Mennonite Weekly Review

During the past two months, our worship service and second hour study period were designed to continue prodding us to reflect on current subjects that are often divisive in our efforts to be faithful to God.

These were challenging meetings in which traditional faith positions came under scrutiny and evaluated in light of scholarly research not available when faith statements were originally developed. We were confronted with the fact that our biblical interpretation and understanding of God is still limited and always in process, and we cannot assume that we have arrived at the full and final truth, however persuasive that conclusion may seem now.

Some of the subjects under the heading “We, the People, and Our Book” dealt with judgment and sin, atonement, exclusion or embrace, homosexuality, and “The Image Of God” as manifest in the words of the Old Testament writers. Other foci were “Savage Grace,” an art display of 16 paintings from the perspective of Valerie Millard-Combs, a mother turned artist after being bereft of her three young sons over a short period of time; “Reflections on the Ongoing Palestinian-Israeli Conflict,” and “A Time for Thanksgiving,” an invitation to identify that thing or those people for whom we are thankful. The relevance of these topics was manifest by the intensity of the discussions.

Numerous SSF members contributed to the annual CROP Walk, a fundraiser addressing food needs in Elkhart County. SSF participated in the annual “Soup Of Success Supper,” at which funds were raised specifically for Church Community Services, an interdenominational ministry for the needy in Elkhart.

Lois Dyck, co-director of Hispanic Partners Committee, reported on the successful conclusion of the 12th year of English as a second language classes. This has been supported with both funds and teachers from SSF and other congregations in Elkhart.