Daily devotional available on-line at www.mbconf.ca
Free three-month trial subscription. After that pay just $18.00 per year for an individual subscription or $3.75 per quarter for a bulk subscription (3 or more copies sent to the same address).
Shipping and taxes included in subscription rate.
FEATURES
10 AGING OUR VISIO N GRA CEFULLY by Valerie Rempel
U S Mennonite Brethren have understood our mission to include a variety of worthy endeavors. Given that over the next two decades the number of older adults in our country will double, is it time for the church to broaden its vision for ministry to include senior adults? 13 CONNECTING TO SENIOR RETIREMENT
CENTERS by Myra Holmes
Mennonite Brethren senior communities care for both the physical and spiritual needs of older adults. A survey of our nine MB senior communities reminds us that the local church can have a vital role in this ministry.
17 THE CARE GAP by Rick Stiffney
Mennonite-affilia ted health and human services providers annually spend in excess of $60 million on uncompensated care How do providers close the gap between Medicaid payments and the cost of care? How can the church help?
> FiRST WORDS
(from the editor!
L AST MONTH WE VISITED MY FATHER-IN - LAW AT THE church-affiliated retirement community in Michigan that he has called home for almost 10 years When our children were younger. they thought that Grandpa's "house" had so many wonderful things that were missing in our home - like the entertaining burton s.
The first two buttons come at the front door to Grandpa's building and allow the two sets of double glass doors to open slowly. Next is the elevator with another button to push in order to ride up to Grandpa 's assisted living apartment where in the bathroom is a tempting string suspended from a red button-light. It only took one pull of the string to teach our kids that it is not a good idea to summon the floor nurse when there is not an emergency.
The game room in Grandpa 's basement is big enough to include a pool table, a huge popcorn machine. stacks of puzzles. a piano and a game whose wooden table is about twice the length of a pinball machine. We have no idea how to play this traditional Dutch game but we enjoy sliding the thick wooden chips around the playing surface and have made friends with numerous people who have tried to teach us how to play.
When the grandkids want some exercise they can walk up and down the long halls or go outside. Unlike our house. Grandpa's has a big yard with lots of space to run and hills of soft grass just perfect for rolling down And due to the growing need for housing targeted at senior adults. there is always construction going on at Grandpa's and his "house" grows bigger every summer.
This issue of the Leader is about Grandpa's house - specifically the nine retirement centers affiliated with local Mennonite Brethren churches. MB retirement centers do more than see to the physical needs of their residents. As church-affiliated agencies, our retirement centers have the privilege of ministering to their residents ' spiritual and social needs. something not recognized as a critical need by government funding sources or insurance companies.
For those of us who live far from our aging parents, it is good to know that Mom and Dad are cared for by people committed to nourishing their bodies and their souls. As our family dealt long distance with my mother-in -law's bout with cancer, it was a blessing that the people at Grandpa 's "house" were lovingly walking with Mom and Dad through the daily physical and emotional challenges of this final season in her life.
In this issue we hear from men and women who take personally the challenges of caring for senior adults May their words challenge us individually and as congregations to more fully embrace this important ministry
> QUOT ABLE
"Yet somehow our society must make it right and possible for old people not to fear the young or be deserted by them for the test of civilization is in the way that it cares for its helpless members " - Pearl S Buck in My Several Worlds
> UP & COMING
• se pt . 17 -1 8North Carolina District C onference convention. Lenoir.
• Nov . 3- 6
• Nov. 4 - 5 N.C.
Central District Conferen ce convention. Salem MB
Church Bridgewater S D Pacific District Conferen ce convention
AUGUST 2005
Volume 68
Number 8
Connie Faber EDITOR
Myra Holm es STAFF WRITER
Elain e Ewert GRAPHIC DESIGNER
MANDATE The Christian Leader (iSSN 0009-5149) is published monthly by the U.s. Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches. The Christian Leader seeks to inform Mennonite Brethren members and churches of the events. activities. decisions and issues of their denomination and to instruct. inspire and initiate dialogue so members will aspire to be faithful disciples of Christ as understood in the evangelicaVAnabaptist theological tradition.
EDITORIAL POLICY The views expressed in th is publication do not necessarily represent the position of the Christian Leader. the U S. Conference Leadership Board or the Mennonite Brethren Church Scripture references are from New International Vers ion unless otherwise noted The editors invite freelance article submissions A SASE must accompany articles.
READER PARTICIPATION The editors invite readers to share their thoughts and opinions on topics relevant to the Mennonite Brethren Church using letters to the editor and Forum essays Letters to the editor should be brief-300 words or less-and on one subject. Letters must be signed and include the writer's city and state Letters will be edited for clarity. appropriateness and length Letters will be published. as space allows. unless marked - Not for publication : Forum is open to members or attendees of Mennonite Brethren churches. Essays should not exceed 800 words. and should include the writer's name. address. home church and occupation
COMMUNICATION All correspondence. including change of address. should be addressed to the Christian Leader. Box 220. Hillsboro. KS 67063 Phone: 620-947-5543 Fax : 620-947-3266 E-mail: christianleaderfclusmb org
SUBSCRIPTIONS $18 for one year. $34 for two years and $50 for three years ($20. $38. $54 in Canada) ; $1 50 per copy
MEMBERSHIP The Christian Leader is a member of the Evangelical Press Association and Meetinghouse. an association of Mennonite and Brethren in Christ editors
POSTMASTER Send address changes to the Christian Leader. Box 220. Hillsboro. KS 67063 Per iodicals postage paid at Hillsboro Kansas
CONNIE FABER I d'!t)'
STANDING UP TO TYRANNY
I agree with every single word Peter Steams has written ("Readers Say," April issue) and my hat is off to him for saying it. I am a Mennonite Brethren born and bred. My relatives came out of Russia during the revolution and they knew about hard times and aggression. I am proud to say that my family has a heritage of standing up against tyranny and that is what the regime of Sadam Hussein was all about. Thank you, Peter, for reminding all of us that we need to fight against the evil forces on this earth .
Deanna Peters Shafter, Calif
NEW LOOK
I am writing to express appreciation for the new look of the Christian Leader. It is clean, sharp, and engaging, as is your content.
As I looked online for your address, however, I was surprised to see information about the May 2001 issue and (former editor) Carmen Andres' name still listed. As someone who works in the field I understand the challenge of keeping up with all the various venues.
MENNONITE NURSES
This letter is prompted by the editor's question ("First Words," May issue): "Did you know there is a Mennonite nursing association?"
Mennonite Nurses Association has a membership of over 400 nurses The companion organization, Mennonite Medical Association, has 625 members Each June they have a joint family-style convention. Together they publish Mennonite Health Journal; it also serves the Mennonite Chaplains Association.
On its 50th anniversary in 1992, MNA published The Gift of Presence, a compilation of stories shared by MNA members about how they were able to serve through nursing. The book is a positive addition to any church library as a resource for youth considering nursing.
Two objects of MNNMMA are to speak to biomedical ethical issues confronting health care professionals and to provide support for doctors and nurses serving overseas. It was a joy for me to see Mennonite Brethren missionary physicians Herb and Ruth Friesen and Maynard and Dorothy Seaman attend our June conventions when they were in the U S. More recently physician Murray Nickel has come.
Jon Unger Brandt Eastern Mennonite
Missions
Editor's Note: The U S. Conference Web site is currently under construction The site is being updated in content and appearance Plans are for the renovations to be completed by the end of the summer
During my tenure as president of MNA an honest effort was made to increase Mennonite Brethren involvement. On a trip to California, we scheduled an informational meeting with MB nurses. With MMA President Art Kennel, then with Mayo Clinic, a trip was made to Winnipeg, Man. , to meet with MB physicians. It was disappointing to realize that when it comes to inter-Mennonite organizations, MBs are not always active participants.
For more information about these organizations, contact the MMA executive secretary at sajmma@aol.com or visit www mennmed.org
Ida Gross Sioux Falls, SD
Managing money and mission
How we handle that stuff inscribed with "in God we trust" reflects exactly which god we trust.
It would be fair to say that when I was hired nearly 3 years ago as the executive director there wasn't a lot of competition for this job
The u.s. Conference was operating in the red to the tune of $160, 000, had struggled with some misunderstandings about Mission USA and had put the finishing touches on divestiture with
away growth from immigrant church adoptions and we are actually in decline. At best this is problematic for an Anabaptist denomination that views itself as evangelical.
Th ere are many explanations for our lack of growth, but one that for sure doesn't work is that somehow the Good News isn't good! Jesus hasn't become less appealing in our troubling and violent world We might disagree about which aspects of Jesus to teach and celebrate, but we agree that Jesus is the right message .
After nearly three years of meeting with a variety of church boards , pastoral staffs and new pastors and organizing and leading a national convention, I have identified one thing we could easily address that would improve our health as local churches and a denomination.
In almost every comer of this denomination I encounter a management issue that I dare say has kept us from becoming all that God wants us to be. Our most
_ Our mo .... t .... .... tul orgJni:Jtionl.), thc one .... thJt e:\pcricnce growth, energy Jnd lilc, Jon't make thc mi .... take mo .... t 01 our churches, Jistricb Jnd conference I11Jke on ref!,ubr hJl.)i ... : Thc\' do not the manJgemcnt 01 moncy Irol11 thc of mi ... s-ion.the Canadians.
Truth be told, I felt called to take the job. I grew up Mennonite Brethren, was nurtured in Reedley, Calif , and in the Pacific District Conference, had attended every possible west coast MB school and had just fini shed 20 years of pastoral ministry. Added together, this made me passionate enough about our family of faith to explore what difference I could make
I grew up with a father, who was - and I'm not exaggeratingthe most humble man I have ever known. Of all the stuff Dad taught me, the most enduring lesson was that life legacies are about God, not us. Succeed or fail, sink or swim, it's God's fame that is at stake, not mine.
I am not nearly as humble as my father But this lesson remains: Our MB legacy is not about us It's about God and his kingdom.
That's why the apostle Paul never boasted about things like church growth, ministry glitz or historical significance He boasted only "in the cross of Christ " How I wish that could be truer of my life May there still be enough time on eatth for God to bum that truth deeper into my life.
The longer I serve as USC executive director th e more convinced I am that th e MB family isn 't guardian of some sacred record of human experience Though I love our history and sociology for its own sake, I realize that our story is best told when it reflects on how we have experienced God . These le ssons are wotth preserving .
I want to reflect on one such lesson . You decide what significance it might hold
The U S. Conference, our five di stri cts and the majority of our local churche s are not growing beyond biological bitthrates Take
successful organizations , the ones that experience growth, energy and life, don't make the mistake that most of our churches, districts and conference make on a regular basis: They do not separate the management of money from the management of mission.
Jesus told us that treasure and hearts can't be separated. In fact, he said you discover a person's or organization's heart by exploring where they keep their treasure.
I believe that too often local MB churches, districts and the national conference have opted for an American system of democracy that offers checks and balances of power while accepting unrealized dreams for evangelism and church planting. How we handle that stuff inscribed with "in God we trust" reflects exactly the god we trust.
Our thriving institutions have joined the management of money and of mission. And so we celebrate the faith of multimillion dollar ministries such as relief agencies, colleges. foundations , seminaries and mission agencies. Meanwhile in our own small backyard we bury the treasure
Wheth er or not the U.S. MB story will be told 50 years from now has much to do with whether or not we are willing to confront more honestly the connection of our heart and treasure
Ethiopia home to largest Mennonite-related church
Growth rooted in commitment to evangelism
There are now more baptized believers in the Meserete Kristos Church in Ethiopia than in any other national Mennonite-related church or conference in the world, according to the latest census figures . The Ethiopian church (MKC) now numbers 120,610 baptized members, over 9,000 more than Mennonite Church USA at III,347 members.
