MWR : Articles : Feb. 2, 2009

Last updated November 24.

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Articles : Feb. 2, 2009

Special Sisters, youth center

On Nov. 12, the Special Sisters, a group of women who paired off for a year to be special friends and prayer partners and do things together, met to pack cookie care packages for our college students. According to thank-you notes from recipients, the packages and contents were much appreciated.
Baptism in the mud

In September, Alex and Sherri Martin chose to be baptized in the pond at Camp Men-O-Lan during our annual church retreat. In spite of the pond’s bottom having about 12 inches of mud, our two pastors, Mike Derstine and Dawn Ranck, managed to stay above water, and everyone witnessing shared a deep spiritual experience.
Remembering saints, letting faces shine

Six members of CMC gave moving tributes to deceased loved ones, a parent in most cases, during the “All Saints Day” worship service Nov. 1. People had the opportunity to light candles to memorialize significant others, and CMC “saints” who have died over the years were honored: David Spotts, 2008; Lee Eshleman, 2007; Richard Pfamatter, 2006; Sarah North Bauman, 2003; Allen Stoltzfus, 2002; Darrel J. Brubaker, 1991; J. Fred Erb, 1985; and Dustin Showalter, 1980.

Urgent change on two fronts

“Change or die” would put it a bit too starkly. But that terse phrase wouldn’t be far from the reality that Mennonite Church USA Executive Board members believe their denomination faces.

Hesston faculty member learns about Japanese culture, meets with churches

HESSTON, Kan. — Tony Brown went to Japan with three goals: to learn about the Japanese worldview, to relate to Mennonites and to sing and speak for peace.
Virginia Tech peace center gets an assist from EMU

HARRISONBURG, Va. — Twenty-one months ago, Jerzy Nowak, a professor, was writing a grant at Virginia Tech when student Seung-Hui Cho began a shooting rampage.
Manitoba addictions program removes barriers for immigrants

WINKLER, Man. — For people struggling with an addiction, admitting they need help is often the first step to recovery.

Goals address three areas of need

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Striving for three transformative goals could make Mennonite Church USA a growing denomination, church leaders believe.
EMS leadership event engages change in media, culture and racial relations

HARRISONBURG, Va. — When planners for the School for Leadership Training choose the theme for this year’s conference they had no idea how appropriate it would be.
Town won’t be rebuilt, but MDS is busy nearby

PICHER, Okla. — Mennonite Disaster Service is nearing completion of its first house outside a tornado-ravaged town that will not be rebuilt.