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Mennonite Church USA Convention 2.0

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Mennonite Church USA Convention 2009 will take place in Columbus, Ohio, June 30 to July 5, but people who don’t make the trip physically can still experience convention on the Internet like never before.

The Executive Leadership communications team will provide Web and social media coverage of the churchwide convention for the first time this year. In addition to the official convention web site there will be a presence on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube as well as a Blip.tv channel.

The overall strategy for using social media to keep all parts of Mennonite Church USA connected to the convention was shaped by communications intern Tim Blaum of Goshen, Ind., and Web content manager for Mennonite Church USA Executive Leadership Chris Rahe.

“We see this as an opportunity to experiment and seek new ways of allowing convention participants to help us tell the story of what happens at conventions,” Rahe said. “We know that Mennonites are increasingly taking cues from our society, and we want to make sure we’re communicating in ways that allow us to interact and be relevant in the 21st Century.”

New videos will be uploaded to YouTube and Blip.tv daily during Convention 2009. Videos will include exclusive interviews with some of the speakers and presenters, other scenes from the convention and daily video updates.

To access the Convention 2009 videos, visit the YouTube site here.

Twitter users inside and outside of Columbus will be able to interact in real time by following the MC USA Twitter link where convention goers will be able to post about their experiences 140 characters at a time. A hashtag of #MC_USA09 has been suggested for all convention-related posts. Twitter accounts are not necessary to see the posts.

Others may be more comfortable with Facebook. Mennonite Church USA has had a Facebook page as well as a convention Facebook group since last year, and the pages will be regularly updated throughout convention. People can join the convention group by going to www.facebook.com and searching for “Mennonite Church USA Convention.”

Fans can upload photos and videos, post on the wall and join in convention discussions on the discussion board.

Rahe and Blaum are looking forward to reaching out in new ways.

“Social media are a great tool for the church to extend the Columbus experience to others outside the city,” Blaum said. “It also helps integrate with other communities in new ways by interacting with individuals who notice our activity in Columbus via our presence on the Web.”

Search committee reports progress

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Members of the Mennonite Church USA Executive Director Search Committee were initially told by some in the church that it would be difficult to find qualified individuals interested in becoming the new executive director of Mennonite Church USA. Some suggested that no one would complete an application without being specifically asked to do so.

After a June 6 meeting in Chicago, the search committee is delighted to report that these fears were unfounded. More than 80 people were nominated or self-applied for the executive director position. Most of these individuals were personally contacted by the committee, and many spent additional time praying and discerning about their personal call to this churchwide role.

One thing became very clear to the committee. Each of the more than 80 people nominated or who had applied for the position is deeply engaged with the vision and mission of Mennonite Church USA and in the work that God is doing in the world. Based on these contacts and the gifts these men and women possess, the search committee is confident that the future of Mennonite Church USA will remain strong and that its efforts to join in what God is doing in the world are on track.

Describing the search committee process, Keith Weaver, moderator of Lancaster Conference, said “I am impressed by the way the search committee continues to work together. We are now focusing on a smaller number of persons and we are beginning exploratory conversations with some potential candidates.”

Committee member David Sutter, a pastor of the Kern Road Mennonite Church in South Bend, Ind., added, “We feel that the individuals who have applied for or have expressed interest in this role have significant leadership gifts. Our commitment continues to open ourselves to the Spirit’s leading to identify the person who will best fit the leadership needs the church has identified for these times. As the process moves forward, we welcome new applications from anyone who feels called to apply. Until an individual is named to the position, the committee is open to consideration of all applications received. We give thanks for God’s leading.”

Juanita Nuñez, a search committee member and a pastor of Ebenezer Christian Church, Apopka, Fla., shared, “We are praying for our work and for all of the persons involved in the search process, and we are trusting in the leading of the Holy Spirit.”

In responding to questions about the progress of the search, Ed Diller, moderator-elect and chair of the search committee, has routinely responded, “Finding the right person is the most important work of the committee. While there may have been some advantages in introducing the new executive director at the Delegate Assembly in Columbus, the timing of the appointment has always been seen as secondary to finding the person that God is calling to this position at this time.”

The search committee continues to request for prayers from the church for the ongoing discernment process and asks all members of Mennonite Church USA congregations to pray that the Holy Spirit will be active within the committee and in the lives of all who are involved in the process.