In 2003, MC USA, then the largest Mennonite church, reported IIO,253 baptized members while the MKC reported 98,025. The new figures show an increase of 22,585 members for MKC and 1,094 for MCUSA.
Why has the MKC experienced such phenomenal growth in such a short time?
Mulugeta Zewdie, MKC general secretary, cites six strategies for church growth which the MKC practices: suitable church structure for evangelism; evangelism, discipleship training, church planting and followup; formal and informal education; prayer and fasting ; lay ministry; and each member being empowered for witnessing by the Holy Spirit
"MKC's experience of church growth is not a new happening; it is one among many in the footsteps of early church evangelism practice," says Zewdie. ' That does not mean that we are photocopies of the original (church), but we have the same truth. The similarities can be expressed in many ways "
The most recent compilation of statistics on all Mennonite, Brethren in Christ and related churches worldwide was published in 2003. The next o ne is expected in 2006. - MWC
Workers begin summer service in hometowns
Three young adults serving Mennonite Brethren congregations are among the 93 young people partIcIpating in the Mennonite Central Committee U S Summer Service Program. The Summer Service Program enables persons of diverse ethnic backgrounds to work with a church or service agency in their home communities for 10 weeks. MCC U.S. and local congregations support the participants
Yvonne C otton and Lyan Pemal a, both
of Bakersfield, Calif., are summer office assistants at Heritage Bible Church, Bakersfield , where they attend . Miriam Hernandez of Orange Cove , Calif., will work with children's ministry, tutoring and teach piano at Iglesia El Buen Pastor, Orange Cove, where she is a member
Paul Navarro of Fresno, Calif., is part of a team with Fresno (Calif.) Pacific University and Faith Project Ministries of Fresno implementing a multifaceted program for children. - M CC
MCC, MWC respond to needs in Zimbabwe
Aecent government "cleanup" operation in Zimbabwe has left hundreds of housands of people homeless. In response, Mennonite Central Committee is providing funds for 5,000 blankets to shelter homeless families and last month Mennonite World Conference called Anabaptist and MWC-related congregations across the globe to a day of prayer July 24 for Zimbabwe's current situation and an impending drought and economic hardship .
Conservative estimates by Action of Churches Together indicate that more than 250,000 people have been displaced since late May when Zimbabwe police and army personnel began Operation Murambatsvina ("Restore Order/Clean Up.") Many of these people are sleeping in the open in what is the coldest time of the year.
The government says the campaign targeted illegal and informal businesses, purpottedly illegal structures and houses, street children, homeless people, street traders and foreign-cur-
rency
Government officials have promised to address the housing crisis The demolition of shelters and market stalls and the removal of informal traders began in Harare, Zimbabwe's capital, and spread across the nation.
Even before demolitions began, Zimbabwe was facing a drought, almost no harvest and a collapsed economy. According to Act demolitions destroyed the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of people at a time when Zimbabwe's unemployment rate is estimated at 70 percent.
Anabaptist congregations across the globe joined Zimbabwe churches in prayer July 24 for the nation and those who have been displaced. "In the midst of the many challenges that this our nation is going through we pray that God will demonstrate that he is God," says Brethren in Christ Bishop Danisa Ndlovu who is also MWC vice president. -MWCIMCC
Online Mennonite encyclopedia announced
The MB Historical Commission, a joint ministry of the U.S. and Canadian MB conferences, is one of three partners that will be launching an Internet-based Mennonite encyclopedia known as GAM EO, an acronym for Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. The partners, which include Mennonite Historical Society of Canada and the Mennonite Church USA Historical Committee, hope to launch the encyclopedia by the end of 2005 . Initially the encyclopedia will be English language only and will focus on North American content As global partners are added to the project the range of international subject entries and language possibili -
ties will expand.
GAMEO is an expansion of the Canadian Mennonite Encyclopedia Online, a project of the Mennonite Historical Society of Canada since 1996. A U S editorial board will be established; appointments have not been announced.
Abe Dueck, executive director of the MB Historical Commission, says GAM EO's ultimate goal is to provide reliable information on all facets of Anabaptist Mennonite life, from 16th century Europe to 21st century Africa and Latin America . Unlike a print publication, GAMEO will continue to be updated and expanded as long as constituency support continues.MBHC
N EWSCLiPS
REJOICE! REDESIGNED
This fall the inter-Mennonite devotional magazine Rejoice! launches a new design that features photographic images on the cover, a new logo, a slightly larger typeface and several more pages for inspirational stories and poetry. The shift coincides with the retirement of designer John Hiebert who designed Rejoice! covers since the magazine's 1972 inception. Rejoicers new look was created by Merrill Miller of Scottdale, Penn., a house designer for Mennonite Publishing Network. Rejoice! is co-published by Faith & Life Resources, a division of Mennonite Publishing Network, and Kindred Productions, the publishing arm of the Mennonite Brethren churches The quarterly publication currently has a circulation of 14,000 in the U.S. and Canada . -FLR
WALL JOINS MBF
Robert Wall of Wichita, Kan., has begun working as director of lending with MB Foundation of Hillsboro, Kan Wall has been working in the financial services industry, most recently with Morgan Stanley. The director of lending is the primary liaison between MB Loan Fund and member churches, responsible for coordinating loan activity as well as promoting the Certificate program.-MBF
PDC CELEBRATES FPU
PARTNERSHIP
The Pacific District Conference convention Nov. 4-5 will be held on the Fresno Pacific University campus. Convention events will recognize the 25th anniversary of district ownership of the university. A Friday evening banquet will highlight FPU.
It is not particularly remarkable that Marie Hein called 605 East Road home for 34 years. What may unusual is that Hein, who died in May at the age of 105, lived for all those years at Fairview Fellowship Home, a Mennonite Brethren church-affiliated retirement center in Oklahoma. Hein's family-her son Marvin is a Leader columnist-believes that their mother held a number of records: the oldest living Mennonite Brethren, the oldest resident of her county and her church and the oldest and longest resident of Fairview Fellowship Home. Hein's longevity at this retirement center shows that these MB ministries are places in which people can flourish. This issue of the Leader introduces us to our nine MB retirement centers and the challenges they face.
SENIOR Jninistry
DAL LAS RET IREME NT VILLAGE
With the number of older Americans poised to swell to one in five over the next 25 years, it is time for the church to broaden its vision for ministry.
IF WE ARE HONEST, MANY OF US WOULD agree that aging is a mixed blessing. Most of us hope to live a long life; we just do not want to be old.
Not only do we live in a culture that celebrates youthfulness, we instinctively realize that aging increases our vulnerability to illness and loss.
The losses may take many different forms . One of the most significant is the loss of a spouse and the accompanying loss of a way of life. Suddenly single older adults often find themselves excluded ftom the social groups
U.S Department of Health and Human Services Administration on Aging, by 2030 one in five Americans will be 65 years or older.
For Mennonite Brethren a traditional response to an aging population within the church has been the establishment of homes for the aged, especially in the years before government-mandated programs such as Medicare and Social Security helped address some of the health and financial needs of older Americans.
As early as the 1940s, M B. churches in central California, Kansas, Oklahoma and Oregon began to establish homes for the elderly Often begun in donated or purchased homes, these small
Caring for those who are nearing the end of their years has generally been viewed as a Christian responsibility but not as a significant part of the mission of the church.
they enjoyed with a husband or wife, or missing the benefits of built-in companionship for travel or something as simple as restaurant dining. Even more disconcerting is the loss of shared ministry or influence within the church.
For others it may be the loss of mobility due to a medical condition or something as common as a hearing loss that suddenly places one at the fringe of conversation. Many of us have watched elderly relatives become increasingly silent at family gatherings as the din of conversation rises or seems to move too rapiclly from topic to topic
Even day-to-day routines can prove challenging in unexpected ways.
I was reminded of this as I waited for an elderly woman ahead of me in the checkout line at my local grocery store deal with the complexity of paying for her purchases. Juggling the store's special club card that qualifies shoppers for discounts and the ATM card requiring a personal identification code to be entered in order to authenticate identity, she struggled to get everything done just right while the line backed up behind her. Trying to practice patience as I waited, I found myself wondering what piece of yet-unimagined technology would someday challenge my day-to-day routines.
The reality is that many of us will be a part of an aging population far sooner than we anticipate With more than 12 percent of the population already classified as older, or approximately one in every eight people, a significant population shift has begun According to the
ministries have expanded into large campuses with varying levels of care and an array of services designed to meet the needs of a residential community far more diverse than originally anticipated. These ministries now require large budgets and sophisticated management to deal with stringent government regulations as well as the expectations of residents and their families.
Yet these church-related ministries often operate on the fringe of our denominational and church awareness. Their names and addresses do not even appear in the annual MB Planner/Directory, a calender and address book that includes listings for all U.S. and Canadian MB churches, schools, camps, agencies and staff people.
Part of the reason for this may be that we Mennonite Brethren have traditionally viewed evangelism as the central mission of the church. Caring for those who are nearing the end of their years has generally been viewed as a Christian responsibility but not as a significant part of the mission of the church. That mission has often been centered on foreign missionary efforts, domestic church planting and youth ministries.
With the number of older Americans poised to swell to a record 71.5 million people over the next 25 years, it may be time to broaden our vision for ministry and mission
One of the ways to do this is to understand mission as inextricably linked to ministries of care and compassion . Indeed, Article 7
About 31 percent (10.5 million) of non-institutionalized older persons live alone. Half of women age 75-plus live alone.
About 416,000 grandparents aged 65 or more have the primary responsibility for their grandchildren who live with them.
Source: Department of Health and Human Services Administration on Aging from "A Profile of Older Americans: 2004"
S ENIOR rninist ry
of the MB Confession of Faith centers on the church's mission around the Great Commission and the Great Commandment in a way that allows us to do just this. As Article 7 reminds us, "Jesus teaches that disciples are to love God and neighbor by telling the good news and by doing acts of love and compassion." Caring for and about an aging population clearly falls within this charge to the Christian community. How do we begin to think of mission as including care for the elderly?
For congregations that are directly connected with retirement centers one of the avenues of mission may be to residents who are not members of a
faith community. Many of our MB homes now serve as community retirement centers and have welcomed residents who may never have made a commitment to Jesus as their Lord and Sav ior o r who have simply wandered far from an earlier commitment to Christ and his church . Welcoming them into our churches and inviting them into relationsh ip with Jesus is central to our understanding of Christian faith in action .
Other congregations might want to explore other ministries directed toward the needs of an older population in their community. All sorts of creative programs exist, or are waiting to be designed
Perhaps one of the biggest challenges is simply to see aging citizens as people of value and to continue making efforts to incorporate them into the life of the church. As Article 14 of our MB Confession of Faith reminds us, " Each person is created in the image of God and ought to be celebrated and nurtured."
Drawing on biblical texts from Genesis I and 2 , as well as the prophetic call to treat all people with justice and mercy, this confessional statement reminds us that the aging and dying are particularly vulnerable to injustice and as such are especially needful of our care.
The older population (65-plus) numbered 35 9 million in 2003 , an increase of 3.1 million or 9 5 percent since 1993
Over 2.0 million persons celebrated their 65th birthday in 2003
Older women (21 million) outnumber older men (14 9 million)
Persons reaching age 65 have an 'average life of an additional18.2 years (19.5 years for females and 16.6 years for males)
Source: Department of Health and Human Services Administrati on on Aging from "A Profile of Older Americans: 2004"
In a culture that gives high value to busyness, productivity and especially to physical appearance, it is easy to dismiss older citizens as irrelevant, out-of-touch or simply unamactive. Christ calls us to do otherwise
Valerie Rempel is a faculty member in history and theology at ME Biblical Seminary. She is the MB representative on the Mennonite Health Services board of directors.
PALM VILLAG fE
Connectin 9 • • to senIor retIrement centers
MB senior communities strive to minister to both the physical and spiritual needs of seniors-and they want our help.
