Your world is awash in everything from diaper bags to baseball mitts to braces So many responsibilitiesand so much depending on the choices you make. We can help you plan for tomorrow as you manage your God-given resources today. Ask us about:
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• College and retirement savings
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• Stewardship resources and workshops
19 > Leadership Board meets for fall retreat 20 > North Carolina district holds annual convention 21 > MBMSI reports success with blended funding model 22 > Congregations dedicate new buildings
24 > Ethiopian Mennonites dream of new college 26 > Tradition, tradition!
27 > MCC hosts discussion with Iranian president
Keep those e-mails coming
Thanksgiving thanks, sort of
10 WHY GO TO A CHURCH BUSINESS MEETING? By Duane
Deckert
We all agree that a congregation's future depends on the involvement of its members. So why don't we go to the annual church business meeting? Here are five ways congregational meetings strengthen the local church.
13 THE HOUSE OF USHERS by Rich Preheim
Serving as an usher was a no-brainer. Then I was one. Now I know that ushering isn't a job. It is a vital ministry in the body of Christ.
14 CHURCH BOARDS: BORING OR' FULFILLING By Clare Ann Ruth-Heffelbower and Jill Schellenberg Committees handle the business of church life and can seem separate from our faith and spiritual experience. But the administrative work of the church can help us grow in our faith when we think of it as worshipful work. 16 FULLY CONVINCED by J. Daryl Byler
When a board is fully convinced of God's promises, it can face times of uncertainty with confidence.
17 TRANSFORMING YOUR BENEVOLENCE MINISTRY by Jenny Forner
Churches know they can't solve people's problems by merely writing checks but often don't know what else to do. How can we avoid wasting benevolence funds? How can we provide potential life -changing charitable assistance? Consider these five steps the next time someone unexpectedly asks for help.
> FiRST WORDS
[from the ed i tor!
THE LEADER STAFF IS ALWAYS ON THE PROWL, SEEKING to devour news from Mennonite Brethren churches. One way we feed this hunger is by reading church bulletins and newsletters - hundreds of them each month and we always want more! If churches that don't send us bulletins, newsletters or e-mail updates would start, our news consumption would double So feed us! Send your bulletins, newsletters or updates to newseditor®usmb.org or to Box 220, Hillsboro, KS, 67063.
We use the information we gather from churches in several ways. One of the most popular features of the magazine is the "Church News and Notes" department. Assistant editor Myra Holmes is responsible for putting together this department each month, and she selects entries from the bulletins, newsletters, e-mails and other updates we receive Church correspondence also alerts us to ministries and events that we can highlight in longer news and feature articles and helps us track trends in church life that can guide us in selecting feature themes .
One of the seasonal events that many churches share is a fall harvest and missions emphasis We have experimented over the years with how best to note these special Sundays. This year we decided to highlight this common celebration in the regular news section rather than in "Church News and Notes" and we hoped to track down the origins of Harvest Mission Festival. Highlighting the common elements was easy. Tracking down why many churches host this event was not. It seems this is one of those good things we do every year just because it's a good thing we do every year. Go figure.-CF
> QUO T 'A B L E
"God's people deserve to have the bread of life dished out in diverse ways :fo get the truth heard by the varieties of listeners sitting before them each Sunday, preachers need to move beyond 'three points and a poem "' - Ray Bystrom in the introduction to Preaching Biblical Sermons
• Jan. 19-20, 2007- Board of Faith and Life Summit, Phoen ix, Ariz.
• Jan. 21, 2007 - World Fellowship Sunday sponsored by M ennonite World Conference
• Ma r ch 31-April3, 2007 - National MB Youth Convention , Anaheim , C alif
NOVEMBER 2006
Vol ume 69
Number 11
Conn ie Fab er EDITOR
Myra Holm es ASS ISTANT EDITOR
E lai n e Ewe rt GRAPHIC DESIGNER
MANDATE The Christian Lea der IISSN 000 9- 5149) is pu bli shed monthly by t he U S Co nference of Men nonit e Brethren Ch urc hes The Christia n Leader seeks to inform Mennonite Bre th ren mem bers an d churches of th e events , activities decisions and i ss ue s of their denomination and to instruct inspire an d initiat e di alogu e so mem bers will aspire t o be faithful disci ples of Ch ri st as understood in the evangeli caVAnabaptist theological tradition
EDITORIAL POLICY The views expresse d i n th is pu blication do not necessarily represent the po si tion of the Christian Leader the U S. Conference Lead er sh ip Board or the Mennonit e Bre t hren Church Scr iptu re references are from New International Versio n unless otherwise noted Th e editors invite freelan ce article submissions A SASE must accompany articles
READER PARTICIPATION The editors invite readers to share their thought s and opinions on topics relevant to the Mennonite Brethren Church using letters to the editor and Fo rum essays Letters to the editor should be brief - 300 words or less - and on one subject. Letters mu st be signed and include the writer's ci ty and state Letters will be edited for clarity, appropriateness and l ength 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 write r's name. address. home church and occupation
COMMUNICATION All correspondence including change of address. should be addressed to the Christian Leader Box 220, Hi llsboro KS 67063 Phone : 620- 947 - 5543 Fax : 620 - 947 - 3266 E- mail : christianleaderfclu smb org
SUBSCRIPTIONS $18 for on e year $34 for two years and $50 for three years ($20 $38 $54 in Canada) ; $1 50 per copy
MEMBERSHIP The Chris /ian Leader is a member of the Evangelical Pre ss Association and Meetinghou se, an ass oci ation of Mennonite and Brethren in Chri st editors
PO STMASTER Send address changes to the Chris tian Leader Box 220 Hillsboro KS 67063 Periodical s po stage paid at Hillsboro. Kansa s.
CONNIE FABER 1((/1\11
> COMMENT ARY
A statement of thanks
On October 2 seven Amish families in our Nickel Mines (Pa.) community experienced the unimaginable - Io of their young daughters were shot, five fatally, by a gunman who invaded the Amish school where their children attended. The whole community, Amish and others, were horrified and shocked that such evil could be done to the most innocent members of our peaceful community.
Messages of condolence and care, financial contributions and offers of all kinds of assistance began to pour into the community almost immediately from the local community and from around the world. We, the people of the Nickel Mines community, are humbled and deeply thankful for this outpouring of love. Each act of kindness, the prayers and every gift, small or large, comfort us and assure us that our spirits will heal even though the painful loss will always be with us . Thank you for your generous kindness and for walking with us in this "valley of death." We wish we could thank each of you personally.
In those first hours and days we experienced personally the love and care of our neighbors and the public and private service providers as they responded tirelessly and selflessly. Specifically, we acknowledge and thank the following: volunteer fire companies, especially the Bart Township fire company; fire police; Lancaster County Sheriffs Department; Pennsylvania State Police and local law enforcement people; ambulance and emergency response teams; hospitals and all the related medical providers; coroners; churches; community volunteer groups; transportation providers; and the Mennonite Central Committee, Mennonite Disaster Service, the Anabaptist Foundation and the numerous banks and businesses that are collecting funds. To all those we failed to mention, thank you, and apologies for not naming you.
We thank people from the news media who sensitively reported our tragedy to the world and in many cases wrote thoughtful commentary that helped the world grapple with values that are dear to us - forgiveness, nonviolence, mutual caring, simplicity and life in a community of faith. Above all, thank you for the acts of kindness you showed us even while you were doing your reporting work.
The Roberts family is also suffering. Please join us in showering care on them, praying for them and in assisting them with financial needs that they face.
We have organized the Nickel Mines Accountability Committee to receive contributions and apply them to the needs that resulted from the shootings: medical and counseling services, transportation for victims, transportation and extra living expenses for family members attending to the victims, rehabilitation, long-term disability care, modifications to homes or schools if needed to make facilities handicapped accessible, and any other expenses resulting from the event. If adequate funds are received contributions may be made to charity funds of health service providers and to volunteer public service entities that responded to this event without charging for their services . Funds received in excess of what
is needed to respond to the Nickel Mines Amish School tragedy will be contributed, as the committee deems appropriate, to needs arising from other tragic events within or outside the Amish community.
Thank you and God bless you.
Nickel Mines Accountability Committee
Reth inking ho liday letters
At one time the annual Christmas letter was a one-page event. Now many have become three- and four-page "brag" letters with pictures of people on sandy beaches and sunny snow slopes. Let's edit our 2006 family newsletter with thought and prayer while thinking of those friends we plan to send it to. Here are some suggestions.
If you can count more than seven ''I's'' and "me's," press the delete key. If for the second or third year you have at least two paragraphs listing your children's incredible accomplishments, use the delete key. Think about those who feel they have failed in their parenting, who are asking God right now where they have gone amiss.
If your health has been brilliant, and you have spent your summers traveling and winters skiing and are tempted to list at least four places you have traveled to this year, delete and re-format. If your letter tells that dad has been promoted at work and mom manages to hold down an excellent job while still escorting children to piano lessons, skating lessons and gymnastics while also entertaining, think again. Someone may be wondering where they went wrong. Maybe they are flat in bed with an illness. Are they really as interested in your spouse's promotion and raise? In fact, does money really need to be mentioned at all? It brought you pleasure, but will it bring the reader pleasure?
I ask writers of these artfully created newsletters to please think of the unemployed, those who have lost a job they loved, the family with the wayward child and the friend whose parent is facing terminal cancer. There are those who feel that they have missed out somehow on our awesome God and that God himself has not gifred them with the plenty of others. We need to remember that we all go through God's schoolrooms, just not at the same time. There is a guarantee in this life that if we are following the Lord we will occasionally receive a trial by fire. It is how we handle the fire that counts .
Vonnie Mostat is a freelance writer and attends South Langley M B. Church in Langley, Be.
Keep those e-mails coming
Responses to column about e-mail offer insights
Iam relatively new to the world of magazine column writing and sometimes I wonder who actually reads this stuff. Nice people occasionally tell me they like something I said in my column. Usually they are relatives and sometimes childhood friends who know as many secrets about me as I know about
them. I think they are nice hoping I won't use this column to share any of their secrets. I think they might be surprised at how much I've forgotten in 50 years and am hoping they have forgotten as much
about me.
son. when I want to speak to our pastors I generally just send them a personal letter at home
My musings about e-mail have resulted in some new findings. Since a good pottion of our readership is over the age of 50 I am amazed at how many of them use e-mail. Call me na'ive. I am forming the opin-
I Jm heginnin g to believe the important invcstment we m;kc as U.S. Confe rence is
our \Veb site
.
Occasionally I write something that actually garners a great deal of response, even from nonrelatives. Such was the case with my September column about email. Responders fell into three categories First, new donors. I'm not making this up! I actually had some people call to say they wanted to become donors to the U.S. Conference after reading my piece on e-mail. And we are not related!
Second, the theologically confused . A couple couldn't decide if I was pre- or postmillennial. I assured them that whenever the rapture takes place I plan to be part of it. Given my aversion to pain. I've always hoped it's before the really serious parts of the Great Tribulation.
I'm not sure I'd do very well past the three and one-halfyear mark if Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHaye are serving as consultants to God on this item.
Third, board chairs. Several called to admit they were glad I finally confessed to my BlackBerry addiction . Be advised that "crackberry" is a new term in the American lexicon. I'm also not making this up. It refers to those who have an addiction to checking their e-mail in places that range from restaurants to church A fourth group are the people who never even knew I wrote the atticle. Sadly, they aren't reading this one and so once again are lefr out of this important dialogue. For this rea -
ion that we have some pretty tech-savvy senior saints. I am beginning to believe that the most important investment we make as a U.S. Conference is our Web site. Usmb.org may not yet be on your "favorites tab" but for us to succeed in communicating the vision of our denomination it needs to be.
I am again convinced that people do prefer a good laugh over a good cry. I was reminded of this at our convention when comedian Kenn Kington proved to be a hit. While many enjoyed thinking deeply with Reggie McNeal about the nature of postmodem church. it was clear that everybody enjoyed laughing with Kenn until they nearly cried. This is good news. You don't have to dial back history very far to remember a time when laughter was not condoned in our worship services. And when you consider that joy gets top billing as a fruit of the Spirit, we are making some progress .
Contrary to popular opinion. I was not subtly trying to quiet my email critics. If I had a dollar for every person who said. 'Well. Chuck, sure hope the people you intended that atticle for actually read it" then I'd be about $10 richer. I had no actual people in mind. Okay. maybe there were two or three. And since they haven't yet e-mailed me I assume that they have moved on to more important matters . Frankly, I was disappointed they didn't write . Since I don't possess their e-mail addresses I am at a loss how to communicate with them more directly. The telephone seems so modem Since some "friend" signed me up for an AARP card for my 50th birthday I have been tom between the worlds I have lived in. The AARP card does get me the senior discount at Denney's and the Hampton Inn but is also a reminder of which side of the hill I'm climbing
Thankfully, many of you on that same side of the hill now use e-mail and have started to communicate with me since my September column. What a blessing you are to me! I have learned in the last 30 days that many of you dearly love the Mennonite Brethren family of faith and I would have only guessed that prior to this wonderful gift called e-mail. So keep the messages coming - chuckusmb@hotmail.com - and 111 meet you at the rapture!
