Mosaic Mennonites

Missional - Intercultural - Formational

Mary Nitzsche

Reflections on Seven Years with Mosaic Conference

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by Mary Nitzche

In the spring of 2017, I was invited to serve as Associate Executive Minister beginning July 1. For nearly five years I served in this role until my successor, Marta Castillo, began in February 2022. Since then, I have been gradually letting go of some responsibilities while assuming new roles. February 2022, I began a two-year administrative role with the Mosaic Board and Executive Committee. In January 2024, I was invited to a one-year interim Leadership Minister role with Hendy Matahelemual for our three Indonesian congregations in California. One role I continued throughout my tenure with Mosaic was serving as Leadership Minister for the Alpha, Fairfield, and Taftsville congregations. At the end of September, I will be fully retiring. (No more asks, Steve!)

As I reflect on my seven years with Mosaic Conference, relationships that formed brought me gratitude, joy, and challenge. 

Gratitude

I am so grateful for the team of colleagues I worked alongside. I value the comradery, and unique gifts, perspectives, and wisdom they each bring to our team.  

Each time I was ready to release responsibilities, one of our staff members was prepared and willing to assume the role. I am so grateful for competent, committed, and younger leaders who are serving well as I let go. The vision for developing younger leaders is bearing much fruit. 

I am grateful for our conference priorities, particularly nurturing intercultural connections. The diversity of our staff and member congregations reflects our intentionality and hard work of welcoming and becoming more culturally sensitive. 

Joys

Relationships with colleagues, pastors, conference and congregational leaders, and leaders within Mennonite Church USA (Conference Ministers and Constituency Leader Council members) has been an invaluable gift. 

Leading two groups, women pastors and leaders and chaplains has been gratifying.  I witnessed the care, support, and encouragement given to each other as they faced opportunities, challenges, and transitions in their ministry settings. 

Assisting new leaders through the credential process was tedious and inspiring, especially hearing their stories of call to ministry. Participating in or attending their licensing and ordination services, reminded me of the Holy Spirit’s mysterious and holy activity in calling, preparing, and empowering leaders to serve in a variety of ministry roles and settings. 

Interviewing women who were first to be credentialed in our conference (Franconia, Eastern District, and Mosaic) and representing different cultural groups has been another holy experience.  

Challenges/laments

As the credentialing process became more complex given the nuances of our growing cultural diversity, I realized it was time for me to make room for someone more gifted and experienced.  

Conflict over theological differences was also beginning to wear on me even though, from our origins as Anabaptists, this has been an ongoing struggle. 

While I cherish all the relationships, new understandings gained, and rich experiences of the last seven years, it is time to retire. In each step of my long discernment process toward retirement, I recognized my priorities were shifting. The demands of the work physically, emotionally, intellectually, and interculturally were beginning to stretch me in body, mind, and spirit. 

Thank you, Mosaic Conference for the privilege of serving in a variety of roles with your trust and support each step of the way. 

Mary Nitzsche

Mary Nitzsche is a Leadership Minister for Mosaic Conference. She and her husband, Wayne, are Midwest natives. They have two adult daughters, Alison and Megan, sons-in-law, Michael and David, and two delightful grandchildren, William and Audrey. Mary enjoys spending time with family and friends, walking, knitting, sewing, and cooking.

Differences That Unify, Not Divide

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by Mary Nitzsche

When I was in the ordination process, I was serving as a Leadership Minister for Ohio Conference of Mennonite Church USA. Since I was not pastoring a congregation, the pastors I accompanied were asked to evaluate my readiness for ordination. One pastor, whom I will call Sam, struggled with whether he could support my ordination given his theological interpretation of scripture. Sam took this matter so seriously that he re-read the scriptures about the role of women in leadership, discussed his perspective with trusted colleagues, and prayed about this decision. In his prayerful discernment, he came to his prior conclusion that women should not be ordained.  

