MWR : Articles : Feb. 16, 2009

Articles : Feb. 16, 2009

To build or not to build

The congregation has searched for consensus concerning “to build” or “not to build.” Top issues are space needs, building “green,” stewardship of resources, local and worldwide needs and the current economy. Growing out of congregational life early in our short history, our motto “Called to be Christ’s loving, caring, healing presence” along with a more recent vision statement affirming our intent to nurture intimacy and to be invitational, guide our reflections and discussions about a building project.
Fish or be bait

After 18 months as HMBC’s interim pastoral couple, Bill and Roberta Damberg completed their ministry here Dec. 31. A farewell faspa was held in their honor Dec. 21. Dale and Joyce Warkentin of Wichita began as the new interim pastoral couple Jan. 11. They have previously served as missionaries in Indonesia and in pastoral ministry in Kansas and California.
Gifts and commitments

Our worship provided much opportunity to reflect on the traditional Gospel stories of Advent. Advent points to a new beginning, it connotes hope, implies preparation and anticipates the opportunity of a redirection. Life in ancient times was generally seen as cyclical and repetitious, but the Gospels indicate life is more correctly envisioned as linear, having purpose whereby one may journey from a seeming spiritual darkness and despair towards a life of joy and purpose.

Prophetic word: cherish your treasure

Our heart follows our treasure, Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount. We love most what we value highest. Jesus warned against loving earthly prizes. Treasures in heaven ought to own our heart.

Emerging churches find treasures in Anabaptism

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Isaac Villegas, pastor of Chapel Hill Mennonite Fellowship, didn’t grow up Mennonite. That may explain why he so readily sees that Anabaptists hold treasures others are seeking.
Physicians treat Amish cystic fibrosis patients within community rules

One of Chris Schwartz’s cousins died at age 20 because of cystic fibrosis. Another, at 12.
War-tax resisters seek to owe nothing but love

War-tax resisters believe a consistent witness for peace includes refusing to pay for war.

Young evangelists

Stephen Kriss’ column “Church’s Precarious Future” (On the Way, Feb. 2) was on target. We need to face reality. Unless God turns things around, Mennonite Church USA will become extinct — not in the next couple of decades, but we are headed in that direction. If anyone questions this, they need to read Conrad Kanagy’s book, Road Signs for the Journey. The upside is that we are doing very well in many countries of the world and doing fairly well in reaching minority groups here.

Chicagoans protest German-Egyptian peace activist’s detention

CHICAGO — Mennonites were among about 40 people protesting the detention of Philip Rizk, a German-Egyptian Christian journalist and peace activist, in a rally Feb. 9 at the Egyptian consulate.
Hondurans celebrate World Fellowship Sunday with gift for Zimbabwe

SAN MARCOS, Honduras — The offering said it all.