Bullers to direct new MDS program
Program targeting RV owners proving popular
Mennonite Disaster SelVice has launched the new RV Program directed by Don and Marilyn Buller, members of Bethany MB Church, Fresno, Calif. The Bullers are long-time volunteers with MDS, the disaster relief agency for North American Mennonites. The RV Program was developed by MDS for retired and semiretired couples and singles who own or have access to a self-contained RV. The RV Program began operating Oct. 2 in Chunchula, Ala., as an independent MDS project site. The Bullers say response to the new program has been positive, prompting plans for a second location.
As project directors, the Bullers will direct all building activities, including purchasing material, assigning work tasks, guiding the work and teaching skills. They also maintain records, work with local churches and organizations on funding, help with volunteer applications and selection and provide infonnation to interested parties.
"We are looking forward to building a large and successful program of retired volunteers willing to leave their homes and travel in the RVs to volunteer their time in rebuilding houses for those who lost their house in a disaster," the Bullers say. 'We hope to fonn a cohesive group of like-minded individuals who will work together and play together and pray together."
The Bullers say they are typically away from home six to eight months out of the year, selVing with MDS and other volunteer organizations. Last spring they organized a twoweek selVice trip with MDS in the Gulf States for 27 collegeaged youth from Bethany. -MDS
Amish community issues statement of thanks
The Amish community of Nickel Mines, Pa ., has issued a statement of appreciation to the local community and those around the world who sent messages of condolence and care, financial contributions and offers of assistance following the Oct. 2 execution -style shooting of 10 girls, five fatally, when a gunman entered their school. "Each act of kindness, the prayers and every gift, small or large, comfort us and assure us that our spirits will heal even though the painful loss will always be with us," says the statement, printed in full on page five of this issue . The statement also thanks the news media for its sensitive reporting and asks for people to care for the family of shooter Charles Carl Roberts IV who committed suicide The community has organized the Nickel Mines
Accountability Committee to receive and distribute contributions . As of Oct. 17, more than $1.4 million has been raised to benefit the families ·of the victims and sUlVivors of the shootings at West Nickel Mines Amish School. Mennonite Diaster Service and Mennonite Cental Committee have established funds as has the Anabaptist Foundation and several local banks As of Oct. 16, MDS had raised $388,664 MCC had raised $162,000; the Anabaptist Foundation fund totaled $820,000
A portion of the money will go to Roberts' widow Marie and her three young children Marie Roberts issued a statement Oct 13 thanking the Amish community for their public forgivness of her husband and for their private efforts to comfort her family. ''Your love for our family has helped to provide the healing we so desperately need," the statement said.-MDS, MCC
Tabor breaks ground, meets Mabee challenge
11
0 important milestones for Tabor College's capital campaign for new residence halls were celebrated Sept. 17. The college broke ground for new residence townhouses and President Larry Nikkel announced with "great pleasure" that the college has raised $1.2 million, meeting a challenge from the Mabee Foundation and assuring a Mabee Foundation grant of $750,000. The grant is the largest single gift in the eampaign and the second largest gift ever given to the college. 'We are grateful to God, to our advancement staff and to the thousands of people who responded to the need for improved residence halls. We now look forward to this dream becoming reality," said Nikkel.
Tabor College is a Mennonite Brethren-owned Christian liberal arts institution with locations in Hillsboro and Wichita, Kan. - TC
MCC representative seeks international support for Congo
Athe people of the Democratic Republic of Congo anticipated a runoff presidential election in late October after more than 40 years of rule by nelected leaders, Epampia Mbo Wato. a Congolese and Mennonite Central Commitree representative in the country, asked for conrinued support from the international community during the struggle to form a democratic government. Wato spoke about his country's political situation during a month-long visit to U.S. churches, advocacy groups and congressional offices.
Tens of millions of Congolese voted in parliamentary and presidential elections July 30. and a runoff election between the top two presidential candidates was expected to be held Oct. 29. Now that the people of Congo are seeking to rule themselves. the U.S. and other nations should lend their full support to the democratic process. Wato says.
Wato also spoke on behalf of Congo's approximately 200,000 Mennonites. many who feel ignored or forgotten by North American Mennonites because of a dramatic decline in missionaries. Wato says there are many reasons for this decline, including a sense on both sides that Congolese churches should be autonomous and independent. However. he adds that many Congolese Mennonites are eager for closer relationships with North American Mennonites as brothers and sisters in faith.-MCC
TABOR HIRES BIBLE PROF
Delbert Gray, former adjunct instructor at Fuller Theological Seminary, has been hired as assistant professor of biblical and religious studies at Tabor College, Hillsboro, Kan. Gray was also a full-time faculty member at Baptist Theological College, Cebu, Philippines and has taught in Russia and Moldova. Gray fills the position vacated by Lynn Jost, now academic dean at MB Biblical Seminary, Fresno, Calif. - TC
BYSTROM PUBLISHES BOOK
MB Biblical Seminary professor Raymond Bystrom encourages pastors to "embrace a wide variety of sermonic forms" in his new book Preaching Biblical Sermons published by Kindred Books. Bystrom describes three new sermon forms and the theology behind each approach, evaluates the forms' strengths and weaknesses and provides sermon preparation tips and sample sermons.-Kindred Productions
BAKKE FEATURED AT FORUM
Bestselling author and former CEO Dennis Bakke was the featured speaker at Fresno Pacific University's annual Business Forum held Sept. 27 in Fresno, Calif. Bakke is the cofounder and former CEO of AES Corporation and author of Joy at Work: A Revolutionary Approach to Fun on the Job. The annual business forum has become one of the largest events of its kind in Fresno, attracting soldout audiences of more than 1,200 business and civic leaders as well as people from a wide range of professions and services.-FPU
MEDA on short list for $1 million prize
Mennonite Economic Development Associates has made the short list for the $1 million Alean Prize for Sustainability MEDA, an economic development association of Christians in business and the professions. was selected as one of 10 finalists out of a field of 200 applicants from 55 countries. The prize. one of the most prestigious in the development community, is sponsored by Alcan Inc, a Montreal -based
global aluminum and packaging products company. Alcan created the prize in 2004 to recognize outstanding contributions in economic, environmental and social sustainability by not-for -profit. nongovernmental and civil society organizations
MEDA's entry highlighted how its Pakistan embroidery and Tanzania bed net projects promote sustainable economic and social development . The Pakistan
project provides market access for rural women embroiderers who are confined to their homes by conservative culture and religion The mosquito net project fights malaria by developing commercial networks that make the nets available to expectant mothers in rural areas . The winning agency and four runners - up were announced at the end of October. after the Leader publication deadline .-MEDA
l'
ennonite Brethren hold that\ro!\Ving disciples of Jesus Christ is the primary purpose church life. S6 we talk about the local churcli in terms of worship, fellowship, Bible study and outreach. This issue of the Leader reminds us that every aSl'ect of church life-from ushering to '" committee membership-is about nurturing believers to faithfully Christ. Because ltethren d6 not have a grescribed congregatiollal 'sfructlf' we know that some Qj amcles will be applicable for some and
not J others. The we plaKe as congregations regarqing church gover, dance and ministry lead to , ... a diversity in our denomination that is gOOd and challentl' ng.
Regardless of how your ' congregation is organ , ized, our prayer is * '< that these artiql will pffer pmc;icaJ help .6n" tribute jn t some way t() your ..... ' \ efforts to nur.\ * tute disciple ' of Jesus Christ.
Five ways congregational meetings strength en the local church
My FRlEND ZAeH IS A TOP- NOTCH FARMER WHO IS ALWAYS UP-TO-DATE ON THE LATEST IN FARMING " and technology. I know without a doubt that Zach consistently had better crops than I did when I was fanning. WhY? Zach took the initiative to ensure a bountiful harvest. He knew the nutrient requirement of each crop, all about the latest seed varieties and how much fertilizer to use to produce ISo-bushel-to-the-acre com. We both trusted God to take care of us, but Zach also aggressively pursued the knowledge available to fanners today. He acknowledged both divine sovereignty and human responsibility
- Just as a fanner's effotts are enhanced when he is proactive in securing a good crop, a congregation is when its members patticipate in the decision -making process available to them. We realize a c6J}gregation's future depends on the involvement of its members, yet we often fail to understand the importance of our attendance at congregational meetings We don't attend church business meetings because other things seem more important Or because we think only in tenns of the Spiritual role the church plays in our lives and we are not concerned with the practical side of doing church God will take care of it, we think
Nehemiah is one example in the Old Testament of a leader who understands the importance of gathering people together. Nehemiah comes to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls . In addition to drought or economic hardship, Nehemiah encounters numerous challenges from outsiders who oppose the project as well as the Jews involved in the building effort As the people work on the wall. they complain about their inability to pay taxes to the local Jewish government Nehemiah's approach to the problem includes calling a large gathering. I see five reasons in Nehemiah 5- 6 why this gathering helped to solve the situation Nehemiah faced . These reasons can also motivate us to be involved in the congregational gatherings convened today
meeting?
I. Meetings get everyone on the same page (Neh. 5:7) . It has been said that if nobody comes to the annual church meeting it means one of two things: Either everything is going so good no one has any complaints or things are going so badly nobody cares. There is a third option: People don't see the connection between their concern for their church, its future and their own personal well-being Nehemiah brings the people and the officials together so that concerns can be identified and worked out. Nehemiah questions the motive of the officials in charging unfair taxes. He reminds the officials that they are all relatives. He calls into question how they can take advantage of their own relatives at a time of drought. He reminds them how their disagreements will affect their witness to the community. Bringing everyone together helps the people and their leaders understand the situation.
z. Meetings are constructive (vv. 6-7).
Nehemiah's goal in calling the people together was to constructively address the situation. Our church meetings are also often about change and we would do well to approach such discussions the same way Nehemiah didby being prepared
Some people come to a church meeting because they want to see something changed There is nothing wrong with that. If the Holy Spirit is prompting you that a change needs to be made, you have an obligation to your brothers and sisters in Christ to bring it before the people. Vision often comes through one person who brings an idea to the attention of others . God's vision is fulfilled when his people latch on to that vision and follow it through to see God glorified.
Sometimes, though, we are motivated more by anger and distrust than by love and compassion. While Nehemiah is very angry at the situation the people are in, he wisely works out his anger with his Lord before he lashes out at others. Anger is not always bad. As in Nehemiah's case, it can motivate us to take action. But before Nehemiah even calls the meeting, he ponders and meditates on the situation.
We would do well to follow Nehemiah's exampleeven when we're not angry. How often do we individually meditate on the decisions we will make as a church body?
When I was a farmer, my only preparation for some church meetings involved changing from farming clothes to good clothes How much kingdom work is accomplished at meetings for which no one prepares?
Some people come to a meeting with one thing on their mind: getting their agenda pushed through . Sometimes our
own agendas can get in the way of God's agenda. Perhaps that's another reason why Nehemiah carefully pondered what he was going to do before he took action. Nehemiah's goal was to get the walls built, but he recognized the people needed to be content before they could complete the wall
Church members have a responsibility to help create constructive congregational meetings We often come to a church gathering with different goals in mind-we want to see something changed, we're upset about something, we have an agenda we want addressed. Regardless of the goal, if we come unprepared we are not doing our part.
3 Meetings hold leaders accountable (vv. IZ-13).
Nehemiah asked the leaders to take an oath in front of the assembly that they would do what they had promised . Acts 6:1-7 records another church meeting at which leaders were held accountable. The disciples were so busy taking care of the spiritual needs of people that they were neglecting the daily distribution of bread. Apparently this was a significant enough crisis that it threatened the future of the early church. The people in Acts brought the situation to the disciples' attention. The disciples were then able to come up with a solution to the problem before it caused dissention within the church.
Church meetings provide guidance and direction to leaders. When there is something in the church that members don't understand or like, bringing it to the attention of the rest of the members and the church leaders helps to resolve the problem.
Church meetings also give you the opportunity to endorse the direction discerned by leaders. As members of a congregation, congregational meetings are your opportunity to bring witness and credibility to the decisions that are made. You have the opportunity to give the leadership support. Your presence at congregational meetings shows God that you care about his church and shows leaders you are confident in their plans and empowers them to move forward.
4. Meetings strengthen the bond and encourage unity (v. 13).
When we work on a project that involves other people, there is a natural tendency for animosity to develop. This was true in Nehemiah's situation and can be true for us as well. Nehemiah becomes angry with his Jewish brothers But because he has learned the importance of prayer and meditation, Nehemiah doesn't fly into action. He looks for a way to ensure unity.
Unity, according to the dictionary, is the quality or state of being made one, the coming together of ideas, the unifying of thoughts based on integrity. Unity in a church speaks of a freedom to express your thoughts among other believers, of working out differences within the bond of love Unity isn't withholding something you really want to say because you are afraid you will offend someone. Unity is not keeping quiet and then moaning and groaning after a decision is reached. Unity is not walking away from the meeting stressed out because things didn't go your way
Unity is coming to an understanding and bringing respect to all positions taken by other believers. A church meeting should be a time of coming together to reach a common goal and common ground. Even when we start a discussion with different opinions hopefully we will come with open hearts and open minds as we seek together the good of Christ's church.
5. Meeting together secures the future (Neh. 6:15).
When Nehemiah called the meeting, the wall was halfway built. Meetings should be a time of evaluating past
More than showing up
I grew up with a dad who was always going to one meeting or another He has served much of his life on the church board, and he has also served on many community boards I remember the day Dad told me that someone from the local hospital board had asked if he would consider serving on their board of directors. The board was facing several critical decisions at the time
"I don't know why they want me on their board," Dad said. "What do I know about running a hospital and planning its future?"