Sam communicated his position in a lengthy written document sent certified mail to me and multiple conference leaders. The letter ended with his conviction that he would not stand in the way of the conference decision. There were no threats to leave the conference or denomination if there was support for my ordination. There were no threats he would no longer accept my leadership role in accompanying him in ministry.

Mary Nitzsche (left) was ordained as Regional Pastor of Ohio Conference at Oak Grove Mennonite Church in Smithville, OH on November 16, 1997. Photo provided by Mary Nitzsche.

 

My ordination was supported by the other pastors, conference leadership, and the Ministerial Committee of Ohio Conference and Central District Conference. With his congregational responsibilities, Sam was not able to attend my ordination on November 16, 1997, 26 years ago. 

Because I was unsure of how my ordination would impact our relationship, it took six months after my ordination to have the courage to call Sam. I asked if I could visit his congregation and get to know them. The first thing out of Sam’s mouth was, “Would you be willing to preach?”  

I was shocked and I hesitated to respond. How could he invite me to preach in his congregation while not endorsing the ordination of women, I wondered. Without needing to understand his reasoning, I accepted the invitation with humility and tears of joy. I had experienced God’s grace like never before.  

From this gracious brother, I learned the importance and priority of relationship over belief. I learned the importance of prayerful discernment on matters of belief with an openness to new interpretations. I learned that two people can take scripture seriously, study it carefully, follow Jesus faithfully, and interpret the same scripture differently. I learned that when there is disagreement, there can be mutual respect rather than judgment, and a willingness to remain in fellowship rather than separate. While I understand there are times when separation may be best for a relationship or faith community, I do not believe this should be the norm.  

Before his impending death on the cross, Jesus’ prayed three times for his current and future disciples, “that they will all be one–as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” (John 17:21 NLT). Jesus’ disciples had different personalities and different understandings of Jesus and his mission, and as such, the oneness to which Jesus was calling them did not mean sameness. 

Jesus’ invitation was to remain in relationship even when perspectives are different. In a polarized world in Jesus’ time and now, oneness is a sign of faithfully following the teaching and practices of Jesus. I learned this 26 years ago from my gracious brother in Christ, and I hope my life has demonstrated Jesus’ prayer over these many years of ministry.  

Mary Nitzsche

Mary Nitzsche is a Leadership Minister for Mosaic Conference. She and her husband, Wayne, are Midwest natives. They have two adult daughters, Alison and Megan, son-in-laws, Michael and David, and two grandchildren.

Building Community: When the Spirit Unexpectedly Changes Us 

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Lately I have been reminded of the Spirit’s unexpected, mysterious, and holy transforming work. Our knowledge, understanding, and experiences of God and faith are limited given our culture, families, friendships, faith traditions, and life experiences. These relationships and our experiences form us and shape our beliefs and perspectives.   

It is easy to get locked into our perspectives as being “right and faithful.” It is difficult to see God, faith, and life from another perspective unless life’s circumstances or relationships challenge our understandings. But these are the circumstances which the Spirit’s unexpected, mysterious, and holy transforming work often happens. 

Being a part of a faith community all my life, I have a perspective of what community is and how to build community in that setting. In times of challenge, pain, suffering, I rely on my faith community to strengthen, care, and offer hope. Like many Christians, I have wondered how people who do not claim faith get through difficulties without faith in God or a faith community to provide support and hope.  

Recently, my perspective of community was expanded beyond my “churchy” understanding and experience. I witnessed the power of a group of friends gathered in a non-church setting — a bar — having deep, authentic conversations. These friends have been present to listen, care, and support each other during a cancer diagnosis or treatment, job challenge or loss, or death of a family member. 

Photo by Daniel Funes Fuentes on Unsplash

I also witnessed the importance and value of community building at my grandson’s school. Administration, teachers, and staff work diligently to connect students and their families of different or mixed cultures and religions to feel valued, included, and accepted. At school assemblies, activities, and programs, the diversity and uniqueness of their students and community is highlighted and celebrated. 