LOOK
AT
A
RETIREMENT
CENTER
AND what do you see? A residence for senior adults that offers a variety of seIVices?
The men and women who work at the nine U.S. Mennonite Brethren-related centers see a ministry that strives to meet the needs of body and soul - much like the local church-and wonder why there isn't a better connection between the two.
These senior communities desire to be a ministry as well as a practical seIVice, to go beyond meeting the physical needs of residents to meeting spiritual and social needs as well.
"In many ways we face the same ministry issues the church does in a more direct sense," says Loren Kroeker, Lincoln Glen Manor executive director. "They care for people spiritually and physically. We might reverse the order, but I have found the spiritual issues often seem more intense because there is a sense in which time is really running out on this life."
In 1992, the Leader sUIVeyed our MB-related senior communities "to get a feel for their operation and the issues they face." Curious as to what's changed in 10plus years, we contacted them again. We found that, while their ch allenges are still great, their sense of ministry is real, and the local church can be an active pattner in their ministry.
Over the past decade many centers have grown in the number of residents seIVed or kinds of care offered. For example, three centers currently specifically mention specialized care for Alzheimer's or dementia.
The challenges of caring for the physical needs of sen-
iors remain much the same as 1992. Current administrators point again and again to high costs, overregulation and staffing difficulties - the same "big three" highlighted in the previous survey.
Cost: Health care costs continue to increase dramatically, making
a move as long as possible. To make matters worse, M edicaid and Medicare reimbursement h as not kept pace with the increased expense. Overregula tion: Regulation by govern-
"Residents' spiritual and social needs are not recognized by government funding sources or insurance companies as critical needs. As a result, the spiritual needs of seniors fall to organizations (such as ours) and local church volunteers."
-Michael McCormick, Garden Valley Retirement
it increasingly difficult for senior communities to stay financially viable Government agencies have increased regulations, which drive up costs due to the added time necessary for documentation and paperwork. Residents often come with more acute (and costly ) needs, because of the trend toward shorter hospital stays and because residents often delay
Village
ment entities has contributed to the increased cost for senior care communities and made it more difficult for them to look beyond basic physical needs David Parrett, executive director of Dallas Retirement Village, says that increased regulations mean "more time in documentation and less time in actual care provided." Dawn Ann Mendenhall, executive director at Fairview Fellowship Home, says, ' The survey teams are getting so tough and our challenges are already so great that I fear we will lose good homes."
Staffin g: Good help is hard to find in any field. A nationwide shortage of medical personnel has made it especially difficult for these communities to find quality staff. And, because these senior communities view themselves as a ministry, they aren 't satisfied with simply filling positions with warm bodies.
'This is more than simply caring for seniors, " says Kroeker. "It is caring for seniors in a dignified way that
Parkside Homes Apri l 2005 ground brea king with two ol dest resi dents
Older men were much more likely to be m arried than older women - 71 percent of men versus 41 percent of women
Almost half of all older women (43 percent) in 2003 were widows .
Source: Department of Health and Human Services Admini stration on Aging from A Profile of Old er Americans : 2004··
honors them and the God we serve."
Churches can help find caring staff by applying for employment if qualified or by referring qualified employees to the senior community.
The challenges extend beyond these three. Administrators mention conflicts with families. end-of-life ethics. the threat of lawsuits. grief as they deal daily with aging and dying-the list goes on.
The physical and practical challenges of caring for seniors can eclipse the spiritual ministry these communities desire. That's where the local church can make the difference.
Michael McCormick. executive director of Garden Valley Retirement Village. says. "Residents' spiritual and social needs are not recognized by government funding sources or insurance companies as critical needs. As a result the spiritual needs of seniors fall to organizations (such as ours) and local church volunteers."
Administrators list a number of practical ways local churches and church members can partner with these senior communities to meet the spiritual and social needs of seniors.
Visits are high on every list. Visits can be organized. such as helping with worship services. Bible studies. special events or mealtimes. But informal visits are valuable as well . David Reimer. president and CEO of Palm Village Retirement Community. wishes church members would simply "drop by with the puppy and the kids." He adds that visits are helpful year-round. not only near holidays.
Visits are meaningful even when residents don't respond. ''They can listen. observe. and often can hear but cannot join in a discussion." says Lu Janzen. administrator at Parkside Homes . "It would be good if church members wouldn't get discouraged and stop coming."
Ultimately. the local church and individual church members can make an impact by offering time - time to establish relationships and meet day-to-day needs. McCormick says local church members have helped their center by painting walls, arranging choir performances. volunteering in the coffee shop or lending a hand with resident activities - simple things that make a big difference.
Kroeker says. "In most cases, local churches have forgotren the mission field in the senior community they originally sponsored. What churches often do well as part of their worship and ministries can make a dramatic impact in the lives of seniors."
When in doubt as to how to help. ask. "Too often churches see the elderly as lirtle more than a needy group with little real understanding of their actual needs." Kroeker says . "We can help them better understand and meet the needs of seniors if allowed to do so."
Several administrators wish th e local church would
Our Mennonite Brethren senior oare communities
Com Heritage Village, Com, Okla.
Administrator: Martin Hall
Founded: 1948
Supporting MB congregation: Corn (Okla.) MB Church
Services: Nursing care, including skilled nursing and Alzheimer·s center (104 beds); independent living (16 apartments)
MB residents: 10 percent
Dallas Retirement Village, Dallas, Ore.
Executive Director: David Parrett
Founded: 1947
Supporting MB congregation: Dallas (Ore.) MB Church
Services: residential apartments (72), townhomes (15), assisted living (65 apartments), memory care (20 suites), health center (121)
MB residents: less than 10 percent
Fairview Fellowship Home, Fairview, Okla.
Executive Director: Dawn Ann Mendenhall
Founded: 1961
Supporting MB congregation: Fairview (Okla.)
MB Church
Services: skilled nursing (126), independent living (36 apartments)
MB residents: 17 percent in skilled nursing
Garden Valley Retirement Village, Garden City, Kan.
Executive Director: Michael McCormick
Founded: 1974
Supporting MB congregation: Garden Valley MB Church
Services: skilled nursing (60 beds), independent living (69 units, including 38 units of assisted living), adult day care, home health, hospice, 24 skilled nursing beds in two new Park Homes
Supporting MB congregation: Buhler (Kan.) MB Church
Services: skilled nursing (60 beds), assisted living (28 apartments), independent living (23 apartments), government subsidized housings (11 apartments), respite care, adult day care, memory care unit (coming soon)
partner with them in a more deliberate way through financial support Such financial support, they say, will only get more critical as the years pass
" I expect that in the future churches will need to accept us as a home mission project or many of us will not be able to continue the services that our church communities have enjoyed and experien ced in the past," says Janzen .
Thes e MB retirement centers began as a ministry of a local church or group of churches, and all maintain that connection to some extent. Today that relationship, however, usually doesn' t extend to finances : most aren't included in the church budget. ' We are in the (sponsoring church's) budget but rarely get financial support," says one administrator
While administrators may wish for more financial support from churches, many local churches are actively involved with the retirement centers through board membership Most centers have been organized as legally separate from the church , but often the local church has a voice in administration through board membership. Lincoln Glen Manor is typical in that Lincoln Glen Church considers the facility one of their ministries and holds significant representation on the corporation board
Simply gerting the word out is high on the wish list of some administrators Keith Pankratz of Sunshine Meadows Retirement Community says , 'The apron strings between the church and home are cut. Both are stand-alone ministries. More connectedness needs to happen from the pulpit to redevelop th e loyalty to the local retirement community, prayer support and financial support."
Togeth er, the local church and these senior communities can meet the needs of both body and soul for seniors. "Local churches and Christian retirement centers have much in common and working together makes real sen se," Kroeker says.
My ra Holmes, Leader staff writer, attends Belleview Community Church in Littleton, Colo.
The 85- plu s population is projected to increase from 4.7 million in 2003 to 9 6 million in 2030
Members of minority groups are projected to represe nt 26.4 percent of the olde r population in 2030, up from 16.4 percent in 200 0.
So urce: Department of Health and Human Services Administration on Aging from "A Profile of Older Americans: 2004:'
The care
How do providers close the gap between Medicaid payments and the cost of care?
Mennonite Brethren retirement communities wrestle with this and other complex issues related to uncompensated care.
How can the church help?
SADIE, A COMPOSITE character, is 90 years old. She's lived at Rolling Meadows Retirement Community for IS years Her husband Bob died 10 years ago She has no family in the area.
When Sadie and Bob moved to Rolling Meadows they lived in a small cottage. Last year Sadie broke her hip and never fully recovered. She's been in the nursing home for nearly year She's in a wheelchair and needs assistance with eating and other activities of personal care. Sadie has "spent down" her assets. She 's now on state and federally funded Medicaid.
' Well ," you might ask, "Isn't this our state and federal taxes working at their best?" The answer is "yes " and "no. "
Yes, Medicaid was developed as a government program to fund the care for many including low-income frail older adults. The program has worked relatively well. Yes, this is federal tax dollars doing good for those in need
The problem is that Medicaid covers on the average only about 75 percent of the cost of providing care for Sadie. And Sadie is not alone at Rolling Meadows. About 60 percent of Rolling Meadow's nursing home residents are "on Medicaid."
As the American population ages, state and the federal government are overwhelmed with increasing demands on their Medicaid budgets States are severely restricting the growth of their Medicaid budgets and are not increasing payments to nursing homes to keep pace with the actual cost of care . Some have drastically curtailed their budgets. Some have frozen payments to providers.
How does Rolling Meadows care for Sadie or dozens of others like her, when she can't pay and the Medicaid payments cover only a portion of the cost for her care?
Providers have only a few options. Rolling Meadows can cover this gap by charging other nursing home residents more as privatepay residents, charging enough in other areas of service-for instance independent living-to make up the difference, or raising benevolent or charitable support to make up the difference .
Sadie's story is repeated hundreds of times within the nine Mennonite Brethren retirement communities and the nearly 50
over $1 million dollars. The son had a choice to make: use a loophole and add to the dilemma that the organization wrestles with or support using his father's resources for his father's care.
Now the choice was the father's and the son's . Upon reflection , the family chose not to divest and thanked the staff for the information.
The complex issues around care of older adults , including the challenge of uncompensated care, is only going to grow over the next two decades.
A 2005 survey of Mennonite-affiliated health and human service providers indicates that on a combined basis these organizations provide in excess of $60 million in uncompensated care on an annual basis. That's a lot of uncompensated care.
other Mennonite-affiliated nursing homes and retirement communities across the U.S. A 2005 survey of Mennonite-affiliated health and human service providers indicates that on a combined basis these organizations provide in excess of $60 million in uncompensated care on an annual basis . That's a lot of uncompensated care. Sadie may be a member of your congregation. Whose burden is this? Whose burden is Sadie's care?
This challenge of uncompensated care is magnified by what's called "divestiture." Through "divestiture" an older adult and their family can use an estate planner to distribute the older adult's assets to family members over several years The older adult thus becomes eligible for Medicaid-government assistance for the poor-more quickly than had they not divested.
Here's how this worked in one retirement community. George and Jane (not their real names) moved into the retirement community in the 1980s. Several years ago Jane died. George is suffering from an early stage of Alzheimer's disease and is in nursing care at the retirement community.
A few months ago his son contacted the retirement community and asked, "Where does Dad stand with finances?" He went on to say that he had heard from a local "Christian attorney" that there was a "perfectly legal" way for his dad to "go on to Medicaid" now .
The retirement community administration was in a difficult spot. The organization participates in the Medicaid program and consequently it is not legal for the administration to counsel someone against a Federal Entitlement for which they are eligible. However this was not a case of an individual outliving resources. This was a case of a son exploring how to use legal loopholes to protect family assets and accelerate qualification for an entitlement program
This was a conundrum. How was it resolved?