I know why they asked my dad to serve on the board at that critical time. My dad had the reputation of doing more than just showing
Our church meetings are al so often about ch a nge and we would do well to approach such discussions the same way Nehemiah did-by being prepared
programs and projecting new ones Programs that are not accomplishing set goals may be amended or dropped
New projects can be di scussed and goals set
After the Israelites gathered for their meeting, they were motivated to return to building the wall . The wall was completed in just S2 days , an am azing feat considering aU th e opposition they faced There was a great deal of wisdom in Nehe miah 's dec ision to call a meeting It brought understanding and unity to the work and secured the building of the wall
Wh en we be come members of a local congregation, we become coworkers with the oth er members When we participate in the decision - making process that guides our church. we are helping to secure our congregation's future ministry. Our participation in congregational meetings is apt to prompt us to give our time and finan ci al resources, to and plan for our church and to feel a deeper of and belonging
up at the meeting . He did more than just fill a chair. He dedicated himself to the cause of every board and every meeting he went to The hospital didn't need my dad 's limited knowledge of how to run a hospital. What they needed was a man who they knew would do more than just show up for meetings .
The bottom line is that we get out of meetings what we put into them . I believe God honors our dedication when it is motivated by our concern for his church and for others
Our Heavenly Father has so much for you and me, and it starts when we get involved in what he is doing, discern his vision and encourage others to do the same. May our Father bless us as we join with others to build a local church body that prompts even unbelievers to say, "Look what God is doing through these people!"
This article is adapted from a se rmon Bible Fello wship Chur<;,h pastor Duane Deckert gave in 20 05 prior to 1lls annual church business meeting Before bec oming a minister, Deckert wcu a South Dakota sheep producer Bible Fellowship Church is located in Minot , ND .
The house of ushers
Serving as an usher was a no-brainer. And then I was one.
SCRIPTURE TELLS US TIIAT WHAT WE think can be just as damning as what we say. While I don't think I have ever uttered a discouraging word about a certain group in the church. I know I have not always thought of them as I should Those people are our ushers and to them I want to apologize My impressions of ushers ' works were based on misperceptions and ignorance I now see that ushering isn't even work- it's a vital ministry to the body of believers .
gregants have been sitting in the same pew for years . And I'm happy to report I never dropped a collection plate.
But a curious thing happened. Being an usher made me realize just how important an usher is. My "no-brainer" became my most gratifying contribution to my congregation. At every worship service, ushers are called to put into practice the biblical theme of hospitality. Nowhere is that more important than in the house of the Lord where everyone is welcome 'Without the gracious hospitality of individuals and groups in the church, new persons won't be attracted to the church ," writes Etvin Stutzman in Welcome! A Biblical and Practical - - Guide to Receiving New Members.
At every worship service, ushers are called to put into practice the biblical theme of is that more important than in the house of the Lord viii,,, eVerYone is welcome.
Ii IJoman early age I Wol$ widevariety of'Tt kills and talents needed for c<Ulgreg:ttional life: to prepare and deliver a to perform music. to teach Sunday to the work committees, even to the meetinghouse clean al'id tidy. But what did ushers do that required any special ability? All they did was hand out bulletins and collect the offering. making sure not to send a collection plate down the same pew from the opposite ends
Then several years ago I was asked to selVe as an usher in my congregation . I immediately said yes. It was a no-brainer because I thought ushering was ano-brainer. I could selVe without having to go to extra meetings or have any obligations outside of Sunday mornings. Since I go to church anyway I would just have to go a bit earlier when it was time for my monthly stint. I would hand out bulletins. seat people and collect the offering . The most complicated duty would be counting the number of people in the pews while passing the collection plate But then I could beat the crowd out the door when the selVice was over
All of which turned out to be the case I got less of the Sunday paper read before going to church and taking my post prior to the congregation's arrival. I sat people which can be rather easy since many con -
'There is no evangelistic substitute for the love of God ministered by $e potty of Christ " Or as St. Benedict said. 'l\ll "" guests who present themselves are to be received as Christ."
While' that responsibility rests with in.a jlrune position to demonstrate Christian hQspitality They won't have time for lengthy introductions smile say "Good morning" (or good afternoon or good evening) and maybe offer a handshake Such simple actions can go far in communicating warmth and love to longtime members and newcomers alike. For many congregations, ushers' responsibilities include seating people That certainly can have logistic advantages, preventing overcrowding in one place of the sanctuary while another remains virtually empry But more importantly, by seating someone an usher should communicate, "You are so important that we will make room for you ."
It is a gift for an usher to be able to extend such hospitality on behalf of the congregation and on behalf of God. It is also a gift to collect gifts One of the most humbling and powerful pi ushering and then presenting them for dedication for the work of the kingdom Ushers hold literally in their hands financial gifts that not only fund our endeavors in God's name but also represent our response to a loving. generous God.
Like the tiny mustard seed that becomes the largest of all garden plants, so the simple acts of the usher are among the most powerful in the congregation. I am sorry it took me so long to realize that. And I'm glad I have had the opportunity to find out.
Rich Preheim is afreelance writer living in Elkhart, Ind . This essay was first published in The Mennonite, a publication of Mennonite Church USA. when Preheim served the publication as news editor.
R ChurCh •
or fulftllIng
Transforming committees into communities of spiritual leaders
You HAVE JUST BEEN ELECfED TO TIlE CHURCH board. Are you excited about the prospect of being involved in a$piritually fulfilling task at the heart of church life? Or do you anticipate boring meetings that fill evenings that could otherwise be put to better use? Both are possible .
Too often people begin service on a church board with enthusiasm but then become disillusioned and frustrated as they become involved in the work of the board To some it may seem thatthe church board is far removed from their faith and spiritual experience as it handles the "business" of the church. To others the church board is a poorly functionlJlg and inefficient imitation of boards or organizations in wh(ch they panicipate in the secular world. There are steps wht¢h ¢an'<be taken to address both of these concerns .
Boards as communities
There was a time when administration in theJife<>fthe Church was seep as somewhat separate from the true mission ;of the cht.frch Many pastors sought to avoid "'ldmiilisttatiQP" SO pour-their energy into "mini$try." At the sante time, the cliurth bonowed practices frontthe business world that seeqUng{y created a gap betweeJ\'tatth and the work of the chuteb "thankftiny, in recent year$- this aap has been narrowing or clisappearbls More attejltion has been given to the spiritual dimensions of in a variety of settings "
One significant contribution has been of the concept of "worshipful work ." Charles Olsen, a Presbyterian minister, worked with a project in the 19905 that focused on integrating spirituality and administration
The project developed a model that introduced a new paradigm for boards: '"The individual board member is no longer seen as a political representative but as a spiritual leader. The board or council is no longer seen as a group of corporate managers, but as the people of God in community. The meeting is no longer seen as a litany of reports and decisions held together by book-end' prayers but as 'worshipful work,'" writes Olsen in Transforming Church Boards into Communities of Spiritual Leaders.
Many boards operate with a culture borrowed from the business world It may be a corporate or managerial or strategic culture Parliamentary procedure is used to ensure order. The agenda of a meeting is standardized: call to order, review of minutes, reports, old business, new business. Put "book-end" prayers at the beginning and end of the meeting and you have a church board meeting.
Olsen 's model of worshipful work incorporates a new culture and new practices into board meetings . He calls for a culture of discernment built on looking for God's activity and God's invitations to us to replace a culture borrowed from secular society The agenda he suggests includes history giving and storytelling, biblical and theological reflection, prayerful discernment and "visioning" the future
Prayer is built into the meeting in a meaningful way. The group stops and prays as it comes to a difficult point in a discussion They take time to listen to what the Spirit might be telling them Someone may be invited to pray silently throughout the meeting When an agenda is built around these components and prayer is included as an integral part of the meeting, the "business" of the church takes on a different flavor . Direction can often be discerned more clearly and decisions made more easily The tone of the meeting is more collaborative Members of the board connect on a deeper level. The administrative work of the church beComes a spiritual experience and participation in the church board becomes an opportunity for spiritual formation
Working effectively
Attending to the spiritual components of administration does not mean that other aspects of board development are ignored Within the framework of worshipful work, church leaders can give attention to other areas as weD. There are three themes that repeatedly occur in functioning boards: group formadon and team building, orientation and effective board practices
Group formation and team building: We can learn important things about group formation from the field of group dynamics It is important to remember that th e board is a team that needs to be deve)oped and nurtured. Teams have a shared vision and goals . Teams depend on each other Teams work together to achieve their goals, with each member carrying out a role. Members of a well -functioning team enjoy being part.of the team and want to remain in the group.
While some boards into teams with little effort. all boards benefit when steps are taken to encourage their formation and team -building process Here are a few things that can be done to build the board into a team :
• Study a book together, discussing a few pages or a chapter at each meeting This can help build shared vision and understanding of the tasks of the board and the church or ministry. Taking the time to help a board "get on the same page" through a study and discussion process will strengthen the board and its effectiveness .
• Include activities that encourage personal sharing in each board meeting. Worshipful work practices do this In the earlier stages of a board's development more time should be given to this aspect of group development. Devotionals which include time for response are helpful. Prayer that lifts up concerns of the group , whether related to the work of
, the board or personal concerns, develops closeness in the group , The understanding and trust that develops from open communication in sharing and prayer is important for the board to be a well-functioning team
• Share meals together as a board. This is especially H'elpfuJ if people have to miss their evening meal in order to attend a board meeting. Some may have to ttavellong 5&stances, ot others get off late from work. If they know :there will be,-sood food , it can help their reso1ve to make it tb the meeting.
history of the organization When a specific issue arises, give a bri ef synopsis of past events related to that issue. Nothing can be more frustrating to a new board member than when long -standing members of a board talk about something that happened in the past without explaining the situation or context . New board members can easily be lost in the conversation .
• Encourage new board members to take initiative. Give them permission to ask questions, study, talk to other board members or explore different aspects of the ministry on their own
Effective board practices: Boards which work at team building
;admill)ist:rat:ive work ortne cfwrcb becomes a spiritual experience and parttdlNltion in the church boar4 becomes an opportunity for spiritual formation.
".Provide training for board membeclln or stalls necessary for the board to be effective. On,e cannot board members automaticaIlyknowwhatthey ne&i to know to be an effective part of the board. A board may need,to.give attention to how it discusses issues, work,. ing to create a sett:jng where aU metnbers feel free to panicipate. Most boards would benefit by looking at how they make decisions and being more intentional about the decision -making process they use . Many board members would benefit from some training in how the finances of the organization are handled
• Make sure everyone has a clear understanding of each member's role and responsibilities Confusion about roles decreases the effectiveness of a team Orientation: Effective boards regularly provide orientation to both new and continuing board members. The orientation focuses on both the board and on the church or other ministries the board oversees
• At a basic level, board members need to understand the role of the board in the organization and how the board functions. Is the board a "rubber stamp" or not? What decisions does the board make and what decisions are made by staff? Every church, ministry and leadership is different
• Familiarize new board members with different aspects of the ministry and the facilities involved. One board member may be very involved witb children's Sunday school but have no idea of the needs of the high school depanment down the hall Few people will have a working understanding of every department and ministry Encourage people to learn more about ministries in which they are not personally involved so that board members are able to relate to the whole and not just to their particular area of interest or expertise
• Make sure new board members understand the
and orientation will be well on the way to being effective in the leadership they provide for the church or organization. Several other practices are helpful as well :
• Know the big picture, but keep your ear to the ground. Boards need to know their mission and vision in order to plan and keep focused. but they cannot ignore how their decisi6nS affect people in the church. It can be a balancing act to do both, but both must be done.
• Boards must have an effective way to deal with the responses of others to decisions that they make Not evetyone will always agree with the board A board must provide a safe setting where people can voice concerns and feel that they are heard
• Present issues to be discussed in a clear and concise manner State what the issue is, what parts of the issue need to be talked about and what, if anything, needs to be decided
Renewal is always on the agenda for the church as we faith. fully live as Christ's body One place church renewal can begin is in the renewal of the church board Giving attention to both the spiritual and administrative dynamics of a church board can change it from a Ji£edraining to a life -giving gr/)up . Serving on a healthy church board can be an exciting and meaningful way to serve God and the church
This article is adapted from a workshop Clare Ann Ruth - HeffeTbower and Tin Schellenberg prepared for the 2006 Mennonite Health Assembly have also adapted the material for other presenttltions, most recently for tht board of directors of Kings View, Int , of Reedley, Calif Ruth· HeffeTbower, a graduate of MB Biblical Seminary, is tht Mennonite Church USA Pacific Southwest Mennonite Conference minister. She bas worked with boards as a beard member, as staffto boards and as a consultant in her role as conference minister. She is crmently a member of the W41t Coast Mennonite Central Committee board and both she and currently serve on the Kings Vtew board of directors Schellenberg is a Fresno Pacific University faculty member teaching in conflict management. She and her family are members of North Fresno MB Church and are former missionaries with MBMS International
Fully CONVINCED
When a board is fully convinced of God's promises, it can face times of uncertainty with confidence
«HOPING AGAINST HOPE (ABRAHAM) believed that he would become 'the father of many nations,' according to what was said, 'So numerous shall your descendants be.' He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was already as good as dead (for he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah's womb. No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, being fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised" (Rom. 4:18-21 NRSV).