I have also witnessed how tragedies, addictions, or mental illness provide opportunities for building communities of support, care, accountability, and hope. The groups that form around a shared life experience often represent people of different cultures, faith experiences or traditions, and sexual identities. These groups are often more accepting, authentic, vulnerable, and open to sharing deeply, holding each other accountable, and honoring their differences than I experience in the church. 

In these three examples, I am reminded that the Spirit’s unexpected, mysterious, and holy transforming work often involves circumstances and people that challenge my perspectives. The Apostle Paul wise words in 1 Cor. 13:12-13 reminds me, “Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely” (NTL). 

In these three examples, I learned that the Christian church is not the only entity intentionally valuing and building supportive, caring, compassionate, and accountable communities where all its members are valued. Unfortunately, the church often divides over theological disagreements rather than doing the difficult, slow work of building a community that acknowledges, owns, and learns to live with their diversity. This Spirit-led and mutually transforming work requires attentiveness, humility, curiosity, patience, and grace for self and the other.  

My perspective and understanding of God, life, and community are expanded when I allow the Spirit to soften, shape, and lead me. 

Reframing the To-Do List 

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by Mary Nitzsche

I am a list maker. Having a weekly plan for how to use my time brings order and structure to my life. I maintain two lists: one for household and one for work-related tasks. Since semi-retiring a year ago, my work list has shortened while my household list has increased to include items for which I did not have or take time while working more hours. To remain sane, I learned the practice of dividing household tasks and errands among weekdays, rather than relegating everything to the weekend. Crossing off an item on my list brings me great satisfaction. What happens if I don’t get everything on my list done because I lack energy, motivation, or time?  What if an unexpected and higher priority situation emerges? Do I beat up on myself? I have learned the importance of offering myself grace to save unfinished tasks for another day without belittling or judging my self-worth or value. 

I recently listened to a podcast that reframed the “to-do list” differently. Rather than focusing on what could be accomplished to feel good about oneself, the focus was on one’s values. When making a list for the day, the question becomes: “What do I need to do today that reflects my values?” 

I share some of my values and ways they might create my “to-do list”: 

  • Living in the present moment prompts me to ask: What are one or two things that might bring me joy and delight today?
  • Connecting with others prompts me to ask: How do I want to connect with family, friends, neighbors, church family, or people I meet today? 
  • Caring for myself prompts me to ask: What will promote my well-being today?  
  • Respecting creation by how I live and act prompts me to ask: How might my living today honor and sustain creation?  
  • Expressing gratitude prompts me to ask: What am I thankful for, and how will I express gratitude today?  
  • Taking time to reflect on my life prompts me to ask: What can I learn and change in the experiences I had today or this week? How will I enact what I learn from my mistakes?
  • Living simply prompts me to ask: What is my fair share today and how will my actions and decisions reflect this balance?  
  • Serving others prompts me to ask: Lord, who are you nudging me to serve today and how can I serve them for their well-being? 

While I admit my list seems lofty and rather ideal, it frames list-making in a way that prioritizes my values. The laundry, meal preparation, cleaning, and grocery shopping needs to be done each week, but my values will guide how I carry out these actions. 

Jesus told Martha, who had a long to-do list, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing” (Luke 10:41-42a, NRSV). Jesus seemed to be encouraging Martha to focus on what she valued. I believe Jesus also invites us to give priority each day to what we value rather than on accomplishing all we can. 

What would your “to-do list” look like if it was created with your primary values in mind? 

Mary Nitzsche

Mary Nitzsche is a Leadership Minister for Mosaic Conference. She and her husband, Wayne, are Midwest natives. They have two adult daughters, Alison and Megan, son-in-laws, Michael and David, and one delightful grandson, William.