The administrative staff contacted the son and explained that Medicaid only paid 68 percent of the cost of care. The gap or shortfall between cost of care and Medicaid payments this organization alone experienced this year for the many residents on Medicaid was
Families across the country and throughout our churches are facing these questions. Our Mennonite-affiliated retirement communities are dealing daily with these challenges. What can the church do? Is there something here for the church to care about?
Yes there is. Congregations can at least do these five things:
• Begin to study the needs among older adults in your own congregation.
• Explore how the congregation can provide some support services to assist older adults to stay in their homes.
• Develop a series of Christian education sessions on some of the basic dimensions/issues of aging.
• Contact a local faith-based retirement community in your neighborhood that might have resources to support your learning. Ask them to share how they deal with these challenges each day.
• Support the MB affiliated retirement ministries that carry on effective mission on behalf of the church . Their benevolent funds help fill the "gap."
Resources for individuals and churches interested in learning more about these issues are available through the Anabaptist Center for Healthcare Ethics www.anabaptistethics.org or MHS Alliance www mhsonline.org
Rick Stiffney is the president and chief executive officer ofMennonite Health Service Alliance, an organization that strengthens Anabaptist-related health and human service providers by providing relationships with partnering denominations, networking among members, shared services and consulting services. MRS Alliance members are Christian faithbased health and human service providers The U.S. Conference, Mennonite Church USA and Brethren in Christ are the supporting denominations.
Your Mennonite Brethren
Signs of ministry
LBC Deaf Church ministers to marginalized In Kern County
Pastor Ed Boschman of Bakersfield. Calif • is no rookie when it comes to church planting. He has led the U.S Conference church planting ministry and has been part of numerous Mennonite Brethren church planting projects as the lead pastor a member of the church plant task force and as mentor to the church planting pastor.
Laurelglen Bible Church. where Boschman serves as executive pastor. is also no stranger to church planting Laurelglen Bible Church was founded in 1978 with a goal and commitment of growing the kingdom of God. Although that vision was put on hold for many years. LBC's vision to be a church-planting church has now "returned with a strength." says Boschman .
Members of LGBC Deaf Church sign " I love you."
In 1998 LBC partnered with the Pacific District Conference and Mission USA, the national denominational church planting ministry. to support pastoral staff member Paul Robie and his family in their efforts to establish a MB church in greater Salt Lake City. Utah Although no LBC families took the Robies up on their invitation to move to Utah. a core group emerged. the church took root and today has 1 000 weekend worship artendees
In the fall of 2003 LBC set its sights closer to home when it sent almost 300 members to plant Bridge Bible Church in Bakersfield. Currently Bridge sees 500 to 600 atrendees a week while LBC is 1 500 strong.
But with LBC's current project. Boschman - and LBC - finds themselves afloat in water that may be close to home bu t is foreign water nonetheless LBC is targeting the Kern County deaf com munity with LBC Deaf Church. its
current church planting project.
'Tve felt very much 'Oh, I'm not really sure what I'm doing here,'" says Boschman, who has no experience with the deaf community.
Boschman has challenged his congregation to "take the initiative" in interacting with the Deaf who currently share the already crowded LBC campus. It is a challenge from which he doesn't exempt himself. It is "intimidating," says Boschman, to communicate with people who can 't talk to you. Boschman considers this a major hurdle the body of believers faces.
Boschman believes the Deaf are one of many groups that have been marginalized in modern society. According to Color of Language, a nonprofit organization that develops educational materials for deaf and hard-ofhearing children and their families, 90 percent of deaf children are born to hearing parents, and 90 percent of these parents never learn to communicate effectively.
This language deprivation can lead to failure in school, work and social situations, abuse by others, substance abuse and an inability to live independently. In Kern County an estimated 90 percent of deaf children are born to Hispanic parents with limited English skills, an added burden to a group already struggling to communicate.
The idea of a ministry to the Deaf was born out of the passion of one couple and the need of their community Mike and Deanne Sampley, long-time members of LBC, adopted a deaf child from Romania after Deanne had served for many years as a professor and interpreter of American Sign Language .
These experiences opened their eyes to the needs of Kern County where the deaf population numbers 5,000 Because most deaf people have hearing relatives, a ministry to the deaf population could reach out not only to individuals but many families that face the difficult task of supporring a deaf member.
According to Boschman, the LBC congregational vote in January on the proposal for a deaf church plant was "overwhelmingly and enthusiastically positive." The new ministry officially starred in March under the leadership of Pastor Jeff Jackson and his wife Mara LBC Deaf Church currently has a weekly attendance
of between 4S and 60 children and adults
LBC Deaf Church has taken Luke 14:21-24 as a defining Scripture for their mission. In the parable of the great banquet, Jesus describes how a man, upset by the rejection of his invitation by his guests. then invites the poor, crippled, blind and lame to dine before finally ordering a servant to make those in the road come in to fill his table.
In a world where many have rejected Christ and the church, LBC believes it is important to focus on those who may never have heard the call. u 'We want to do something about the underdog," says Boschman.
For LBC. the most important step in bringing in the Deaf was creating a place where they would feel at home. Their aim was to be a ministry not just for the Deaf. but of and by the Deaf Jeff Jackson. who is deaf. was a natural choice to lead the outreach Jackson, who grew up reading lips and did not learn ASL until he was 19 years old, considers the ability to communicate through ASL as key to his ability to understand the meaning of the gospel and salvation. This led to his decision to accept Jesus into his heart.
As a student at Bakersfield College in the 1980s, Jackson interacted with Deanne Sampley, who served as an ASL instructor. His relationship with Sampley led him to LBC, which he atrended throughout college Jackson then left the Bakersfield area but a seed had been planted. When
Jackson returned to LBC a few years ago, his passion for deaf ministry had been fueled by his experiences as a pastor to the deaf at First Baptist Church in West Palm Beach, Fla.
'When I got (to First Baptist) there was a small core of deaf people of about 10," says Jackson . "During my seven years there. it has grown to approximately 100." During his time in Florida. Jeff trained leaders, set up outreaches. took leading roles in local, state and national conventions, and even traveled world -wide for missions . "It was an incredible experience. " he says.
However. the Jacksons had begun to feel God calling them elsewhere. Jeff had a "burden and desire to plant a new deaf church where the Deaf can come to worship," and wife Mara, who is ftom the Dominican Republic. shared that passion. At the same time. LBC had begun discussing the possibility of such a ministry and soon realized after a few attempts that starting a deaf ministry would require strong support and a long-term commitment.
"In the Lord's economy and timing," says Boschman. they came together . Jackson has started at what he describes as "ground zero." As he searches for prospective LBC Deaf Church participants, especially those who may become leaders in the church. he has found his hands full with opportunities in the community. He has connected with individuals, families. schools and entire communities. He has set up sporting events. spoken at rallies and visited deaf inmates in the state prison .
"It's very challenging for me," says Jackson "but I do know that (the) Lord is in this process."
Boschman. who currently serves as Jackson's mentor during the beginning stages of the church plant, admits that the success of the outreach is largely dependent on Jackson. However Mara Jackson (Leftl, wife of Pastor Jeff Jackson, visits with another LGBC Deaf Church attendee Left: Pastor Jeff Jackson, signing a recent sermon, credits sign language with helping him understand the meaning of salvation.
Boschman believes that Jeff, Maura, and their family are a "wonderful ministry gift, precious, gifted, [and] passionate " Jeff has a "huge heart for shepherding." Maura has a heart for Scriptu re, and together they fonn a pannership that Boschman feels "very privileged" to be a part of.
Boschman and Jackson are part of a task force that is chaired by John Penrose. an LBC elder. and includes Darryl Bowe, on the executive staff of International Christian Ministries. and Mike Sampley. The task force serves as an inte rim elder board and plans to eventually select elders from the deaf church irself.
Although LBC has lofty goals for its deaf church. including holding its own worship service s, Bible studies outreach events and eventua ll y starting a deaf schoo\, the Deaf Church does not expect to be self-supporting. Boschman says this church plant "may well be a much longer commitment to us as a supporting congregation, financially" than any previous decision.
Boschman considers this to be a "Io -year decis ion, not a two-year window, " but is proud to sa y that LBC is "in this thing for the long haul."
LBC curtently receives financial support from individuals and the Pacific District Conferen ce for this ministry. Others who wish to be involved are invited to pray and share their own expertise.
While LBC leaders are willing to share about their ministry to the Deaf, welcome visitors an d accept support from outside their congregation, their first concern is that local ch urches minister to the Deaf in their own commun ity. Boschman Jackson and others are eager to talk to and counsel other congregations that feel called to start a ministry or even an entire chu rch to reach the Deaf. -Debbie (Darrow) Miller. news writer
Warren's churcl translated for tl
Planti ng a church for the Deaf is a full -time job, yet Laurelglen Bible Church Deaf Church Pa stor Jeff Jackso n is tackling another pro ject that will benefit hi s congregation as well as other deaf C hristi ans
Jackson is working with th e nonp rofit organization Color of Lang uage to create an America n Sign Language video version of Rick Wa rren's The Purpose Driven Life. Color of Language develops and publishes educational materi als fo r deaf and hard of hearing children
Christian Leader news writer Debbie Miller interviewed Sa ndy Heflin, founde r of Color of Language, about the project
CL: Why is Color of Language involved in this project ?
SH: There is so much infonnation in The Purpose Driven Life that is important fo r laying the foundation of a Christian life and experience. This video ma terial can be used for years and re-shown and studied for a long, long time. So Iirtle is ava ilable for (deaf C hri stians) like this.
CL: How did you get involved in creating an ASL vers ion of The Purpose Driven Life?
SH: A deaf church here in Bakersfi eld was interested in doing the 4 0 Days of PU1pOse campaign and asked me to teach it. Knowing that the maj ority of the group would not be able to read the text with full understandin g, I videotaped the 40 chapters in ASL and made the videotap es ava ilable for attendees to take home and watch during the week. We then had a mid -week service where I interpreted the videos provided by Rick Wa rren th at are used for th e weekl y small groups. We discovered. as fea red, th at even th e interpreted version was not only too fast and ovetwhelmin g, but needed mu ch more explanation since these conce pts we re so new to many of th e Deaf participants.
C L : Why do the Deaf have trouble understandin g what th ey read ?
SH : Th e reason is complex. It boils down to the fact that 90 perce nt of hearin g parents of deaf children do not learn to commun icate fluen tly with th e children through sign language. Th e resu lt is communication depri vation leading to language deprivation Thi s results in deprivation in eve ry area of life
Spiritua l truth s and valu es are not co mmun icated Con crete ob jects can b e indicated by pointing or showing. Spiritual con cepts have to b e imparted through language. Th at is the reason less than one percent of th e U .S. dea f popu lati on claim to be C hri sti an. Even that one percent fa ce overwhelming obstacles in readin g an d growing in Christ as 9 0 percent read on a first or third grade level. The p ictu re is ve ry dismal. But God is able and ha s prove n him self faithful to those who tru st him and allow him to do what onl y he can do in their lives.
CL: How did the publi shers of Warren's material s respond to yo ur idea?
SH : We contacted Saddleb ack C hurch and Zonderva n to inquire if th ere were plans for an ASL vers ion of th e b ook or videos, and there were not They both gave us written permiss ion to do the job. Zonderva n was more tha n generou s in their contract with us b ecause, th ey said, Color of Lang uage is a no nprofit orga n iza tion We have been co ntacted by one other church, referred to us by Zondervan , that is interested in doing th e same th ing in C anada.
CL: Who is wo rkin g on th e p roject?
