MWR : Articles : April 20, 2009

Last updated April 16.

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Articles : April 20, 2009

Conflict, transition

Many people gasped in horror as two people disrupted a Sunday school class! To illustrate the importance of dealing with conflict and not sweeping tensions under the rug, transition pastor Pat Hobin planted a class member to question the teacher’s methods, and another to protest the interruption. When the tension caused by these comments was not dealt with (intentionally), the pastor stepped in to explain the role-play and present biblical patterns for dealing with disagreements in the body of Christ. This class was part of a transition-focused series, “What Is Community?”

Test of values in hard times

When friends who serve the church lose their jobs or take pay cuts, the reality hits home: The ministries we care deeply about need our support now more than ever.

School closed; vision for education lives on

CHICAGO — The halls and rooms are quiet now, missing the chatter, singing and footsteps of children.
‘Green’ car charges down electric avenue

HARRISONBURG, Va. — The license plate reads, “EPOWER.”
Counselors help soldiers find way to peace

BAMMENTAL, Germany — The U.S. military calls it crystallization — the moment a soldier realizes he can no longer serve in the military and remain true to his conscience or faith.

A unifying word

I enjoyed Jane Yoder-Short’s column “Caught in the Whirlwind” probably because I have struggled with which word to use instead of “liberal” or “conservative” when talking about ideas in the Mennonite church. These words seem to divide and classify people who should be caring about each other and showing by example what Christ’s love looks like.
Open letter reaction

As a missionary for 30 years, I can appreciate the concern of those who want to welcome homosexual people into the church.
Same Winemaker

Bruce Bradshaw’s article interpreting Mennonite Central Committee’s motto, “In the name of Christ,” aptly discerns the differences between evangelistic and social action approaches to relief performed in Christ’s name. He accurately points out that God’s kingdom may not always be furthered when those words are required during relief work.

Bethel to cut budget by $1 million

NORTH NEWTON, Kan. — Bethel College will cut five faculty positions and reduce two others to half-time as part of a plan to trim $1 million from its budget.
Pioneer of unity

GOSHEN, Ind. — Erland Waltner, a pioneer of inter-Mennonite cooperation through the founding of Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary and a church leader in many roles nationally and internationally, died April 12. He was 94.