The morning dawned sunny, crisp and clear. But my spirit felt partly cloudy. The church elder board would meet that evening to begin fitting together the pieces of a pastoral transition. Two of three pastors had resigned. Significant issues begged for attention. Various elders had differing opinions about what was needed. The future seemed daunting.
Boards sometimes face a crisis that calls for a clear vision. To have vision is to have faith. It is to be confident that God will be faithful even when the organization seems to be falling apart. God had promised that Abraham would be the father of many nations and that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars of the sky. God had promised, but things did not look promising. Abraham's body was "already as good as dead." Sarah's womb was barren. This was well before the days of fertility therapy. Still, Abraham was fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised
Abraham's story teaches us much about faith First, fajth does not deny the facts. Abraham faced the facts He "considered his own body" and the "barrenness of Sarah." To have faith is not to deny reality. A board does not move towards its vision by denying current problems. Problems must be named before they can be resolved.
Second, faith remembers God's promises. Abraham clung to God's promises, believing that God would keep his word. In times of crisis a board does well to recount the stories of how God called the organization into being and for what purpose. God never calls us where God will not lead us. Indeed, the most frequently recorded promise in the New Testament is that God's Spirit will be present with us to guide us.
Third, faith grows as we give glory to God. Abraham grew strong in his faith as he did just that. For Abraham this meant trusting God, "being fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised." Boards should dream and discuss and make decisions. These are God -given abilities. But ultimately, boards must trust the well-being of the organization to the providential care of God.
Five steps to use when someone unexpectedly bursts into your life
Irs MONDAY AND THE HOMELESS SHELTER that has provided three months of transitional housing is putting pressure on Suzy, a single mother of three, to relocate by Friday. Who will help with a security deposit for the apartment she found? Agency after agency replies, 'We don't provide money for security deposits ."
Three months in jail for drunk driving and being separated ftom her children had been rough. My friends were unhappy about being stuck with the kids and are sick of me, she thought. I'm always asking for something. I don't dare go to them again.
While in jail someone introduced Suzy to Jesus and she believed now that somehow, someway he would provide a way for her and her family. But how would she ever get help by Friday? Maybe if I call a church, she thought. Would they help me?
She looked in the yellow pages and thought, Wow, what a lot of churches!
Suzy called All Saints Church: "Could you help me with a security deposit? "
"Sorry, we don't do money for security deposits "
She called First Believer's Church: "Could you help me with a security deposit?"
"Sorry, we don't give money, only food and clothing."
She tried Christian Community Church : "Could you help me with a security deposit?"
'J\re you a member of our church?"
"No.':1
'Tm sorry, we only provide financial assistance to members. "
After countless phone calls and facing a wave of despair, Suzy called another church : 'Will you help me?"
The response from Deeper Life Church was, 'Thank you for calling our church. Are you looking for money to find a different way of living or do you just need a check?"
Startled for a moment, Suzy said, "I think I have found a different way of living, but I sure do need a check."
'We have something to offer you, Suzy. One of our church members could meet with you tonight and explain Steps to Change, a class designed to help you get a new focus on your finances and on life. Are you interested?"
Suzy didn't know what to say or what going to a meeting was going to accomplish . But she was tired, afraid and relieved to simply connect with someone . She knew she could choose not to show up if she wanted She sure needed $600. So she said yes. Then the church receptionist prayed for Suzy over the phone.
Tightrope
"We don't do money" is a painful expression both for those
hearing it and those saying it. Churches know they can't solve people's problems by merely writing checks but often don't know what else to do. Churches experience this struggle daily as they walk the tightrope between avoiding wasting benevolence funds and providing potential lifechanging charitable assistance. Providing money for crisis assistance is typically seen through the narrow lens of reaching people for Christ.
How do churches get on the tightrope? It may start
Change class. This is a way of offering hope through practical steps.
4. Ask for a commitment as the church did when asking if Suzy would meet with a church member.
5. Affirm the person seeking help by praying for them. Your benevolence ministry will be transformed when you expect better benevolence because you have better expectations. Expect to offer choices for change to people requesting help in exchange for resources such as food or even money and expect to have someone available to listen and pray with those who have emergency needs.
Churches know they can ' t solve people's problems by merely writing checks but often don't know what else to do.
with, "My electricity is going to be shut off," or "I cannot afford Christmas gifts for my children," or "I was homeless, have found an apartment and need a $600 security deposit." From the first contact, it can feel like the person in need holds an urgent, emotionally loaded gun to your head. They don't give you any options. Your immediate options may seem limired and full of unwanted anxiety, awkwardness, frustration and discomfort.
Our culture tells us we deserve comfort and control. When a stranger bursts into our life asking for a last-minute bailout, it takes us outside our comfort and control. It's also frightening to think that our refusal could harm a struggling mom with young children, and we think, Is this what Jesus would do? There is no way we can solve all her problems. How can I discern whether she is open to change? Shell be back again next month. I can't stand the thought of sending her away empty-handed.
Here are five steps to use when someone unexpectedly and maybe unpleasantly bursts into your life.
I. The hardest and most important step is to try to understand and connect with the individual or family. Making a personal connection and acquiring an understanding will gradually build your confidence and convey hope to the person in need.
2.. Always offer a choice or make a request of the person. That choice or request will immediately test the heart or motives of the person in need. Good benevolence should be a two-way street. When the church asked about Suzy's willingness to meet with someone, they were really asking Suzy to admit her deeper need, the need for change .
3. Make helpful suggestions that fit the situation. In Suzy's situation. she was asked to attend the Steps to
The benefits of these better expectations will include these:
• When people seeking help say no to your choices, they won't be able to hold the crisis gun to your head anymore. Letting them say no is boundary setting in a Christ-like way.
• When they say yes, that makes it their choice to participate. People who say yes will be less likely to take advantage of the church's generosity. Saying yes is an early acknowledgement that the choices they're making aren't getting them to where they want to go.
• Having someone from the church meet them personally is the first step to a relationship that could lead to a connection with the church.
• Christians learn stewardship better when they live it together with people in need.
Here are some questions that could change your mercy ministry from being reactive to proactive and one that meets immediate and eternal needs.
• Who do you want to help?
• What help do you want to provide?
• Where do you want to make an impact?
• When do you want to begin?
• How will you measure the results?
Remember Suzy? She responded to the choices she was offered and eventually repaid the church for their gift. At this writing, she is living with stability and in the fellowship of church friends with whom she meets regularly.
Jenny Forner is the founder and retired president of New Focus National. a nondenominational agency that helps churches and other faith-based organizations with their benevolence ministries. New Focus is a compassionate ministry of Here's Life Inner City of Ozrnpus Crusade. This article has also appeared in The Mennonite, a publication of Mennonite Church USA.
Leadership Board meets for fall retreat
Meeting focuses on strategic planning and governance processes
The u.s. Conference Leadership Board continued the process of adopting a governance-based leadership model when board members gathered for a fall retreat Oct. 6-8 at Shaver Lake, Calif The retreat included two business sessions, an informal worship time and two input sessions with Les Stahlke, the consultant who worked with the board in preparing bylaws that were adopted by u S Conference convention delegates this summer.
The current nine-member Leadership Board, chaired by Joe Johns of Weatherford, Okla., includes five veteran members and four newcomers elected at the 2006 convention According to U.S Conference bylaws passed this summer, the Leadership Board is required to have at least four members from west and four members from east of the Rocky Mountains. This new board broadens that representation and includes representatives from all five districts rather than just the three largest districts , and it includes a leader from the Slavic Mennonite Brethren community. The retreat setting and Stahlke's opening overview helped to integrate these new members into the existing board and its work.
Stahlke began Friday evening with a brief look at the governance decisions made during the previous two years and the results of the 2006 conference-wide sur-
vey. Stahlke also outlined his goals for the weekend-to review a draft of the proposed governance manual and to begin strategic planning. The group wrestled with practical questions of how the governance model that Stahlke advocates will affect how the board relates to staff, specifically the executive director, and the annual budget process It will take time, Stahlke said, for the board and senior staff members to shift their thinking from management to governance. Saturday morning the board worked at identifying what services it provides to what people and in what priority Board members both accepted and challenged the distinction Stahlke drew between services and programs and the way in which priorities are reflected in the budgeting process. Stahlke encouraged the board to think in terms of services it offers that are different from those provided by the three other U.S. Conference agencies : MB Biblical Seminary, MBMS International and MB Foundation. The Leadership Board identified six unique services it offers : church planting, theological oversight until the Board of Faith and Life is established, corporate identity, leadership support, connecting and coordination of ministries. Stahlke then led the board in formulating three possible mission statements based on those services.
During its final business session Sunday morning, Leadership Board members expressed their appreciation for Stahlke's skill in guiding the board through the process of creating a new set of bylaws . They affirmed their desire to continue with the strategic planning process but agreed to pursue other consultants who can help tailor the governance model to best fit the U.S. Conference.
The Leadership Board also took action on several other matters. Following the approval of the new bylaws, a significant task for which the
u.s. Conference Leadership Board members and administrative staff met in early October for a retreat at Shaver Lake, Calif Pictured left to right and from front to back: Valerie Rempel of Fresno, Calif , Joe Johns of Weatherford, Okla., Terry Hunt of Lenoir, NC, Connie Faber, Leader editor, Sue Kliewer of Auberry, Calif., Kathy Isaac of Garden City, Kan., Greg Quiring of Fresno, Don Morris, Mission USA director, Donna Sullivan, administrative secretary, Brian Classen of Papillion, Neb., Vyacheslav Tsvirinko of Clovis, Calif., Chuck Buller, executive director, and Rolando Mireles, Jr , of Rio Grande City, Texas.
Leadership Board is responsible is the formation of a national Board of Faith and Life. Delegates approved a recommendation stating the first step in the process will be to convene a national Faith and Life Summit that brings together representatives from all five districts to discuss the membership and responsibilities of this new board. Chuck Buller, U.S. Conference executive director, reported that funding constraints have reduced the number of participants to district Board of Faith and Life chairs and district ministers. The board set Jan. 19-20, 2007 as the dates for the summit and agreed to pursue additional funding. Given the financial concerns, the Leadership Board agreed to pursue creative ways to meet the new bylaw requirements for the annual Leadership Summit.
The board accepted an invitation from Tabor College, who will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in two years , and the Mennonite Brethren churches of HiIIsboro, Kan., to hold the 2008 U.S. Conference convention in Hillsboro, but recommended a second venue in central Kansas for the national Pastors' Conference to be held in conjunction with the biennial convention.
The board discussed an informal request from MBMS International regarding a change in the procedure used to process donations from U.S. churches and a proposed shift away from the relational funding model adopted two years ago. The board asked chair Joe Johns to relay feedback to the MBMSI board chair.
In other business, the Leadership Board granted a 30-day medical leave of absence for Chuck Buller beginning Oct. II; received a financial report from Donna Sullivan, U .S. Conference administrative secretary; heard an update from Don Morris on the Mission USA project with Bushtown MB Church in Lenoir, NC; and reviewed a list of feature topics for upcoming issues of the Leader from editor Connie Faber. The Leadership Board also officially affirmed the hospitality of board member Greg Quiring who so graciously hosted the retreat at his home in Shaver Lake. -Connie Faber
Board members Brian Classen, Terry Hunt, Valerie Rempel and Rolando Mireles, Jr., discuss services provided by the Leadership Board.
North Carolina district holds annual convention
District convention emphasizes excellence
Aguest to the 106th convention of the North Carolina District Conference would probably say the gathering Sept. 22-24 was just a typical church conference But Jennifer Greer, in her convention report, describes the annual convention as a " magnificent" gathering, a "divine appointment" that was God -ordained and Holy Spirit-filled.
"Still on a spiritual high from the U.S. Conference convention, we were all hungry for another great gathering," says Greer. "(We were) ready for the Lord to show up in a mighty way, ready to continue the transformation that had truly begun in late July."
The convention began Friday night with the annual business meeting. As each of the six churches gave its annual report it quickly became obvious that 2006 had been a good year, writes Greer. Each church reported growth - some in attendance, some in finances and some in godly wisdom.
Two reports in particular highlighted God's faithfulness to the district. A flood late last year had washed away the foundation of the West End Church building The audience celebrated with the congregation that donations have been received to cover the $20,000 needed to repair the damaged church. "Engineers do not know the same Foundation we know," writes Greer in praise to God.
NCDC moderator Terry Hunt presented plans for a new multipurpose building, the district's first new building in 30 years. 'We are excited and encouraged about this new project," writes Greer. 'We are thankful to all who are helping with this, the largest building project this district has ever seen, and ... to Terry Hunt for his vision, diligence, obedience and his desire to 'commit to the Lord whatever you do.'"
The convention theme, "Committed to excellence" from Proverbs 16:3, was highlighted Saturday by testimonies from civic leaders and district church members.
Lenoir, NC, Police Chief Joey Reynolds spoke at the Saturday morning session. "Chief Reynolds, most likely one of the most powerful men in Caldwell County, confesses first and foremost Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior, and carries this confession to his job," reports Greer.