New editorial director appointed for Herald Press Books

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Amy Gingerich, a member of Summit Mennonite Church in Barberton, Ohio, has been appointed to the newly created position of Herald Press editorial director at Mennonite Publishing Network (MPN).

“I am very excited about the work of Herald Press, and its mission of addressing issues important to Mennonites and other Christians today,” says Gingerich, presently working as managing editor of Gather ’Round, a Christian education curriculum for children, youth and adults published cooperatively by MPN and Brethren Press.

“At a time when many people are interested in Anabaptist ideas, I believe Herald Press can be the voice of Anabaptism to the broader church.”

At the same time, Gingerich is “passionate about the future of the Mennonite church. I look forward to collaborating with Mennonite agencies and authors on books that will shape our understandings of what it means to be followers of Jesus.”

“We are excited to have Amy join us,” says MPN executive director Ron Rempel. “Her passion and skills will help us to build on the strong foundation of Herald Press, and grow in new directions so we can better serve the church and its witness in the world.”

Prior to her work with Gather ’Round, Gingerich worked as a reporter, section editor, copy editor, columnist and page designer from 1998 to 2004 for the South Bend, Ind., Tribune and the Vacaville, Calif., Reporter.

In addition to teaching Sunday school and being part of the worship and nurture committee at her church, Gingerich is a member of the planning committee for the 2009 Mennonite Church USA Assembly.

Gingerich has a Master of Divinity from the Pacific School of Religion in Berkley, Calif., and a B.A. in communication and Bible-religion from Goshen College. She also studied at Eastern Mennonite Seminary.

Mennonite Publishing Network is the publishing agency of Mennonite Church USA and Mennonite Church Canada. It provides materials that equip the church to experience and share the gospel from an Anabaptist perspective.

Progress report from the search committee for Executive Director of Mennonite Church USA

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At its April meeting, the Executive Board approved a final job description for the new Executive Director. The description was significantly shaped by feedback the Search Committee received from many persons across the church. A priority for the committee has been to engage all of Mennonite Church USA in this process. Dave Sutter, committee member said “It is our goal to conduct this search in a way that models our theology of being an organic body where all parts work together for the common good.”

In its meeting, the Search Committee reflected on what was learned through this intensive listening process. Many persons expressed gratitude, and some surprise, for a process that is committed to authentically include and listen to all parts of the church. To be as inclusive as possible, search committee members made phone calls to young adults, adult members in the pew, conference leaders, executive board staff and former moderators. Other persons responded online to the invitation to send their perspectives to the Search Committee. Some just wanted to let the committee know they are in prayer for the search process and Mennonite Church USA during this time.

Some persons wanted the Executive Director to be a pastor while others wanted a “corporate type CEO.” Overall, the committee heard that people want someone with the heart of a pastor and the skills of a CEO. There was affirmation for an individual with the ability to “initiate and lead sustainable change.” The committee heard the desire for all parts of the denomination to effectively work together and be inspired by an Executive Director who calls us to walk together on the missional journey we are traveling, guided by the Holy Spirit.

Other modifications included changing the need to work out of the Newton or Elkhart office from essential to desirable and including a sense of humor as an essential quality. This was the fourth revision of the job description based on input from a variety of sources. The Search Committee appreciates the time, thoughts and prayers offered as part of the process.

As the search committee travels further along the discernment journey, committee members again request the prayers of everyone in the church. Often in the listening process committee members heard that this is a significant time in the life of the church and choosing the person God is preparing for this position is a critical decision. The committee heard a yearning to effectively and creatively move forward in bold witness to healing and hope through Jesus Christ. Committee chair Ed Diller said “We are so grateful for the counsel and prayers we have received. Now we ask you to pray for the committee as discernment continues and also to pray for the person whom God is already calling to this position.”

Members of the Search Committee include: Moderator-elect Ed Diller (chair) of Cincinnati, Ohio; Glen Guyton of Yorktown, Va.; Charlotte Hardt of Mount Vernon, Wash.; Sue Miller of Middlebury, Ind.; Juanita Nuñez of Ocoee, Fla.; Patty Shelly of Newton, Kan.; David Sutter of South Bend, Ind.; J. Richard Thomas of Lancaster, Pa.; and Keith Weaver of Reinholds, Pa. Moderator Sharon Waltner of Parker, S.D., is an ex officio committee member of the committee.