Living in Freedom

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By Mary Nitzsche

In the past few years, I have heard a lot of demand for personal freedom and the right to make choices based upon these freedoms—right to possess and carry arms, right to make decisions about COVID guidelines or mandates, right to make decisions about my body, the right to believe and worship without fear. According to our Declaration of Independence, “No one is born with a natural right to rule over others without their consent, and that governments are obligated to apply the law equally to everyone.” Our national anthem states we live in “the land of the free.”  I hope when we read the rights of living in the “land of the free,” we are mindful and acknowledge that all people do not experience these freedoms equally. 

Our Declaration of Independence and national anthem stress the importance and value of personal freedom. But as followers of Jesus, what does it mean to live in freedom? Is our understanding of freedom different or does it mirror what is believed, spoken, or enacted in our country?  

The Apostle Paul taught that love of self and neighbor would guide behaviors and actions, not the ethic of personal freedom. “For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another. For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:13-14 (NRSV) 

As followers of Jesus, we are called to freedom. How does the ethic of love make a difference in the choices we make? 

  • We respect the needs and desires of others as we respect our needs and desires. During this time of COVID, we may choose to wear a mask in the presence of a person who is immune compromised.  
  • We speak and live what we value and believe. We may also choose to respect those whose values, beliefs, lifestyle, and actions differ from ours rather than judge, condemn, or expect them to change and become like us. 
  • We accept others for who they are, not who we would like them to be. We may choose to stay connected rather than disconnect even when it is a struggle. 
  • We choose practices that respect and honor all of creation rather than practices that endanger, harm or exploit. We may choose to ride a bike rather than own a car, recycle, compost garbage, or take our own bags to the store. 

Some of the ways I choose to live in freedom with love as my guiding principle include: 

  • Letting go of a need to control while also paying attention to my needs and priorities. 
  • Holding expectations or plans lightly, aware that expectations and plans may need to be adjusted. 
  • Releasing resentment rather than holding a grudge or letting resentment turn to bitterness. 
  • Letting go of my need to be right, recognizing others have perspectives I need to hear. 
  • Living with doubt or uncertainty even if it appears to be wishy washy or ambiguous. 
  • Accepting the limits of an aging body like forgetfulness, muscle weakness, stiffness, and achy joints. 

My prayer is that I use my personal freedom to speak and act according to the values Jesus taught and lived rather than using my personal freedom to speak and act in ways that elevate my rights, beliefs, and practices above what is important to others. 

Mary Nitzsche

Mary Nitzsche is a Leadership Minister for Mosaic Conference. She and her husband, Wayne, are Midwest natives. They have two adult daughters, Alison and Megan, son-in-laws, Michael and David, and one delightful grandson, William.

How Does Mosaic Select a New Assistant Moderator?

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The Mosaic Conference Board has elected Roy Williams, Pastor of College Hill Mennonite Church in Tampa, FL, as the Assistant Moderator-Elect for Mosaic Conference. The election of Williams is a new process, as this is the first time since the origin of Mosaic Conference in 2020 that we will be naming a new Assistant Moderator. Here are a few details, based on the by-laws of the Conference, on how this appointment is made.  

Appointment: 

The Assistant Moderator is elected by the Mosaic Conference Board by a majority affirmation. At the November Conference Assembly, the Delegate Assembly will be given the opportunity to affirm this appointment through a ballot process with a 50% vote of affirmation required.  

Criteria for determining who is appointed: 

All Conference Board members must be 18 years of age or older and a member of a Mosaic congregation. To be considered for the Assistant Moderator role, the person needs to have served on the Conference Board at least one term. 

While other criteria have not been specified in the Conference by-laws, qualities similar to delegates are considered: commitment to following Jesus, spiritual discernment and mature judgment, active involvement in their congregation or in the Conference, experience serving on committee or boards, and attention to geographic and cultural representation of our Conference members. 

Length of Service: 

A term for Conference Board and Committee members is three (3) years. The Assistant Moderator serves for one term in this role and ascends to the role of Moderator with approval of the Conference Board. The Moderator serves for one term. 