SH : We have contacted a few outstanding De af lea ders fr om va rious d enominati ons and areas of th e co untry in viting th em to join u s. Jeff Jackson is on e of th em Anoth er is a leader in the Saddleback Deaf program
We nee d to have the material tau ght by Dea f leaders in th e D eaf community who ha ve imp ecc able integrity and reputations and who will not b etray th at tru st It al so mu st be people capabl e of teaching th e principles and con ce prs , not interpreting it straight from the book.
CL: What is th e timelin e for the project?
SO : Yes terday! We were hop ing to have it done before now but are praying and waiting for God's perfect timing . Fundin g right now is the biggest hindrance to completing th e project
We hope to have th e fi rs t section of seven chapters that Jeff Ja ckson will be doing completed by September and have a demo to show to local deaf church members for feedb ack and to Saddleback for the ir approval.
Saddleback has not asked for a preview but we feel that is an important step. Then we will show it to the other leaders as an example of how to prepare for their section.
CL: How will th e finished materi al be di stributed?
SO: We are arranging to make it ava ilable to Deaf Vi deo Co mm unica ti on s, a no nprofit organi zation th at ru ns a nationwide fre e lend ing library for deaf people. But we fe el that churches will want to have their own set fo r ongoin g teachin g and availability for th eir members.
Zondervan has as ked us to let them know when it is fini shed and ava ilable, so we will b e disc uss ing the di stribu tion aspects with them when th e time is right. We will make it availabl e through our Web site and direct mailing contacts. Most li kely Saddleba ck will put the word out th at it is available, if they are ha ppy with the result. But none of th at ha s bee n di scussed yet.
All proceeds for the sales- if we eve n have a profit-w ill go ba ck into Color of Language to develo p mo re materi als. We have ma ny more pro jects envisioned whe n we get this one behind us.
Note: Mo re information on this materia l can be f ound at www.colorofla nguage.co m and www.bakersf ielddeafminist ri es.com
u.s. Conference receives large gifts in June
Gifts exceeding $245,600 channeled th r ough M BF
We n the U.S. Conference closed its books May 31 o n the 2004-05 fiscal year, USC leaders were concerned about the organi23tion's financial situation. While giving from c hurches and individuals had been strong, the USC was again forced to dip into its dwindling reserves to cover expenses.
One month into the new fiscal year two estate gifrs and a MB Foundation grant have tempered that concern. Both est ate gifts were distributed through MB F, the denominational stewardship ministry
The largest gift comes from the estate of Chester and Clella Jost of Bakersfield, Calif 'The Josts were very generous in life as well as death ," says Jon Wiebe, MBF president. 'They were involved with MBF on several different occasions as we helped them accomplish their charitable objectives."
In 2000 the couple entered into a C haritable Remainder Trust atrangement with M BF that provided them with income for the rest of their lives and for several generous gifrs upon their death. Chester died in 2004 and Clella in March zo05. The gift to the USC of $218,000 was designated to the church planting and the transcultural church ministry of the national conference. Four other ministries also received estate gifts from the Josts.
A second estate gift of just over $2 , 600 designated for missio n s in the USC was received from the estate of Helen Harms of Reedley Six other MB mini stries also benefited from Harms' generosiry, reports Wiebe.
The MBF grant was authorized by the MBF board of directors at its June 16 meeting. The board reviewed recent activity, gift di s tributions and available earnings and approved a grant of $z5, Ooo out of its earnings to the USC for its general operations .
" We are grateful that many Mennonite Brethren people have p racticed faithful stewardship t heir entire lives and are able to extend God's kingdom long past their productive working years ," says C hu ck Buller, US C executive director " I want to express deep thanks to the persons and famili es w ho have generously shared their resources with God's MB fa mily in the U S." - CL
Utah church recognized by Purpose Driven Ministries
Pastor uses Purpose Driven model to grow church
South Mountain Community Church of Draper, Utah, was one of 68 churches around the world honored by Purpose Driven Ministries as 2005 Church Health Award winners. The honorees- who use a variety of worship styles - represent 29 denominations, 16 countries and 29 U.S. states.
Purpose Driven is a church health model developed by Rick Warren of Saddleback Church The award winners are chosen on the basis of how well the churches balance the five biblical purposes of worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry and evangelism. In keeping with Warrens long -standing belief that size is not an accurate reflection of church health, churches with an average weekend attendance ranging from 50 to more than W,ooo were selected for the award.
Each Church Health Award winner is featured in a book and those features also appear on PurposeDriven.com and Warrens Ministry ToolBox. The South Mountain Community Church profile written by Purpose Driven staff is reprinted here. - the editor
Utah, the stronghold of Mormonism, is a daunting place to plant an evangelical church. But that is exactly what God called Paul Robie to do.
Robie was exposed to Purpose Driven principles in 1996 at a conference in West Covina. Although he openly admits to going there full of skeptici sm about what exactly Saddleback was doing to " get all those people in the doors on Sunday," he came away powerfully moved and determined to become purpose driven in his own ministry. That opportunity came when he and his family moved to Utah to plant a churc h.
He calls the decision to move to Utah "difficult." But his passion for the lost opened his heart to those raised in the Mormon tradition "My discernment was that the most difficult people to reach are those in a religious environment that gives them a counterfeit to genuine Christianity," he says . "I found there were towns (in Utah) of 20,000 to 30,000 people that had no Protestant or evangelical churches."
Robie initially wanted to take as many members from his church in California to Utah who were willing to go, but "there were no takers." So instead, in the spring of 1998, he set out with his family and the names of several people to contact once he reached his destination
'The first small step towards building a church was meeting neighbors in the community and eventually building a Bible study of eight people In the late summer of that year, Robie and his wife Jini started a second Bible study with the aid of Mike and Joanie Bell who came from Seattle to help with music and youth ministries
By the time they had their first public service, there were 14 adults, half of whom were Christians, and 10 children. When the new facility opened its doors in October 1998, 50 people attended The church quickly outgrew the space and, within a year and a half, had moved into a much larger warehouse, which they just expanded for the third time.
'The church began as a fully Purpose Driven church, with the vision statement of 'We exist to help as many people as possible become fully devoted and fully delighted followers of Jesus Christ." Instead of the usual Purpose Driven baseball diamond motif, Robie incorporated a rock-climber motif, which has now morphed into a building motif to "show the five purposes and how they fit together."
The biggest challenge in implementing the Purpose Driven model, says Robie, was the overwhelming influence of Mormonism. "If I was too rigid in making people take the classes in order and in a timely fashion , they felt the same kind of pressure they felt in the Mormon church," he says.
To keep the purposes fresh to the members and attendees of the congregation, Robie preaches on one of the purposes every six weeks. The church also has men's groups, women's groups, singles' groups and support groups in addition to "home groups" that meet every week to study the sermon notes and study questions
Robie credits Purpose Driven with giving him" rails to drive the train on." South Mountain Community Church has to walk a delicate line between trying to attract new people and not doing anything "freaky or weird" that would scare off a potential believer from a Mormon background
A rock-climbing motif originally used to illustrate the Pu r pose Driven model has morphed into a build ing feature at SMCC.
"Those coming out of Mormonism have been told countless lies concerning evangelicals," says Robie. As a result, people ofren attend for a year or two before accepting Christ, then wait even longer before becoming baptized and becoming a member.
For those still seeking, but not yet ready to make a full commitment to Christ the church has a " Friends of SMCC" program that, according to Robie, helps them " belong" before they "believe."
South Mountain Community Church is having a big impact on what Robie calls " disenfranchised Mormons," who end up at the church. SM C C offers C ub Scouts and Boy Scouts as an alternative to LOS Scouting. And though the gospel is never diluted, Robie is careful to never "attack Mormonism " on a Sunday morning in hopes that members will bring their Mormon friends.
"What we as a church must do is take the time to really love these people and to show them that we struggle and depend on grace just as they should," says Robie
One family of these "disenfranchised Mormons" was a man named Frank and his wife Pam. The eldest son in a polygamous home, Fran k left his family when he was eighteen He and his wife were raising their children in a nonreligious home when they were invited to SMCC by a friend.
They attended for over a year before committing to a Bible study group, but both eventually came to know the Lord. They were baptized in January 2003 after the 40 Days of Purpose campaign. Pam is now the bookkeeper and Frank has been a leader in recent expansion projects.
Robie explains that this is just "one example of many in which God has got a hold of someone's life and completely turned it around." - reprinted with permission by www pastors.com.adivision of Purpose Division Ministries
Grulla MB opens library
Texas church hopes to encourage Christians, reach community
library might seem like a small thing, but for Grulla MB Church of La Grulla, Tex., a library is a big step toward Christian growth. Grulla pened their new lib rary Jan . 30 2005
The church, which is located only minutes from the Mexican border, is heavily influenced by the Latin culture, which does not encourage reading, according to pastor Walter Heidenreich.
''The Latin people don't like to read," he says. But he says that books are an important resource for Christian growth. "If we want a church to have believers that grow, we have to have books," he says.
Heidenreich points out that Christians in the U.S. have access to a wealth of books and other resources but often don't fully appreciate them. He says this is especially true in the Latin culture "We are living in an age where we have books for everything - dating, counseling - but people don't use them a lot in the Hispanic world."
Heidenreich hopes that Grulla's new library will encourage church members to study the Bible first, then read good books in order to spur thinking and growth.
When Heidenreich came to Grulla MB as pastor just over a year ago, he brought a love of books with him. He and his wife, Alfonsina , made a habit of giving away books, talking about books, and encouraging people to read. Their love of books was contagious. "We saw the people little by little start to love books too," H eidenreich says.
That growing interest in books led to a vision for a church library. Church leadership designated an unused room of the church for the purpose. The congregation cleared the room, added furniture and shelving and began gathering books. Three volunteer librarians est ablished a mi ssion statement and lending policies. The volunteers worked hard purchasing. processing and cataloging
The three vo l un teer Gr ulla church librar ians wo rked hard purchasi ng processi ng and cata l oging books for th eir new l i brary.
Come Home to the Neighborhood You Remember
Step back in ti me at Palm Village to the warmth of the neighborhoods of yesterday you remember so well.
Our residents look out for each other, much like it was years ago, when the frie nds next door cared dee ply about your well being.
Yo u'll love livi ng in the historicallyri ch city of Reedley, where proud ' citize ns walk tree-li ned streets at a pace that will remind you of the pl aces where you grew up.
Enjoy life as it was meant to be lived at Palm Village!
books. "It's a small place, but it's a good beginning," Heidenreich says.
The library opened with a special service that included a message on the value of books throughout history and in the Bible, prayer, a ribbon-cutting and a meal. It is now open every Sunday after worship, and Heidenreich says that church members visit it regularly. " It's making a difference in the people that are reading," he says.
The Grulla library is open to the community as well as to church members. La Grulla is a small community of about 1,000 people with no public library. Heidenreich says that poverty, drugs and alcohol are "a very sad reality" in the community, so anything the church can do to reach out, educate and help is valuable So far, only church members have used the library. Heidenreich speculates that community members may be hesitant to enter the church building.
The library includes books on Christian living, children's books, Christian movies and educational books on topics such as health. The collection includes both English and Spanish-language books, since many in the congregation and community speak Spanish. Heidenreich notes that Spanish translations of popular Christian books are readily available, but are often more expensive than their English counterparts.
Grulla 's collection of books is small but growing, Heidenreich says. They are building the collection gradually as funds are available and welcome donations from other churches or individuals. The volunteer librarians examine every book before it is added to the collection, making sure it is doctrinally sound and in good condition.
Heidenreich hopes that as the library grows, it will inspire growth in those who use it "We try to motivate people all the time to grow, and books are a really important tool for that," he says. - Myra Holmes
Ministry study concludes with recommendation to lift restrictions
Canadian BFL recommends opening all pastoral ministry levels to women
After almost two years of province-wide open invitation meetings and two extended study conferences within the board itself, the Canadian Conference Board of Faith and Life is recommending that all levels of ministry leadership be open to women, including local church lead pastor. Congregations have received a draft of the recommendation that will be finalized by BFL in January 2006. Delegates to the 2006 Canadian Conference convention will take action on the resolution next summer.
