aibonito (Aibonito Mennonite Church) where Pastor Jose Luis Vargas was installed as the Executive Secretary of the Convencion.

As Mosaic Conference, we’ll keep exploring what partnership possibilities might look like this year and trust that God’s kind and gracious guidance will clarify future possibilities that will continue to bear fruit for advancing God’s mission in the world.

Here I am, Lord

February 17, 2022 by Conference Office

Josué González, of Mosaic Conference, Elected as Moderator-Elect for Hispanic Mennonite Church

In a national assembly on January 29, 2022, Iglesia Menonita Hispana (IMH – Hispanic Mennonite Church) elected Josué González of Miami, FL, as moderator-elect.

Gonzalez is a founding member and elder of Iglesia Menonita Encuentro de Renovación (Encounter for Renewal Mennonite Church) in Miami, FL which is part of Mosaic Conference. He is a cargo flight dispatcher and is married to Noemi. González is also a student of the Instituto Bíblico Anabautista, (IBA – Hispanic Anabaptist Bible Institute) which is operated by Mennonite Education Agency (MEA). He is completing his final trimester and is set to graduate this Spring.

Iglesia Menonita Hispana is a Racial/Ethnic constituency group of Mennonite Church USA (MC USA) and reaches multicultural Hispanic and Latino/a Mennonites across the country.

González’ four-year term begins immediately. He will serve two years as moderator-elect and two years as moderator. He will also serve on the Constituency Leaders Council (CLC) of MC USA.

Marco Güete, Leadership Minister for Mosaic Conference and the director of MEA’s Hispanic Ministries Education programs, affirmed González’ readiness for this role.

“Josué has shown maturity, Christian spirituality, and intelligence serving on the local church board, and he will do well nationally with Iglesia Menonita Hispana,” Güete said.

María Teresa Pérez-Soto agrees. She is a leader of Encuentro de Renovación church and a tutor for IBA. “It is a blessing that Brother Josué González has been appointed moderator-elect of the Hispanic Mennonite Church board,” she said. “His dedication and commitment to the Lord’s work has been manifested in his Bible study with IBA and the help he has given to the local church as Treasurer. Through his passion for public speaking, Brother Josué will be a great asset for the board of IMH; additionally, he will ensure he moderates all meetings and assemblies fairly.”

González shared his thoughts about being called to a ministry position in the Hispanic Mennonite church. “When I started my studies at the Anabaptist Bible Institute, (IBA), my life changed and I started to think that God is training me not only to know more about him, but to serve him as a true disciple,” he said.

“I understood that I should work with the Mennonite Church and be able to help in the ministry where the Lord will use me. I just said, ‘Here I am Lord. I am willing to work for you.’ And this was how the Lord opened the doors to work with the intercultural committee of Mosaic [Mennonite Conference], and now with the Hispanic Mennonite Church USA,” reflected Gonzalez.

Ulises Arenas, the Executive Director of Iglesia Menonita Hispana, welcomed Josué, saying, “We appreciate Josué González becoming IMH’s new moderator-elect and we are blessed for his willingness to serve on the new IMH executive board. It is a pleasure for us to welcome Josue and work with him.”