Bluffton announces 2009 area graduates

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From Bluffton University:

Bluffton University students, alumni and friends recently gathered for the institution’s annual May Day and commencement festivities, May 1-3. The institution’s 109th commencement ceremony, held on May 3, recognized 297 graduates—the largest class to leave Bluffton. This year’s commencement speaker was Dr. Ronald J.R. Mathies, former long-time executive director of Mennonite Central Committee and acting president of Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo, Ontario. He presented “Signposts of Security: Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges.” Prior to the students receiving their diplomas, Mathies was given an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.

Students from your area include:

    Elyse Renee Burckhart, daughter of Brian and Diane Burckhart, Telford, Pa., has earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. Burckhart is a member of Souderton Mennonite Church in Souderton.

    Jessica Leigh Cassel, daughter of Galen and Loralee Cassel, Quakertown, Pa., has earned a bachelor’s degree in religion with a minor in psychology. Cassel is a member of Souderton Mennonite Church in Souderton.

    Rachelle Diane Landis, daughter of Robert and Nancy Landis, Telford, Pa., has earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and intervention specialist. Landis is a member of Souderton Mennonite Church in Souderton.

    Brittany Joy Zeigler, daughter of Daniel and Lucinda Zeigler, Telford, Pa., has earned a bachelor’s degree in food and nutrition, with a minor in wellness. Zeigler is a member of Souderton Mennonite Church in Souderton.

For more information visit www.bluffton.edu.

MCC considers new vision, structure

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Tim Shenk, Mennonite Central Committee

Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is considering major organizational changes in order to work more closely with Anabaptist churches around the world in peace-building, development and relief.

MCC is nearing the end of an 18-month process, called “New Wine/New Wineskins,” that has involved several thousand people worldwide in discerning God’s call for MCC in the 21st century. The process has created recommendations for a new vision, organizational structure and global service forum.

About 100 participants will gather for a final summit in Hillsboro, Kan., from June 3 to 5 to debate, revise and approve recommendations for MCC’s vision and structure. The summit results will then be submitted for ratification by 12 MCC boards representing regional, national and binational offices in Canada and the U.S.

The proposed statement of common purpose defines MCC as “a ministry of Anabaptist churches worldwide participating in God’s work of reconciliation.” Justice and peace-building, sustainable development and disaster response and prevention are proposed as mission priorities. Anabaptist churches include Mennonites, Brethren in Christ and other related denominations.

The proposed structure moves MCC from being a Canadian and U.S. organization to a global entity, according to Arli Klassen, MCC executive director. A new, central MCC office would administer and be a resource to the entire system of MCC organizations. Programmatic work around the world, including in Canada and the U.S., would be the responsibility of MCC Canada, MCC U.S. and new MCC organizations accountable to Anabaptist churches in other countries.

The recommendations also call for Mennonite World Conference to lead a process that may result in a forum of global Anabaptist service agencies, of which MCC would be a member.

The recommendations do not include where the central MCC office might be located but it is likely that it would not be in Akron, Pa., where MCC U.S. is based and where MCC’s international operations have largely been headquartered, Klassen said.

Klassen emphasizes that MCC is committed to continuing its work in the name of Christ and to maintaining the trust of its donors, partner organizations and constituent churches.

“Underlying all of this, in order to make this successful, is trust,” Klassen said. “We need to trust that God is present in the middle of this process to strengthen MCC as a ministry of the global church.”

The New Wine/New Wineskins recommendations are available online here.

Soul-searching leads pastor to take radical journey with Jesus

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by Laurie Oswald Robinson, for Mennonite Church USA

When Gilberto Flores, a longtime leader in Mennonite Church USA, saw innocent people hanging dead in a Guatemalan jungle, he felt hate.

Even before that day decades ago, Flores, a Mennonite pastor in Guatemala at the time, had seen so much injustice evoked by the civil war that he questioned whether he was living out his faith. And then when he stumbled upon the bloodbath on that mountain, he knew for sure he had to change.

“A pastor went with some of his members into the jungle to retrieve some cows that had fled their fields,” Flores said. “Once they got into the mountains, the people encountered the government’s army who accused this little group of being guerilla fighters. They had no weapons. They had only ropes to get those cows. But their innocence didn’t matter.