Prior to lunch, Hunt introduced several individuals from district churches and commended them for their commitment to serving the community and the Lord with excellence. Those who talked were Tyrone Sturgis, a deacon, NCDC treasurer and captain of the Lenoir Fire Department; Eric Lipford, pastor of the Boone Church and chaplain for the Caldwell County Jail; Diane Banner, a church musician and lifelong member of the Mennonite Brethren church and a volunteer at the Lenoir Pregnancy Center; and Jennifer Greer who works for His High Places, a pastoral counseling center in Banner Elk, N C
The speaker Saturday afternoon was Luther Parks. Wiles County Town Councilman. who spoke about dedication. first to God and then to the community. and emphasized the connection between dedication and excellence. " It was great to see a man in such a political position keeping his eyes on Jesus." writes Greer.
Sunday morning all six NC District Conference churches met for a joint worship service. a first for the district Reflecting on the value of meeting together. Greer writes, "One committed person can achieve great things. but 300 people. unified and committed, can see lives changed and communities changed so that Satan will notice."
The North Carolina District Conference mass choir sang and moderator Terry Hunt preached. Hunt spoke of past leaders including Rock Hatton. Pastor Horton and James Fox as men who Pastor Terry Hunt served God and the district tirelessly and who committed all that they did to the Lord.
"It is time that we continue the work that they began." writes Greer in her report. "Time for us to build on the foundation that they carefully and prayerfully laid. Time for us to commit to the Lord all that we do. As Pastor Hunt reassigned each of our pastors to their same churches he passionately challenged them to truly be committed to excellence. As we wrapped up our Sunday service with the Lord's Supper it was easy to see that God has given us many leaders both past and present who are truly committed to excellence."
Greer concludes her report saying that it is no accident that the word 'beginning" appears in the King James Bible 106 times. "Yes, God has been faithful to this district in its l06th year. The NC District is beginning-with a new building, new ownership of our properties and a new understanding of the power of the Most High. For the North Carolina District Conference this is just the beginning of a journey truly committed to excellence, " writes Greer. - from a report by Jennifer Greer
MBMSI reports success with blended funding model
Undesignated funds play key role in historic projects
Over the past two years
MBMS International has been operating with a blended funding model that includes both relational and undesignated funding. Relational funding (also known as designated funding) now constitutes the majority of the MBMSI budget and includes all long-term and short-term missionaries and many projects focused on community transformation.
MBMSI reports that over the past two years under the new funding model 93 percent of long-term missionaries have reached full relational funding. The remaining missionaries continue to be fully funded from undesignated funds for a full term of service until they too are able to reach their full support level. A new team of nine longterm missionaries to Southern Thailand were able to reach their full funding within eight months
'The new funding model has allowed for some 30 new long term mission applicants to be processed for teams this year and an overall increase of 15 percent in giving to global missions through MBMS International this past year, " says Randy Friesen, MBMSI general director.
Undesignated funding has also grown 4 percent this past year, says Friesen, and plays a key role in supporting essential facets of global missions. Friesen says undesignated funds are often the sole support for partner projects such as those in India (MB Centenary Bible College, village evangelists and interfaith out-
reach), Congo and Eastern Europe. These undesignated funds also support international joint appointment missionaries sent by other MB conferences like Colombia and Congo. New mission exploration work in locations such as North Africa and North India are made possible by these gifts as is the work of the North America support staff All new missionaries are given four months of salary from these undesignated funds, freeing them to focus their energy on preparing for their assignments and building their support team .
" We are very grateful for those churches and individuals who have decided to continue to support MBMS International with undesignated funds." says Friesen. ' This blended funding model facilitates both the stable funding required to maintain the historic commitments that link us to the global Mennonite Brethren family as well as the new funding connected to people and projects that our churches support."
Friesen cites the agency's response to the ongoing financial needs for E.D. Solomon. a teacher at the MB Centenary Bible College, as one example of how these two types of funding models work in concert. "E.D. Solomon's doctoral studies required an additional year beyond our standard 3.5 year financial commitment to scholarship recipients," says Friesen. "We were able to contribute a significant amount of additonal funding to his ongoing studies from our undesignated funds while other donors also contributed relational funds to meet the full amount required. This blended approach to funding a strategic initiative of our Indian MB Conference's Bible college will assist them in strengthening their training of future church leaders and missionaries."
Friesen says the undesignated gifts of churches allowed MBMSI to maintain consistent funding levels to the MBCBC while they continue to develop strengthened support from the Indian MB conference churches and supporters in North America.
' We are very grateful for the generosity of our churches including countless individuals who faithfully and sometimes sacrificially give to the work of global mission," says Friesen ' Whether that giving is relational or undesignated, it continues to define us as a family on a mission." - MBMSI
regatiQns · edicate new buildings
r(1ml)'ts three chvrchef to expand facibties
Three Mennonite Brethren congregations recendy dedicated new worship facilities While the three projects vary in scope - construction of a new building, an addition to an existing facility and the purchase an existing campus-the three congregations believe the additional space will help them better serve their growing memberships and the community
Hesston MB Church
Hesston (Kan.) MB Church dedicated its new sanctuary Sept 24, exactly 28 years from the day its charter members first met in the local school band room. The morning worship service, during which
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church moderator Bruce Eitzen acknowledged the contributions of many volunteers, was followed by an afternoon open house for the community The new sanctuary increases seating from 230 to 390 and to as many as 450 with the overflow. The project also included constructing a foyer connecting the existing facility to the new sanctuary and remodeling the church kitchen, doubling its size
The seeds for the building project were planted six years ago when the congregation participated in a Church Resource Ministries refocusing process sponsored by the Southern District Conference. The refo-
cusing process, led by a team of six lay leaders and involving 30 people in church leadership and congregational meetings, identified staff and facilities as two key concerns. The most significant conclusion reached as a result of the refocusing process, says lead pastor Steve Toews, was that the congregation would add staff before undertaking a building project.
In 2002 Brad Burkholder joined Toews as pastor of youth ministries A year later the congregation began its capital campaign with the theme, "Equipping future generations."
"This is more than a slogan," says Toews. " It continues to be very much the mentality of our congregation," he says, noting the congregation's commitment to missions, church planting and nurturing young leaders. Chuck Buller, U.S. Conference executive director, guided the congregation through a funding campaign that Toews characterizes as positive and unifying.
In late August 2005 the congregation voted to proceed with the building plans. The congregation considered several building options to address the need for more classroom , sanctuary and fellowship hall space and decided to build a new sanctuary since this would free up the original sanctuary and adjoining fellowship hall to be a more usable space for activities, dinners , receptions and Sunday school. Additional Sunday school classrooms may be added in the future Given that the new sanctuary was
built in the middle of what was the church parking lot to provide for convenient street access, the congregation is now taking "creative" approaches to parking, says Toews.
Toews reports that this fall the church has seen an increase in attendance of about 30 to 40 people, including students from a local Mennonite college. An unexpected development that may give this growing congregation an additional boost is the 42-lot residential development under construction in what was once the neighboring field. News of the housing development followed the church's decision to build a new sanctuary.
First Slavic Baptist Church
Mer two years of construction and countless volunteer hours of labor, First Slavic Baptist Church of Salem, Ore., held an almost four-hour dedication selVice Sept. 10 for its new 25,000 square-foot building. The faciliry, built with the assistance of MB Loan Fund, includes a sanctuary with seating for 1,000 including a balcony, 16 classrooms, a fellowship hall, kitchen and storage.
First Slavic is a congregation of about 194 families with 435 members and 600 regular attendees. The congregation started with a small group of Slavic immigrants and by October 1992, they were meeting in a small chapel rented from First Baptist Church in Salem. They organized officially as a church in June 1993 with approximately 50 members. By 1996 they had outgrown the chapel and began renting a building owned by Keizer Community Church. In 1998 they joined the Pacific District Conference. Valeriy Sirovatka serves as the senior pastor.
Six years ago First Slavic purchased 3 75 acres of land with plans to construct a meeting
place The process of purchasing the land and securing the appropriate city approvals took several years due to issues with city water. Construction began in October 2004 . The building project involved the coordination of volunteer help from many church members.
Medhane-Alem Ethiopian Church
Medhane-Alem Ethiopian Church of Seattle, Wash., celebrated the dedication of its new facility Sept. 9 with an almost fourhour selVice. Having outgrown their Sunday school space and with parking a problem in downtown Seattle, the congregation purchased an existing church campus with the assistance of MB Loan Fund.
The new property, located about four miles from their previous location, includes three buildings: a 21,000 square-foot sanctuary built in 1952, a home built in 1962, and
a fellowship hall and classroom building adjoining the sanctuary building that was completed in 1968. The more than 15 classrooms and additional parking spaces at a nearby public school address the problems of their previous location While the buildings will require some deferred maintenance, the congregation was able to move in and begin using the facility.
The congregation, led by pastor Girma Desalegne, was established in 1985 by a small group and has steadily grown to 285 adults and 85 children, making it one of the largest Ethiopian churches in the U.S. Its new location in the heart of the Rainier Valley where a large number of Ethiopian and Eritrean immigrants live offers the congregation new opportunities to selVe the 20,000 Ethiopians living in the Seattle metro area. Church leaders believe their location will help them initiate faithbased services to children, youth and the elderly. The congregation plans to lease their previous facility and parking lot to other churches and community organizations until it can be sold next year.-
Connie Faber
Top Left: The new sanctuary at Hesston (Kan.) MB Church has freed the old sanctuary and fellowship hall to be used for activities, dinners, receptions and Sunday school. Left: Churchgoers leave the new First Slavic Baptist Church building following the Sept. 10 dedication service Top: The congregation 6 participates in the dedication service for the newly- purchased meeting place fo r Medhane-Alem Ethiopian Church.
Ethiopian Mennonites dream of new college
FPU, Ethiopian leaders talk about partnership
The Meserete Kristos (Mennonite Christian) Church in Ethiopia is building a liberal arts college near the African nation's capital. When completed, the college is to bring knowledge and faith to 2,000 students. the church and the entire country.
"We want to reach our society with core Christian values." says Kenna Dula, associate general director of Meserete Kristos Church or MKC. Though neither he nor the two colleagues who recently accompanied him to Fresno Pacific University said so, the college might also be a symbol of victory for a small church that not only did not die. but grew and matured in the fire of government oppression
'J\t the moment. the fierce experience is gone." says Woudineh Endayelalun, academic dean of Meserete Kristos College Marxists ruled Ethiopia during the 1970S and 198oS, closing places of worship. But MKC grew from about 5,000 members to about 14.000 during this time, Endayelalun says. Today MKC. which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2002, has 352 congregations and 257.000 members There are also Ethiopian churches
in San Jose, San Francisco. Kansas, Pennsylvania and Washington. DC
Aimed at destroying the faith of a nation. persecution damaged its fabric. Church hospitals and schools were confiscated, including an MKC college where government leaders had studied. 'That really affected our society." Dula says. After oppression stopped, the MKC created a Bible college that has produced more than 530 graduates. The school's II students and 30 staff members meet in a rented house.
Fear and violence seem far away from the book-lined office at FPU's Center for Peacemaking and Conflict Studies where Dula, Endayelalun and Solomon Telahun, public relations officer for the college. talk of a bright future rather than a blighted past. The goal of the August 21-27 visit was to develop the relationship between FPU and MKC to help build Meserete Kristos College.
'We have to make loose connections stronger and in places where there is no connection. make a connection," Telahun says.
Existing connections include a stream of MKC leaders who have studied or are now studying at FPU or MB Biblical Seminary. Dalton Reimer. university faculty emeritus and the CPACS associate who coordinated the Ethiopian visit. has also traveled to Ethiopia to teach, as has faculty member Julia Reimer. "We came to express our deep appreciation in training our leaders." Dula says.
To build on this foundation. the dele13 gation met with representatives of FPU.
MBBS. West Coast Mennonite Central Commirtee and MBMS International. Subjects included faculty and student exchanges and programs in peacemaking and conflict studies and environmental studies. 'We found out there is a high degree of similarity between programs we hope to develop and the programs FPU is running," Telahun says
Planners foresee a Meserete Kristos College $16 million (U.S.) campus on 60,000 square meters located 40 miles from Addis Ababa. Several lakes around the property are part of a chain that stretches to the Dead Sea. The first half of the education building is now under construction and is to open for classes in August of 2007. The completed campus will feature residence halls. church and office buildings
Dula. Endayelalun and Telahun don't expect help from the existing government, which is secular and does not value theological education. 'They're not against it or for it. We have to do it ourselves."
Endayelalun says.
Though not religious freedom, official indifference is enough of an improvement over intolerance to encourage MKC to share its vision with FPU. "Both institutions are trying to address the same problems of humanity," Telahun says. "Two institutions together can make a great difference in the world "
Additional information on Meserete Kristos College can be found at www mkcollege.org. - FPU
Top: Leaders from MKC and FPU recently met in the FPU president's office to strengthen the ties between the two schools. Participants were (clockwise from left): Herma Williams, FPU provost; Solomon Telahun, MKC College public relations officer; D Merrill Ewert, FPU president; Woudineh Endayelalun, MKC College academic dean; and Kenna Dula, associate general director of Meserete Kristos Church.
Left: Work has begun on the first building on the Meserete Kristos College campus.
lli to pollster George Barna ...
:>- Only 9% of America's population is evangelical Christian
>- }\Iatge majority of "twenty-some-things" leave the church even if they were actively involved as teens
> Slightly over one-thhtl (36%) of adults are "searching for meaning and purpose in life"
> More than (54%) ()f all adults believe that if a is generally good or does gooa enougfl things for others duFing their life they will '9rh a place in heaven
Note "Mission USA" on the memo line
Each fall Mennonite Brethren churches across the U.S., particularly those in agriculturally-based communities, honor a tradition known as Harvest Missions Festival-or Harvest Thanksgiving Sunday, Missions Conference or Thanksgiving Missions Festival.