Responsibilities of Assistant Moderator: 

The Assistant Moderator serves as vice chair of Conference Board and Chair of the Nominating Committee. In addition, the Assistant Moderator will chair Board and Executive Committee meetings in the absence of the Moderator or fulfill other duties as assigned by the Conference Board or Moderator. 

Transition: 

Technically, our by-laws state that the new leaders will commence serving in their role at the first meeting after affirmation by the Delegate body. This means the transition from Assistant Moderator to Moderator takes place January 1. If approved by the Delegate Assembly, Williams will become Assistant Moderator and Angela Moyer Walter will become Moderator on January 1, 2023 . Ken Burkholder will conclude his term as Moderator on December 31, 2022. 

If the Assistant Moderator role is vacated between terms, chooses not to ascend to the Moderator role, or if the ascension of the Assistant Moderator is not approved by a majority vote, the remaining Board members may make an appointment by majority vote.

Out of the Clear Blue

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Mary Nitzsche, Associate Executive Minister for Mosaic Conference, will retire from her executive role on January 31; she will remain working as a Leadership Minister for three Mosaic churches.

Nitzsche’s journey to Mosaic Conference leadership has been full of unexpected calls, adjustments, joy, and fulfillment. She graduated from Goshen (IN) College with a degree in Elementary Education and taught for three years, including two years in a one room schoolhouse in Nebraska before moving to Elkhart, IN so her husband, Wayne, could study at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS).

While at AMBS, Mary worked part-time in the seminary library and enjoyed taking a few classes through a spousal discount. It was then that Mary felt her first sense of call to ministry, but instead, prioritized starting a family.

Although Mary enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom while Wayne pastored a church in Wooster, OH, she continued to feel drawn to ministry. Fortunately, Ashland Seminary was very close by. Three years later, she obtained her M.A. in pastoral counseling.

Just as Nitzsche earned her degree, she and Wayne were asked to serve as regional pastors (similar to Mosaic’s Leadership Ministers) for Ohio Conference. Mary had no pastoral experience at this time and felt “woefully inadequate.” But, “the Conference pastor firmly believed in me,” Mary recalled. As time went on, she found herself “being drawn into the conference work more than the counseling, which surprised me, since I went to seminary for counseling,” Mary reflected.

Mary Nitzsche (left) was ordained as Regional Pastor of Ohio Conference at Oak Grove Mennonite Church in Smithville, OH on November 16, 1997. Photo provided by Mary Nitzsche.

Mary had served as Regional Minister for Ohio Conference for over 12 years when Blooming Glen (PA) Mennonite Church called with an invitation to consider a pastoral role. Again, Mary felt inadequate, since she had never served as a congregational pastor. While Mary was intrigued, moving to a different state, without a job for Wayne, felt very risky. But together, they stepped out in faith. During Mary’s candidacy weekend at Blooming Glen, Wayne interviewed for, and eventually became, pastor of Perkasie (PA) Mennonite Church.

While a pastor at Blooming Glen Mennonite Church, Mary Nitzsche baptized Frank Odongo as Pastor Michael Bishop assisted. Photo provided by Mary Nitzsche.

For ten years, Mary pastored at Blooming Glen, assuming she would retire there. But Steve Kriss, Executive Minister of Franconia Conference, called with an invitation to Mary to consider the role of Associate Executive Minister, starting in July 2017. “Mary’s pastoral gifts, deep wisdom, attention both to healthy relationships and to process are gifts that have strengthened our Conference communities in these last five years,” Kriss reflected on that call.

“I felt very fulfilled at Blooming Glen, thinking I would just gradually decrease my hours until retirement, until Steve approached,” Mary shared. “I’ve always been surprised with the calls that come to me out of the clear blue. It seemed like others noticed my gifts and had confidence in my skills before I did.”

