MWR : Articles : June 25, 2007

Last updated November 24.

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Articles : June 25, 2007

Reinventing MCC for today’s world

Mennonite Central Committee’s organizational chart evokes a map of the solar system. Eleven regional, provincial and national MCCs, arrayed as planets, orbit a red, sun-like disk, the greater binational agency. The 12-part MCC corporate structure has a tang of science: orderly but complicated.

Former director sees prophetic role for MCC

Robb Davis’ legacy at the head of Mennonite Central Committee — an 18-month period he describes as one of unrealized, even frustrated, potential — may be encapsulated in a single photograph.
Visionary and tragic

Claas Epp Jr. (1838-1913) led a migration from Ukraine to present-day Uzbekistan in 1880 on “one of the most visionary and tragic adventures in all Mennonite history,” according to the Mennonite Encyclopedia.
Retracing the Great Trek

In 1880, A Russian military general, Konstantin von Kaufman, welcomed refuge-seeking Mennonites to Tashkent, the capital of today’s Uzbekistan. He offered good land for settlement and exemption from military service.

Grace and truth

About a year ago I was saddened to read in this column a letter from someone who revealed his bias. He was not speaking to the issue of sound, biblical theology but rather from a conservative-versus-liberal mindset, identifying one of those positions as the true Christian, Mennonite belief system.

MC Canada advocates for peace-tax legislation

WINNIPEG, Man. — Mennonite Church Canada has sent a letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper asking the government to allow conscientious objection to paying taxes for the military.
Two longtime Goshen faculty retire

GOSHEN, Ind. — Two longtime Goshen College faculty members are retiring: Duane Kauffmann, professor of psychology, who has completed his 40th year of teaching; and Larry Yoder, who has worked 26 years at the college’s Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center.
Christopher Dock HS graduates 102

LANSDALE, Pa. — The 102 graduates of Christopher Dock Mennonite High School were urged to “Be Strong and Courageous” during the school’s 52nd annual commencement ceremonies June 9.
Return brought closure

Following his unexpected resignation as executive director of Mennonite Central Committee on Oct. 23, Robb Davis and some of his colleagues at MCC had some unfinished business — processing why he left the relief agency and looking ahead to MCC’s future.
Church helps disabled members get new van

CHANDLER, Ariz. — When John Lonick and Sandy Blessing needed a new van with special equipment, members of their church helped the disabled couple find just the vehicle they were looking for.