Whatever the name, harvest missions festivals are remarkably similar in timing and purpose: to respond to a bountiful harvest with gratitude and a challenge to look toward the eternal harvest of missions. In some churches harvest missions has been celebrated every fall in memory and is viewed as a necessary part of church life. "Talk about tradition, tradition, tradition!" one pastor says.
The precise roots of the tradition, however, are tough to pinpoint. Several long-
time members of MB churches simply say that it's always been part of their church life-"as long as I can remember." Peggy Goertzen, director of the Center for MB Studies in Hillsboro, Kan., says that as early as the 1890S issues of Zionsbote, the German-language predecessor of the Christian Leader, refer often to "Missionsfest" or "Dankfest" (missions festival or thanksgiving festival).
"In fact, the earliest Zionsbote issues are consumed with passionate reports from missionaries and mission fields," Goertzen says. "Reaching the 'heathen' with the gospel of Jesus Christ was foremost in the minds of those who were members of the Mennonite Brethren. Particularly in fall, records of large missions offerings were recorded in the Zionsbote."
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While these festivals are not unique to Mennonite Brethren, they do seem to be unique to churches in agriculturally-based communities. The festivals are almost always held in October or November, timed to coincide with either the Thanksgiving holiday or crop harvest. The timing is intentional. On a practical level, for those whose livelihood depends upon a bountiful crop, harvest is a logical time to both offer thanks to God and respond in generous giving Jonathan Bartel, longtime member at Com (Okla.) MB Church, points out that farmers get paid only at harvest, so some tithe only after harvest.
The connection is spiritual as well. "Harvest and missions go hand-in-glove, according to Jesus' teaching," says Ernie Lambright, pastor at Bethel MB Church in Yale, SD. He points to Matthew 9:38, where Jesus says, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few ."
As demographics change and time passes, some churches are de-emphasizing that traditional connection between harvest and missions. Buhler (Kan.) MB Church, for example, has chosen to hold separate thanksgiving and missions events, and Bible Fellowship Church, Rapid City, SD, has moved to a quarterly missions emphasis rather than a traditional fall event.
While these festivals don't look the same at every church, certain elements of the celebrations seem to be standard: Most include a missionary speaker, a celebratory meal and a special offering.
Bethel MB Church, Yale, SD, held their annual harvest mission festival Oct. 15.
Churches seem to prefer overseas missionaries as guest speakers. "If the missionary families that we support are home, we always try to have them," says Gary Janzen, pastor of Fairview (Okla.) MB Church. Other speakers might be from local missions, such as a homeless shelter or church plant supported by the church, or even short-term missionaries from the church. Often churches ask representatives from global missions agencies, their district "home missions" or conference leadership to fill the pulpit for their festival Sunday
When MBs celebrate together, they eat Most harvest missions festivals include a meal, whether a Sunday noon potluck, an evening banquet or a brunch during the Sunday morning festivities. Last year Bethesda MB in Huron, SD, extended their missions conference to span an entire weekend, so their celebration included a men's breakfast, women's lunch and Sunday noon meal. Often these meals take on a Thanksgiving flavor, with turkey and all the trimmings Reedley MB, for example, serves a traditional Thanksgiving meal in two seatings of around 500 each, with a program between seatings.
Special offerings for the cause of missions are "a given." Many pastors, like Carey Gossen of Grace Bible Church, Gettysburg, SD, say that members come prepared to give generously so that harvest missions offerings far exceed regular weekly offerings. Gettysburg, like many other churches, divides that offering between global missions and local missions.
At Dinuba (Calif.) MB Church pastor Jim Aiken says that for two years the church has set and reached an aggressive goal of $25,000 for Harvest Thanksgiving Sunday. Other pastors say that yearly goals for giving to global missions and conference ministries have been met through this single offering. Peggy Goertzen says that such generosity, like the tradition itself, goes back as far as memory. ''The idea of sacrifice to the cause of mission was prominent (in early festivals), " she says -Myra Holmes
MCC hosts discussion with Iranian president
Religious and political issues focus of conversation
Nearly 45 religious leaders from Christian and Muslim faith backgrounds met with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Sept. 20 in an open discussion about the role religious communities can play in reversing the deepening crisis between Iran and the u.S The event was organized and sponsored by Mennonite Central Committee, a relief, development and peace organization of the Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches in the U.S. and Canada.
Much of the discussion focused on a mixture of religious and political issues such as the harsh language between the U.S. and Iranian governments, Ahmadinejad's publicly stated position on the Holocaust and the role of religious groups in the nuclear weapons dispute.
This was the first face-to-face meeting between the Iranian leader and leaders from mainline Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, evangelical and historic peace churches. Among the latter were MCC officers and the president of Mennonite World Conference, Nancy Heisey. The group met for about 70 minutes in a conference room at the Barclay New York Inter-Continental Hotel, where President Ahmadinejad was staying while in New York.
''The Iranian government invited us to organize a conversation between religious leaders and President Ahmadinejad," says Robb Davis, MCC executive director. "As an agency of one of the historic peace churches we viewed this as an opportunity to build mutual understanding between two peoples who have lived too long with mutual suspicion."
Both Davis and Ahmadinejad opened the meeting with comments about their respective faith positions In a prepared statement, Davis focused on the need of religious leaders in the U.S. and Iran to pursue peace and encourage those in government to resolve differences peacefully.
'We believe that people of faith must come together to mend the breeches that exist and seem to continue to grow between nations and faith communities in this time," Davis said. 'This is why we are here-to talk, to raise difficult questions and to begin to build relation -
Robb Davis, MCC executive director (left) talks with the president of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, at the Sept 20 meeting between religious groups and Ahmadinejad in New York City.
ships that will lead to honest and open exchange to confront the very real divisions that tragically lead to animosity, hatred and the shedding of blood."
Ahmadinejad said, '1\t any point in the course of history when a group of people any-
where in the world put their instructions into practice, they actually set themselves as examples of peace, order and progress and serve as role models for ideal communities."
Davis followed with a question about the language being used by the U.S. and
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Iran. such as President Bush referring to Iran as one of the '1\xis of Evil" countries, while Iranian protesters march through the streets shouting "Death to America."
Ahmadinejad responded by saying that "Death to America" does not mean death to the American people, but in fact Iranians love the American people. What it pointed to, he said, were problems with "aggressive, unjust, warmongering and bullying U.S. policies" that have negatively impacted the recent history of Iran from the Shah to the present crisis.
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When asked about his controversial statements related to the Holocaust, in which he has called the Holocaust "a myth" and suggested that Israel be moved to Europe or North America, Ahmadinejad said there is need for additional historical research to be done about it In a discussion among the delegation members following the meeting some of the participants said Ahmadinejad's responses on the Holocaust were less than satisfying, according to Davis.
On the issue of nuclear weapons, Ahmadinejad said Iran is not producing weapons and has no need to. He also said that religious people should assume a role in monitoring the nuclear activities in all countries, including the U.S. and Iran. Ahmadinejad suggested faith groups should join with scientists to visit nuclear facilities around the world to make certain countries are adhering to nuclear agreements.
'The President broke very little new ground in his responses but had some helpful suggestions for the role of people of faith in engaging more deeply around the issue of nuclear nonproliferation," Davis said.
Toward the end of the meeting, Ahmadeinejad and the U.S. delegation promised to continue their discussions. Davis closed by saying that in the Christian faith tradition God calls on believers to pray for all leaders and that the delegation would be praying for Ahmadinejad and U S. President George Bush. Ahmadinejad acknowledged the point and said he welcomed the group's prayers.-by Mark Beach for MCC Communications
by Rose Buschman
Remembering 9/11
God's peace surrounds traveler on day of attack
Our country recently remembered the events of the 9/11 12001 airplane terrorist attacks with somber ceremonies, reading the names of those who died and laying wreaths at several sites. Even though the attacks occurred five years ago, probably most of us can remember where we were and what we were doing when the disasters struck. While I know where I was, at the time I was blissfully ignorant of what was happening.
The day before, September 10, I flew from my home in Kansas to Los Angeles. There, just after midnight, I boarded an airliner
bound for Taipei, a city on the island of Taiwan just off the coast of China . We left LAX approximately four hours before the first plane hit the first tower in New York City. I'm sure our pilots were quickly infottned about what had hap-
lief. I felt violated. I needed to talk to someone but couldn't see anyone around me that spoke my language, so I just sat in my seat, rrembling and near tears. I felt very much alone. About halfway through that flight I suddenly felt a deep sense of God's presence surround me. I was able to relax with the inner assurance that while the world seemed in chaos, God was still in conttol. I continued on my journey and, 52 hours after leaving home, finally reached my destination
..
J For me September 2001 a time of learning that God wa s with me no matter wh::1t happened.
pened but we, the passengers, were not told. The long flight over the Pacific Ocean was uneventful and we landed on the other side of the world as scheduled.
During my extended layover in the Taipei airport, I went in search of a TV hoping to find a CNN news report so I could catch up on what had happened in the world during our flight. None of the TVs in the airport were switched on. Eventually it was time to board the airplane for Jakarta, the next leg of my journey.
I was on my way to the Indonesian province of Irian Jaya (now Papua). My assignment was to be a substitute math teacher in a school for missionary children. For the record, when the Bible says we are to go to the "uttermost parts" of the world, I believe this remote area on the island of New Guinea qualifies. As I was about 'to board the plane I saw a table near the door with for newspapers passengers There was one English language paper left. I grabbed it, went inside, put my luggage away and sat down to read I got the shock of my life
On the front page was a picture of one World Trade Center tower engulfed in a billowing black and orange ball of smoke and fire. In huge black letters the newspaper headline screamed at me: 'l\.ttacks destroy World Trade Center." I read the accompanying articles in utter disbe-
During this long travel time I was not able to let my husband know where I was, so he had some long hours of anxiety before I was finally able to send him a message that I was safe and had reached my destination.
The following Sunday we sang a song during the worship service that became my theme song for the eight weeks I was there: 'l\.nywhere with Jesus I can safely go, Anywhere he leads me in this world below, Anywhere without him dearest joys would fade, Anywhere with Jesus I am not afraid. "
Things got dicey a few weeks later when the Americans bombed Afghanistan. Our school was closed. We all stayed home and waited, wondering if we would become the targets of local reprisals Nothing happened, so the next day we resumed classes while maintaining a low profile in our daily activities. A week later conditions in the country deteriorated and for a while it appeared as though we might have to evacuate. Eventually, however, the crisis passed and we were able to stay and continue our work.
Shortly before I left for home, one of the Bible translators told me that he really appreciated my coming. "If you had not come I would have had to teach those math classes," he said "We are at a critical stage in our translation and are almost ready to publish Because you came we have been able to meet our deadlines and will be able to publish our New Testament on schedule Thank you for coming."
For me September 2001 was a time of learning that God was with me no matter what happened . As a Christian I am so thankful that I can trust God and not be afraid
Hanging on too hard
Are we extending our Lives longer than God intends?
QIs modern medicine causing us to extend life beyond what it is meant to be? (California)
AAll of us appreciate the benefits of medical science. Many of us take our Lipitor, Norvasc, Tegretol, Nexium, Vicodin, Zocor or one of a thousand other medications that relieve our pains and in some cases extend our lives, and we are grateful for medical science. The inquirer is suggesting, however, that perhaps we keep people alive longer than our bodies were meant to function We sacrifice quality for quantity of life.
Since I'Ve passed the fourscore mark in life I'Ve thought a lot about this. I admit that imperfect as it is, medical science has given us the
impression we can live forever. We think there ought to be a remedy for every ill we encounter. I've watched as some of my peers are afflicted with
I'm aware that the issue is by no means simple. Some people will come to the conditions described above without the use of modem medications. Families struggle with questions. Is refusing to force-feed a patient akin to mercy killing? I watched one of my best friends live for several years after a severe sttoke being fed through a tube, not able to speak or swallow Would it not have been better for him to die, I sometimes wonder
I ask myself questions like: If and when I come to a situation where continued quality of life were unlikely, would I want the radiation and chemotherapy tteatments? I don't know the answer to that question, but I have a nagging feel-
. \VC that hcaven will bc hetter than this earth1v lite. but we do c vcrything humanly to Jeby goin g ther e . '
dreaded diseases, suBmit- to almost merciless treatments, and in many cases do not survive long even with the medications that are advertised as "wonder" drugs.
Can we hang on too desperately to life? Can we extend life so long "artificially" that we become burdens to others and ourselves? This is the inquirer's question. My pastoral visits to hospitals and/or retirement centers through 40 years and observing my own parents' demises have accentuated the problem for me.
I empathize with columnist Peter Gott who writes: 'l\£ter observing the patients (in a nursing home) there for three months just during lunch, I wonder what in the world we are doing and why. I see little old ladies who are just skin and bones, with scarcely a hank of hair, being forced to swallow little cups of pills daily and being forced to open their mouths and swallow food. They cannot sit upright, but fall to the side and slump down on the arms of the wheelchairs. They are so far gone they have no idea what is taking place, and they don't care either. Why can't their families just accept that these residents are ready to die, then just make every effort to keep them as comfortable and as free from pain as possible and let nature take its natural course?"