The last resolution on women's ministry in North American MB congregations was passed in 1999 when the binational General Conference of MB Churches reaffinned a 1981 decision that "women be encouraged to minister in the church in every function other than the lead pastorate " A resolution to "allow for diversity of conviction and practice" was defeated in 1993.
The General Conference was dissolved in 2002, so the Canadian and U.S. national conferences can now decide such matters separately. The U.S. Conference has not re-opened the question of women in senior pastoral ministry
"While it is true that technically this is not a confessional item and so does not require consultation, it is very important and all MBs would be served by more conversation, " says Lynn Jost of Hillsboro Kan , a member of the U S. Conference Le adership Board and chair of the fonner USC Board of Faith and Life. "The International C ommittee of Mennonite
Brethren may be the proper context for this conversation "
The request in Canada to lift the current restriction came from the Manitoba MB Conference in March of 2003. Manitoba's request was referred to the national Board of Faith and Life.
Due diligence was exercised by the board in fielding letters, doing an extensive survey, and conducting seven study conferences, says BFL chair Walter Unger of Abbotsford, BC
In June the Canadian BFL reviewed all of the infonnation gleaned. Once again the board did a careful study on women's roles in fulfilling the mission God has given to Canadian Mennonite Brethren, says Unger.
A broad range of the relevant biblical texts was considered, including those passages historically interpreted to imply a restriction to women's participation in the life, ministry and mission of the church for all time The board also reflected on theological, ecclesiological, and sociological implications that impact the interpretation of the Bible on this topic .
'/\fter much grappling with these elements, the board detennined a direction based on how best the churches and conference might be increasingly missional in our nation," writes Unger in a BFL announcement circulated in late June.
'Tm satisfied that the board has done its homework," says David Wiebe, Canadian Conference executive minister. "There is very high respect for the Bible and its authority in our lives . And the vision to use all gifts available to Mennonite Brethren to accomplish their part of God's mission in Canada is central to this resolution " - from Canadian Conference BFL press release
By Lynn Jost
Praying for soldiers
Finding words to express our intent is challenging
HOW should we pray for American soliders? As we pray, we struggle to find words that express our intent Often we pray for safety for our troops-yet what about other victims of violence? Others have prayed.for solders' safety and also for success in their mission. Is it appropriate to pray that bullets will find their targets? Recently I heard a prayer that gave thanks for those who heard God's call to military action Do we want to call military service a divine calling?
Praying for soldiers according to God's will demands reflection. On one hand we commit ourselves to follow Jesus as citizens of his kingdom and to love even our enemies. On the other hand many of us have friends and family in the U.S military, and we aim to be good members of our nation . When it comes to military service the U.S. MB church is not united. In Article 13 of our confession of faith we state, "In times of national conscription or war, we believe we are called to give alternative service where possible." In practice, some of our members are stationed in Iraq . Many more support this military option .
We will not easily resolve this division. We must keep talking to each other about our differences. Basic to any conversation is a reminder that our primary identity is as Christ's people, not as Americans. Article 12 of the Confession of Faith reminds us , 'The primary allegiance of all Christians is to Christ's kingdom, not the state or society."
As people with dual citizenship we struggle to express love for our nation in keeping with loyalty to God . Because words shape belief, how we pray is important. In public prayer we teach each other how to relate to God.
My teaching colleague Doug Miller has suggested a helpful way to order our praying. He says that he prays that military people would be kept from harm and from harming others. This simple prayer guides us as we develop principles for praying for soldiers.
I Praying for members of military forces is biblical. Paul tells Christians to pray "for kings and all those in authority." Paul was telling
persecuted Christians to pray for the pagan emperorone who had ordered their mistreatment! Paul does not tell Christians to pray for military victory but that we may live peaceful, godly lives
z. Praying for soldiers in wartime should be ordered by our primary allegiance to Christ's kingdom. Above all, we want to pray, "Thy kingdom come." An invasion of Muslim nations by western armies complicates evangelical missionary work. We will pray that the way of Christ will prevail (1 Peter 2:21).
3. Praying reminds us of the spiritual warfare which threatens to victimize humans. We struggle not against human foes but "against spiritual forces of evil" (Eph . 6:10-19). Those caught in war are victims of violent spiritual powers War destroys lives of both noncombatants and soldiers We pray for those who are wounded-emotionally as well as physically.
4. Praying reminds us that we ourselves can be caught up in a struggle for our own rights (James 4:1-3). Our quest for wealth and pleasure puts pressure on our government to act aggressively to preserve our way of life. As we meet God in prayer, we are led to confession and repentance.
5. Praying leads to action. Immediately after calling his disciples to pray for workers in the Lord's harvest, Jesus authorizes them to go in mission. Wouldn't it be grand for the church to send a pastoral team to Iraq to give pastoral care to our church members in the war?
With these principles in mind, I encourage you to pray for our sons and daughters in the military and for all our enemies.
Our heavenly Father, we pray for all in war zones. Protect them from harm and from harming others. Give those in authority wisdom to end hostilities so that we can freely proclaim Jesus as Lord . Great Physician, bring healing to all who have been injured in war. Restore war-tom lands to order and justice. Forgive us for our own contribution to conflict, especially for our desires that lead to quarreling so that we fight to get what we want . Show us how we can bring the presence of Christ to those caught in conflict Amen
Lynn Jost is on the Tabor College faculty and a member of Hillsboro (Kan.) MB Church.
Do you open doors?
A can of paint or a blanket can accomplish God 's work
Icall them "door openers." Some people don't think such acts of practical kindness are really all that important in the realm of Christian ministry. I'm convinced that without them much of the "important" work in the kingdom of God wouldn't get done
Last Christmas a group of us went on a mission trip to one of the Mexican cities just south of the Texas border. One day several dads in our group and their teenage sons accompanied a local missionary to a nearby prison. They took paint, rollers and brushes with them in order to paint the warden's office and the prison's entrance hallway.
The warden was so pleased with their work that he agreed to allow future visits by missionaries interested in reaching these prisoners. Previous attempts to get permission had been unsuccessful. Now thanks to the paint job, the doors were opened The only stipulation was that participation by the prisoners in these meetings must be voluntary.
For a number of years some women in our church have sewn baby comforters for a Christian pregnancy center The director has told us that often a young woman who receives one of these new blankets gets teary-eyed and says, "No one ever made anything for me before " She is deeply touched and, therefore, more open to the counseling the center provides.
When Mennonite Central Commitree representatives distribute the school kits, health kits and baby layette sets we send them , they meet not only the physical needs of the recipients but also become effective door openers for further outreach with the gospel.
Several years ago MCC refugee kits were distributed to war refugees by local Christians in the Balkan areas of Eastern Europe One Muslim man receiving such a kit was moved to tears
"You mean Christians would do this for me? " he asked. After all the hotrific experiences of the war this gift of relief supplies was a door opener for him .
A Samaritan's Purse newsletter tells the story of distributing Christmas shoe -gift boxes to needy children in a remote area of Sri Lanka. The people intending to give out these boxes had received official government permission to do so, but when they arrived at this small village the local Muslim militia men refused to allow them entry
"You can't give these out here . We have many
Muslim children just as poor as the Christian children so it's not fair to give them only to the Christian children. We won 't allow it," they said.
"But we want to give these out to all the children," was the reply. " It doesn't matter what their religion is. "
The militia men were dumbfounded: Christians giving gifts to Muslims? In the end they allowed the distribution of the shoe boxes as planned. As they watched the joy on the faces of the children, both Christian and Muslim , several of the soldiers had tears in their eyes They even asked for more information about Christianity. The shoe-gift boxes were door openers.
Following the horrific events of 9/11, organizers in New York City helped children in that city put together Christmas shoe boxes for children in Afghanistan. Doing this provided healing for the traumatized children of NYC . The results were equally dramatic in Afghanistan when the boxes were given to children who had experienced the chaos resulting from the allied attacks on the Taliban in their country
At one distribution point the local Muslim governor explained that these gifts came from children in the West and that "they want to share God's love with you and to tell you that he has not forgotten you." Both in New York City and in this Afghanistan village the shoe boxes were door openers.
In a country in the South Pacific, appliance repairmen and car mechanics are busy acting as door openers. They teach their repair skills to nationals and in return the government issues visas to linguists and literacy workers who are busy translating the Bible into local languages and teaching the people to read. Support workers such as teachers , nurses, doctors, computer technicians and others are also allowed entry
The early church at Corinth was having disputes as to who to follow and what work was important. Paul settles their arguments by saying, "Each one of us does the work which the Lord gave him to do : I planted the seed, Apollos watered the plant, but it was God who made the plant grow There is no difference between the man who plants and the man who waters ; God will reward each one according to the work he has done For we are partners working together for God " (I Cor. 3:Sb-9a Good News) . We should not underestimate the importance of door openers. They are an integral part of God 's kingdom work
ROSE BUSCHMAN
Debating the relational mission funding model
Qone of the most significant changes in mission polity is the concept of "reLational" mi ssio n funding If this is our model, why do we need MBMS InternationaL? (California)
AThis inquirer recently attended a roundtable discussion on the structure and struggles of MBMS nternational and was introduced, as he said, to a lot of information that was new to him. He understands, correctly I think, that "relational" mission giving means that missionaries will be required to seek the ir own support by building relationships with individual congregations. According to MBMSI material, throughout this process missionaries will be "seeking funds, communicating goals and objectives planned and accomplished and making periodic visits from the mission field to their'relational' churches. "
There are many reasons why Mennonites have created mission and related organizations. For instance, if I were a missionary in Zimbabwe, I think I would want a connection with a larger, legitimate organization like the Brethren in Christ Church that could work with a government not always friendly to religious activities.
An illustration from recent Mennonite history would be the effort of Mennonite World Conference Executive Secretary Larry Miller to visit and appeal to the Viemam government to free Mennonite political prisoners While even the MWC appeal did not bring the desired results , hopefully a worldwide organization ofren carries more clout than an individual missionary or church member.
There are other good reasons for the existence of an overall body to represent missionaries on the fields. Choosing new fields of service or canceling others, assisting with mission partners such as the 17 or 18 other Mennonite Brethren conferences, representing our mission efforts in the larger evangelical network, securing visas, overseeing finances, giving counsel, evaluating the success or failure of the missionary and helping to determine measures to take in cases of emergencies are services MBMSI offers.
Behind the question, perhaps, is the experience of us older folks who recall the struggle of moving from giving for specific causes to a budgeted giving plan where we gave to the church and trusted both congregation and denomination to
= I J<;,"UIllC thcre J nUlllhcr of rcplies to thc use the money wisely. We did so " II 'h. . . . . partly because we thought faith quc<;,tlon. not, \\ \ JIC JocnClCs ']nJ othcr .. h . d I' I _. " b missions t at practice re atlOna :\fcnnonIte JenOIl1I11JtIOn"i turning to the SJllle ll1oJel? giving ofren hampered the Lord's work and did not
The inquirer confesses he does not have enough background to inform him as to the wisdom of the new model. But he says he has enough financial experience to ask the question : "Why then do we need a MBMSI?"
What this person did not mention in his question is that under the new model, when individual churches support individual missionaries, congregations are asked to give 15 percent of their mission contributions for MBMSI administrative costs. MBMSI Vice-Chair Dennis Fast in a recent Leader article discussed this new model ("Conference Call" column , June 2005)
I assume there are a number of positive replies to the question . If not, why are most mission agencies and other Mennonite denominations turning to the same model?