During her years as Associate Executive Minister, Nitzsche has worked often with Conference policies. “Policies are really important, but they have to be flexible and backed up with relationship,” Nitzsche noted. As her relationships grew, she realized the importance of understanding other cultures. What is normative and appropriate for one group of people may not translate to another. As a result, Nitzsche invested a lot of energy into being more culturally sensitive. “I’ve learned to pay attention to those things and depend on people from other cultures to help shape those processes and policies. It is very rewarding and has enriched my life.”

As Associate Executive Minister of Mosaic Conference, Mary Nitzsche preached at Methacton Mennonite Church in February 2019. Photo provided by Mary Nitzsche.

Nitzsche will perhaps miss this interaction across cultures the most with her retirement. “I’m going to have to be more intentional to include cultural diversity as an ongoing part of my life,” Nitzsche said. “That has been a gift from the Conference.” She also will miss being a part of credentialing interviews—walking with pastors and hearing their stories.

Nitzsche is delighted that Marta Castillo will be stepping into the Associate Executive Minister role on February 1. “She has a great awareness of cultural diversity and speaks three Mosaic languages,” Nitzsche explained. “She’ll be wonderful in this role.”

Annoyances, Frustrations, & Inconveniences

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How do you respond when your plans change unexpectedly causing annoyance and inconvenience? I recently had one of these minor annoyances traveling home from California. My travel plans had to be adjusted after my first flight was delayed.  

As I began processing how this minor annoyance would affect me, I thought about all the negative impacts. How would I spend five hours in an airport waiting for my flight to Philadelphia? Would I be able to get comfortable and sleep on my five-hour, overnight flight? Would I be able to stay awake and get my work done while sleep deprived once home? How will this disruption affect my sleep cycle over the next several days?  

Then I began thinking about others impacted by flight delays and cancellations. Airline staff are overworked and stressed due to staff shortages, added work demands, and a growing number of aggressive passengers. Travelers whose work schedules, vacation, or special event cannot be rescheduled or require additional expenses also are stressed. I understand the increasing impatience and irritability dealing with the annoyance and inconvenience of travel disruptions. 

My thoughts shifted to people dealing with other disruptive and life-altering circumstances: the death of a spouse, family member, or close friend; news of a terminal illness, debilitating condition, medical treatment with major side effects; job loss or transition; house eviction, devastating natural disaster, or resettlement in a new country. What I was experiencing was so minimal in comparison to many dealing with loss, grief, and trauma.  

How would I respond to this minor annoyance and inconvenience? I could not change my circumstances, but I could control my response.  

Three things that helped me were naming and processing my feelings, expressing gratitude for the good that emerged, and accepting what I could not change. I processed my feelings and frustrations by writing this article and talking with family members. I prayed and took a walk. In other annoying situations, I processed my feelings by listening to peaceful music, reciting a scripture, or repeating a calming phrase.  

Reminding myself of what I am grateful for keeps my mind focused on the good that emerges rather than my frustration or resentment. I was fortunate for the option to schedule a different flight, helpful and courteous airline staff, patient and respectful passengers, financial resources to travel, good health and being vaccinated, and supportive family praying for me. 

I could not change my situation, but I could accept my circumstances even with the challenges. Reaching out for assistance from others helped me know I was not alone. My husband helped me look for other flight options and decide which option was best. Several family members sent supportive and encouraging text messages as I waited in airports. I prayed for patience and strength. Having support from family and the Holy Spirit helped me accept my circumstances and gave me peace and hope to persevere.  

I am reminded of these three practices in dealing with life’s annoyances when looking to the Psalms. Psalm 77 begins with a complaint for life’s circumstances. “I am so troubled I cannot speak … Has God forgotten to be gracious?” (Ps. 77: 4, 9, NRSV) This complaint is followed by an expression of gratitude. “I will call to mind the deeds of the Lord … I will meditate on all your work” (Ps. 77:11-12). Gratitude leads to acceptance, bringing peace and hope for restoration. “With your strong arm you redeemed your people” (Ps. 77:15). 

Using these three helpful practices to deal with life’s minor annoyances, encourages me to make choices that offer peace and hope.