Have a question about a Bible passage, doctrine, conference policy or other spiritual issue? Send your question to "Inquiring Minds," clo Marvin Hein, 3036 East Magill Avenue, Fresno , CA 93710 or email Marvin at marvinhein@sbcglobal.net.
ing that as Christians we sometimes tend to hold on to earthly life longer than we should. We all confess that heaven will be better than this earthly life, but we do everything humanly possible to delay going there.
Another issue that I'm almost not brave enough to introduce is the financial stewardship involved in the use of modem medicine. CNN.com reported in August on the case of a woman dying of cancer, waiting in the hospital for a second tteatment with a new biotechnology drug. A person from the business office marched in and announced that her share of the treatment would cost $18,000. Doctors said the drug might extend her life a fraction, but she would not be cured. For six decades she had enjoyed a good marriage, reared three children and had worked in a nursing home. She decided not to take the drug.
There are countless cases today where medication expenses run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Yes, insurance covers some of that, but someone is paying. Is it too unspiritual to ask if stewardship should be considered in life and death issues? I'm not suggesting I have any final answers to this question, but I have been driven many times to the words of Paul in Philippians and asked myself if I really believe the Bible . "But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. But I am hard pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better, yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake" (Phil. 1:22-24).
BAPTISM/MEMBERSHIP
Capitola, Calif. (ShoreLife)-Four people were baptized Oct. 15.
Corn, Okla.-Carrie Kliewer. Nanette Kliewer and Kristin Kliewer were received as members Oct. 1.
Rapid City, SD (Bible Fellowship)-Mark and Pam Heiberger were baptized Sept. 24 Rick. Bill and Rob Ward were baptized Sept. 17.
Meno, Okla. (New Hopedale)-Mon ica Greb was baptized Sept. 24 Ryan and Monica Greb were received as members Oct. 1. Mica, Brenda and Allyson Doane were received as members July 31.
Hesston, Kan.- Amber Prieb and Ruth Schott were baptized and welcomed into membership Sept. 17 Omaha, Neb. (Iglesia Agua Viva)- Two people were recently baptized and four were accepted into membership.
Littleton, Colo. (Belleview)-Joel and Annette Funk were received as members Sept. 17.
Bakersfield, Calif. (Laurelglen)-Jason Heslep, Edwin Aguilar and Junior Aguilar were baptized the weekend of Sept. 16-17 .
Kingsburg, Calif.-Jay Downey was baptized Sept. 15. Jay and Dora Downey were received as members Sept. 17 .
Mountain Lake, Minn. (Community Bible)-Kimberly Boike and Mitchel Boike were baptized and welcomed as members Sept. 10.
Cimarron, Kan (Valleyview Bible)-Tracy Bartel was baptized and received as a member Aug 20 Cliff and Rosina Fast and John and Margaret Evans were received as members Aug. 20. Lori Litton and Doug Davidson were baptized and received as members Aug. 27. Stephanie Clinesmith was received as a member Aug . 27
Shakopee, Minn. (Russian Evangelical Church) - Thirty people accepted Christ and were baptized this summer FELLOWSHIP
Com, Okla.-A salad supper Oct. 24 gave women the opportunity to get to know their new pastor's wife, Carla Sandy.
Wichita, Kan. (Firstl-A women 's Fall Friendship Festival Oct. 24 included individually decorated tables, a catered meal and guest speaker Michelle Walthers, the reigning Miss Kansas
Bakersfield, Calif. (Laurelglen) - Empty nesters enjoyed an Oct. 14 meal and a game of "Family Feud." Olathe, Kan. (Community Bible)-Oct. 7 was an allchurch family bike ride to enjoy autumn foliage along a Missouri River trail.
Hesston, Kan - The men held a retreat Sept. 29-0ct. 1 at Morning Star Ranch, a ministry of World Impact Hutchinson, Kan., pastor Andy Addis was the speaker
and two men shared their testimonies
Buhler, Kan. - Women participated in an all-night scrapbooking event Sept. 29-30 that ended with lunch Saturday at a local restaurant.
Minot, ND (Bible Fellowshipl-Women were invited to a potluck salad supper and "Scrabble Scramble " Sept. 28.
Capitola, Calif. (ShoreLife)- Ten men participated in the church's first men's retreat Sept. 22 -23
Aurora, Colo. (Ethiopian Evangelicall-Young adults are invited to a free breakfast and program featuring various worship groups and speakers the first Sunday of each month
San Jose, CaUf. (Uncoln Glen) - The congregation gathered for breakfast Sept. 10 as a wrap -up to the summer and to encourage church involvement for fall.
MINISTRY
Papillion, Neb. (Shadow Lakel-The church merged with Pleasant View Berean Church Oct. 1, bringing about 200 additional people to Shadow Lake. Dan Hauge, pastor of the Berean Church, now serves as associate pastor.
Manhattan, Kan.- The church will host its 20th German Mennonite Meal and International Craft and Bake Sale at a local park Nov. 21 . Over 500 people are expected to attend.
Capitola, Calif. (ShoreLife)- The
church spent Saturday, Oct. 21, working on cleanup and projects at a local middle school.
Fresno, Calif. (North Fresno)Members have been encouraged to invite a neighbor for dinner or coffee to intentionally connect with them as part of the church 's emphasis on mission and relationships
Bakersfield, Calif. (Heritage) - The church is offering a parenting class that runs concurrently with Wednesday night children'S programs The class is based on Tim Kimmel's material Raising Kids Who Turn Out Right, and is led by Kent McClain, superintendent of Heritage Christian Schools
Centennial, Colo. (Trailheadl - Sept. 23 was a day of community service Church members volunteered at a 5kilometer char ity race, visited at a group home with disabled adults who have no family, cleaned the recreation center where they meet and eliminated graffit i in the area
Reedley, Calif - The church donated 317 school kits to Mennonite Central Comm ittee - For the seventh year ,
children will sponsor an African child through World Vision.
WORKERS
Newton, Kan. (Koerner Heights)-John Warkentin is serving as interim pastor through December.
Sanger, Calif. (Grace Community) - Don and Lydia Beckenhauer were installed as senior pastoral couple Oct. 29
Kingsburg, Calif.-Liviu Amariei began serving as music minister in August.
Omaha, Neb. (Iglesia Agua Viva)-Jaime Cazares has resigned as pastor. Antonio Zuniga has been called as the new pastor, Wichita, Kan. (Firstl-Er ica Hemmert is serving as interim youth director through December
Indiahoma, Okla. (Post Oak)-Leonard Presley was installed as pastor Sept. 17 He and wife Dora have been s erving in an interim role since 2005.
WORSHIP
Harvey, ND-Beginning Oct. 1, the congregation gathers the first Sunday evening of each month to pray for the church and community
Shakopee, Minn. (Russian Evangelicall- The church
Souled Out celebrates new commitments
Eleven teens were baptized when Souled Out, the youth ministry of Bethesda MB Churth, Huron, SD, held its first baptism service at a local lake Aug 9 The baptisms followed a summer of teaching on commitment to Christ and the meaning of baptism Most of the baptized teens come from the community, according to Adam and Barb Harrington, Bethesda youth directors. In addition, five youth responded to an invitation to become HChrist-followers H at a regular Souled Out service Sepl 17, and Adam reports a marked increase in attendance in recent weeks.
Hrve never seen a move of God Uke what's going on right now, NBarb says 'his generation is incredibly hungry for the truth- and they're incredibly infected with sln.NShe credits the new wave of responses to the efforts of "the engine team, H a group of teens and adults that pray for God's presence before every Souled Out event
Those baptized were: Jon Strubel, Angie Pearl, Joni Neuharth, Tina Harrington, Shannon Weber, Melissa Wieting, Leah Watke, Michael Fast, Brigitte Gross, cassie Stoa and Heather Stahl.
The Harringtons look forward to a second Souled Out baptism in the near future - IofH
DEATHS hosted a Russian Bible Conference Oct. 6-8 About 1,000 people were expected to attend from all over the U.S. Capitola, Calif. (ShoreUfe)-Songwriter and musician Bob Kilpatrick shared his spiritual journey through music at an evening program Oct. 8. Bakersfield, Calif. (Laurelglen)-Nick Vujicic, born without arms or legs, gave his testimony Oct. 1
Rapid City, SD (Bible Fellowship)-Rod and Donna Anderson , church planters at Christ Community Church, Sioux Falls, SD, were guest speakers Sept. 17 Fresno, Calif. (North Fresno)-A series on James wrapped up Sept. 3 with a dramatic presentation of the entire book with multimedia accompaniment. Kingsburg, Calif.- The youth invited the congregation to an open house in the youth room Oct. 8 to see changes to the youth room and to participate in worship with the youth
DAHL, CARL B., Reedley, Calif , a member of Reedley MB Church, was born May 15, 1920, to Peter E and Marie Boese Dahl near Hillsboro, Kan , and died Sept. 26, 2006, at the age of 86. On May 18,1968, he married Helen Wiebe, who predeceased him
ENsz, ELMER,lnman, Kan., former visitation pastor at Zoar MB Church, Inman, was born Nov. 17, 1925, to Gerhardt D and Lena Klassen Ensz in McPherson County, Kan., and died July 30, 2006, at the age of 80 On July 27, 1947, he married Katherine Neufeld. who survives. He is also survived by five sons, Orie and wife Janie, David and wife Aline, Marion and wife Sandy Mark and wife Connie and Steve and wife Lesa ; one daughter, Christine; one brother, Arnold and wife Alma; one sister,lrene and husband Jerry Sullivan, 17 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren
FLAMING, LUELLA KROEKER , Corn, Okla , a member of Corn MB Church, was born Feb 10, 1924 to Jacob D and Tena Thiessen Kroeker, and died Sept.
Ministry reaches out
Mennonite Br ethren looking fo r ways to reach out locally and globally have found a new ministry partner in Mama Mekeka House of Hope, a nonprofit organization that seeks to reach out to communities in Africa, the Caribbean and California's Central San Joaquin Valley, advocating for health, education and community empowerment. MMHH, headquartered In Fresno, calif., was founded in 2003 by Congolese native Pakisa Tshimika and seeks to perpetuate the legacy of hospitality demonstrated by Tshlmika 's mother
In partnership with MMHH, College Community Church, Clovis, Calif , donated sewing machines to a girls' school in Kajlji this past winter In 2007, these girls, along with students at several other schools in Kikwit and Kajiji , will be the recipients of health and school kits Nancy Becker of College Community along with seamstresses both in Fresno and North Carolina, are currently collecting used jeans and transforming them into sturdy student backpacks These backpacks will be the beginning of a new coHage industry in Congo providing a use for used jeans, income for women and families and school bags for students.
In addition to similar projects in Africa, MMHH has partnered with a group of high school students in Fresno, Calif , as well as with Fresno Pacific University and the Center for Peacemaking, Fresno, to address violence prevention In central and south Fresno. In June the organization received a $15,000 grant to begin the Youth Theater Project, which will engage students in learning to listen to their own and other's voices through poetry and personal narrative This project is an extension of another project begun in 2005 during which students surveyed community members by zip code regarding their perceptions of violence within their neighborhoods
At Fresno Pacific University, the MB - owned university in Fresno, students felt called to support MMHH by praying regularly and creating and selling bracelets reading, Congo" in response to a series of lectures presented by Tshlmika , For more information on Mama Mekeka House of Hope and its projects, visit www mmhhope org or email Infolitmmhhope org - Melissa Graybill, program manager
On Oct. 25, 1963, he married Betty Friesen, who survives. He is also survived by two daughters, Barbara Friesen and Karen Forsyth ; two brothers, Clarence Funk and Ben Funk of Fresno, Calif.; three sisters , Margaret Wall of Madera, Calif , Paula Isaak of Sonoma, Calif , and LeEsther DeFehr of Mankato, Minn , and one grandson.
HEER, BONNIE JEAN, Fairview, Okla., of Fairview MB Church , was born Jan. 10, 1931, to Elmer A Young, Sr , and Lucy Ray Brown Young and died Sept. 5, 2006, at the age of 75 On June 30, 1949, she married Calvin Heer, who survives She is also survived by three sons, Paul and wife Lana of Yukon Okla , David of Wichita , Kan., and Timothy of Tulsa, Okla .; three daughters, Janet and husband David Wood of Luther, Okla., Judith and husband Steve Wright of Ardmore, Okla., and Jean and husband Mark Bostwick of Edmond, Okla ; two brothers, Elmer Jr , and wife Maxine of Enid, Okla., and Loren and wife Betty of Okeene, Okla ; two sisters, Martha Baskerville of Edmond, Okla , and Violet and husband Wayne Marker of Sun City, Ariz ., and five grandchildren .
16, 2006, at the age of 82 On Dec 16, 1944, she married Wesley Flaming, who survives She is also survived by three sons, Clayton and wife Jeanette of Newcastle, Okla , Vincent of Corn, Okla , and Brandon and wife Debbie of Carrollton, Texas ; one daughter, Ona and husband Ken Willingham of Plano, Texas, and three grandchildren
FRIESEN, ALFRED, Reedley, Calif., a member of Reedley MB Church, was ' born Nov 2, 1926, to Jesse and Lydia Friesen in Ingalls, Kan., and died Oct. 9, 2006, at the age of 79 On June 10, 1950, he married Dolores Ewert, who survives. He is also survived by two sons, David and wife Deborah of Fresno, Calif., and Dale and wife Julie of San Jose, Calif.; four brothers, Vernon and wife Rachel of Hillsboro, Kan , Orval and wife Jean of Fremont, Calif , Norman and wife Doris of Shafter, Calif., and Andy and wife Bonnie of Hillsboro Kan.; one sister, Arlene and husband Calvin Dahl of New Hope, Minn.; one brother- in - law, Leonard Klassen of Marion, Kan., and six grandchildren.