“The army hung them to die. They had no trial, nothing. The group of us other pastors who had gone to the mountains to find them found about two dozen corpses. It was the first time I can say I truly felt hate in my soul. I wanted to retaliate.”

Though passions ran high, he slowly gave his anger to the Lord. This decision was part of the realization that he must allow Jesus to reign in his heart and his hands to bring hope to all this horror. Committed to a more radical journey with Jesus, Flores embarked on working for peace and reconciliation rather than inciting more pain through retaliation.

He could no longer only preach about Anabaptism – a perspective that integrates sharing Christ’s salvation for souls as well as working for peace and shalom for all people. Flores felt he must move beyond head knowledge to heart-felt practice.

“The time had come for me to find out who I really was,” he said. “I needed to become clear about what my faith meant in practical ways that weren’t detached from reality and real-life suffering.”

He got many opportunities to practice a more radical faith, including when an indigenous group asked if he would help them keep their farm land in the mountains. Much of the civil war constellated around seizure of long-held land of indigenous people.

After he worked on this issue with others for several months, the government returned the land to this group, Flores said. But his peace and justice activities had consequences. He became a target.

“Some people in the government spied on me, threatened me over the phone, opened my mail and accused me of doing things against the government,” he said.

“On several occasions, the government seized me and interrogated me to intimidate me into stopping. They told me they would kill me. But it didn’t work. I told them, ‘I am ready to die. Are you? Are you ready to face God, our judge?’”

Flores’ questioning of his questioners didn’t intimidate them. They tried once more to seize him and almost beat him to death this time. He escaped with two broken ribs.

Even after that near-fateful day, Flores continued to work for peace within ecumenical circles. His efforts eventually won some reconciliation within the embittered and embattled land. But in the early 1990s, he and his wife, Rosa, decided it was time to move away from the intense pressure they constantly felt in Latin America.

God brought them opportunities in North America, beginning in 1992. Then in 1996, they moved to Newton, Kan., where the former General Conference Mennonite Church had invited Flores to give leadership to various Hispanic ministries.

After Mennonite Church USA formed, he became a denominational minister and then director of Denominational Ministry and Missional Church for Executive Leadership. Early this year, he moved to Texas to serve as an associate conference minister for Western District Conference where many Latin Americans are part of Mennonite congregations.

A move to Kansas quelled some of the pressure, but it brought new pressures, Flores said. Though there was no war in the land, another battle waged beneath the surface. It was the struggle to walk on the radical edge with Jesus in a place where many Anabaptists were more mainstream in their perspective and practices.

Flores does not criticize this type of faith walk; knowing that much of it comes from the seeming absence of distress in daily living and from the hidden nature of the suffering that does occur in America. At the same time, Flores has worked to awaken more of a radical bent within the ministries and groups where he’s engaged.

“When I first got here, I felt there were many people who didn’t care about the suffering of others, and I felt that they lived in very antiseptic and sheltered ways,” he said.

“But increasingly, we are less sheltered in our denomination. People other than the middle-class, ethnic Mennonites are becoming part of us – including many Hispanics who have suffered in other lands. Once they get here, they continue to suffer, to be marginalized, to experience a lack of opportunities.”

Flores strives to respond to injustices in ways that represent what it means to not close his eyes to the pain around him, nor comply with those who allow the pain to continue.

“There are three responses believers can have to the world around them,” Flores said. “Number one, you can become indifferent to the social context and use the church and Christian faith for a haven to hide from the challenges of the world.

“Number two, you can accept the system as it is and become assimilated as you comply with it.

“Or, number three, you can practice a holistic understanding of Christian faith and integrate all of life – including the individual, social and spiritual aspects of it – and then live that out with the grace of a prophetic witness in the name of Jesus Christ.”

Flores believes that in this time and all times, the only response for Anabaptist Mennonites is number three. His passion is to live and to encourage others to live a faith that is Anabaptist to the core of its heart, not just hovering on the periphery of one’s mind. God is calling and sending Mennonite Church USA into the world where God is already at work.

“What does it mean,” Flores asks, “for us as a people to call ourselves Anabaptist, but to not really practice what Anabaptism teaches?”