Rave a question about a Bible passage, doctrine, conference poli cy, or other spiritual issue? E-mail Marvin at marvinhein@sbcglobal.net or send your question to "Inquiring Minds, " c/o Marvin Rein, 3036 East Magill Avenue, Fresno, CA 93 710.
enhance it. We turned to budgeted giving because we thought it was consistent theologically with our community concept of the church and denomination. Our mission board, I'm quite sure, would respond that the new model was born because we were not giving enough .
All that is changing We've followed the individualistic bent of our culture in wanting to see and feel what our stewardship dollars are doing We've succumbed to the business world's concept of heavy, top-down leadership where fewer and fewer people help make the decisions
Whether or not the new model will result in greater support remains to be seen. I hear some saying that giving to missions is down. I hear others saying it has increased.
It seems to me that in this case, I, as one who has lived fourscore years and has been active in the church for three-fourths of that time, will have to say again what I say about many other changes in the church: My emotions do not consent, but my mind tells me I need to accept change.
It is a struggle for me to accept such drastic change My hope is that those who are younger will listen and try to understand my struggle
BAPTISM/MEMBERSHIP
Kingsburg, Calif.-Anne Jost and Michelle Shannon were baptized and welcomed as new members July 3 Nan and Janice Cochron were also welcomed as new members
Wichita, Kan., (Firstl-Tracy and Shawna Klein. Sheryl Buchanan, Vera Schmidt, Elvie and Ruby Loewen, Hoyt and Evelyn Sunderland and Laura Warwick were welcomed as members June 19.
Mountain Lake, Minn., (Community Biblel-Greg Bent, Lillian Buley Dick, Kathleen Herman, Susan Jyrkas and Linda Sayles were baptized and welcomed as members June 12 Ryan Ketterling and Arlene Penner were welcomed as new members. Edmond, Okla., (Memorial Roadl-Marvin and Kim Hiebert, Rodney and Gail Johnson, Joey McMillin and John and Gladys Ulrich were received as members June 12
San Jose, Calif., (Lincoln Glenl-Aaron Street Janelle Wiens, Katie Friesen and Steve Giron baptized June 12 and welcomed as members.
Ferndale, Wash , (Good Newsl-Darrel, Kelly and Cody Koehn were baptized and received as members May 1
CELEBRATIONS
Denver, Colo.,(Garden Parkl- The congregation will celebrate its 50th anniversary celebration Sept. 25, 2005. with a spec ial afternoon service
FELLOWSHIP
Dinuba, Calif. - The congregation hosted guests who attended the "Harbiner" reunion June 24 -26. The reunion , held in Reedley, Calif , commemorated the 75th anniversary of Mennonites crossing the Amur River from Russia into Harbin, China. Historian Wilmer Harms of Newton, Kan., was the reunion speaker.
Olathe, Kan.,(Community Biblel-June 12 the youth group served a pancake breakfast to raise funds. Following the second worship service. the congregation held a baptism service at a local lake
Shafter, Calif.- The morning worship service June 12 was held at a local school. A church business meeting followed the service and was followed by a picnic lunch and games
Sioux Falls, SD, (Lincoln Hillsl - The congregation held a campout June 10-12 The schedule included a group breakfast and evening meal and lots of free time
[
MINISTRY
Collinsville, Okla., (Westportl- The congregation is now known as Discovery Bible Fellowship. The new name is meant to better communicate the congregation's values and mission in thei r commu ni ty
Papillion, Neb., (Rolling Hillsl- The women hosted an outreach event for 10 girls from the local juvenile residential treatment center. A total of 40 women treated the girls to a "Princess Pampering Party" which included lunch and a variety of tips and personal care treatments-facials, makeovers, hair styling , nail painting and a massage. The afternoon concluded with the women sharing with the girls what God says about beauty, value, worth and God 's everlasting love.
Corn, Okla.-The youth group traveled to Juarez, Mexico, July 17-24 with Amor Ministries to build a house and interact with local families. Junior high and senior high youth spent a week in Lawton, Okla , hosting vacation Bible school for Faith Bible Church. Manhattan, Kan.-A basket of letter writing supplies is available during the summer so that people can write to missionaries and other ministry partners. San Jose, Calif., (Lincoln Glenl-The congregation hosted a community holiday picnic July 3 together with Ethiopian Christian Fellowship and the Boy Scouts. The youth group went to Del Ray, Calif., June 20-25 to assist a small church plant with vacation Bible school and building preparation
TEACHING/NURTURE
Edmond, Okla., (Memorial Roadl-The congregation is studying The Purpose Driven Life during the summer Sunday school hour After an introductory session, small groups are proceeding at their own pace. Groups not finished by the end of August are encouraged to meet off-campus until they complete the study.
Fresno, Calif., (Northl-Summer adult Sunday school electives include "Portraits of Jesus" taught by Tim Geddert, a marriage series taught by Steve and Lois Ewert and David and Debbie Friesen and prison epistles taught by Donn Rojeski
Bakersfield, Calif , (Laurelglenl - A small summer book group of parents of young children began June 30. The group is reading and discussing Winning the Parenting War.
WORKERS
Wichita, Kan., (Firstl - Brent and Joan Warkentin
have accepted the ca ll to serve as lead pastora l couple, beginning Aug. 22 The Wa rken tin s have served Buhler [Kan.l MB Church as sen ior pastoral couple since 1994
Corn, Okla. - Ken and Lil Gard ner have anno un ced their resignat ion as senior pastoral coup le effective August 31
Enid, Okla.-This month Travis and Lisa Schmidt, most recently youth pastor couple at Kingwood Bible Church in Salem, Ore , wi ll begin serving as student ministry pastoral couple Previous Youth Pastor Nate Templin resigned to attend So uthwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Tex., in preparation for mission work
Buhler, Kan.-N ick Rempel completed 35 years of pastoral ministry June 10th and has announced his retirement.
Cimarron, Kan , (Valleyview Biblel-Stuart and Regina Pederson have resigned as pastora l couple.
Newton, Kan., (Koerner Heightsl -Leonard and Jannita Reiss, pastoral couple to senior adults, res igned as of June 30 in order to serve as pastoral couple for a congregation in 51. Albans , Mai ne
Tulsa, Okla., (The Heartl-Kevin and Meagan Hisey, worship and youth leadership couple, have moved to Denver, Colo , to be part of a church plant.
Meno, Okla., (New Hopedalel - James and Linda Suderman were installed as the pastoral couple June 12
San Jose, Calif., (Lincoln Glenl - Pastoral couple Travis and Lois Reimer were honored June 12 with a special worship service, lunch and picto rial review. The Reimers, who served the congregation for 10 years, are retiring to Winnipeg, Man.
Bakersfield, Calif., (Laurelglenl- The congregation together with the Pacific District Conference is hosting four summer interns: Danny Wahl in junior high ministries, Erin Landis in college/career ministries, Megan Steward in children and preschool ministries and Meghan Pearsey in high schoo l ministries
Reedley, Calif.-The congrega tion hosted evening fellowship times for two departing stude nt mi ni stries pastors Jason and Ruthann Coombs were recognized June 26 and Scott and Susan Holman were re cognized July 17
Ferndale, Wash., (Good Newsl - Kevin and Becka Mondau comp leted 10 mont hs of youth ministry
June 26 and last month began fu ll -time min istry with Young Life
DEATHS
DUER KSEN, LUELLA H., Corn , Okla , of Corn MB Church, was born Aug 23,1929, in Goessel, Kan , to Henry and Sus ie Hege On Sept. 14, 1941, she was married to Erwin Duerksen, who survives She is also survived by one son, Kenneth of Austin, Texas; two daug hters, Kathy and husband Kelly Jackson of Moore, Okla , and Karen and husband Rodney Sawatzky of Clinton, Okla.; two sisters, Donna Law and Margorie Teer, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren
KROEKER, HELMA, Hillsboro, Kan , a member of Hillsboro MB Church, was born June 26, 1933, to Martin and Helen Epp Kroeker near Marion, SO, and died June 20, 2005, at the age of 71 She is survived by four sisters, Mary Loewen, Martha and husband David Fast, Elvira and husband David Plett, all of Hillsboro, and Hilda Kroeker of Mission, Kan ; three brothers, Werner and wife Elsie Ann of Clovis, Calif., Alvin of Sioux Falls, SO, and Orlando J and wife Rosita of Shawnee, Kan , 25 nieces and nephews, 50 great nieces and nephews and eight great-great nieces and nephews.
Celebration
ABBOTSFORD , BC
Sunday, June 19, 7:00 PM Central Heights MB Church
REEDLEY, CA
Sunday, Sept. 11, 6:00 PM Reedley MB Church
WINNIPEG , MB
Sunday, October 2, 6:30 PM North Kildonan MB Church
ST CATHARINES , ON Satu rday, Oct. 29, 7:00 PM Grantham MB Church
MARTENS, MINNIE, Fairview, Okla , member of Fairview MB Church, was born Oct. 30, 1907, to Fredrich and Helena Arndt Wichert in Fairview, Okla ., and died June 15,2005, at the age of 97 On Oct. 12, 1930, she married Albert Martens, who predeceased her in 2003 She is survived by four sons, Donald and wife Joyce, Marvin and wife Jeanette, Jerry and wife Carol and Larry and wife Kathleen; eight grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and two great -great grandchildren
PENNER, MARTHA MARIE, Fresno, Calif , member of Bethany Church of Fresno, was born Sept. 23, 1914, to George and Marie Harder in Corn. Okla , and died March 19,2005, at the age of 90 She was married to D O Penner, who predeceased her She is survived by he r children, Mel and wife Norma of Sterling. Colo., Ida and husband Orville Neufeld of Monument, Colo , Frank and wife Ruth of Galt, Calif , Clare Trammell of Fresno, Calif , Norma and husband Einard Koski, Jr. , of Modesto, Calif., Don and wife Linda of Fresno, Calif , Dottie and husband Ron Payne of Modesto and Edie and husband Brian Radtke of Fresno, 21 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren
Missions Night
WATERLOO , ON
Sunday, October 30, 7:00 PM Waterloo MB Church
FREEMAN , SO
Thursday, Nov. 3, 7:00 PM Salem MB Church
HILLSBORO , KS
Sunday, Nov. 6, 7:00 PM Tabor College Gym
FAIRVIEW, OK
Monday, Nov 7, 7:00 PM Fairview MB Chu rch
An evening of celebration , worship, and missions with the new General Director of MBMSI, Randy Friesen
A video report and testimonies from Operation Rebuilding Lives in Thailand A Thank-You -Lord missions offering will be
SCHMIDT, PETER E., Corn, Okla , member of Corn MB Church, was born March 12, 1917, near Lustre, Mont., to Emil E. and Eve Teske Schmidt and died June 6, 2005 , at the age of 88 On March 14, 1944, he married Helen Martin, who predeceased him. He is survived by two sons, Dennis and wife Lawanna and Tim and wife Jane, all of Corn ; two daughters, Sherry and husband Eugene Pauls of Corn and Sylvia and husband Mark Mason of Oklahoma City. Okla., three brothers, George and wife Gladys of Eureka, Ill., Paul and wife Elfie of Walnut Creek, Calif , and Emil and wife Evelyn of Sweeney, Texas; three sisters. Carolyn and husband Ralph Fauth of Glasgow, Mont. , Pauline Harms and Ann ie Davis, both of Corn, and 11 grandchildren
STINNETT, HENRY, Shafter, Calif.. member of Shafter MB Church, was born Feb 2, 1940, to Henry and Jewel Stinnett in Swink, Okla , and died June 12, 2005, at the age of 65 On May 5, 1961, he married Gloria Schultz, who survives He is also survived by one son, Mark and wife Amy of Bakersfield, Calif.; one sister, Bobbie and husband Richard Hedrick of Bakersfield, and two grandchildren.
Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary is seeking an
Academic Dean
MB Biblical Seminary is the only graduate theological school of the Mennon ite Brethren in North America. The seminary's original campus is in Fresno, Calif. In addition to the Fresno campus, the operates campuses in Langley, BC and Winnipeg , Man. The Academic Dean will serve all three locations, providing faculty and curricular leadership, along with other academic responsibilities. Resumes are requested by October 1, 2005. Resumes may be sent to:
Sharon Balint
Executive Assistant to the President 4824 E. Butler Ave Fresno, CA 93727
Slicing thick and thin
In the infonnation management biz , one is regularly presented with "new" theories about the nature of information, knowledge, research and other matters. I say "new" (imagine my fingers signing the ironic quote marks) because most of this really isn't new but is old stuff that has come around again in new packaging. It's the old "pendulum swing" effect. Something that has gone too far one way has swung back the other and on it goes.
So, a new
idea I've bee n reading about is
the man's baseball cap displaying the name of a Christian ministry organization. Kim hitched a ride with him and his wife to their nearby home to call a tow truck. When they returned, they even brought juice boxes for my kids. I carry the memory of this incident as a classic example of a first impression being way off.
It's interesting that we live in a society that can go both ways. On one hand, our trust in data-gathering and scientific inquiry makes us wary of emotion, intuition, spirituality and anything else that goes beyond realms, which can be measured and quantified. On the other
C I like to consider things. fy quick- Jcting wife isn't JlwJYs thrilled ahout this. She hJS to remind me 10 quit thinking so much Jnd actually do something.
called "thin slicing." Andrew Dillon, dean of the School of Information at the University of Texas at Austin, wrote in a column that thin slicing was inspired by the book Blink, which has created a sensation in his field. As Di1lon explains, the book "pettains to the power of thinking without thinking. The essence of this book is that snap judgments are often based on fairly deep knowledge, freed from the constraints imposed by the consideration of too much infonnarion."
See what I mean about the pendulum swing? For awhile we've been experiencing the information explosion. The amount of data pouring into our lives each day is overwhelming Researchers and archivists, too, are faced with huge amounts of material to comprehend and catalog. Thus, Di1lon writes, "In a world of overwhelming perceptual stimulation, it seems that reducing the data and allowing intuition to guide us may be a useful coping strategy."
That makes sense. As a reflective type, I know I get too wrapped up in the information loop. I like to consider things. My quick-acting wife isn't always thri1led about this. She has to remind me to quit thinking so much and actually do something.
111 readily admit there are times when I need to quit pondering and have more confidence in my ability to make a quicker judgment and take more timely action. However I don't believe our infonnation-deluged culture should suddenly pronounce thin slicing as the way to think (or not think). There should always be some degree of wariness about first impressions because, as the old saying goes, first impressions can be wrong.
On that subject, I remember an incident years ago when I was driving through a remote stretch of countryside with my wife and two small children. Our car suddenly died and not having a cell phone at the time we sat there for a while trying to decide what to do. Soon a beat- up pickup appeared. To our alarm, a large, menacinglooking man got out of the truck, came over and grabbed my wife and
Not really We were concerned at first but relaxed as we noticed
hand, we make snap judgments all the time, based on appearance, conventional wisdom or a ten-second expose on the evening news.
In the book of Proverbs, the concept of wisdom does not seem particularly compatible with the fleeting nature of first impressions. The writer talks about "turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heatt to understanding." This can be developed "if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure" (2:2-4)·
Jesus echoed such thoughts the times he warned against judging others wrongly and jumping to faulty conclusions. Once when the religious leaders were condemning his teaching and miracles, Jesus explained their error and said, "Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment" (John 7:24).
Yet it's also true that Jesus demonstrated excellent intuition about people's hearts and motives, and was a quick study regarding all that was going on around him. His divine nature had much to do with it, but we'd also attribute it to the "deep knowledge" mentioned by Andrew Di1lon when writing about thin slicing.
That's the key Thin slicing has its place as long as we are also thick slicing. Intuition and first impressions have value if they are undergirded by deep knowledge and sensitivity about the world and the people around us. However when snap judgments are based on lack of knowledge, as they often are these days, then they are bound to turn out wrong
Surviving retirement when you don't retire
My retirement didn't last long. As the 65-year-old headmas ter of a private Christian college-preparatory high school, the school board and I agreed that it would be wise to tum leadership over to a younger man. But when I received a call from Tabor College about an opening in the Teacher Education Department, I retired my retirement.
It has been a very happy five years. If health and sanity hold out I may just make it another five. But there has been a leaming curve. And this is what I want to share with you - the lessons I've leamed about surviving the retirement years when you don't retire.
An unknown poet writes, Fill a cup to its brim and it is easily spilled; Temper a sword to its hardest and it is easily broken; Amass the greatest treasure and it is easily stolen; Claim credit and honor and you easily fall; Retire once your purpose is achieved- this is natural.
As I wrestled with the issue of retirement, I took an inventory of my life and concluded that my purpose had not been achieved. In spite of whom I saw in the mirror, I knew I could still make a contribution in ministry and professionally That doesn't mean that I will always be compensated for my work. My exit from
active in their communities
Based on Takayangi's observations and my own, here is a simple list for successful aging and productivity during the so-called retirement years.
I. Don't smoke, eat healthy food, do moderate exercise, keep your weight at a modest level and get annual physical, dental, and eye checkups
2. Stay connected to your entire community - families, single adults and young adults.
3. Maintain good self-esteem through disciplined financial planning.
4. Set priorities in your work, choosing the best over the good.
5. Set boundaries in your relationships, including those of family and friends .
6. Heal your family trouble s.
7. Voice your opinions with sensitivity, diplomacy, lovingly and with a willingness to cease and desist when they are neither invited nor welcomed.
8. Appreciate your spouse and keep the relationship fresh, romantic and growing.
9. Continue your spiritual formation, loving God, others, yourself and life .
10. Work on your written legacy, whether it is a journal, a book or letters. a paid position may mean a promotion to -=. J
3:22 .,\ Vhercfore I rercel\'e lhal there is nothing that of volunteer. I hetter, than that a rejoice in own work,,; for that is his rortiono tor who shall hring him to sec \\'hal "hall he aher him?"' tutor mner-clty c I - 0 • v dren in reading or serve as interim pastor to churches unable or unprepared to call a permanent minister.
My decision not to retire is sometimes met with suspicion from fellow professors as well as younger folk. I entertain surprisingly personal questions: Are you trying to set some sort of record? Did you fail to provide for retirement and haven't accumulated enough to make the move? There's even been the implied accusation that I am making others my age look bad or that by not retiring I'm depriving a younger family man of a job.
I determined that my decision to stay in the workforce was between the Lord and me. As Ecclesiastes 3:22 says, "Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?"
Having made the decision to remain employed, the next issue was staying healthy and making a contribution I do not want to become a liability to my employer, my family or myself.
On his Web site, gerontologist Paul Takayanagi describes the people with whom he has surrounded him self: dozens of older people in their ninth decade. Their lives are very much intact: they are still married and celebrating their 50th or 60th anniversary, their children have grandchildren and every generation is healthy and fun ctioning. They have enough in come to live on and they are still
I make my share of mistakes fighting the good fight and keeping the faith. Nevertheless it is my passion to leave the same legacy that I have received from those heroic octogenarians who are my inspiration - a lega cy of spiritual maturity and productivity.
This essay is adapted from Bruce Anthonys presentation at the 2004 U.S. Conference 55-Plus Convention Four months ago Anthony was diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer and is presently undergoing treatment . He continues to wrestle with retirement issues, especially that offull retirement. He is reducing his work at Tabor College to halftime and is pastor at Spring Valley Mennonite Church near Canton , Kan . He hopes to maintain both roles as long as God gives him strength and he feels he is making a spiritual contribution
« CLEARINGHOUSE »
Senior Pastor. Community Bible
Fellowship is seeking a senior pastor to join with the elders in leading our congregation. We are a caring and welcoming 14-year-old church with one contemporary Sunday morning service and a desire to grow Bellingham is located along the coast of the beautiful Pacific Northwest, 16 miles south of the Canadian border Please direct inquiries and resumes to: CBF Pastor Search Committee, P.O. Box 30260, Bellingham, WA 98228-2260 or email: infoKlcbfpastorsearch org All communication will be kept strictly confidential.
Children's Minister. North Fresno Church IMBI of Fresno, Calif, is seeking a person to develop and lead a ministry to children, nursery through sixth grade, and their families by fostering relationships with God and others, equipping volunteer leaders and reaching out to the neighboring community through evangelism and service The congregation has approximately 400 attendees in two services on a weekly basis, with a traditional style of worship in one service and a contemporary style in the other. The church is located in an urban area and serves a community of diverse social, economic and ethnic families. For a complete job announcement email Tim Neufeld at timneufKlfresno.edu or visit www.northfresnochurch.com.
mployment: M eng
Director of Advancement. MB Biblical Seminary seeks a Director of Advancement to lead the seminary s recruitment, public relations, alumni relations and donor development efforts. Are you passionate about the seminary·s mission of inspiring and equipping men and women to be disciples of Christ, and to serve and lead in the church and the world? Do you have the gifts and training to manage staff, prepare budgets and develop strategies and the indicators to measure progress? As a senior level position, the Director of Advancement will serve the seminary in all of its locations, be a member of the administrative team, and report to the president. This person will also be directly involved in donor development, alongside several donor development officers. Salary and Benefits: Commensurate with job qualifications and experience. Office location: Fresno, California or other
location to be negotiated. Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate joins our team To learn more about the position or to apply, please contact Sharon Balint at 15591 4521717 or sbalintKlmbseminary.edu. Visit us at www.mbseminary edu. 12/21
Insurance/Financial Services Sales. Are you looking for a career that combines your professional skills and your Christian faith values? If so, Mennonite Mutual Aid wants to talk with you. We are a church-related organization whose primary mission is to help people manage their Godgiven gifts. MMA is seeking sales professionals to help provide insurance and financial solutions to individuals and businesses, primarily associated with Mennonite and other Anabaptist-related denominations. Openings in Pennsylvania. Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Kansas, Oregon and other states. Excellent compensation and benefits packages. To learn more, visit www.mmaonline.org/careers. Fax or email resume to 15741 537-6635 or hrKlmma-online.org. 15/101
MCC Liaison to the United Nations. The Mennonite Central Committee is recruiting for the position of MCC Liaison to the United Nations in New York. This is a three-year, full-time, salaried position The liaison's assignment is to foster a Christian pacifist vision in the conduct of international affairs at the UN, interpret MCC to the UN, and advocate relevant policies on beh'llf of MCC. Significant experience outside North America and Europe, or other highly ·industrialized areas of the world, is important. Training in international relations, law or theology is preferred. Self-motivation and skill in cross-cultural communication are required. Relating to UN diplomats, hosting MCC workers, overseeing the work of office interns and maintaining regular contact with MCC offices defines the routine work of the MCC UN Liaison Office in New York. Candidates of a gender or ethnic group typically underrepresented in this type of MCC assignment are encouraged to apply. Contact Prem Dick for a copy of the job description, and send him a letter of intent and a resume bye-mail to psdKlmcc.org, or by fax at 17171 8592171 by Sept. 1, 2005. The position is scheduled to begin Dec. 1, 2005. 11/11m
The 2005 Rates* are in and our Homeowners insurance rates continue to be at least 50% less than the other leading companies serving our market areas. The reason is simple. NO MIDDLEMAN.
Mennonite Insurance Services is the only agent for the Mennonite Aid Plan of the Pacific Coast.
Besides the huge savings, working direct also assures you fast , personal service and prompt settlements. Since you are already a member or regularly attend a Mennonite church, call us, Free, today for a Free , noobligation quote and a copy of the 2005 survey.*
Also ask about our auto insurance for even more savings.