FUNK, HARVEY, Shafter, Calif , a member of Shafter MB Church, was born March 24, 1913, to George and Sara Funk in Hillsboro, Kan , and died Sept. 12, 2006, at the age of 93 On Dec 28, 1938, he married Luella Toews, who survives He is also survived by two sons, Bob and wife Marsha of Bakersfield, Calif , and Howard and wife Pat of Shafter, Calif., four grandchildren and three great -grandchildren
FUNK, LENARD, Santa Clara , Calif , a member of El Camino Bible Church, Santa Clara, was born Dec 2, 1941, to Samuel and Anna Funk in Corn, Okla , and died Sept. 7, 2006, at the age of 64.
KROEKER, FRANCES JEAN, Bakersfield Calif , a member of Rosedale Bible Church, Bakersfield, was born March 26, 1930, to Art and Anna Schmidt in Bakersfield and died Sept. 28, 2006, at the age of 76. On March 23, 1950. she married Leroy Kroeker, who survives She is also survived by two sons, Kevin and wife Kellie and Russell and wife Angela; two daughters, Janet and husband Larry Costner and Joanne and husband Brad Sorensen; one sister, Marian Loewen , and seven grandchildren
RATZLAFF, ELVERA, Fairview, Okla., of Fairview MB Church, was born Feb 27, 1923, to John P and Lena Base Schmidt near Goltry, Okla., and died Sept. 19, 2006, at the age of 83 On June 3, 1945, she married Alvin Ratzlaff, who survives She is also survived by two sons, Stan and wife Debby of Fairview, and John and wife Dee of Salem, Ore ; one daughter, Ruth and husband Ron Buller of Sheridan Lake, Colo.; one brother, Ervin Schmidt and wife Mildred of Goltry, Okla ; two sisters, Celesta Thomas of Ringwood, Okla , and Elfrieda Jones of Uncoln, Neb , seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
UNGER, BILL, Corn. Okla , a member of Corn MB Church, was born May 15, 1920, to Henry A. and Louise Kroeker Unger in Hillsboro, Kan , and died Sept. 29, 2006, at the age of 86 On June 4, 1939, he married Leona G. Rempel, who survives He is also survived by two daughters, Dian and husband Duane Kupper of Tucson, Ariz , and Pam and husband Dan Murray of Plano, Texas, three grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren.
UNRUH, BERTHA, Hesston, Kan , a charter member of Hesston MB Church, was born May 10,1914, to Pete and Nancy Yoder in Rolette County, ND, and died Sept. 14, 2006, at the age of 92 On April 9 1939, she married Lawrence Unruh. who survives. She is also survived three sons, Jerry and wife Elaine of Prescott, Kan , Keith and wife Linda of Hutchinson , Kan., and Max and wife Donna of Hesston; one daughter, Ruth and husband Gary Vogt of Hesston ; two brothers, Otis of Minot, ND, and Ottis and wife Violet of Detroit Lakes, Minn.; one sister, Mildred and husband Durbin Zook of Goshen, Ind , 12 grandchildren and 20 great -grandchildren
Thanksgiving thanks, sort of
Being thoughtful in our gratitude
There is this holiday called Thanksgiving coming soon. which I've heard is for the purpose of giving thanks. Is that so? I'd gotten the impression it was about other things. such as getting off work, overstuffing oneself with turkey and mashed potatoes. and watching football through bleary eyes while moaning about overstuffing oneself with turkey and mashed potatoes.
I'm joking. Of course Thanksgiving is about giving thanks. I for one have always been thankful for the opportunity to stuff myself silly
'Thanks gi ving time also encompa sses tradition,) of gratefulness lor h;;lfvest and su stenance. Other at I rarely think food anu have never wondered where my next meal will come from.
what people need or can afford. But there is a trend these days to go big, luxurious and massively mortgaged for that "dream home." Should we be thankful for this? Here is a place where we may need to go from thankfulness to thoughtfulness about what kind of managers we are of the resources God has given. Thanksgiving time also encompasses traditions of gratefulness for harvest and sustenance. Other than at mealtime, I rarely think about food and have never wondered where my next meal will come from. For this I am thankful. And the abundance is astounding. The other day I fixed a quick stir fry of steak, fresh vegetables and rice. all obtained easily and and doze through football games But there's more to itthan that. I look past the turkey and mashed potatoes to offer spe-
cial thanks for more important things. such as yams. Since we never eat yams any other time, this is my only chance to enjoy them.
Seriously though, I like Thanksgiving feasting and fellowship and have generally offered the requisite seasonal thankfulness for our many blessings. But I think my perspective on the season has changed over the years. For one thing, I've definitely been taking a more selective approach to the holiday feast. That youthful enthusiasm (and metabolism) to go for third and fourth helpings just isn't there anymore.
In a similar way I think I've become more thoughtful about the things for which I'm thankful.
It is common this time of year to offer many expansive expressions of thankfulness to God. We thank Thee for home, family, food, freedom and so on. This is fine. But do we really consider the nature of our thankfulness? It is wonderful to live in a land of abundance, but abundance is not necessarily a virtue in itself.
So I offer thanks this holiday for many traditional blessings. But I also seek discernment to know the difference between enough and too much. For example, I'm thankful for the roof over my head. What's under the roof is pretty nice too. We like our home very much and feel God led us to it through good friends at just the right time. It seems ideal: not too big or small, plenty of room for us four, with extra space to host guests and gatherings
It's interesting to look down the street, however, and see young families move into the huge new houses being built. These dwellings are nearly twice the size and cost of ours. I realize I'm not the judge of
cheaply from a nearby market. For most of the world this would be a king's feast. For our table the meal was unremarkable. If we'd ever stop to think, it would amaze us to ponder the amounts and varieties of foods we can get anytime.
Yet in our amply-supplied country we have a food problem. Many are eating way too much and suffering serious health consequences. Packaged and fast foods are available to a fault, displacing fresher and healthier meal choices. May we indeed be thankful for the vast supplies of food we enjoy, but may we also pray for wisdom and discipline in the use of this surplus.
This time of year I also hear many prayers of thanks for the freedoms we enjoy in our nation. I certainly am thankful. As I read of the widespread corruption and abuses of power happening around the globe and the resulting helplessness these things cause for so many, I can only wonder: How was I so fortunate to be born in the United States? It's impossible not to be grateful.
Even as we give thanks for freedom, though, I wonder if we truly understand the responsibilities that come along with it. These days many people define freedom as the ability to do whatever they want. This seems largely to entail the pursuit of material possessions, entertainment and the needs of self.
Clearly we should make better use of this freedom than simply doing what we please. As we thank God for freedom this holiday, may we also consider how to use it wisely: for learning and growth, connection with and service to others, and daily seeking the Lord's presence and purpose in our lives.
Acts of faith
The unthinkable has happened again: Blood has been shed in schools - at Platte Canyon High School in Bailey, Colo., in an Amish community in Pennsylvania and in Wisconsin. The shooting in Bailey, about an hour from my home and office in Littleton, Colo., is particularly heavy on the hearts of those of us still bearing scars from the shootings at Columbine High School in 1999. Far-too-familiar scenes play in the news like a recurring nightmare: Video of students fleeing the building that's supposed to be safe Grateful parents clutching tearful kids Rising death counts Speculation about motives.
Like many, I am caught off guard by such senseless violence, these signs of just how far from God's ideal we've come. In a perfect world, there are no gunmen in schools, no need for metal detectors or emergency practice drills or locked doors. Something in our human wiring understands this isn't the way it's supposed to be We're stunned when this world's depravity slaps us in the face.
On days like this, when that slap still stings, what does it mean to live out our faith in a good and sovereign God? My husband Ed and I faced that question in one small way after the Columbine shootings. Our twin daughters were just kindergarteners, so were not directly affected. Still, the shootings were far too close for comfort. Columbine High is only a few miles away as the crow flies. The park where we had often played became the staging ground for offi-
cers with shields and guns. The library where we attended story time became the official meeting point for parents searching for their teens. Classes at our elementary school were suspended for several days while rumors of bomb threats and of plans for copycat shootings spread.
Then it was time for classes to resume, for life to return to "normal." Logically, I knew my daughters needed to go back to school. But we had no guarantee such violence wouldn't happen in our school. Worse, I had no guarantee God would protect my children if it did. After all, Columbine student Cassie Bemall professed her faith at gunpoint and died.
How could I trust the safety of my children to teachers and administrators when that system could not protect the students at Columbine? How could I trust my children to God's protection? Did I truly believe he was big enough to carry me, even if we lost our daughters to the unthinkable?
Homeschooling suddenly looked particularly attractive, even though I knew that wasn't the answer. At minimum I wanted to keep them home a few more days. Let someone else test the new school safety measures.
In the end Ed and I deliberately chose to act on our faith, not our fear. I walked them to their classroom with a smile, even though I choked back tears as we passed the conspicuous sheriff's car.
I think that, in one small way, that's what it looks like to choose to cling to a God who is big enough even when the unthinkable happens, even if it should happen to us. We act on what we know to be true, not on the "what ifs." That's what it means to walk by faith, not by sight, especially when what we see is so horrible.
We choose to act on our faith in big or small ways every day. Sometimes it looks deceptively simple. A woman smiles at a fellow church member; by that simple effort she's clinging to a forgiving God in the face of a hurt for which she'd rather seek revenge. A man drops a resume into the mailbox and by doing so declares faith in a God who provides, even in the face of unemployment and multiple rejections.
For me again today, faith looks like this: I open the car door, tell my daughters to have a great day, then say a silent prayer as they walk up to the doors of their middle school. Just as they do every day It's a small act of faith And it's a bold declaration of trust in a God who's bigger than the unthinkable.- MH
Clearing HOUSE ...
MPlOYMENT: CHURCH
Lead Pastor: Koerner Heights Church in Newton, Kan , is seeking a Lead Pastor for its ministry. Resumes may be sent to Search Committee Chairperson Bill Dick, 320 Meridian, Newton, KS 67114 or email to billdick0southwind.net.
MPlOYMENT: COLLEGE
VP of Academics: Hesston College, the two-year college of Mennonite Church USA, is accepting applications for Vice President of Academics. Qualifications include commitment to Anabaptist distinctives and to the mission of Hesston College, completed doctorate and demonstrated ability to lead collaboratively with faculty and other areas of campus. Beginning date: July 1, 2007. Review of applications and interviews will continue until position is filled. Send letter of application, vitae and original transcripts to: Presidenfs Office, Hesston College, Box 3000, Hesston, KS 67062.
Vice President for Enrollment Management: Fresno Pacific University invites candidates for the position of Vice President for Enrollment Management. This is a Presidenfs Cabinet level position reporting to the Provost. The Vice President of Enrollment Management is responsible to provide visionary leadership in developing and implementing effective recruiting strategies and to standardize the university's recruitment plan for traditional undergraduate, degree completion, graduate programs, and continuing education. The successful candidate will have a master's degree, with a record of successfully meeting enrollment goals; proven leadership in admissions, financial services, retention and enrollment planning; proven track record in understanding the market and developing appropriate marketing plans; experience working with degree completion and graduate programs; ability to use technology to gather and analyze data in the institutional research process; commitment to integration of Christian faith and life; agreement with the mission of the University, and the ability to effectively communicate its values. More information about the position and the university can be obtained at our Web site www.fresno.edu. Application, resume and reference letters may be sent to: Dr. Herma Williams, Provost, Fresno Pacific University, 1717 S. Chestnut, Fresno, CA 93702.
Faculty: Fresno Pacific University, the only fully accredited private Christian university in California's Central Valley, has open faculty positions in the following areas: Art, Biblical and Religious Studies, Biology, Business, Languages and Linguistics, Psychology and Special Education. Required faculty qualifications include: demonstration of expertise within the appropriate field (represented by a terminal degree or a nearly completed terminal degree in the field), highly successful college/university level teaching experience, commitment to working within a community of learners, and a Christian commitment and lifestyle consistent with university goals. FPU, in its hiring practices, does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnic or social background, sex, age or physical handicap. Women and members of minority groups are especially encouraged to apply. Fresno Pacific University is sponsored by the Mennonite Brethren Church. Full job descriptions may be viewed online at: www.fresno.edu. Information about the university and downloadable applications forms are also available online.
For over 80 years, Mennonite families have counted on Mennonite Aid Plan for dependable homeowner's coverage and the integrity of a strong Christian organization. That tradition of trust continues at Mennonite Insurance Services, offering a complete range of home and auto coverage with sincerity, stewardship and rock-solid reliability. Not to mention savings - as a nonprofit organization, we re-invest our profits to give you lower rates. Talk to us today and discover what happens when people of faith serve people of faith.
Congratulations First Slavic (Salem OR) and Medhane-Alem (Seattle WA) on your recent building dedications! First Slavic's new construction and Medhane-Alem's purchase were both financed by MB Loan Fund thanks to hundreds of investors across our conference.
Would you consider investing some of
.
MB ministries like First Slavic and Medhane-Alem! Please
