MWR : Articles : June 23, 2008

Last updated July 03.

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Articles : June 23, 2008

Humbly proud

Almost every Mennonite probably has heard or said some-thing like, “We’re proud — in a humble sort of way.” The statement reveals a Christian dilemma that afflicts Mennonites more than most. Believers are to be humble but also bold, meek but also courageous. How is that possible?

Rural and urban, local food idea grows

Boxes and bins of tomatoes, asparagus, rhubarb and spring onions line a shelf at Kauffman’s Fruit Farm and Market in Bird-in-Hand, Pa. Labels read, “Lancaster County Grown” and “Locally Grown.”
Beachy Amish bridge diversity of practices

A tale of two churches: One has organized softball teams with uniforms and shows DVD movies at youth activities. Another disallows youth activities altogether, uses German in services and takes a stand against posing for photographs, even for driver’s licenses.
Amid worship changes, Mennonites still love their hymnals

Even in an age of “off-the-wall” music and changes in worship, Mennonites in about another decade will want to sing from a new hymnal — preferably one reflecting their increasingly diverse voice.
Churches revive faith in former East Germany

DRESDEN, Germany — It removed mention of Christ’s birth and God from the lyrics of Christmas songs.
In Kentucky, bringing up a church like family

ONEIDA, Ky. — Poverty, broken families and a lack of opportunity create pitfalls for Clay County’s youth. Bored and unable to find work, they often turn to drugs for recreation and as a source of income.

MWC calls for prayer as Zimbabwe runoff nears

STRASBOURG, France — Mennonite World Conference is sending a deacon couple and calling for prayer and fasting June 26-27 as Zimbabweans face a tense runoff presidential election.
Fund to keep distinctive faith alive

WINNIPEG, Man. — Concern that their denomination is losing its Anabaptist-Mennonite distinctives has prompted an Evangelical Mennonite Conference couple to create a bursary — a fund for need-based scholarships — at Canadian Mennonite University
Bethel students reflect on a year of chapel planning

NORTH NEWTON, Kan. — The final two chapels at Bethel College this year followed tradition in centering on favorite hymns and reflections on Bethel. In other ways, the Wednesday morning institution changed considerably.
EMU peacebuilders talk with military, government

HARRISONBURG, Va. — What would representatives from organizations like the Army War College, Friends Committee on National Legislation, Norfolk’s Joint Forces Command, Catholic Relief Services and the U.S. Defense Department be doing at Eastern Mennonite University?